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Foothills Heritage Market operates Saturday mornings, May through October, featuring vendors ranging from farmers to craftsmen of various kinds.
Photo by Alan Hoglan, provided by Foothills Heritage Market
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Traditionally a season of harvesting, fall is a great time to appreciate South Carolina’s agricultural abundance by visiting farmers markets.
Photo by Alan Hoglan, provided by Foothills Heritage Market
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Nearly 140 farmers markets operate across South Carolina, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
Photo by Alan Hoglan, provided by Foothills Heritage Market
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Farmers markets aren’t just for farmers’ wares. At Foothills Heritage Market and others, you’ll find a variety of artisans’ works.
Photo by Alan Hoglan, provided by Foothills Heritage Market
Traditionally a season of harvesting, fall is a great time to appreciate South Carolina’s agricultural abundance by visiting farmers markets. Almost every community and region has its own markets, both big and small. There are nearly 140 farmers markets operating across South Carolina.
“I would say the No. 1 benefit is learning about where your food comes from and connecting with the person who grew it,” says Eva Moore, a spokesperson for the state agriculture department.
And these days, farmers markets aren’t just for farmers’ wares. Whether you’re looking for plants, autumn veggies, locally made crafts or tasty treats, these five markets are worth a trip this season.
Pee Dee State Farmers Market
Only one place in the world is a native home to the carnivorous Venus flytrap plant: the Carolinas’ coastline. Sweet Leaf Nursery sells these fascinating plants at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, where you’ll find a unique abundance of plant vendors. Another vendor, Growing Hobby, sells bonsai trees, small trees that require diligent cultivation.
The Pee Dee market is also known for hosting events throughout the year, including Race Fest each August, celebrating car racing in the region, home to the famous Darlington Raceway. Another is the Plant and Flower Festival, held annually in April. The market also boasts a restaurant, Aloha Kitchen, which is owned and operated by a Hawaiian family and offers a wide variety of meals with a Hawaiian flair. The market features a drive-thru lane down its middle, allowing customers easy access to each vendor.
January 1 – March 1, Monday – Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
March 2 – December 31, Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Where: 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence
Foothills Heritage Market
When you buy goat-milk soap or honey products from Flip Flop Farm at this Upstate farmers market, your purchase helps provide therapeutic beekeeping to military veterans coping with PTSD. Flip Flop Farm is just one of the craft vendors at this weekly, seasonal market run by The Farm Center, a nonprofit focused on connecting local communities with agriculture.
“We want to be a place where agriculture, education and community all come together,” says Daniel Rothel, director of the facility. And we want every Saturday to be an opportunity for our friends and neighbors to not just nourish their body, but nourish their soul.”
Of course, with the Upstate region’s rich farming tradition, you’ll find a variety of locally grown and raised agricultural staples during their appropriate seasons—peaches, apples, okra, corn, blueberries, pork and more.
Open: May through October, Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon
Where: 2063 Sandifer Blvd., Seneca
Charleston Farmers Market
Sweetgrass baskets are a famous traditional craft in Charleston. This market features its own basket vendors, including Barbara Manigault, who weaves both traditional baskets and a range of other items, including clocks and picture frames.
The weekly market in downtown Charleston is perfectly situated to provide Lowcountry and coastal produce. And with the ocean close by, the market also hosts a local sea salt vendor, Botany Bay. Looking for something sweet instead of salty? Treats abound here: Consider Lowcountry Lemonade, which offers traditional lemonade alongside tea and Arnold Palmers, or Gelati Moto, which sells creamy Italian-style ice cream.
Open: April 12–Nov. 22, Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon
Where: Marion Square, 329 Meeting St., Charleston
Aiken County Farmers Market
This market’s red-roofed building and tables were built 70 years ago, still standing in the same location the market operates today. Farmers still use the same tables that previous farmers built by hand. Some have been selling here for years, including Robert and Hollie Gartman, who’ve been selling produce for more than four decades. It’s the place to go for a traditional farmers market experience.
Farm classics can be bought here, including tomatoes, corn, okra, beans and more. Vendors also sell a variety of baked goods. Fresh apple, cherry and peach pies are available from vendor Fox and the Bee Farm.
Open: Year-round, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: 115 Williamsburg St. SE, Aiken
Soda City Market
Taking its name from the capital city’s nickname, “Cola,” Soda City Market is one of the state’s largest, with a sea of tents stretching down blocks of Main Street in front of the S.C. State House each Saturday. The market averages 200 vendors per week, with a rotation of some 400 vendors in total.
Almost all of South Carolina’s produce is represented at the market, alongside crops traditionally found outside the state. Come hungry to Soda City: Most weeks, you’ll find dozens of international food vendors offering delights from around the world.
Street musicians keep the mood lively and festival-like. The market also hosts dozens of craft vendors whose wares range from handmade birdhouses to paintings to holiday-themed decorations.
Open: Year-round, Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: 1300–1700 Main Street, Columbia