2026 ® BEST OF THE BEST – YEAR IN REVIEW – NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Voted by You, Valued by All ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
Picked by the Public, Crowned by the Community
Best Of History See Page 37 Best Of Mount Pleasant 2026 Winners & Finalists See Page 39 ®
2 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com
3 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com President’s Day Furniture & Mattress Sale Celebrating our Grand Opening of our Goose Creek Showroom Save 30% to 70% Storewide Plus We Will Pay Your Sales Tax Custom Orders Produced in 30 Days 0% Interest Up To 5 Years SALE ENDS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 600 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC Belle Hall Shopping Center I-5126 at Long Point Road Exit Mon-Sat 9AM - 6PM, Sun 12PM - 5PM 843.800.4015 Goose Creek 217 Goose Creek Blvd. 3 Miles North of Northwoods Mall Rivers Ave. Turns into Goose Creek Blvd. 843.553.4663 Coastal Carolina’s Leading Furniture and Design Center for Over 26 Years.
4 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com @katherinecox.co @katherinecoxco KatherineCoxHomes.com Contact us at MP@katherinecoxhomes.com WhereExpertiseMeets Exceptional Results In 2024 Top 1% of all Realtors in the Tri-County area with $54.8 million sold and 51 families served In 2024 ranked in the Top 4% of all Coldwell Banker teams worldwide RealTrends 2024 America's Best #3 Small Team by Volume in South Carolina The team has sold over 698 homes and over $442 million in real estate. HAPPY CLIENTS 698
5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com
6 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ® WWW. BESTOFMP.COM 2021 ® WWW.BESTOFMP.COM 2023 ® 2024 ® Voted the Best Year After Year www.BestofGrandscapes.com
7 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Staff Box.............................................................11 Publisher’s Note...................................................11 Editor’s Note.......................................................13 About the Cover..................................................15 Contributors. ...................................................... 17 Social Buzz.........................................................19 On the Web.........................................................21 22 27 15 Calendar of Events...................................................22 Live Music Schedule................................................24 Arts & Entertainment........... 149 Mayor’s Message......................................................25 Lowcountry Oyster Festival.....................................27 Year in Review.........................................................29 Mount Pleasant Town Council Election Recap.......34 Our Town............................... contents ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION • VOL. 16, ISSUE 1 King & Society.....................................170 Top Ten Homes Sold: Old Village..................................... 171 Sullivan's Island.............................. 172 Isle of Palms....................................173 Dunes West. ................................... 174 I'On...............................................175 Dwellings................. 171 East Cooper Neighbors.....176 Healthy Eating Habits............................155 Beauty Tips.............................................157 Winter Skincare......................................160 Health & Beauty....... Offseason Survival Guide........................161 Georgetown Podcast...............................164 Georgetown Front Street.........................165 Hammock Coast Realtors.......................167 Winter Walks & Hikes...........................168 On the Coast............... Wando Warriors Band...........................................149 Lowcountry State Titles.........................................150 Sports.................................... 168
8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents BEST Of Mount Pleasant 2026 Compass Vision......................... 40 Tidewater Pharmacy.................42 Sweetgrass Pediatrics...............44 Mount Pleasant Gardens.............. 46 Senior Care Authority................49 Longboard Dental.....................51 Charleston Men’s Clinic.............53 Happy Hearts Therapy............... 55 High Tide Orthodontics............. 57 Wando Family Dentistry...........59 Mara Dermatology....................61 Pitt Street Pharmacy.................62 Emoji Poké................................64 Brown Fox Coffee......................66 Crafthouse North......................70 LoLA Lowcountry Louisiana Seafood Kitchen........................72 Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria....................................74 Big Bad Breakfast......................74 Dish & Design...........................76. Rooted Bottle Market And Bar... 77 Ragamuffin............................... 82 M. Dumas & Sons.....................84 Polly’s Fine Jewelry...................87 Modern Manor..........................89 Southern Belles.........................90 South Carolina Federal Credit Union...............................94 Buxton & Collie.........................96 South Carolina Surf Soccer.......98 Bera Wealth Advisors................ 98 Mount Pleasant Movers..........100 The Art Place Studio...............102 Palmetto Christian Academy..105 East Cooper Community Outreach..106 Ty Gosnell................................107 Hudson’s Import Service.........108 Robyn Jones Hall....................109 Stephanie Selby Photography..111 Automotive Excellence...........112 Austin Air................................113 IKON Law Firm........................114 Tapio School of DanceGymnastics. ............................ 114 Children’s Discovery Center.....115 Gloudeman Electric................117 SHIFT into Organized..............118 Top Nails..................................118 Palmetto Breeze......................121 The Grove at Carolina Park......124 Crescent Care Vet.....................126 Hairy Winston Pet Boutique & Grocery................................128 The Posh Pet Salon..................130 Poseidon K9............................130 Charleston Allergy & Asthma.133 Senior Resource Specialists....135 Capasso Planning Partners.....137 Yoga Daily...............................139 East Cooper Auto Pros.............140 Andrea Meier..........................141 Beltone Hearing Aid Center....142 Annie’s Hot Donuts.................143 Rad Rydz.................................144 Shag Salon..............................145 Zinnia Gifts and Jewelry.........145 Carriage House Interiors.........146 Soulshine Aesthetics...............147 Everything Dental...................148 2026 WWW.BESTOFMP.COM ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION • VOL. 16, ISSUE 1 Inaugural Best Of..............................37 Winners’ Circle.................................39 Health & Wellness............................41 Food & Beverage...............................63 Shopping & Goods...........................78 Personalities & Services.....................91 Entertainment & Leisure................119 Pets..................................................125 BEST Of Winners & Finalists
10 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Enroll online for classes and camps Become a part of our dance and gymnastics family 2026 ® For decades, Tapio has been teaching dance and gymnastics to our East Cooper Community! Thank you, Mt. Pleasant, for voting us among The Best year after year! 2017 WWW. BESTOFMP.COM ® WWW. BESTOFMP.COM 2021 ® WWW.BESTOFMP.COM 2023 ® 2024 ® 2025 ® 843.884.9579 | TapioSchool.com | 455 Long Point Rd.
