Old City Market

On April 21, 2012 I visited your market. This was not my first visit, but was my most memoriable. I tripped on a curb going from one building to another. The lady weaving baskets did not offer to help me, but two total strangers did. A woman with a booth in front of my fall made the comment that she had told the owners that area needed to be fixed. I landed on my knees and then falling forward flat on my face. One of my knees already has a total knee replacement. Thank God it was not damaged. My other knee is having some problems. I ruined my glasses when I hit the pavement. My nose is cracked which is something I will have to live with because I live on a fixed income. I busted my upper lip, which was swollen for several days. I am very thankful I did not break my teeth. I did not report this but I do feel you need to know about it so the curb can be taken out. I am not sure of the building but I belive it was the second to the front on the right hand side, if you are heading back out toward the waterfront. I loved what I saw of your market But after my fall my sister and brother-in-law thought we better go, We had to take our car rental back and catch our flight. Thank you for listening more

I so enjoyed the City Market. My first trip to Charleston SC was last July. My sister and our daughters and I had a wonderful visit to Charleston and really enjoyed the City Market. We had to visit one more time before leaving the city. I am going back to Charleston SC (I have to say that as I live in Charleston WV) this Aug and can't wait to go to the Market. The experience is well worth it to me. I enjoyed the crowds and the entire experience. I also enjoyed the small market in Marion Sq. Just my cup of tea - not King Street. more

As far as parking tickets go, just because you're a tourist you shouldn't expect special privilege. Saying you'll never come back again is just childish. Guess the reviewer who said that has never driven in NYC, SanFran, Boston or any other city worth visiting. As foor rudeness, I've witnessed my share on several visits to Charleston. The worst was the oh-so-genteel lady guide on a wagon ride who wold my 90 year old mother that she'd have to be quiet or get. This was after my mother asked me a single question when she couldn't understand what the tour guide had said. I, too, live in a tourist area and we pride ourselves on treating our guests nicely. Those who don't--if they're working in the trade--get reminders--or fired. more

After reading some of these reviews, I just had to say something. The Market Street experience is so worth having. I guess you are always going to find some cranky people and there are always going to be some ""too commercial"" types of articles. I found the most amazing hair combs that aren't charleston made but I loved them and wear them all the time. The Sweetgrass baskets are so worth the trip and watching the artisians make them is half the fun. The fabulous restaurants and shops on either side of the market are perfect. The whole experience is A+ so don't let anyone talk you out of visiting. Pros: Culture, art, artisians, food, people Cons: stay away from the horses more

My wife and I was in Charleston for 4 days. we injoyed the visit but parking is a problem. I got a $25 parking ticket. I thought it was un called for. If a person comes to your fine town to spend their hard earned money and get a ticket I don't think they will return. Other than that we had a good time. Pros: places to dine Cons: parking more

My family and I visited this museum and found the two ladies running the place to be extremely rude and insulting. My children were interested in the Civil War and wanted to learn about it but the ladies were constantly watching us waiting for our kids to misbehave. I received a cell phone call that was important and was told no cell phones. We had to pay a lot of money for this tour and was very insulted and disappointed. I do not recommend this museum especially with children. more

We visited the market early in the day after a wonderful carriage tour, eager to view some of the local crafts. one extremely delightful basket weaver showed my 3 daughters how to weave the baskets and let them participate. Our good start was then abruptly shattered by another old woman who freaked out when I picked up a small bread basket to see the workmanship and check the price. If I can't inspect it I won't buy it .When I told her she was very rude she started insulting my 3 daughters who are only 9,11and 13 who were standing next to me behaving well and not touching anything. Its a shame such a fun educational experience was spoiled by some rude obnoxious old woman sadly we came across several vendors with the same mind set. Having said that the majority are pleasent even friendly. Worth a visit but don't expect to experience many examples of Charlestons good manners. We are British citizens visiting so we should know! Pros: great local crafts and nice local people Cons: mixed with imported junk and rude vendors more

I enjoyed my time at The Market in Charleston in July of 2007. It was a bit crowded and some of the vendors would or could not take credit cards, so that was one minus. I feel that all the things sold should be handmade locally, but maybe that is asking too much of the Charleston officials who decide what matters. I hope to sell my handmade jewelry there after my move to Charleston this summer. I also am a photographer and will be adding photos of the Charleston area to sell there also. I enjoyed the photography offered more than anything else at The Market......as a tourist that kind of travel momento is the best to recall a very pleasant vacation in the Charleston area. Pros: historical importance, many vendors, large venue Cons: parking, vendors who do not take credit cards (hey, I understand, but could something be worked out?) more

The history behind the Old City Market is very interesting but it was too crowded and you couldn't look at anything without people pushing or bumping into you, not even saying excuse me. It seemed there were too much of the same things repeated throughout the market. What is it with some of the ladies not wanting their pictures taken and one of them was hiding in a box weaving their baskets. Is it that big of a secret how to make the baskets? If so maybe a patent is in order. One of the ladies practically attacked a tourist which took her picture. Maybe it has to do with receiving a check and not listing this as a means of making a living? Come on people it's just a basket not a secret that we have to hide because it will change mankind if it gets in the wrong hands. Now don't get me wrong, I know it takes talent to do these baskets and their beautiful but lighten up and let's come out of the BOX on this one!!!!!!!!! more

I grew up in Charleston area of South Carolina and have very fond memories of going down to the market on a Saturday morning. I have not been back to Charleston in several years but My family says that the market is still a wonderful place to visit at the right time more

Tourists enjoy seeing local artists and craftspeople when they come to Charleston, SC. Unfortunately, there are too many flea-market type retailors in the Market. Maybe this will eliminate the bickering among the vendors presently there...only if we can get rid of them. Need to turn it back into the ""Smiling Faces and Beautiful Places"" as our license plate says. Thank goodness for a few basket makers and artists, who are surviving these baracudas, and who are struggling for existence there. Bring back the beautiful Market filled with local creative interesting nice people! more

I had an awful experience there. I was looking at a spot that sold only T-shirts and came across awful customer service. Most of the people down there are rude and trashy. I saw vendors fighting over tables in the early morning. Some vendors sell over priced things that you can purchase at the visitors center for less or other places throughout the city. It really isn't about historic Charleston at all, its about a bunch of greedy, trashy people. more

If you are making your first trip to the Southeast, you need to visit this attraction. As a former Yankee, this is the place to get a view into what is important in Southern culture. Don't miss it! more