//Concerts, Farmers Markets, & More… Fountain Inn is Worth the Visit
fountain inn

Concerts, Farmers Markets, & More… Fountain Inn is Worth the Visit

Brett Barest

I have always thought of Fountain Inn as a “blink and you’ll miss it” sort of town and, with a total population of less than 10,000 people, that is not entirely wrong. What the town lacks in size is more than made up in activity as the quaint little town boasts everything from a weekly summer concert series, an ever growing farmers market, and access to nearby outdoor adventure. It is no doubt then that one of the Upstate’s best kept secrets is becoming less and less so by the hour.

Sounds of Summer Concerts

fountain sounds of summer music series

I was reminded of Fountain Inn when I heard that their annual Sounds of Summer concert series was kicking off for 2021. Held downtown at Commerce Park’s outdoor amphitheater, the weekly concert series takes place every Friday night from June through August. The free shows feature easy access to local restaurants, snack trucks on site, and on-site alcohol sales because it is Friday night after all. As for the talent, Sounds of Summer features a healthy mix of original local artists like Nathan Angelo and JL Fulks along with classic cover bands like Soulution and Jazzy Trinity Band. It all comes together in a way that will offer a little something for everybody throughout the season in a perfect celebration of summertime fun.

Saturday Farmers Market

Fountain Inn also hosts its own Saturday morning farmers market from May through August. Held at the town’s dedicated Farmers Market Pavilion, the event features more than 30 local farmers, makers, and craftspeople every week of the season. Whether you are looking to stock a healthy cupboard, find some tasty treats, or purchase the perfect locally made gift of handcrafted art, the Fountain Inn Farmers Market has you covered without all the traffic of some of the larger markets in town. Plus, that pavilion means you get all the shade you could ask for when the dog days of summer are upon us.

Get Outdoors at Cedar Falls Park

Finally, Fountain Inn is the location of one of my favorite Upstate outdoor destinations – Cedar Falls Park. Just a 15 minute drive from Main St., Cedar Falls Park is arguably the most impressive spot on the Reedy River and, no, I am not forgetting about the falls at Falls Park. Here, the river widens to over 200 feet and cascades over boulders and the remnants of dams that generated power for a variety of plants over generations of Upstate history. The Greenville Rec managed park also features hiking and walking trails, playgrounds, and plenty of green space within which to frolic with the family. Additionally, Happy Cow Creamery and City Scape Winery are but a stone’s throw away if you want to expand on your day’s adventure.

All of these attributes, plus a historic and well-preserved downtown setting and host of dining options about town, make Fountain Inn a town you need to consider on your next family adventure or date day/night when you just want to do something different. As always, keep up with local events with the iOnGreenville app or check out FountainInnEvents.com for a full calendar of music and fun in this bustling little community just south of Greenville.