I Call This Place Home

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, everybody, and welcome. Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina, Welcome
to the South, Welcome to my home. I usually don't
get the new podcasts for where I live, but this
is straight up where I live, so I do know
a little bit about it, and uh and I've actually
done additional research and things just to learn more about
the place that I live. So I enjoyed doing this one.

(00:21):
We were talking a lot about Rainbow Row and places
like that, about the architecture and preserving it but also
making it relevant to today, and Charleston has done a
good job about that. I had a niece that that
was on or maybe still is on the Historical Preservation Society,
and she did a great job with doing that, and

(00:44):
the things that they have to deal with is tough,
and she wasn't unlike the design review board that tells
everybody no. She helped come up with ideas to make
everything work together. So that was a good thing. So
we're going to leave the past l perfection of Rainbow
Row and go for a different kind of vibrancy, a

(01:10):
bustling energy of the Charleston City market. We just call
it the market. This isn't just a Marketplace. It's a
living testament of Charleston's enduring spirit, a vibrant area of
just it's just woven from threads of history, commerce, and culture.
It's location, nestled in the heart of the historic district,

(01:33):
places at the epicenter of Charleston's social and economic life,
the role it has played for centuries. When I first
started coming to Charleston back in the eighties, I always
wanted to go downtown and I always wanted to go
to the Market. That's I wanted to be on East
Bay Street and on Market Street. I didn't want to leave.

(01:54):
I just wanted to hang out there all day and
all night. I mean, and I did a lot of times.
There are some good restaurants, some good bars. There was
a seafood place called called Bubble Gumps. They finally, you know, eventually,
bubble Gumps just you know, got it had to go.

(02:15):
But it was good while it lasted. And and t
Bones was down there, and there's there's so many great,
great little restaurants right there on the Market. Definitely touristy
and tourists dominated a lot, but still a lot of
locals go there and and some good stuff, Uh try
Broad Street too some good stuff on Broad Street, and

(02:37):
of course King Street is full of restaurants and shopping.
But we're talking about Market Street. We're talking about the market.
So let me see here. It's location right, It's in
the heart. It's the epicenter of Charleston. Yes, a role

(02:58):
it has played for centuries. That is true. The market
is current iteration, while significantly renovated over time, stands upon
the foundation of a marketplace that has existed in this
location since the early eighteenth century. The original market structure
was established to fulfill of vital need in the virgining center,

(03:21):
central space for the exchange of goods and services. The
very air hums with a unique energy, a blend of
the rhythm that excuse me, the chatter of vendors, the
gentle clinking of glass and pottery, and the excited murmurs
of the tourist browsing all of the vendor stalls. The

(03:43):
scents are as varied as the goods on offer, so
the sweet perfume of locally made candles, the earthy aroma
of freshly ground spice, the tang of sea salt clinging
to the handcraft of jewelry, and the slightly smoky fragrance
of sweet grass baskets, a distinct Low Country craft. The

(04:05):
market building themselves, with their wide verandahs and carefully arched doorways,
add to the overall atmosphere, hinting at the rich history
that permeates every corner. Their architecture, a blend of colonial
and Antebellum styles, speaks volume about Charleston's layered past. The

(04:26):
century experience is only amplified by the diversity of goods available.
The market is a treasure trove of everything, you know,
for those seeking, you know, little trinkets and souvenirs and
chot skis I call them. You know, you'll find everything
from intricately beaded jewelry crafted by locals showcasing their regions

(04:50):
distinct aesthetic, to hand painted pottery reflecting Charleston's artistic heritage.
Rows upon rows of stalls overflow with locally made sweet
grass baskets. And this was all open to the elements
until fairly recently. Now they've closed it off a little
bit where you can get away from the cold and

(05:11):
the heat. Now it can still you know, it's not perfect,
but it can still get hot, still get cold. But
it's just it all adds to the ambiance of the
whole thing. A tradition deeply rooted in Gulla Geechee culture.
That's a whole different language. I'll teach it to you
before we're done. These baskets woven with skill and artistry.

