34 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ShemCreekRestaurants.com The farmers market’s namesake pays homage to the historic antebellum plantation’s owner Willie McRae, who passed away in April 2020 after a long battle with cancer. The year before he passed, the McRae family entered Boone Hall Plantation into a conservation easement agreement with the Lowcountry Land Trust to ensure that the entire 738 acres that comprise Boone Hall will remain preserved, protected and intact and future development will be restricted in perpetuity. Although McRae’s life was cut short at the age of 65, his legacy lives on through the fruits of his labor that blossom every season from the grounds of his creation. Willie’s is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every day of the week features a special discount. Early birds get the worm, so come early and come often. SEASONAL SPECIALS • Earlybird Monday: 10% discount from 10 a.m. to noon • Two for Tuesday: Varies weekly • Peachy Wednesday: 10% off peaches • BOGO Thursday: All watermelons buy one get one free • BYOB Friday: 5% off your purchases with your own reusable bag This farm-to-market experience is only made possible through the hardworking staff, many of whom have been on hand for generations. Boone Hall Farms Manager Erik Hernandez knew McRae like a father and considers himself to be one of his fortunate sons. Boone Hall hired the Hernandez family after Hurricane Hugo struck in September 1989. McRae needed help cleaning up storm debris strewn along the Avenue of Oaks. They’ve been family ever since. “He was like a dad to me, an example for me to follow, not only farming but about life,” Hernandez said. “It’s all about making him proud. For us he’s still here and we still follow what he always wanted and dreamed of.” Hernandez and a team of 10 maintain the farm from dawn to dusk. One of the staff members is his uncle, Gilbert Hernandez, who is head of the grounds and has worked on the farm for 30-plus years. So far, Mother Nature has blessed Boone Hall with a bountiful harvest this year. Watermelons, tomatoes and peaches were among the hottest commodities that customers sought this summer. This fall, Hernandez expects their squashes to be a hit, as well as their picturesque sunflower patch, which was his original idea our town The perfect jacket for all climates. 642 Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant,SC 843.856.9277 | BabyBloomersHome.com ® We believe in preparing our students for the future by impacting their hearts and minds so their success with continual encouragement from our academic counselor, passionate teachers and a growing alumni a part of our family for life. Want to join the Palmetto Christian Academy family? Check out today! 2023 ® celebrating years
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