A well-kept springtime secret is being uncovered by local visitors in search of a fresh dose of spring. Growing in the backyard of FarmCoast, just south of Russells Mills Village, you will find a vibrant field of daffodils…but only if you know where to look! 3 acres of glorious yellow daffodils have bloomed and, because New Englanders like to keep their treasures hidden, there are no signs on how to find the field. It remains tucked inside the paths of Parson’s Preserve –part of Dartmouth’s Natural Resourses Trust– creating an exciting springtime scavenger hunt for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. If you’re looking for a seasonal family outing follow our directions to this wonderful spring display!
Park at the Russells Mills Landing.
Cross the street and walk to your right along the road until you see a metal farm gate between two posts.
Follow the path to the left of the gate and up the hill.
At the top of the hill you will be greeted by a DNRT sign welcoming you to the preserve.
From that point you must follow the yellow squares tacked to the trees, they will lead you all the way to the daffodils…
“A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees. Fluttering and dancing in the breeze,” says William Wordsworth’s poem just as you enter the field. “I gazed –and gazed –but little thought what wealth to me this show had brought…” You might want tell your friends about this dancing garden, or just keep it as your own secret treasure.
Either way, families will enjoy a delightful gallivant through the fields. You can make a day of it by contining your hike through the DNRT woods (maps are provided at the first yellow marker), exploring the animals at nearby Alderbrook Farm, and stopping lunch in Padanaram Village. Going on a hunt for daffodils has never been more fun.
Spring has sprung on FarmCoast! Visit our Spring Ramble page for more day-trip ideas on a refreshing retreat to the country.
Gift shopping is upon us, and FarmCoast New England has unwrapped a few ideas to inspire you this season. If you’ve been searching for something different a little different this year, something memorable, creative, and full of New England cheer, read on; our gift ideas might be exactly what you’re looking for…
1. CSA or FarmShare to one of our local farms
Organic enthusiasts, experimental cooks, and environmentally friendly families will love this rewarding gift that will bring fresh veggies to their table long after the holidays are through…
2. Outdoor Adventure of a lifetime
-Based out of South Dartmouth, Balloon Adventures of New Bedford offers warm rides year round. Gifting a hot air balloon ride will surely cure the winter blues!
-On the flip side Osprey Sea Kayak and Adventure gift certificates offer an exciting and grounded option for a good time.
3. Edible Gift Baskets from Milk and Honey
You tell them what kind of cheese you like, and Kathi and Gerry will whip up a festive goodie basket. With over 100 varieties of cheese, and loads of local extras like honey, olive oil, crackers, and pasta, giving a gift basket is completely satisfying for everyone involved. www.milkandhoneybazaar.com
4. The beauty of something made by hand
FarmCoast is loaded with handmade gifts, a thoughtfulness that makes holiday gift-giving not just intimate, but unforgettable…
Some of our favorite picks: Ceramics at Salt Marsh Pottery, Charlie Barmonde, Gustin Ceramics, and Roseberry-Winn; Jewelry like one-of-a-kind wire earrings by Susan Freda, or colorful cocktail rings by Tiffany Peay. Silk and felt scarves from Gallery4, hand-printed bags and accessories from Nankeen, and luxurious lotions from Flora!
5. Coffee of the Month Club at Coastal Roasters.
Two fragrant bags of fair-trade and organic coffee will arrive on their doorstep every month, a precious gift for all five senses. To find out more visit www.coastalroasters.com.
6. A relaxing winter getaway…or at least the makings of one
Package up a dinner gift certificate and a stay at one of our cozy b&bs!
7. JonnyCakes, Pancakes, and Syrup!
Gray’s Grist Mill is a historic New England must-see for visitors. But if you can’t get to the mill, they can still wrap up some of this local goodness for you with belly-warming gifts starting at just $15. www.graysgristmill.com.
8. Partner’s Village Store gifts from A to Z
Last Saturday Partners’ Open House featured autographed books, alpacas, chocolate tasting, and silhouette portraits. Known for unique and quality gifts, they carry everything from cookbooks and kids books to candles and kitchenware. There’s never a dull moment or present at this popular gift shop. www.partnersvillagestore.com
9. Wine Club Membership at Westport Rivers
A bottle of wine never fails, but pair it with a Wine Club Membership and your gift just got a little merrier.
10. Weave your Own
If you’ve always wanted to make your own scarf for someone special around the holidays, there’s never been a better time or place. Amy Lund Handweaver offers no-experience necessary weaving instruction so you can offer up (wearable) handmade gifts. Lessons are offered throughout the year, and also make a great gift.
