Who doesn't want fresh, local tomatoes, peaches, berries and more? While you may see a roadside farm stand here and there, they aren't easy to find and require some exploring. Here are some options you may want to check out, including a new food exchange, CAFE. (Note: all of these options are posted permanently on Vineyards Connections under "Beyond the Gates" > "Local Attractions".) This list is not comprehensive; if you find a farm you want to add, please submit it via Contact Us.
Serving Pickens, Anderson & Oconee Counties
This new non-profit is focused on helping small, local farmers survive and get their produce to consumers. How It Works:
1. The weekly order period begins each Friday at 9 pm.
2. Customers may place orders throughout the weekend until online ordering closes on Monday at noon.
3. Orders will be assembled and ready for pickup on Tuesday at one of five locations.
Annual Fee: There is an annual fee of $20 per household for one calendar year. You may try the service for 2 orders before officially becoming members. The membership fee helps to offset the non-profit's overhead costs.
Food Prices: Growers set their own prices
Payment: Payment is done online via credit or debit card; OR at pickup time with cash, check, credit or debit card. They prefer credit or debit card.
FARMERS MARKETS
Here are several local Farmer's Markets:
Pickens Doodle Market
On select dates in June, July, August and September visit the Pickens Doodle Market at 219 Pendleton St. and purchase farm fresh goods like eggs and vegetables. Check
www.cityofpickens.com under Events for dates.
Clemson at Patrick Square
Every Thursday afternoon from May through September from 3-6 pm. The market will be closed on July 4th.
Easely at Downtown Easley
Every Saturday morning from 8 am to 12 pm.
Greenville at Downtown Main Street
Every Saturday morning from the beginning of May until the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville's Main Street are transformed into a bustling farmer's market with over 75 vendors.
Pickens Flea Market at 1427 Walhalla Hwy
Every Wednesday from 4 am (!) to 2 pm. Boasts the largest continuous shed - 1/4 mile - that wraps around the field of tables. Everything from fish, to vegetables to treasures!
Traveler's Rest at Trailblazer Park
Every Saturday morning from 8:30 am to 12 pm.
U-PICK FARMS and ORCHARDS
(This is not a comprehensive list; if you have a farm you have visited and want to add, please use Contact Us to send us the details.
Beechwood Farm
204 Bates Bridge Rd.
Marietta, SC (near Travelers Rest)
Strawberries in raised beds. Vegetables
Eastatoe Community Farm
413 Eastatoee Community Road
(Just past the Twin Falls Road)
Sunset, SC 29685
Sam Whigham, Farm Manager
sam@eastatoeecommunityfarm.com
Greenbrier Farm
Sustainable, organic farm in Easley. Has a CSA program.
766 Hester Store Rd.
Easley, SC
Blueberries, Blackberries, Grapes, Figs, Muscadines, Persimmons
510 Gap Hill Rd
Six Mile, SC
(Hwy 183, West of Hwy 133)
Happy Cow Creamery
Fresh Whole Milk, Buttermilk, Chocolate Milk, Strawberry Milk and other items
332 McKelvey Road
Pelzer, SC
Hunter Farms
Strawberries and strawberry plugs for planting
607 Jameson Road (just off Hwy183)
Easley, SC
Mushroom Mountain
200 Finley Road
Easley, SC
Split Creek Goat Dairy
Goat Milk, Cheese and Yogurt
3806 Centerville Road
Anderson, SC
Skytop Orchards
Apples
Sky Top Orchard is located above Flat Rock, NC on Pinnacle Mountain Road. Pinnacle Mountain Road is easily accessible from U.S. 225. Just watch for our big yellow Sky Top Orchard signs.
Take Hwy 25 N to Exit 5. At the bottom of the exit, turn left. You will be on 225N. Go 1 1/2 mile and be on the lookout for bright yellow Sky Top signs. Turn left onto Pinnacle Mountain Rd and proceed up the mountain. Follow signs 1 mile to the orchard.
The Cliffs Farm (Cliffs Club Members)
550 Beaver Dam Rd.
Marietta, SC
east of Pumpkintown). Liberia was settled at the end of the Civil War by 400-600 Freedmen who had been enslaved in Pickens and Oconee counties. In 1899, a church was constructed upon a small Soapstone mine from which the local Cherokee would fashion various vessels. Unfortunately, this structure was torched by the KKK in 1966 and replaced by the current building. Nearby the church is a one room schoolhouse and cemetery. Due to the dwindling number of Liberia residents, religious services are no longer held in the church. In 2018, Clemson Professor Coggeshall and Liberia matriarch: Mable Owens Clarke(who is a descendent of the original settlers) published the book: Liberia, South Carolina- An African American Appalachian Community. All book proceeds are dedicated to the Liberia community.