My vision for the Market was somewhat of an accident. I purchased the historic "Isaac Building" in 2005, which was in need of some serious remodeling. During the remodel, I advertised to rent out the entire 5,000 sq. ft. retail space downstairs. After 3 months of interviewing prospective tenants, the remodel was complete and I still had no one ready to lease the space.

After several sleepless nights of crunching numbers and playing the what-ifs over and over, I decided to lease the space on weekends, as an open market. This concept quickly flopped as I soon discovered there was a huge demand for people wanting affordable retail space to sell their merchandise on a full-time basis, without having to give up their full time jobs. I mapped out a floor plan that would cash flow and work for foot traffic, and then taped out the floors into booth spaces (the worn blue tape is still on the floor!)

I began running ads for help, to keep my job at the newspaper, and soon found Bob and Nancy Wilson, who have to this day been instrumental in the success of the Market. We all worked tirelessly to add finishing touches to the 65 year old building, and on Memorial Day Weekend, 2005, we opened the freshly painted red doors for business. It was a terrifying experience for someone who had never worked retail or run a cash register.

Since that day, the Market has grown into a thriving business in downtown McCaysville, catering to the locals, and welcoming visitors to our quaint town. The Market Café, tucked in a corner of the Market, opened in July of 2006 to meet the lunch needs of the tourists coming into town on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It has been a wonderful addition to the atmosphere in the Market, not to mention the aroma of fresh baked "broundies" and daily lunch specials that waft through the front doors.

Mr. Bluegrass

I don't remember exactly when I first met Charles Harper, shortly after activity around the Market became noticeable I'm sure. He has an eye out for anything new happening in town, and if there isn't anything exciting going on, he addresses it eagerly.

Charlie is a local, with stories of life around the Copper Basin that would make a best selling novel. He and his wife Mary live close to town, and although Mary doesn't get out much, Charlie makes an appearance every day. When the train is running, he will be found sitting in his rocking chair at the front door to the Market, answering questions about the town, and signing copies of his newest CD "Mr. Bluegrass". Music is in his blood, as evidenced by his enthusiasm when the topic is brought up by anyone within earshot.

In 2006, Charlie received a proclamation from the State of Tennessee, House of Representatives recognizing him as a pioneer of bluegrass music. This was a special honor, handed out by State Representative Eric Watson and Speaker of the House, Jimmy Naifeh.

Charlie is a fixture at the Market, and those who have had the priviledge of meeting him will not soon forget this man of many talents and aspiritions.