Exploring Charleston {Mt. Pleasant} Part 1

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We’re continuing our Explore Charleston series today by giving you a closer look at Mt. Pleasant and all it has to offer.

Oftentimes, I can be overheard saying that I drive in circles around Mt. Pleasant all day, every day. With 3 kids, 2 schools, Ballet, Karate, errands, playdates, trips to the Pediatrician, and the essential (multiple) trips to Target, that IS the actual truth.
While circling, I am really lucky to pass by some of the most beautiful places to visit and things to do in the Lowcountry.

Let’s start at the gateway to Mt. Pleasant from Downtown Charleston- The Ravenel Bridge.
Opened in 2005 and the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere, this amazing bridge itself is a source of multiple forms of entertainment. There’s a bicycle and pedestrian path that spans the entire 2.7 miles. A walk or ride up to the second span and back down will allow for some unmatched views of Charleston Harbor. (Calling all photographers!) There’s also Waterfront Park under the bridge (on the Mt. Pleasant side, of course) with a fishing pier, playground designed after the bridge itself, and gift shop.

waterfront park

Shem Creek is one of my favorite places on Earth. With SO many things to do in one beautiful spot, how could it not be?shem creek dolphins
Rent a kayak or paddle board from Coastal Expeditions and explore in and around the creek. Have lunch or dinner waterside, at any of the several exceptional restaurants. (Tavern & Table is my favorite creekside spot.)Visit Geechie Seafood as their trawler returns from a shrimping expedition and get some of the most delicious and fresh shrimp possible. Explore Shem Creek Park, stroll the boardwalk, and take in the sights and smells of the marsh and creek tributaries.

shem creek fun

Boone Hall Plantation is not just a beautiful antebellum era historical site to visit, it’s also one of America’s oldest working plantations and has been growing crops for over 320 years.
Tour the home and garden, visit the cotton dock and some of the original slave cabins, and stroll through beautiful gardens.
Visit in the Spring and you can pick your own strawberries or attend the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival. Visit Boone Hall Farms Market on Hwy 17 N for many more products made from some of Boone Hall’s bounties. It’s also home to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival & Southern Living Taste of Charleston. Don’t miss Boone Hall this Fall to pick your pumpkins and fall decor. Hayrides, corn maze, haunted house, petting zoo and a great play area make for a very fun Fall family outing.

boone hall

Palmetto Islands County Park is an off the beaten path 943 acres of park with paved trails, boardwalks through the marsh, play areas, bike and paddle boat rentals, picnic areas, observation tower, dog park & crabbing dock. Oh & how could I forget?! There’s a water park there too! Splash Island is a great place to go and cool off after a morning of exploring the rest of the park. Pack a lunch or grab something at the snack bar and have a great day! The park is a popular place to have birthday parties, school picnics & other family gatherings.

PIC park

This post is Part I of Exploring Mt. Pleasant. There are many more amazing spots that will be highlighted in part II. 

Until then, get out, explore and enjoy Mt. Pleasant!

xo,

Jessie