Upstate farmers markets start their season this weekend. Here's where to get fresh produce.
It’s getting warmer, the sun is out longer and it’s almost farmers market season.
Beginning in April, vendors across the Upstate will gather to sell fresh produce, plants, baked goods and crafts. If you’re picking out fresh fruits and vegetables and want to fill your fridge with locally grown items, your local farmers market could be a great place to start.
Shopping at a farmers market has many benefits.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buying local produce can reduce emissions because the food travels a shorter distance before it ends up in your kitchen. Buying from a local farmer often gives you the chance to connect with the person who grew your food and can contribute to South Carolina’s economy. There are more than 25,000 farms in South Carolina, according to the state’s Agriculture Department, and the agribusiness industry employs nearly 260,000 residents.
Many farmers markets also accept benefits from programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program to offset the cost of food.
If you’re an Upstate resident and you’d like to check out your local farmers market, here’s what’s opening soon near you:
April:
Landrum Farmer’s Market - April 6
The Landrum Farmer’s Market will open April 6 and operates Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It’s located at 221 West Rutherford Street. Visitors can expect about 50 vendors each week.
Gaffney Station Farmers Market - April 6
Gaffney’s farmers market kicks off Saturday, April 6 and is open weekly from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You can find it at 210 West Frederick Street.
Hub City Roots - April 6
Hub City Roots vendors will also begin selling produce April 6. They operate from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 498 Howard Street in Spartanburg. The opening event will feature live music and food trucks.
Foothills Heritage Market - April 13
Seneca’s farmers market kicks off April 13 and will open weekly from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Foothills Heritage Market is located at 2063 Sandifer Boulevard and includes a variety of items, from peanuts to pottery.
Anderson County Farmers Market Spring Craft Market - April 27
Anderson’s farmers market will open to locals on April 27. Located at 402 North Murray Avenue, it will open Saturdays each week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Traveler’s Rest Farmers Market - April 27
The Traveler’s Rest Farmers Market will begin its season April 27. People can attend from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The market is located at 235 Trailblazer Drive and features more than 85 vendors.
Six Mile Farmers Depot - April 30
Six Mile Farmers Depot will host its first event of the season on April 30. The Farmers Depot is open Tuesday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and can be found at 102 South Main Street.
May
Bridgeway Market - May 2
Bridgeway Market isn’t just opening for the season, it’s opening for the first time ever. Beginning May 2, Simpsonville locals can spend Thursday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. shopping for local goods at 1000 Via Corso Ave.
Greer Farmers Market - Tuesdays in May
Each Tuesday night in May, the Greer Farmers Market will be open from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Locals can browse products from about 30 vendors at 301 East Poinsett Street in Greer.
Central Farmers Market - May 4
Central’s market kicks off on May 4 at 703 West Main Street. Locals can visit each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Clemson Farmer’s Market - Thursdays in May
Beginning in May, the Clemson Farmer’s Market will host vendors from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. The market can be found at 578 Issaqueena Trail.
Union County Farm & Craft Market - May 10
The Union County Farm & Craft Market opens May 10. Visitors can stop by on Friday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to noon at 120 Lakeside Drive.
Easley Farmer’s Market - May 11
On Saturday, May 11, Easley’s market will kick off their weekly operations. Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the market is located at Old Market Square in Easley.
Simpsonville Farmers Market - May 11
Also on May 11, Simpsonville’s farmers market will host vendors from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It’s located at 118 Northeast Main Street.
Fountain Inn Farmers Market - May 25
The Fountain Inn Farmers Market will kick off its summer season beginning May 25 at 110 Depot Street. The market operates on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
June
Walhalla Farmer’s Market - June 12
On June 12, the Walhalla Farmer’s Market will open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 101 East North Broad Street.
Special events:
Uptown Market Spring Craft Show – April 6th
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: 220 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood
Greer Farmer’s Market Earth Day – April 14th
Hours: 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Location: 301 East Poinsett Street, Greer
Greenwood County Farmer’s Market Spring Plant Festival – April 19th and 20th
Hours: April 19th: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and April 20th: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: 1612 SC Highway 72, Greenwood
This list is not exhaustive, but a full list of farmers markets across South Carolina can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
Sarah Swetlik covers climate change and environmental issues in South Carolina's Upstate for The Greenville News. Reach her at [email protected] or on X at @sarahgswetlik.
Have a question for Sustainability with Sarah? Ask here or email [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Farmers market season kicks off this weekend. Here's what to know.
