Nancy, Ivy, and Linda have been working together for over 15 years, and The Cottage has been a local staple for even longer, but even if you’re a regular customer here you will never see the same display twice. These three women make daily styling changes to the windowsills, table-tops, and furniture sets in store in order to keep up with a high demand for their goods, and provide customers with a fresh perspective each time they visit.  “We take care of the merchandise.”

Personal attention to the pristine details make shopping at this home furnishings boutique feel something like a guilty pleasure, but it can be a treat for your wallet too; we’re competitive in prices, says Nancy. The store mostly carries high-end and luxury products, but their quality and value are assuredly the best you will find, not to mention the sale room. Names like Mitchell Gold and Lee Industries, Simon Pierce, and Bella Notte line the shelves, and most everything they carry is American-made. The Cottage also specializes in exclusive imports, like the Florence-made fragrance line Officina Profumo. One of the most unique traits of this store can be found behind the well-placed scenes: Everything, including furniture, is stocked, which means whatever you see in- store can be taken home with that same day. A wonderfully gratifying perk for shoppers.

Customer satisfaction and innovative design are part of Nancy’s roots. Before opening The Cottage she worked for Design Research, the Boston-based lifestyle retailer known most noteably as the first home for modern American design. DR introduced lifestyle stores to the world of retail with popular brands like Merimekko and Alvar Aalto. Trading in the big name for the small boutique life has proven rewarding for Nancy and her team. They gracefully weave together an intelligent eye for design, expertise in elegant home fashion, and the gentle pace of the Tiverton countryside. The Cottage carries everything for the home from cookbooks to dish soap, rugs, to popular local art work. They also offer in-home design services as well as merchandise loans to ensure every product is the right fit.

Award winning and stunning the The Cottage blissfully remains the closest thing to home as you will find while out shopping….for person and pooch alike.

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.

Thorton Simmons and wife Mary now operate this historic mill/museum located on the thin line between Westport, MA and Adamsville, RI. Recently mentioned on the Today Show, the famous mill has gone through several owners since it’s first documented ownership in 1717, and each has been devoted to the outstanding preservation of this once-mainstream occupation. Long ago, (centuries really) grist mills were the thing. Each town had it’s own, and each mill provided livelihood to the growing populations. Today grist mills are as rare as people like Thorton and Mary who devote their time to the history and labor. However, with the help of a few modern accessories like an electric motor (mills were once powered by water), the work is little lighter. Despite some advances, the mill stands true to its roots; it makes good use of two 1 ½ ton stones to crush corn kernels for one thing.

Narragansett Indian Flint corn, is the corn of choice. This hard-to-grow variation of corn is best nurtured in Rhode Island soil; its uniquely sweet flavor makes for a sweet breakfast, and a proud crop of Rhode Islanders. Rhode Islanders are not the only ones who know a good thing when they see it; chefs and local cafes across the region stock Gray’s jonnycake mix for hungry customers.The best part: the mix ground fresh, is preservative-free making it one of the most all-natural, all-local foods you can get your hands on. The modern miller recommends keeping your mix in the fridge.

Whether your going to get some fresh breafast or to tour the history of the mill, a stop at Gray’s is worth the journey. Thorton even says there’s talk of a coffee shop in the Mill’s future, a chance to make this stop on the FarmCoast a little sweeter.

To get an insider’s perspective on the workings of the oldest New England Grist Mill, and a few delicious recipes, visit www.graysgristmill.com.

Eva is not your average 70-year-old, and not your typical farmer either. Perhaps that’s what drew Didi like a magnet to the unconventional farm in South Dartmouth back in 2001. Known as Eva’s Garden, the farm was then building a solid customer base of renowned New England chefs excited by the innovative flavors grown by Eva and her team. Like many local farmers and FarmCoast residents, Eva found a sanctuary in the fertility of the coastal land. After traveling back and forth to Cambridge restaurants in the early stages of her farming operation, top chefs quickly propelled Eva to a celebrity status.

In her garden, weeds are a delicacy, and plants you’ve never heard of make dishes to die for. While Eva’s Garden has over 200 varieties of wild flowers, herbs, and greens, Wild Flavors features over 40 of the common and uncommon varieties, and 150 recipes to enjoy them. If you’ve resolved to eat more vegetables this year, this book will certainly give you a jolt of enthusiasm.  The book is divided into seasons with recipes to suit the theme of whats growing at any given time. Didi’s picks for winter (themed, “Salvaging”) include dishes like Parsnip Tea Cake, Root Vegetable Latkes, and Sprouted Hummus. Between the recipes, Didi details the life cycle and botany of the ingredients, and the story of the inspiring woman who grows the plants. Eva’s gained significant press over the years for the same superhero qualities Didi found in her ten years ago. A complete blend of cooking instruction, narrative, botany, and foodie life coaching, Wild Flavors is a robust addition to your cookbook collection.

