Soda City is an open-air market that takes place on Main Street every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market has dozens of vendors that sell a diverse range of items. Having so many options makes Soda City Market one of the best places to shop in Columbia. If you haven’t visited before, though, you could feel a bit overwhelmed by the experience. Try these three approaches to exploring everything the market offers.
Wander Through the Market
Wandering aimlessly gives you a great way to discover new things at Soda City Market. Show up with nothing but your curiosity and a reusable bag. As you make your way through the aisles and tents, you’ll find interesting vendors selling local produce, clothes, health products, and much more.
You should enter the market without any expectations if you intend to wander. Treat it like a walk in the wood. You never know what you will find. Just keep your eyes open for things that you find interesting.
Talk to the Vendors
No one knows Soda City Market better than the vendors who sell their products every Saturday morning. Most of the farmers and merchants enjoy talking to shoppers. Give them a few minutes of your time to learn more about the items they sell. You may discover that one of the local farmers specializes in organic meats or hard-to-find vegetables. The grocery store doesn’t have nearly as much diversity as Soda City, so take your time to learn about everything the farmers have to sell.
If you want to find a certain type of item, talk to the vendors about where you can find it. Everyone at the market knows that they thrive when they work together as a community. If one vendor doesn’t have what you want, the person running the booth probably won’t mind talking to you about other places to look.
It doesn’t hurt to show your appreciation by purchasing something that a helpful vendor has for sale.
Visit During a Soda City Event
Soda City Market hosts events throughout the year. If you’re new to the market, then you might want to visit during one of these events. There is a good chance that one of the 2017 events will pique your interest.
Soda City Market already has several events planned. Some appealing options include Soda City Crit, which includes a 5K race; Fitness Fest that will introduce you to healthy lifestyle choices as well as exercise options like yoga and jogging; and Oktoberfest, an annual event that celebrates the fall harvest and locally crafted beers.
Check the Soda City Market Facebook page to stay updated on the latest events. The market posts more information on Facebook than it does on its website.
Soda City Market gives you a chance to meet Columbia area residents who have a passion for local produce, art, and health. It’s more than a place to shop. It’s a social event that will start your Saturday morning in a fun, healthful way.
Image via Flickr by gmtbillings
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