FARMCOAST NEW ENGLAND

Tired 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 Seasonal Ramble to the eight historic villages located in what is now known as the FarmCoast of 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.

FarmCoast produces a free map showing a lazy loop of sorts from which you can put together a comprehensive holiday shopping trip and day-long outing along this 30-mile country-coastline while maintaining a leisurely pace.

This Holiday Season you will find a number of special events: Open Houses and Holiday Galleries displaying the works of local artists and artisans. Enjoy your visit to FarmCoast!


Plan A Winter Ramble

A good place to start your Seasonal Ramble is Tiverton Four Corners where free 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.

For the latest in style visit 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, and the newly opened Nankeen with it’s elegant gifts made from ancient Chinese textiles. For “just a little eclectic upscale boutique” Abigail & Magnolia’s features women’s clothing with an artistic flare. Also, new is Winter Flea a temporary shop with an eclectic consignment collection of art, antiques, and things made by local artists and artisans.

For elegant handmade gifts by local artists visit Amy Lund’s Weaving Studio and Tiffany Peay’s Jewelry and Fine Art Studio. While at Four Corners there are three spots to stop and nourish yourself: Provender, a renown bakery and sandwich shop for elegant holiday pastries, Milk & Honey, a cheese shop recently written up in Bon Appetit magazine, and you will find hearty meals at the Four Corners Grille.

Farther, along the road you’ll find Little Purls with it’s festive winter clothing for children and stroll through Courtyards for everything from a potpourri of gifts including dried herbs, garden art, candles, jewelry, and more.

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 historic Little 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 Lee's Supermarket. Seasonal 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. 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.

Westport also has several dining spots. Partners Village Store offers a luncheon menu of sandwiches, soups, and desserts. Fresh Seafood can be found at Bayside restaurant daily and the Back Eddy is open for dinner Thursday and Friday and for lunch and dinner on weekends. For an elegant tavern meal in rustic barn try Bittersweet Farm, which offers full course dining Tuesday to Sunday, with a special brunch menu on Sundays.

Continue on Hixbridge Road in Westport to Westport Rivers Vineyards and Winery for wine tasting, gifts, and tours. This season their Gallery is Special food events and workshops are available throughout the year.

Pointing your compass toward the East, you will travel on to Dartmouth's Russell's Mills village where you will easily find Davoll's General Store, a home to quality clothing, Christmas collectibles, autographed children’s books and antique furniture. Also, there’s Salt Marsh Pottery, which makes hand painted pottery and tiles with wildflower imprints as well as specialty baby’s hands and feet imprints by appointment. Further south from Russells Mills, you will find Dartmoor Gifts with a wonderful array of gifts and ornaments. Further, along this road stop at Gustin Ceramics, an art gallery of fine ceramic art produced in its own kilns.

Finally, don’t forget the “harbor village with a beautiful view”, Padanaram Village. Here you will find a number of gift shops including Flora, 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. For casual dining here, stop at the Black Bass Grille, a quaint eatery by the water.