Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Visitors often say that it's love at first sight after arriving in Charleston, and we can't blame them! Charleston locals are uniquely dedicated to enjoying and supporting our community, and we welcome you to sample the best sights, sounds and flavors of our hometown.
Produce at the Charleston Farmers Market — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Our friends and neighbors will tell you: the best way to get acquainted with the Holy City is with a morning spent at the Charleston Farmers Market. You'll find the 120+ vendors of the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square every Saturday from April to December, setting up at 8 a.m. and closing up shop early afternoon around 2 p.m.
Charleston Farmers Market food vendors — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Enjoy the Farmers Market as lively weekend starter: a place for breakfast, brunch or lunch, with plenty of room for the kids and dogs to play and ample areas of picnic-perfect shade. The market is more than just family-friendly, with a mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, pony rides and jump castles all making an appearance during the market season.
Artisan goods at the Charleston Farmers Market — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Local is the name of the game here–go here for breakfast, brunch or lunch and you'll be getting a truly authentic taste of what the Charleston lowcountry can cultivate. Grab some made-to-order crepes, huevos rancheros, beignets, juice and coffee, all while shopping artisan vendor jewelry, handmade bath products, jams and jellies, art and sculpture, children's clothing and pet accessories.
SC palmetto-painted dishware at the Charleston Farmers Market — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Many Charleston area food trucks are regular fixtures at the farmers market, including Roti Rolls and Outta My Huevos, in addition to regular vendors such as Charleston Crepe Company and Cup Fine Coffee & Roasters. The Charleston Farmers Market even boasts purveyors of farm-raised meat and local seafood, as well as fresh flowers, flavored olive oils, Carolina sea salt and spices.
Botany Bay Carolina Sea Salt at the Charleston Farmers Market — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Plan to stroll over before 10 a.m., and bring your reusable bags, a picnic blanket or towel and cash (not all vendors accept cards, though there is an ATM on premises). Park at the Francis Marion Hotel garage ($2 per hour), at King and Warren streets next to Blue Bicycle Books, or on-street (metered) on King, Calhoun or Meeting streets. The Charleston Farmers Market is 100% handicap accessible, and restrooms can be found in the nearby Francis Marion garage as well as the Embassy Suites Hotel.
Free Bike Valet at the Charleston Farmers Market — Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Marion Square was once home to the old Citadel Military College, what is now the Embassy Suites Hotel building, and originally served as drilling and marching grounds for young cadets. Today, many other events take place in Marion Square, with the popular Farmers Market a highlight of the low country's local flavors, artists, music and community since 1989.