If you have a favorite gift idea to share with our readers, something we might have missed, comment below, we’d love to hear from you!
“It’s hard for me not to buy things that are pink,” says Wendy Joblon, of Folia in South Dartmouth. But she does, she stocks colors and patterns galore in her sunny stationary and gift store in Padanaram Village. An energetic wedding planner for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Wendy knows a thing or too about elegant gifting, and more importantly, a lot about how to celebrate.
Wendy’s business has been nestled along the streets of Padanaram for over 7 years, invigorating the small boating village with stylish and colorful charm. From ribbon-lined stationary, to make-up bags, to invitations, to pillowcases, everything at Folia makes the room shine, and everything comes personalized. They also have a large section of personalized children’s goodies, like stickers, aprons, and sweaters.
Folia means “thin, leaf-like layers of paper,” which is much of what you will find in the small shop. Lovely and delicate paper and ribbon pages to hold between your fingers, admire, and adore.
Through December 3rd, Folia is having a Holiday Open House featuring tons of gifts for him, her, teachers, and kids. And if you missed the early-bird 10% off sale, don’t dismay, besides for a few choice items, everything in the store is under $50, making gift shopping affordable the whole year round.
If you plan to do any shopping this weekend, make it in Padanaram where quaint and cozy shops line the harbor, but never have lines. Other stores in the village include Flora, featuring cottage-style fine home gifts, and The Packet, full of fun clothing for men, women, and babies. Padanaram has the kind of exceptional shops that make you pleased to walk out with something unique for everyone on your list.
The second weekend in December is Padanaram’s Holiday Stroll, discover what Folia has to offer and find a gift for someone special (who just could be you). You can also order online at their website www.shopfolia.com and reach Wendy at 354 Elm Street, South Dartmouth, MA; (508) 992-2950.
We all scream for local ice cream! While sitting on the couch with a pint of your favorite Ben and Jerry’s can be entirely satisfying, summer calls for something a little more stately. This summer, FarmCoast invites you to take a tour of our ice cream stands, road trip style, and the local businesses that make this delightful summer treat a beloved gathering for friends, family, and strangers alike. The shops along the rural south coast boast awarding-winning, homegrown flavors and charming atmospheres, not to mention smiling small-town service. If standing in line for a sugar cone is your idea of an evening adventure, the four towns of FarmCoast welcome you to experience their unique, drippy summer treats…
We start the tour in Dartmouth, where Salvador’s Ice Cream has been serving up cones since the 1930′s. Yep, serving ice cream for over 70 years will make you an expert. Dartmouth locals recognize the giant milk urn-turned-small-business from miles away, and travel to hangout with the food, ice cream, and wooden game tables. Owned and operated by Len and Beth Gauvin and family since 2005, the building has a long history of ownership. Len and Beth restored the building to it’s original black and white appearance, and were meticulous enough to win a restoration award for their efforts. They now serve more than just ice cream (visitors love the lobster rolls and hearty burgers) but strive to keep it simple. “This place has a lot of history,” says Len, “people have been bringing their children and grandchildren here for years.” Salvador’s is located next to Cornell Farm, so you can watch baby sheep graze against a picturesque landscape while you climb the trees, play checkers, or enjoy a cone on one of the picnic benches. Salvador’s is entirely family friendly.
Next, make your way to Handy Hill Creamery in Westport where locals swarm (usually from Horseneck Beach) for salty snacks like salt water taffy and oyster bellies. “People are usually lined up all the way to the street,“ says a Handy Hill employee. Handy Hill is family owned and operated but employs dozens of happy faces for the summer to accommodate their enormous popularity. Each summer they feature specials, like this summer’s $1 soft serve cones. Handy Hill is on Hixbridge Road, a quick stop off the highway with tons of space to park, and plenty of room for a large crowd. Pets welcome!
Conveniently located across the street from Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures you’ll find the Head Town Landing Country Store, awaiting those customers seeking a refreshing break from the heat of the river. “We opened in the summer of 2008,” say local owners Rory and Kathy Couturier who quickly established a loyal and local customer following. The small shoppe features isles of mom-and-pop style service, proudly offering 40 flavors of Bliss ice cream served year round, Del’s Lemonade, and the town’s largest selection of penny candy. After a long day of paddling, they also provide satisfying pick-me-ups like Coney Island hot dogs, Green Mountain Coffee, and fresh baked pastries made right in store. Accessible by land or water, they invite you to sit and relax by the beautiful Westport River.
