Salisbury Farm - A Rhode Island Family's Farm Story
Salisbury Farm, a place many people know and love in Johnston, Rhode Island, truly feels like a special spot where history and good times come together. This family-owned farm has been around for a very long time, offering a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. It's a place that has seen many seasons pass, and it continues to be a favorite gathering spot for folks looking to spend some quality moments outside. You know, it's just one of those places that feels right, like a comfortable old sweater.
When you stop by, you'll discover there's quite a bit to experience here, from picking your own fresh produce right off the plant to getting wonderfully lost in a corn maze that is, in a way, a bit of a local legend. The farm store, too, offers a selection of items that are grown right there, giving you a chance to take a piece of the farm's goodness home with you. It’s a spot where you can, as a matter of fact, really connect with where your food comes from and just enjoy being outdoors with the people you care about.
This farm, with its deep roots and varied offerings, is more than just a place where crops grow; it's a community hub that has, over the years, created countless memories for families and friends. From the very early days, supplying hay for a stagecoach line, to becoming a beloved spot for seasonal fun, Salisbury Farm has, basically, always been about connecting people with the land and with each other. It's a spot that, quite naturally, brings a smile to many faces.
Table of Contents
- The Heart of Salisbury Farm
- What Can You Do at Salisbury Farm?
- A Look Back - Salisbury Farm's Story
- Where is Salisbury Farm Located?
- Is Salisbury Farm Just for Kids?
- What About the Animals at Salisbury Farm?
The Heart of Salisbury Farm
At the center of Salisbury Farm, you'll find a place where fresh items are readily available. Our farm store and the stand outside are, in a way, a hub for the good things that grow right here on the land. Throughout the warmer months of summer and as the leaves begin to change color in the fall, we offer a selection of fruits and vegetables that have just been picked. This includes, of course, a particular type of sweet corn that many people talk about, a kind that has become quite well-known among our regular visitors. It's a taste that, for many, signals the true arrival of summer days.
When the fall season arrives, there's a different kind of offering that people often look for. We provide corn stalks, which are, you know, a popular item for decorating homes and yards during that time of year. These stalks come straight from the fields, giving your autumn displays a genuine, farm-grown feel. So, whether it's for eating or for decorating, Salisbury Farm aims to provide things that connect you with the changing seasons and the bounty of the earth.
The farm itself has a considerable presence, spreading out over a good amount of land. We have 55 acres, which is, in some respects, quite a bit of space, located right where Plainfield Pike meets Pippin Orchard Road. This expansive area allows us to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. These items are then sold directly to you at the farm itself, or they make their way to local farmers markets, giving more people a chance to enjoy what we produce. We also provide larger amounts to our commercial customers, ensuring our produce reaches a wider audience. It's a way of sharing the harvest, really.
What Can You Do at Salisbury Farm?
Salisbury Farm is, in essence, a place brimming with things to do, especially if you enjoy being outdoors and connecting with where your food comes from. There's a wide array of activities and services that are, you know, set up to help everyone have a really good time. From the moment you arrive, you'll find opportunities to get involved and make some lasting memories. It’s a spot where the focus is on participation and enjoyment for people of all ages, ensuring that, basically, there’s something for everyone to take part in.
One of the things that makes Salisbury Farm a unique place is the chance to gather your own produce. This activity is, arguably, a real highlight for many visitors, offering a hands-on experience that you don't always get elsewhere. It's a chance to see the plants where your food grows and to pick it yourself, which can be a very satisfying feeling. You can, for instance, spend time out in the fields, selecting the freshest items to bring home. It’s an activity that, quite literally, puts you in touch with the land and the process of growing food.
Picking Your Own Goodness at Salisbury Farm
When you visit Salisbury Farm, you get the chance to pick a variety of fresh items right from the plant. This is, you know, a very popular activity for families and individuals alike. You can choose from a selection of fruits and vegetables, depending on what's in season and ready for harvest. It's a simple pleasure that, for many, brings back fond memories or creates new ones. We offer the opportunity to pick items that are just perfect for your kitchen table.
Here are some of the things you might be able to gather yourself when you come to Salisbury Farm:
- Strawberries: These are, of course, a springtime favorite, offering a sweet taste that many look forward to each year.
- Peas (snap): You can pick these directly from their pods, and they are, basically, a really fresh snack.
- Raspberries: These little berries are, in a way, a summer delight, perfect for eating right away or for making into something special.
- Pumpkins: As fall approaches, the fields are filled with pumpkins, ready for you to choose for decorating or for making pies.
- Tomatoes: These garden staples are, you know, wonderful when picked fresh, bringing a burst of flavor to your meals.
So, there's quite a selection, and the experience of gathering your own food is, in fact, something many people truly enjoy. It’s a way to connect with your food in a very direct and satisfying manner, ensuring that what you take home is as fresh as it can possibly be. This activity is, in some respects, a highlight of a visit to Salisbury Farm, giving you a chance to truly experience the bounty of the land.
Getting Lost in the Salisbury Farm Corn Maze
Salisbury Farm is, as a matter of fact, home to a very special attraction that draws people from all over: New England's first corn maze. This maze is, you know, quite a challenge, designed to help thousands of people get wonderfully disoriented each year. It's a place where you can test your memory, work together with others, and really use your sense of direction to find your way out. Since 1998, this corn maze has been providing a fun and engaging experience for countless visitors.
