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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
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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
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!
Empire Tea & Coffee
22 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 619.1388
www.NewportBubbleTea.com
myspace.com/empiretea
Located on Newport’s eclectic Lower Broadway, Empire is a quick walk from historic Washington Square Park. Opened as a part-time cafe, Empire has gained a full-time following of devotes searching for an independent coffee house.
A cozy atmosphere, comfy seating, and ample work space entice regulars to linger while taking advantage of Empire’s free wireless internet.
Long live the independent coffee house.
Don’t Miss: Freshly brewed teas and gourmet coffees
[inside]tip: BubbleTea, Free wifi access
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