Shop Greenville, South Carolina Farmers Markets

There is no better way to ensure locally grown produce on the dinner table than to visit a local farmers market. Residents of the Greenville area, in the Upcountry of South Carolina, are fortunate to have two great farmers markets to shop. Area growers bring a variety of products to these markets, and buyers know they are getting fresh, high quality fruits and vegetables.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture owns and operates the Greenville State Farmers Market. This commercial wholesale market also has 14,000 square feet of retail space that is open to the public. Farmers from surrounding counties bring their seasonal produce to market here. Produce from certified organic growers is available. The facility is located at 1354 Rutherford Road, north of the downtown area. Retail hours are Monday-Saturday from 8am-6pm. Admission and parking are free.

The “Saturday Market” in downtown Greenville has the atmosphere of a fun community gathering. This open air farmers market usually attracts more than 50 vendors. The market is set up in a shady site on Main Street, between Court and Washington Streets. Buyers will find locally grown seasonal produce, meat, cheeses, eggs, seafood, pastas, and a variety of breads. Growers also offer plants and fresh flowers for sale. In addition to food items, vendors may also offer goods such as candles, homemade soaps, and crafts. There is musical entertainment scheduled every week, and on some weeks there are cooking demonstrations by local chefs at 10:30am. On the 4th Saturday of each month the Children’s Museum provides free activities for the kids. Food vendors sell ready to eat foods, so buyers can enjoy lunch or a snack. At “Booth with a Cause” local non-profits have an opportunity to gain exposure within the community, recruit volunteers, and sell merchandise to support their causes. A morning spent at the “Saturday Market” is fun for the whole family. The market opens at 8am and runs through October 29, 2011.

A plentiful variety of fruits and vegetables is available at both farmers markets during midsummer. Buyers should be able to purchase green beans, squash, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, okra, melons, blueberries, blackberries, and peaches. Coming up in the fall season, buyers should look for apples, sweet potatoes, and Muscadine grapes. Freshly harvested local produce is better for the consumer because it has lost fewer nutrients than produce that has been shipped over longer distances.

Lower transportation costs for the locally grown fruits and vegetables mean lower prices for the consumer. Buyers feel good knowing that they are supporting the local economy by purchasing from area farmers, while providing the freshest produce for their families.

By: G. Carpenter

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G. Carpenter is the General Manager at the Holiday Inn Express Simpsonville hotel. The Holiday Inn Express Simpsonville is located just south of Greenville and only minutes from Mauldin, Fountain Inn, Laurens, and the Greenville Zoo. The hotel located just off I-385 at exit 27 with easy access to I-85, I-185 and I-26. For more information visit: www.SimpsonvilleHotel.com