Next stop, Margaret’s Corner Cones in Little Compton. On the corner of Willow Ave. and Simmons Road this little shop is a perfect destination or pit-stop for bikers roaming the hills and backroads of the FarmCoast. The shop features a wide assortment of unique flavors including “Graham Central Station,” and “Purple Cow.” Margaret’s is a rare, peaceful and quiet outdoor place to relax while enjoying an ice cream. If you do make the stop, be sure to try the Black Rasberry Yogurt, otherwise known as a happiness on a cone.
Our last stop is in Tiverton Four Corners at Gray’s Homemade Ice Cream, now in the Rhode Island Monthly‘s Hall of Fame for Best Ice Cream. Not only has it been voted the best year after year, it’s one of the oldest too. For 88 years, the ice cream at Gray’s has been handmade in Tiverton, now featuring over 40 flavors. The historic establishment has been in the hands of Marilyn Bettencourt since 1981 but has never lost its authentic mom-and-pop charm. Behind the outdoor ice cream stand, Gray’s has a small general store where you can get everything you need to make a perfect sundae at home, including containers of Gray’s homemade flavors. We recommend one of the original four: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee, or Strawberry. Marilyn stays open 365 days a year.
After a long, hot day at the beach, or wherever your days take you, stop by one, or all, of our ice cream stands and enjoy some local flavor. After all, summer’s never complete without a melty cone and beautiful sunset. FarmCoast is proud to be a part of this timeless New England tradition, eating (good) ice cream.
Located at the head of the Westport River’s East Branch, Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures is a private and serene access for boating of all sorts. A small little shop on the corner of Old Country Rd. and Drift Road is where guests arrive, usually greeted by gentle sunshine, chirping birds, and a friendly staff member who will probably refer to you as “man.” But you won’t mind one bit.
The shop is owned and operated by adventure enthusiasts Carl and Samantha Ladd who both have years of outdoor education experience under their life jackets. Carl, a Little Compton native, and Samantha have been in Westport for 11 years, but adventuring for much longer than that. They’ve both spent most of their lifetimes training and teaching in various outdoor ed. schools and training programs and have now welcomed a small staff of ACA (American Canoe Association) certified tour guides and instructors to their small business. The whole group’s patient and personal instruction is what keeps all levels of boaters coming back. That, and of course the view.
Westport River stretches 9 and a half miles long and overflows with picturesque beaches, marshes, wildlife (a prime location for bird watching), and if you look closely enough, you’ll see a rope-swing on almost every bordering tree. Once you paddle out into the open, placid water, a sudden rush of silence allows your limbs to give into the grace of the tide. It’s a one-with-nature experience to be had. If you decide to visit, you have plenty of choices depending on your interest and experience. Osprey has sunset and moonlit tours, rentals, basic instruction, and challenging assessments or training for the most advanced. They also welcome custom trips for large and small groups. This summer kids 9-14 have tons of opportunity to learn about this water sport through a host of exciting programs.
The newest trend in water sports–you can shout this if you want– is SUP! Which of course stands for Stand Up Paddling. Breaking new ground in the community, and at Osprey, SUP is a fresh and fun way to experience the water on your feet, and it’s great exercise too. Check out the website www.ospreyseakayak.com to learn more about SUP and to see a full list of their tour and rental information.
Adventures at Osprey make their overseas to the Bahamas, Greece, and other exotic destinations throughout the year . Stop by the Westport base through October for an uncomplicated good time. Of all the beautiful places along the FarmCoast, Carl Ladd admits, “We’re certainly the most fun.”
Right on Man.
Every day, at around 4:30 in the afternoon, the animals at Alderbrook Farm come inside to eat, a high point in the day for them, and also for visitors to the farm who get to see, and maybe pet an animal or two. This time of day also calls in Rock to follow his adopted relatives. Rock came to Alderbrook Farm as a gosling and grew up amongst the donkeys, now he thinks he’s one. C’est la vie…at least at this farm. Here, a colorful array of friendly and very well-kept animals are lovingly cared for by Nancy and Allen Manley of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the born, raised, and the wandering. You can find Rock hanging out in the donkey pen, but be warned, if you get too close to his family, he may snap, geese-turned-donkeys can be very protective…
An all-around rooted family establishment, Alderbrook Farm spans over four generations of Manley’s. The first to operate the farm was Thomas Manley in 1889 who passed it to his brother Charles, and then to the hands of Geneva Manley. Allen, the son of Geneva, and wife Nancy now handle the 16 acre land. They rise early and lovingly care for their animals, farm, and produce; the Alderbrook farmstand is open every day at 5am.There you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-raised eggs and honey, coffees, breads, jams, birdseed, cut flowers, and a sure crowd pleaser: peacock feathers from the proud and beautiful “Argus.”
