Johns Island's first industry was farming, and centuries later it still is. The island has long been known for tomatoes and truck vegetables, and its farm stands are part of the region's local food economy. Here is where the island grows, with real growers and markets you can visit.
The Saturday ritual.
The Sea Island Farmers Market runs every Saturday year-round at the Charleston Collegiate School campus on Academy Road, with 50-plus farmers, vendors and food trucks plus live music. In summer, the Freshfields Village Farmers Market adds a Monday-evening market with produce, prepared foods and crafts.
Farm stands and growers.
Stono Market & Tomato Shed Cafe on Main Road is a farm market, bakery and cafe in a classic tomato shed. Jeremiah Farm & Goat Dairy on Platt Road is a working goat dairy where the animals and the cheese room do the talking. K.B. Farms and Nano Farms are local growers producing for the island table, and Fishnet and JC Seafood bring the catch in from the creeks. Most are small and seasonal, so call ahead and shop with the seasons.
Why it matters.
The farms are what keep Johns Island different from every other suburb that touches a city. They anchor the community, feed the restaurants on the list above, and give the island its sense of place. Support them and the island stays the island.