6 Must-Visit Markets Throughout the South

With the holidays quickly approaching, you’ll want to secure unique gifts for family, friends and yourself.

While the local go-to spots are often department stores and boutique-style shops, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the special pieces sold inside some of these southern markets across Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina.

Oh, and show up with an empty stomach—these markets also have munchies while some even serve full meals (i.e. brunch and/or dinner).

Art Garage (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Besides hosting seasonal festivals with food, movies, music and more, the Big Easy is a great place to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones.

Until recently, the place to go for handcrafted goods was Frenchman Art Market, but after five years on Frenchman Street, NOLA’s famous market—home to local artists of all sorts—was forced to close so that the landlord could open his own business in that space.

Now, from the owners of Art Market comes Art Garage, just five blocks away from Frenchman Art Market’s original location and hosting weddings, art shows and craft markets. A list of featured artists, as well as more info about the space, is available on the Art Garage website.

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Forsyth Farmer’s Market and Keller’s Flea Market (Savannah, Georgia)

A food-only, producer-only market in Savannah’s Forsyth Park, Forsyth Farmer’s Market is the perfect stop (every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) for local honey, canned goods, fresh flowers and cornbread mix.

If it’s vintage, collectibles or antique goods you’re looking for, Keller’s Flea Market is the place to be. With more than 400 vendors every weekend, Keller’s is a little out of the way—about a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah— but the renowned flea market has been in business for more than 30 years and boasts free parking, free admission and free fun.

You never know what kind of interesting furniture pieces, gently loved home goods and one-of-a-kind treasures you’ll find at this market.

READ MORE: America’s Historic and Delicious Food Markets

Charleston City Market (Charleston, South Carolina)

America’s favorite city is known for its stunning architecture, natural outdoor beauty and best-bang-for-your-buck food. But did you know it’s also home to one of the country’s oldest public markets?

Open daily except on December 25, Charleston City Market has been open to the public since 1804 and houses 300 vendors and 50 sweetgrass basket weavers. (Sweetgrass basketry is an artisanal craft of African origin that has been in Charleston for more than 300 years.)

There’s so much to see and eat at this market you could easily spend an entire day or even a full weekend. Charleston City Market also hosts a Night Market every Friday and Saturday between April and December with food, drinks and entertainment.

READ MORE: The Top Christmas Markets in Europe

Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market (Atlanta, Georgia)

These two indoor markets are within walking distance of each other along A-Town’s dog-friendly and bike-friendly BeltLine. Inside the restored Sears, Roebuck & Company building in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, Ponce City Market has a Central Food Hall as well as retail shops.

The Food Hall—which compares to Manhattan’s Chelsea Market—offers juices, ice cream, coffee, fresh Georgia and Carolinas-caught seafood, buttery biscuits, wine, kimchi and more.

A light-filled space with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and free Wi-Fi (for the first 30 minutes), Krog Street Market in Inman Park is just a quick walk or bike stop away from Ponce City and is home to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, Ticonderoga Club (beautiful cocktails and a whopping $86 black Angus steak—If you dare—in a beautiful, dimly-lit space), XOCOATL Small Batch Chocolate (schedule a tour and tasting to learn about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar—wine included—and then purchase some more chocolate to go) and The Merchant (a 3,000 square foot space filled with candles, stationery, home furnishings and more).

Both markets are open daily; check their websites for hours and events.