My heart has been heavy in these recent wild months of this virus spreading for our small businesses. I don't share my political thoughts and I won't do that here either because it eon't change anything but it will likely cause controversy or dissension in some hearts and that's not my heart, purpose, or intention. What I do want to say is this. Our nation is hurting. People are losing their means of income, their life-sake, their dreams, and all the sweat, blood, tears, and efforts they put into their businesses that serve our communities so well.
I LOVE unique businesses, family built, dreamed, and created businesses. I love supporting my local people even when I may know nothing about them. I can tell you this much about them...they are moms and dads with kids to feed and support. They are people trying to put meals on their tables, clothes on their backs, gas in the tank, and money in their savings for a rainy day.
I have come to support and shop more local than big box over recent years by this passion in my heart but more so now than ever before. Also, they will accept my cash...cash that was designed and created to pay all debts and fees....unlike a lot of big box stores right now. My family detests debt and we pay cash for everything except the mortgage. So, I am thankful for these businesses who are just happy to see me and take whatever form of payment I can give. Last night I read a vulnerable and beautifully executed post from a precious most amazing business owner and friend of mine who's business we ADORE and consider essential. She put this out there and I think it explains the need perfectly:
"Haven't posted about this because awkward...
but your friends who are musicians, actors, small business owners? We're not doing all that great. Some of us made it through the Spring on residual fees, a hope and a prayer, but as this drags on, it's hard to be hopeful. And hard to pay the bills.
I have colleagues who have closed their businesses, sold instruments, sold their durn house. Some of us (my studio included) don't know how long we can continue to pay rent. Orchestra members, gig workers, actors, etc. are at a complete standstill.
Things probably aren't easy for you either... who knows how you're supposed to get your children educated, keep everyone healthy, and do your job all at the same time, and now I'm asking you to add this to your list.
And unfortunately I don't have 3 Easy Steps to Help -- I don't know the answer. But consider what you'd like for your community to look like when this is over, and what you'd like to have available for your family. And if you can help them survive, please do so. We want to be here for you, and I'm pretty sure you feel the same. Thanks xoxo"
Coffee Shops
*Ninja Warrior Coffee - I first heard of them at the Easley Farmer's Market. At the time they did not have a brick and mortar but were selling their coffee grinds. I was intrigued and am always into local coffee shops. No, I can't drink coffee and haven't in six years, but I know that anything local has to be better than a big box store that also charges way too much for generic tasting coffee. I have so many mom friends who rave about it and enjoy to meet there for coffee. They have now a brick and mortar store and they also do food trucks on Wednesdays!
*Coyote Coffee - This coffee shop is great. I was fortunate enough to have many a cup here before I quit caffeine for good for the sake of my heart health. They have three locations that I am aware of. Pickens, Powdersville, and Easley. They are all owned by the same person. They also offer breakfast and lunch which is helpful and unique of a coffee shop. The atmosphere is cozy and excellent for meeting clients. We actually met with our wedding DJ here and my friend hosted a cozy Essenital Oils meeting here. They are local people and have the best coffee! I miss my cup there!
*Junto Coffee - This beautiful industrial modern style coffee house is located near Taylors Mill in Taylors. Again, I can't speak on personal taste, but from all the reviews I've heard they are just an incredible cup of coffee. I am out there all the time running with my run club friends and one day I plan to pop in and seek an herbal tea. I've seen them post some phenomenal looking teas and tea is where it's at for me these days! If you are in the Taylors area, pop by there for your cup of coffee!
*Due South Coffee - This place is lovely. It used to also be located at Taylors Mill but in recent years relocated to Hampton Station. My husband super enjoyed his brew from there. I enjoyed some baked goods from their kitchen and I mean to tell you, I was in Heaven! They are also a super cozy and cool little spot.
Other great things you can do to support local are:
- Eat at non chain restaurants in your area.
-Tip your servers well...you have no idea how badly they need it...always, but especially now!
- Like local business pages on social media, like their posts, share their posts, comment on them. This keeps them in the news feed and open for more eyes to see. Give them great reviews if you have a great experience! Let people know about this great place that is local.
- Order dinner for your family at local restaurants when your time is pressed or you forgot to cook or throw food in the crock pot. There are many places like Farm Fresh Fast and Fork & Plough that offer pre-made take home meals ready to eat or that you can simply warm up in the oven super quickly.
- Visit local Farmer's Markets on Saturdays and support all the local vendors and farmers. Plus that is just so super fun to get out and do with the family. You can get many vegetables, flowers, clothes, face paintings, meals, home goods, candles, coffee, etc at the market and these people depend on you. These people work hard and give up their Saturdays to be there because they depend on you.
- Also, it may not be monetary, but kind words, encouraging, loving words can also be so helpful to these small local business owners. Your kind words may be what encourages them to push through in this unknown scary time where we don't know what the government holds for our tomorrow.
