It seemed appropriate this year to feature a theme that kept me close to home, so I give you my A to Z within the small acreage that is Rhode Island. I tried to be creative (you’ll see!) but I hope you learn something about Little Rhody, too. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, grew up within the boundaries, or have never set foot on one of our many beaches, come along for a virtual tour.
No, we’re not there yet. I have a bonus post today! This is Blue Shutters beach in Charlestown, one of the prettiest beaches in the state. The parking lot is relatively small, so it fills up early. And the state-issued beach parking pass doesn’t include Blue Shutters, so it’ll cost you $20 to park on the weekends. Still, it’s an attractive stretch of shoreline.
Now, look at this photo. See that strip of land on the horizon? That’s Block Island, also known as New Shoreham. It sits about 10 miles from the mainland and was named after the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block. Before Block arrived, the island was inhabited by Narragansett Indians, who had named the island “Manisses,” which translates to “island of the little god.” Packed with tourists in the summer, Block Island is a quiet island off-season.
Martha Reynolds Writes 
I love your photos and “The Block!” It’s always funny when the locals say “Did you just come over from America?”
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Haven’t been back for a couple of years. Must go!
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One of my favorite places in the world. Haven’t been there for near a decade, but I visit often in my memory.
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Thank you!
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I love beaches. 😀 Interesting.
Does look like island of little god.
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Block Island is one of my favorite places, maybe because my grandmother was born there, but then I’m an island girl at heart!
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And tomorrow’s post is dedicated to you, Debbie!
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Thos ebeach pics just make me want to visit straight away!
https://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/02/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-b/
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We are fortunate to have so much of the ocean around us.
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Very interesting post, a new lovely beach for Brian and I to explore and such beautiful photographs Martha. Another talent that expresses your artistic perfection! Thank you!
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Thank you, Phyllis, for the kind words.
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I have never been to Block Island but have some friends who go there regularly and they just rave about how wonderful it is. I’d love to visit it some day. Weekends In Maine
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How beautiful. I don’t suppose any of the Indians remain? Sigh.
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There are still many descendants of the Narragansett tribe living in Rhode Island, Jacqui!
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Good to hear. On reservations? Or blended in?
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Blended in.
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I would love, love, love to visit Rhode Island. Block Island must be very special if the Narragansett Indians called it the island of The Little God. I love that 🥰 What a beautiful part of the world you come from, Martha. Thanks for sharing ❤️😊
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We are fortunate, Lottie. Jim and I enjoyed many days exploring our little state this past winter 💚💚💚
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We’ve been only once and found it magical. Though crowded, we found it to be not as commercial as Martha’s Vineyard, even in season, and just as pretty. I’d love to go again and stay longer than a day…
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Yes, go back for a visit, Connie! Maybe right after Labor Day, when everything is still open but the crowds thin a bit.
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Hari OM
I do love a place with harbours, boats and beaches! There is something appealing about island living, isn’t there? YAM xx
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Thank you, Yamini!
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Awesome place! Took the ferry from New London… ate TWO fresh fish sandwiches during the few hours I was there! It was Reggae day and really a fun time. Historical Society visit, also.
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
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Love the ferry ride!
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Lovely photos, great destinations. Thank you.
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Thank you for these uplifting blogs, photos and messages.
I have been blessed to work on Block Island for the past 6 years (PT and Tai Chi). What a beautiful place with many wonderful, creative folks.
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And lucky you, Tom! To be able to practice your profession in such a lovely setting. 💛
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