One of my favorite things about living in South Carolina, specifically Greenville, is the access we have to fresh and locally grown foods. These local foods are easily accessible through venues like the Travelers Rest Farmers Market.
Every Thursday in October Travelers Rest celebrates Fall with The Harvest Market and Bluegrass Festival in Trailblazers Park. The Market features over 40 local farm and product vendors, food trucks, and live Bluegrass music. Overall it's a great way to get out and enjoy the fall weather and embrace the Travelers Rest community.
Being a foodie, I decided that I couldn't miss an opportunity to experience this farmers market. The Festival only lasts for the month of October so that means only 4 Thursdays to enjoy it all- so I better not pass it up!
From the first moment I entered the market, there was a sense of energy in the air. With the Bluegrass Music echoing throughout the venue and children running around, there was an overwhelming sense of community.
I decided to go through the Market Pavillion first to see everything that the vendors had to offer. There was such a variety of items being sold, everything from organic local honey to homemade soap, collard greens to whole chickens. All of the products were all either grown, baked, or artfully crafted locally around Greenville and Travelers Rest.
After I had filled my grocery bag to the brim with fresh eggs, bread, cheese, honey, soap, a bouquet and so many other goodies I decided it was time to eat. All of that shopping local definitely caused me to work up an appetite. One of the great services that the Market offers is the "Veggie Vallet." The "Veggie Vallet" allows you to refrigerate your produce and other products while you enjoy the food trucks to ensure that they stay fresh.
A little boy and his Mom wait in line anxiously for their Automatic Tacos
Last on my market check-list was eat dinner. Every week the market offers various different food trucks with a wide variety of cuisines. Some trucks are native to Greenville while others travel all the way from Charlotte for this great fall social event. Luckily for me Automatic Taco, Dan the Pig Man, Upcountry Provisions, and The Streatery were all there to calm my rumbling tummy.
Oh and don't let me forget dessert ! I topped off my night with a homemade, hand-churned, chocolate icecream The Chillwagon!
Homemade Chocolate Icecream from The Chillwagon
Overall my little adventure to the farmers market was a great experience. I loved being able to get to know the vendors and ask them about their products and how they were made or grown. It truly was a great community event full of food, friends, family and fun, and what's better than getting to support all things local!
Credits: Photos - Phebe Huth// Video - Phebe Huth