, Darius Inn
It’s officially March, which in Newport signals the start of the end of winter. Sure, it’s entirely possible we’ll get a foot of snow before the season’s official end, but March is when the whole city becomes riddled with shamrocks and the promise of spring isn’t far behind. With this in mind, it’s time to let ourselves start thinking about summer jaunts.
On my last trip to Block Island, I visited The Darius, hands down the hippest BnB in all of New Shoreham. Renovated by sisters Christy and Becca, two Philly girls who traded Center City for island life, the property was named after Captain Darius B. Dodge who made and sold medical elixirs there during the 1800s. The style-eyed sisters transformed the tired inn into an Apartment Therapy-style retreat with 6 rooms and 5 pet friendly suites, each with its own creative furnishings and cozy appeal (and AC!).
Like many innkeepers on The Block, the girls have been busy during the quieter season. This fall they renovated all the suite kitchenettes with updated cabinets, butcher block counters, and fresh backsplashes with floating shelves.
“And our big ongoing project is a small addition onto our dinning/kitchen area which
will include a ton of windows and a small deck that will open up into the backyard. This will be a HUGE improvement for our breakfast seating but also be a larger space for propel who want to hang out before or after checkout, store their bags, etc.” they tell me. Plus, all accommodations include happy hour, beach chairs/towels, TV, WIFI, grill access, and exceptional service plus a delectable hot healthy breakfast. Some offer ocean views and private porches and all have access to the quaint backyard which is known to be the setting of a few fabulous albeit impromptu parties. (If that’s not convincing, their enviable Tripadvisor ratings should be.)
Steps from the Old Harbor Ferry Landing, The Darius is open May-October with low off-season rates before June 21 and after September 15. Follow them on Instagram at @Dariusblockisland (and me at @newportstyle)
A druggist by trade, this is Capt. Darius Dodge’s logbook from the late 1800s
Old house, new look
Repurposing at its finest
Christy and Becca- the visionaries behind The Darius
Top and bottom photo s courtsey The Darius. All other images Newport Stylephile. Photos must be used with permission.
Next time you should check out the original boutique B+B on the island – The Sea Breeze Inn!
Would love to see it!