Building Community Through Farming, Thrifting & Fresh Food | Let’s Talk Bethlehem Ep. 7
- Ryan Conrad
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Season 1 | Episode 7
In this episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, we sit down with Holly Campbell, a dedicated community leader, farmer, and advocate for local businesses. Holly and her husband, Tracy Campbell, moved to Bethlehem in 2015 with a vision to stay busy in retirement—what they built instead was something much bigger. From launching a u-pick blueberry farm to managing the New Life Thrift Store and helping establish a farmers market in Bethlehem, Holly is at the heart of several projects that bring people together.
From the Coast to the Mountains: Holly’s Journey to Bethlehem
Holly and Tracy’s story is one of full-circle moments. Tracy, originally from Bethlehem, had roots in the area dating back to Civil War times. The couple met in Carteret County, NC, where Tracy was a charter boat captain and Holly worked as a chiropractic assistant. But after visiting Bethlehem, Holly realized she was more of a mountain girl than a coastal one. In 2015, they made the move, bringing with them a wealth of experience, passion for agriculture, and a desire to give back.
Growing Something Bigger: A U-Pick Blueberry Farm
Retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Instead, Holly and Tracy took advantage of family land in Bethlehem to start a u-pick blueberry farm, officially opening to the public in 2018. With Tracy’s farming background and Holly’s experience from her father’s blueberry farm in Vermont, they created a place where families could connect with local agriculture.
Holly shares the challenges and rewards of running a small farm, what makes blueberries unique, and why fresh-picked produce is always worth the effort.
New Life Thrift Store: A Mission with Impact
Beyond farming, Holly helped establish New Life Thrift Store, a nonprofit outreach of Mt. Bethel Methodist Church. More than just a thrift shop, the store provides affordable clothing and home goods while supporting local charities, including:
Fire victims
Veterans
Domestic violence survivors
The area’s homeless population
The store is run entirely by volunteers, and Holly shares powerful stories of how small efforts can make a big impact in people’s lives.
The Bethlehem Farmers Market: Fresh Food, Local Business & Community Growth
In 2024, Holly and Tracy took on another role—Market Managers of Bethlehem’s first official farmers market. Set on Mt. Bethel Methodist Church property, the market is designed to:
Connect local farmers and crafters with the community
Bring fresh, local food to Bethlehem residents
Support small businesses, high school students, and local vendors
With plans to expand the market, Holly shares her vision of bringing in more food trucks, live music, educational sessions, and specialty vendors to turn the market into a staple event in Bethlehem.
Why Community Matters
Holly’s passion for bringing people together is at the core of everything she does. She recalls living in a neighborhood where no one interacted, which inspired her and Tracy to start community initiatives that make a difference. From farming to thrifting to farmers markets, their goal has always been to create spaces where people connect, support local businesses, and give back.
Support the Podcast & Get Exclusive Access
Want early access to guest announcements and the chance to submit your own questions for upcoming interviews? Join the High Council Members on Patreon and be part of the conversation.
Final Thoughts
This episode highlights how small efforts can create a lasting impact in a community. Holly Campbell’s story is a testament to the power of local businesses, community-driven projects, and the importance of supporting one another. If you’re in Bethlehem, consider shopping local, visiting the farmers market, and finding ways to give back—it’s people like Holly who prove that when a community works together, great things happen.
Comments