11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Starting the year off with the Best Of issue, like we’ve done for the past 15 years, excites everyone at Mount Pleasant Magazine. I’ll admit it excites some more than others, but honestly the Best Of results are all about the community we serve. Now that we publish it as an annual edition, distributing it all year long, it’s hard not to get excited. When you look at the inside cover spread of the Best Of winners, from a photoshoot that was taken this past December at Boone Hall Plantation's Cotton Dock, it’s so impactful. In 1990, when I encouraged local stores to let me leave the official Best Of paper ballots and boxes at their local stores and restaurants, I never thought it would evolve into this. Back then, Mount Pleasant was less than one-third of the size it is now and there were not any Best Of type of awards happening. I can vividly remember talking to friends and staff and noticing the expressions on their faces and the thoughts going through their minds when I brought up the idea. ‘What is Bill thinking about doing now? A Best Of what? Voting for who?’ Mount Pleasant Magazine was then called East Cooper Magazine. To learn how it all started, please see Page 37. Whether it’s 1990 or 2026, creating a Best Of edition brings it all back to the community and what Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie said in his column on Page 25 is so true. It’s a way of life in Mount Pleasant and it comes from within. And that, my friends, is truly the “Best Of” Mount Pleasant. Showing our support for our favorite stores, shops and services or informing new residents where you feel the best green space is or your favorite place to watch the sunset or view the Ravenel Bridge is important; but really it all starts from within. And I must say that Mount Pleasant residents have a heartfelt way of showing support for the community they call home. Thank you for reading Mount Pleasant Magazine and visiting the local businesses that were voted Best of 2026 in their various categories. They are here to serve you and the community you love to call home. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com publisher’s note Annual Best Of Edition • Vol. 16, Issue 1 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER JAZZY JORDAN ASSISTANT@ MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL/WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS@GMAIL.COM AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS KATIE FINCH • LAURA FOGARTY • ALLYAH HARRAR CARI LAWSON • CLARK LEACH • COLIN MCCANDLESS SARAH ROSE • BROOKE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS SHARI SEBUCK SHARI@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ELLEN KERR ELLEN@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE ALISON REED BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION/DIRECT MAIL U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • CVS A South Carolina Press Association Award-Winning Publication! Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Inquiries to: Mount Pleasant Magazine P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 843-881-1481 Info@MountPleasantMagazine.com Bringing Out the Best
12 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com © Novant Health, Inc. 2025 12/25 • SCR-4325702569a When you have a sports injury, you want the best in the game. Our sports medicine team includes leading experts in fixing sprains, breaks and overuse injuries, so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule now at NovantHealth.org/SportsMedicineInstitute or call 854-278-2960. William Estes, MD Marc Haro, MD Our expert surgeons are welcoming patients in Goose Creek and Mount Pleasant. East Cooper Medical Center is now part of Novant Health. Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Sports Medicine Institute The best sports medicine care now has a new name. Brodie McKoy, MD
13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Humbug! I don’t mean to sound like Scrooge, but New Year’s resolutions are the bane of my existence. By no surprise, come February studies show that most of these resolutions have quietly fallen by the wayside. Why might this be? Because setting a goal once a year creates unnecessary pressure, unrealistic expectations and unattainable happiness. Truth be told, transformation isn’t an annual change, it’s a daily practice that needs to be preached every day. Making personal goals every day shifts the focus from a distant target to a step-bystep process. Instead of waiting for a symbolic date, give yourself permission to start now. There will be successes and failures, but the important part is to learn from the journey and celebrate the small victories along the way. Maybe your goal today is to take a 20-minute walk, read a chapter from your favorite book or call an old friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with. These small commitments build momentum, reinforce habits and cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement. Life is unpredictable. Circumstances change, priorities shift and what mattered in January may no longer resonate a month later. Daily goal setting allows you to adapt, experiment and respond to your present reality without anxiety or guilt. Word to the wise: write down your goals instead of keeping them locked in your mind. When you see it in writing it becomes more