We may not know what to be expect. We may feel out of control. So many friends and spouses of those friends have lost their jobs in our lives. All because of this mess. And they have no idea how they will make ends meet or what to expect to come next. Have sympathy and just be kind. Look for God in all things and I promise you will find Him. God has actually allowed many blessings for my family that have come out of this mess. We have had more time together granted to us. We got a lot of Eric's schooling knocked out this summer and the opportunity to do most of his last two semesters of his Chem E degree with Clemson online which means while Eric may be in another world mentally, he will be at our dining room table working hard instead of 30 minutes away at all hours of the night. It means I can hug and kiss him any time I want. It means that while we can't "do" life like we perfectly please, we are able to have some really cool different adventures and family time and that is my most favorite thing. Look for God's blessing friend, and you will see God. For those who are truly filled with His Holy Spirit, you are never alone. You are never desolate. He has you in His strong right hand. As my two year old says, "God is all around us." And if what feels like the worst case scenario happens to you, just know GOD IS IN CONTROL. And nobody else. And we must trust that God is always always always working for the good of His children and we must praise Him without pause!
Support others. Love others. Be the best you can. Respect people you don't agree with and move on. You can't change the world having an argument on social media, I promise. Just be loving and peaceful and seek to change the world by supporting local. Thanks guys! Love y'all!
but your friends who are musicians, actors, small business owners? We're not doing all that great. Some of us made it through the Spring on residual fees, a hope and a prayer, but as this drags on, it's hard to be hopeful. And hard to pay the bills.
I have colleagues who have closed their businesses, sold instruments, sold their durn house. Some of us (my studio included) don't know how long we can continue to pay rent. Orchestra members, gig workers, actors, etc. are at a complete standstill.
Things probably aren't easy for you either... who knows how you're supposed to get your children educated, keep everyone healthy, and do your job all at the same time, and now I'm asking you to add this to your list.
And unfortunately I don't have 3 Easy Steps to Help -- I don't know the answer. But consider what you'd like for your community to look like when this is over, and what you'd like to have available for your family. And if you can help them survive, please do so. We want to be here for you, and I'm pretty sure you feel the same. Thanks xoxo"
So, I want to share with y'all some local businesses I'm supporting and what they offer. Share yours with me too.
Produce/ Plants
*Winslett's Produce Market - Located in Easley, this shop has so very much to offer. They have sandwiches and ice cream for lunch at their deli. They sell awesome products of our local farmers in store so that is a win-win! I cannot even name all the goods they have but for a start, local honey from local farmers, produce, raw milk, cheeses, bread, candies, jams, salsas, meat cuts, way way more in the food department. They also have an incredible garden selection where I have purchased a large quantity of my landscaping on. Trees, shrubs, berry bushes, waterfalls, flowers, all in amazing variety and unique, and beautiful. They have carts for your load. I used two the other day! They are helpful and smiling people and patient and helpful with your questions. They also carry river rock and stone for any outdoor or patio projects. At holidays, they use their front lawn to cater to the children. Such as at Halloween, they have a small maze set up and a pumpkin patch and adorable hay bales decorated perfect for photo opportunities with the kids. At Christmas, they have a little Gingerbread house the kids can go inside and its decorated just so magically. My daughter LOVES going to Winslett's. She always helps with picking out plants. She got a little fern and pot all for herself one time. It adorns our living room. Going to Winslett's is like going to Disney World for me.
*Farmacy - Also located in Easley, this little adorable brick building at the corner of bisecting streets taking you to downtown Easley has so much great produce! Stocking their store with goodies from local farmers, they offer a wide variety of goods for your kitchen table. They even have a refrigerator room to walk in and seek your produce that is best kept cold. They sell one of my favorite local soy candle makers...The Flying Farm Candles. We will drive out here just for candles sometimes. They carry local honey from other local honey bee farmers. They also carry essential oils, salts, and soaps for holistic living. They carry seeds for your gardening needs. Their store is so nice to walk through and you may come home with something you hadn't planned on just to try it! The owners are two cousins and they are the sweetest people who work the register. They will talk to you like they've always known you and love on your kids! It is nice to be recognized and known and cared for by the people who are serving you. But I hope we are serving them well too.
*Happy Cow Creamery - Y'all have to know about this one, right?! Another Disney World for me and yesterday's visit out there was especially exciting. I took Ellie to get milk and watermelon. But low and behold, a baby calf had just been born and had not even yet taken her first steps! We sat at the fence with other families as we watched Mama cow clean her new calf and encourage her to stand, walk, and find her utter for milk! We spent 40 minutes sitting and watching this miracle. We also did go inside for our groceries. After having taken Ellie on one of their incredible tours, (do it if you haven't, give them a call and set it up) and riding on a tractor through the farm, we learned Happy Cow is one of the few remaining dairy farms in SC. They are Godly, Jesus loving people and they serve their customers like Jesus served people on Earth. The tour was truly incredible and cheap enough as well. It includes milk tasting both white and chocolate, and an ice cream! Ellie was asking to ride the tractor yesterday she had so much fun the first time. Inside their store is a happy place too! Pimwnto cheese, salsa, jams, corn, potatoes, squash, zucchini, ice cream, sour cream, milk,(strawberry, white, and chocolate) candy, t-shirts, watermelon, honey, cheese, bread, and so many other goodies!! We left this visit with watermelon, ice cream, sour cream, and milk. They have pic-nic set ups as well for you to enjoy a sandwich from home or one you make from what you bought there, and to eat your ice cream and watch the cows. They also sell manure for your garden beds. I plan to pick up a 50 lb bag myself for my fall garden. Right down the road is City Scape Winery...I'll get to them soon!
Wineries
*There are countless wineries within a two hour range of Greenville, SC. But two close to home that we enjoy because of their uniqueness and family like atmosphere are Victoria Valley Vineyards and City Scape Winery.
