AN AFTERNOON SPENT IN THE FARM COAST
is meant for meandering. Take a drive down Route 24 to Tiverton’ s Main Road with no agenda and follow the winding water view roads to choose your own spontaneous adventure. The Farm Coast stretches from Tiverton and Little Compton in Rhode Island to Westport and South Dartmouth in Massachusetts. It’ s one of the last places in New England where working farms are preserved alongside stunning ocean backdrops. A scenic drive might include views of historic stone walls, weathered barns, fields filled with grazing cattle and honor system farmstands. Bring a stack of small bills to stop by each one resting by the side of the road holding the fruits of farmers’ labor: This time of year, it’ s the last of the summer tomatoes and corn alongside squashes and pumpkins as we head further into fall.
The Farm Coast is a place where agriculture and coastline meet, and where families fight to preserve their way of life over several generations. Start the day with a stop at Tiverton Four Corners, where you can spend a relaxing morning at the Parisian-themed Groundswell Cafe + Bakery for a maple-tinged latte and flaky chocolate croissant. The charming spot is less of a bakery and more of a lifestyle experience with cozy tables tempting you to stay awhile and shelves filled with cookbooks, candles and tasty treats. Wander through several storefronts on the grounds, including the Table and Provisions outpost and the Garden and Home nook, with each room decorated like it’ s awaiting its next interior design magazine spread.
After a little sustenance, wander over to several art galleries, including Four Corners Art Gallery, home goods store Sayles Livingston Home, The Yellow House bookstore( see page 20) and the provisions shop The Cheese Wheel Village Market. While you could spend your whole day browsing Tiverton Four Corners’ art, books, specialty food and antiques shops, there’ s so much more to see along the Farm Coast’ s back roads.
Take a left on East Road( make note to stop for ice cream later at Gray’ s or nearby Helger’ s— which is better is up for fierce
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