west ashley farmers market Archives

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.

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.