Artistic Vibes and a Park’s Purpose
On July 12, we headed to Johnson City, Tennessee, to the Johnson City Farmers Market. It was hot and muggy. Johnson City is an interesting place. It has a rich history as a manufacturing town and a railroad hub. Eastern Tennessee State University brings a younger demographic to the area, adding to the energetic vibe of the Farmers Market.
We first noticed the buildings painted in bright, modern art after parking. Every time we visit Johnson City, there’s an artsy, music-filled event, along with a hippie ambiance in the air. It is modern, eclectic, and vibrant.
We headed toward the Pavilion at Founders Park, where the Farmers’ Market takes place. We were amazed by the event’s size. They established Founders Park, a 5-acre site in the city’s heart, in 2014 as part of a stormwater retention project designed to reduce flooding. The park includes an amphitheater, walking paths, a creek, and several art installations.
The Market’s Roots and Flourishing Future
The Farmers Market relocated to Founders Park as its permanent location in 2016, as its former site at St. John’s Episcopal Church required expansion.
The Market originated in 1976 through a cooperative effort among Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol.
It was operated by an organization called F.A.R.M. (Tri-Cities Farmers’ Association for Retail Marketing). It has now grown thanks to the efforts of many residents. A board of directors currently manages it.
The Johnson City Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm, from May 10 through October 25.
From Shyness to Soil: Rayne or Shyne and Umbrella Blessings Farm
Our first meeting was with Whitney Flores of Rayne or Shyne, a boutique jewelry maker, and Rodney Piner of Umbrella Blessings Farm. Despite Whitney’s initial shyness, her dedication to her craft was evident. She introduced us to Rodney, a man of many talents who has worked as both a farmer and a chemist. His journey from Kingsport to Limestone, TN, and his recognition by Eastman Chemical Company for his 10th U.S. Patent showcase his dedication and passion for farming.
Talking with Rodney reveals he farms with purpose and a clear philosophy. He says, “Plants communicate with humans. If you give me a picture of a plant that isn’t doing well, I can tell you exactly what’s wrong with it.” Rodney grows microgreens like lettuce, broccoli, radishes, and carrots, which are packed with nutrients and flavor. He also sells honey from their farm.
When asked why his operation is called Umbrella Blessings Farm, he replied, “Well, our farm is called Umbrella Blessings, and it comes from when I was teaching my children the difference between belief and faith. Belief is what you feel in your heart and what you know in your head, but faith is the action of belief, and that’s in your hands and your feet. One day, we were talking about prayer, and they said, ‘Dad, we understand believing in our prayers.’
“How do we show faith in our prayers? And I said, the way you show faith in your prayer is when you pray for rain, and you carry an umbrella, even when the sun is shining.”
Books and Cleverness: Where Literature Meets Art on Wheels
We next discovered a truly remarkable find: ‘Books and Cleverness,’ the creation of the incredibly talented Kelly Brianne Hall. This place lives up to its name and exceeds expectations! Cleverly tucked inside the cargo area of a converted box truck, it offers a unique experience. Yes, there are books—stacks and shelves of them—but the real draw is the stunning art Kelly creates, with the wonderful encouragement and support of her husband, John.
Kelly possesses a truly unique brilliance in the way her art stands out. It’s a captivating mix of nostalgia, literature, poetry, and illustration, all seamlessly combined into one piece. What makes her work so special is her creative approach: she often takes actual book pages and creates her art directly on top of them. She frequently adds her poetic verses right onto the pages, giving her work an extra layer of depth and a personal touch. Each piece tells a story, not just through its images but through the very pages of the books it’s made from, making “Books and Cleverness” a must-see for anyone visiting the Market.
Kelly, the creative force behind Books and Cleverness, shared her personal journey with us. She has always been an artist, but it was her husband’s support and vision that turned her dream of a coffee trailer into the unique, art-filled truck that now serves as her canvas. Her story stands as a testament to the power of support and determination in pursuing one’s passion.
Judah and Alma’s Garden Treasures
These two adorable children have a table selling produce from their family garden. Judah’s mom told us that he was saving up for something special, but when asked, Judah was tight-lipped about the details. Their father, Joseph Snyder, had a separate display of his art, and it was pretty interesting to talk with him about it; that part is posted here:
Meet Flynn: One of the Market’s Furry Friend
The reason it was essential to introduce Flynn to everyone is, well, look at him!
