Of all the things to do when visiting Charleston, the Charleston Farmer’s Market may just be one Travel Belle’s favorite
Every year in early March, I start craving a trip to the Charleston Farmer’s Market held each Saturday morning starting in April at Marion Square.
These days the weather still flip flops from one day to the next in South Carolina, but sure enough, spring is there waiting to arrive in all its glory in a short couple of weeks. Before I even got out of bed this morning I could tell just from the new song the birds were singing outside my window.
No matter what changes take place in the world, or in me, nothing ever seems to disturb the face of spring. ~ E.B. White
Besides writing about Charlotte and Wilbur, and being the consummate grammarian who was the White in Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style,” E.B. White had a stylish and humorous way of writing about the “face” of things. I don’t think there has ever been anyone better at expressing beautiful things in life that you can’t quite put your finger on.
(And I think he would have been more than okay, by the way, with the fact that I didn’t write, “upon which you can’t quite put your finger,” but I do believe he would have called my use of “put your finger on” a cliche.)
The loveliness of his writing was not solely found in individual words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs, but in their seemingly effortless effect as a whole.
Anyway, back to the Charleston Farmer’s Market: For locals, it is a beloved Saturday morning ritual; for me and my daughter it is a beloved treat and like spring itself an incomparable feast for the senses.
Last time we were there it was in early June during Charleston’s Spoleto Festival and the spring season was already on its way out. Frankly it was hot – cliched southern crazy hot – but it would be silly to complain about that too much because we are talking about South Carolina in June. This year we’re planning to make the trip to Charleston as soon as the market reopens on the first Saturday in April. (And we’re hoping the vendor with the jewelry hanging in the trees will still be there.)
If you want to go to the Charleston Farmer’s Market:
The Charleston Farmer’s Market is held in the heart of downtown Charleston at Marion Square and features local vendors offering produce, fabulous local food specialties and handmade crafts.
Held each Saturday from April – December
8am to 2pm
Marion Square (an easy walk from the other Charleston market, The Old City Market, which is at the center of the main historic area)
Do you have a favorite farmer’s market you like to visit?
Planning a visit to Charleston? Here are a few suggestions for where to stay in Charleston. Also do you like French macaroons? Yeah, you can find them in the Holy City too.
* Photos by Margo Millure© all rights reserved
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I love farmers market. In Hungary some of them are open during winter time as well. We call the funny squashes ‘star squash’ or ‘pattypan squash’.
Spring is certainly on the way! I love visiting markets, however for some reason I am never attracted to those in my home town.
Margo, spring is upon us, I have never read you writing so poetically. I love it.
I think I may have just fallen in love with a place I haven’t even visited yet… it looks and sounds just gorgeous!
Zita, For all I know that’s probably what we call them here too! If the funny squashes are there next time, I’m going to buy a couple and ask you how I should cook them!
Federico, I know what you mean… when I go to a market when I live somewhere it’s because I need to buy things, and am usually on a schedule. But going somewhere else can really give you the flavor of a place.
Inka, Thanks!!
Katy, I have no doubt you would love Charleston. If you ever come this way it should definitely be on your list 🙂
1. Charleston Farmer’s Market might just be my favorite place on earth. I used to go every Saturday, grab a crepe or grits and run into tons of people.
2. I bought an illustrated copy of The Elements of Style that I am in LOVE with.
I LOVE Farmer’s Markets. It’s been some time since I have been to one. I just found out Las Vegas has a few — can’t wait to explore.
I LOVE those little watch pendants! So awesome!
You know, as popular as farmers markets are, I somehow cannot get the gumption to will myself out of bed early enough to really enjoy them. Pictures are great!
Caroline, this market does have that favorite place on earth vibe going for it. I’m always amazed by the quality of the food, the cool stuff the local artisans have for sale and the atmosphere. And yeah, IN LOVE with everything ever written by EB White & I read TEOS through at least once a year. XO
It’s so great that so many places in the US have them now. I got into going when we lived in Holland and France, and then missed them when we moved back to US. The one here isn’t all that great, but it’s better than nothing — and I w/Federico in that going to ones anywhere but where you live holds the most appeal. Would love to hear about the one in Vegas! 🙂
Candice, We haven’t forgotten those pendants – they had so many cool ones, all made from antique watches and compasses. I want to get one for daughter turning 15 this month, but I’m perturbed w/her right now for dying her hair purple last night. 🙂
I know exactly what you mean! I have a feeling that w/this market, it’s mostly the locals who get out there early – we like to go to this one during lunch time!
Me too to both watches and farmer’s markets! Markets have it going on w/ a little of everything… food, shopping, people watching and lots of color and energy. 🙂
Such fun markets! I like the photo with the suitcases – very retro.
But let me rewind, you and EB White and that book? As much as I like grammar, the mind is still trying to comprehend that one! 🙂
Oh, Corinne, we’d leave TEOS and Charlotte’s Web at home. If he insisted we’d take an essay or two from his New Yorker days to read to me. 🙂
What a marvelous treasure trove of delights and inspiration, Margo! I love that compass necklace and hope you find it again on your next treasure-hunting jaunt. 🙂
I would love the Charleston Market. Our market in Williamsburg, Va. was voted one of the best in the US but sadly they do not allow any vendors except those with food oriented items. I think I am going early and get there about 8:30 AM and many items are sold out!!!! I refuse to get up before 8!!!! Love your post.
these are some really lovely pictures. Love me some Farmer’s Markets and this one looks like a good one.
thanks, Michael! It’s definitely a good one 🙂
Thanks, Jeanne! Thankfully this one, especially the non food vendors, doesn’t really even get going until later. 🙂
I will spare you lame “compass needed” jokes, lovely friend.
these colors, the beauty, make me happy! we’re still got tons of snow and ice here in michigan – i am ready for spring!
Definitely been a bad winter. It was even cold here in SC today, and I can’t’ believe it snowed in DC. there is something wonderful about all the spring colors 🙂
Thank you so much!
BTW, the little light green flower looking squash is called pattypan…. I love to slice them vert thin and saute them in a bit of butter with onions….a dollop of sour cream before serving is a nice touch…
I LOVE Farmers Markets! I write monthly feature articles about farmers markets where I live and share them at the “I love farmers markets” group on Gather.com
I love farmers markets
Loved your photos and story…..I used to live in SC and Charleston holds a special place in my heart!
Thank you, Sonia, for telling us the name! and how to cook them and about the all important, “dollop!!”