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Holiday Ramble Through FarmCoast New EnglandTired of malls? Overwhelmed by the internet? Over 150 years ago, the English poet, Christina Rosetti noted that “... a day in the country is worth a month in the town.” To understand her enduring advice, consider a Holiday Ramble to the eight historic villages located in what is now known as FarmCoast New England.
Located within a one hour drive of Boston, Providence, Newport, and the towns of Southeastern Massachusetts, FarmCoast New England, is a picturesque rural area of villages and farms with views of stone walls, salt marshes, church steeples, harbors, and fields that reflect the rural quality of 19th century New England.
Behind this restful and historic facade, you will discover an active community of artists and artisans, contemporary shops, two wineries, as well as local farm and seafood-based restaurants. Shops in the area see their fair share of summer traffic, yet most are open year-round, and the holidays are a particularly good time to visit area. Passing golden salt marsh grasses hugged by a glimmering shoreline, finding out of the way shops along the coastal village route (and away from stressful mall crowds) is pure pleasure.
The Coastal Villages Cooperative of FarmCoast New England produces a free map and guide showing a lazy loop of sorts. It is the signature publication recently put out by the group. Visit their web site at www.coastalvillages.com or www.farmcoastnewengland.com. Available at many participating businesses, the guide provides directions to roadside shops and attractions along Rhode Island Sound and Buzzards Bay.
It’s possible, with the map and handy locator grid, to put together a comprehensive holiday shopping trip and day long outing along this 30-mile country-coast loop while maintaining a leisurely pace.
A good place to start a FarmCoast tour is Tiverton Four Corners (www.tivertonfourcorners.com) where free Coastal Village maps are available in any member shop. More than two dozen stores all within walking distance of each other are somewhat of a paradox: Here you will find old fashioned service-oriented boutiques, businesses, and galleries while offering the latest in home furnishings and accessories, fine art, handcrafts, and distinctive clothing. Don’t expect the usual standards--one of a kind creations or hard-to-find wares make it possible to locate gifts for even the most difficult ones on your list.
Stroll through Courtyards for everything from garden art to jewelry. Try Little Purls for children’s festive winter clothing and gifts. Lou-Lou’s Décor sells fine furniture, linens, and trimmings to enhance the home, and there's no resisting The Cottage at Four Corners, where owner Nancy Hemenway combines hard to find French furnishings with cottage-style home accessories. Other must-visit shops would be Roseberry-Winn for their award-winning pottery designs, Gallery 4’s unique collection of oriental wares including an Oriental Rug Bazaar. For hard-to find gifts visit Amy Lund’s Weaving Studio and Tiffany Peay’s Jewelry and Fine Art Studio.
Farther along Route 77 ramblers will find Christmas trees at Patchet Brook Farm, potted plants and greenery at Peckham’s Greenhouse, and local wines at Sakonnet Vineyards. The Tasting Room is open daily for holiday wines and gift ideas. This year Sakonnet Vineyards has created a special Spice Wine for the holidays. Travel through scenic historicLittle Compton Commons into Adamsville to the Fried Glass Studios of glass artist Ian Silvia. His studio is open Wed- Sun 10-5 or by appointment.
Stock up on spirits as well as a quality grocery items at Lees Supermarket. Holiday specials include specialty-food gift baskets. You select the items; staffers will wrap them up.
At Partners Village Store on Main Road in Westport Central Village, a medley of gifts, books, toys, and cards are provided with exceptional customer service. Continue on Hixbridge Road in Westport to Westport Rivers Vineyards and Winery for wine tasting, gifts, and tours. Special food events and workshops are available throughout the year. Westport Central Village also boasts three clothing stores, A.S.Deams, Deni’s Closet Boutique, County Woolens, each with a different assortment of ideas for gifts.
Finally, don’t forget the “harbor village with a beautiful view”, Padanaram Village. Here you will find a number of gift shops includingFlora, Folia, and The Packet, which provides traditional New England gifts and nautical items. This appealing Main Street community dates back to the mid 18th century when shipbuilding industries were developed. Later in the 19th century, the area became known for its salt works and whaling port.
Dining Along the Coastal Villages Route Remember to eat. Nearly a dozen great diners and lunch spots are located in the area. The Back Eddy in Westport Point, whose motto is ‘Think coastal, eat local’ is open for dinner on Thursday and Friday and for lunch and dinner on weekends. Seafood is their specialty. For something more upscale try Bittersweet Farm, which offers full course dining Tuesday to Sunday, with a special brunch menu on Sundays. For more casual dining The Black Bass Grille in Padanaram Village is a quaint eatery featuring daily specials and weekend brunch as is the Bayside Restaurant in Westport and the Four Corners Grille at Tiverton Four Corners.
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