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Events

Charleston Farmers Market Starting Back Up in “Essentials Only” Format

Marion Square is welcoming back the Charleston Farmers Market on Saturday, April 10, 2021. However, it will be following the “essentials-only” format, only allowing certain vendors to take part in the event.

The Charleston Farmers Market first began in 1989 and is a weekly showcase of local crafts and goods. 

The “Charleston Essentials Market” will only include goods from farmers and growers as well as crafters and artisans. Both vendors and individuals who wish to attend must follow CDC guidelines including wearing a mask and social distancing.

The farmers market will be open every Saturday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm until November 27, 2021. The market is not currently accepting applications for new vendors to participate but hopes to open up to allow more businesses soon.

Charleston officials are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and determine if and when it is appropriate to open the farmers market to run at full capacity.

Events

Charleston Farmers Market Reopens With Limited Vendors

The Charleston Farmers Market reopened on September 26th at Marion Square.

The farmers market looks different than usual, operating only as an “essentials market” with limited vendors. While all of the farmers and growers have been invited to participate in the market, artisans and prepared food vendors are not allowed to participate yet.

In addition to the limited vendors, there is also a limited capacity and social distancing required of all who attend and participate in the market.

Numerous vendors, who have always relied on the income received at the market, have taken a significant hit due to the pandemic and subsequent closing of the market.

Amanda McLenon, a longtime market vendor, created a petition to get the Marion Square market running again and has over 800 signatures.

“For a while, we understood it wasn’t safe to be there, so we sat back and sacrificed our livelihoods to keep people healthy,” Amanda explained. “But if people are in the bars now, we can certainly be safely open providing local produce and handmade goods outside in Marion Square.”

The Charleston Essentials Market will operate on Saturday mornings from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. In addition, the West Ashley Essentials Market will operate on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the West Ashley Greenway.

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Charleston Farmers Markets to Check Out

Making plans for the weekend? Join local Lowcountry farmers as they open for essential goods as mini-markets during COVID-19. You don’t have to forgo your favorite stands and sellers. They’re now available under new guidelines and restrictions. With plenty of farm-fresh produce, you’re sure to find what you need while enjoying the displays.

Downtown Charleston 

This farmers market is known for its music, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. Though its 2020 Opening Day is still TBD, its return will be filled with all of the above. You can find the sellers at Marion Square on King and Calhoun St. from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays, pending its return.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Open as an essential farm goods supplier, the Mount Pleasant farmers market offers a festival-like atmosphere to their approach. The Coleman Boulevard gathering is still open for business during COVID-19, though their vendor list has since been limited. Join the band of vendors every Tuesday from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. for live music and organic crops. 

Sea Island Farmers Market

As of May 17th, Sea Island’s back every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hosted at Charleston Collegiate’s campus, this farmers market is a paradise for produce. Each vendor sells their goods as a way of bringing the community together. Check out their calendar to see what’s on the lineup.

James Island Farmers Market

Join James Island locals for “Sunday Brunch” behind The Pour House on Maybank Hwy. Recently voted best Pop-up Market by Charleston City Paper’s “best-of” awards, you can expect high-quality goods from this welcoming locale. Open from 11 a.m. –  3 p.m. for a Sunday-Funday you can enjoy with the family!

 

Events

Summer Events

5 Fun Events To Attend This Summer In Charleston

Featured Image: Charleston Fashion Week/FB

Whether you like it or not, summer is almost here! And Charleston’s summer event calendar is almost in full swing which means something new every day. We know you can’t attend all the events Charleston has to offer, so we’ve searched through our calendars and found five events that we can’t miss and you shouldn’t either!

Here are our five can’t-miss events this summer:

Charleston Fashion Week: Event #2

If you haven’t noticed already, CHSFW is changing up the way the produce their week-long event. Instead, the highly anticipated fashion week has been separated into three different events happening throughout the year in March, June, and September. The second event will be held on June 14th at Memminger Auditorium and will showcase up and coming designers and their trendy looks for Summer 2019!

