“From Fresh Markets to State Politics: What’s Happening in the Upstate”

Over the past few weeks I have had different guests on to talk about their local farmers market….and today I want to spend a little time on talking about other markets in the upstate…because there are many!!!…I had no idea just how many….until I did a search recently and was surprised with the results…although…I probably shouldn’t be….

Now, I know some folks might think of a farmers market as just a trendy weekend stop — maybe a few tables of vegetables and a guy playing a banjo. But what if I told you these markets are actually a cornerstone of American agriculture and small-town life?

Let’s rewind the clock.

Farmers markets have been around since colonial times. Before grocery stores, before delivery apps, before Amazon could bring you bananas at midnight — the farmers market was where you went. It wasn’t just a place to buy food; it was the community center, the bulletin board, the original social network.

In fact, one of the earliest recorded markets in America dates back to 1634 in Boston. Markets were places where the farmer could meet the townspeople face to face — no middleman, no bureaucracy, just hard work, handshake deals, and the freshest produce you could ask for.

Fast forward to today — and guess what? That tradition is still alive and well right here in the Upstate.

These markets aren’t just good for us consumers looking for peaches that weren’t picked green and shipped from California. They’re vital for the survival of small, family-run farms — the kind of folks who work sunup to sundown and still make time for church on Sunday. They don’t have million-dollar distribution networks. They have pick-up trucks and a table under a tent.

When you buy from a farmers market, you’re putting money directly in the hands of a local grower. You’re helping a family stay on their land. You’re saying “yes” to real food and “no” to corporate control over our food supply.

Now, if that’s not something worth celebrating, I don’t know what is.

So today, I want to take you on a little tour around our corner of the world and tell you where you can go this week to support these markets — where to get the best local tomatoes, strawberries, and, yes, fresh-baked pies that’ll knock your socks off.

SUBSCRIBE and listen to my podcast…Just the Truth to hear all about local Farmer’s Markets and Lt Governor Pamella Evette discuss the recently approved state budget.

Let’s start with the backbone of the Upstate…

🎯 1. Greenville State Farmers Market
📍 1354 Rutherford Rd., Greenville, SC
🕗 Monday – Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM (Year-round)

This is the big one, folks. Open six days a week, this market is packed with local produce, plants, and handcrafted goods. You’ll find folks selling everything from collards to cucumbers — and if you like a good deal, come early.

🎯 2. TD Saturday Market – Greenville
📍 Main Street & McBee Ave., Downtown Greenville
🕗 Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM | May – October

Over 75 vendors, live music, chef demos — it’s like Main Street turns into a food festival every weekend. A great place to bring the kids and meet the community.

🎯 3. Travelers Rest Farmers Market
📍 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest, SC
🕗 Saturdays, 8:30 AM – 12 PM | May – September

This is the largest nonprofit farmers market in the entire state. Yoga on the lawn, kids’ crafts, and fresh mountain-grown produce — what’s not to love?

🎯 4. Hub City Farmers Market – Spartanburg
📍 498 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC
🕗 Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM | April – December

Longest-running market in the Upstate. They accept SNAP and even offer Double SNAP benefits — so more families can afford the good stuff. This is what food access looks like, folks.

🎯 5. Greer Farmers Market
📍 Greer City Park, 301 E Poinsett St., Greer, SC
🕗 Sundays, 11 AM – 2 PM | May – August
🗓️ Monthly events September – April

Makers, bakers, and veggie growers all in one place. They even do fun themed events that change weekly. Bring your dog and make a day of it!

🎯 6. Simpsonville Farmers Market
📍 110 Depot St., Simpsonville, SC
🕗 Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM | May – September

You’ll find fresh produce, local honey, bath products, and even locally roasted coffee. It’s cozy, it’s clean, and it smells amazing.

🎯 7. Fountain Inn Farmers Market
📍 110 Depot St., Fountain Inn, SC
🕗 Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM | May – September

They’ve got over 40 vendors. Come Christmas time, they switch to a Merry Market with holiday goods and crafts.

🎯 8. BridgeWay Farmers Market – Mauldin
📍 BridgeWay Station, Greenville County
🕗 Thursdays, 4 PM – 8 PM | May – October

Weeknight markets are rare, and this one’s a gem. Great food, live music, and hands-on activities. Think of it as your Thursday night date night with a side of farm-fresh goodness.

🎯 9. Slater-Marietta Farmers Market
📍 Marietta First Baptist Church, Marietta, SC
🕗 Check their Facebook page for updates

A charming local stop with all the essentials. It’s a little off the beaten path, but that’s part of the charm.

🎯 10. The Toasty Farmer (Winter Market)
📍 Greenville, SC (Check local listings)
🕗 Saturdays, 11 AM – 2 PM | November – April

Don’t worry, farm fans — you don’t have to stop shopping when the weather gets cold. The Toasty Farmer features seafood, cheese, baked goods, and artisan gifts all winter long.

Folks, the beauty of these markets is that they’re real. You can talk to the person who pulled those carrots out of the ground or baked that loaf of bread. You can ask them what pesticides they use — or don’t use. You can trust the food you’re putting on your family’s table.

And let’s not forget: Farmers markets are also insurance against global food chaos. When you know your local farmer, you don’t panic over supply chains or what the U.N. is saying about food shortages.

So this weekend, skip the big-box store for once. Head to one of these markets. Bring the kids. Shake a hand. Buy a peach. It’s good for your health, it’s good for your neighbors, and it’s great for your soul.

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Posted By: Joey Hudson