(05:32):
We're talking about the sweet grass. Baskets range from small
trinket holders to larger, more decorative pieces. Each basket tells
a story, a silent testament of the generations of artisans
who have passed down the craft. Now, look, when I
was at Clempson, I was a football player. You know,
I majored in underwater basket weaving, but we didn't do
anything like this. I mean, what these women do is

(05:54):
absolutely crazy. And no that's not really a major at Clemson.
And no it's not just for the football team. So
observing the artisans at work, their nimble fingers weaving the
sweet grass with practiced ease. It's amazing to watch these
people work. These women are just amazing, adds a captivating

(06:15):
layer to the market experience. Beyond the sweet grass baskets,
the market is a cornucopia of other handcrafted goods. Local
artists showcase their talents through unique paintings, depicting Charleston, iconic landmarks,
serene lands, the landscape around Charleston. I mean it is

(06:36):
second to none. I mean it really is. The Low
Country is just everywhere you look. It's a painting, it
really is. Many pieces capture the distinctive character of the city,
from its historic architecture to its vibrant waterfront. Wood carvings
showcasing traditional Low Country designs or depicting depictions of local

(07:00):
wildlife add to the range of artistic offerings. These pieces
are filled with spirit of the region. Offer tangible pieces
of Charleston's heritage. Pottery crafted using local clay, often adorned
with hand painted designs. And know the clay isn't pluff mud,

(07:21):
and don't jump off Pitts treat bridge and the pluff
mud You're gonna get stuck. I'm just telling you because
it happened to me. Provides another captivating display of craftsmanship.
See where else are you going to find something like this?
With someone who can add all of these two cents,
I'm gonna be broke. I keep adding in all these
two cents nous. Numerous vendors offer a tantalizing selection of

(07:47):
local treats, ranging from praylings, those delicious pecan confections, or
you may say pee can or like my attorney says,
peakin now that one. I can't get on board with.
What's he peeking around the corner at some I don't
know to homemade fudge, a melt in your mouth indulgence.

(08:08):
The aroma of freshly baked goods drifts through the air,
drawing visitors in with promises of sweet treats. That always
gets me for those seeking the more savory experience locally
made preserves, jams, and pickled vegetables. Not pick on the
pickled vegetables unless they're pickles. However, preserves and jams, I'm

(08:33):
all about that. The market is vibrant, atmosphere extends beyond
the goods themselves. Street performers from often add to the
lively ambiance. And they're listen, some of these guys are
really good. Sometimes they're playing the guitar. Sometimes you know
they're they're playing the saxophone. There's always something going on here,

(08:56):
always entertaining visitors with their music talents or captivating storytelling.
The rhythmic strumming of a guitar, the melodic notes of harmonica.
Like I said, somebody's doing something, somebody's playing something, or
they're doing some kind of song and dance, and that's
worth taking a little break and just watching them, you know,

(09:16):
throw them file bucks whatever, keep them coming back, and
you keep coming back, right, So, making the market the
stage for both commerce and artistic expression, these impromptu performances,
and they're only impromptu because no one else does when
they're going to happen. The people doing it, they know
when they're doing it. The market and dynamic hub of

(09:38):
entertaining and entertainment, complementing the visual and censory experiences offered
by the stalls themselves. And the stalls are not bathroom stalls, right,
They are where the vendors set up, and they're kind
of like stalls, more like horse stalls. Just wanted to
clarify that one shouldn't underestimate the oracle significance embedded within

(10:02):
the very fabric of the city market. The market has
served as a pivotal point in Charleston history for over
three centuries. It witnessed the bustling trade of the colonial era,
the growth of the city during the Antebellum period, and
the economy. The economic transformation that followed the market building

(10:23):
themselves have witnessed countless transactions, societal changes, and personal stories
unfold within their walls. Every crack in the brickwork, every
faded paint stroke of the age wood, speaks of the
passage of time and the enduring resilience of the market itself.
It's a living history lesson, a tangible link to Charleston's past.

