In the middle of New England fall, there’s nothing better than heading to a local farm and picking up fresh apples, pumpkins and warm baked goods.
However, Rhode Island is not only home to various good farms to visit, but also various historical farms. In fact, the state’s oldest farm is older than the country itself. Established in the 1750s, Bittersweet Farm Estate is almost 300 years old.
Here’s a brief history of the oldest farm in Rhode Island.
History of Bittersweet Farm Estate
According to the farm’s website, Bittersweet Farm was originally founded in 1752 as Eldredge Farm, named after its owner Mrs. Lucius Eldredge and her family. The property continued to operate as a farm until the 1930s, when the land was donated to serve as a preschool facility for Rocky Hill Day School.
In 2007, Bittersweet Farm was purchased by the Shatkin family, who have carefully renovated the farm back to its previous glory. Today, the Bittersweet Farm Estate is used as a wedding and event venue, offering arts and crafts, high tea, picnics, a farm camp for children and more.
The estate is a private residence, and visits are by appointment or event only. Bittersweet Farm is located at 923 Division Road in East Greenwich.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What is the oldest farm in Rhode Island? It’s older than the country
