Local Coastal at Casey Farm

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.

Trattoria Simpatico

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

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