Just because all other markets in town are closed until Spring, doesn’t mean locals must give up their farmers market pleasures. Homegrown Johns Island Farmers Market launches into its third year of consistent full year operation on Saturday January 9th. Charleston’s only year round market is open every Saturday rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3546 Maybank Highway, across from the Johns Island Public Library.
The market started on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 with 20 weekly vendors and has expanded to an average of 50 local farmers and artisans, delicious prepared food vendors, and live local musicians. The goal of the Johns Island Farmers Market is to be a one-stop shop to satisfy everything on a shopping list sourced locally and sustainably while also educating the community, establishing connections, and helping to shift lives in a loving, greener direction.
Goods range from organically grown local produce, freshly baked SC grain breads & pastries, sweet treats, local seafood, free range farm eggs, fresh cold pressed juices, hand crafted cheeses, locally extracted sea salt, olives & olive oil, locally roasted coffee, all natural pet food, and even kombucha brewed from local ingredients. Other vendors include kosher honey, organic SC grains (i.e. rice, grits, peas), pasture raised beef and pork, free range chicken, local raw dairy products, hand blended chicken & seafood salads, pimento cheese, pesto’s, jerky varieties, pickled products, jams & jellies, handcrafted pastas, heirloom hydroponic tomatoes, and aquaponic greens. An array of prepared food is available each week such as rotating food trucks, kettle corn, Baguette Magic, Pysars Pantry Crepe Stand, and the Coffee Cabana to satisfy any breakfast or lunch cravings.
In addition to food, a wide assortment of local artisans are participating with wares and crafts varying from all natural skin and bath products, handmade jewelry, knitted items, framed nautical charts, to therapeutic essential oils and clothing.
Education is also a key component to the overall vision of its founders. “It is important for us to incorporate interactive learning practices in an effort to teach the benefits of making more informed sustainable lifestyle choices.” The Johns Island Farmers Market is working closely with area schools to promote the talents of students in the community throughout the year. Local non-profit groups such as Clemson Extension Master Gardeners and various Horse Rescues are on hand each week to answer questions, take soil samples, and give pony rides.
The market features a permanent bounce house for kids by Bounce Moms, as well as interactive activities designed with all ages in mind. Live music is a weekly staple on the grounds. Free, convenient parking is offered in an expanded field adjacent to the market, as well as cozy fire pits to keep patrons warm in the cooler months.