Bluffton Farmers Market - Farm to Table Deliciousness

FITNESS AND ORGANIC FOOD GO HAND IN HAND

Healthy folks looking to find the best in fresh, locally grown produce and eclectic regional food offerings with  a “Lowcountry” flair should make a trip to the infamous Bluffton Farmers Market located in the historic downtown district of Bluffton, South Carolina.  The fresh market is situated along Calhoun and Lawrence Streets through Carson Cottages in downtown is the perfect backdrop for this amazing collection of rainbow colored fruits, vegetables, flowers and regional cuisine.  Voted one of the best farmers market in South Carolina, Bluffton prides itself in creating the ultimate destination for locals and tourists alike and is considered one of the best small towns in South Carolina by retirees.

The festive market is open every Thursday throughout the year with the exception best small towns of the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.  During the season which runs from late March through October, the market is open from 2-7pm.  In the fall, October through December 19, it is open from 2-6pm and January through mid-March the market operates from noon to 4pm.  This is by no means a typical farmer’s market as Bluffton goes above and beyond to entertain its guests.   There are live cooking demonstrations, upbeat musical performances and even gardening classes for kids.  Planning the perfect “right-off -the boat” seafood creation is simple with recipes provided by local chefs and all the fixings found in one convenient place.  Baby Boomers love having a weekly adventure to look forward to which has made Bluffton one of the best coastal retirement communities in South Carolina.  

The artistic and historical flair found on Calhoun Street considered the “Main Street” of Bluffton provides the perfect venue for the much anticipated weekly event which features nearly 40 vendors, live local entertainment, and some incredible delicacies that are homemade and native to the region.  In addition to farm fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs, local culinary experts offer a wide array of prepared foods to enjoy and share with friends and neighbors. 

This is definitely the place to be seen on Thursdays in Bluffton where the event draws thousands annually.  The market first opened in 2008 at the Bluffton Oyster Company Park on the May River and was relocated to its current location in order to accommodate the success of the event and to allow attendees the opportunity to explore the great downtown Bluffton merchants found in this quaint southern town.  “During the season, we see more than 2,000 people travel through the market on any given Thursday, and a good majority of them are tourists staying on Hilton Head,” said Kim Viljac, market manager. “Many tourists love to come back and catch up with the guy who makes gumbo or their favorite farmer.”

Bluffton has been nicknamed “The Last True Coastal Village of the South” and is located on US Route 278 between Hilton Head Island and Interstate 95.  Old Town, which is the town’s original one square mile area, has some spectacular views of the May River and the city definitely represents true southern hospitality which draws visitors from all over the country.  Residents here enjoy visiting with friends and family at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market while “people watching” as they enjoy some of their favorite culinary specialties which are offered by local vendors. Some recognized return vendors include the dumpling lady, the boiled peanut man, the crepe cart and the grass-fed beef farmer. Here are some of the many items that can be found at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market:

• “Off the Farm” fresh produce (organic & traditional)
• Plants, flowers, fresh herbs and spices
• Exotic cheese, milk and farm fresh eggs
• Grass fed beef, pork, lamb and seafood
• Homemade kettle corn, granola, baked goods, peanut brittle and pastries
• Unique jams, salsa, dips, hummus, chutneys, honey and smoothie boosters
• Fresh pasta and sauces
• Specialty items: coffee, loose tea blends, Olive oil, sprout breads
• Prepared foods: Southern style bbq, whole beer-can chicken, fried shrimp crab cakes, She Crab Soup, gumbo, brick-oven pizza, oysters, shrimp and fresh seafood.

Another great program, “Chef in the Market” is offered weekly and invites local Chefs to demonstrate how to prepare healthy lifestyle dishes which is a great way to learn new skills and understand the importance of eating a nutritious diet.  They even provide a shopping list of the menu items needed to help in meal preparation with fresh ingredients that can be found conveniently at the Farmer’s Market.  It’s no surprise that retirees looking for a peaceful and friendly, yet happening environment are searching the many amazing Bluffton SC real estate developments offered here.  Bluffton offers the ultimate in “Lowcountry” living.

