Worth the Drive: How Twelvepole Trading Post is Putting Wayne on the Map

Photos and Story by Katie Marshall, HRCOC Intern

Tucked across from the Wayne County Courthouse, Twelvepole Trading Post is the kind of place that makes you wonder how you went so long without knowing it existed. A cafe, a farmers’ market, and a gathering spot all rolled into one, Twelvepole Trading Post has become one of the most beloved small business in Wayne County. It’s story is as warm as the coffee it serves.

Twelvepole’s roots go back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What began as a once-weekly, aggregated CSA (farm box) concept during COVID, blossomed into a full-service cafe & year-round farmers marker now located in the heart of Wayne,” says Owner, Lacy Ferguson. The business grew not from a business plan, but from listening to farmers, to customers, and the community.

“We jokingly call our brand ‘Redneck Refined,’” she says. “We’re crunchy, but not too granola. We’re natural, but not totally organic. We’re hip, but would never call ourselves hipsters. We’re farmers at heart and hope that everyone who walks in the door feels welcome, cozy, and as if they’re part of the family.”

That charm shows up in everything, from the reclaimed decor to the made-from-scratch menu items. The menu is built on quality and locality, without the scary price tag. As they like to say: “Real Food, Just Not Real Fast!”

Two menu items have attainted near-legendary status amongst their regulars. The first: salted chocolate chip cookies, made with almost all organic ingredients, local eggs, and sprinkled with flakes of JQD salt. The second: herb-salted, handmade pepperoni rolls. They are so popular that customers have begged the owners to put a light in the window to notify them when a fresh batch is hot out of the oven.

What truly makes Twelvepole Trading Post special isn’t just what’s on the menu, it’s what happens inside. “We’re the spot for board meetings, old friends meeting up, where you bring your family when they’re visiting out of town,” Lacy reflects. “We were actually growing the next generation of local eaters.”

For many visitors, discovering Twelvepole Trading Post is a genuine surprise. The most common reaction from people passing through for jury duty or to pay their taxes? “Oh wow, I had no idea that THIS was out in Wayne!”

People are always telling the owners to expand to places like Huntington, Teays Valley, and Barboursville. But the vision here has always been bigger than a second location. “We believe that when you do rad things, rad people show up.” Lacy says. “Our goal has always been to inspire other businesses & our community to strive for greatness. “

Twelvepole Trading Post is located in downtown Wayne at 524 Hendricks St, Wayne WV 25570. They are open Monday through Friday 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. and Saturday 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Facebook Page- Twelvepole Trading Post

For the entire Twelvepole Trading Post photo gallery, click here!