Hidden Gems: Local Produce

Cranston's hidden gem is its agricultural bounty. And we're not talking about the shopping in . 

Cranston residents have something available to them that not many other communities enjoy: direct access to local produce and farm products, straight from the farm.

We start with Confreda Greenhouses and Farms — one of the first large vegetable farms in the state.

The Confreda family have built a small local empire from the ground up. In the 1970s, Vinny Confreda started a bedding plant business that now produces hundreds of varities of annuals, perrenials and vegetables that are sold at the Farm's garden center and garden centers across New England.

The market and garden center opened in 1997. The family said it was a way to "expand the business beyond the typical season and strife of New England farming," according to its website. 

The farm bills itself as family friendly. That's a bit of an understatement, since the farm is more of a community gathering place. The farm hosts seasonal festivals and celebrations, car shows and other events throughout the year. A sure sign Christmas is around the corner when the farm hosts its annal tree lighting ceremony with hot cider and baked goods.

At the market, fresh produce and other staples are available along with a bakery, cafe, ice cream shop and playground. The selection is robust, enough to enable you to skip entire trips to the grocery store.

Another notable Cranston farm is . 

Pippin Orchard has been in business for over 50 years. It is best known for its expansive apple orchard. Families from across the state come here for the always enjoyable pick-your-own apple experience.

The orchard's shop sells apples, baked goods, jams and jellies and apple cider. If you're like a lot of people trying to use ingredients that are more local and better for the environment, you don't need to go to a natural foods chain, where some of the local farm products come from other states. Just head to Pippin Orchard.

Other farms and agricultural centers worth checking out:

• Stamp Farms: Located on Comstock Parkway, this local farm has been growing produce for the state for more than 70 years. The Cranston location sells specialty annuals, vegetable plants, hanging plants and perrenials. More info: http://www.stampfarms.com/contact.html 
• The Good Earth: The Good Earth was opened by Joyce and John Holscher in 1995 in Hope and moved to their current location in 2001 at the corner of Pippin Orchard Road and Scituate Avenue on the site of a former dairy farm. Their mission is "to provide the gardening community with an oasis of peace and beauty." More info:http://www.goodearthorganicgardencenter.com/
• LaPerche: As small family-owned farm "where quality and freshness is key." The farm sells vegetables, flowers, herbs and blueberries when they're in season. The farm has a farmstand and can host birthday parties and other events. More info: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm.php?farm=2311#stands