Big Beauty in Little Compton, RI
Our day trip to the farmcoast town of Little Compton, RI was a picture perfect mix of forest, farmland and ocean. We began the day walking the 2.3 mile Farmsite Simmons Pond Loop located in the Simmons Mill Pond Management nature preserve. This very easy trail was mostly wooded and led to a tranquil pond and brook crossing.
Along the way there were handmade wooden signs that pointed out various plants and trees, as well as provided interesting information about the wildlife history in the area. This is a SUPER dog friendly trail-they actually provided dog poop paddles all along the way in an effort to keep the trail clean!
With the windows rolled down on this beautiful Fall day, we headed south after hiking and could not get over how incredibly peaceful and rural this town was…miles of rolling green farmland lined with beautifully imperfect stone walls.
We happened to drive by Young Family Farm so of course we stopped to browse! The farm has pick your own apples in addition to a farmstand, where we found colorful produce, gourds and pumpkins as well as fresh breads, pastries and assorted flower bouquets. After picking up a pumpkin and some apples, bread and cheese for our picnic, we were on our way! TIP: Walker’s Roadside Stand is across the street…we’ll check that out next time.
Any trip to Little Compton should include a quick stop to the historic district where we found landmarks like the Old Commons Burial Ground with graves for American Revolutionary War veterans and the United Congregational Church (built in 1832) with its impressive photo worthy steeple.
The triangular commons area is also home to Wilbur’s General Store-I just love a local general store! Wilbur’s has been in the area for over 100 years and is chock full of specialty foods, fresh meat and sandwiches as well as books, toys, hardware and unique gifts. It looks small from the outside but you could literally spend an hour exploring all the nooks and crannies, while wandering from room to room!
TIP: If you are hungry The Commons Lunch is a local favorite that serves breakfast and lunch, including their famous Rhode Island specialty, johnnycakes, make with local cornmeal.
After picking up some goodies at Wilbur’s, we were on our way to Lloyd’s Beach. During the summer months this beach is only accessible to Little Compton residents. Since it was off season, we could park on the side of Rhode Island Road, a narrow side street leading to the beach entrance. With no crowds and sweeping ocean views, it was a wonderful place to picnic and relax for the afternoon.
Be sure to walk to the end of the beach-there is a sandbar you can walk on as the waves come up on BOTH sides…so cool!
TIP: If you want to extend your stay in Little Compton (and you are not with a dog) Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard is close by and offers wine tastings, flights and wine by the glass to enjoy on their lawn.