By Betty Ramsey

On Thursday afternoons, the parking lot of Thompson’s Landscaping at 83 Palmer Street in Tryon fills with vendors, each bringing their latest bounty of the earth to market. Tents are raised and tables are unfolded, signs are posted with listings of the fresh produce, plants, meats and more for the day’s market. I’m happy to say the Tryon Farmers Market is in full swing.  This week I found some delicious organic carrots, a few peppers and a butterfly bush for the garden. I also got detailed instructions on where and how to plant the butterfly bush and how to care for it.

Each of our towns is blessed to have a Farmers Market. On Fridays through October, plan to visit the Saluda Tailgate Market. Here you will find an excellent selection of produce, herbs, flowers, honey, meats, jams, jellies, fresh eggs and more. Open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. you will find them at the public parking lot on Main Street. Visit saludatailgate.com for more information.

On Saturdays you have two local markets to choose from. The Landrum Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon is held on Trade Street in Landrum. This market offers produce, eggs, plants, crafts, music and even a great cup of coffee to jump-start your morning.

Your other choice on Saturdays is the Polk County Farmers and Crafters Market in Columbus from 9 a.m. to noon. Only a hop, skip and a jump from each other it’s easy to visit both markets and double the pleasure. The Polk County Market, located in front of the Womack Building at the Courthouse Square, has more than 40 vendors. This market also accepts and doubles SNAP benefits.

Spending your dollars at a local farmers market does more than support our local economy. It’s good for you, too. Plan to visit your local market this week and see what treasures are waiting for you.

While I’m at it I’d like to take the opportunity to give a ‘shout out’ to the local merchants who pitched in and purchased the lovely Overcut oak trees that now grace the Tryon Depot parking lot. They worked together to get things done and further beautify our area. Job well done!