Charleston's Market Gems: 10 Spots for Sweetgrass Baskets & Lowcountry Flavors (2025)

Experience Charleston’s market magic in 2025! From sweetgrass baskets to she-crab soup, this guide celebrates Lowcountry culture and flavors.

INTRODUCTION

The art of sweetgrass weaving meets shrimp-and-grits feasts—Charleston’s markets are love letters to Lowcountry heritage. Steeped in history, flavor, and craftsmanship, these vibrant spaces bring together the city’s rich Gullah-Geechee traditions with modern-day charm. Whether you’re searching for an intricately woven sweetgrass basket or the perfect bowl of she-crab soup, Charleston’s markets in 2025 promise a feast for all senses. Here’s where to soak in the city’s finest cultural treasures.

1. Charleston City Market

Watch sixth-generation basket weavers stitch history into every coil.

Cultural must-buy: A sweetgrass rose—it’s Charleston in your palm.
Local insight: Skip the tourist traps; the best she-crab soup is at Market Street Sweets.
Tip: Chat with basket makers—they’ll share family stories and weaving secrets.

2. Sunday Brunch Farmers Market

Sip sweet tea while blues musicians play.

Cultural must-buy: Stone-ground grits from a local miller.
Local insight: The fresh okra here makes for unbeatable gumbo.
Tip: Bring a cooler for perishables—this market is a treasure trove of fresh produce.

3. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Where shrimpers and farmers meet under Spanish moss.

Cultural must-buy: Fresh-caught shrimp for homemade shrimp and grits.
Local insight: Try the local honey—it’s infused with wildflowers from the marsh.
Tip: Get there early—the best seafood sells out fast!

4. Johns Island Farmers Market

A rustic retreat for heirloom produce and Gullah-inspired crafts.

Cultural must-buy: A handcrafted indigo-dyed scarf.
Local insight: The tomato pies here taste like summer in the Lowcountry.
Tip: Bring cash—some of the best vendors don’t take cards.

5. Charleston Farmers Market (Marion Square)

Local chefs and artisans share their best in the heart of downtown.

Cultural must-buy: A hand-thrown pottery mug, perfect for morning grits.
Local insight: The fresh peach hand pies are legendary—grab one before they sell out.
Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest finds and shortest lines.

6. The Night Market

A moonlit haven for Lowcountry artistry and storytelling.

Cultural must-buy: An intricately woven seagrass coaster set.
Local insight: This is the best time to find one-of-a-kind artwork by local painters.
Tip: Take your time—vendors love to share the stories behind their work.

7. St. George Farmers Market

Old-fashioned Southern charm with farm-to-table delights.

Cultural must-buy: A homemade pimento cheese spread.
Local insight: The BBQ stand here rivals any downtown smokehouse.
Tip: Bring an appetite—there’s no shortage of samples to try.

8. The Oyster House Market

Where the sea’s finest flavors meet Charleston’s best brews.

Cultural must-buy: A jar of pickled shrimp.
Local insight: The best oyster stew in Charleston is served here on Sunday afternoons.
Tip: Pair your oysters with a crisp, local craft beer for the full experience.

9. King Street Pop-Up Market

Trendy meets traditional in this rotating collection of makers.

Cultural must-buy: A small-batch bottle of Charleston bourbon.
Local insight: Find unique, locally made jewelry that blends Lowcountry motifs with modern designs.
Tip: Follow their Instagram for updates—vendors change weekly.

10. The Gullah Market at Boone Hall

An immersive dive into Gullah-Geechee food and culture.

Cultural must-buy: A cookbook featuring generations-old Gullah recipes.
Local insight: The rice bread here is a revelation—soft, sweet, and steeped in history.
Tip: Plan for an afternoon—there are storytelling sessions you won’t want to miss.

Experience Charleston’s Market Magic in 2025

Charleston’s markets are more than just places to shop—they’re windows into the soul of the Lowcountry. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate art of sweetgrass weaving or the comforting flavors of Gullah cuisine, these ten market spots promise an unforgettable journey through Charleston’s past and present. So, grab a glass of sweet tea, strike up a conversation, and savor every moment. After all, the best way to experience Charleston is one market at a time.