Summer Travel: Outdoors

Bike Around the BlockRhode Island: To make the most of a trip to Block Island, lose the car or moped and hop on a bike. At just 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, the whole island (nearly half of it delightfully free of development) can be covered in a day. Here’s how: Catch an early ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett and, if you haven’t brought your own wheels, pick up a rental bike at one of the many shops near the dock. Begin by pedaling 4 miles up ocean-hugging Corn Neck Road to North Lighthouse. After checking out the solar- and wind-powered light, return the way you came, breaking halfway for a low-intensity hike on Clay Head Trail (use one of the racks to lock your bike). Back in town and in-season, grab a sandwich at Three Sisters (443 Old Town Road, 401-466-9661), where the turkey-bacon-avocado Twisted Sister draws raves. After a long rest at one of the shop’s picnic tables, start a second ride by heading 2 miles south on Spring Street. Be sure to stop at Southeast Lighthouse and nearby Mohegan Bluffs, 200-foot clay cliffs fronting the Atlantic. After soaking up the scenery, continue on Lakeside Drive before turning left onto Cooneymus Road. Hit the brakes at dramatic Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre glacial outwash basin that protects threatened and endangered wildlife. Then follow West Side Road ( Great Salt Pond will appear on the left) until you reach Payne’s Dock, home to great pond views and even better saltwater taffy. You’re probably getting worn out at this point; good thing the center of town is just a short ride away. Hurry back in time to score a seat at Eli’s (401-466-5230, http://elisblockisland.com) for dinner. Go all out – the tuna nachos and grilled rib-eye are good bets – because when you’ve just biked an entire island, there’s no need to worry about calories.