Water Fork Farm: Fresh from Greeneville
What a pleasure it is to see Water Fork Farm’s stall at the Johnson City Farmers Market! Hailing from Greenville, TN, this family-run farm offers an impressive selection of fresh, vibrant produce that truly stands out.
From their plump, juicy tomatoes bursting with summer flavor to the crisp, lush lettuces and a continually changing selection of seasonal treats, it’s clear the folks at Water Fork Farm put their heart and soul into growing top-quality goods. And it’s not just produce; you’ll also find their non-GMO, pasture-raised chickens, demonstrating their commitment to healthy, responsibly sourced food.
Plus, their beautiful, fresh-cut flowers add a splash of color and scent, making them perfect for brightening any home. Their dedication to sustainable practices shines through in every abundant display, making them favorites among market-goers seeking the best of local agriculture. Stop by their stall—you won’t be disappointed!
Hartman Farms & Homestead: Jonesborough’s Handcrafted Goodness
Entering the Johnson City Farmers Market, you can’t miss the charming presence of Hartman Farms & Homestead! Hailing from Jonesborough, TN, this remarkable farm offers a unique blend of handcrafted products and farm-fresh offerings that truly embody the spirit of local agriculture.
While they are known for their excellent goat milk soaps and other bath and body products – a real treat for self-care – you’ll often find a selection of seasonal produce and farm-fresh chicken eggs, showcasing their commitment to wholesome, homemade food.
Hartman Farms & Homestead pours passion into everything they do, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at their booth. Their presence serves as a lovely reminder of the vibrant, diverse agricultural community thriving right here in our neighborhood. Be sure to stop by and discover the treasures waiting for you at Hartman Farms & Homestead!
ETSU Medicine Show: A Celebration of Appalachian Culture
What an absolute joy! We chose the perfect day to visit the Johnson City Farmers Market because it included the chance to catch the ETSU Medicine Show. This isn’t your grandma’s old-fashioned medicine show with questionable cures; no, this is a lively, community-focused celebration!
The students, alums, and faculty from ETSU’s Appalachian Studies and Theatre and Dance departments truly exceeded expectations. They create a captivating tapestry of traditional performance styles, such as song, dance, clowning, juggling, and even acrobatics. It’s pure, unfiltered joy filling the air.
The purpose of this amazing show is clear: to inspire and connect. They explore important themes like food, health, and community, all through the powerful art of performance. It’s truly a dream come true for artistic director Dr. Ante Ursić, who brings together generations of talent to serve the community. And the best part? It’s free and open to all, thanks to support from the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts and the East Tennessee Foundation. If you get a chance to see it, don’t miss out!
Gray Hilly Farm: Blooms from Gray
Get ready to be enchanted by the colorful display from Gray Hilly Farm! Owned and lovingly cared for by Sue and Chris Kerr, this lovely flower farm adds a burst of color and fragrance to the Johnson City Farmers Market. Located in Gray, their passion for growing stunning blooms is clear in every stem.
From delicate, dew-kissed roses to cheerful sunflowers and an ever-changing selection of seasonal varieties, Gray Hilly Farm offers an unmatched range for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to brighten your home, find the perfect gift, or enjoy nature’s artwork, Sue and Chris’s dedication to growing stunning, high-quality flowers shines through. Their commitment to nurturing these vibrant beauties adds a special touch to our local market scene, showing that the freshest and most beautiful flowers are often right in our backyard. Be sure to stop by their stall and let the beauty of Gray Hilly Farm inspire you!
Motte and Bailey Farm: Jonesborough’s Heritage Harvests
A genuine passion and purpose shine through the stall of Motte and Bailey Farm at the market! Situated in the historic town of Jonesborough, Tennessee, this exceptional farm is the work of dedicated owners Tanner and Becca Blevins. And let me tell you, their dedication to unique, high-quality products makes them stand out.
