A local 25-acre farm has encountered several challenges, including funding issues from a local project that fell through and previous damage from Hurricane Helene. Despite these setbacks, the farm has persevered in its efforts. The father-and-son duo, Henry and Joshua Jones, who own the National Veterans Agriculture Association farm, are working diligently to revitalize the farm and could use the community's support.

Their goal is to restore the farm to its former glory by offering classes to the community, selling starter plants, establishing a plant nursery, and even hosting cooking classes. They are looking for volunteers and encourage anyone interested to join them. Help is needed with fencing, repairing greenhouses, and labor around the farm.

Henry and Joshua share their passion for gardening and have ambitious plans for the property. Henry, who moved from Atlanta after retiring from the Army, says, “We love it here,” while Joshua, who studied agriculture, adds to their commitment to the land. During our visit, we toured some of the property and learned about their plans for various projects, including event spaces, grow towers, a you-pick blueberry farm, aquatic gardening, and much more.

The Joneses have a genuine love for the community and hope that people will support them in any way possible. Here at The Owings Tribune, we see great potential in this beautiful farm and want to assist the farmers in their journey. We encourage you to visit the farm, as the owners are down-to-earth and full of knowledge. You can find them at 6401 Greenpond Rd, Gray Court, SC, or on Instagram at NVAASC_.

Gracious Farms graciously invited us to walk their property and discuss their journey toward growing local food. Carla, one of the owners, shared that her passion for farming began in her childhood. “It’s what our family did, and back then, it was just about growing what we needed,” she explained. After more than 15 years of ownership, she has transformed the farm into what it is today. “It has taken a lot of time and hard work, but we love what we do.”

Carla and her family cultivate a variety of flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. As we walked the property, her passion was visible. “For a long time, we grew things with a purpose, but after a while, you grow things out of joy, and then that joy finds a purpose,” she said. She elaborated, “Growing things out of pure joy is a purpose of its own.”

We reminisced about the beauty of her farm and the many accomplishments she has achieved over the years. Carla and her family have dedicated significant time and effort to nurture each seed. For years, she has felt a calling to help her community by providing fresh food from the earth to their tables. “Some people don’t have the time to grow their own food, and we hope to make it accessible for them. It also makes a difference when you know where your food comes from.”

Recently, Carla has been gifted the opportunity to become a full-time farmer. In her previous corporate job, she struggled to balance work, family, and farming. Now, she smiles as she talks about the time she spends with her daughter and husband. “I have more time with them and to do the things I love.”

Gardening has been a trial-and-error journey for this family farm. Over the years, they have tested various methods and gained knowledge through their experiences. “The biggest difference between my job before and being a farmer today is that you’re not the boss anymore. The plants tell you what to do,” she explained. She discussed the challenge of patience in farming: “The plants are going to do what they want, and we just have to wait.”

Throughout her journey, she has delved deep into understanding soil, seeds, organic farming, and related topics. Farming requires not just physical effort but also significant mental investment.

We encourage everyone to support this beautiful farm and appreciate the passion they invest in their products. Gracious Farms has also launched a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to bring locally grown food to community tables. If you would like to sign up or learn more about this program, please reach out to them. They plan to offer weekly boxes of fresh vegetables and flowers to CSA members.

Ole Blue Truck Farm was established in 2018 but officially became a business in January 2021. The farm is the realization of a dream shared by Anne and her late husband, Stephen, who dedicated their time and effort to bring it to life. Anne envisioned restoring the beautiful space, even though she wasn’t quite sure how to begin. To assist with the restoration, they sourced wood from the old barn and the local Ellis Sawmill.

Years later, the farm was ready to welcome visitors. Anne and Stephen were the first couple to marry on the property, and since then, many others have followed in their footsteps. Anne shared, “It was a labor of love for us both. We got to watch it go from mud and smell like a barn to what it is now. It's been great to see how much it has changed.”

