west ashley

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.

Guest Columns

Where To Work Outside When You Can’t Bear The Indoors Anymore

Featured Image Credit: Vintage Coffee Cafe/Facebook

There is nothing better than some free wi-fi with a side of fresh air, especially on a stressful day of work or school. Now that the sticky summer humidity is finally starting to subside, we’re sharing some of our favorite spots that have outdoor seating with wi-fi.

Rudi’s Caffe’ e Vino

Image Credit: Rudi’s Caffé e Vino/ Facebook

This cool new spot on King offers free Wi-Fi out on their back porch. The chic clothing store on the bottom floor is Skinny Dip but head up the stairs for a gorgeous wine and coffee bar oasis. This is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine (or their famous frozè) and enjoy some Charleston vibes.

Brown’s Court Bakery

Image Credit: Eater Charleston

Enjoy a coffee, breakfast sandwich, or a pastry (or all three at the same time..we’re not judging) while enjoying some fresh air. Brown’s Court is a local favorite probably because it was once a Charleston house now transformed into a bakery and coffee shop. Take advantage of the free wi-fi on the top or bottom porch, or in the swinging hammock!

Park Café

Image Credit: Park Cafe/Facebook

Ahhhh, Park Cafe, our favorite little neighborhood joint. It’s true, they do have some killer avocado toast but they also have a killer patio with free wi-fi! So kick back on your computer outside while grabbing a bite to eat.

Vintage Coffee Café

Image Credit: Vintage Coffee Cafe/Facebook

Looking for somewhere to pop down with your laptop off the peninsula in Mount Pleasant? Vintage Coffee Cafe has a great outdoor space with picnic tables. No, literally, it’s the cutest outdoor space ever. SO vintage. In addition to unique cold and hot coffee drinks, Vintage offers breakfast items such as quiches, tarts, and of course.. acai bowls.

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

Image Credit: Frothy Beard/Facebook

If you’re in the West Ashley area, this needs to be your go-to spot. Frothy Beard’s recently built deck has plenty of room for you, your friends, your laptops and your dogs. Nothing pairs better with work than a monster slice of pizza from Zombie Bob’s and an ice cold brew from Frothy Beard. Trust us.

Featured

This Will Soon Be West Ashley’s Hot Spot

Featured Image Credit: Bartlett, Hartley & Mulkey Architects

Ashley Landing is making a BIG comeback thanks to their new owners. First a brewery and now a toastery… see what Faison Enterprises has in store for Charleston’s first shopping center West of the Ashley.

Built in 1970, Ashley Landing (aka Ashley Plaza) was the first indoor shopping mall built West of the Ashley in Charleston. Conveniently located at 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, between the fork of Old Towne Road and just shy of the I-26 Cosgrove exit, the plaza is perfect for both locals and newly arriving visitors.

The shopping center previously housed two department stores: JM Fields and Condon’s. However, after years of stagnation under prior ownership, Ashley Landing is finally making a comeback —and it’s a big one.

From left to right: JM Fields, Pantry Pride, Revco, mall entrance, Condon’s Department Store. From the Charleston Post-Courier from August 9, 1972. Image Credit: Sky City

Faison Enterprises Inc., a privately-held real estate company, recently acquired the 350,000sf retail center and has big plans up their sleeves. Notable existing tenants include Publix, Starbucks, Pivotal Fitness, Burlington Coat Factory and Red Orchids China Bistro. With the recent additions of Charleston Amish Furniture and Frothy Beard Brewing Company (the neighborhood favorite) drawing in more and more business to the center, it’s no wonder that new stores are now being signed up left and right.

Ashley Landing will soon be home to The Bicycle Shoppe, Famous Toastery, WingStop, Navy Federal Credit Union and Charleston Stage. The new West Ashley Theatre Center will feature a dance studio, classrooms, and a 150+ seat performance venue.

“We have been bursting at the seams with our current Theatre Education Facility in Mt. Pleasant,” explains Charleston Stage Associate Artistic Director and Director of Education, Marybeth Clark. “This new space is double the size of our old space which will allow us to greatly expand our education programs and to reach even more students each year. Best of all, the new facility at Ashley Landing is centrally located, no more than 15 minutes from Mt.Pleasant, Downtown, James Island, and the North Area. Being less than a mile off of I-26 and I-526, it will be convenient for young people and their families throughout the community.”

Image Credit: Bartlett, Hartley & Mulkey Architects

Additional categories that Faison would like to see come into the plaza include salon/spa, food and beverage, creative offices, and home furnishings/improvement.

Next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Ashley Landing. Where else can you do a little shopping, drink some locally brewed beers, grab a Starbucks latte, and some of the best Chinese in all of Charleston?