Every Saturday a beautiful event occurs smack dab in the middle of the city of Charleston, and that is the Farmers Market. Hungover college students from across the peninsula drag themselves there in search of great breakfast/brunch and cheap produce. The Farmers Market is in Marion Square every Saturday in April to November from 8 am to 2 pm. Even if you oversleep, you can still make it.
Now you might be asking, what in the heck is there for me to do at a Farmers Market? Well, I will tell you. Whether you’re looking for some tasty food or a basket of fresh veggies, the Farmers Market has you covered. Not only is there an abundance of food, there is also entertainment. The same break dancing squad is always there, so you have something to watch while you are scarfing down your food. If you need more convincing than this, let me break it down to the specifics for you.
If you’re looking for breakfast/brunch:
Tasty Brunch
Photo by Elise DeVoe
Tasty Brunch is exactly what it sounds like. You get a choice between sandwiches, brunch bowls, omelets, and southern faves. On a Saturday morning, there is not much that can make me happier than a bowl filled with all my favorite breakfast items.
Charleston Crepe Company
Photo courtesy of @chucktownfoodie on Instagram
If you’re more about the sweet breakfast life, check out Charleston Crepe Company. Crepes are perfect for the Farmers Market because you can walk around and eat them. It might be harder for my fellow slobs out there, but if a little Nutella drips on your shirt it’s not the end of the world (lick it off later when nobody’s looking).
If you’re looking for fresh produce:
Literally everywhere
Photo by Elise DeVoe
Buying local produce is a win-win for everyone involved. The local farmers get a place to showcase and sell their products. For the customers, supporting these local businesses is a no-brainer because it is easy on your conscience and easy on your wallet. All of the produce is in season, which means you are getting a bargain compared to the grocery store.
#SpoonTip: Hit up the ATM before you shop for produce; most of them only accept cash.
If you’re looking for a cool drank ’cause it’s hot af:
Juice Joint
Photo courtesy of @that_fit_foodie on Instagram-
If you’re regretting the entire pizza you ate last night, the Juice Joint is the move for you. Every juice they serve is made of raw and organic fruit, so you know exactly what you’re getting. They have nothing to hide, so they spell out all the ingredients in each drink.
Lowcountry Lemonade
Photo by Sam Buckley
Everyone in Charleston in the summer is just struggling to not sweat to death. Nothing combats said sweating better than an ice cold glass of lemonade. They don’t just have one flavor; they muddle in different fruits to give you an extra refreshing beverage. 10/10 would recommend the peach lemonade.
If you’re looking for homemade pasta:
Rio Bertolini’s Fresh Pasta Co.
Photo courtesy of @riobertolinispasta on Instagram
If you are a pasta fiend like me, getting this fresh pasta will change your life. It’s more affordable than you think, and on top of that, it is easy to cook and store. Since it is fresh pasta, it cooks in 3-5 minutes compared to the usual 10-15 with the dried stuff. It is perfect for dinner when you’re in a hurry, but it won’t taste like you made it in a hurry.
If you want unique local goodies:
Great Food Co-Op
Photo courtesy of greatfoodcoop.com
If you’re all about buying local, Great Food Co-Op is the place for you. It’s a group of family businesses whose mission is to bring great food to the Charleston area. They have a wide range of goods from homemade pickles to homemade preserves, all equally delicious.
Jiminy Company
Photo courtesy of @jiminyco on Instagram
Normally eating insects would be for the more adventurous eaters, but Jiminy Company makes eating crickets more approachable. They incorporate crickets into flour, baked goods, and granola. I tried one of their oatmeal cookies that had the cricket flour into it and it tasted as delicious as a normal oatmeal cookie. It has the added bonus of having more protein, so you can feel better about eating it.
If you need caffeine:
Cup- Fine Coffee and Roasters
Photo courtesy of @cupfinecoffee on Instagram
Caffeine is important at the Farmers market because you have to be fully awake to make the best food choices. Cup is the supplier for Tricera coffee, which is one of the best coffee shops in downtown Charleston. They roast their coffee in small batches to make sure that it is the highest quality product.