Shopping on Block Island
The variety of shopping opportunities on-island has increased steadily over the years. Retail stores offer unique and fanciful gifts, knickknacks and sundries as varied as toys, surf rods, diving gear, clothing, jewelry, books, paintings, photographs, gourmet foods and more.
234 Water.
This inviting gallery of gifts offers unparalleled browsing and shopping. Let your mind wander as you examine blown glass from Simon Pearce, Jesse Reese and Hudson Beach Glass. See yourself adorned in Michael Michaud’s herbal-bronze cast jewelry. Admire yourself wrapped in a Churchhill Weaver hand-loomed shawl. Selections at 234 Water are inspired by Block Island homeowners, trends research and the vision of family, friends and island visitors alike.
Water Street, near the statue of Rebecca.
401/466-8600.
Archipelago
For 10 years Archipelago has brought clothing and jewelry from around the world to Block Island. The men’s and women’s clothing is designed and produced by shop owner Sean Dugan with the Block Island summer in mind. Unique designs include stylish dresses, tops, shirts, jeans, and pants. For men, you’ll find dressy and casual shirts, shorts and jeans. The island’s most original jewelry is here, including the famous Block Island Ring, as well as items by Nixon, Volcom, Penguin, and Gravis.
Water Street
401/466-8920
Open 10am to 10pm in summer
B-Eyes Sunglass Shop.
Visit Block Island’s newest and only sunglass shop. Whether fashion or function is your top concern, you will find the sunglasses and accessories you need here. With its wide variety of name brands and styles, B-Eyes caters to the casual beachgoer as well as the extreme sportsman! B-Eyes features polarized, glass, polycarbonate and photochromatic lenses for men, women and children in a price range to fit any budget. www.b-eyes.com ˙Water Street, across from ferry landing.
AE, MC, V.
401/466-8676.
Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, May to Oct.
Block Island Health & General Store
Called simply the Pharmacy by many, this store stocks all the goods you’d expect to find in a mainland pharmacy (except prescriptions): snacks and beverages, beach supplies, sundries, and a huge selection of video rentals. Magazines, greeting cards and art supplies, too. Plus vitamins, cosmetics, small appliances, batteries, film, cameras, flashlights, etc. The store is also a R.I. lottery agent and offers Western Union and fax services as well as an ATM.
High Street
466-5825, 466-5028
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Block Island Sport Shop.
The island’s source for sporting goods has moved to a new, larger location in the Seaside Marketplace. To get there, follow the walkway from Water St. alongside the Seaside Marketplace building. The shop features a wide selection of top-name sunglasses, footwear, watches and sports clothing. It also stocks cycling and running gear, plus a huge collection of Life is Good products. Discover what has made Block Island Sport Shop a destination for vacationers, cottagers and locals for 18 years.
Off Water Street.
401/466-5001.
B.I.T.’s
This shop below the National Hotel is an excellent stop for Block Island souvenirs, including T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and collectibles. B.I.T.’s stocks adult sizes small thru extra-extra large. A great selection of children’s apparel is also available. Block Island stickers, mugs, shot glasses and magnets. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find the perfect gift to bring home for friends and family.
Water Street
401/466-5977
Open daily
www.blockislandtshirts.com
Blocks of Fudge
Named the state’s best tasting fudge by Rhode Island Monthly, this shop enters its 13th year of making delicious fudge like peanut butter chocolate, penuche and the infamous turtle fudge. Blocks of Fudge also offers the biggest variety of candies including gummies, chocolates and sour candies, all sold by the pound. A Block Island tradition.
Everyday 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in season
Chapel Street, between Eli’s and Old Salt Taffy Co.
401/466-5196
Bonnie & Clyde
This fun, colorful boutique is the place to get the look you want for the summer. The stock of Lilly Pulitzer for women and children, jeans by Seven and Citizens for Humanity, Havian’s Flip Flops, and new designers for both young and old is complemented by local jewelry and accessory lines – plus sweet dresses, tops, jeans, bathing suits. You’ll find something “supercute” for every budget.
