Sandy Barnes

By Your Teen Magazine Sue’s son began playing piano at a young age. He made good progress and became “fairly proficient.” And he enjoyed playing. Then one day, he announced that he wanted to quit. Upon hearing this news, Sue pushed back. She loved hearing him practice. She saw value in putting in the work to get better. And she had a sense that even though he thought he was ready to quit, he would be glad that he didn’t.

The first agrihood in Western North Carolina, Olivette Riverside Community and Farm is attracting residents seeking a down-home, sustainable lifestyle that includes a working farm. Living in an agrihood allows residents to enjoy produce that is freshly harvested for farm-to-table dining, a growing trend for health-conscious people. “I’ve lived a farm-to-table lifestyle my whole life,” said Allison Smith, a founding partner for the 346-acre development on Old Macedonia Road in Alexander.

The monthly farmers market at Olivette Riverside Community and Farm in Alexander offers fresh produce grown on the property, as well as foods and natural items from area vendors. The Olivette farmers market returns on Saturday, June 5. It is open to the public on the first Saturday of the month from 2-5 p.m. through September.