The great bounty of produce found on Bent Mountain can sometimes be taken for granted. Cabbage, potatoes, apples, and other produce have blessed this region for generations, as have the farmers who make these offerings available. The Trible family arrived on Bent Mountain in 1993 and have tasted from this local bounty ever since.

Fields of cabbage and potatoes seemed to go on forever, with beautiful orchards dotting numerous hills. Some say that the local Pippin apples were extremely important to this region, and of such a high quality that the Queen of England would have them grown especially for her on Bent Mountain, and then shipped to England. 

Unfortunately, farms and agriculture offerings have been dwindling over the years. When the Trible family first arrived, there were at least three produce stands or stores along Route 221. Eventually, only Fralin’s Produce remained. 

As regular customers of Fralin’s, the Tribles took advantage of the open-air market, friendly staff and high-quality produce. Unfortunately, in 2020, word got around that the produce market would be closing in order to focus on the farm. This would lead to the Tribles opening the Grateful Produce store. 

At the time, the Tribles were attempting to start a farm on Botton Creek. This opportunity allowed the treasured Fralin’s site to be reopened by the Tribles as their own market. The farm would supply the produce to the store, without a large focus on the wholesale market. While the plan seemed airtight, there would be serious challenges to come. 

The store opened in April of 2020, despite the global pandemic. The task of opening a brand-new shop, running a farm, and providing top-notch service and products to customers was not easy! Unfortunately, the focus on the retail store would take away valuable time from the farm. The family would end up sourcing produce from other highly qualified farmers in the area, sometimes sourcing elsewhere when certain products were out of season. The first two years were difficult, but close friends helped throughout this endeavor. 

Later in 2021, the old Bent Mountain Fruit and Produce Market building was set to go up for sale. The site had undergone significant renovation and was an ideal spot for The Grateful Produce store. The location even had almost six acres of commercial land at the top of the mountain! Thus, the family decided to move. This decision would lead to some slight wrinkles. Some customers were not aware of the new location resulting in a trickle of customers rediscovering the new location in past two years. 

In 2022, the family decided to diversify their offerings to entice additional customers. The store now offers new products from local suppliers, including eggs, great meats, and more! They also make meals to go along with their produce selection. Some meals include chili, sandwiches, pizza, vegetarian options, and desserts! The amazing staff strives to make food in the highest quality, while maintaining a diverse selection. 

Rebranded as, “Grateful Mountain Market”, they hope to emphasize produce and farming once again, while continuing to offer a wide range of products. Eventually, they will develop new areas for pick-your-own flowers and pumpkin patches, as well as more vegetable plots. The small, but effective staff can surely complete these tasks in due time. As an exciting note, they are also working to add live music as a regular occurrence in the barn. The ample space on the property allows for them to host local artists. The first live music event was hosted a few months ago, stay tuned for future events. 

The story related to the Grateful Mountain Market is full of twists and turns. The Trible family greatly benefited from the produce offered by farmers on Bent Mountain, and are happy to continue this legacy through thick and thin. Their vision for the business has changed to reflect the changing world around all of us, but a few aspects will remain; the quality local offerings, their friendly staff, and the sense of community that is nurtured in the Grateful Mountain Market. You can be part of it just by visiting!

Grateful Mountain Market 

Dave Trible • 540-988-6318

9513 Bent Mountain Road

Wednesday-Sunday 10AM-6PM