Coastal Rhode Island

One of my favorite day trips is to coastal Rhode Island through the villages of Tiverton Four Corners and Little Compton.   Not too far from Boston, yet it seems to be worlds away with a peaceful, natural vibe of the late 19th century with just enough sophistication that you feel inspired, but not so much that you have to think about what to wear before you hop in the car.  This is truly bucolic defined replete with stone walls,  cedar shingled cottages and open fields with sweeping views of the Sakonnet River linking to the Atlantic.

Stopping along the way at Tiverton Four Corners,  I always pop into The Cottage at Four Corners, Nancy Hemenway’s home furnishings shop with the perfect mix of linen slipcovered sofas,  Iittala glass, John Derian accessories, baskets, books and more.  I have found some of the best pieces here as it is hard to resist her impecable merchandising that successfully makes you want to take home essentially everything in the store.  From there, I swing into Milk and Honey Bazaar, a fantastic cheese shop where I can indulge and pack a little snack for the next destination,  Sakonnet Vineyards.  A long winding pea stone drive brings you to the winery where you can linger in the tasting room, pick up some very good local wine and take in the vineyard.  I could spend the rest of my life at this very spot resting on a stone wall with my cheese,  some bread, a nice dry white and the lush grapevines.   But, “don’t taste too much”, I always tell myself, as there is more to do and still be able to drive home.

Going southwards, the next stretch winds through the quintessential village of Little Compton.  The houses are so simple,  refined and rugged all in one take with rambling roses, understated tennis courts sprinkled here and there, and driveway after driveway covered in my favorite of all coverings-clamshells ending up at Sakonnet Point,  still a busy commercial fishing hub.  Just as the road turns to the point is  Stone House a new hotel and dining experience that offers luxury accommodation in an exquisite setting.  Put this on your “I must stay there” list.

For that matter, put the whole trip down RI route 77 on your list.