The essence of Lowcountry living and so much more is offered at  the new Macdonald’s MarketPlace, which opened June 18 at 853 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island.

The MarketPlace includes myriad items, from handcrafted jewelry, furniture, linens and lampshades to fresh local produce, flowers and prepared foods. Also currently on display are the works of more than 15 artists and artisans.

“We wanted a store that not only shared the talents and treasures of local artisans, but one that celebrated the foods, flowers and culture of our region,” said Martha Sanders, one of the owners.

The store and its building are teeming with history. In 1877, James Ross Macdonald settled in the Lowcountry and built the first general store on St. Helena Island.

It quickly became a center of social and business activity for the Sea Islands. Generations later, the family is once again running the store he founded on the principles he exemplified: to share with others the vibrancy and robustness of the Sea Islands, but, in today’s world, with broader borders.

“We wanted a store that united unique, local artisans in one, inspiring collective space,” said Lea Taylor. “It’s a tribute to our community.”

Macdonald’s MarketPlace is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday.

For more information, call 843-838-1810 or visit macdonaldmarketplace.com to see a complete list of artists and artisans on display.

<em>Top photo: Food, flowers, art, jewelry and much more are available that Macdonald’s MarketPlace on St. Helena Island.</em>