Luke Combs:  Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour

Dust off your boots and crack open a cold one with the country music star himself, Luke Combs. The singer-songwriter is celebrating the tour of his new album, Beer Never Broke My Heart and will be performing at Volvo Car Stadium on July 11th. Purchase tickets online and get ready to rock out at the concert of the summer!

Charleston Farmers Market

Need a reason to get up and moving on Saturday morning? The Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a great one! Every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm explore some of the city’s best local fruits and vegetables, pastries, jewelry, clothing, and more! Enjoy live music as you walk through the market and start your day off right!

Charleston Margarita Festival

If you love Margarita’s then this festival was made for you. Come out to Brittlebank Park on July 26th and sample 20+ delicious margaritas from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Cast your vote for the best marg in Charleston as you snack on great food, enjoy live music- oh and get a little tequila buzz.

Rebelution: Good Vibes Tour

Close out summer with some good vibes at this reggae/rock concert on August 11th at Brittlebank Park. Grab a few lawn chairs and a group of friends and jam out with Rebelution as they end summer with some of their best-known songs that will get everyone “feeling alright.” Relax and enjoy as you look back on another extraordinary summer spent in Charleston.

 

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Charleston in 24 hours

Exploring Charleston In 24 Hours: Your Guide To The Holy City

Featured Image Source: Explore Charleston FB

24 hour trips are great for a quick getaway or an easy way to explore a new city in a short amount of time. And, there’s no better place in the South for a day trip than Charleston, South Carolina.There’s a reason Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked Charleston the No. 1 city in the United States six years in a row.

The Holy City has risen to the world’s stage as a top travel destination, and we’ve got your guide on how to spend just 24 hours in our magical city:

Stay

While Charleston has all of the national hotel chains, visitors can better soak in the spirit of the city in one of the many boutique hotels all over the city. Check out Zero George Street to experience beautifully manicured gardens or the Planters Inn in the center of the historic district. Both hotels are steps away from great food and nightlife.

Eat

Charleston has become the epicenter of the food scene throughout the Southeast. For good reason, with endless options from traditional southern cuisines to modern high-class dining. If you only have one dinner in town, you can’t go wrong with Husk. The treasured creation of world renown chef, Sean Brock. Be aware, reservations book up well in advance so call ahead.

See + Do

For art lovers, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art on the College of Charleston’s campus curates a small collection with exhibits from famous artists around the world. For those visiting on the weekend, the Charleston Farmers Market, in Marion Square every Saturday, brings in vendors from all over the Lowcountry selling fruits, vegetables, and artisan goods.

Explore

Charleston has everything, even activities for outdoor, adventure seekers. Rent a kayak and explore the Lowcountry in an off-the-beaten-path way. Kayaking gives those the opportunity to see wading birds, oyster beds, barrier islands, and wild dolphins up close. Paddling through the Lowcountry is sure to give anyone an experience they’ll never forget.

Even though it is impossible to experience everything Charleston has to offer in just 24 hours, it is still possible to see much of the city and get a feel of the culture due to the high walkability and short walking distances in between the majority of attractions. The Holy City is sure to leave any visitor with a desire to come back.

 

Guest Columns

Local Produce

Where To Get Local Produce Outside Of The Farmers Market

Featured Image Credit: Joseph Fields Farm Market Facebook

Charleston’s Farmers Markets are fantastic places to get local produce and goods, they’re also just a nice way to spend the day. However, sometimes it’s not always possible to go to the farmers market. Maybe it’s closed for the season or maybe you spend your weekend doing other things. Where do you get local produce then? Luckily, the Charleston area has many farms that have markets or CSA programs. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. In a CSA you buy a share of the farm to pay for the raising of the crops and in return you get a fresh supply of local produce weekly or bi-monthly. Check out the following farms and their CSAs.