real. So, skip the annual promises that fade with the calendar. Embrace the small, intentional choices you can make each day. Over time, these daily commitments accumulate into profound progress. After all, the best time to make a positive life change isn’t Jan. 1 — it’s today! Positively Yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor editor's note Solutions for your New Year’s resolutions 2026 ® BEST OF THE BEST – YEAR IN REVIEW – NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Voted by You, Valued by All ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND 2026 ® BEST OF THE BEST – YEAR IN REVIEW – NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Voted by You, Valued by All ANNUAL BEST OF EDITION DANIEL ISLAND | ISLE OF PALMS | SULLIVAN’S ISLAND Your Community, Your Magazine SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE FAMILY EDITION 2025 DENTAL DIRECTORY | VETERINARY DIRECTORY | WEDDING DIRECTORY Legendary Legacies Multi-Generational Family Businesses Simmons Seafood otographer. Influential Moms Homemade Content Creators Superdads First Responder Fathers SCAN • CLICK • SUBSCRIBE
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com First Watch Burtons Grill & Bar LŌLEO Juice Bar SAVI Cucina & Wine Bar Your day on the Towne is just a scan away. Enter to win a gift card. There are so many ways to enjoy a day (or night!) on the Towne
15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Rain and chilly weather weren’t enough to dampen the spirit of Mount Pleasant Magazine's Best of Mount Pleasant 2026 photoshoot at Boone Hall Plantation’s Cotton Dock. Despite the gray skies and cool breeze coming off the nearby tidal creek, the day was filled with warmth, laughter and a true sense of community. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this photoshoot was going to be something quite special. The scent of fresh, warm donuts and coffee from Annie’s Hot Donuts filled the air, and with umbrellas in hands, our fearless Best Of winners accepted the challenge and braved the less-than-ideal conditions. Photographer Mark Staff’s vision for the shoot exceeded our expectations per usual. To capture the essence of Mount Pleasant’s vibrant community, he brought in an oldfashioned rowboat, anchoring it along the water’s edge. The rustic charm of the boat juxtaposed with the contemporary energy of the participants created a timeless feel. Local business owners posed together, their smiles radiant against the backdrop of the tidal creek. The setting at Boone Hall’s Cotton Dock provided a picturesque stage for the event. This iconic venue, known for its sweeping views and serene waters, became an outdoor about the cover BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT 2026 WINNERS AND FINALISTS Back row (from left): Betsy Fraser, Compass VisionCare; Annie Vola, Annie's Hot Donuts; Jim Westerhold, Boone Hall Plantation; Stephanie Kelley, East Cooper Community Outreach; Ty Gosnell, Players Golf Academy; Marianna Ross, Soulshine Aesthetics; Darla Rourk, Palmetto Christian Academy and Jeff Filosa, LoLA. Front row (from left): Joshua Long, Senior Resource Specialists; Vanessa Steele, The Art Place Studio; Charlie Capasso, Capasso Planning Partners; Cliff Hudson, Hudson's Automotive; Andrea Meier, Holistic Wellness Collective; Dr. Farrow DuRant, Sweetgrass Pediatrics and Scott Herron, M. Dumas & Sons. Photo by Mark Staff. studio where every frame told a story. Guests wandered along the dock, laughing under umbrellas, chatting by the water’s edge and admiring the overcast beauty of the Lowcountry. The human element brought a sense of camaraderie that overshadowed the cold December drizzle. Southern hospitality played a huge role in keeping spirits high. Staff ensured everyone had what they needed to stay comfortable. I personally sacrificed my boat shoes, which got engulfed in the palmetto pluff mud for the greater good of the photoshoot. Other team members literally gave the jackets off their backs to make sure our guests stayed warm and looked their best. These small comforts allowed participants to focus on the experience, enjoy each other’s company and fully immerse themselves in the photoshoot. By the end of the day, it was clear that the Best of Mount Pleasant 2026 photoshoot wasn’t just about taking pictures but rather celebrating the heart of the community. These photographs will live on and serve as a lasting reminder of the resilience and strength of the Mount Pleasant community. This image reflects a town that comes together when it’s needed the most and shines its brightest even without help from Mother Nature. BY ZACH GIROUX
16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com MOUNT PLEASANT’S Federally Insured By The NCUA REVFCU.COM COME VISIT US 847 COLEMAN BLVD 1129 PARK WEST BLVD Best Credit Union