*Victoria Valley Vineyards- Located not far off HWY 11 and near Table Rock state park and Caesar's Head, this winery is like a mini Chateau in the mountains. It is beautiful and so welcoming. It is warm with happiness. They have a unique little shop selling gifts mostly from local artists and vendors. They have tastings, but they also have indoor seating and outdoor covered patio seating on a terrace overlooking the vineyard. We love sitting outside with lunch from their little kitchen. They have appetizers, small plates, sandwiches, and cake! Ellie enjoys coming here too which is one reason to love it. She can meander about the terrace while we watch, sip, and eat. She enjoys their lunch as well. Downstairs of the terrace you can walk around a bit and bring a blanet or chairs and relax in the quiet mountains in the afternoon sun. They also do weddings here. I wish we had done a small ceremony just family here. It is so nice!
*City Scape Winery- This is 2 miles from Happy Cow!! We love bringing Ellie here too. They often have live music and food trucks. They have a pet pig named Pinot and he is precious. You can feed him cheese! Bring him some cheese, he may do a trick for you! There are goats to feed and love on as well. They have a big green backyard to run and play with your kids, sit in the sun, and have a pic-nic. They also have a beautiful terrace seating area and indoor seating too in the tasting room. You can order a very delicious cheese plate and do a wine tasting, or just buy a glass or bottle and sit back and relax with friends and family as you listen to music and take in the country. They do some neat events out here. Recently they announced they have plans to expand a bit which makes me so happy for them and for their community. The couple who owns and runs it also just announced they are expecting their first child! How awesome!! It's a happy place out there.
Studios/ Classes
* Village Arts - This place is awesome!! We love it so much here. Have you been or checked out their classes for little ones? Ellie has been involved with all things Village Arts since she was a few months old. Here, many different things are offered. Our favorite class to attend at the studio is Kindermusik of Greenville. These classes are offered as semester packages for a wide variety of ages. They include books, CD's, and musical instruments to take home each semester you participate. The classes vary with content for each age group and each class is phenomenally engaging and essential for amazing childhood development, bonding with your child, and opening their world, senses, and minds to new experiences. There are two wonderful teachers, one of them being the creator of Village Arts and the head host of Kindermusik of Greenville - Rosalind Cross. She has shown my family love on a personal level far beyond her call as a teacher. It is immensely evident that loving and serving others is her passion. She is patient, kind, creative, smart, and wildly entertaining. She has honestly been an essential piece in making me the mother I am today and our household is so grateful to her and her business. Village Arts is a beautiful studio for exploring, playing, making friends, and making messes! Sometimes, and often times really, Ms. Rosalind has cookies for the kids and coffee or tea for the adults who accompany the children. She brings things in in busy boxes to explore, walk on, squeeze, and just anything to help your child grow. If you are a mom who wants the best in the world for your child, I promise on my Type A, highstrung, perfectionist self that is one of the best things if not the very best thing you could take your child to get involved with. How is Village Arts handling COVID-19? First of all, safety and sanitizing in the studio with small groups. She also is offering some virtual class options if you aren't comfortable in person with all that is going on. Let me share a link to register for these Kindermusik of Greenville classes HERE! While Kindermusik of Greenville is our favorite class at Village Arts, there are also other wonderful events and chances to play at the studio! Often, Ms. Rosalind invites other local artists, moms, or tradespeople to come to her studio to offer a special class that you can sign yourself up for or your child. She has done fun classes like pour painting for some moms, Frozen play dates, Unicorn fun, and the list is endless and goes on and on. Truly creative things that you get to let your child make a big ole mess at, and leave the mess behind! She posts these events on her facebook pages as well as sends out email newsletters to anyone interested. Please try one sometime. You will be immensely glad you did! Her studio is like a home to be cozy in and to sort of leave your worries for a while.
*Sterling Studio of Performing Arts - So this is where Ellie takes dance! Actually, she and I both do as we currently take Mommy and Me Ballet. We have been part of this studio going into our third season this fall. I chose them because of so many reasons and I am forever grateful God guided this decision. My first priority in choosing a dance studio was to find a company who valued modesty. I don't care for studios with raunchy music being blared for a 5 year old to dance around half naked to songs about sex and doing dance moves that are while skilled....trashy. There. I said it. I named no names. But that mattered to me while I know it won't to some. That's their prerogative and not my place to care or judge. I'm just thankful I found a place my little girl can behave like a little girl as well as dress like a classy young lady. Another reason we love this studio is because the owner who also teaches the majority of the classes is a saint. She is young, fun, and so laid back. She understands that toddlers are toddlers and have tantrums and melt downs. She knows moms get worried and frustrated and some how...she makes it all better by simply caring for your child and allowing you to put your child first. She is a mom herself of two wonderful girls and she gets it. She loves on the kids and talks to each one of them so special. She values each child and loves each one simply for who they are. She works so so so hard putting all of her time and energy to this studio. Oh my word she is so creative and does the most wonderful props and fun things to teach the little ones dance. She is patient, kind, loving, and helpful. They also offer theater classes for your kids/teens if that is their interest. At the recital last year, I was so in awe of the older girls who performed a piece of their play. As of this year, I will actually be helping out by offering some art classes every other Thursday afternoon! So, you even get me if you come! Haha! Everything at this studio is so very affordable which is another major reason I love and appreciate them. My daughter LOVES dance and I contribute that to the joy and no stress that our teacher and owner brings to the studio. I highly encourage her company. Oh! Also, she hosts amazing events all season long for the students and their families at like no cost! To name a few, Art in the Park where we meet in Pope Field to make beautiful art, play on the playground, pic-nic, eat pop-sicles, and feet goats. She hosts Primp your Pumpkin where she has the studio turned into a glow stick heaven and music going for the kids to dance, a bonfire for smores, paint, glitter, hot glue guns, you name it and you bring your pumpkin and make it fabulous at the studio. She hosts a Christmas sock exchange, a daddy daughter dance, she invites students to go do things like see new movies, go berry picking...just all these amazing things. She is really the best dance teacher and dance studio owner you are ever going to find. We are blessed to know her and call her friend.