Pick up a copy of the book and see for yourself why everyone’s talking about Eva, and better yet what Eva’s talking about. ”There are so many forms of life…that’s the most exciting part of the whole thing,” she says. Wild Flavors reveals the succulent truths about a life digging for treasures in the dirt. The book itself is a worthy FarmCoast treasure.

Wild Flavors is available at The Cottage in Tiverton Four Corners and Partners Village Store in Westport, MA and at your local book seller. For more information on Didi Emmon’s life in the world of good food visit www.didiemmons.com.

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! 

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.

A small coffee shop with a sturdy foundation, Coastal Roasters was founded in 2002 by Donald Machado and his partner Lisa when they decided to purchase the small surf shop overlooking the Sakonnet River. Before then, Donald knew only a little about coffee, spending his free time  “home-roasting” for friends and family using a popcorn popper and zest for good quality. When the itch to broaden his horizons became too much to bear, the couple bought the Tiverton property, fixed it up a little, and started a business selling wholesale coffee beans. Thankfully, Donald invested in something a little bigger than a popcorn maker for Coastal Roasters, which quickly evolved into the area’s most visited cafe, as the smell of coffee crept into the heart of the coastal town. ”I underestimated how many people are interested in quality coffee,” said Donald, but that was what he knew then.

Now Coastal Roasters is a mega coffee gathering place, roasting daily, over 50,000lbs of coffee a year and featuring over 20 unique blends of bean. “We don’t do a lot of tutti frutti stuff,” says Donald, “we try to stick to just coffee.” And good coffee besides; 70% of their beans are organic or Fair Trade and all of it brewed with respect for the environment and the farmers that grow the beans. Concentrating on quality and sustainable production has given the shop a cultured reputation for “being green,” drawing in true coffee lovers for miles and miles.

“We have to be at the right place doing the right thing, at the right time, which is kind of a niche,” says Donald who sources, roasts, and packages the beans. The beans themselves arrive from mostly small farms in exotic locations all over the world, and although they honor basic regional coffee blends, Coastal Roasters has expanded their inventory over the years to meet customer needs. Teas, smoothies, frozen drinks, and nearby bakery selections are on the menu, as well as custom blends like Wild Wetamoo, Fort Baron, Coastal Gold, and Old Stone Bridge. Keeping in local is all part of the plan.

Coastal Roasters has also become part of a larger campaign for educating the masses, not just about coffee, but community values that extend beyond the roaster. They sponsor a range of fund and awareness-raising events like Singing Out Against Hunger, which raised over 60,000 last year, in conjunction with Evelyn’s Drive In, for providing healthy meals to local families in need. Other beneficiaries include the Little Compton Community Center, Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, Sakonnet Growers Market, and the Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center.

The most gratifying ambition of Coastal Roasters is their mission to educate about coffee: where it comes from and what it supposed to taste like. “Some people don’t realize beans need to be roasted,” says Donald. There’s a whole world of coffee out there, beyond the bag. If you want to know the secret to the Coastal Roasters taste, it’s in the roasting. They roast in small batches, and often. And oh, what a delicious smell…

As all good businesses do, Coastal Roasters has continued to expand, these days, through the main roads of cyber space. Online coffee sales are a new vessel for acquiring fresh beans, and Coastal Roasters recently launched online ordering on their website. Donald has seen immediately the benefits of reaching a larger demographic, sending off to customers from Florida to the West coast. Perhaps more exciting for the consumer is Coastal Roaster’s Coffee of the Month Club, an impeccably convenient way to familiarize yourself with regional blends, or to stay at home in your pjs. A unique blend of coffee arrives on your doorstep (or a friend’s if you so choose) once a month to be savored each morning, afternoon, or night.

But don’t let us sway you, stop by Coastal Roasters where “the coffee speaks for itself.”

Open year round, 6am-5pm at 1791 Main Rd. Tiverton RI, and 24 hours online at www.coastalroasters.com.

Down the winding, narrow streets of the FarmCoast, Dan George of Smoke and Pickles parks his smoker, a 3-chamber cooking machine. While the name doesn’t exude anything entirely regal, the smoker is extraordinary in its duties. It’s a charcoal-black contraption that prepares feasts on site, retaining flavor and freshness by smoking, barbecuing, and grilling, if need be, all at once. Weddings that hire Smoke and Pickles can be spotted from down the road. People watch starry-eyed and salivating as the smoker pulls in, a fragrant white cloud signaling the makings of a feast.