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler, puppy at Disney World! Katie Finch is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for supporting local businesses through Discovery Map of Mount Pleasant. Her love of the Lowcountry is topped only by her (healthy) obsession with her family and introducing them to all things Mount Pleasant! Clark Leach is a business and health writer with over 20 years of experience. He has written for universities, magazines, businesses, newspapers, nonprofits and niche publications. His work has appeared in Greenville Business, Charleston Business, Charleston Women, HealthLinks and The Tennessean. Sarah Rose brings a local and global perspective to her freelance writing, editing and independent research. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a decades-long career in interior design and has traveled and lived all over the world. Colin McCandless is a Charleston-based freelance writer and copy editor who enjoys writing about nature and wildlife, travel, history and outdoor recreation. He has more than 15 years of writing experience working for magazines and newspapers and developing blog and website content. Brooke Watson is a College of Charleston student born and raised in Mount Pleasant, where she studies both creative writing and classics. When not writing or studying, she does her best to collect an assortment of hobbies like watchmaking or resin crafting to fuel that spark of creativity. contributors
18 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Daniel Island | Downtown Charleston | Hilton Head TotalityMed.com SAVE YOUR TIME & MONEY GET LASERED
19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the web Magazine-owned podcasts benefit from pre-built credibility throughout their local community, allowing many shows to establish trust with their listeners from the very first episode. No matter where you listen to your podcasts, channels that are paired with YouTube receive stronger engagement and earlier reach due to YouTube’s recent rise to the top as the world’s No.1 streaming website for both podcasts and videos. Below are current podcast and channel metrics as of Jan. 1, 2026, sourced from YouTube Analytics for @ MountPleasantMagazine. This channel is currently home to seven different podcasts, with several more in development, so be sure to check back regularly on YouTube.com/MountPleasantMagazine. Also at YouTube.com/MountPleasantMagazine, you can find Georgetown Podcast, IOP Podcast, Carolina Real Estate Podcast, Charleston Pet Podcast and Best of MP Podcast. Soon to be launched: Carolina Retirement Podcast and Coastal Cuisine Podcast Youtube Channel @MountPleasantMagazine • 10,400 Subscribers • 515,500 Views • 645 Videos MountPleasantPodcast.com • 135 Episodes • 232,621 Impressions • 120,115 Views CharlestonWomenPodcast.com • 117 Episodes • 158,795 Impressions • 83,255 views CONVERSATIONS ABOUT OUR COASTAL COMMUNITIES Spreading LOVE for the Carolina Coast to listeners/viewers near & far Stay plugged in According to YouTube analytics, these podcasts are enjoyed by residents in all 50 US states and multiple countries around the world. To be featured or for podcast marketing 843-345-7012 or Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com MountPleasantPodcast.com CharlestonWomenPodcast.com GeorgetownPodcast.com IsleOfPalmsPodcast.com CarolinaRealEstatePodcast.com RetiringtoCharlestonPodcast.com Is the #1 platform in the world for podcast consumption.
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com © Novant Health, Inc. 2025 12/25 • SCR-4325702569a Our expert surgeons are welcoming patients in Goose Creek and Mount Pleasant. East Cooper Medical Center is now part of Novant Health. Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Joint Institute The best joint care now has a new name. Orthopedic hip, knee, and shoulder specialists with the Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Joint Institute can get you back to what you love faster. From scheduling your first appointment, through treatments and therapy designed to help you recover quickly. For the best joint care that gets you back to what you love faster, you want Novant. Schedule now at NovantHealth.org/JointInstitute or call 854-278-2960. William Estes , MD Marc Haro, MD H. Del Schutte Jr., MD Brodie McKoy, MD Dustin Hambright, MD
21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com social buzz “I love it!” -Local influencer and media personality @tristathebarista, on Mount Pleasant Magazine, via Instagram “Mount Pleasant Magazine has set the bar when it comes to advertising for our practice. We decided to discontinue our service with other advertisers and work only with Mount Pleasant Magazine, which allowed us to save money and put our focus where we are seeing the best results.” -Jessica Hecker, of Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant, via Instagram “Mount Pleasant Magazine is a great resource for all things local! Great info on restaurants and events going on in the area. I love every new issue!” -Margaret Mann, via Google Reviews “Congratulations to a wonderful man! He always took the time when I was at Pitt Street Pharmacy to answer questions and make recommendations. Best wishes in your retirement!” -Eve Pezzello-Runnals, via Facebook, on the retirement celebration for Kim “Kimbo” Richardson of Pitt Street Pharmacy “Great news! I can’t wait to listen!” -Stephen C. Yaros on the Facebook announcement of radio personality Brian Cleary hosting the Mount Pleasant Podcast 751950 2025 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Nurturing Minds & Hearts Join Our Legacy! Apply today at www.coksm.org 1183 Russell Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 884-4721 Enroll your child and experience the difference of a Christ-centered education. For 75 years, Christ Our King - Stella Maris School has been dedicated to educating the whole child. We believe in nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth of our students.
