Business is booming in our area if you are a mom who loves local produce and meat. It’s never been a better time to #buylocal. With all of the farms springing up, where’s a mom to even start??!! Here is the DL on local farms and markets in the Columbia area!!
Northeast/Blythewood
Blythewood Farmers Market
This local market is open Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m., May through October, and is a mecca for those looking for a one stop shop. Many of the farms listed below participate in this local market. Aside from fresh produce, enjoy family-friendly activities and wonderful conversation while you’re there.
First Fruits
Is a local 1 acre farm run by Blythewood Presbyterian Church and offers a wonderful selection of garden veggies at the Blythewood Farmers Market. With the help of volunteers, they are able to provide fresh produce through their ministry to families in need through the Round Top Food pantry.
Doko Farms
Owned by Amanda and Joe Jones, Doko Farms is a great place to go to find pasture-raised heritage meats. Say buh-bye to the shady chicken and greenish meat at your local supermarket!
Sandhill Farmers Market
The Sandhill Farmers Market is open each Tuesday afternoon from 2-6 p.m. The 2018 season runs from May 1 through November 20. Items available include fresh local produce, meat, fish, eggs, butter, milk, cheese, honey, plants, flowers, shrubs, and baked goods. Many products are organic.
Blythewood Bee
There is nothing like local honey. I add it as a sweetener in many of my recipes. Some people even believe that using local honey will help with seasonal allergies! Much like allergy shots, local honey has many of the allergens from the bees pollen harvest, and when introduced to the immune system, your body builds up a defense.
Columbia Metro
City Roots
City Roots is a family-owned, 3.5-acre organic farm, farm store, and agritourism destination located on an urban site in Rosewood. They grow a wide variety of organic produce, fresh herbs, flowers and mushrooms using a holistic farming approach. Fresh produce can be purchased inside their barn, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a wider selection of food available at their Farmer’s Market which runs weekly on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.
Soda City
If you are looking for a one stop shop type experience, Soda City has many options for you. Make sure to look for the SC Grown labels to ensure you are getting local produce. While you’re there, enjoy local craft and food vendors. Soda City is every Saturday from 9- 1 p.m.
Surrounding Areas
Boss Farms
If you are local to Camden, Sumter, Bishopville, or Columbia, Boss Farms is the go-to for grass fed beef and free range chickens. There aren’t many farms that offer this kind of product, so when I find one, I run! They are located a short drive up the interstate in Bishopville or you can find them Saturdays at Soda City.
Happy Earth Farm
This small, but mighty farm is located in Aiken. They do not use herbicides or pesticides. They also don’t keep regular farm store hours, but welcome a phone call or email to let them know you wish to stop by. You can also purchase Happy Earth Farm veggies, eggs, chickens and specialty goods at The Soda City every Saturday.
Trail Ridge Farm & Dairy
Goats Oh My! If you are looking for anything goat, Trail Ridge Farm & Dairy in Aiken is the spot. They offer everything from goat milk to goat milk soap. They have a wonderful selection of cheese as well! This farm is often seen at Soda City. They also have a lot of their products in local restaurants. Check out their website or Facebook for more details on where you can find their goods.
Crazy 8 Farm
Located up the road in Lugoff, this farm provides the highest quality eggs, produce and honey. Kurt & Beka plus “8” kids established the Crazy 8 Farm in 2013 after relocating from the Pacific Northwest. You can find them at the Sandhill Farmers Market on Tuesdays.
A great resource to find ALL of the local SC Grown Farms is the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA).
Blythewood Farmer’s Market is 4-7pm on Wednesdays, not 7-9pm as listed.
Thanks for catching that! We have updated our information.