SPRING MARKETS

BY ALLYSON JONES

The Farm-to-Table and Shop Local movements are much more than passing fads in the Lowcountry.

The region’s long agricultural history is being rediscovered and the once isolated, self-sufficient sea island of Hilton Head, as well as the surrounding area, is returning to its roots. Over the past few years, a variety of markets have popped up offering farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs, seafood, honey, prepared foods, artisan breads and cheeses, baked goods, wellness and beauty products, all-natural cleaning supplies, clothing, accessories, beverages, handcrafted merchandise and live entertainment in an effort to support local farmers, small businesses and artists.

Before making your list, packing up your reusable bags and heading out the door to shop, dine and play, here is a guide to some of the area’s freshest fun. Call ahead or check out the markets’ social media pages and websites to confirm dates, times and vendors.

With a mission of fixing the food system starting at the local level, the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market takes place at the Coastal Discovery Museum every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Showcasing hidden family farms and small kitchen operations, everything at this market is 100% locally sourced – from microgreens and other produce, pork, whole chickens, free-range rabbit, seafood, sausage and eggs to all-natural dog treats, honey, freshly baked breads and desserts, imported cheeses and CBD products, as well as works from Lowcountry artists and authors.

Order ahead from many of the farmers and vendors and stop by for a quick pick up or grab lunch from one of the food trucks and make a day of it exploring Honey Horn’s 68 acres of gardens, marsh boardwalks, the Butterfly Habitat and public art, as well as the live animal exhibits, Kids Zone, art exhibitions, permanent displays and Museum Gift Shop within the Discovery House.

Market and Museum admission and parking are free. Visit the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market page on Facebook, the website at hhifarmersmarket.com or contact Market Manager Marissa Paykos of Whippoorwill Farms directly at (843) 4735231 to confirm that week’s farmers and producers.

Presented by Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe, The Farmer’s Market at Sea Pines Center is a community event “bringing farm fresh and LOCAL” to Hilton Head residents and visitors on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

A specialty food company and scratch kitchen that supports local and regional farmers and manufacturers, Lowcountry Produce produces a line of small-batch gourmet foods distributed to more than 2,000 stores nationwide. In addition to the location at The Shops at Sea Pines Center which offers a selection of meats,

baked goods, fine cheeses and prepared foods such as soups, sauces, pickles, chutneys, relishes and more, as well as a café serving breakfast and lunch daily, dinner on select weeknights and a daily Coffee and Juice Bar, Lowcountry Produce has a farm stand and grill in Lobeco, South Carolina, and a market and café in downtown Beaufort.

For more information on The Farmer’s Market at Sea Pines Center, visit facebook.com/seapinesfarmersmarket. The Lowcountry Produce menu and catalog can be viewed online at lowcountryproduce.com.

The Shops at Sea Pines Center is also home to the First Thursday Art Market. A collaboration between the shopping center and the Artists of Sea Pines, this free monthly event held from 4-6:30 p.m. features more than a dozen artists exhibiting their work, special merchant offers, complimentary wine tastings, demonstrations, live music, giveaways and more. Find up-to-date event information on The Shops at Sea Pines Center Facebook page or at theshopsatseapinescenter.com.

Meanwhile, just over the bridge, the Farmers Market of Bluffton offers seasonal, fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, honey, plants and herbs, as well as prepared foods such as BBQ, pasta, organic meats, crepes, baked goods and pastries, live music and family-friendly fun every Thursday from 12-5 in Martin Family Park at the intersection of Boundary and Green Streets.

Experience Bluffton’s singular “state of mind” at this weekly community event started in 2008 showcasing local growers, food vendors, community and causes and then head out on foot to explore Old Town’s unique shops, historic churches, waterfront parks, restaurants and galleries. farmersmarketbluffton.org.

Hosted by The Bluffton MLK Observance Committee, the first Gullah Market of Bluffton took place in July of 2020 to provide Native Islander and black-owned businesses economic leverage and immediate revenue streams during the Pandemic.

Now, these monthly events generally take place on Saturdays before a holiday at Eagles Field on Buck Island Road with markets scheduled for April 3, May 8 and June 19. In addition to local vendors selling apparel and accessories, such as Gullah T’s N’ Tings and Hook It Up sports merchandise, there are wellness products, produce, seafood, arts and crafts and live entertainment. Numerous food trucks, including Chef B’s Eatz run by caterer, Bluffton Town Councilwomen and Bluffton MLK Observance Committee President Bridgette Frazier, serve up delicious fare from deviled crab to chicken salad. Admission and parking at Eagles Field are free. Confirm dates, times and vendors by visiting the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee Facebook page or by emailing blufftonmlk@yahoo.com.

Hilton Head’s “Little Italy” New York/New Jersey Italian Cuisine Family owned since 1989

Early Dining Special $19.95 • Gluten Free Menu • Children’s menu Curbside Takeaway and Carryout Available! 15 Executive Park Drive (off Pope Avenue) • 843.785.7006 Serving from 5 pm • Monday - Saturday

pasta. Beer and wine, kid’s menu, and daily specials offer something for everyone. Enjoy half price cheese pizza from 3 until 4 p.m. Dine inside, on the patio or take it to go. North Island delivery available. Your home away from home for The Ohio State Buckeyes. Open Sunday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 682-2444.

MELLOW MUSHROOM Located in Park Plaza on Hilton Head and at 878 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. If you’re looking for a fun and lively place for the whole family, this is it. Specializing in great pizza and calzones, monumental hoagies and fresh salads all in a comfortable and casual setting. Kid friendly and affordably priced menu for both lunch and dinner. Over twenty-four beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar available. Dine inside or outside on the patio. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 (HHI) or (843) 706-0800 (B-Town).

MICHAEL ANTHONY’S Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Offering classic Italian cuisine. Homemade gnocchi, succulent veal dishes and creative fish preparations are offered nightly. The versatile wine list offers a broad selection designed to satisfy the novice or seasoned enthusiast. Reservations are suggested. Weekly cooking classes offered in the Tuscan inspired demonstration kitchen. The adjacent Italian Market offers a wide array of Italian wines and gourmet foods. Open Monday thru Saturday beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call (843) 785-6272 or visit www.michael-anthonys.com.

NUNZIO RESTAURANT + BAR South Carolina’s best new Italian restaurant is located at 18 New Orleans Road. Nunzio’s classic & contemporary Italian dishes perfectly portray the harmony and the simplicity of southern Italian food combining locally sourced ingredients. Nunzio’s menu features house-made pasta, fresh fish & seafood, and choice cut meats. The collection of wines have strong Italian influences with notable international selections. Reservations are suggested. Open daily from 4 p.m. with Happy Hour until 6 and Dinner from 4:30 p.m. Early Dining from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m. Call (843) 715-2172 or visit www. nunziohhi.com for more information.

OLD FORT PUB Located at 63 Skull Creek Drive on the Intra-coastal Waterway, Old Fort Pub, a Four Diamond restaurant showcases unrivaled nightly sunsets & award winning cuisine! Enjoy a wide variety of “New Southern” favorites inspired with influences from around the globe. Serving Sunday Brunch 11-2 p.m., Bar opens at 4 p.m. daily and dinner is served nightly 5-9 p.m. Early Bird dining is served from 5-5:30. Outdoor dining

(continued on page 36)