Farms
So farms are some of my favorite places to visit. They make it all look so easy when we visit but I KNOW from running the smallest of gardens and from my grandpapa's hard work that it is a never ending, all day every day, back laboring, soul salvaging work. It takes heart, muscles, mind, and energy. I find great joy and pleasure in supporting our local farmers in several different ways and through other local businesses who use only local farms produce and meat. Here are some, PLEASE share if you know more I should check out with my family.
*Possum Kingdom Creamery - Y'all! This place is great! I've blogged about my visit there before. So, I'll keep this paragraph short and you can read that blog if you want more details. But here's what they've got going on: They are an animal sanctuary for wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild and a goat farm. Your family can take a tour of the farm and see all the wildlife and pet goats! They make goat milk and goat cheese fresh. After your tour you get to taste goat milk and two flavors of goat cheese. SO GOOD! They have it for sale as well. I bought two containers of goat cheese and laid it on crackers and felt like I was in Heaven. It's a very cool experience. Some of their products can be found in local farmer's stands as well. I highly recommend going out to the farm!
*The Happy Berry- This farm is like a magical getaway less than 30 minutes from Easley. They have hills upon hills and rows upon rows of beautiful bountiful berries and figs and grapes. You can do a U-pick out there or you can purchase them already picked. I recommend picking your own, packing a pic-nic and some books to read the kids in the shade. Buy your berries you picked and make some great recipes with them! I never seem to get enough and I have my own orchard! Haha!
*Arrowhead Acres Blueberry Farm- I love this place. It was the first blueberry farm I ever went to with Ellie. Located in Marietta, SC near Traveler's Rest and Greer, this blueberry farm is up on a big hill next to the owner's home. It is so quiet, peaceful, and beautiful here. You drive up their gravel drive and park at the shed where they run the business. You can buy them picked or do a U-pick. They will give you a bucket with a rope to wear while you pick, and then will transfer them to a carton for you when you pay.
*McLean Maple Farm- I've bought a couple of very beautiful trees from this farm. They grow the most gorgeous trees. This company is ran by a precious couple from their own backyard in Piedmont, SC just off Exit 32 off of I85 near Spearman Elementary School. They have provided me with a gorgeous green mountain sugar maple and a Japanese maple. They offer much better prices and quality tree than any of your big box stores and they will deliver typically within a certain range. Angie, the wife and co-owner, is so very loving and warm. She is always smiling! They even occasionally will just give away perennials or other trees that are taking over their land! They are awesome people.
*Hidden Pasture Farm - A unicorn farm right in Fountain Inn, SC! It is AWESOME!! For a very small fee, your family can ride a unicorn, see a stable full of unicorns, each with a name and a story, chickens, turkey, peacocks, and bunnies! You can pic-nic, visit their concessions, play on the playground, and pack a pic-nic as well. They have plans to start doing movies under the stars on the lawn soon! In fact, they have an adorable cabin behind the farm on the property that is an Airbnb. There is a large pond you can access to kayak and swim in and you can ride horses as much as you want when you stay as their guest. Here is a link to that listing : The Fountain Moon Cabin. A great getaway for couples!!
*Sassy Stables -Located in Greer, SC at all farmhouse lovers' dream site, this farm has a little stable where so many neat things are offered. Kids can have birthday parties, Riding lessons are offered, and couples can have a horse riding and dinner experience at sunset for a beautiful date night! I took Ellie here at Halloween and they hosted a wonderful event for just $10 where Ellie got to pick a pumpkin from their patch, paint her pumpkin, and ride a unicorn! It was so beautiful out there in the country with gorgeous mountain views and such friendly owners just living their dream!
*Chattooga Belle Farm - This is located in Long Creek, SC. It is one of the most beautiful farms I have ever seen! An hour from Easley, this farm is the perfect family outing. Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and grapes are offered here for you to pick. They also have a shop full of jams, preserves, goodies, and drinks. You can have lunch at their all window covered walls bistro or out on the terrace. The terrace views are incredibly breathtaking. For lunch, I recommend the cheese plate and the grilled pimento cheese sandwich! So much YUM! They do weddings here too! This is another location I could definitely have seen myself marrying Eric among just close family. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful view! They also have a distillery with tastings! Very fun and near lots of great waterfalls for hiking before or after.
