Sullivans Island Magazine, Summer 2016

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our conflicts behind and come together as a community.”
Every Thursday eve, from 2:30 to 7 p.m., you can find
a multitude of folks gathered at 1921 I’On Ave., in front of
the Edgar Allan Poe Library. Eager to take home all that the
Lowcountry soil and waterways provide, shoppers trickle in
for an evening of successful treasure hunting. Whether pick-
ing up peach preserves to slather on homemade bread or
filling cloth bags with handfuls of okra, the enthusiasm from
visitors is vibrant – much like the bouquets of brightly-
colored blooms being sold by seafaring florists.
“We have different prepared food vendors each week,
so you can enjoy dinner while listening to the music,” said
Church, who credits local band Station Break with adding
to the market’s vivacious atmosphere.
With plenty of food trucks at the market, mouth-
watering meals can be found on-site, including tacos,
fried chicken sandwiches and zesty street corn from The
Charleston Bird.
“Seeing the farmers market in action and succeeding
has been incredibly rewarding,” said Church. “From the
moment the first market opened, it was obvious how well
it fit into the community.”
Local artists also set up shop among the produce stands.
Gaze at beautiful creations from Bi-Bond Arts while testing
out some moisturizers from The Charleston Soap Chef. Sea
and Stone, a local handcrafted jewelry company, provides
onlookers with delicate accent pieces inspired by the
wonder of the sea. Absinthe Rabbit is sure to keep shoppers
feeling Zen with a variation of soothing bath salts.
“We have a wide variety of vendors and have strived
for a balance of selection,” said Church. “You will not find
more than one of each kind of vendor.”
Skip the grocery store line and get an assortment of
goods you just can’t come by in your big supermarket
chains. From seafood pulled right out of Shem Creek to
artisanal cheeses made from local goat’s milk, the amount
of fare available for purchase is booming.
“We offer local produce from Gruber Family Farm,
fresh local clams, oysters and shrimp from Hiser Sea
Farms, meats and eggs from Wishbone Heritage Farms and
so much more,” said Church. “Starting in late May, we will
have blueberries from Blue Pearl Farms. Don’t miss Mitla’s
Tortillas. They are so amazing; you will never eat store
bought tortillas again!”
In a state that boasts so many area markets, it can be
hard to stay on the radar. Since its inception this April,
the Sullivan’s Island Farmers Market continues to rise to
the top – attracting locals and residents outside the island
eager to get a taste of coastal charm. With the Atlantic
Ocean just a shell’s throw away, the setting of this market
makes it that much more extraordinary.
“The location of our farmers market really sets us apart
from the other markets,” said Church. “The market is
under the trees that provide shade. The small size makes
a more intimate setting conducive to visiting with your
neighbors. We have also worked hard to provide the high-
est possible quality of vendors.”
Whether you’re looking to gather supplies for a new
recipe or simply want to catch up with friends, the Sul-
livan’s Island Farmers Market is an ideal spot to savor those
summertime moments as refreshing as a lush watermelon,
ripe for the picking.
The market closes up for the season on June 30, so be
sure to take advantage of this new venture born out of a
love for all things homegrown. From the sweet flavor of
local honey to the sharp bite of local peppers, you’re sure
to find something to please your palate.
For more information, visit