There was a palpable sadness in her voice as she reflected on her husband, Stephen, who recently passed away after a long battle with illness. “He was the support behind it all; he motivated me to keep going. This was my dream, and he wanted to see it happen.”

Anne spoke passionately about all their accomplishments together. Stephen witnessed Anne’s dream come true and helped her along the way. Although Stephen is no longer here, his legacy and love will always remain with his family.

The farm offers a wide variety of event options, including both indoor and outdoor spaces. Anne mentioned that they have hosted everything from dog training workshops to Thanksgiving dinners.

The beautiful venue can accommodate events of any size, making it perfect for any occasion. Anne is continually adjusting and enhancing the space, with plans to add an overnight bridal suite for weddings. We hope you will reach out to Anne and book your next event at this true treasure located in Gray Court. We want to dedicate this article to Stephen; may you rest in peace. 

R.I.P. Jonathan Stephen Madison Payne March 1, 1974 - March 25, 2025

Bethel Trails Farms has been feeding generations since 1999. Located in Gray Court, this small farm offers a variety of products. Steve and Michelle Ellis started the farm when they moved from Simpsonville to Gray Court in 1999, driven by a desire to be closer to family. Over the years, their passion has expanded from just raising chickens to include a diverse range of options.

Steve shares, “Our customers make our day; there is nothing better than when a customer lets us know how much they appreciate what we are trying to do here.” He enjoys witnessing the positive impact their products have on customers’ health. Over time, he has been honored to nourish not just one, but multiple generations of customers. He expresses gratitude to God and the community for their support throughout the years.

When discussing the recent residential growth in the area, Steve remarks, “It’s not like it used to be. In the past, people moved here due to job relocations. Now, many are seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle, especially after COVID changed how people view things. A lot of my current customer base consists of individuals who have relocated here.” He describes those who have made the move as brave, stating, “It takes a lot to uproot your entire family and move to a new area.”

Bethel Trails Farms has recently joined a local farmers' market in Simpsonville, which operates on Saturdays. The farm is open for pickup and purchase on Tuesdays from 3 PM to 6 PM, offering a range of products including eggs, chicken, duck, turkey, pork, beef, and more. This local farm is easy to find, and we encourage you to stop by and support them. Let Bethel Trails Farms be the farm that feeds you and future generations. They are located at

2302 Friendship Church Rd, Gray Court, SC 29645

"My life at Lauren’s High School has been full of bumps. I have learned a lot from both my teachers and my friends. I participated in the school orchestra; I tried the band since it was always my passion. Orchestra ended up where my passion lay. My time at the school overall was good. I have an idea of what I’m doing, but I am still trying to figure it out. I know I’m going to college, but I don’t know what for or where. I’m thinking of Piedmont Tech or Newberry College. I’m excited for the future, I can’t wait to see where I go."

  “My life at Lauren's High School was very interesting. I was in orchestra and JROTC for a long time. It had its ups and downs, but it was overall alright. I haven't fully decided on where I am going yet for college but I do plan to attend. I'm either going to Greenville Technical College, Piedmont Tech, or Presbyterian College. I plan on doing my two years free and then transferring to a college where I can pursue a degree in Meteorology.”   

Mixon Farm has a rich history connected to a local figure named Bill Gentry. Mr. Mixon took ownership of the farm around 2009, and since then, he and his family have worked tirelessly to transform it into the well-known Mixon Farm. This beautiful homestead has expanded significantly over the years and now offers a variety of products beyond what they initially expected, including strawberries, blueberries, pecans, honey, and much more.

Ashley Mixon shared, "We offer a lot of things, and we keep it local. Everything we carry is made here or close by." She also mentioned her plan to host a Small Business Saturday event, similar to ones she has organized in the past. "We had over forty vendors, and the community really seemed to enjoy it," Ashley added. "We are building experiences here. Many people haven't had the chance to pick blueberries or strawberries. Those experiences mean something to them." She desires to help the community make memories with their families by visiting the farm. "It's one of the things I remember as a child, picking berries right off the vine with my family as a kid."

