Summertime is finally here. In FarmCoast, that means lush fields of green, abundant sunshine, outdoor festivals, and seaside repose. The surrounding waters produce a cool breeze that drifts through the villages and eases the summer heat. Soon the farmer’s markets and farm stands will be in full swing. The local restaurants will be ready with fresh seafood from the shore and vegetables from the gardens. There’s a joy in being outdoors whether you might be hiking along one of our many nature trails, visiting our historic villages, or stopping at one of our fine vineyards.

The shops and artist galleries in the villages are open for business and ready for another successful summer season. Summer is the quintessential time to visit FarmCoast. This is a time to relax and leave the bustle of the city behind you.

Westport Harbour

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. Passing 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.

An organization of independent shops, 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.farmcoast.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 shopping trip and day long outing along this 30-mile country-coast loop while maintaining a leisurely pace. One caveat: in the winter many of the shops are open on a limited basis, for instance, some are open Thursday thru Sundays only. If you’ve had a chance to tour our web site, its best to call if you’re interested in visiting a specific business.

A good place to start a FarmCoast tour is Tiverton Four Corners where free FarmCoast 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.


The Cottage at Four Corners

One of the most renowned shops is The Cottage at Four Corners, where owner Nancy Hemenway combines hard to find French furnishings with cottage-style home accessories. Next door is Rummage, a consignment store with a unique selection of designer clothing, antiques, artwork, and more. 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 Jewelry.

South of the light you will find Courtyards for everything from garden art to jewelry. Try Little Purls for special children’s winter clothing and gifts, and Sakonnet Purls for yarns, needlepoint, and anything for the serious or beginning knitter.

Farther along Route 77 ramblers will find potted plants and greenery at Peckham’s Greenhouse - a veritable harbinger of spring!! and local wines at Sakonnet Vineyards. The Tasting Room is an enjoyable experience. You might try their new Spice Wine which was created for the holidays. Continue your travels 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.

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 clothing and ideas for gifts. Also, stock up with provisions at Lees Market, the area’s best specialty grocery store with an abundance of gourmet and exotic foods.


Gray's Grist Mill in Adamsville

In Dartmouth's Russell's Mills village Davolls General Store is home to 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 and Gustin Ceramics, a new art gallery of fine ceramic art from local as well as artists from around the country.

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.

Dining Along the Coastal Villages Route

Remember to eat. Nearly a dozen great diners and lunch spots are located in the area. 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. The Back Eddy in Westport Point, whose motto is ‘Think coastal, eat local’ will open soon after a winter hiatus. Also, for something upscale try Bittersweet Farm, which offers full course dining Tuesday to Sunday, with a special brunch menu on Sundays.