What makes Motte and Bailey Farm so fascinating? Tanner and Becca are deeply committed to bringing exceptional, often heirloom, varieties to our tables. While their specific offerings may change with the seasons, you can always count on thoughtfully grown heritage fruits and vegetables, often bursting with flavors you won’t find in a typical grocery store. They’re known for their dedication to sustainable and often regenerative farming practices, working in harmony with nature to produce food that’s not only delicious but also good for the land.
Watch for their unique produce—you might discover a forgotten type of tomato or a rare squash that will elevate your next meal. The Blevins’ commitment to preserving biodiversity and supporting their community in Jonesborough makes every purchase from Motte and Bailey Farm a truly special experience!
For those interested in the origin of the term, a “motte and bailey” is a type of medieval castle. It features a large earthen mound, or “motte,” often crowned with a fortified tower, and a lower, enclosed courtyard called the “bailey,” surrounded by a ditch and a palisade. This defensive design originated in Europe and became widespread with the Normans after the 11th century.
Anima Fungi: Cultivating Health and Flavor in Johnson City!
Step right up to explore the fascinating world of Anima Fungi, where owner Max Dallaba is passionately cultivating amazing mushrooms right here in Johnson City, TN! Max’s journey into mycology has blossomed into a remarkable farm dedicated to providing our community with fresh, high-quality fungi, truly embracing the idea that “food is medicine.” At Anima Fungi, you’ll find a fantastic selection of carefully cultivated mushrooms, often including popular culinary favorites like oyster mushrooms (pink, blue, or yellow!), Lion’s Mane, and Shiitake, along with other intriguing varieties.
Max’s passion for the art and science of mushroom growing is evident in the vibrant freshness and top quality of his harvest. These mushrooms aren’t just tasty additions to your meals; many also offer notable health benefits. Anima Fungi highlights the exciting potential of local, specialty farming, delivering unique flavors and wellness directly from the farm to your table. Be sure to visit Max and try his incredible mushrooms – your palate and your health will thank you!
Alethia Fields: Bluff City’s Beautiful Blooms
Get ready to awaken your senses as you explore the vibrant display at Alethia Fields! This charming farm, tucked away in Bluff City, TN, is the passionate project of Tina and John Gregg, who provide a wide variety of specialty and heirloom cut flowers to our community.
Tina and John’s commitment to cultivating naturally grown, seasonal blooms is truly inspiring. From the delicate charm of their heirloom varieties to the bold statement of their specialty cuts, every bouquet and arrangement reflects their love for the land and their craft.
Whether you’re searching for a stunning centerpiece for a special occasion, a cheerful arrangement to brighten your home, or buckets of fresh flowers for a DIY project, Alethia Fields offers beauty in abundance. Their eco-friendly practices ensure these beautiful flowers are not only eye-catching but also grown with environmental care.
Alethia Fields isn’t just selling flowers; they’re sharing joy, color, and a piece of their beautiful farm with every bloom. Be sure to visit their market stall or browse their offerings—you’ll be glad you did!
Circle E Longhorns: Chucky’s Taste of the Old West
Get ready to experience beef like never before when you visit the stall of Circle E Longhorns! Located in Chucky, TN, this unique farm is passionately run by Allen and Linda Evans, who are dedicated to raising outstanding Texas Longhorn cattle. If you’re seeking flavorful, top-quality beef with an interesting backstory, you’ve come to the right place!
Allen and Linda are providing farm-fresh, grass-fed meat from their impressive herd of Longhorn cattle. These iconic cattle, renowned for their distinctive horns and remarkable endurance, are also recognized for producing leaner, healthier beef that is full of natural flavor. They are very hardy, thrive on pasture, and their meat is often praised for its great taste and lower fat content.
The Evans’ dedication to caring for these remarkable animals shines through, making their beef a truly special and popular choice. Whether you’re a fan of unique beef or just looking for a healthy and tasty option, be sure to visit Circle E Longhorns and meet Allen and Linda – they’re bringing a piece of the American frontier right here to our local Market!
