Farm to Table

A Directory of Fresh Food & Farmers

Never before has it been so important to know where your food comes from. So much of the food we buy at the grocery store is in boxes and cans and full of fat, carbs and preservatives. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean meat is the key to good health. I grew up with a dad who planted a garden. Coming from a big family, my dad planted not one row of potatoes, or two, no he planted 8 rows! Working in the garden was not my favorite thing to do and my dad was very particular about how we did it. My older sister ended up doing a lot of the work along side Daddy, I toted water and sang hymns to them while they worked. My sister would cut her eyes over at me and glare… I guess she didn’t like my singing voice. Today there are thankfully many farmers who grow felds full of good food and sell it in roadside markets, local grocers and sometimes straight from the feld.

Many orchards sell their apples, pears, peaches, and berries the same way, either they pick them and sell them from the roadside or offer U-Pick options. Longcreek, South Carolina has always been a mecca for apples but many of those family owned orchards have closed. There remain enough to make it worth the drive. Tiger, Georgia is also known for apples, pears, persimmons, and berries. They’ve also made a name for themselves for growing grapes and making award-winning wines. The north end of the county is also in the wine industry and if you’ve ever driven through Rabun Gap you know that there are felds that provide much of the produce sold at Rabun’s largest produce market.

Where’s the beef? Sorry I couldn’t resist, in 1984, fast food chain Wendy’s asked that question and it stuck. Today many are no longer satisfed with fat laden preformed patties. They want great beef and so where is it, you ask? Well I did my research and can tell you that my family prefers feld to fork beef. An animal raised in the feld, grass-fed and minimally processed is better than beef that has never seen grass. Animals, whether it is cattle, poultry or pigs, that are raised humanely are a healthier option for families.

Fresh eggs are richer and again chickens who are truly freerange produce healthier eggs with richer yolks. As you can tell by the many stores selling chicken coops, raising your own chickens is not only trendy, it’s smart. You then control what your chickens are fed and how they are treated, these variables produce eggs that are better all the way around.

While we may not have found information on every farm or market we tried to compile an accurate and valuable list for you to fnd good food for your family. We recommend that you call ahead to gain more information before you load the kids in the car and head out to visit the markets. In light of Covid-19 many things have changed.

HABERSHAM COUNTY, GA

North Georgia Farmers’ Market – A non-proft organization made up of local chemical free growers and artisans, our farmers’ market operates Saturday mornings in the heart of Downtown Clarkesville, Georgia from May through September. Due to the restrictions at this time farmers’ market vendors are happy to announce that they will be selling veggies and wares to the community using no/low contact pick-up options to help everyone feel safe, comfortable, and well fed during COVID-19. The mission of our market is to connect farmers and artisans with community members in a way that

promotes the health of citizens, the local economy, and the environment. For more information call Cliff at 706-244-4105 or E-mail: Jarheadtoccoa@gmail.com or visit them online, www.clarkesvillefarmersmarket.com

Soque River Farmers’ Market - This uncovered outdoor market offers a wide variety of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, preserves, jams, jellies, crafts, artistic products, etc. There are restrooms and a picnic area. They are located at 410 Highway 197 North, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523. Phone: 706-947-3474. Alternate Phone: 706-968- 8769. Email: abbyj@windstream.net. Open: Saturdays 8am to 2pm.

Anderson Beef – The Anderson family raises and sells 100% grass-fed beef. Matt and Michelle use rotational grazing on irrigated pastures to grow delicious and healthy beef. Anderson cattle are mostly Red Angus and Senepol. They offer their beef by the 1/4 or by the cut and also offer 20 lb family packs. They are located at 1002 Mack Eller Rd., Clarkesville, Georgia 30523. Phone: 706-982-1373 or E-mail: 5andersonsinhw@ gmail.com

RABUN COUNTY, GA

Blalock Meats – Family owned, this meat market and processing plant offers: grass-fed beef, lamb and pork, free-range chicken and an assortment of rubs and sauces. Blalock meat is known throughout the region with a family of farmers behind the name with rich farming history. Their processing services are utilized by many of the local meat growers. Their online market means that you have a butcher on hand 24/7. You may shop in person at 193 Ponderosa Rd, Rabun Gap, Georgia or online at www.blalockmeat.com The store hours are 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, Saturday - 8:00am - 12:00pm. For more information call 706-746-2822.

