The Rainbow Market — Local services in Charleston

I like the Rainbow Market in Charleston. As a South Carolina native I've been going here since I was a kid before it was covered, air-conditioned and had bathrooms. I liked it even back then without all those amenities that they offer now. This row of shops offers everything from jewelry to clothing to food to souvenirs. Honestly there's not a whole lot you can't buy here especially stuff oriented towards South Carolina and Charleston. The pricing can range from cheap to expensive. All of the market is covered some parts offer indoor air conditioned areas and bathrooms which are mostly clean and very well-maintained and offer a lot of stalls to use. If I had a complaint it's really just the flow of traffic through this place can be a little difficult to navigate especially with children and a stroller because it's so cramped and packed most of the time. It's broken up into three different sections and you do have to cross the street to get to the next one. There is a large parking lot directly across from the beginning of the market and next door to the DoubleTree Hilton that charges hourly or daily rates. It fills up fast. If I'm not staying at one of the hotels in the vicinity I always arrive early in the morning to make sure I get a spot. I believe they also put a parking garage near the area other than that you're going to have to find someplace to park and walk to get to it. Outside of the market there are lots of great stores, fast eateries and restaurants. It's really just a great...

I hear tourists often say, "I love to shop at the old slave market in Charleston". Rainbow Market WAS NOT, nor EVER WAS, in ANYWAY or capacity WHATSOEVER, a Slave Market! It was originally a Farmer's Market that provided fresh, in-season LOCAL produce from farmers on Johns Island and beyond and always included ladies making and selling Sweetgrass baskets to haul your purchases. With the growth of Charleston Tourism, The Market expanded to sell local artworks, handmade items and local Charleston flair. Tourism exploded with the King Street Revitalization including the stunning Omni Hotel with its exclusive lower level shops as well as selective King Street Boutiques, Art and Antique galleries and fine dining. The addition of Charleston's Waterfront Park and exquisite crown jewel, the Pineapple 'Welcome' Fountain, as well as the opening of the Aquarium, the Rainbow Market expanded to what it is today! There are hundreds of vendors offering ANYTHING CHARLESTON, from cheap Nouveau Gauche from China to fine jewelry to artist's authentic watercolors of the City. And NARY, NADA, NONE, NAUGHT, NONEXISTENT...NOT a SLAVE in sight! NEVER had...

Almost always a crowd, not some people but shoulder to shoulder. Try to get there when no cruise ship in. Lots of different shops. Leather stuff, jewelry, stones, art and hand made crafts. Couple of food shops. Mostly touristy type wares. Definitely a trip for visitors. Most tables open air but covered, one building is enclosed and air conditioned. Not too much room for wheel chairs, mobility scooters or other electric vehicles. Have seen them in though. Vendors are busy, either doing business or inventory or handling personal stuff (eating and such). Still, most friendly and will chitchat to make time or get a sale from you later. Police presence is noticeable and I am sure plain clothes also mingle about. Never seen or heard of a theft problem or assault problem. I have been down there a lot and at all times never...