Farmers Markets and Roadside Stands in Newport County

While its agrarian glory days are in the past, the farming tradition lives on in Newport County. Farming experienced a boom during America’s Gilded Age and many small farms are still scattered along Rhode Island’s lush coast.

One of the benefits of living in Rhode Island is how easy it is to access fresh, seasonal foods. Produce sold at farmer’s markets and roadside farm stands are often harvested the same day it’s sold. Locally grown foods are not only fresher, they also reflect the flavors of the local land. We put together this list of some of our favorites so you can enjoy nature’s bounty throughout the growing season and beyond. Markets and farm stands sprinkled throughout Newport County, so you never have to travel too far for farm-fresh food. (For a complete list, visit the Farm Fresh RI website.)

One last reminder: bring your grocery carriers since plastic bags are now banned in many parts of the state.

PORTSMOUTH

Decastro Farms
1780 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI
Open: April – December / Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm

This local garden center and farm stand has been serving the Portsmouth community for over 60 years. The family-owned and operated business offers a wide variety of native vegetables such as string beans, tomatoes, cabbage, summer squash, and cucumbers grown on 100+ acres of farmland. Known for their sweet corn, ears are picked daily starting in August. Locals flock here in the spring to buy seedlings for vegetable gardens, patio pots, and flower boxes.

Mello’s Farm Stand
444 Boyd’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI
Open: Mid March – December 24 / Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm

The Mello family sells fresh, local produce and flowers at their farm stand. They grow crops on 30 acres of farmland in Tiverton and Little Compton, RI. They grow sweet corn, tomatoes, green and yellow squash, leaf lettuce, raspberries, pumpkins, and more. Although not officially a certified organic farm, the family uses organic growing methods. They also practice sustainable agriculture, including soil conservation, crop rotation, and biodegradable weed control. Mello’s also offers seedlings and a wide selection of flowers and gardening supplies.

TIVERTON

Tiverton Farmers Market
Tiverton Middle School Gymnasium, 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton, RI
Open: Year-Round / Sundays, 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

This local Farmers Market launched in May of 2020 in the middle of the cozy town of Tiverton, RI. In addition to traditional items such as fresh and local produce, meats, seafood, and baked goods, you can also find vegan and vegetarian options, sauces, jams, and some prepared foods. In the two years since its opening, the market has grown to include food entrepreneurs, makers, artists, musicians, and local & non-profit organizations. Also, check their website for special Holiday Pop-up Markets held for holidays and special occasions.

JAMESTOWN

Jamestown Farmer’s Market
Jamestown Recreation Center, 41 Conanicus Blvd., Jamestown, RI
OPEN: June 20 – September 5 / Mondays, 3 – 6:30 pm

You’ll find a bounty of fruit and vegetables, flowers, and baked goods, as well as local grass-fed meats, farm-raised eggs, and more at this market overlooking Jamestown Harbor. You can also purchase art produced by local artists and artisans or try the unique beverage sold by Jahmu (like their caffeine-free Turmeric Chai). Area musicians serenade shoppers and passersby.