Clayton Farmer’s Market – A seasonal market open Saturdays, 9am - 12:30pm, the last Saturday in April thru the end of October. You’ll fnd locally produced fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, mushrooms, plants, baked goods, grains, fowers, specialty products, fowers, crafts and more! Located outside

the Northeast Georgia Food Bank teaching kitchen. 46 Plaza Way, Clayton Georgia. Chuck Mashburn – Director Cell: 706- 490-3837

Hillside Orchard Farms, Inc - A true family farm and enterprise! Apples, blackberries, pumpkins, honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events. They are located at 18 Sorghum Mill Drive, Lakemont, Georgia 30552. Phone: 706-782-2776. Alternate Phone: 706- 782-4995. Fax: 706-782-7848. Email: patsy@hillsideorchard. com. Open: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm, Sunday 10:30am to 5:30pm.

Osage Farm – Fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, breads. The market is open everyday May through October 9:00am – 6pm. They have seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables grown by farmers Ricky James and Clint James. On the property you will fnd Tomlin’s BBQ. Osage is known for it’s spring strawberries, some of the largest and sweetest to be found! After the produce season ends the James family begins cutting Christmas Trees which are sold out of the market beginning the day after Thanksgiving. Families can visit the James’ Tree Farm in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina to choose and cut their own tree. For more info visit www.osagefarm.com or call 706-746- 7262. Visit at 5030 U.S. Hwy 441 North, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

Community Market of Rabun – In it’s frst year, the Community Market of Rabun is located in the new Rabun County Pavilions behind the Rabun County Civic Center and the Rabun County Library. The market includes vendors with produce and other food products, crafters and artisans. Live music is often enjoyed. The market is open 9am – 5pm on Saturdays. It is located at 201 W. Savannah Street, Clayton, Georgia. Contact Annie Berryman, 706-782-5271.

Dixon Cattle Company - Dixon Cattle Company provides locally raised and processed beef that is both antibiotic and hormone free and USDA inspected. Cattle are raised on a grass and grain diet in a stress-free environment in Clayton, Georgia. Meat is processed locally and undergoes their quality assessment to insure their customers receive the best and highest

quality. Cuts and sizes can be customized to meet customer’s needs. Products include steaks, roasts, ground, and ribs. For more information please call Jordan Dixon at 706-490-0690 or Samantha Dixon at 706-490-0382

Mill Gap Farm - A small family vegetable farm in Tiger, Georgia; producing a wide variety of healthy, chemical free vegetables. Along with all that you would expect you will fnd some unusual vegetables not typically found in the area. They also offer artisan foods, fruits and berries, herbs and walnuts. Owner Chuck Mashburn is available by calling 706-490-3837 or visit their website for all the opportunities there. www. northeastgeorgia.locallygrown.net

Shadow B Farms - Shadow B Farms strives to provide healthy food with a strong emphasis on pork and beef retail cuts of meat, along with summer produce. DJ Bradshaw, owner of the farm, sells his pork, beef, honey, and local summer produce at the Clayton Farmer’s Market on Saturdays but you may also call him for information on beef and pork at 478-957-5208. Blue Ridge Honey Co. - We know of no other operation dedicated to one product of this scale and magnitude. Blue Ridge Honey’s founder Bob Binnie not only sells quality pure, natural raw honey, his operation encourages others to start bee colonies. You can purchase honey, honey related products from candles to body care products and bee supplies but you can buy bees. It is well documented that our bee population is vital to the survival of mankind and Blue Ridge Honey Company is doing their part to ensure the survival of bees. Their retail location is located at 6306 Highway 441 South in Lakemont, GA. Their website is www.blueridgehoneycompany.com and for more info you may call 706-782-6722. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

TOWNS COUNTY, GA

Towns County Farmers’ Market – Coined an agricultural coop, the Towns County Farmers’ Market is like many others. Local vendors bring their wares and fresh garden grown produce to town to sell it. You’ll fnd vegetables, fruits, crafts and homemade products. The market is sponsored by the University of Georgia’s Towns County Extension Leadership group and Towns County. The market is located at 908 Hwy 76 West, Hiawassee, Georgia. They have a Facebook page that offers market information or you may E-Mail: townscountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com. They are open Saturdays from 9:00am

– 12:00pm.