(10:46):
And think about it, Thank God, how many hurricanes the
market has has endured and made it through And I
don't ever remember it being knocked down, even the Hugo
so and Charleston's pretty much below sea level or right
at it, especially right there on the peninsula. So walking

(11:08):
through the city market is like stepping back in time
while simultaneously experienced the lively pulse of a modern city.
The blend of ancient history and contemporary commerce creates a
unique and unforgettable experience. The market is not simply a
place of purchase goods to purchase goods. It's a journey

(11:29):
through Charleston's soul. It's a place where the past whispers
to the present, a vibrant testament of the city's enduring
spirit and a must visit destination for any visitor seeking
a genuine taste of Charleston's charm. The experience transcends more
shopping me It's an immersion into the culture, the history,

(11:50):
and the vibrant energy that defines Charleston. You know, you
don't have to go buy anything to get a great
feel for Charleston at the market, just go stroll up
and down, talk to some of the people. Everybody wants
to talk to you. Everybody wants to be your friend.
Of course they want you to buy something, but you
don't have to. I mean, I rarely buy anything at

(12:12):
the market anymore, but I still like to go and
check it out. And then I'll go across the street,
you know, to the watering hole to speak to easy
and no one knows that I'm there. The market's role
extends beyond simply selling goods. It actively supports local business
and artisans. By providing a platform for these individuals. The

(12:34):
city market contributes directly to the city's economy and helps
preserve traditional crafts and culinary practices. It's a significant component
of Charleston's cultural landscape, supporting the community while simultates simultaneously
enriching the visitor experience. This is crucial and maintaining the

(12:55):
authenticity of the city and ensuring that its unique heritage
continues to thrive. The success of the market is intertwined
with the success of the artisans and the vendors who
contribute and who continue to contribute to its vibrancy. I mean,
the market is certainly a major part of Charleston. The

(13:17):
architecture of the Charleston City Market itself is a significant
element of its appeal. A historic building with their distinctive
colonial and Antebellum features, it's a site to behold. I mean,
the combination of brick and iron and wood, it's truly amazing.
And beyond the tangible goods and historical significance, the Charleston

(13:40):
City Market offers an intangible experience, a connection to the community.
It's fun. It's a fun place to go. The vendors,
many of whom are longtime residents of Charleston, often share
their stories and insights into the city's culture and history,
as well as their history and what brought them to

(14:02):
that place and for them to do what they're doing.
Many times, this is whatever craft that they have that
they're they're doing and selling has been passed down from
generation to generation. Especially the sweet grass baskets. They're amazing.
They're also very expensive, but they're worth every penny. So
they're sharing a part of themselves and their heritage with

(14:25):
all the visitors. This direct interaction with the local community
as an unparalleled layer of authenticity to the market experience,
you know, So it makes it, you know, more than
just a tourist attraction. And yes, there's a lot of
tourists there. It's a chance to truly experience really the

(14:47):
warmth and hospitality of Charleston, because that's Charleston's character right there, warmth, hospitality, history,
you know, was just a welcoming place and there's a
lot to do. So, you know, a visit to the
market is not just a shopping trip. It's a journey

(15:08):
into the heart of Charleston, a censory experience that will
leave an indelible mark on your memory. It's an experience
that seamlessly blends the past and present, making a truly
unique and unforgettable part of any Charleston adventure. The market
stands as a powerful symbol of the city's resilience and

(15:29):
an unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.
To appreciate. So when you come and you visit that
deeds would definitely be on your list. Plan to spend
some time at the market in the surrounding area right there,
try Broad Street, the Blind Tiger, which is the old speakeasy.

(15:50):
There's all kinds of restaurants, all kinds of shops and
not everything's historic. A lot of the stuff right outside
the you know, the market is you know, their brand
new stuff with really brand name stuff and very expensive
stuff and also stuff that the rest of us can afford.
So anyway, I hope you guys are planning your trip
to Charleston, and I hope to see you soon. I

(16:12):
know I'm going to see you here next time. But
until then, God bless