02/27/09

Ups and downs but mostly Ups and Worth It!!!

by JoAnnJewelry

After reading some of these reviews, I just had to say something. The Market Street experience is so worth having. I guess you are always going to find some cranky people and there are always going to be some "too commercial" types of articles. I found the most amazing hair combs that aren't charleston made but I loved them and wear them all the time. The Sweetgrass baskets are so worth the trip and watching the artisians make them is half the fun. The fabulous restaurants and shops on either side of the market are perfect. The whole experience is A+ so don't let anyone talk you out of visiting.

• Pros: Culture, art, artisians, food, people
• Cons: stay away from the horses

07/24/08

parking tickets

by MAXWILKS

My wife and I was in Charleston for 4 days. we injoyed the visit but parking is a problem. I got a $25 parking ticket. I thought it was un called for. If a person comes to your fine town to spend their hard earned money and get a ticket I don't think they will return. Other than that we had a good time.

• Pros: places to dine
• Cons: parking

06/06/08

Confederate Museum

by lisarjo

My family and I visited this museum and found the two ladies running the place to be extremely rude and insulting. My children were interested in the Civil War and wanted to learn about it but the ladies were constantly watching us waiting for our kids to misbehave. I received a cell phone call that was important and was told no cell phones. We had to pay a lot of money for this tour and was very insulted and disappointed. I do not recommend this museum especially with children.

06/05/08

Get ready to be insulted

by mumontherun

We visited the market early in the day after a wonderful carriage tour, eager to view some of the local crafts. one extremely delightful basket weaver showed my 3 daughters how to weave the baskets and let them participate. Our good start was then abruptly shattered by another old woman who freaked out when I picked up a small bread basket to see the workmanship and check the price. If I can't inspect it I won't buy it .When I told her she was very rude she started insulting my 3 daughters who are only 9,11and 13 who were standing next to me behaving well and not touching anything. Its a shame such a fun educational experience was spoiled by some rude obnoxious old woman sadly we came across several vendors with the same mind set. Having said that the majority are pleasent even friendly. Worth a visit but don't expect to experience many examples of Charlestons good manners. We are British citizens visiting so we should know!

• Pros: great local crafts and nice local people
• Cons: mixed with imported junk and rude vendors

06/04/08

I enjoyed my time at The Market in Charleston...

by OhioBuckeyeGal

I enjoyed my time at The Market in Charleston in July of 2007. It was a bit crowded and some of the vendors would or could not take credit cards, so that was one minus. I feel that all the things sold should be handmade locally, but maybe that is asking too much of the Charleston officials who decide what matters. I hope to sell my handmade jewelry there after my move to Charleston this summer. I also am a photographer and will be adding photos of the Charleston area to sell there also. I enjoyed the photography offered more than anything else at The Market......as a tourist that kind of travel momento is the best to recall a very pleasant vacation in the Charleston area.

I agree with the reviewer who said that the basket makers should "get over" the fact that people want to take their pictures. I always ask first and even though I have been turned down, I respect their right to not be photographed. I wonder too if it is because they are not paying taxes on their sales. It seems to me that if I were a basket maker I would enjoy having people acknowledge my artistry and WANT them to have a photo of me with my baskets. That is a compliment!

I went there on a Sunday afternoon and had a bit of a problem finding a parking spot, but other than that, it was an enjoyable experience. The historical aspect of the place should be revered, and kept in context to what happened there. I would think someone of the city officials would see a need to have a brochure made available to explain it all to the tourists. If there is one available there, I must have missed it.

As for vendors fighting over tables, that is inexcusable in my mind. There has been enough hostility and sorrow in that place, I would like to think that the "smiling faces" and hospitality that Charleston is so famous for would be paramount to doing business at The Market, of all places!

PS I love Charleston!

• Pros: historical importance, many vendors, large venue
• Cons: parking, vendors who do not take credit cards (hey, I understand, but could something be worked out?)

04/10/08

Old City Market

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!!!!!!!!!

03/13/08

A Classic...

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

01/09/08

Need more artists and craftsmen!

by nwykr

Tourists enjoy seeing local artists and craftspeople when they come to Charleston, SC. Unfortunately, there are too many flea-market type retailors in the Market. Maybe this will eliminate the bickering among the vendors presently there...only if we can get rid of them. Need to turn it back into the "Smiling Faces and Beautiful Places" as our license plate says. Thank goodness for a few basket makers and artists, who are surviving these baracudas, and who are struggling for existence there. Bring back the beautiful Market filled with local creative interesting nice people!

12/16/07

Awful!

by lauracook

I had an awful experience there. I was looking at a spot that sold only T-shirts and came across awful customer service. Most of the people down there are rude and trashy. I saw vendors fighting over tables in the early morning. Some vendors sell over priced things that you can purchase at the visitors center for less or other places throughout the city. It really isn't about historic Charleston at all, its about a bunch of greedy, trashy people.

05/23/07

Meet the South

by ndmcq6

If you are making your first trip to the Southeast, you need to visit this attraction. As a former Yankee, this is the place to get a view into what is important in Southern culture. Don't miss it!