Confreda Farm…Serving Rhode Island Since 1922!

As one rides down Route 12, running east to west across the center of our fair state, the vistas change rapidly: from the historical, yet put-together, village of Edgewood, past bustling Cranston East and Rolfe Square, past the Italian markets, bakeries, and finally, past rare, for RI, panoramic views of open, plowed fields as you enter the area known as Hope. Hope is the western part of Cranston, edging into West Warwick and Coventry, and it is here where you will find the state’s largest farms and growing concerns. Confreda Farm is one of the state’s largest and oldest, in business since 1922, and cultivating over 400 acres on two plots, one here in Hope, and one in Warwick. The farm is managed by the third and fourth generations of Confreda family farmers, both named Vinny, and they are so committed to providing a family farm experience for their customers that they publish the Confreda Commitment, which states that they will work seven days in the fields to make sure their customers get the best of the best in fresh produce, healthy plants, and great local gardening products. Offering educational and fun activities for kids, expert growing advice, and a dedication to nutritional education, the Confreda family work hard to ensure that visitors get the family farm feeling, every time. At the roadside stand, visitors can find a full garden center, with tools, soil amendments, and more than 400 varieties of bedding plants; and a full farm stand, with fresh veggies, coffee and bakery goods, prepared foods, pies, honey, and party platters. Their sandwich special, $5.99 for a delicious sub with soda and chips, is a great bargain, and one can really enjoy it at the outdoor cafe tables. Confreda also offers soil testing, and they are happy to share their knowledge with budding gardeners. Riding west down Route 12, from Edgewood, on the Narragansett Bay, to the wide open spaces of Hope is a great way to see the variety our state has to offer, and a visit to Confreda Farm at the end is an excellent idea, as you will be supporting a family farm that is truly committed to their customers.

Confreda Farms, 2150 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, phone 827-5000, http://confredas.com.

Open 7 days, Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat and Sun 9-5.