If you’re passionate about nature, deeply enjoy the environment around you, and linger in the warmth of smalltown hospitality, you’ll find amazing things to do in Little Compton, Rhode Island. You can start with the history of Little Compton which showcases how the culture here thrived on their love for the environment and the smalltown lifestyle. You can also opt to weave your way into the gardens and restaurants. There are also nature trails and walks that present the local flora and fauna. A good way to cap your day or to start this is to head on over to the beach for a morning or late afternoon picnic. Read on to learn about the things to do in Little Compton, Rhode Island, and have a grand time choosing what you’d like to have in store for you.
1. Hike the nature lover's Dundery Brook Trail
Dundery Brook Trail is a great way to start your journey exploring Little Compton. You’ll be greeted by the beautiful flora and fauna that are thriving at Rhode Island. This is a 1.7-mile/2.74-km hike that’s well maintained and very friendly even for first-time hikers. Wheelchairs can also be accommodated in this path to enjoy the scenery. You’ll be surrounded by wildflowers and trees. Amidst this greenery, you might be bumping into deer, turkey and a plethora of different bird species. They thrive in the area of Dundery Brook. There’s also a 0.6-mile/0.96-km long boardwalk that weaves through the forested wetland. At the end of this boardwalk, you’ll be greeted by the Bumble Bee Pond. You’ll be able to rest on benches here while relishing the wonderful wildlife around you.
Dundery Brook Trail
Address: 29 Meetinghouse Ln, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA
Website: Dundery Brook Trail
2. Take a trip back in time at Wilbor House
Little Compton takes pride in its rich history and a perfect example of this is Wilbor House. This is now a museum complex featuring the Wilbor Family Home built back in 1690. Settings for how life was at this era are restored and set here for everyone to be able to see and appreciate. Among the attractions are an 18th-century and 19th-century barn. You can also find here Peaked Top School, a carriage house and a fine collection of antique carriages. Top that with a corn crib, a cookhouse, a Peggotty — this is a one-of-a-kind thatched-roof artist’s studio, a privy and a herb garden.
Wilbor House
Address: 548 W Main Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA
Website: Wilbor House
3. Pick your own fresh harvest at the Young Family Farm
Summertime at The Stand ©Marianne G Lee
Posted by Young Family Farm on Thursday, 16 May 2019
Good old family fun at the farm is the basic theme for tours at the Young Family Farm. A day at the Young Family Farm will be a treasure of good memories. The folks here take absolute delight in seeing visitors inspired by how a freshly picked apple can be an enriching experience. They also offer seasonal festivals that showcase current produce for harvest. There are also relaxing hayrides that will bring a welcome escape from the usual pace of life. Young Family Farm also has its own shop, The Farm Stand, where you can bring home freshly picked flowers arranged into a lovely bouquet. Get a taste of the idyllic farm life here, where the corn, potatoes and the other produce you’ve picked right from the plant is a new discovery on its own.
Young Family Farm
Address: 260 W Main Rd.,Little Compton, RI 02837
Website: Young Family Farm
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
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4. Savor excellent wine at Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard
Fine wine from grapes grown locally will greet you at your visit to Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. This was established in 1975 and has been winning awards recognizing its fine array of products. The ideal environment surrounding the vineyard influences how their harvest and their wine ages beautifully. There are also special events that span from musical and artistic performances, along with classes in wine tasting. Book ahead to make your visit even more delightful.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard
Address: 162 W Main Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837
Website: Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
5. Take a stroll in Little Compton Historic District
The Little Compton Historic District is a pleasant walk through the past. You will see distinct architectural designs that feature Greek Revival and Victorian buildings. There is also a Congregational church. Another feature is the town common – only one of two remaining on Rhode Island. The common reflects how the Little Common community shared ownership of large areas. Taking time to see the large colonial cemetery reflect how the veterans of the American Revolution passed on their legacy to Rhode Island. This has been among the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Little Compton Historic District
Address: Little Compton, Rhode Island
6. Admire the Rhode Island Red Chicken Monument
Folks at Little Compton have a passion for their famous Red Chicken produce. This was one of the pillars that helped build the city and its current state. Much pride can be seen in the monument of Rhode Island Red Chicken. This is to commemorate what would be the catalyst of progress in becoming one of the first large scale poultry businesses around. Rhode Island Red chicken was bred locally and the monument has also been part of the National Register of Historic Places since 2001.
Rhode Island Red Chicken Monument
Address: Village of Adamsville, Little Compton, Rhode Island
Website: Rhode Island Red Chicken Monument
7. Walk in the past at Little Compton Commons
Short of being able to have a real chance to travel through time, visiting Little Compton Commons is to experience how the first folks established the area. You will be able to walk through streets that the common area has managed to retain as the center of activity. Established in 1677, structures remain standing. The church, cemetery, and shops that dot the area represent the design of the era.
Little Compton Commons
Address: Meetinghouse Lane, Little Compton, RI
8. Learn about herbs and flowers at Peckham's Greenhouse
Before the guests arrive for dinner :)
Posted by Peckham's Greenhouse on Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Peckham’s Greenhouse is a gardener’s paradise. There is various local flora that brings delight to an enthusiast, from beginner to professional landscape artist. Peckham’s Greenhouse offers seeds, seedlings of popular herbs, flowers, as well as rare ones that can be added to a collection. This place has been around since 1866 and it is a witness to Little Compton’s evolution as well as a source for plants to keep the area lush and beautiful year-round.