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ONGOING Museum Mile Month When: January Where: Museum venues throughout Charleston During the month of January, enjoy access to participating Museum Mile sites with the purchase of one low ticket price. With adult tickets at $35 and children’s at $10 for 12 different sites, this is a deal you don’t want to miss! Charleston Restaurant Week When: 1/8-1/18 Where: Participating venues throughout Greater Charleston Charleston Restaurant Week brings limited-time menus, special deals and a chance to try a new restaurant. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Taste of Folly When: 1/16, 1/17 Where: Folly Beach The weekend kicks off with the Cocktail Competition on Friday, showcasing the beach’s best mixologists making delicious craft cocktails! Center Street will be closed on “Savory Saturday” as Folly establishments serve their best dishes and exhibit their skills through live demonstrations. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Boat Show When: 1/23-1/25 Where: Charleston Convention Center The largest boat show in the Lowcountry, for over 40 years boating enthusiasts, families and industry professionals have gathered to explore the latest boats, marine gear and outdoor lifestyle trends – all under one roof. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fairy House Day When: 1/24 Two sessions: 10 a.m. and noon Where: Palmetto Islands County Park The adorable fairies and mischievous gnomes of Palmetto Islands County Park are back, and they need your creative sparkle. You'll use twigs, leaves, moss, pebbles and anything else Mother Nature has to offer to create magical miniature mansions. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Annual Charleston Comedy Week When: 1/24-1/31 Where: Charleston Music Hall, Theatre 99, Wit’s End, Riviera Theater and Silver Hill Studios This weeklong festival, a collaboration among local venues and comedy groups, will feature local, regional and national comedians performing improv, stand-up and sketch comedy. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Bridal Show When: 1/25 from noon-4 p.m. Where: The Shriners Auditorium Visit the Charleston Bridal Show for an insider’s perspective in planning your Charleston wedding. Meet Charleston’s top wedding professionals, conveniently gathered under one roof, and narrow your search in creating your dream wedding. Calendar of Events JANUARY
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Stargazing on the Ashley at Drayton Hall When: 1/28 from 5:30-8 p.m. Where: Drayton Hall There is no more perfect a time or season in Charleston to visit Drayton Hall and stargaze from our twinkling night landscape than January. Space is limited, please register early as advanced tickets are required. $30 members/ $35 non-members. Lowcountry Oyster Festival When: 2/1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Boone Hall Plantation The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty cocktails, a children’s area (“Pluffa-Palooza”) and a food court showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. --------------------------------------------------------------------- SEWE When: 2/13-2/15 Where: Different venues throughout Charleston Experience the nation’s premier celebration of wildlife art and the great outdoors at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Hunt for your next piece of fine art, collect handcrafted goods, witness live demonstrations and get a taste of the Lowcountry. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sea & Sand Festival When: 2/21 at 10 a.m. Where: Folly Beach Folly’s longest-running festival returns with a weekend full of family-friendly events. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Firefly Distillery Sunday Oyster Roast Series When: 2/22 from 11 a.m-4 p.m. Where: Firefly Distillery Firefly Distillery presents its Sunday Oyster Roast series with all-you-can-eat oysters from Reeds Catering and Lowcountry Oyster Co. and live music. Visit their website for more details and to purchase tickets. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: Search for Life in the Universe When: 2/26 at 7 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center With his signature wit and infectious enthusiasm, America’s foremost astrophysicist and science ambassador, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, reviews humanity’s search for intelligent life beyond Earth, examining the quest for habitable planets, liquid water and the cosmic mysteries that drive scientific discovery. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Sixties Show When: 2/28 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall This popular, award-winning Off-Broadway show is a high-energy, multimedia immersive experience about time traveling back to the 1960s, based around a live note for note re-creation concert. Charleston Wine + Food Festival When: 3/4-3/8 Where: Different venues across Charleston The annual gastronomic festival features in-restaurant lunches, brunches and dinners, cooking classes, beverage workshops, large walkabout thematic events, educational excursions and The Finale event at Firefly Distillery. FEBRUARY calendar of events MARCH
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Live Music January & February JANUARY----------------- BARRY MANILOW When: 1/14 at 7 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening as Manilow performs his greatest hits. ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR When: 1/15 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall This smash hit multimedia laser and light show features the music of Pink Floyd as you’ve never seen it before. ----------------------------------------------------------------- YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND When: 1/16, 1/17 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House A driving force in roots music for nearly three decades and a key player in the progressive jamgrass movement, YMSB kicks off a new chapter with “Nowhere Next.” ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WITH RAY CHEN When: 1/21 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most celebrated touring orchestras in the world, joined this season by acclaimed violinist Ray Chen. ----------------------------------------------------------------- LEO KOTTKE When: 1/22 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Athens, Georgia, acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke is known for a fingerpicking style that draws on blues, jazz and folk music. ----------------------------------------------------------------- TOM HAMILTON When: 1/23 at 9 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Tom Hamilton is a Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter and guitarist. ----------------------------------------------------------------- BADFISH: A TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME WITH GUEST BEACH FLY When: 1/27 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House For almost 25 years, this Rhode Island-based band has successfully paid tribute to Sublime, the influential California group that brought ska-punk and reggae-rock to the mainstream. ----------------------------------------------------------------- JUPITER COYOTE WITH SPECIAL GUEST GRITTY FLYRIGHT AND THE MUSIC FAMILY When: 1/31 at 7 p.m. Where: Music Farm Over the course of their 34-year history, Jupiter Coyote has played over 5,000 shows, traveled everywhere and done just about everything a touring band can do. ----------------------------------------------------------------- FEBRUARY---------------- JAMES MCMURTRY WITH BETTYSOO When: 2/2 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House An insightful and inventive storyteller, McMurtry teases vivid worlds out of small details, setting them to arrangements that have the elements of Americana but sound too sly and smart for such a general category. ----------------------------------------------------------------- MATTHEW MORRISON When: 2/3 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center Best known for “Glee” and his acclaimed Broadway career, dynamic performer Matthew Morrison steps beyond past roles to deliver an intimate, soul-stirring performance. ----------------------------------------------------------------- MC DAVO & SABINO When: 2/7 at 8 p.m. Where: Music Farm MC Davo, born David Sierra Trevino, is a rapper and social media figure from Monterrey, Mexico.