The corn maze at Salisbury Farm is, basically, quite large, stretching over about five acres of corn. Within this area, there are more than a mile of paths, creating a truly intricate design that keeps you guessing. It's not just a simple walk; it's a real puzzle that encourages teamwork and problem-solving. The unique, homemade designs and themes that are focused on families keep people coming back year after year, eager to try and conquer the maze once again. Last year, thousands of people entered the maze, and, thankfully, most of them did find their way out.
We are, of course, always thinking ahead, and we encourage you to stay tuned for news about our 2025 corn maze. Each year brings a new design and a fresh challenge, so there's always something new to look forward to. The corn maze is, in a way, a central part of the fall experience at Salisbury Farm, offering a memorable adventure for everyone who steps inside. It’s a tradition that, for many, marks the arrival of the autumn season and the fun that comes with it.
A Look Back - Salisbury Farm's Story
Salisbury Farm has, basically, a long and interesting history, stretching back to the 1800s. It's a place that has been continuously owned and operated by five different generations of the Salisbury family, which is, you know, quite a remarkable thing. This long family connection means that the farm has a deep sense of tradition and a story that spans many decades. It's a testament to the dedication of the family to their land and their way of life.
In its very early days, Salisbury Farm played a different role in the community. It supplied hay for a stagecoach line that was, in fact, located nearby. This shows how integral the farm was to the local transportation and economy of the time. The farm was, at that point, a key supplier for that stagecoach stop, providing essential resources for travel and commerce. This early history really highlights the farm's long-standing connection to the area and its changing needs over the years.
After Squire Williams, his son George took over the running of the farm. Then, somewhere between George Salisbury and Leroy Salisbury, the farm made a significant shift. It became a full-time dairy farm, focusing on milk production. This change in operations shows how farms adapt to the times and the demands of the market. Salisbury Farm continued as a dairy farm for many years, right up until the mid-1970s. At that point, Roger Salisbury handed over the operations, marking another transition in the farm's long life. It's a story of evolution, really, showing how the farm has changed and grown with each passing generation.
The farm still has some very old structures that tell part of its story. There's a rural farmland setting with a lovely barn that dates back to the mid-18th century. This old barn is, you know, a beautiful piece of history standing right there on the property, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. It adds to the overall charm and character of Salisbury Farm, reminding everyone of the many years it has been a part of the Rhode Island landscape. It’s a place where, as a matter of fact, you can feel the history all around you.
Where is Salisbury Farm Located?
Salisbury Farm is, of course, located in Johnston, Rhode Island, a place that many folks in the area are quite familiar with. Our 55-acre farm sits right at the point where Plainfield Pike and Pippin Orchard Road meet. This intersection makes it, you know, a relatively easy place to find for those who are looking to visit. It’s a spot that, for many, is a well-known landmark in the local community, a place that people often drive by or intentionally seek out.
If you're planning to visit and you're using a GPS device to help you get here, we have a little tip that can make your trip smoother. It's a good idea to include the zip code, which is 02919, when you put our address into your device. Our full address is 11 Peck Hill Road, Johnston, Rhode Island 02919. Adding that zip code helps to make sure that your navigation system routes you properly, avoiding any potential confusion or detours. So, it's just a little thing that can help you get right to our doorstep without any fuss, making your arrival, you know, quite straightforward.
Is Salisbury Farm Just for Kids?
While Salisbury Farm certainly has a lot that appeals to younger visitors, it's, basically, a place for everyone, regardless of their age. We make sure that all of our farm activities are open for supervised children and adults of all ages to participate in. This means that whether you're a little one just starting to explore the world or an adult looking for a fun day out, there's something here for you to enjoy. It's a place where, you know, families can truly connect and share experiences together.
The wide variety of activities and services we offer are, in a way, set up to make it easy for everyone to have a great time. For example, picking your own fruits and vegetables is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all generations. The corn maze, too, while a challenge, is something that groups of all ages can tackle together, working as a team to find their way through. So, it's not just a spot for the little ones; it's a place where, in some respects, everyone can find something to smile about and make lasting memories.
We also offer opportunities for groups to come and enjoy the farm. You can, for instance, call us to set up hayrides, which are a classic farm experience that many people enjoy. We also welcome school trips, providing an educational and fun outing for students. Clubs and corporate events can also be scheduled, offering a unique setting for group gatherings. This shows that Salisbury Farm is, you know, quite versatile in what it offers, catering to a wide range of visitors and occasions, ensuring that there’s always a good reason to come and spend some time here.
What About the Animals at Salisbury Farm?
When you visit Salisbury Farm, it's important to know about our policy regarding animals. We allow only service dogs on the farm. This is, you know, a rule we have in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all our visitors and to maintain the farm environment. We appreciate your cooperation and your understanding in this matter, as it helps us keep things running smoothly for everyone who comes to spend time here. It's a way of making sure that, basically, our farm remains a welcoming and safe place for all our guests.
Now, while Salisbury Farm itself focuses on produce and maze activities, there is another farm nearby, River Bourne Community Farm, which is a working farm that welcomes visitors to see animals. This farm is, in fact, open all year round and it's free to enter, making it a very accessible place for anyone interested in farm animals. It's a really good chance to see a working farm up close and to get near to the farm's creatures. You can see pigs, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, goats, and a selection of poultry and smaller animals like guinea pigs and rabbits. So, if seeing farm animals is something you're keen on, that's another spot to consider visiting in the area, offering a different kind of farm experience.
Salisbury Farm
Salisbury Farm | Johnston RI
Activities – Salisbury Farm