*Callaham Orchards - Belton, SC. They have such amazing produce! They even have U-pick plums!! Pumpkins are available in the fall. Honestly, they have the largest variety of produce I've ever seen at a farm. They do it all! I'v been visiting them since I was 5 years old. They even let us pick cotton one time! A great family farm and they've had peach milkshakes in the past though I'm not certain if they have been available this season.
*Hunter Farms - located in Easley, SC, this is a GREAT strawberry U-pick farm! A family ran farm on their land behind their house, this farm has rows and rows of fabulously red and juicy strawberries each year. They offer pre-picked as well. They also have incredible strawberry ice cream and milkshakes home made on site! My family has enjoyed visiting them for the past two years and cooking many good things with our strawberries.
*Stewart Farms - This is another excellent strawberry farm located in Enoree, SC. They have happy faces welcoming you the moment you pull in. They also have a greenhouse with summer plants and vegetables for sale. They have a farm shop full of gifts, beautiful home decor and mugs, and preserves and jams. I wanted to buy their entire shop! They are a Christian owned and ran farm and it was really an incredible experience.
*Split Creek Farm - This is a Grade A Goat Dairy Farm. They have changed their hours for COVID regulations. Their farm is open only Fri-Sat 10-6 and the farm store is open Mon-Sat 10-6. You can do self guided tours of the farm and just enjoy your day watching the goats and buying some goods from their store! Farmers can also purchase goat manure for their garden beds!
*Greenbrier Farms - I love this place! They have so much to offer. They provide grass fed beef to homes through meat boxes you can order from them on a set schedule and they have it delivered to you! They also supply many local restaurants with their local beef and produce such as Fork and Plough in Greenville. They host incredible dinner nights. You buy a ticket for a very reasonable price and come out to the farm and have a chef cooked dinner, hear live music, play on the farm, and sit back and watch the sun go down. We love their family dinner nights on the farm. They also are a host to many weddings at their event barn. What a beautiful location! They have wine dinners and charity events there also. They also have plant sales, hog butchering classes, date nights, take home meals, and wood fired brick oven pizza parties! You have to check them out and get the best food on your table! You can also support them by eating at Fork & Plough in Greenville as mentioned above. Check them out, too! They just celebrated 2 years and Eric and I ate our 5th anniversary dinner there! They had me at bread and butter! LOVE!!
Bakeries
*Tip Top Cake Shop - Kendall Pomeroy is the cutest little baker I've ever met. She has the most precious family who you will often see hanging out at the bakery. Her children and husband will greet you so warmly. My daughter Ellie loves this family so much she invited herself back to the kitchen while I was paying one time and Kendall only laughed! You get to know people like Kendall because their businesses are their pride and joy and baby, just after their own families. It is their life sake and they are a blessing to our community. Kendall has created countless baby shower cakes, birthday cakes, and afternoon snacks for my family and friends and everyone wildly raves about her creations both in beauty and in taste. I'm always astounded by her abilities and I'm positive there is not one single design she could not create. She always offers cool deals on cupcakes and her cupcake flavors are BOMB awesome! She also makes amazing pies, cookies, and brownies! Like I could eat the entire store every time I go in. She also does chocolate covered strawberries at Valentine's day which are a huge hit. One of my favorite thins she does is offer monthly cake decorating classes for the ladies. I've gone a couple times. She offers a fun drink, extra cake and cookies to snack on, all the supplies, and entertaining instruction. I always meet new fun people at her events. I leave with the ugliest cake because I cannot decorate worth a lick with cakes, but goodness it always tastes so good! I eat straight out of the box! She also does daddy daughter date nights in February that Eric (my husband) and Ellie have gone to the past two years. She goes above and beyond in every way. I can't give her enough credit. Drop by her bakery for a cupcake today! You will not be disappointed!
*The Pound Cake Man - This guy is awesome! The first time I tasted his pound cake was in Greer at a food truck rally. His business started as a food truck which he still operates, but recently amid all this Corona crazy, he opened a brick and mortar in Clemson! He has the most incredible and moist pound cakes! I tried banana pudding, chocolate chocolate, and a pumpkin pound cake from him. Oh my dear goodness. So good. He also offers gluten free options. He offers cupcakes, by the slice and whole cakes! He is a super nice guy, too.
Studios/ Classes
* Village Arts - This place is awesome!! We love it so much here. Have you been or checked out their classes for little ones? Ellie has been involved with all things Village Arts since she was a few months old. Here, many different things are offered. Our favorite class to attend at the studio is Kindermusik of Greenville. These classes are offered as semester packages for a wide variety of ages. They include books, CD's, and musical instruments to take home each semester you participate. The classes vary with content for each age group and each class is phenomenally engaging and essential for amazing childhood development, bonding with your child, and opening their world, senses, and minds to new experiences. There are two wonderful teachers, one of them being the creator of Village Arts and the head host of Kindermusik of Greenville - Rosalind Cross. She has shown my family love on a personal level far beyond her call as a teacher. It is immensely evident that loving and serving others is her passion. She is patient, kind, creative, smart, and wildly entertaining. She has honestly been an essential piece in making me the mother I am today and our household is so grateful to her and her business. Village Arts is a beautiful studio for exploring, playing, making friends, and making messes! Sometimes, and often times really, Ms. Rosalind has cookies for the kids and coffee or tea for the adults who accompany the children. She brings things in in busy boxes to explore, walk on, squeeze, and just anything to help your child grow. If you are a mom who wants the best in the world for your child, I promise on my Type A, highstrung, perfectionist self that is one of the best things if not the very best thing you could take your child to get involved with. How is Village Arts handling COVID-19? First of all, safety and sanitizing in the studio with small groups. She also is offering some virtual class options if you aren't comfortable in person with all that is going on. Let me share a link to register for these Kindermusik of Greenville classes HERE! While Kindermusik of Greenville is our favorite class at Village Arts, there are also other wonderful events and chances to play at the studio! Often, Ms. Rosalind invites other local artists, moms, or tradespeople to come to her studio to offer a special class that you can sign yourself up for or your child. She has done fun classes like pour painting for some moms, Frozen play dates, Unicorn fun, and the list is endless and goes on and on. Truly creative things that you get to let your child make a big ole mess at, and leave the mess behind! She posts these events on her facebook pages as well as sends out email newsletters to anyone interested. Please try one sometime. You will be immensely glad you did! Her studio is like a home to be cozy in and to sort of leave your worries for a while.
