Johns Island farm fresh produce... right in our backyard!

Johns Island has been home to some of the most productive farms in the South Carolina lowcountry, from indigo, rice and cotton to livestock, fruit and vegetables. In fact, the marshland separating The Preserve from Penny Creek was once cultivated in Sea Island or "long staple" cotton which was used to weave the finest laces and fabrics and was a very valuable commodity. The number of farms on Johns Island increased from 61 farms in 1860 to 400 farms by 1870! It is no surprise that the island is still one of the best places to find fresh local produce grown by generations of farmers. In addition to quaint roadside fruit and vegetable stands brimming with character, there are a number of local farms open to the public for shopping and picking. Many of the Johns Island farms offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, where members purchase a "share" or a membership and receive a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. This is an excellent option for those who regularly buy fresh produce. Imagine getting it straight from the farm and knowing exactly how long it's been out of the ground! Or, for those not interested in a weekly commitment, a trip to a Johns Island farm is a great weekend activity for the whole family. Visit Stono Market's gift shop and Tomato Shed Café for an authentic southern lunch or Ambrose Farms to hand pick your own strawberries, find anything from hormone free beef to sod at Legare Farms, enjoy the farm shop and cannery at Thackeray Farms or pick up heirloom varieties of vegetables, fresh seafood and incredible flowers at Rosebank Farms. These are only a few of Johns Island's farms. It's just refreshing to know that places like this still exist. Take a break, drive outside of the city and enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Johns Island. It's a short drive, but you'll feel miles away.