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Gingerly turning through the modest stone entrance to Casey Farm is a Saturday morning ritual for hundreds of South County residents each week.
From Jamestown to Charlestown, South County locals brave bridges and beach traffic to visit what has become a mecca of farmers’ markets
tucked conveniently off of scenic Boston Neck Road in Narragansett.
After parking your car in the grassy area abutting the rows of heavens-aspiring crops, or propping your bike against one of the age-old trees dotting the landscape, visitors are met with the therapeutic sound of stones crackling and popping under foot, the smell of the freshly sown earth, and the faint sound of music wafting through the air.
This is the Coastal Grower’s Market at Casey Farm and it is simply a farmers’ market as it should be.
For some, Casey Farm is a sojourn along their southerly trek to Misquamicut, Narragansett, or Sand Hill Cove beaches. But to others, it represents the height of South County’s growing locavore movement.
For the latter group, who passionately support local industry from agriculture and fishing to arts and crafts, Casey Farm represents more than just a farmers market. It represents community, independent businesses, self-sufficiency, and sustainability.
Indeed, a quick scan of the numerous tents, stands, and tables set up under the watchful gaze of the classic hip and gabel farmhouse reveals a multitude of local and organic foodstuffs and crafts to choose from. From local artists touting handmade jewelry to organic flowers, vegetables, and even fresh shellfish, Casey Farm boasts one of Rhode Island’s most eclectically practical farmers markets.
Yes, you’ll find a host of one-of-a-kind items here from hand painted crafts to paintings, but to South County locavores, it’s the ability to stop and shop for a weekend dinner or an entire week without visiting Stop and Shop that makes the Coastal Growers’ Market so popular.
The West Deck
One Waites Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
www.westdeck.com (menu)
$-$$$
Wanna know a secret? The West Deck is one of Newport’s best restaurants. Tucked away on Waites Wharf on Lower Thames (hang a right at O’Brien’s), The West Deck – as its name suggests – is a great spot to pull up a chair and watch the sunset from their outdoor dining area.
Now in its 16th season, The West Deck boasts some of Newport’s best live music and seafood and (gasp) never has a cover charge!
Don’t Miss: Live music every Sunday afternoon, The summer breeze (this place is right on the water), raw bar, some of Newport’s best mixed drinks
[Inside]Tip: Stop in Tuesday nights for TWD’s Sam Adams Lobster Bake
Panini Grill
186 Thames St.
Newport, RI 02840 – directions
www.ThePaniniGrill.com
$
Where can you go for a warm, freshly-made panini sandwich served up quick and always with a smile? The Panini Grill, now in two locations on Acquidnick Island, Thames St. in Newport and West Main Rd. in Middletown. After a long day strolling up and down Thames shopping for the perfect pair of flip-flops, pop in to the Panini Grill and one of the nice young men behind the counter will grill you up a delicious melt-in-your-mouth panini sandwich in no time!
posted by MCS
Trattoria Simpatico
13 Narragansett Avenue
Jamestown, RI 02835 – directions
www.TrattoriaSimpatico.com
$$ – $$$
Once declared “perhaps my favorite place on the planet” by a lifetime Jamestown summer-ite, Trattoria is the ideal spot for fine food, fabulous drinks and a light-hearted, laid-back crowd.
Open all year round, Trattoria is a much-needed and greatly-appreciated mecca for those Rhodies who bare through the winter months. While outside it is grey and cold, open the gate to Trattoria on any given day of the week, and you will find the outside bar, wonderfully heated, fully open to a crowd of friendly folk who know happy hour always starts by, and not at, 4 o’clock. Christmas tree lights that line the outside dining area lights up the air, while the drinks warm your body and the laughs warm you soul. Stay outside at the bar, (it’s nice and warm) or go inside for some nourishment, the dining room is always open, 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner.
If you can make it there in the offseason, it’s a delight. Enjoy the privacy while you can because starting in May, fancy cars line the street bringing the well-heeled from across the island and across the bridge. Don’t worry about not being seated right away, order some drinks and an appetizer at the bar and just enjoy the scene. Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find a good time at Trattoria.
posted by MCS
Slice of Heaven
32 Narragansett Avenue
Jamestown, RI 02835
$
Heaven is…Gelato, Homemade pastries, and an Award Winning Brunch
Located in beautiful Jamestown, RI, Slice of Heaven lives up to its name. Whether you’re on your way into Newport or make your way over for a Sunday brunch, Slice’s freshly baked scones, made-to-order omelets and summertime gelato are worth the trip.
Don’t miss: Trail Mix Scone, Eggs made to order, gelato
[inside]tip: In addition to breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch, Slice also offers a seasonal dinner menu
The Lobster Pot
119 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809
(401) 253.9100
A Rhode Island institution
In operation since 1929, The Lobster Pot boasts a menu of New England classics anchored by — you guessed it — lobster. Overall, expect a moderately priced meal with entrees ranging from $12-$22 dollars (excluding market-based dishes) and don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting at the bar if you don’t have a reservation.
The Cooked Goose
92 Watch Hill Road
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 348.9888
www.TheCookedGoose.com
Why’s the goose smiling? Maybe it’s because he’s just been to this Westerly treasure.
From the hot pastrami sandwich platter and freshly made soups and salads to the sophisticated wine selection, this is not your ordinary take-out/eat-in restaurant.
Click here for Breakfast and Lunch menus as well as directions and contact info
Lunch Menu
Don’t miss: Pain au chocolate, Pastrami Platter, Crabcake Sandwich,
[inside]tip: Just passing through? Invest in soup to go. Westerly native? They Cater!
Brick Alley Pub
140 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849.6334
Yes, that’s a fire truck on the roof.
A perennial Best Bet and local favorite, Brick Alley is one of Newport’s true four season hot spots. Located in the heart of Newport’s downtown waterfront shopping district, stop in for one of the best burgers in town or for a cocktail outside on the summer deck.
And here to purchase gift cards online
Don’t Miss: Newport’s Best Burgers and Pub Food
[inside]tip: Stop in Saturday night for one of Newport’s best beer and drink selections; cure yourself Sunday morning for brunch starting at 10:30am.
The Black Pearl
Bannister’s Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 846.5264
www.BlackPearlNewport.com
One of Newport’s best. Renowned for its chower, don’t miss out on The Black Pearl’s market fresh seafood expertly prepared by Chef Knorr. Words don’t do this spot justice. A true New England gem.
Don’t Miss: New England Clam Chowder, Fried Brie
Avoid: The Lines. During the summer, give the hostess your name about 20 minutes before you want to eat and enjoy a stroll through the shops on Bowen’s Wharf
[inside]Tip: Though you’ll find it closed for a few weeks (usually late Feb.) stop in for a cozy winter dinner in the Commodore’s Room
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