Behind the triumphant veil of smoke and rich flavors is a modest team of talented food experts carrying with them an authentic attitude of abundance, celebration, and elegance coupled with real “foodie” enthusiasm and a small touch of humor.  “It takes a Coastal Village” is their motto, because Smoke and Pickles is a cooperative effort. Each member has their own role operating the “engine,” as they refer to themselves, drawing on their unique personal histories and the support of the robust FarmCoast food community. There’s Dan, proprietor and Pickle Man, his wife Chris who can often be found playing the fiddle and performing “quality control;” theres Mark, the light-hearted Grill Master, snow-border, and long-time chef, and Kristen the Sourcer, Expediter, modern Forager of sorts, ensuring the arrival and preparation of exceptional quality. Not to mention Sally, the event planner, and the catering staff. Bustling around as behind-the-scenes guests, this group creates a visible sense of harmony to the work of preparing and serving food. Their cadence with each other is the result of a long stream of steady practice, knowledge, and sincere effort to capture moments, and foods, at their best.

Perhaps the most splendid attribute of the group is their resourcefulness. All the food prepared by Smoke and Pickles arrives from local farms and providers within a 20 mile radius. Famous herbs from Eva’s garden, crisp organic veggies picked the day of, or oysters straight from the bay. “We keep things whole as late in the game as we can to keep things as fresh as possible,” says Dan. Nothing is pre-packaged or prepared; the team reaps the sweet benefits of knowing every farmer around by name.

When it comes to the menu choices, Dan treats them like he treats his food, with reverence, compassion, and wisdom. Artistically-composed menus reflect such worldly cuisines such as Coastal New England (of course our favorite), Southern Barbecue, Vegetarian, Latin American or Middle Eastern fare and, although heavily influenced by the Bride and Groom’s palate, are always guided by seasonal farm offerings during that time of year (or week or day), and most always involve giant loves of bread. Dan endeavors to maximize flavors through contrast with pairings like… melons and mint, littlenecks and sausage, whole wood-grilled bass or salmon or chicken or steak, roasted lamb, long and slow barbecued pork, rhubarb relish, freshly chopped parsley and basil…and other sophisticated, mouth-watering combinations. Smoke and Pickles has a vision beyond simply feeding crowds, and that’s honoring glorious “rights of passage,” providing meals fit for kings and queens, brides and grooms, or people who just love food.

Details are another seductive part of the package. In addition to hand-carved wooden cutting boards and whispy flower bouquets, full-service event planning, from the initial planning stages to last-minute details, is included in the service. Sally Huntington holds this all together as a vital liaison between the brides and grooms and the Smoke and Pickles staff. Expert organizer and conceptual guru, Sally joined Dan in the beginning of his pickling adventure with a savvy business background and the necessary patience for making things go as smoothly as possible.

So where do the pickles come in? They’re in the heart of the close-knit company, what started it all, and always, colorfully adorning the appetizer table. Dan George was once  a lawyer, and –at what happened to be just the right time– asked his friend Chis Schlesinger, then chef at The Back Eddy, if he could help out in the kitchen. Days later, Dan was crowned “pickle chef” at The Back Eddy for no particular reason other than perhaps, now chef-extrodinaire Schlesinger knew it was a stroke of genius. “No one had heard of a pickle chef,” says Dan, including himself. Dan became a pickle master, dunking his hands and elbows into the history of pickles, the traditions, and oh, the flavors. He went on to attract attention from food writers around New England and co-wrote a pickling cookbook called Quick Pickles-Easy Recipes with Big Flavors. The profound influence of pickles and pickling on Dan infused this idea for the now famous team of roving caterers, striking down wedding-food stereotypes, and breathing life, creativity, and pickles into the industry.

Smoke and Pickles is the way of fresh, good food and heartfelt hospitality, the way homegrown catering should be. A slice of modern tradition, at your service.

To contact Smoke and Pickles, please visit their website at www.smokeandpickles.com. To see more photos of their events visit us on Flicker!

