These are the 7 best-ranked farmers markets in South Carolina. Check them out
If you’re searching for the freshest produce and ingredients, visiting a farmers market is about as good as it gets.
South Carolina is littered with farmers markets, each of which sell produce grown locally. Many also include locally-made products, music and entertainment.
Sure, there are those who might be fully content with their own local farmers market. But then there are others who like to travel and see what other farmers markets have to offer.
So, whether you’re craving a jar of local honey, the freshest vegetables available or just want to have a fun road trip, here are the seven best-ranked farmers markets in South Carolina according to a combination of total Google ratings and reviews.
7. Hub City Farmers Market
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (210 reviews)
Where: 498 Howard St. in Northside Harvest Park
When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday from April 2 through Dec. 10
Dubbed the longest-running market in the Upstate, Hub City has plenty for visitors to enjoy, including fresh, local produce and products. The market also features live music, activities for kids and artisan crafts.
To better assist locals, the market partners with the YMCA to offer a Saturday shuttle every other week. Check the market’s website for details.
6. Cayce Farmers Market
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (293 reviews)
Where: 2329 Charleston Highway, Cayce
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday from March until January
You can’t go wrong with a visit to the Cayce Farmers Market. The market is regularly stocked with fresh produce, from apples asparagus and blackberries, to herbs, honey, sweet corn and tomatoes.
“Great selection of local produce and plants. Some of the best boiled peanuts in town,” one Google reviewer wrote.
5. Greenville State Farmers Market
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (640 reviews)
Where: 1354 Rutherford Rd., Greenville
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Visitors will find plenty of locally-grown products and specialty goods at retail sheds and farmer stalls at the Greenville State Farmers Market. One Google reviewer wrote, “great produce and plants/flowers at great prices. Friendly knowledgeable staff. The best watermelon I had all summer!”
4. South Carolina State Farmers Market
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (337 reviews)
Where: 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia
When: Open 7 days a week, vendor hours may vary
You can search for fresh produce every day of the week at the state farmers market. However, the peak season for locally-grown produce runs from April through early October.
At the market visitors will find the Market Restaurant, privately-owned wholesale businesses, farmers’ sheds and additional state-managed wholesale facilities and sheds. Also at the site is the Phillips Market Center and Consumer Protection Division.
3. Summerville Farmers Market
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (589 reviews)
Where: 130 E. 2nd North, Summerville
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from April through November
Come to historic downtown Summerville to enjoy this lively farmers market. The market features produce and products from local farmers, artisans and food vendors. While there, visitors can also check out unique shops and restaurants downtown.
2. Pee Dee State Farmers Market
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (1,000 reviews)
Where: 2513 W Lucas Street, Florence
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Open year round, the Pee Dee State Farmers Market is located on U.S. Highway 52 between Florence and Darlington, on 55 acres of previously rural farmland. The market features always fresh produce and has become a prime spot for the ornamental horticulture and floriculture industry.
The market has also become a destination spot on the way to Myrtle Beach and for drivers on the eastern seaboard, attracting more than 700,000 visitors annually.
1. Soda City Market
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (1,900 reviews)
Where: Main Street, Columbia
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday
Brace yourself for crowds at the highly popular Soda City Market in downtown Columbia. Inspired by traditional European street markets, this is a farmers market on another level that features an average of 150 vendors a week and more than 400 unique vendors throughout the year.
According to its website, the Soda City Market is a producer-only market, meaning vendors must make or grow their own products, including out of season/exotic fruits and vegetables, antiques and vintage items.
There’s also a wide variety of food trucks there each week, so come hungry!
“Best farmers market around. Definitely an experience if you’re in Columbia visiting,” a Google reviewer wrote.
This story was originally published July 8, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