Water Street
401/466-8895
Open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Book Nook
Located on Water Street in Old Harbor, the Book Nook has been serving the island’s reading needs for over 30 years. Classics and current bestsellers, hard covers and paperbacks, and reading materials for adults, young adults and children can all be found on the Book Nook shelves. The store also provides daily newspapers from around the world, art supplies, greeting cards, postcards, classical music CDs and more.
Water Street
Open daily with evening hours in summertime
466-2993
www.booknookbi.com
Building Blocks
A great toy store on Block Island, featuring favorite brands like Brio, Lego, Playmobil and Gund, in addition to exciting specialty toys. Building Blocks has beach toys and kites for those perfect outside summer days, as well as arts and crafts, activity toys and games for those stay-inside days. A great place to find birthday gifts for kids. Fun shopping for both adults and children.
Water Street across from the ferry landing.
Open daily
401/466-TOYS (8697)
www.buildingblockstoystore.com
Downtown Customs
Block Island’s only customized shopping experience. Pick your design and choose from an array of print options. Downtown Customs also carries CDs from your favorite local bands. Large orders for parties and events welcome.
401/466-2383.
Chapel Street.
Emerald Isle Traders.
This is your Block Island stop for unique Irish and Celtic themed gifts imported from Ireland. Located down the brick alley between Building Blocks Toy Store and The Harborside Inn, the shop features claddagh rings and Celtic design jewelry, toasting flutes for your wedding, pewter gifts, Irish music CDs and books, as well as clothing including t-shirts and hats. Also in stock: a great selection of official Guiness merchandise. Browse the shop and be reminded of another beautiful island. Open Daily. MC, V, D, AE. 401/466-5069. See ad, pg. 40.
Essentials.
If you forgot it, they’ve got it. A shop located in the lobby of the National Hotel, Essentials carries a full line of health and beauty aids, pharmaceuticals (including Dramamine), sunscreen, disposable cameras and batteries, postcards and island maps. A terrific selection of magazines is on display as well as cigarettes and Block Island’s widest choice in imported cigars.
401/466-3168.
Essentials is open later than any shop on the Block: Daily, 9 a.m. to midnight. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Footprints
Clothing for swimming, sunning & surfing. Large selection of bathing suits for women and children, board shorts and swim trunks for men. Rash guards and t-shirts; beach dresses and upscale casual dresses. Sunglasses and flip-flops are among the other beach supplies. This is the island’s best-stocked shop for men’s and women’s bathing suits. It is also a great place to find a special gift.
Water Street (use the stairs next to Star Dept. Store)
401/466-2202
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
May-Oct.
Full Moon Tide and Strings & Things.
These “sister stores” provide a unique shopping experience, each with its own “personality.” Among the offerings are Clay-Dyed Hemp, Washable Linen and comfy cotton clothing, plus a fabulous assortment of giftware, jewelry, handmade soaps, Beanpod soy candles, chimes and more. You’ll also find a nice assortment of cards and Block Island memorabilia. Great selection of stylish and humorous T-shirts. Reasonable prices as always. ˙Fountain Square in Old Harbor, next to the Statue of Rebecca. 401/466-5666.
www.fullmoontide.com
Golddiggers.
This new shop is a jewelry collectors dream – offering unique and affordable treasures. Ila Manner, an American Gem Society registered jeweler and GIA gemologist, brings impeccable taste and 30 years of design experience to BI this summer. Brilliant engagement rings, rare gems, precious metals and estate treasures will delight you, as will the original BI and nautical jewelry. Take home some BI sand in a glass bottle charm! Repairs, appraisal services, free ear piercing.
Chapel Street and Weldon’s Way.
401/466-2611.
Open 7 days, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. See ad, pg. 2.
Island Bound Book Store
Set between the post office and the A&E Island Food Co., this full-service bookstore offers lots of room to relax and browse. Island Bound stocks the island’s widest variety of fine literature for all ages. Readers will find New York Times best sellers, current pulp and hard-bound fiction and a generous offering of nonfiction, including titles on B.I., boating, cooking, gardening and more. An inviting children’s section offers fun activities for rainy days. Special orders welcome.
