The Toasty Farmer at Brewery 85

This article is part of the Food on Friday series.

Browsing The Toasty Farmers market

With the recent article in Town Magazine, The Toasty Farmer is no longer an Upstate secret; however, parents in the know have discovered that the family-friendly, winter farmers market can be the perfect outing on a cold winter’s day.

The unassuming frontage road that leads to Brewery 85 might lead new visitors to question their GPS, but you’ll soon known you’re in the right place by the cars overflowing from the brewery parking lot. The craft microbrewery is named for Interstate 85, central to the location on Whitlee Ct. and also to the region, connecting the hometowns of members of the ‘Brew Crew.’ The farmers market is mostly an indoor event, but you’ll find the food trucks outdoors; hot chocolate to warm up those kiddos, anyone?

Brewery 85 is celebrating their 4th anniversary on Saturday, January 27th!

The main entrance opens into the bar area where knowledgeable staff will help make a decision among the multiple beers on tap (they also have cider, wine, and a few non-alcoholic options for kids) that can be taken into the vending area in the main area of the brewery just around the corner.

Before we even make it into the market, the kids get sidetracked by the view of the brewery floor, all the enormous, shiny tanks, kettles and mills fueling their imagination. The brewery opened in 2014, and The Toasty Farmer launched a couple years later to provide an outlet for farm produce and goods during the winter season (in addition to bringing customers to the brewery). Starting with 7 markets the first year, this second season there will be a total of 19, every Saturday through March 10^th. Doors are open from 11am to 2pm.

Sea Eagle Seafood setting up for the oyster roast in the picnic area

Once you’ve browsed the bakery, dairy, winter veggie and other vendors, head to the back of the space to pick up some Sea Eagle Seafood, who bring their fresh catch from Beaufort every other week. On the first Saturday of the month the market hosts an oyster roast – all you can eat fresh cluster oysters and low country-style sides – turning the picnic area out back into a community gathering place (as weather permits, the tables are set up indoors in inclement weather).

Snacks provided by Upcountry Provisions

The kids’ favorite vendor has a sweet pastry that we allow them to dig into while shopping, and I enjoy browsing cheeses from the creamery and perhaps purchasing a local wine. When the weather is warmer the kids can run around outside while the parents enjoy a beverage at one of the picnic tables, while in cold and rainy weather we seat them with a snack and relax & enjoy the atmosphere indoors. With 45 vendors it’s a sure bet to find a local artisan, producer or farmer to talk with; the food trucks, music and craft beer are a bonus.

Greenville-based ViviDivine jewelry 

For more information, visit The Toasty Farmer Facebook page.

Log Shoals Park, coming soon to Greenville County

There is good news for residents of south Greenville County, as Greenville County Rec has announced that a new park will be opening south of I-185. Currently there is only one park in the area, Southside Park, the next closest parks being Cedar Falls in Fountain Inn, the Piedmont Athletic Complex, and Conestee Park in Greenville.

Source: here

  

The new park will shadow a bend in the river just south of the Log Shoals Road Bridge, encompassing a scenic portion of shoals at a spot on the river long known to paddlers as a convenient spot to launch or take out. Those kayaking the Reedy River often put in below the dam at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve for a 4-mile paddle that requires traversing Class 1 & 2 rapids to reach Log Shoals, or they put in at Log Shoals and proceed 2.5 miles downriver to West Georgia Road and the Rocky Creek greenway. A dirt parking lot on the west shore of the Reedy served double duty as an access point for paddlers and the driveway for an adjacent property, but late in 2016 Greenville County finally pieced together the 10+ acres that will form the core of the park, moved the fences to reflect this change in ownership, and finally early this year put up a new sign to replace the former one which went missing not long after it had been installed.

A sign declaring the “Future home of Log Shoals Park” is up at the Log Shoals Bridge 

Opening up this section of the Reedy River could also prove to be key in bringing the Swamp Rabbit Trail further south. Communities such as Long Creek Plantation (situated at the intersection of the Reedy and Rocky Creek just south of Log Shoals) have constructed their own series of trails along the Reedy; Long Creek boasts 40 acres of nature trails and green open spaces that run adjacent to Reedy & Rocky Creeks for nearly 2.5 miles. Although these trails are not open to the public, the Greenville County Master Plan suggests utilizing such existing greenways along the Reedy to connect the cities of Greenville, Mauldin & Simpsonville, the Donaldson Center Area, Southside Park & area schools with a network of trails. The realization of this vision could mean a trail taking cyclists and foot traffic from Lake Conestee Nature Preserve to Log Shoals and Southside Park, all the way to Cedar Falls and eventually Dunklin Bridge Road. (See Greenville County’s Comprehensive Greenway Plan for more information.)

Old stone foundation visible on creek that empties into the Reedy within Park boundaries

The bad news is that for those thinking of trying out a new swimming hole, you'll want to hold off on that. The primary water recreation at Log Shoals will be boating, as the Reedy River is still not considered safe for swimming. One of Greenville County’s six permanent water quality monitoring stations on the Reedy is located at Log Shoals Road, and testing results at times show extremely elevated levels of bacteria in the water including ecoli and fecal coliform. To stay up to date on efforts being made to improve the water quality and reduce pollution of our hometown river, as well as learn how to get involved in the effort, visit the Friends of the Reedy River website.