*Sterling Studio of Performing Arts - So this is where Ellie takes dance! Actually, she and I both do as we currently take Mommy and Me Ballet. We have been part of this studio going into our third season this fall. I chose them because of so many reasons and I am forever grateful God guided this decision. My first priority in choosing a dance studio was to find a company who valued modesty. I don't care for studios with raunchy music being blared for a 5 year old to dance around half naked to songs about sex and doing dance moves that are while skilled....trashy. There. I said it. I named no names. But that mattered to me while I know it won't to some. That's their prerogative and not my place to care or judge. I'm just thankful I found a place my little girl can behave like a little girl as well as dress like a classy young lady. Another reason we love this studio is because the owner who also teaches the majority of the classes is a saint. She is young, fun, and so laid back. She understands that toddlers are toddlers and have tantrums and melt downs. She knows moms get worried and frustrated and some how...she makes it all better by simply caring for your child and allowing you to put your child first. She is a mom herself of two wonderful girls and she gets it. She loves on the kids and talks to each one of them so special. She values each child and loves each one simply for who they are. She works so so so hard putting all of her time and energy to this studio. Oh my word she is so creative and does the most wonderful props and fun things to teach the little ones dance. She is patient, kind, loving, and helpful. They also offer theater classes for your kids/teens if that is their interest. At the recital last year, I was so in awe of the older girls who performed a piece of their play. As of this year, I will actually be helping out by offering some art classes every other Thursday afternoon! So, you even get me if you come! Haha! Everything at this studio is so very affordable which is another major reason I love and appreciate them. My daughter LOVES dance and I contribute that to the joy and no stress that our teacher and owner brings to the studio. I highly encourage her company. Oh! Also, she hosts amazing events all season long for the students and their families at like no cost! To name a few, Art in the Park where we meet in Pope Field to make beautiful art, play on the playground, pic-nic, eat pop-sicles, and feet goats. She hosts Primp your Pumpkin where she has the studio turned into a glow stick heaven and music going for the kids to dance, a bonfire for smores, paint, glitter, hot glue guns, you name it and you bring your pumpkin and make it fabulous at the studio. She hosts a Christmas sock exchange, a daddy daughter dance, she invites students to go do things like see new movies, go berry picking...just all these amazing things. She is really the best dance teacher and dance studio owner you are ever going to find. We are blessed to know her and call her friend.
Farms
So farms are some of my favorite places to visit. They make it all look so easy when we visit but I KNOW from running the smallest of gardens and from my grandpapa's hard work that it is a never ending, all day every day, back laboring, soul salvaging work. It takes heart, muscles, mind, and energy. I find great joy and pleasure in supporting our local farmers in several different ways and through other local businesses who use only local farms produce and meat. Here are some, PLEASE share if you know more I should check out with my family.
*Possum Kingdom Creamery - Y'all! This place is great! I've blogged about my visit there before. So, I'll keep this paragraph short and you can read that blog if you want more details. But here's what they've got going on: They are an animal sanctuary for wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild and a goat farm. Your family can take a tour of the farm and see all the wildlife and pet goats! They make goat milk and goat cheese fresh. After your tour you get to taste goat milk and two flavors of goat cheese. SO GOOD! They have it for sale as well. I bought two containers of goat cheese and laid it on crackers and felt like I was in Heaven. It's a very cool experience. Some of their products can be found in local farmer's stands as well. I highly recommend going out to the farm!
*The Happy Berry- This farm is like a magical getaway less than 30 minutes from Easley. They have hills upon hills and rows upon rows of beautiful bountiful berries and figs and grapes. You can do a U-pick out there or you can purchase them already picked. I recommend picking your own, packing a pic-nic and some books to read the kids in the shade. Buy your berries you picked and make some great recipes with them! I never seem to get enough and I have my own orchard! Haha!
*Arrowhead Acres Blueberry Farm- I love this place. It was the first blueberry farm I ever went to with Ellie. Located in Marietta, SC near Traveler's Rest and Greer, this blueberry farm is up on a big hill next to the owner's home. It is so quiet, peaceful, and beautiful here. You drive up their gravel drive and park at the shed where they run the business. You can buy them picked or do a U-pick. They will give you a bucket with a rope to wear while you pick, and then will transfer them to a carton for you when you pay.
