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The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion held its opening day in early April, as the local community gathered to enjoy fresh produce, artisanal crafts and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Lowcountry culture. Visitors perused a variety of booths, sampled delicious food and interacted with friendly vendors who are passionate about their craft.
One of the benefits of living in Charleston, SC in the spring and summer is the proliferation of local produce, products, and goods available. This venue in particular increases local access to fresh, affordable, healthy food. The farmers’ market will continue through the last week in September and will cater to a variety of specialty lifestyle diets, including vegan, ketogenic, vegetarian, paleo, etc. From fully prepared meals, to fresh herbs and specialty spices from the Charleston Spice Company, the market offers something for everyone to enjoy.
As I entered the pavilion, hundreds of people were strolling through the outdoor market. Most in attendance had taken advantage of the breezy, warm day by slipping into their summer wardrobes. We were immediately greeted by the decadent aroma of melted sugar and butter. To my right, I could see an old-fashioned kettle at the T & T’s Original Kettle Korn booth, where fresh kettle corn was popping. A few yards ahead, a group of children were enjoying their own bags of kettle corn, while others played tag under the shining sun.
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion will have fresh, hand-selected seasonal produce every week. Some of the current in-season crops are English peas, heirloom tomatoes, Irish potatoes, collard greens and local okra. Stands also were selling locally grown broccolini, cabbage, kale, sweet potatoes, yellow and white corn, a variety of peppers and much more. The Tidewater Farm offered several different microgreen blends. The Salad Blend contained a mixture of arugula, kale, kohlrabi, mizuna and broccoli microgreens. All of their fresh products are harvested and packaged day-of-sale.
For those who are trying to make more sustainable lifestyle choices, the market provides accessible and affordable environmentally friendly options. In addition, you are able to talk to the farmers or producers to find out what sustainable choices they are making and learn more about where your food comes from.
Seaside Healthy Life was selling vegan pimento cheese, homemade garlic and dill hummus, vegan crab cakes, and chocolate peanut butter balls. Another local vendor was selling sugar and gluten-free baked goods. The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market also offers local beef, eggs, honey, lamb, poultry, pork and seafood, available for purchase year-round.
If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive day, head to this family-friendly Lowcountry market. Bring your family, take a date or attend alone. If you go, make a pit stop at the Super Mushroom Bros. table, where you can purchase kits to grow a variety of your own gourmet mushrooms at home. On the way back to your car, stop by Rio Bertolini’s stand to pick up some fresh tortellini, gnocchi or ravioli. The vendors will help you pair your pasta of choice with a homemade sauce or compound butter. Many vendors have a grab ’n go or take ’n bake meal option, and the Greek Market has authentic spanakopita, pastitsio and moussaka. They also sell homemade baklava, Greek dressing and much more.
Whether you are feeding a large group or dining for one, the Mount Pleasant Market Pavilion is an ideal place to grab quick, locally sourced meals for the week or just a snack while you peruse the grounds. For many years, this outdoor market has cultivated an intangible but prominent sense of community between local producers and their consumers.
