Mel's Columbia, SC Blog: South Carolina State Farmers Market

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

South Carolina State Farmers Market

We made our first visit to the NEW South Carolina State Farmers Market this past weekend. Our report... it's very nice and you need to stop by very soon to check it out.

Barbara ready to buy fresh vegetables

The new market is located on Highway 321 (Charleston Highway) within 1.5 miles of both I-26 and I-77, making it more convenient both to local residents and to tourists heading to or from the coast or passing through South Carolina.

The new South Carolina State Farmers Market is a state-of-the-art facility that provides the agricultural community of South Carolina with a one-of-a-kind venue in which to showcase South Carolina products. The new market design is based upon a clearly defined plan that provides separate and distinct areas for the major wholesale vendors, the retail sale of South Carolina agricultural products (with a section specifically designed for this purpose) and also a farmers' shed section, which is owned and operated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and provides an environment for South Carolina farmers to rent space on a daily or seasonal basis in order to offer their products.

Also included at the new S.C. State Farmers Market: 150-seat exhibition kitchen where chefs and health experts will demonstrate healthy recipes and cooking styles; 400-seat outdoor amphitheater for demonstrations, education and entertainment (coming soon); RV park (coming soon); full-service bakery; an on-site inspector for quality assurance; and, opening today (May 11th) is "Judys at the Market", a full-service restaurant serving food made from local produce.

Location:
3483 Charleston Highway
West Columbia, SC 29172

Hours:
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
12:00- 6:00 p.m. Sunday

CLICK: South Carolina State Farmers Market Website (directions, events and much more)
CLICK: Download FREE Seasonal Recipe Calendar