*McLean Maple Farm- I've bought a couple of very beautiful trees from this farm. They grow the most gorgeous trees. This company is ran by a precious couple from their own backyard in Piedmont, SC just off Exit 32 off of I85 near Spearman Elementary School. They have provided me with a gorgeous green mountain sugar maple and a Japanese maple. They offer much better prices and quality tree than any of your big box stores and they will deliver typically within a certain range. Angie, the wife and co-owner, is so very loving and warm. She is always smiling! They even occasionally will just give away perennials or other trees that are taking over their land! They are awesome people.
*Hidden Pasture Farm - A unicorn farm right in Fountain Inn, SC! It is AWESOME!! For a very small fee, your family can ride a unicorn, see a stable full of unicorns, each with a name and a story, chickens, turkey, peacocks, and bunnies! You can pic-nic, visit their concessions, play on the playground, and pack a pic-nic as well. They have plans to start doing movies under the stars on the lawn soon! In fact, they have an adorable cabin behind the farm on the property that is an Airbnb. There is a large pond you can access to kayak and swim in and you can ride horses as much as you want when you stay as their guest. Here is a link to that listing : The Fountain Moon Cabin. A great getaway for couples!!
*Sassy Stables -Located in Greer, SC at all farmhouse lovers' dream site, this farm has a little stable where so many neat things are offered. Kids can have birthday parties, Riding lessons are offered, and couples can have a horse riding and dinner experience at sunset for a beautiful date night! I took Ellie here at Halloween and they hosted a wonderful event for just $10 where Ellie got to pick a pumpkin from their patch, paint her pumpkin, and ride a unicorn! It was so beautiful out there in the country with gorgeous mountain views and such friendly owners just living their dream!
*Chattooga Belle Farm - This is located in Long Creek, SC. It is one of the most beautiful farms I have ever seen! An hour from Easley, this farm is the perfect family outing. Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and grapes are offered here for you to pick. They also have a shop full of jams, preserves, goodies, and drinks. You can have lunch at their all window covered walls bistro or out on the terrace. The terrace views are incredibly breathtaking. For lunch, I recommend the cheese plate and the grilled pimento cheese sandwich! So much YUM! They do weddings here too! This is another location I could definitely have seen myself marrying Eric among just close family. I couldn't imagine a more beautiful view! They also have a distillery with tastings! Very fun and near lots of great waterfalls for hiking before or after.
*Callaham Orchards - Belton, SC. They have such amazing produce! They even have U-pick plums!! Pumpkins are available in the fall. Honestly, they have the largest variety of produce I've ever seen at a farm. They do it all! I'v been visiting them since I was 5 years old. They even let us pick cotton one time! A great family farm and they've had peach milkshakes in the past though I'm not certain if they have been available this season.
*Hunter Farms - located in Easley, SC, this is a GREAT strawberry U-pick farm! A family ran farm on their land behind their house, this farm has rows and rows of fabulously red and juicy strawberries each year. They offer pre-picked as well. They also have incredible strawberry ice cream and milkshakes home made on site! My family has enjoyed visiting them for the past two years and cooking many good things with our strawberries.
*Stewart Farms - This is another excellent strawberry farm located in Enoree, SC. They have happy faces welcoming you the moment you pull in. They also have a greenhouse with summer plants and vegetables for sale. They have a farm shop full of gifts, beautiful home decor and mugs, and preserves and jams. I wanted to buy their entire shop! They are a Christian owned and ran farm and it was really an incredible experience.
*Split Creek Farm - This is a Grade A Goat Dairy Farm. They have changed their hours for COVID regulations. Their farm is open only Fri-Sat 10-6 and the farm store is open Mon-Sat 10-6. You can do self guided tours of the farm and just enjoy your day watching the goats and buying some goods from their store! Farmers can also purchase goat manure for their garden beds!
*Greenbrier Farms - I love this place! They have so much to offer. They provide grass fed beef to homes through meat boxes you can order from them on a set schedule and they have it delivered to you! They also supply many local restaurants with their local beef and produce such as Fork and Plough in Greenville. They host incredible dinner nights. You buy a ticket for a very reasonable price and come out to the farm and have a chef cooked dinner, hear live music, play on the farm, and sit back and watch the sun go down. We love their family dinner nights on the farm. They also are a host to many weddings at their event barn. What a beautiful location! They have wine dinners and charity events there also. They also have plant sales, hog butchering classes, date nights, take home meals, and wood fired brick oven pizza parties! You have to check them out and get the best food on your table! You can also support them by eating at Fork & Plough in Greenville as mentioned above. Check them out, too! They just celebrated 2 years and Eric and I ate our 5th anniversary dinner there! They had me at bread and butter! LOVE!!
