Ever wanted to sample a whiskey before you bought it? Ever want to taste an aged balsamic vinegar before you invested in a bottle? You can do both of these at Vom Fass, a 258-store franchise operation. Originally from Georgia, I never enjoyed the Vom Fass experience; relocating to Greenville has yet another benefit. Ms. Jeanj Brodnax-Martin owns the Woodruff Road location with her husband, Michael. Providing “the world’s best retail-sampling experience,” Vom Fass has a practical way to engage visitors. The Vom Fass Experience You will open the front and discover alcohol is on the right, vinegar and olive oils are on the left. Of course, I headed right. …
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Williamston Homestead Festival
Attended the Williamston Homestead Festival last weekend. It was a free, family friendly event held at Mineral Spring Park in downtown Williamston. Celebrating a lifestyle of self sufficiency, the festival offered classes, vendors and a seed swap table. Homesteading can be characterized by agriculture, textiles, clothing, or craft work. I wanted to learn more about sustainable plants and crops. Useful Plant Nursery Chuck Marsh, Permaculture designer, of Useful Plant Nursery provided a very informative presentation of plants that provide benefits beyond looking pretty in your landscape. Many plants have medicinal benefits that nature has provided since our Indian, original homesteaders, lived off the land. Marsh explained his concern for the lack…
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Discover Supermarket Strategies
The Psychology Behind a Grocery Store Discovering The Fresh Market When I moved to Greenville, South Carolina, I had no idea I would be giving up my Kroger rewards card. Not one Kroger grocery store in the Upstate. However, I have discovered The Fresh Market. Similar to a Whole Foods, but much smaller in scale, The Fresh Market focus’ on natural or organic food products. Not to say, everything is healthy in The Fresh Market, the bakery with fresh bread and an entire dessert case, I enjoy looking at all the fresh produce and “feeling” like I am eating more healthy. Entering the Grocery Store When you enter The Fresh…
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Best Vendors at Three Upstate Farmers Markets
Great finds at the weekend Farmer’s Markets Wonderful weekend to get my first look at the Farmer’s Market in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. I had anticipation and excitement about seeing what over 60 vendors had to offer in the Upstate. I was impressed with the entire organization of the vendors and pedestrian pathways. Vendors at Travelers Rest Farmer’s Market Greenbriar Farms was first as you enter the market and they had plenty of greens and vegetables for customers. Upstate Provisions, a Travelers Rest eatery, was at the market with free samples of a vegetable salad and fresh bread. I met Josh and Melissa Smith who own and operate Fraylick Farm. …
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Greer, South Carolina Farmers Market Opens
Greer Farmer’s Market Edibles Greer, South Carolina has opened their annual farmer’s market before most others in the Upstate. Approximately 20 vendors were available. Meat, seafood, micro greens, artisan bread, herbs and homemade products were set up and ready to sell. The rain held off for the opening day of farmer’s market season. Although premium vegetables were not quite ready for picking (May 5th), several vendors had new product ideas. Steven Reid was selling his original Humble Roots spreadable pimento cheese. In 8 oz containers, his creation is delicious and very cheesy. Inspired by his grandmother, he has developed an excellent product, delicious on Ritz crackers. Available in smoked…
