Ballard's Inn, a Block Island summertime tradition will open for the 2007 summer season on Friday, May 25th. Ballard's will be open on weekends through June 10th, opening daily beginning June 15, 2007."We are very excited to kick off another summer at Ballard's," said Steven Filippi, Ballard's President. "With our traditional shore dinner, top-notch entertainment and our beautiful private beach, Ballard's is the perfect spot for families and friends to gather this summer."

		Ballard's Inn has gone green. Ballard's Inn has been named the first "Green Hotel" in the tri-state area by the renowned National Green Hotels Association. The rare designation recognizes hotel properties dedicated to conserve water, energy and reduce solid waste while protecting our environment. "We are proud to take responsibility that protects our island," said Filippi. "Block Island's natural resources are endangered, and on an island the impact can be especially severe, but it only takes small changes to have a positive impact."

Ballard's Inn aims to lead Block Island's business community in supporting a sustainable island by continuing to deliver a premium guest experience through non-intrusive, high-quality, eco-friendly products and services. Beginning Summer 2007, Ballard's will demonstrate its concern for the environment through various environmentally friendly initiatives as part of its IslandCare program.

Ballard's IslandCare practices include the use of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies; property-wide printing on recycled paper; energy-efficient lighting; and implementation of low-flow systems for faucets, toilets, and showers; and a grey-water recycling program. Additionally, Ballard's encourages its staff to make commitments such as commuting to work on bicycles or motorized bikes and encouraging staff to use energy-efficient light bulbs in their homes. Ballard's has also required its vendors to decrease their supply of non-renewable energy such as that generated by burning coal or gas.

Most importantly, Ballards itself has pledged to eventually power its operations entirely with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Guests are also encouraged to make a commitment to protect Block Island's natural resources. In guestrooms, Ballard's offers simple, non-intrusive suggestions for guests to reduce energy and water use through efforts such as voluntary linen reuse for multi-night stays, shutting off lights when not in the room, and not running the water while brushing teeth.

"Saving our environment is something that must be done now," Filippi said. "It is an on-going commitment and one that we are dedicated to. That is why we created IslandCare, a program designed to protect the ecological footprint of Block Island"

Celebrating more than 50 years as Block Island's favorite destination, Ballard's summer will feature its world-famous entertainment, with a lineup of favorite local and national acts. Nightly piano music also will return to entertain dinner guests.

Ballard's offers a quarter-mile stretch of private beach, the ideal spot on Block Island to play volleyball, Frisbee or fly a kite and take on the Atlantic waves, or to relax and catch some rays.

Ballard's diverse menu options offer something for everyone, from a four-course dinner, Lobster Family Style in the traditional shore dining hall, to a quick snack at the Patio Point Bar, and the best pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, fried clams and steamers. Guests also can enjoy Ballard's famous frosty cocktails at any of the property's bars: the beachside Tiki, and the indoor bar.

Owned and operated by the Filippi family since 1956, Ballard's Inn is New England's premier resort, offering traditional New England fare on a family-friendly beachfront location. Ballard's Inn, a "Green Hotel," offers environmentally friendly products and services as part of its IslandCare program. Dedicated to preserving the natural resources and beauty of Block Island, Ballard's encourages its staff and vendors to adopt environmentally friendly habits and practices. Ballard's Inn is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, seasonally. For more information, please call (401) 466-2231 or visit the website at www.ballardsinn.com. - -

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