TollBranchFarm

It brings me to dead stop when someone asks where we're from, we've lived in so many places. But when it finally came time to do the early retirement thing and settle down we chose Eastern Tennessee in the hills of Appalachia. We went from working at a major Florida University to buying and renovating an incredibly run down 100+ year old farm. To make a bit of a living we sell treasures at a storefront in Elizabethton, Tennesse and online. The things we sell come either from our personal stash as part of our downsizing efforts or are purchased locally.

We love the mountains, the natural beauty here and the small towns, but we are especially fond of the people who have lived here their entire lives and have made us feel welcomed from the day we arrived. We also admire the spirit of survival here, including the way that people do what it takes to make a living. You can't help but notice their willingness to buy, sell, barter, trade and negotiate for what they need. It's a fundamental part of their life here. That willingness has helped developed some of the best flea markets we've ever visited. I've loved open air markets since living in Central Africa years ago. And thankfully my husband Lamar loves them too. There is just something about the mass of people, colors and noise that draws me in. Add to that the spirit of the hunt for treasures and the stories that come along from the vendors and it's a perfect day.

People here love to talk and share. Many of the items we find come with a history and we try and share that with our buyers. It's important to us that we have connected something that was important to someone years ago with someone who will love it again. Sometimes I feel like we operate a lost and found for wonderful things that need a new home.

Life is Good,
Julie & Lamar