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.

Providence residents will find a familiar presence with the carbophiles from Seven Stars Bakery whose East Side and new West Broadway stores have earned a cult following. This foodie recommends stopping in first thing for a cold locally roasted iced-coffee and pistachio-cherry biscotti or coffee-cake muffin as you begin your stroll through the rest of the market. Then make a bee line to pick up some locally harvested honey from one of the market’s local vendors. Stop to smell the roses from Robin Hollow Farm, a small organically managed cut-flower farm in down the road in Saunderstown. Or better yet, stop to taste the cheeses from Farmstead Foods, a boutique cheese shop based in Providence’s Wayland Square specializing in American and international artisan cheeses.

Watson Farm in Jamestown specializes in organic grass-fed beef and lamb. A short visit to their stand can satisfy even the most carnivorous appetites. Locavore, after all, doesn’t mean herbivore.

And farming isn’t confined to the land. Fresh shellfish farmed from the southern waters of Rhode Island by Matunuck Oyster Farm cap off the morning and hold the promise for a delicious summer meal. Their oysters are grown in perhaps the richest estuarine waters in the state, and are some of the freshest; all of Matunuck’s oysters are harvested, scrubbed, and packaged the day of sale.

Behind it all: Casey Farm

Casey Farm’s history spans over three hundred years and several incarnations. At its height prior to the American Revolution, Casey Farm was at the center of Newport’s international agricultural trade. Following the British occupation and burning of Newport’s critical commercial wharfs during the Revolution, the farm struggled to recapture its heyday.

Its current form began to take shape as far back as the mid 19th century, when the Casey family began to lease their property to tenant farmers while retaining two rooms in the house for their own occasional summer use.

Today, resident farm managers continue the tradition of community farming raising organically grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers through a Community Supported Agriculture program, or CSA. Aimed at both increasing the quality of food and the quality of care given the land, plants and animals while substantially reducing potential food losses and financial risks for the producers, there is no set construct for a CSA.

Casey Farm’s CSA takes the form of a subscription based system in which members donate a seasonal share fee in return for a mix of fresh organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and pick-your-own flowers weekly throughout the 21-week growing season.

In many ways, the Coastal Grower’s Market at Casey Farm is a culmination of the homestead’s storied history incorporating both resident farming as well as serving as a hub for local businesses throughout the state.

Whether as a one-time visit or weekly pilgrimage, the Coastal Grower’s Market at Casey Farm should be put on every Rhode Islander’s list of summertime ambitions.

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

CK Bradley
28 Bellevue Ave
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
Monday-Friday 12 – 5:30pm
Saturday 10 – 6pm Sunday 10 – 3pm
Open: April – January
www.CKBradley.com

What better way to get excited for summer than to take a visit to the CK Bradley store on Bellevue Ave. in Newport? The summer-sister-store to the her flagship on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is sure to have those key bright pieces that brighten up your wardrobe and your spirits! Whether you are looking for that perfect summer cocktail frock or just want to pick up a little something like a silk headband or mini change purse, just a quick visit will certainly gear you up for the summer season to come!

Don’t Miss: CK for men… and dogs (woof!)! Get you guy a cummerbund and matching bowtie to make sure he is stylin’ at the summer weddings (yum!)… or outfit your pooch with a grosgrain ribbon leash and matching collar!

[Inside] Tip: For your brides-to-be, CK’s bridesmaid dresses in all colors of pretty are the perfect compliment for your perfect Newport nuptials.

posted by MCS

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 DeWolf Tavern
259 Thames Street
Bristol, Rhode Island
(401) 254.2005
www.dewolftavern.com
*Reservations Suggested

A contemporary spin on traditional American cuisine, the DeWolf Tavern is one of Rhode Island’s finest. Located on the water in Bristol, the DeWolf is well suited for either a cozy winter dinner or a lazy summer lunch on the outdoor patio. Menus vary from the upscale to the casual, however the quality remains superb across the board.

Looking for a good date spot? Yes, it can be pricey, but the DeWolf is sure to impress and has been named one of RI’s most romantic restaurants, RIMonthly’s Best New Restaurant of 2005, and one of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants of 2005.

Don’t miss: The DeWolf’s rum and bourbon selection

[inside]tip: Architecture buffs will be enthralled by the freshly renovated c.1800 warehouse structure, while foodies will delight in the seasonal fare and refined wine list.

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.

Click here for menu

Here for directions

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.