UNION COUNTY, GA

Union County Farmer’s Market – In 2007 the market was established to give their growers, big and small, a place to sell their goods. It was decided that artisans, beekeepers to bakers and potters to painters, could also sell their handmade goods. This market offers: baked goods, arts & crafts, fowers, vegetables, honey, jams and jellies and plants. Their hours are: Tue: 2:00pm - 5:00pm or Sat:7:00am - 1:00pm. They have a website, www.ucfarmersmarket.com or you may contact them by calling 706-439-6043. You’ll fnd the market located at 148 Old Smokey Rd., Blairsville, Georgia 30512.

WHITE COUNTY, GA

C&M Beef - Mitch and Courtney Attaway have established a reputation for offering quality premium all-natural beef. They take very seriously the health of their herd. Steers start out on a grass based diet and then are moved to a corn-based diet to achieve the full favor and tenderness that you will come to appreciate from C&M Beef. The Attaway family brings years of experience and a passion to provide the very best to their customers through elite Angus genetics. They have a facebook page where they post about availability and specials. You may also contact them by phone at 678-617-5715 or E-mail: candmbeef@gmail.com

White County Farmers’ Market – This market offers fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, herbs, jams, jellies, bread, etc, and nursery items, also farm and garden related supplies. All vendors must grow and produce the goods they sell at the market. The White County Farmers’ Market is located at 66 East Kytle St., Cleveland, Georgia. For more info call 706-865-2832

MACON COUNTY, NC

Bateman’s Produce & Applehouse – Located at 5869 Georgia Rd, Franklin, North Carolina 28734, Bateman’s has been selling fresh produce, fruit, jams, jellies, plants and food product for decades! The family is now selling beef. They also sell concrete products for your yard and garden, and metal buildings. You can get more info by calling 828-369-2444. You’ll fnd them on facebook by searching @batemansapplehouse. Brasstown Beef – Their Black Angus and Braunvieh cattle are pasture raised, grass-fed and given a forage-based supplement. The Whitmire family farm, Ridgefeld Farm, is based in Brasstown, North Carolina and their retail Brasstown Beef meat market is located at 211 W Palmer St., Franklin, North Carolina 28734. Their hours are Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. Their website is a great resource, www.brasstownbeef.com Dutchmen’s Farms - is a growing, family-owned and operated farm in Franklin, North Carolina, offering grass-fed beef and pork. Their cattle and pigs are raised in open pastures and their primary feed source is grass and hay for the Charolais cattle and pasture and light grain for the Hereford pigs. Located at 3590 Georgia Road, Franklin, North Carolina. Call ahead at 828-349-0099 to fnd out what is in stock. Sampler packs of 30# and 50# offer the best value and are labeled with quantities and weights so you know exactly what you’re getting. Their website offers an abundance of info, www.dutchmenfarms.com. Franklin Farmers’ Tailgate Market – Across from Drake Software in Franklin, North Carolina, you’ll fnd a true tailgate market with fresh veggies, fruits, cheese, plants, eggs, trout, preserves, honey and artisan breads. With an average of 25-

30 vendors, this market is made up of local farmers and food artisans. They are open 8:00am – 12:00pm May – October. You may contact Christy by calling 828-349-2049 or E-mail: clbreden@ncsu.edu. There is a facebook page for this market and you’ll fnd it by searching franklinncfarmersmarket.

Shearl Produce – Located at 9830 Georgia Rd in Otto, Shearl produce is open year-round. Local and regional produce, food products and plants are available for purchase. The market is well stocked with great parking and is easily accessible. They do have a facebook page that offers a lot of good information and you can search shearl.produce. For more info call 828- 369-0541. Shearl Produce is open daily from 9am – 6pm.

Tallent’s Produce – Located at 836 E Main St, Franklin, North Carolina, Tallent’s Produce offers a wide array of fresh vegetables and fruits, jams and jellies, gourds and more. The family owned market has been in this location for many years. They are open Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm, Saturday 8 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10am – 3pm. For more information call 828-

369-2112

Yonder Farmers’ Market - Alan and Hannah Edwards fulflled a dream when they opened the doors of Yonder, a locally and sustainably sourced farm to table restaurant in Franklin, North Carolina. The couple forged wonderful relationships with local farmers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. These relationships led to the Edwards looking for ways to bring healthy and organic foods to the community, helping the farmers and folks in the community successfully improve their lives through good food. All offerings are thoughtfully selected with a focus on nourishment. Online ordering at their website, eatrealfoodinc.com, is available beginning each Friday at 8pm through Sunday at 8pm. Orders received during this time will be available for pickup at the Yonder location,151 Hillcrest Avenue, Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday evenings between 4pm and 6pm or Friday mornings between 10am and 12pm (noon). Curbside pickup is available.