Peckham's Greenhouse
Address: 200 West Main Road, Little Compton, RI, 02837
Website: Peckham’s Greenhouse
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Explore the colorful history of Little Compton at Little Compton Historical Society
The perfect guide on how to truly explore every nook and cranny of Little Compton is Little Compton Historical Society. They will be able to help you get a good route to popular tourist spots. You can also opt to hike, bike or be in a group tour enjoying the lush environment of Little Compton. There is much to see and Little Compton Historical Society welcomes all queries.
Little Compton Historical Society
Address: 548 West Main Road (Route 77), Little Compton, RI 02837
Website: Little Compton Historical Society
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)
10. Chill out at South Shore Beach
South Shore Beach is Little Compton’s public beach. You can go here and the folks have made sure that there is a lifeguard nearby as well as portable toilets for convenience. It’s a great adventure to be at South Shore Beach. You can also opt to simply bask in the sun and enjoy the waves while having a picnic with friends and family. This can also be a welcome respite after a hectic day of traveling.
South Shore Beach
Address: 125 S Shore Rd, Little Compton, RI
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Discover excellent cuisines at Crowther's Restaurant
Choosing the place to get a taste of local food specialties can be tricky but you’ll never be disappointed when you go to Crowther’s Restaurant. The folks here take pride in keeping their smalltown warmth and you’ll feel this as soon as they greet you when you enter the premises. They have been giving out good food at Little Compton for more than 30 years. This is truly a favorite hangout of the locals. They only use homegrown ingredients and the freshest catch from the sea. Nicknamed, “The Crow”, you’ll get the trademark Little Compton experience at its best.
Crowther's Restaurant
Address: 90 Pottersville Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837
Website: Crowther’s Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 12am
Price: 12 - 22 USD
12. Marvel at the sculpted beauty of Sakonnet Garden
Posted by Sakonnet Garden on Saturday, 7 May 2016
The art of landscaping and the passion to share this is what makes Sakonnet Garden thrive. Even if this is private property, the owners have decided to open it up to the public when it is at its peak as the seasons change. You can freely roam and be in awe of how landscaping and the thoughtful composition of local flora can create such a beautiful environment. They offer garden tours, shops whose traders are fellow landscape artists, and they will gladly share tips on how to landscape and make your plants stay as lush. It’s best to contact them ahead of time.
Sakonnet Garden
Address: 510 W Main Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837, United States
Website: Sakonnet Garden
Price: 20 USD
13. Gather for some camping fun at Wilbour Woods
Lush greenery, excellent trails, and intricate paths can be found at Wilbour Woods. The vast 85.5 acres/34.6 hectares of forest is also dotted by perfect clearings for a picnic as well as a variety of other activities. Wilbour Woods folks also allow dogs into the property and you can have cookouts as well. This destination is also considered a great place for birdwatching, photography and the like. Dundery Brook also weaves through the property making it an ideal place to fish in the summer or skate in the winter.
Wilbour Woods
Address: 100 Swamp Rd, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA
Website: Wilbour Woods
Opening hours: 5:30am - 6pm (daily)
14. Have a game of golf at Sakonnet Golf Course
Posted by Sakonnet Golf Club on Thursday, 12 June 2014
You will be impressed by the breathtaking design of the entire compound at Sakonnet Golf Course. This features a highly commended field where beginners and professionals in the game of golf never get tired of. It is surrounded by local flora which thrives in the area. It’s best to make sure to plan ahead and register as a guest at Sakonnet Golf Course. This will ensure that you’ll have a grand time spending a day of golfing at Rhode Island.
Sakonnet Golf Course
Address: 79 Sakonnet Point Road, Little Compton, RI 02837
Website: Sakonnet Golf Course
15. Take in the amazing view at Benjamin Family Environmental Center
The Benjamin Family Environmental Center is located near the Goosewing Beach, a vast nature reserve which also showcases the local flora and fauna. This is a good spot to visit last as it offers travelers a magnificent view of the barrier beach, dune, coastal salt pond, and historic meadowland. It’s best to plan ahead to make sure that you can also take part in events like exhibits and walking tours that will offer a refreshing take on Little Compton, especially during the summer season.
Benjamin Family Environmental Center
Address: End of South Shore Beach Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837
Website: Benjamin Family Environmental Center
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 15 - 20 USD
16. Take a refreshing swim at Briggs Beach Inc
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re planning to just have a quiet day at the beach, basking in the sun, taking a dive into the waves, and simply looking for interesting souvenirs in the sand, Briggs Beach is the perfect spot. This is a small private beach along the shoreline of Briggs Marsh in Little Compton. There is a small staff that will help you learn how to swim should you wish to have this in the shallow depth of Briggs Beach. It’s a welcome break between days exploring Rhode Island.
Briggs Beach Inc
Address: 100 Shaw Rd.,Little Compton, Rhode Island 02837
Website: Briggs Beach Inc
Wonderful things to do in Little Compton
Little Compton showcases its rich history and a passion for the environment in all the activities listes here. There are options to take the tour at a slow, meaningful pace by exploring the parks, hidden nooks, and most of all the farms and gardens that abound in the area. The activities encourage beautiful experiences by enjoying the simple things in life. Your family and friends will find it a respite from the usual pace. Little Compton can also be a retreat for oneself to re-energize and reflect on what life has to offer.
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