Farmers Market of Bluffton, Bluffton

Small local farmers market. It's one that has several farms attend, not a flea market like some end up being. Fresh produce, eggs and fresh baked breads. Several booths set up for food as well. Always enjoyable and especially on a warm January day when the rest of the country is snowed in.

I love coming here every Thursday afternoon. When the weather isn’t safe enough or if there’s a new vendor or event, I appreciate that they text early in the morning or days prior (text ‘FARMER’ to 484848) or on social media. There are vendors for eggs, fruit, veggies, nuts, dairy, pasta, prepared / hot food, baked goods (allergen friendly options), soup, flowers, meat, coffee, micro greens, mushrooms, popsicles, dog treats, etc. Vendors are approachable and friendly. When I first started coming, knowing the prices wasn’t as easy - not all vendors post prices visibly and not all accept cards at the same price as cash. Many also accept e-payments like Venmo. The market sells gift cards too which are accepted. The nearest ATM is a few streets away on May River Rd and Boundary at the Nicklepumpers gas station. There’s a bike rack by the (clean) bathroom as well as a cute little library (free books!). The $1 Bluffton Breeze bus passes by once an hour which is a nice addition that’s less than a year old. It has bike racks and is accessible. The grass area is perfect for having a picnic or for sitting/laying around. There’s limited shade/benches. It’s a clean and a fun atmosphere. Caution for those bringing dogs (or anyone walking barefoot) - the asphalt can be FIRE for bare feet. Any time it’s sunny and above maybe 75 degrees, try the seven second test when you touch the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds. If you can’t hold out for the full seven seconds because the surface is too hot, then it’s also too hot for your dog’s paws. Stay on the grass, carry them, or leave them home. There are so many dogs seen jumping in pain despite the large warning signs about the hot asphalt. Please speak up if you see a dog in pain - no dogs /bare feet when the asphalt feels like fire! If you read this far and are interested in reducing waste, there are a few opportunities at this market (besides that it reduces transport & food waste as a local market, of course)! Fili-West Farms, which sells eggs, refills cartons with a 25c discount. Bertolini accepts back their cardboard that’s used for frozen ravioli. You can also bring your own container for frozen sfogliatelle puff pastries. Tuten Farms (and the other farms here) have package free produce so you can bring your own bags/containers. Nibbles & Bites (charcuterie, sandwiches, and salads) and Wild Light Honey may consider refilling your container/jar for the following week if you pre-order. Nibbles & Bites often sells drinks like punch or sangria from a dispenser - it’s usually sold in a mason jar, but you can bring your own cup. Let’s ditch the disposables so we can reduce our world’s waste 💚