Southern Rhode Island has a robust agricultural scene, with many small vegetable, aquaculture, and animal farms surrounding Newport. In turn, Newport has a booming restaurant scene with many farm-to-table menus offering creative preparations of the area's plentiful local produce. At Lark Hotels, we aim to help our guests of our boutique Newport hotel get a sense of the place they're visiting, and we think trips to the farm and farmers' markets do just that. Farm stands are also a great place to pick up some fresh snacks for beach picnics or locally-made gifts and mementos. In Newport, the city's farmers' market brings farmers from the surrounding area in weekly, and the farm stand at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, a short drive from downtown Newport, is open daily for shopping and pick-your-own fruit. Check out these Newport farmers' markets where you can experience local food at its finest.
On Wednesdays throughout the spring, summer and fall, over 25 farmers and vendors set up their tables on Memorial Boulevard with a huge display of local food. Vegetable farmers bring the freshest and ripest Rhode Island-grown tomatoes, berries, and corn throughout the season, while vendors like The Coffee Guy and Tallulah's Tacos serve up prepared food and drinks. Find the Newport farmers' market from 2-6 p.m. every Wednesday.
A 15-minute drive from downtown Newport in neighboring Middletown, Sweet Berry Farm has everything you need for an afternoon of local food and fun. This family-run farm has 80 acres of fruit, vegetable, and Christmas tree fields with pick-your-own fruit (berries and apples) available in summer and fall. The farm stand has a market and a café serving a full menu of breakfast and lunch. You can even catch free live music Tuesday evenings in July and August with a themed dinner menu prepared in the café.