I’m on a quest to do as many close family getaways as possible this year.  Sure, I could inflate the $20 Toys R Us pool in the backyard, fill it with water and the kids would have a blast. But WE want to have fun too. WITH them. Please feel free to Email me your stay-cation ideas. Let’s share!  And as a reminder I’m frugal. Not cheap. Frugal. So please keep that in mind. 

Our first target is Block Island.  I haven’t been there in 17 years which is about how many miles of beaches it has.  Bring on the windswept dunes, gently rolling hillsides dotted with wildflowers and blackberry vines, freshwater ponds and I’m sold. It’s basically an old-fashioned family beach vacation.

Even getting to Block Island is fun. Hop aboard a ferry and take in the scenery. Bring your kids DS or other video game just in case yours have the same attention span as mine. The ferries arrive at Old Harbor, a quaint town filled with seafood restaurants, old-fashioned candy stores and ice-cream shops, and all kinds of accommodations.

If your family likes busy beaches with concession stands, lifeguards, bathrooms, and plenty of crowds, stop at Town Beach on a sunny day. Crescent Beach is a bit quieter, stretching for more than two miles along the eastern shore. Mansion Beach is wonderful for exploring tide pools, where you'll find crabs, starfish, and sand dollars. Sachem Pond is a great stop for a freshwater swim, especially for toddlers.

The one thing I remember vividly remember is biking. Rent a bike a go. Be prepared for lots of hills. And be sure to bring a backpack filled with water a treats. You can also find Kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback riding on Block Island.  Do a little research and make it a family day!

Where else should we go?  Email me! Steve@kjoy.com.