#HeadWest – Meeting Street Artisan Market
Many Soda Citizens are familiar with Soda City Market, a weekly market that shuts down portions of Columbia’s Main Street, but did you know that West Columbia has its own weekly, artisan market? Starting August 22, 2022, the City of West Columbia has hosted the Meeting Street Artisan Market every Saturday from 11AM – 3PM, and a Night Market every 2nd Thursday from 4PM – 8PM. Last Thursday we headed to Meeting Street to check it out. Here’s what we saw, did, and bought.
The Market
We arrived around sunset and parked in the free public parking right across the street. Downtown West Columbia is always bustling, but thankfully there is plenty of parking to accommodate everyone. The Market is covered, which is especially nice during hot, sunny months. The artisans in attendance are all extremely talented and offer a great variety of gifts. From woodworkers to candle makers, jewelers, and painters, there’s something for everyone!
Beyond the Booths
The Meeting Street Artisan Market is the epicenter of local breweries, restaurants, and public works of art in West Columbia's River District. Right behind the market is Savage Craft, an awesome local brewery with great brews and a killer lawn to enjoy them on. Past Savage, the path is sprinkled with interactive art exhibits. If you’re 5 years old or 55 years old, you’ll enjoy playing with these cool sculptures. Further down the path you can take a selfie in front of the wings mural, humorously located in front of D’s Wings.
What We Got
While we wanted to get something from every artisan there, we managed to limit ourselves. First, we had to get some art from local artist Kristin Holzer (@Kristin_Holzer_Art on Instagram). We got some of her stickers for our notebooks as well as a framed print of the iconic Gervais St. Bridge for our new retail shop! We also got a Froot Loops scented candle from Q Borough Candle Bar (@qboroughcandlebar), because why not??
Still need to get a gift for your Valentine? Ditch Amazon and head on over to the next Meeting Street Artisan Market on Saturday, February 11 from 11AM – 3PM. If you’re reading this after that date, you can always check West Columbia’s Instagram and Facebook pages for up-to-date info on the markets.