The Henley House- Dartmouth
Derrick and Margret Jones from Oxfordshire, England brought a little of their English heritage to the FarmCoast when they decided to re-open The Henley House in South Dartmouth nine years ago. “We are a little oasis here,” says Margret, even though they sit steps away from the busy streets of Padanaram Village, known for history, shops, and views of the Apponagansett Bay. The house fits well alongside this seaside colonial village with remnants of old area houses, and pieces of “The Wanderer,” (the last known Whaling Ship) built into the walls. Outside, walkable gardens adorn the landscape, reflecting the gentle marriage of the home’s English and New England roots. The three guest rooms have private baths and are accompanied by a delightful homemade hot breakfast such as quiche or crepes each morning, along with fresh fruit, homemade granola and breads, coffee, and tea. The hosts are especially accommodating to guests’  special diets, and, you can rest assured, they know how to make an excellent cup of tea.

Paquachuck Inn- Westport
This 9-room, harbor-side inn overflows with area history and charisma. Popular, and predominantly positioned at the far end of Westport Point, The Paquachuck Inn is an authentic sailor’s lodge, a historic building that once a welcomed weary travelers, and now serves as a respite for guests from around New England. Each room grants a gorgeous view of the harbor, and sunny, large common rooms give a warm sense of home. The Paquachuck is minutes to Horseneck Beach and The Back Eddy, and also has a private dock for fishing.

The Edith Pearl- Little Compton
An established residence on the side of West Main Rd. in Little Compton, The Edith Pearl is central to all points on the FarmCoast and most importantly, it’s dog friendly. After all, dogs love free open space just as much as we do, and there’s plenty of that on the FarmCoast. The colonial home itself is surrounded by 200 acres of farmland. 3 comfortable guest rooms are lovingly cared for by Deborah LeLevier, and amenities including a guest-raved-about hot breakfast, wireless internet, and all the accouterments of your own home (beach chairs, books to read, and a pet if you didn’t bring yours) are on hand. The Edith Pearl was awarded Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for the Best of New England in 2010.

The Stone House- LittleCompton
Regal and rural, The Stone House sits atop a Gastby-esque estate overlooking a gorgeous and private view of Round Pond. The house was originally built as a private residence in 1854 and re-opened in 2009 after renovations were completed to reflect modern design and efficiency.  This is the largest and most luxurious accommodation along the FarmCoast boasting designer bathrooms, i-pod docks in each room, organic linens, and an onsite spa. The main house has 9 rooms and their “Wood Barn” has an additional 3 suites. The Stone House is the perfect size, and location, for hosting wedding parties, and family reunions.

Ferolbink Bed and Breakfast- Tiverton
Settled out in the country on the beautiful acres of Ferolbink Farm sits the old farm house decidedly planted right where it belongs. It’s a family-run establishment with a wrap around front porch where you can, if you’d like, sit in a rocking chair, close your eyes, and be transported to a simpler time. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, take a bike ride to Four Corners or short drive to one of the nearby shopping villages along the FarmCoast. The farm is fully operational and supplies a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables for their breakfast each morning.

 Wherever you end up, we hope you enjoy your stay! Be sure to let us know your favorite Bed and Breakfast experience, and please visit FarmCoast on Flicker for more images of FarmCoast lodging.

While many people are familiar with parts of the FarmCoast, the name as a travel destination is still gaining popularity. The best way to navigate the area is it’s customized map, but here’s a little help with the lingo…

SEASONAL RAMBLE: This is a visit, drive, or gallivant through the four towns of the FarmCoast stopping at designated or self-designed stops. A grown-up road-trip of sorts. The Farmcoast website has suggestions for different rambles…or you can design your own….maybe a farm ramble, arts ramble, ice cream ramble? Whatever suits you, and your traveling companions.

CLAM JAM, SMOKE & PICKLE: Two delicious catering options you don’t want to pass up. Besides offering vacation and local area things-to-do, the FarmCoast offers an array of gorgeous wedding accommodations, including catering, places to stay, photography, flowers, and stunning event locations.

FEROLBINK: A bed and breakfast set amidst farming pastures of Feroblink Farm, a charming, generational family establishment. Many of the businesses on the FarmCoast are family-run, or otherwise preserved to honor the history of the land. Ferolbink is one of many places to stay along the FarmCoast.

WEETAMOO: A perfect place for solitude. Weetamoo Woods boasts over 5 miles of hiking trails perfect for walking the dog, spotting wildlife, and becoming one with this historic nature spot.

MACOMBER: It’s a turnip, a specially-bred turnip right here on the FarmCoast. Macombers were “discovered” in Westport in 1876 when two young farmers crossbred radishes and rutabagas resulting in a delightfully sweet new veggie. Macombers are in season and a wonderful alternative to mashed potatoes.

To learn more about what the area has to offer pick up our map, available at business along the FC, or downloadable here. It might take a a few visits to familiarize with the names of villages, and business, but it will only take a minute to fall in love with the enchanting New England destination known as the FarmCoast.