To appreciate Block Island sound, we have to go back over 20,000 years to the Wisconsin Glacier. The unique shoreline and sea bottom owes its existence to the ebb and flow of the ancient glacier depositing soil in one place and carving away land in others. Narragansett Bay, Block Island, Point Judith, The Race, The Southwest Ledge and the unique soil are all results of the glacial movement.

Block Island is the most notable descendent of the glacial age. The Nature Conservancy placed Block Island as one of 12 Last Great Places. Located in the direct path of the Atlantic Flyway, the island is rest and refuge to over 70 species of birds during migration seasons. With over 40% of the island reserved for conservation, wildlife and history are primary features of the island.

There are two created harbors designated Old, and New. 

The activity and atmosphere you want will lead you to either New or Old Harbor. The man-made harbors are not only on opposite sides of the island, they're opposite in form and function as well. Old Harbor is small, quiet, quaint and downtown. For dining, shopping, and fishing charters this is where you need to be. For the brave, wake boarding, banana boats and parasailing vendors line the newly rebuilt west seawall.

New Harbor is 75-acres of anchorage, transient resort marinas and playground for sailboards, moths and kayaks. Shopping is sparse, but several hotels and restaurants are close by. This is one of those rare places where you can watch the sun rise and set without leaving your seat. Tour the island by renting a bike or moped, take your time and enjoy one of the "Last Great Places."

It's impossible to speak of Point Judith with telling a tall fish tale. Sport and commercial fishing is the lifeblood of this miniature Rhode Island town. The village of Galilee is a fishing co-op where the stores, businesses and commercial fishing vessels are co-owned. Buy lobsters, clams and the catch of the day from the back deck of the fishing boats, or meander along the main street shops.

If you're a do-it-yourself person, hundreds of charter yachts line both sides of the harbor, ready to take you out to the legendary North Rip or the Southwest Ledge. Both draw anglers in from hundreds of miles away. Landing your limit is almost too easy.

On those days when the tide currents are being annoyed by an opposing wind, the name "Harbor of Refuge" is most appropriate. The Harbor of Refuge is a protected anchorage –no moorings– where anchorages are rare. The inner harbor has limited anchoring, and the current rips.

There are no landside facilities in the anchorage at all. Still, the natural beauty and easy anchoring make a visit worthwhile. Large enough to hold holiday boating traffic or a busy weekend, it's a natural stop over when cruising coastal Rhode Island.