Bakeries
*Tip Top Cake Shop - Kendall Pomeroy is the cutest little baker I've ever met. She has the most precious family who you will often see hanging out at the bakery. Her children and husband will greet you so warmly. My daughter Ellie loves this family so much she invited herself back to the kitchen while I was paying one time and Kendall only laughed! You get to know people like Kendall because their businesses are their pride and joy and baby, just after their own families. It is their life sake and they are a blessing to our community. Kendall has created countless baby shower cakes, birthday cakes, and afternoon snacks for my family and friends and everyone wildly raves about her creations both in beauty and in taste. I'm always astounded by her abilities and I'm positive there is not one single design she could not create. She always offers cool deals on cupcakes and her cupcake flavors are BOMB awesome! She also makes amazing pies, cookies, and brownies! Like I could eat the entire store every time I go in. She also does chocolate covered strawberries at Valentine's day which are a huge hit. One of my favorite thins she does is offer monthly cake decorating classes for the ladies. I've gone a couple times. She offers a fun drink, extra cake and cookies to snack on, all the supplies, and entertaining instruction. I always meet new fun people at her events. I leave with the ugliest cake because I cannot decorate worth a lick with cakes, but goodness it always tastes so good! I eat straight out of the box! She also does daddy daughter date nights in February that Eric (my husband) and Ellie have gone to the past two years. She goes above and beyond in every way. I can't give her enough credit. Drop by her bakery for a cupcake today! You will not be disappointed!
*The Pound Cake Man - This guy is awesome! The first time I tasted his pound cake was in Greer at a food truck rally. His business started as a food truck which he still operates, but recently amid all this Corona crazy, he opened a brick and mortar in Clemson! He has the most incredible and moist pound cakes! I tried banana pudding, chocolate chocolate, and a pumpkin pound cake from him. Oh my dear goodness. So good. He also offers gluten free options. He offers cupcakes, by the slice and whole cakes! He is a super nice guy, too.
Coffee Shops
*Ninja Warrior Coffee - I first heard of them at the Easley Farmer's Market. At the time they did not have a brick and mortar but were selling their coffee grinds. I was intrigued and am always into local coffee shops. No, I can't drink coffee and haven't in six years, but I know that anything local has to be better than a big box store that also charges way too much for generic tasting coffee. I have so many mom friends who rave about it and enjoy to meet there for coffee. They have now a brick and mortar store and they also do food trucks on Wednesdays!
*Coyote Coffee - This coffee shop is great. I was fortunate enough to have many a cup here before I quit caffeine for good for the sake of my heart health. They have three locations that I am aware of. Pickens, Powdersville, and Easley. They are all owned by the same person. They also offer breakfast and lunch which is helpful and unique of a coffee shop. The atmosphere is cozy and excellent for meeting clients. We actually met with our wedding DJ here and my friend hosted a cozy Essenital Oils meeting here. They are local people and have the best coffee! I miss my cup there!
*Junto Coffee - This beautiful industrial modern style coffee house is located near Taylors Mill in Taylors. Again, I can't speak on personal taste, but from all the reviews I've heard they are just an incredible cup of coffee. I am out there all the time running with my run club friends and one day I plan to pop in and seek an herbal tea. I've seen them post some phenomenal looking teas and tea is where it's at for me these days! If you are in the Taylors area, pop by there for your cup of coffee!
*Due South Coffee - This place is lovely. It used to also be located at Taylors Mill but in recent years relocated to Hampton Station. My husband super enjoyed his brew from there. I enjoyed some baked goods from their kitchen and I mean to tell you, I was in Heaven! They are also a super cozy and cool little spot.
Other great things you can do to support local are:
- Eat at non chain restaurants in your area.
-Tip your servers well...you have no idea how badly they need it...always, but especially now!
- Like local business pages on social media, like their posts, share their posts, comment on them. This keeps them in the news feed and open for more eyes to see. Give them great reviews if you have a great experience! Let people know about this great place that is local.
- Order dinner for your family at local restaurants when your time is pressed or you forgot to cook or throw food in the crock pot. There are many places like Farm Fresh Fast and Fork & Plough that offer pre-made take home meals ready to eat or that you can simply warm up in the oven super quickly.
- Visit local Farmer's Markets on Saturdays and support all the local vendors and farmers. Plus that is just so super fun to get out and do with the family. You can get many vegetables, flowers, clothes, face paintings, meals, home goods, candles, coffee, etc at the market and these people depend on you. These people work hard and give up their Saturdays to be there because they depend on you.
- Also, it may not be monetary, but kind words, encouraging, loving words can also be so helpful to these small local business owners. Your kind words may be what encourages them to push through in this unknown scary time where we don't know what the government holds for our tomorrow.
We may not know what to be expect. We may feel out of control. So many friends and spouses of those friends have lost their jobs in our lives. All because of this mess. And they have no idea how they will make ends meet or what to expect to come next. Have sympathy and just be kind. Look for God in all things and I promise you will find Him. God has actually allowed many blessings for my family that have come out of this mess. We have had more time together granted to us. We got a lot of Eric's schooling knocked out this summer and the opportunity to do most of his last two semesters of his Chem E degree with Clemson online which means while Eric may be in another world mentally, he will be at our dining room table working hard instead of 30 minutes away at all hours of the night. It means I can hug and kiss him any time I want. It means that while we can't "do" life like we perfectly please, we are able to have some really cool different adventures and family time and that is my most favorite thing. Look for God's blessing friend, and you will see God. For those who are truly filled with His Holy Spirit, you are never alone. You are never desolate. He has you in His strong right hand. As my two year old says, "God is all around us." And if what feels like the worst case scenario happens to you, just know GOD IS IN CONTROL. And nobody else. And we must trust that God is always always always working for the good of His children and we must praise Him without pause!
Support others. Love others. Be the best you can. Respect people you don't agree with and move on. You can't change the world having an argument on social media, I promise. Just be loving and peaceful and seek to change the world by supporting local. Thanks guys! Love y'all!
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