Block Island

Block Island is a small island located 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and 14 miles off the tip of Long Island (Montauk). The island is well known for the beautiful beaches, fantastic landscapes, clear waters, stunning bluffs, family activities and our ever-growing artist community. Please come to the island to see the colors that are everywhere from the water and the sky to the trees and horizon. The island colors heavily influence Laura’s dyeing and our yarn colorways that range from a dark blue called “Winter Ocean” to a strong green entitled “Greenway” or “Stone Wall Grey.” A walk through the maze, a hike to the North Light, walking down he bluffs or a swim on Mansion Beach will reveal the diversity and beauty of Block Island. Oh, and don’t forget to let the dogs swim in Fresh Pond or Sachem Pond to finish off a perfect afternoon.

The best way to get to the island is by ferry from Pt. Judith, RI or you can fly from Westerly RI. In addition to the beaches and nature trails, Block Island is also well known for shipwrecks and it has a long maritime history. While our favorite time of year is the spring and fall, the summer is magical.

Block Island has been designated as “One of the 12 last great places in the Western Hemisphere” by the Nature Conservancy. Approximately 48% of the island is protected by conservation easements by groups such as The Nature Conservancy, the Block Island Conservancy and the BI Land Trust. As The Nature Conservancy states it:

Block Island is made up of a diverse array of geographical features and habitats such as beaches, sand dunes, coastal bluffs, morainal grasslands, maritime scrubland, salt ponds, kettle hole ponds, and various other freshwater wetland ecosystems. These habitats support a unique assortment of wildlife, including over 40 species classified as rare or endangered. It is thus one of the most ecologically significant areas in the state and in the entire northeast. Thousands of migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds also depend on the Island as a stopover point on their journey north and south along the Atlantic Flyway.

North Light Fibers is located in the middle of the island on Abrams Farm. You need to walk through the alpaca pasture to get to the mill and please feed them, scratch the yak, enjoy the camels and smile at the kangaroos on your way. Please come visit the island, see our mill and visit our store – once you come here for the first time, we are convinced you will be back.