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town I was recently invited to be the speaker at one of the oldest, most storied organizations in the Lowcountry. It’s the kind of group that it’s an honor to speak to but if you do it right, it’s also one of the most difficult speeches to make because they are not easily impressed and they have heard it all before. I decided to make my speech my own “Best Of” Mount Pleasant – but with a twist. During the past year, the Town of Mount Pleasant has been recognized with an impressive list of achievements that include: • Being named as the safest large municipality in the state by an independent rating agency. • Having the strongest economy of 19 coastal municipalities around the country as studied by Consumer Affairs. • Having the No. 1 Quality of Life index as named by U.S. News Real Estate. These are meaningful designations to receive, and as your mayor, I believe these are reflective of the priorities and goals the town government has maintained. However, here is the twist that I referred to previously. I believe the true “Best Of” Mount Pleasant is the character that our residents exhibit when it matters most. For instance, when it mattered most and a longstanding locallyowned business Mount Pleasant Seafood on Shem Creek had a fire, our residents stood in long lines at the business’ farmers market booth after the fire to give them their business and support. When it really mattered, several years ago when Jean’s Bridal shop burned down, Mount Pleasant residents responded by donating bridal and bridesmaid dresses by the hundreds to come to the rescue of the hundreds of brides whose wedding dreams seemingly went up in smoke. And when the sweetgrass basket stand of Mr. Gaillard was destroyed by a car, dozens of residents and businesses responded by teaming up on a cold, wintry Saturday morning with supplies, skills, coffee and donuts, plus lots of love to have the stand completely replaced by the end of day. Awards can be won or lost, and they go on the shelf and someone else gets them the next time around. But what about community spirit and love for our neighbors? There is no award; it’s a way of life in Mount Pleasant and it comes from within. And that, my friends, is truly the “Best Of” Mount Pleasant. BY WILL HAYNIE MAYOR OF MOUNT PLEASANT Mayor’s Message Community Comes First
26 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com AUTO INSURANCE HOME INSURANCE HEALTH INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE BOAT INSURANCE RENTERS INSURANCE CONDO INSURANCE FLOOD INSURANCE JEWELRY INSURANCE EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE UMBRELLA INSURANCE RV INSURANCE CLASSIC CAR INSURANCE GOLF CART INSURANCE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IDENTITY THEFT INSURANCE BONDS BUSINESS INSURANCE As a local independent insurance agency, Ridpath Insurance is committed to treating our customers like family. We listen to your needs and work with you to find the personal and business insurance solutions that best fit your needs and protect your investments. You want peace of mind to know that your family, your business, and your biggest investments are protected. You can find that when you choose the experienced team at Ridpath Insurance. Get In Touch, Today! 3520 Park Ave. Blvd, Suite 102 Mount Pleasant, SC Liza@ridpathins.com Greg@ridpathins.com 843-936-1721 Mon-Fri | 9:00am-5:00pm Liza and Greg Ridpath Out of our Mount Pleasant, SC insurance office, we serve those in Charleston County and beyond. We’re licensed to write insurance policies in South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. At Ridpath Insurance, we’ll help you find the right path to best protect what matters to you. Corporate Video Production unimediaproductions.com
27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town At the 42nd annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, held at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens on Feb. 1, guests of the world’s largest oyster festival will enjoy over 45,000 pounds of steamed oysters for purchase as well as oyster shucking and eating contests, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty cocktails, a “Pluff-a-Palooza” children’s area and a food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants. Multiple live music acts will take the stage throughout the day, including event headliner The Yacht Club. “It’s an honor for the Charleston Restaurant Foundation to once again host this beloved event and a privilege to support the environment and the charitable organizations that make the Lowcountry so special,” said Charleston Restaurant Foundation President Johnathan Kish. Over the years, the festival has raised more than $1.5 million for local charities. As a result of the 2025 festival, $125,000 was donated to beneficiaries including Ronald McDonald House, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Coastal Conservation Association, Shriners Hospitals for Children, College of Charleston, Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts and the Culinary Institute of Charleston’s Kathy Britzius Memorial Scholarship. Additionally, festival organizers prioritize sustainability by working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Coastal Conservation Association of Charleston to recycle shells in local coastal waters, where they help rebuild fisheries and reefs, prevent soil erosion and mitigate flood risk. This summer, festival organizers joined representatives from Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Lowcountry Land Trust, SC DNR, the Coastal Conservation Association of Charleston and Mount Pleasant Waterworks to expand the commemorative oyster reef behind Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens using recycled shells from the annual festival. Originally established in 2024 on Horlbeck Creek, the reef honors the partnership between Willie McRae, the late owner of Boone Hall and Kathy Britzius, the late executive director of the Charleston Restaurant Association, which marked the inception of the worldrenowned festival more than four decades ago. The festival is a rain or shine event. No pets, coolers or outside food and beverages will be allowed. Oyster knives and gloves will be available for purchase. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is located at 1235 Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant. There are two entrances for the event: the main Boone Hall entrance off Long Point Road and the entrance off U.S. Highway 17. To buy tickets, visit lowcountryhospitalityassociation.com/ oyster-fest. BY SARAH ROSE Pluff-aPalooza Lowcountry Oyster Festival Photos by Charleston Restaurant Foundation.