The sweetest part about this family-run farm is its honor-system morale and sustainable mentality. Their old fashioned/twenty-first century value system does not go unnoticed. Along with many modern business, they have a facebook page. When a “friend” on facebook asked about rhubarb at Alderbrook, they received a swift reply: “The rhubarb is up, if its not in the stand just ask and we will cut it fresh for you.” Their business involves simple hard work, and careful attention to the things they love. With such a long history it’s comforting to know the Manley’s have their hearts in the business.
Alderbrook Farm is located on Rustill Mills Road in Dartmouth, MA and was recently voted “Massachusetts Century Farm.” It’s truly beautiful place to see and shop year round. If you get a chance to visit, bring your camera and sunglasses. The grass shines brighter at Alderbrook Farm, where families are always welcome (even hybrid ones).
Sustainable design and limitless ambition are the hallmarks of a new gallery open to the public in Westport, Massachusetts. The Dedee Shattuck Gallery, one of many stops along the Farmcoast, is the area’s newest addition stunning visitors with its crisp, clean, inventive atmosphere. From the outside, the gallery resembles a modern version of the Friends Meeting House (a historic neighboring attraction). Inside, cascading flower bouquets, delicate piano keys and light hardwood floors mimic a New York, loft-style gallery. The showroom is set just behind the popular Partners Village Store, and stands modestly adjacent to roaming cows and lush forestry, a fitting placement given owner Dedee Shattuck’s grand and equally humble vision for the space.
The idea behind the large scale, countryside gallery was lovingly crafted over several years as Dedee Shattuck set out to fulfill her dream of bringing a love-of-art to the masses. The Dartmouth native spent her early career in New York, working as an interior designer before returning to New England to raise her two sons. “I love design…and making. It’s what’s ticking in my heart,” says Dedee, who’s husband and son are both active artists. Her goal was to create refined space that wouldn’t compete with the surrounding rural environment and likewise give the Farmcoast area a much-needed stomping ground for celebrating art and discovery. “An artist reflects and expresses what being human is, they are the translators of experience,” says Dedee. “I want people to experience art in a beautiful, rural environment. I want to highlight the beauty of art.”
On top of a wide appreciation for art and its makers, sustainability, land conservation, and “Yankee sensibilities about frugality” are also on the list for things Dedee holds close to her heart. These values guided her collaborative effort to create an environmentally friendly gallery space, a tribute to the land that is her home, and the key people that she feels are responsible for it’s integrity: the farmers. “These are my heroes,” Dedee says, pointing to a stark black and white photograph of a Dartmouth farmer on the first pages her recently published book. Farmers: Portraits in a Changing Landscape profiles the farmers of the south coast region with stunning photographs and personal details about their patient love for the land; Dedee grew up on Barney’s Joy Farm and feels forever indebted to the local farmer’s perseverance. Like the farmers featured in her book, Dedee hopes to spread the same message of support and appreciation for artists.
The Yankee-inspired, lover-of-farmers and design is filled with a refreshing sense of curiosity, and an abundantly youthful enthusiasm for the life art brings to a place. She now has a capable home for her passions and her most ambitious venture yet. “I’m totally in my element,” says Dedee. The gallery will feature “all works of art,” not only paintings and drawings. Currently exhibiting are purely local area artists to jumpstart the grassroots gallery. It includes works from family, friends, and admirable acquaintances.
Future exhibits plan to include artists from around the globe in addition to lectures, education, and workshops in an infinite variety of artistic pursuits. Plans to create a walking path in the acres of land behind the gallery are also in the works. The paths will showcase sculpture, and encourage visitors to spend time wandering the land.
The gallery represents the beginning of an era for Dedee. “My life’s work is in the arts…I want to make things happen,” she says. See for yourself what great things are happening at the Dedee Shattuck Gallery, open at 1 Partners Lane in Westport, Tuesday-Saturday 10am- 6pm, and Sundays 12- 6pm. For more information, a full list of artists, and upcoming exhibits visit www.dedeeshattuckgallery.com.
