Ok, we absolutely love the explosive popularity that farmers markets and other specialized retailers, such as fishmongers, are enjoying these days.
Fresh, local and delicious? Sort of perfect, right?
Lucky for us, Myrtle Beach is firmly entrenched in the movement and hosts markets all over town featuring the best Lowcountry farmers have to offer — in addition to those established vendors that feature the best seafood of the area. Even for out-of-towners, a quick trip for a bag of peaches or corn for the grill will delight you; and if you have a big kitchen in your hotel in which to spread out, get some fish, steaks, sausages, cheeses and more.
Here are some of our favorites:
Myrtle’s Market: Head over to Joe White Avenue and Oak Street on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an easily accessible assortment of some of the best of the area. Get all sorts of in-season produce, plus crafts, sauces and flowers. We love that it’s such a regular fixture in town, and that we don’t have to wait until the weekend for our goodies (605 Mr. Joe White Avenue).
Deville Street / Market Common: It makes sense that a deluxe retail and restaurant destination would have a fabulous farmers market to boot. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. draw home cooks and more for its extensive selection of gorgeous produce, arts and crafts, baked goods and meats and cheeses. Keep an eye out for live cooking demonstrations from local chefs. (4017 Deville Street)
Ovis Hill Farms: This is a favorite of locals. Ovis Hill Farms, situated in nearby Timmonsville, has built a great reputation on quality, service and expanding shoppers’ repertoires. Ovis Hill works in conjunction with a number of area farms to cull all manners of fruits and vegetables, plus all-natural, humanely raised meats and artisinal cheeses. Check out their selection at the Gallery on 8th Avenue (714 8th Avenue North) on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine.
Mr. Fish: We loooooove Mr. Fish. Not only is the restaurant fantastic (try their sushi and the Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos — drooling over here), but its veritable abundance of seafood for purchase is unbeatable. Try the local triggerfish or go for broke and get a live Maine lobster. They have a huge selection of old standbys and new delights. (3401 N. Kings Hwy or http://mrfishseafoodmarket.com)
Independent Seafood Market-Shrimp Dock: Full disclosure — this is out of the Myrtle Beach area and in Georgetown County, but we believe it’s well worth the trip. Right on the water in the city of Georgetown, you'll find a nondescript open air set-up receiving all manner of fishing boats — boats carrying the freshest seafood you can possibly get. It’s still moving, people! Head inside for great prices and selection — and some real characters — and enjoy the real-deal, throwback vibe. Tip your hat to the pelican standing sentry outside, waiting for a fortuitous dropped morsel. (1 Cannon Street, Georgetown. 843-546-6642)
What about y’all? Where do you get local produce and seafood in Myrtle Beach?
(posted 7/23/14)
(Photo courtesy: sunnydayguide.com)
