Old City Market
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 853-8000
- Cross Street:
- Between Meeting Street and East Bay Street
- Hours:
- Daily 10am-dark
Editorial Review for Old City Market – by Florrie Byrd
The Background
The land on which the market sits was donated by a wealthy Charleston family in the early 1800s to be used as a marketplace. The main building, Market Hall, was erected in 1841. Modeled after a Greek temple, the building houses the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. Behind Market Hall, four open-air buildings span from Meeting Street to East Bay Street, near the waterfront. The market originally sold foodstuffs, including meat, fish and fresh produce grown locally.
The Appeal
Today, more than 100 vendors sell everything from local foods to souvenirs. The kitsch factor runs high--serious shoppers may have better luck on King Street. It's a lively spot, often teeming with tourists and somewhat difficult to navigate at peak hours. The most celebrated residents are the ladies who weave and sell sweet-grass baskets. The craft of basket-weaving, passed down from West African slaves, is considered one of Charleston's most vibrant traditions.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasPlanning to take a carriage tour? Most tours start and end at the Old City Market.
User Reviews for Old City Market
04/10/2008 Posted by vettegal12004
The history behind the Old City Market is very interesting but it was too crowded and you couldn't look at anything without people pushing or bumping into you, not even saying excuse me. It seemed there were too much of the same things repeated throughout the market. What is it with some of the ladies not wanting their pictures taken and one of them was hiding in a box weaving their baskets. Is it that big of a secret how to make the baskets? If so maybe a patent is in order. One of the ladies practically attacked a tourist which took her picture. Maybe it has to do with receiving a check and not listing this as a means of making a living? Come on people it's just a basket not a secret that we have to hide because it will change mankind if it gets in the wrong hands. Now don't get me wrong, I know it takes talent to do these baskets and their beautiful but lighten up and let's come out of the BOX on this one!!!!!!!!!
03/13/2008 Posted by SouthernBelle08
I grew up in Charleston area of South Carolina and have very fond memories of going down to the market on a Saturday morning. I have not been back to Charleston in several years but My family says that the market is still a wonderful place to visit at the right time
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