Market Value: Soda City Farmers Market refreshes your brain, body, and belly
August 1, 2013
By Jillian Owens
August 1, 2013
What: Soda City Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday from 8am-12pm
Where: The 1500 Block of Main Street
I am not a morning person, folks. While far more productive people than I can manage getting out of bed at the first glimmer of sunlight for a nice run, I prefer tossing a pillow over my head as I shake an angry fist at the offending Day Star.
I couldn’t believe when my friend Erin had the audacity to suggest that I meet her at a farmer’s market on a Saturday at 9…AM! Our dialog the night before went something like this:
No Erin. Sleep is my favorite thing. Why would you want to deprive me so?
We can get mimosas afterwards.
Meh. Okay. I’ll give it a go.
I really didn’t know what to expect. Lots of fruit trucks maybe? Elderly Hee Haw stereotypes haggling over the price of corn? As I walked down Main Street, I realized this was a marvelously special event. The street was lined for blocks and blocks with vendor booths selling veggies – but also paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handbags – all by local farmers, artists, and independent business owners!
Early morning or no, Columbia’s Famously Hot reputation isn’t without reason! I was parched! Thankfully, I spied this jerk:
Soda Jerk, that is!
This dapper gentleman is Brandon, one of the owners/founder of Cannoborough Beverage Company. I’ve given up Diet Coke, as was thrilled to try their unique (and much healthier) sodas! Hint: Their Ginger Beer is fabulous, but their Honey Basil Soda should not be missed (I got the last glass!). Their beverage lineup changes weekly, but everything they make is naturally sweetened and made with fresh fruit from South Carolina. Localvores, rejoice!
As we meandered through the vast array of tasty foods from pastries, to pasta, to veggies, to ice pops, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the many non-food vendors. The Soap Works has many nummy-smelling soaps, lotions, and perfumes for even the most problematic of skin types. I’ve been enjoying my Grapefruit face bar (made especially for oily skin) all week!
So Fresh and So Clean!
Other favorites include the beautiful handmade handbags of Nana by Sally, the rustic cutting boards by Stephen Owen of Sixteenacrewood, the fun retro finds of Butterfly Vintage, and of course tons of tasty locally-grown produce!
Wait a sec…how can a tomato be a celebrity?
The dog-friendly environment was definitely appreciated as well. I’m fairly certain Douglas enjoyed this outing just as much as I did! Many Columbians came out with their pups in tow. Everyone from the tiniest Dachschund (i.e. my dog) to the largest German Shepherd was welcome!
Douglas & Friends!
After seeing all there was to see, Erin and I hopped over to Wine Down on Main for the aforementioned mimosas. They stay open from 9am-1pm on Saturdays just to cater to the champagne needs of the crowd. It’s really great to see this area that used to be a bit of a ghost town with mostly closed storefronts and no foot traffic becoming a destination for food, art, culture, and just getting together with friends.
Jillian Owens is a writer, designer, motivational speaker, andeco-fashion revolutionary. A ColumbiaSC transplant, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BFAin Theatre and English. When she’s notgallivanting about, she’s busy refashioning ugly thrift store duds intofashionable frocks at ReFashionista.net. Jillian has been featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Good AfternoonAmerica, ABC Columbia, Jasper Magazine, Skirt, Columbia Metropolitan, The FreeTimes, Grist, and NYC’s Guest of a Guest. She also reviews local theater productions for Jasper Magazine andOnstage Columbia.
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