28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com
29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY COLIN MCCANDLESS Mount Pleased Year in Review: Town triumphs from 2025 From efforts to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety to recreational enhancements and upgrades to a historic community landmark, the Town of Mount Pleasant has had a busy 2025. In our Year in Review, we encapsulate some of the most significant happenings and accomplishments impacting our community. SCANLONVILLE PRAISE HOUSE PARKLET The town, in coordination with the East Cooper Civic Club, announced design plans in April to honor the legacy of the historic African American community of Scanlonville in the area known as Remley’s Point with the creation of Scanlonville Praise House Parklet. This area has been home to generations of African Americans; its first residents settled there after the Civil War when freedman John Scanlon purchased 614 acres of Remley Plantation and divided it into lots which he sold to other formerly enslaved people. The public space will connect to Mount Pleasant Way, the town’s larger network of pedestrian walk and bike paths. Funds for the $635,000 project will come from a $150,000 National Heritage Corridor grant as well as public and private funding. The park design will highlight Scanlonville’s cultural and historic significance. Construction is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2026, according to TOMP deputy director of Engineering and Development Services James Aton. MEMORIAL WATERFRONT PARK PHASE 3 In June, the town opened phase 3 of its all-ages recreational facilities at Memorial Waterfront Park. The $6.75 million expansion featured a splash pad, inclusive playground, basketball and pickleball courts, an outdoor fitness zone, a walking track, additional restrooms, a shaded pavilion and expanded dog parks for little and big dogs. Together, these amenities create a more dynamic, familyfriendly and inclusive recreation space that enhances the overall visitor experience and strengthens the park’s role as a premier gathering place for the community, said Town of Mount Pleasant Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine. Additionally, the town is currently overhauling and upgrading the old playground in the original section of the park, which opened in 2009. Work is scheduled to be finished in early 2026, according to Town of Mount Pleasant Community Affairs & Marketing Division Chief Nicole Harvey. PITT STREET BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS On July 1, town officials celebrated the completion of the $1.2 million Pitt Street Bridge Micromobility Improvements project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Pitt Street Bridge Park. Improvements entailed new pavement markings and signage, improved parking areas, including golf cart and ADA-accessible spaces and an enhanced cul-de-sac to assist with navigating the shared lane traffic pattern. Recreation and conservation enhancements included the installation of a new kayak launch and landscaping with indigenous plants and stabilization of adjacent slopes to protect long-term resiliency. FIVE-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Town adopted its state required five-year update to the Comprehensive Plan on Aug. 12. The plan provides an updated community vision for growth, land use, transportation, environmental stewardship and public priorities, according to TOMP Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine. It incorporates the latest demographic data, reflects current town programs and initiatives and includes input gathered during the Public Input Matters open house series. Additionally, it adds new sections on the business environment and resilience planning in accordance with state planning requirements. The updated plan guides thoughtful and sustainable development and helps ensure that future decisions align with the long-term needs and goals of the community. SHEM CREEK SHRIMP DOCKS RENOVATION On Aug. 13, the Town of Mount Pleasant celebrated the completion of the Shem Creek Shrimp Docks renovation. This project strengthens the infrastructure that supports Mount Pleasant’s historic shrimping fleet through wider docks and piers, storm-resistant structural reinforcements, upgraded electrical systems for daily operations and a modernized processing facility. According to Town of Mount Pleasant Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine, these enhancements improve safety, resilience and efficiency while preserving and supporting a vital part of the town’s working waterfront heritage. ALHAMBRA HALL GRAND REOPENING An Aug. 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the grand reopening of Alhambra Hall and its surrounding grounds. The $4.8 million renovations and site our town
30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com YOUR DREAM VACATION BEGINS... THE MOMENT YOU START PLANNING! Jasmine Dutton (843) 926-0209 jdutton@dreamvacations.com QuietLux Travels QuietLuxTravels.com LET’S GET TRAVELING! d1training.com/facility/east-cooper | 843-920-4328 1220 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | WE TRAIN EVERY BODY LIKE ATHLETES From young athletes building strong foundations to adults training for performance, health, and longevity, D1 East Cooper delivers age-appropriate, professional training that builds strength, speed, and confidence at every stage. Training Available 7 years to 18 years PERSONAL TRAINING • SMALL GROUP TRAINING GROUP TRAINING WHEN YOU SEE THIS INSIGNIA You Know Their Customer Service is Paramount BestOfMP.com
