A Guide to Farmer’s Markets in the Midlands

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farmer's market coverBuying local produce has never been easier with the availability of local farmer’s markets. Most are held on Saturday mornings, so ice up your coffee, pack up the kids, grab a couple of reusable shopping bags and hop into the car to sample some of South Carolina’s summer bounty. Make sure you stop at the ATM (small bills if you can get them) because some vendors don’t have the capability for you to use plastic.

We’ve scoured the area, and come up with a list of local farmer’s markets. Some are a bit of a drive from the downtown Columbia area, but you were looking for a fun day trip anyway, right?

Irmo Farmer’s Market

The Irmo Farmer’s Market is organized by Brown Box Veggies, and features produce, local restaurants, craft vendors and various activities. Come hungry because there’s plenty to sample. Follow the Irmo Farmer’s Market on Facebook to keep up to date with their featured vendors, as they do change each Saturday a market is held.

Hours: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month through September from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: 1249 Lexington Ave, Irmo, SC 29063

Soda City Market

soda city
Lots of tents dot Main Street on Saturdays ready for you to visit!

Soda City Market occurs every Saturday year round in the 1500 block of downtown Columbia’s Main Street (the market relocates into the Taylor Street Parking garage in case of inclement weather). This market is a great place to meet up with friends and grab brunch while you’re shopping. The vendors change slightly from week to week, but you are likely to find local honey, fresh crepes with your choice of yummy fillings, BBQ, and of course fruits and veggies. Follow them on Facebook to see what they’re featuring from week to week.

Hours: Every Saturday year round from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: 1500 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Sandhill Farmer’s Market

Sponsored by Clemson Extension, this farmer’s market represents all kinds of growers throughout the region, and all vendors are required to grow at least some of their merchandise. This market features an “Ask a Master Gardener” booth where a Master Gardener is on hand to answer any growing related issues.

Hours: Tuesday afternoons from 2-7 p.m. through November 25

Address: Clemson University’s Sandhill Research and Education Center, 900 Clemson Rd, Columbia, SC 29229 (across from the Village at Sandhill)

Grow Newberry Farmer’s Market

The Grow Newberry Farmer’s Market is held in Memorial Square by the Newberry Opera House on Saturdays and the Tractor Supply Lot on Tuesdays. Only a short drive up I-26 from downtown Columbia, this homegrown market features local vendors and crafters, as well as special events. Follow them on Facebook to check out their weekly offerings. Downtown Newberry is also home to many antique shops and eateries, all located on the town’s Main Street within walking distance of the market.

Hours: Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. and Tuesdays 5-7 p.m. through the end of July

Address: Saturday Markets are held at Memorial Square, Clayton Memorial Church Rd, Newberry, SC 29108; Tuesdays Markets are held at the Tractor Supply Lot, 2808 Main St, Newberry, SC 29108

Kershaw County Farmer’s Market

Camden is a short drive to the east of Columbia, and another lovely small town that hosts its own local farmer’s market. They feature fresh, local, in-season South Carolina grown produce, and strive to connect growers with consumers. Enjoy live music as you stroll through the market. Follow them on Facebook to keep up to date with their planned activities.

Hours: Every Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. until November 16

Address: 631 W. DeKalb Street, Camden, SC 29020

South Carolina State Farmer’s Market

A small selection of the produce available at the SC State Farmer's Market.
A small selection of the produce available at the SC State Farmer’s Market.

This popular market has been in its current location since 2010, and serve as a showcase for the Certified SC Grown. The market features wholesalers, retailers and farmers from across the state and region, and each is sectioned off for ease, providing a family-friendly experience. Visitors can also enjoy local produce at its finest served up at at their sit-down restaurant, Judy’s on the Market, or from their food truck, Judy’s No-Frills Grill. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with the latest information.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-9 p.m; Sundays 12-6 p.m.

Address: 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC 29172

Town of Lexington Farmer’s Market

This Farmer’s Market is held in Lexington Square Park and features local farmers and growers, as well as local artisans. Tents are set up where you can peruse produce and goods, while buying local. They support the Certified SC program. Rain location is in the covered parking garage adjacent to the Courthouse. Follow them on Facebook to find out more about vendors at each market and other activities.

Hours: Every Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. through September 27 (excluding July 5 – market closed)

Address: Lexington Square Park, 205 E Main St, Lexington, Sc 29072

Blythewood Farmer’s Market

The Blythewood Farmers market features SC Certified vendors selling fresh vegetables, baked goods, organic vegetables and herbs, shaved ice and fresh fruit popsicles, all local jams and jellies, locally made wood craft from Blythewood cedar, handmade soaps and body lotions, bird houses, container plants, fish and shrimp and more! There is also plenty of entertainment including live music, kids activities, and cooking demonstrations. Follow them on Facebook to keep up-to-date on their latest events.

Hours: Every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. through July 23

Address: 171 Langford Road, Blythewood, SC 29016 (next to Town Hall)

Northeast Farmer’s Market

Local growers offer fresh produce including fruits and seasonal vegetables, honey products, fresh-cut flowers, dairy and meat products, organic items and much more. Conveniently held in Lake Carolina’s Town Center, shoppers have to opportunity to peruse vendors, as well as the many stores and restaurants located steps away. Activities also include live music, great events and demonstrations, and a lot of fun for adults and kids of all ages. Check out their Facebook page for more information about specific events and items available.

Hours: Every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. through November

Location: 100 Lake Carolina Blvd, Columbia, SC 29229

Local Produce Stands

Of course, if you are looking to buy local, there is probably nothing fresher than the produce stands (like Bill Horton’s and the farm stand at the corner of Farrow Road and Wilson Road) that pop up in the area this time of year. Many operate on the honor system, and are set up with a couple of coolers, a scale, and a bag of recycled grocery bags to take your goods home in. Plenty of gardeners happy to share their bounty!

What kinds of things do you like to shop for at Farmer’s Markets? Share your finds in the comments!

3 COMMENTS

  1. […] Sunflowers. Sunflowers brighten up the room and are a symbol of hope and home for me. The Sisters of Notre Dame who founded my undergraduate institution (NDNU) actually chose them to represent the goodness and direction of God. Saint Julie Billiart saw sunflowers as a metaphor for the human spirit, which “focuses—if we let it—and follows the direction of God, as God moves across our lives.” In a non-religious sense, sunflowers are also special because they remind me of home. My dad grows them all over our yard, and I think he does it every year so I’ll always come home to see them (and him). Some even grow to be over seven feet tall. I am in awe of their beauty, whether they’re in a field or in a vase after I buy them for my apartment at Soda City Farmer’s Market. […]

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