Explore Where the Land Meets the Sea in Rhode Island

Spend an afternoon drive taking in the beauty of Tiverton and Little Compton's Farm Coast.

3 hours ago

Jamie Coelho,

Cattle graze at former United States Ambassador and Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf’s farm in Little Compton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

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 view at Treaty Rock Farm in Little Compton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

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 debate) and include time to browse vintage goods at Cabana Collective. Continue past Roots Farm to the Little State Flower Company honor system farm stand on the right, open weekends during the growing season. Breathe in the scent of fresh-cut blooms and take home a brilliant bouquet of dahlias for your home (bring cash or scan your Venmo to pay).

Bucolic coastal farmland is preserved thanks to The Nature Conservancy, Little Compton’s Agricultural Conservancy Trust and the J. William Middendorf II family trust. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Young Family Farm sells autumn pumpkins and gourds, as well as pies and other treats. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Jeff Sullivan and Leigh Ann Ford show off tautog they caught from a fishing boat in Sakonnet Harbor. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Little Compton’s White Rock Farm owners Nelson “Rusty” Cabot and his wife, Erin, have helped steer the farm through five generations, and now their grandchildren are growing up on the farm. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
A Muscovy duck named Quacky and chickens at Roots Farm in Tiverton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
the 120-acre Treaty Rock Farm is run by the Richmond family, including the owner’s daughter, Mary, and produces 100 percent grass-fed beef. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
A tractor ready to clear hay at Sakonnet Vineyard. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
A sunset view of the Sakonnet Point lighthouse. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Peter’s Attic Antiques in Tiverton is a great stop for browsing New England ephemera. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Bill Hibbad - Marsh View Farm - bought in ’84 with wife Annette (must mention) - when asked if he would sell the place and move to Florida he said, “why the hell would I do that, I have heaven right here!” Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Nearby Gray’s Ice Cream is beloved by generations of families, including Alex and Peter Nelson. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
The Old Commons Burial Ground on Meetinghouse Lane in Little Compton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Liz Peckham, co-owner of Wishing Stone Farm. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Wilbur’s General Store in Little Compton is where Barney worked in the 1970s after serving in Vietnam. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
A roadside pumpkin stand next to Ferolbink Farms in Tiverton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson
Fall mums at Peckham’s Greenhouse in Little Compton. Photography by Wolf Matthewson

Drive further south into Little Compton where the countryside dominates with sprawling working fields and farms. Along the way, admire centuries-old stone walls that define property borders while adding historic New England charm to the scenery. Take a detour for a glass of Vidal Blanc and some lunch at Sakonnet Vineyard, where they are now pouring new estate-grown wines (see page 125) with a chef-driven menu of salads and sandwiches alongside weekend live music.

You could end your journey here, but there’s even more stunning coastal farm views down the road. Rolling green fields filled with gentle cows are framed by an ocean view backdrop that is unmatched in other parts of Rhode Island. Thankfully, The Nature Conservancy and Little Compton’s Agricultural Conservancy Trust help ensure that this farmland remains preserved rather than being developed into homes. The trust protects and supports working farms by acquiring land development rights and property and through agricultural support programs.

Some of the Little Compton farms still operating today include Treaty Rock Farm, White Rock Farm, Wishing Stone Farm, Young Family Farm and many others. If you plan your drive for a weekend, you can stop at Wishing Stone Farm’s market on weekends and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The forty-acre farm has operated since 1983 and supplies many of Rhode Island’s best restaurants with produce. Likewise, Young Family Farm is the place to stop for fall decor like pumpkins and gourds, as well as late-season apples, corn and pies. It also has a floral subscription service and offers pick-your-own dahlias.

Wander further south to Sakonnet Point, where you’ll be treated to more harbor views, and maybe even witness a few fishermen hauling in their catch at day’s end. Stop for some take-home seafood (ask them to pack it on ice for the drive home) at Sakonnet Lobster while taking in the sun setting along Sakonnet Harbor. And don’t skip that ice cream cone we mentioned earlier.

Bring home a piece of the Farm Coast with you in the form of fresh clams and vegetables gathered throughout the day, now ready to be prepared in your home as a memory of your journey.