A Greenville County source says that as of yet there is no set date for groundbreaking on the new park, nor is there a target date/year to open the park. Seeing the City of Greenville’s focus on parks and recreation in 2018, one can only hope Greenville County follows suit – and opens this beautiful spot to the public sooner than later.

En route to the Outer Banks: Lake Benson

It seems like last year (wait, it was last year) that we headed northeast to the Outer Banks; we had a four day weekend, and have learned that off-season on the Atlantic coast can make for some great memories. The drive to the North Carolina barrier islands is deceptively long, as despite being only one state over, the drive is at best 7 hours – and that’s only to get across the causeway… If you’re headed to (for example) Ocracoke you still have another hour or two (without traffic) and a ferry ride ahead.

To break up the trip you can opt to stop halfway in Raleigh, NC, which offers plenty of sightseeing options in the area including attractions in the neighboring Durham and Chapel Hill. We’ve had our share of adventures in the Research Triangle, including exploring University of North Carolina, the Museum of Life and Science, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden. On this trip we opted for a stop at Lake Benson Park near Garner, NC.

The 64-acres include large grassy areas perfect for picnics and ball games, 1.8 miles of paved and unpaved trails, two playgrounds and four picnic shelters. Lake Benson Park is part of a chain of greenways that connect White Deer Park Nature Center and Thompson Road Park with Lake Benson. The Lake Benson Boathouse (975 Buffaloe Rd.) is open seasonally for boating and fishing from mid-March through October, and after passing that you’ll come to the park entrance and the Garner Veterans Memorial.

Following the park road all the way to the end will bring you to a parking area, the playgrounds, picnic shelters, trailheads and restroom facilities. We opted to stretch our legs on the Lake Benson Park TRACK Trail, which follows the Lake Benson Woodland Trail and a portion of the Loop Trail for a total of about 1 mile. (Note: the Lake Benson Woodland Trail is marked by orange markers and the Lake Benson Loop Trail is marked by blue markers, but I found this map to be most helpful.)

Kids in Parks TRACK Trail

Although a sunny day, it was chilly; a brisk walk on the boardwalks and along the shore of Lake Benson was just the thing to warm us up. The Lake wasn’t very appealing however; it is my understanding that a variety of issues, including the pumping of water, the development of the land surrounding the lake (and subsequent silt runoff) and introduction of multiple invasive and exotic species including hydrilla & grass carp have resulted in a diminished version of its former self. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but I can’t imagine who would want to.

The trails and playgrounds made up for the disappointment of the lakeshore, and we spent the remainder of our time there before packing up and heading on. While Lake Benson Park may not be our first choice of places to stop on route to the shore next time, it offered a nice respite from the drive, needed amenities, and easy trails through a woodland park setting. Next stop, Outer Banks.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Happy New Year!!! Laimīgu Jauno gadu!!!

Latvians are big on fortune telling this time of year, winter solstice and Christmas marking the advent of the New Year and New Beginnings, and the dark days providing plenty of time for reflection and planning.

Laimes liešana - "pouring" your luck! (photo credit Gunārs)

Whether it is the superstition that shrouds the season or just being more open to signs in my everyday life, every year come January 1^st I’m struck by the sudden appearance of multiple portents…The giant Wolf Moon, one of two this month. The never-before noticed cornerstone of a bridge that corresponds with my birth year. The path of a single shooting star mirroring my route home.

The difficulty lies in determining what these presumed signs mean. Is the shooting star showing me that I am on the right track, or is it an indication that I have been driving for too long, am seeing things, and need to pull over for coffee? Is the coincidence of the arrival of a long-awaited package with my arrival home an omen of other long-anticipated changes coming, or a result of the mail-hold and post office delays?

Maybe it means I'm not very observant - I mean, I drive across this bridge about once a week! 

I am of half a mind that this New Year will bring exactly what I make of it, yet also open to the possibility that these omens are a sign of positive things to come, pre-ordained and pre-approved. It is hard not to feel hopeful with the clean slate that a new calendar provides; may this optimism translate to new opportunities, extraordinary adventure, accomplishment and good health!

As the boys grow older and the novelty of our return to South Carolina has worn off, I find myself wondering where the future of Femme au Foyer lies. However, I am content with what the blog has evolved into – an outlet for a mother and wife, a way to share the beauty on our doorstep, and a connection with friends and family scattered across the globe. As far as 2018 is concerned, you can expect more of the following: great hiking spots in the Upstate and vicinity, restaurants/bakeries/breweries we enjoy frequenting, new exhibits & locations in the Greenville area that we’ve discovered, and hopefully more on the ways we incorporate our Latvian heritage into our Southern life.

Thank you for joining us on this journey; I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store…

Baltic Christmas Day 24 - Merry Christmas!

Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus! Linksmų Kalėdų! Häid jõule! May your holidays be warm and bright, and may the New Year bring health and happiness!!!

