Have You Hit up the Hitchin' Post?

Housed under a white tent on a property just off of State Route 410 near Warner Avenue is the new Hitchin' Post Produce. We first became aware of the produce stand after seeing the white sandwich board signs along the highway advertising 'fresh produce' and we had to see for ourselves what was here.

As promised, there is an assortment of fresh and seasonal produce including tomatoes, corn, potatoes, peas, peaches, nectarines, cherries, blueberries and even watermelon. There's even a small organic section and Mark Ellefson, who was running the register Tuesday afternoon, told us the owners were making an effort to offer local products, including those from nearby Blue Dot Farm and Mosbys Farm Stands in Auburn.

A local collection of honey products will soon be available as well, said part owner Ruby Tiller.

The stand is modest in size but carries a surprisingly varied array of items. Tiller told us recently that the stand has been well-received in the community -- so much so that at times the demand's been so high they've run out of produce! Even Patch blogger has been in for a visit recently while documenting a day of fun without ever having to leave Enumclaw.

There are numerous small farms in the Enumclaw and Plateau area that produce everything from chickens to eggs, to produce to dairy as well as wines and ciders. If you ever wanted to visit them, . But if you're short on time, the Hitchin' Post would be a great place to stop for your immediate produce needs. Sure, you could also just head to a grocery store but isn't it nice to know where the potatoes or corn you're buying comes from - and possibly even how they were grown?

We'll be talking with Vicki Ellefson, another partner in the business later this week to learn more about how and why this business came to be. Stay tuned.