Water Street
401/466-8878
Open daily
Island Hardware
Locally owned and operated, Island Hardware has served Block Island since the 1960s. Here you’ll find the necessary home supplies for the Block Island summer. In stock are plumbing supplies, housewares, appliances, and lawn and garden items. Tools and tool rentals are available, along with Benjamin Moore paints, electrical supplies and building materials, all at competitive prices. The owner, Petie, offers knowledgeable advice and friendly service.
Ocean Ave.
Open 8a.m. to 5p.m. daily, 9a.m to 3p.m. Sunday
401/466-5831
Island Outfitters.
Block Island’s watersports retailer since 1994 features snorkeling gear, sports accessories and functional apparel. The list includes RIFFE, Sporasub and AB Biller spearfishing supplies; Helly Hansen outerwear; ZAP skimboards and BIC surfboards; Merrell, Kustom and Simple footwear; Hobie, Costa Del Mar and Dragon sunglasses; Freestyle watches; Dakine and Crumpler bags; Billabong and Speedo swimwear; beach toys, beach towels and sunscreen; t-shirts and hats.
Weldon’s Way.
Jennifer’s Jewelry
Located in the neat little shop across the parking lot from the Red Bird Liquor Store, Jennifer’s carries one-of-a-kind estate jewelry and designs in gold and sterling silver. There are Block Island pendants in 14 kt. yellow and yellow/white or sterling silver. Southeast Lighthouse and the North Light pendants are available. Jeweler Jennifer Milner also offers loose diamonds for engagement-ring settings, and wedding bands.
Dodge Street.
401/466-2744
Lazy Fish
A wonderful old storefront on Dodge Street is home to one of the few island antique stores. Inside you’ll find a unique collection of vintage treasures and home accessories, including iron beds, painted dressers, estate jewelry, and items for the dining room, kitchen and garden. With its interesting collection of toys, Lazy Fish is fun for kids as well. Also view a painterly collection of Block Island photographs, posters and postcards by K.C.Perry.
Email: LazyFish64@msn.com
Across from the Red Bird
Open May to October.
401/466-2990
Littlefield Bee Farm
For twenty years the Littlefield family has harvested honey produced from the glorious wildflowers of Block Island: blackberry blossom in summer and a unique cream-style every fall. Beeswax candles, along with their delicious honey-mustard and savory cinnamon honey can be found at island shops and at the Farmers Market in summer. A catalogue featuring gift baskets and honey lore comes out every year for the holidays. Wedding favors are also available.
888/466-5364
www.blockislandhoney.com
Mad Hatter.
The island's hat store boasts an impressive selection of men's women's and children's hats. Step inside this shop-just a block from the BI Ferry-to find a huge selection of Scala hats, visors and bags, baseball caps and straw cowboys. The Mad Hatter sells crushable & packable hats, and hats by Helen Kaminski, Eric Javits and Kokin, Tilley and Watership Trading. Accessories include BI t-shirts and sweatshirts. Stop by and try on the fun 'n funky hats on the porch. .
Chapel St.
401/466-5264.
See ad, pg. 33.
www.madhatterltd.com. info@madhatterltd.com
Marye-Kelley Decoupage
Practicing the Victorian art of decoupage, these artists create custom heirloom plates from wedding invitations or birth announcements perfect as gifts for newlyweds or new parents. A range of items including wine coasters, plates, tissue boxes and tiles features elegant representations of the natural world from flowers to fish, and themes reminiscent of Block Island’s nautical heritage. Visit them at the Farmers Market or stop by the Spring Street Gallery or Scarlet Begonia.
To view their entire collection log on to www.marye-kelley.com
Pelle Nuda.
Debuting in 2006 is Pella Nuda, the island's first skin and body care boutique, offering the finest skin and body care lines, as well as top-of-the-line candles and aromatherapy. Pamper yourself, pick up a great gift for someone else, or create gift baskets for weddings or any occasion. Open seven days a week, Pelle Nuda stocks all the "Products for a Pampered Lifestyle!" The shop is located in the newly renovated ?Seaside Marketplace, off Water Street, across from the Block Island Ferry. 401/466-5252.
