There might be no business more important to a rural community than the local feed store, and a prime example is right here in Robbinsville.
For more than 10 years, lifelong residents John and Tammy Lovin’s Sweetwater Farm & Garden has provided Graham County with farm supplies from feed and seed to tack and boots six days a week at 1551 Sweetwater Road.
John and Tammy’s favorite part of running a hometown business is “interacting with customers and providing hands-on service,” including the kind of attention that one might not get at a bigger establishment.”
The Lovins take the time to listen to their customers and respond to their needs, and this is reflected in their stock, such as the large selection of hand tools and wide variety of specialty dog foods.
A shopper might be surprised at the array of goods at Sweetwater. Along with the standard feed store fare of livestock supplies and hardware are carved walking sticks, farm-fresh eggs, and an impressive selection of toy tractors.
Shopping at Sweetwater is an investment in the local community, as the Lovins regularly donate to local schools and churches and also host an annual rabies and Coggins clinic, a crucial service that helps pet owners keep their animals healthy at an affordable cost.
Sweetwater Farm & Garden is open 8:30-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 8:30-1 on Saturday.
If one more reason is needed to pay Sweetwater Farm & Garden a visit, there are actually three very cute ones: Rue, the Yorkshire terrier, who helps out at the counter, and Missy and Chubbs, two of the most welcoming cats in the county. All three friendly creatures will do their best to encourage you to shop local. Shop SF&G.