Besides being a fun event to attend, there are incredible health benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables as part of the daily diet.  Vegetables provide an incredible source of many nutrients including potassium, fiber, folic acid and vitamins A, E, and C.  Broccoli, spinach, tomatoes and garlic are excellent choices as they provide additional benefits.  Potassium may help maintain healthy blood pressure and dietary fiber found in vegetables can reduce cholesterol and may lower the risk of heart disease which is especially important for those approaching retirement years.  Stimulating good health in the community is an added benefit of having access to the weekly Bluffton Farmers Market.  Adding “good health” to the equation is yet another reason Bluffton is considered one of the best coastal retirement communities.  While visiting the region, take the time to explore the magnificent Bluffton SC real estate developments offered for discerning home shoppers.

Eating Vegetables Provides Health Benefits

• The nutrients in vegetables are vital for health and maintenance of your body.
• Eating a diet rich in vegetables may reduce risk for stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.
• One to four cups of vegetables are recommended each day, depending on how many calories you need.  

The entire family will enjoy the adventure of visiting the Bluffton Farmer’s Market.  It’s a great way to teach the young ones the benefit of eating healthy and even learning to grow their own vegetables at the “Litter Grower Program”.  The class is presented every 3rd Thursday of the month at the market by Andres Moms of Savannah Hydrophonics who conducts mini “growing classes”.  The session is offered for children ages 5 through 12 from 4pm to 6pm.  All children must be accompanied by an adult so even mom and dad can enjoy this worthwhile experience.  For adults who are interested in gardening, there is a Master Gardener present every week at the market providing gardening tips, planting protocols, soil corrections and much more.  This program is sponsored by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and is now active in over half of South Carolina’s counties.  

This spectacular event is the brain child of Ed McCullough who enjoys seeing the Bluffton Farmer’s Market thriving.  His efforts have helped many farmers and local entrepreneurs become successful which stimulates the economy and breeds harmony and cohesiveness in the community.  “The main ingredient in our recipe of success is that each market is an event,” said Ed McCullough, founder of the Bluffton Farmers Market. “One farmer told me he used to sell vegetables on the side of the road. He now says he sells 25 times the quantity because of the farmers market. It’s the same farmer, the same vegetables, the same town; the only difference is that the market gave his products an event.”  Another asset in the success of the market is manager Kim Viljac who proudly accepted the “Bluffton Regional Business Council member of the year award” given by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.  “It’s somewhere you come to buy fresh fruits, produce and local foods, but it’s also a place where you come to see your neighbors, meet new people and learn about what’s going on in the community,” said Viljac, the market manager.

Bluffton South Carolina is located just minutes from the highly acclaimed Hilton Head Island and is ideally situated right on the banks of the serene May River.  This charming and historic town is filled with preserved and austere antebellum homes, historic landmarks, artisan shops and some fabulous eateries.  Even though folks enjoy the serenity of living here, Bluffton is alive with plenty of things to do year round.  When driving throughout this picturesque community, visitors and residents admire the gorgeous oak trees adorned with moss that are spread throughout the area and add to the overall appeal of this quaint town.  True hospitality and Southern charm are what makes Bluffton the ideal place to live.  Huffington Post even named it number 1 for “Amazing Non-Beach Getaways”.  Imagine exploring the Lowcountry while kayaking on the May River or even fishing along the banks for dinner to compliment the produce found at the Farmer’s Market.  What a great way to enjoy the finer things life has to offer in one of the most beautiful places in the country.  

Visitors fall in love with Bluffton and discover that it is truly one of the best small towns in South Carolina.  It is well worth the investment of time to explore the highly sought after Bluffton SC real estate developments located here. If you're exploring the Lowcountry for the first time, ask for our free Bluffton relocation information to help you learn more about the area.