Peppered Cat. A partner to the Salty Dog, the Peppered Cat has purrrfect clothing for your style of life. Need shoes? They carry everything from flip flops and wedges to heels and flats by Yellowbox, Steve Madden and Dr. Scholl’s. Need a dress? Check out designs by Kathlin Argiro, Necessary Objects, Sweetees and Blue Plate. Bags, watches, shades, flirty tops and tunics. Designer jeans from Paige, Hudson and Paper Denim. Dressed up or dressed down, the Peppered Cat has a style for you. ˙Water Street. 401/466-5254.
Rags.
Best described as preppy with a twist, this shop is located on Water Street, overlooking the Statue of Rebecca. Featuring Urban Outfitters, Lucky, Project E, Michael Stars, Ella Moss, Lilypod and CK Bradley, Rags is also well known for its fabulous selection of ribbon flip flops from Eliza B. Home to islands most extensive collection of swimwear. Famous for its colorful array of BI tees and sweats. Great music and an upbeat sales staff are always on hand to welcome you to a fun shopping experience. Water Street. 401/466-2932.
Salty Dog.
“Clothing for your lifestyle.” It is often said that dogs on Block Island dwell in paradise. Salty, the loveable yellow lab that holds court at the store, would likely agree. Here you’ll find Salty’s signature line of t-shirts, sweats and hats. Men will find authentic Hawaiian shirts and casual dress shirts. Also: flip flops, sunglasses, board shorts, Khakis, jackets, vests and fleeces by Mountain Hardwear. Try Salty’s famous saltwater taffy. Want to fish where the locals fish? Ask about Salty Dog Charters!
Water Street.
401/466-5254.
www.saltydogblockisland.com
Seaside Style. The sea meets the home in delightful fashion at this cheery boutique between New and Old harbors. Sailors, homemakers and gift-givers will find unique curios: nautical giftware and Block Island housewares; local art of the sea, decorative pillows and hand-painted dishware; stylish bags made of recycled sails, bergees and beautiful model sailboats.
Ocean Avenue at the corner of Connecticut Ave.
401/466-8550.
Shoreline
Whether preparing for a day at the beach or a wicked nor’easter, head to the island’s source for Patagonia gear for 20 years. This eclectic store features quality clothing from designers like Watergirl, Free People, The North Face and Ben Sherman; sunglasses, bags, creative books, and local jewelry. Video and DVD rentals feature a wide selection of quality films. With ample parking, there’s time to relax and browse.
Ocean Ave., across from the Block Island Grocery
Open daily, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
466-5800
Star Department Store
“The General Store of Block Island” carries almost everything you need for your vacation: a large and colorful selection of imprinted and embroidered T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, shorts and jackets; top lines of casual men’s and ladies’ sportswear and footwear; gifts; salt water taffy; toys; sunglasses; film; souvenirs and more. A great place to find children’s toys and accessories for a day at the beach.
Water Street, across from Old Harbor ferry landing.
401/466-5541
8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. through November
WaterColors
This inviting destination is known for its large selection of jewelry, ranging from real sea glass to hand-wrought sterling with semi-precious stones. You’ll also find colorful stained glass, beautiful pottery, whimsical gifts, and accessories for the home. Add to that a growing section of clothing where you can browse through everything from lovely floral linens to that perfect little cocktail dress. Enjoy!
Dodge St. in the Brick Public Market Building
401/466-2538
Open from Easter until Christmas
Wave
This resort shop features the best quality clothing, sportswear, hats and accessories at prices that match and often beat mainland pricing. Exclusive labels such as: Roxy, Quicksilver, Tommy Bahamma, Eileen Fisher, Eric Javits, Red Line, Be As U Are, Maui Jim and Oakley will ensure that everyone will find great quality at reasonable prices.
Water Street
466-8822
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day