Joseph Fields Farm Market & CSA

Local Produce from Joseph Fields Farm Market

Image Credit: Joseph Fields Farm Market Facebook

In addition to a farm market, Joseph Fields Farm on Johns Island has a CSA they run with the help of Charleston’s Earth Heart Growers Program. Children from partnering Montessori Schools help grow, harvest, and package food that is sent for twice-monthly deliveries to CSA members.

Rest Park Farm CSA by Pinckney’s Produce

Local Produce from Rest Park Farm CSA

Image Credit: Rest Park Farm CSA by Pinckney’s Produce Facebook

Opened in 2009, this CSA provides fresh local produce to members from Rest Park Farm through Pinckney’s Produce. Available in Spring, Summer and Fall, the CSA provides seasonal produce such as collards, turnips, lettuces, kale, cabbage, beans, onions, peppers, corn, tomatoes, strawberries and much more to its members.

Legare Farms CSA and Rolling Market

Local Produce from Legare Farms

Image Credit: Legare Farms Facebook

Legare Farms has been running their CSA for more about 10 years and their members love what they get when joining. They have several pick up locations around the Charleston area and they are unique because a member of the Legare family or staff is at every pick up location to meet and get to know members and let them know what is going on at the farm. They pride themselves on forming relationships with their CSA members.

Thornhill Farm

Local Produce from Thornhill Farm

Image Credit: Thornhill Farm Facebooke

This McClellanville, SC farm has a CSA and a special story. People with special needs from Charleston and Georgetown County middle schools, high schools, and other non-profit organizations are the ones who work the farm with therapeutic horticultural programming through the Adaptive Gardens at Thornhill Farm. The students are involved in the entire process from making potting mix to packaging produce and meat. They have a Meat Share as well.

Ambrose Family Farm CSA

Local Produce from Ambrose Family Farm

Image Credit: Ambrose Family Farm CSA Facebook

This CSA has a plethora of pick up locations throughout the Lowcountry; choose to pick up your prepackaged share from James Island, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley South Windermere, and Mount Pleasant, Park Circle, and Summerville. Or if you want to pick up at the farm or Stono Market, you can build your own. There are options for yearly subscriptions or seasonal subscriptions.

Guest Columns

charleston farmers market

Right Now Is The Best Time To Check Out Charleston’s Farmers’ Markets

Featured Image Credit: Charleston Farmers Market

As summer comes to an end, so do all the outdoor festivities, except for one: farmers markets! You can find a farmers market throughout the fall downtown, in West Ashley, and on John’s Island. We think this is the BEST time for Charleston Farmers’ Markets. The air is a little cooler, all the kids are back in school and a table that was once full of watermelon and strawberries is now piled high with pumpkins and squash.

These farmers markets include products from farmers & growers, food vendors, and artisans & crafters. While beach days might come and go now until November, you can count on a Saturday morning in Marion Square or Wednesday afternoon in Ackerman Park to enjoy the local market.

Marion Square holds their farmers market every Saturday from 8am-2pm. They also extend it a few days as the months get colder, check out the website for details. The West Ashley Famers Market is held every Wednesday from 3-7pm and a few Sundays throughout the months of October and November. For more information, click here. The John’s Island Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Saturdays from 9am-1pm at 2024 Academy Road, Johns Island.

Charleston farmers markets are always a good time to shop around. Food trucks and stands are usually incorporated throughout to make it a pleasant time to spend the afternoon. There are always local fresh fruits and vegetables with local food to eat while shopping.  

A few of the fan favorite purchases include fresh fruit & veggies, jam, pasta, jewelry, and meat. It is a good environment to spend with the family or feel free to set out alone! You can find local art and jewelry to buy to wear or gift while eating your favorite southern dishes. The Charleston farmers market is not something to miss out on whether it is to shop for fresh products, spend the day enjoying some good food, or appreciating some fine arts & crafts.