I’m forever grateful to everyone who has contributed to this series: in the form of posts, photographs, illustrations, interviews and ideas. As to the readers, the friends who commented and translated, and those who put me in contact with bloggers and authors all over the world, a heartfelt thank you as the series would not have been a success without you. Special mention to my husband for all of his assistance in editing (his specialty is answering the question “I know it’s late, but can you read this and suggest a title?”), artist ZILGMA for the uniquely Baltic logo (she’s also my ‘phone-a-friend’ for culinary questions!) and to Lauris, Mikus and Vilis for their patience with me while working on the enormous labor of love that is 24 Days of a Baltic Christmas.

On this final day of the series, a review of all the wonderful contributions we’ve seen this month. We kicked off 24 Days of a Baltic Christmas with a giveaway, and two lucky readers received a Baltic Christmas magnet to help make their fridge a little more festive! Then Day 2 brought a look at all the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Christmas markets taking place across the US, Canada, Australia and Europe.

On Day 3 we welcomed Ilze Kļaviņa with her recipe for cūkas šnukurs! The Minneapolis saimniece supplied us with a recipe and all sorts of tips in incorporating this traditional Latvian holiday food in our Ziemassvētku feast. ImantaDimanta dropped an exclusive Christmas track on Day 4 of 24 Days of a Baltic Christmas, and the tour dates of the upcoming US Centennial Tour were revealed including stops on the West Coast, East Coast and everywhere in between!

Elizaberth Georgian of the blog In Search Of joined us on Day 5 with gift ideas from all three of the Baltic countries. Then on Day 6 Lelde of Life in Riga gave us a tour of the Jamarka art market at the Art Academy of Latvia.

Barbara Tedrow’s article Kučios, The Longest Night appeared on the 7th day of 24 Days of a Baltic Christmas, tracing the Lithuanian family Christmas tradition from her childhood through modern day. Then we hopped across the ocean on Day 8 with author Emily Gilbert, for a look at Baltic Christmas traditions in the U.K.

Day 9 was a discussion of the role of animals in the magical events of the winter solstice: when animals speak on Christmas Eve, and a bountiful harvest, marriage, riches & health can be forecast by watching animals and nature during the weeks around Christmas. Then we gained insight into the journey of the Peace Light from Bethlehem to Europe and across the United States & Canada on Day 10, the tradition bringing light and peace to Scouts and their families across the world.

Andrejs, a new addition to the Minneapolis Baltic culinary scene, provided us with a Beginner’s Guide to Galerts on Day 11, turning this gastronomic holiday mystery into a realistic addition to any holiday table. Then on Day 12 we welcomed Rachel from Baltic Stitches to the series, with a post on an alternative to Latvian Mitten Mania - mini lapel mittens.

   

Learn how to make kanēļmaizītes with Ilze Ieviņa from the blog Let the Journey Begin on Day 13! Then on Day 14 read about the serious problem of the looting of Latvian archaeological sites in Balticsmith’s article Museum-Quality Viking Artifact or Destroyed Ancient Latvian Burial?, (hopefully) the first in a series of a more in-depth look at this plague threatening our culture and heritage.

On Day 15 we welcomed Kristīna with her article on her choral Christmas tradition and the New York Latvian Concert Choir's annual Christmas concert. Then we traveled to Vilnius on Day 16 for a cup of coffee with Coffee1 on the day their interactive self-service hot chocolate station opened at their Uzupis location.

Photographer Ilze Lucero shared her childhood memories of puzuri with the Day 17 post, and shared her project Portrait of a Latvian Nomad, an ongoing undertaking in honor of LV100. On Day 18 I was honored to present the Latvian web series Lodziņš uz Latviju (“A Little Window to Latvia”) with their December episode featuring kanēļmaizītes, a walk through the streets of Vecrīga all decked out for the holidays, and a Christmas tune from ImantaDimanta!

On the final week of 24 Days of a Baltic Christmas we took a closer look at the Lithuanian holiday traditions involving hemp and poppy seeds with Viktorija and her post High on Christmas on Day 19. Latvian mittens made another appearance on the series the following day as Māra Linde introduced readers to the Latvian Mittens Traveling Exhibit, currently making its way around the United States as part of LV100 celebrations.

My sister Zinta gave us a glimpse of the Seattle Christmas market on Day 21 with a video featuring interviews with shoppers and vendors, as well as an appearance by the folk dance troop Trejdeksnītis. Day 22 brought the exciting news that Toronto, ON will host the XV Latvian Song Festival in July 2014. Then on Day 23, Karl Altau presented an interview with Jõuluvana himself during one of his appearance at the Baltic Christmas celebrations in Rockville. I want to know what kind of pull Karl has, that he managed to bring such an in-demand guest to the series this close to the holidays; maybe he can put in a good word to Ziemassvētku vecītis for my boys, they’ve been really well-behaved!

I hope you enjoyed this fourth year of counting down the days to a Baltic Christmas! We’re so thankful to have been part of your holiday preparations this month, and hope you found some Christmas spirit here on Femme au Foyer. I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

Until next year,

Liene