Keywood Meadows Farm: Blountville’s Natural Soaps
Keywood Meadows Farm, situated in Blountville, Tennessee, is recognized for its dedication to natural products, including handcrafted soaps. Their soaps are crafted with natural ingredients, utilizing essential oils. You will find in their repertoire soaps made with Dandelion Tea, Aloe Vera, Coconut and Goat Milk. Two of their particular standout soaps are called Rhubarb Riptide, and Orange and Bergamot Goats Milk Soap
They also produce a variety of Whipped Body Butters, Mason Jar Candles with scents like Snickerdoodle, Wild Rose, Black Raspberry, and Vanilla, as well as Lily of the Valley, among many more. They also have a lovely selection of crocheted accessories,
Cocoa Bean & Butter Chocolate: A Sweet Family Legacy
Get ready to indulge your senses with the exquisite creations from Cocoa Bean & Butter Chocolate Co.! This charming family-owned business, operated by Joel and Kelly Simkus, carries a legacy of confectionery craftsmanship from Limestone, Tennessee, directly to markets like the Johnson City and Jonesborough Farmers Markets. With three generations involved, including a tradition that dates back to Joel’s mother’s 30-year chocolate business, every treat is crafted with passion and expertise.
Cocoa Bean & Butter crafts “amazing chocolates and rich, buttery baked goods” using only the finest all-natural ingredients. From their gourmet chocolates, like the “Appalachian Mudslide” and “Tennessee Turtles,” to a variety of freshly baked breads, cakes, cookies, and confections, their dedication to creating unforgettable flavors is clear. Visiting their booth isn’t just shopping; it’s an experience in savoring truly artisanal, local sweetness!
The Nourish Collective: Erwin’s Natural Skincare Solutions
Here’s a look at The Nourish Collective, a notable vendor from Erwin, Tennessee, making waves at the Johnson City Farmers Market. This innovative company specializes in natural skincare, carefully crafting products from both animal- and non-animal-derived ingredients.
Their range, which includes ingredients such as tallow, castor oil, frankincense, and jojoba, offers tailored solutions for various skin types and conditions, meeting the community’s growing demand for healthy and effective skincare.
The Nourish Collective, once based in Georgia, truly stands out for its dedication to quality and natural healing. Their product line includes “Gentle,” an unscented tallow cream infused with Calendula for sensitive skin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and “Repair,” a tallow salve that combines Calendula, Chamomile, and Clove essential oil to soothe irritation and promote skin repair.
They also offer “Sun Shield,” a tallow balm with non-nano zinc oxide that provides a natural SPF of 20-30. Their ethical approach, combining ancient plant power with regenerative animal nutrients, offers a fresh choice in the natural beauty market.
Silver Threads Country Catering: Bristol’s Homestyle Flavors
Silver Threads Country Catering, based in Bristol, Tennessee, is a catering service renowned for serving delicious food at affordable prices. Operated by Janice Blevins, they focus on using local farm produce when available, showing a commitment to fresh, regional ingredients. They are recognized for offering a variety of items, including cakes, cookies, pies, entrees, and desserts, making them a versatile option for different events and special orders.
Growth Ring Artisan: Harlen Adams’ Retirement Masterpieces
Let’s talk about a true artisan making waves right here at the Johnson City Farmers Market! We’re talking about Harlen Adams and his incredible venture, Growth Ring Artisan. From what we can see, Harlen is a dedicated artisan who pours his passion into creating unique, high-quality pieces, often highlighting the natural beauty of wood. His work at Growth Ring Artisan isn’t just about making objects; it’s about showcasing the story held within each piece of material, a nod to the very “growth rings” that tell the history of a tree.
You can tell from the name alone that there’s a deep appreciation for nature’s artistry and a desire to turn raw materials into something truly special. From looking at Harlen’s offerings, one might assume this is his full-time job. He told us that this was his retirement project. For a project to keep yourself busy in retirement, he sure isn’t messing around. Each piece is beautiful and valuable, and Harlen has taken something beautiful in nature and turned it into special works of art.
When we visit a large market like the Johnson City Farmers Market, it’s impossible to cover everything in one article. Therefore, we’ve highlighted a sampling of interesting vendors at this Market. Of course, the advantage of not covering everyone is that it gives us an excuse to return and, hopefully, write more articles.
We want to give a big shout-out and thank the organizers of the Johnson City Farmers Market. It was very well-organized, and everyone there was very friendly. We will be back soon!
