A Brew-ti-ful Day In The Village

Chepachet, in my humble opinion, doesn’t get enough love online.

If you’re someone who lives to browse antique shops for forgotten gems, the part of Putnam Pike where Brown & Hopkins Country Store is situated has several great ones.

Speaking of Brown & Hopkins, which dates all the way back to 1809 (the village itself was established in 1639 !!!) and has the distinction of being one of the oldest stores of its kind in the entire US of A, their eclectic and ginormous selection of seasonal decor (plenty of adorable Easter stuff), sweets, home goods, gift-y items, self care, and more lends itself to a delightful hour or two of exploring.

And don’t even get me started about The Hen House up the road! They are a bright and cheery 21st century spin on a LOCAL mercantile, carrying fresh eggs, breads, spices, honey, candy, and a whole lot more. The refurbished old house turned lovely marketplace is a nice compliment to B&H.

But supposing you’re there and you find yourself with a hankering for a nosh?

Or you just need a hot java and a homemade muffin break.

Well, as long as it’s before 2pm on any given day (psa, they are open 7 days), you’ll want to pop over to the VIllage Bean Cafe around the corner on Money Hill Road.

This popular meet up spot in Northwestern Rhode Island has villagers and visitors alike coming back again and again for their generously sized mugs of coffee, freshly baked muffins and other treats, and brekkie classics.

In addition, they roll out a brand-y new menu of seasonal specials every single month. (Got my eye on their Pistachio Stuffed French Toast for March.)

I’m talking peak Rhody diner vibes! (The Beacon Diner may have closed recently , but glad to hear that Clementine’s Ice Cream is taking over that space. Can’t wait to see what they do with it. It’s going to become an essential stop after a beach day in Gansett, amirite?)

And the fanastic exterior that reminds me of somewhere you might have stumbled on in the town of Twin Peaks (where are my early 90’s tv and Kyle MacLachlan fans?) makes the perfect backdrop for your next IG Story or REEL.

Find The Village Bean at 15 Money Hill Road in Chepachet.

As always if you take a Rhode trip over after reading this, please do let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.