The Peach Stand, Fort Mill SC

I didn't work in a store or do any waitressing during High School. Thanks to my parents, it was my job to focus on school, to do well and to propel myself into college. The summer between graduation and before leaving for college, I worked at Filasky's Farm about a mile up the road from my home on Long Island. The memories are indelible! Burlap sacks filled with Silver Queen corn, piles of squash, rows of dewy berries, peaches, tomatoes and potatoes, a huge rotating metal bin filled with fresh lettuces and produce. That summer I learned what it meant to be a "good tired" from a day of physical work. I like the feeling. A bunch of us stole a huge watermelon for my 18th birthday. Somebody got a massive syringe from a veterinarian, and we took turns injecting the melon with vodka, covering up the needle holes with duct tape. My first DIY project. I'm terrible at lying. I paid for the watermelon the next day...in more ways than one. Good times!

Roadside stands still catch my eye, and I like them for what they represent and for their simplicity. Plywood and 2 x 4s, handpainted signs, chicken wire. Some stands still operate on the honor system, where from sunup to sundown you put money for veggies, firewood, cut flowers, etc...into an old coffee can, mason jar or metal cash box.




The corner of Peach Lane and Hwy 160, Fort Mill

Peach trees

The original Peach Stand was built in the '30's by the Springs family. It's a landmark and is open seasonally for peaches and produce.

There's a weathered Bible on the shelf. It does not seem out of place.

The old Peach Stand was moved across the street to make way for the new building in 1976. It's a gas station, restaurant, ice cream parlor, butcher, bakery, produce market and SC products gift store. They'll ship nationwide.
Visit http://www.peachstand.com/ for more info.

I took some snaps, and they have great stuff but I really like the feel of the old stand better!

I picked up some housemade italian sausage, and took a spin through the original part of Fort Mill on my way back home. Another tiny town, stuck in time. It reminds me of Long Island's North Fork, or the Hudson River towns. The 60's architecture mixed with federal and victorian styles. Quaint, with that "worlds away" feeling yet within striking distance to a city.

Main Street. About 30 buildings, some empty storefronts. One pub, antiques shops, a men's clothing store, City Hall. It almost feels like a movie set.

I love the lettering on the roof.

This is the kicker...fried chicken gets top billing over gasoline.

I'll head back to Fort Mill in May for strawberry picking, and maybe to catch the parade through town.

Small towns keep it real. Level & Plumb.