A morning shuttle greets cyclists at the airport, train station or vehicle lot taking them to the charming fishing village of Stonington, first settled in 1649. Our guests stay at the nationally recognized Inn at Stonington which is centrally located across from the harbor. Explore the waterfront or stroll through the downtown shops, all within walking distance. We take an afternoon ride along coastal inlets and saltwater ponds en route to the majestic village of Watch Hill, RI. For dinner, we enjoy New England regional cuisine at our favorite restaurant following a welcome wine and cheese reception.
Biking Options: 15 or 26 mile
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodations: The Inn at Stonington or Orchard Street Inn
Today we bicycle thorough Mystic, Connecticut home of the famous Mystic Seaport, a recreated 19th-century coastal village. Then onto New London, where we catch the high-speed ferry to Orient Point, New York, on Long Island's north fork. This region is home to more than thirty wineries that produce world-class wines. Our guests visit the The Old Field Vineyards for private tours and wine tasting. The family-run vineyard recently celebrated its 34th anniversary as a wine-growing farm. Another short ferry ride takes us to La Maison Blanche Hotel on Shelter Island.
We start our day biking secluded Shelter Island, one-third of which is maintained as a nature preserve. Next, the beautiful Village of Sag Harbor, a thriving whaling port from 1760 to 1850. After cycling through New York's famous "Hamptons", we head towards the most eastern destination on Long Island, Montauk Point. There we enjoy a guided tour of the Montauk Light House, a historic beacon authorized in 1792 by the Second Congress under President George Washington.
The morning ferry takes us to Block Island, one of the "Last Great Places on Earth," according to the Nature Conservancy. The island's unique harmony of land, sea, and people features stunning views at every turn. A National Wildlife Refuge, Block Island is internationally recognized as one of the most important migratory bird habitats on the East Coast. We explore the island's magical scenery on both bicycle and foot. We can hike two of the island's most spectacular trails, along the majestic cliffs of Clay Head and through Rodman's Hollow, a peaceful nature preserve. Before dinner, an award-winning photographer offers an optional "photo night" to look at pictures and discuss photography.
Today we travel back to mainland Rhode Island and the active fishing port of Point Judith, known throughout New England for it's catches of lobster, squid, and fluke. Cyclists follow Ocean Road along Narragansett's stunning coastline of beaches and beautiful homes. We visit the Gilbert Stuart Museum, birthplace of America's foremost portrait artist and the site of the first snuff mill in America. We'll explore Conanicut Island, biking past active farms, historic properties, windmills, and the remains of old military fortification. A shuttle/ferry takes us to Newport. Our accommodations, the Hotel Viking, has been selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's historic properties.
Welcome to Newport, one of New England's most historic, romantic, and beautiful cities-by-the-sea on Aquidneck Island. Newport has been home to revolutionary battles, the architectural boom of the guilded age, the "Summer White Houses" during the administrations of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, and the America's Cup. Tour the famous mansions, explore the historic waterfront, or visit the boutique shops. If still tempted, a morning bicycle ride awaits. After checkout, a shuttle returns guests to the airport, train station, or vehicle lot. Guests wishing to extend their stay in Newport receive a 20 percent discount at the Hotel Viking if booked through Coastal Biking Adventures.