Taking a trip off the beaten path is always fun, but even more so when you discover something unique and unexpected. Travel to the tiny village of Usquepaug and you can see an incredible Rhode Island grist mill that has been around for over three centuries. It’s one of the oldest businesses in the Ocean State that is still operating and you’ll want to check it out.
Kenyon's Grist Mill located on the Queen's River in Usquepaug. It is the second oldest continuously operating business in Rhode Island and the oldest manufacturing business in the state.
Originally this Rhode Island grist mill would grind grain for local farmers, but in the early 1900s, the owners began to package and sell their own products.
The Kenyon Johnny Cake Meal was the first and most popular product. Today the Kenyon Grist Mill also makes pancake mix, clam cake mix, muffin mix and more.
They still use the same method of stone grinding their grains as they did in the beginning. The huge grinding stones keep the integrity of the grains intact and produce a high quality texture.
In years past, the grist mill had hosted a Johnny Cake Festival that drew hundreds of visitors. The Johnny Cake Festival is on hold for the time being. Now the mill hosts several open houses each season where visitors can tour the historic mill.
You may have seen Kenyon's Grist Mill featured on TV in shows hosted by Martha Stewart and Andrew Zimmern. To see these episodes and to learn more about the mill including hours, dates of open houses, and tours, visit their website.
Have you ever been to visit this historic Rhode Island grist mill? Did you know how truly old it was? Let us know about your visit in the comments section below.
