Business Beat: Trailside Traders transforms filling station

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — Trailside Traders – a shop featuring gifts, home decor, candles, woodworking, candles and more — has made its home in the former gas station building on Main Street in front of Travelers Rest United Methodist Church. 

The force behind the project are Tim and Patricia Barnes, along with their son John, who are members of the church. Tim had the original idea to convert the old filling station from an empty building on the church's property to a space for church members to pursue and sell their craft. 

"I have to give my husband credit for the original idea," Patricia said. "He is very talented and has always made things – wood carvings and burnings, jewelry, and repurposed items. We also have talented friends that make beautiful things. We made all of these things and gave some away but never had a good outlet to market them." 

Trailside Traders, located at 37 S. Main Street, is open Friday and Saturday from 11-5, with plans to increase their hours with the approaching holidays.