Nestled past the Fantastic Umbrella Factory gardens, attached to the Small Axe shop is the best kept secret, Small Axe Cafe. After a slow winter opening, we are experiencing the fast paced days of summer filled with hungry shoppers and beach goers. While the property was up for sale last year, partners Gino Turano and Mark Pendola worked hard growing their own produce for market and preservation w
hich also included a 15 member CSA where locals buy a share of the harvest each week until the season lasts. Towards the end of the season Dave Turano, father of Gino and also partners in the ownership of Small Axe Productions both in Charlestown and Watch Hill, got the ball rolling by discussing buying the Umbrella Factory property with many ideas leading to opening the cafe (knowing Mark's culinary skills and Gino's gardening skills) while still using the farm property in Stonington to supply many ingredients on the menu. After new ownership, the land is revitalized, the animals happy, and there is a strong sense of community and family. There is still so much opportunity we cannot pass up for the near future!!! Come down and grab a fresh bite to eat before or after shopping or beach-going and take a stroll through the garden paths leading you to fun funky shops like the General Store, Cheap Frills, Small Axe, Axiom,and check The Sacred Arts Center. Don't forget to say hello to the animals while getting a henna tattoo or hair wrap and follow the aromatic smells to the extraordinary Umbrella Factory Greenhouses and Gardens!