31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com enhancements to this cherished historic town landmark included a new roof and siding, energy-efficient windows, updated interiors and the addition of a large outdoor patio. Major site improvements include new sidewalks, updated landscaping with a wetland buffer to protect the harbor and a new irrigation system across the Grand Lawn. The adjoining park and playground were also fully renovated with ADA-accessible paths and ramps, rubberized safety surfacing, award-winning expression swings, a sensoryfriendly roller slide and scenic harbor bench swings. "Alhambra Hall is a Mount Pleasant landmark that possesses a Lowcountry ambiance combined with a view that creates one of the most memorable experiences our region has to offer,” said Mayor Will Haynie. “The refurbishment preserves the building for future generations and the improvement to the grounds and playground area represent significant upgrades to better serve our residents." SAFE STREETS FOR ALL GRANT The town secured a $15.78 million federal Safe Streets for All grant to design and construct 17 priority safety improvement projects identified in the town’s Safety Action Plan. These projects focus on reducing accidents through upgrades to high-risk corridors, improved intersections, access management treatments, new pedestrian and bicycle facilities and enhanced data-driven safety planning, according to TOMP Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine. The grant also supports continued safety audits, network screening and the development of future design solutions that improve crossings, calm traffic and expand safe, walkable and bike-friendly connections throughout the town. USS YORKTOWN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP Completed in October, the $31.6 million USS Yorktown Environmental Assessment and Remediation project executed the successful removal of all the ship’s toxic waste and contaminants. On Nov. 12, Gov. Henry McMaster and other state leaders joined the Patriots Point Development Authority and Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie in making the announcement. An American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funded the multi-year cleanup effort, which removed more than 1.6 million gallons of hazardous materials and nine tons of asbestos from the Yorktown. The South Carolina Office of Resilience led the project, which prevented contaminants from leaking into Charleston Harbor and threatening the surrounding marshes and marine life – marking one of South Carolina’s most significant environmental projects. ALL AMERICAN BOULEVARD The Town of Mount Pleasant held a ribbon-cutting our town ceremony on Nov. 12 to mark the opening of the completed All American Boulevard. The project extends the road from its terminus near Wholesale Appliance to the roundabout on Park West Boulevard at U.S. Highway 17, creating a new frontage road that improves mobility and access for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. This connection enhances interconnectivity, supports nearby businesses and neighborhoods and helps ease congestion along the U.S. 17 corridor. “This project is a great example of the town’s commitment to improving transportation resiliency and mobility options for all roadway users,” said deputy director of Engineering and Development Services James Aton. “The All American Boulevard frontage road system helps connect community and improve safety.” All American Boulevard is dedicated to Mount Pleasant’s military heroes killed in the Global War on Terrorism. COMPREHENSIVE 2025 WAGE STUDY The Town completed a full wage and compensation study to evaluate market competitiveness, support recruitment and retention and ensure pay structures remain aligned with regional benchmarks. The study resulted in pay increases across many positions town-wide, with a focus on adjustments for first responders that improve competitiveness in police and fire recruitment. These changes reinforce the town’s commitment to supporting its workforce, strengthening public safety and maintaining high-quality service delivery for residents, according to TOMP Communications Manager Eric LaFontaine. TOMP RECREATION DEPARTMENT • Town hires new Recreation Director TJ Rostin in January. • The Captain Wayne Magwood Fisherman’s Memorial, which honors one of Mount Pleasant's most iconic figures in the shrimping community, was erected in April on the Magwood Boardwalk overlooking Shem Creek. • Completed major pool renovation at Park West with new lobby area, reconstructed locker rooms and pool offices, new HVAC system, a family restroom and a dedicated staff office. • New, multi-use artificial turf field built for baseball and softball. • Finalized design plans to expand play at the Mount Pleasant Tennis Complex off Whipple Road with six additional courts. • After attendance declined significantly during COVID-19, Mount Pleasant Senior Center membership numbers surpassed 2,000 people, with the facility having now fully rebounded since the pandemic. • The town celebrated the 30th anniversary of its annual Christmas Light Parade on Dec. 14.
mountpleasantmagazine.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1