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.