Farming is a passion for Ashley, who describes it as being in her blood. In addition to being a farmer, she is also a biochemist. Farmers and growers possess a wide range of skills, and we appreciate the opportunity to support them whenever possible. We encourage the community to show their support by visiting the farm stand, sharing posts on Facebook, and spreading the word to friends.

This hidden gem, located right off Hwy 101 South in Gray Court, SC, is worth a visit!

I am currently thirty-seven years old, and my love life is nonexistent to say the least. Or at least it was until recently. I have worked at my current job for the past nine years. I am a dedicated employee and love what I do and the company I work for. My problem begins with a coworker who has shown a love interest in me. We have been flirting on and off for a few months now. Yesterday he asked me on a date, and I froze. My father's voice rang in my ears, “Don’t get your honey where you make your money”. Is this an irrational fear? Should I jump at the opportunity for a love life? I am so nervous about the waves it might cause for my job and my work friendship with him. Again, in this day and age, dating just isn’t happening a lot for me. I worry that if I don’t jump at this chance, I might regret it. I feel that with either choice, I will feel some regret. HELP!

 Dear Love Struck,

I’m feeling a bit like Aladdin’s Genie when it comes to giving advice regarding a love decision. I can’t tell you what to do with your heart. It’s just one of life’s rules. However, I recognize that there are many factors here, but I think you and your father have the right mentality. You very well may be risking your job if you jump in head first and the relationship goes belly up. So, I guess you need to weigh your options carefully. Would it be worth the risk? Is losing the job worth the possibility of love?

Is there any possibility that this person interested in you would find another job? Maybe you could tell them that you would love the chance to get to know them better outside of work but that you don’t feel right about doing that while you both are employed there. That could either stall things until one of you no longer works there, or it at least puts the ball in his court, and you can learn his heart based on his response. Maybe he’s willing to change jobs for a chance with you! And if he isn’t, maybe that’s all you need to make your decision. I know regret is a looming possibility, but you can’t live your life in regret. Make a decision, and don’t look back.

Life isn’t a science experiment with definite cause-and-effect relationships. We choose a path, and then we’ll never know what would have happened if we had chosen the other route. You just go with it. No sense in giving it a second thought. Take the leap! There are so many people out there to meet. You just don’t know they are out there until you get out there. You should make time to go out more and meet people outside of work. The right person for you is out there! Ultimately, I think it boils down to what you prioritize most: this potential love or your beloved job. Whatever you choose, go all in! Take the chance. Fate is going to take you where you are meant to be either way. The best of luck to you, your honey, AND your money!

The Owings Market kicked off in May, attracting many locals who came out to show their support. Several vendors set up to sell a variety of items, including chickens, lemonade, banana pudding, homemade breads, candles, and much more. This local market is filled with heart in its small space. The community trickled in, and we hope for increased foot traffic to encourage these vendors to return. As the season progresses, many vendors have indicated that their product offerings will expand. Vegetables will be available soon, as our local farmers plan to sell their fresh produce. Overall, the vendors hope the community will continue to support this market so they can keep it going annually. One vendor stated, “We love our small town and just want to share that love with our fellow community members. Every town around us has a market; why not Gray Court?” We couldn’t agree more and hope to see you on June 7th at the next market!

Over the past 2 months, I have interviewed several businesses, farms, and community members in Gray Court. I have come to the realization that many people are unaware of the potential this remarkable town possesses. It flourishes in its own unique way, and honestly, it's beautiful. Gray Court is not defined by its buildings and roads; it is the people who make it special.

The town thrives through small businesses that promote their products online or operate from their homes, community members who offer help to their neighbors, and local farms that provide fresh food and meaningful experiences for families. This town, this community, is truly inspiring. Although it may not seem like much at first glance, it is growing, and we at The Owings Tribune hope to assist in shaping the changes to come. We are the community, for the community.