JULY/AUGUST 2023 2023 T H E C O N V E R S A T I O N C O N T I N U E S A T I S L E O F P A L M S P O D C A S T . C O M I S L A N D E D I T I O N • H U R R I C A N E P R E P A R E D N E S S • C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S Paradise Found Community True as the Tide Pickleball Craze Invades The Islands Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant’s Main Street Sweetgrass Baskets Honoring Local Heritage
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4 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com 34 Waterway Island Drive Deepwater DREAMHOME located on Morgan Creek with its own 120 foot deep-water dock. This NEW construction home will be approximately 5,538 sq ft with 6 bedrooms and 7 1/2 bathrooms. Designed by local architect Carl McCants and built by King and Society Construction, careful thought and consideration has gone into the planning and creation of this home to maximize the views and exposure to the surrounding environment. UNDER CONSTRUCTION kingandsociety.com • 1012 Ewall St, Unit B Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 • 843-388-4674
5 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com Misti Cox, Selling Agent (843) 754-7826 mcox@kingandsociety.com Trae Redmond, Builder (843) 991-5501 tredmond@kingandsociety.com
6 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com BEFORE AFTER 1204 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms, SC www.LowcountryContractors.com
7 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com @LowcountryContractors (843)242-8838 LOWCOUNTRY CONTRACTORS CUSTOM HOME REMODELING Quality Craftsmanship That You Can Count On Our expert interior designers and project management team guide you through the tricky task of creating beautiful custom home remodels. We want your home to be perfectly catered to your lifestyle and personality. FIX- N’ - LIST From paint touch-ups to full remodels, we pay to update your property before we list it! We guarantee increased property value and a shorter market time with this unique program only offered by Lowcountry Contractors and Patricia Blackstock, Realtor. We are so confident in this program that we pay for it upfront with our own money and get reimbursed at closing. If you’re looking to buy or sell give Patti a call! (843) 725-8310 Pattiblackstock@KW.com Interior Services Our design and project management teams work closely together to delver a wide range of interior services, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, space planning, custom designs and home additions. Exterior Services Spruce up your home’s exterior with our expert services installing James Hardie siding, decks, roofs, gutters, windows, doors, painting and even repairing wood rot and termite damage. “Working with Patti was super easy and amazing! Patti kept on top of the siding install, listing the house, and coordinated photos, showings and inspection appointments during the sale process. We also got top dollar for our house using Patti! We had a phenomenal experience working with Patti and highly recommend her for all your real estate needs.” Michelle B. Each Office is Owned and Operated Ind pend ntly
8 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com Publisher’s Note................................................... 11 Editor’s Note. ...................................................... 13 About the Cover. ................................................. 15 Social Buzz......................................................... 16 Our Contributors. ............................................... 17 On the Web......................................................... 19 Calendar of Events............................................... 20 28 36 20 46 54 contents JULY/AUGUST 2023 • VOL. 13, ISSUE 4 Mount Pleasant Firsts..............................................27 Coleman Boulevard History....................................28 All-America City Award. .........................................34 Patriots Point. ..........................................................36 Charleston Battery...................................................43 MPPD Officer.........................................................46 New Principals.........................................................49 Print Your Cause......................................................51 67 Arts & Entertainment Our Town Sweetgrass Festival....................................................54 Concert Series..........................................................57 Shag Dance..............................................................62 DI Golf....................................................................65 74 75 Food New Food................................................................67 Gullah Geechee Dishes............................................72 Gullah Geechee Recipes. .........................................74 Pizza &Wine...........................................................75
9 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com contents JULY/AUGUST 2023 • VOL. 13, ISSUE 4 The Islands IOP Marina................................................................76 Pickleball....................................................................80 IOP Recreation Director............................................84 IOP Chamber............................................................85 Hurricane Preparation................................................87 Sullivan’s Island Fire Department...............................90 Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse........................................92 Roy Williams..............................................................96 Victoria Benton Frank..............................................100 80 90 Local Commerce Introduction....................................... 101 Best of Mount Pleasant Voting........... 103 Southern Belles................................... 105 The Marsh at Carolina Park. .............. 106 Restore at Carolina Park..................... 107 BeWell@Home. ................................. 109 Bach to Rock...................................... 110 True Beauty Aesthetics. ...................... 111 Ragamuffin......................................... 113 Tweedle Beedle................................... 115 Pitt Street Pharmacy........................... 117 Susan Matthews. ................................ 119 Pulse Nails and Spa. ........................... 121 Rad Rydz............................................ 123 Southern String Supply...................... 125 Dwellings Top Agents......................................... 126 Introduction....................................... 127 Meet the Broker................................. 128 Isle of Palms Top Ten Homes............. 129 Wild Dunes Top Ten Homes. ............ 130 Sullivan’s Island Top Ten Homes....... 131 Old Village Top Ten Homes............... 132 South Mount Pleasant Top Ten Homes... 133 North Mount Pleasant Top Ten Homes... 134 Dunes West Top Ten Homes................135 East Cooper Neighbors....................................................................... 136
10 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com Follow us @shopmptc for up-to-date shopping, restaurant and event information With shops, restaurants, experiences, and events year round, there are endless ways to spend a day out on the Towne. mtpleasanttownecentre.com 12:30PM BURTONS GRILL & BAR Salmon-topped salad makes for the perfect midday shopping breaks. 10:00AM | LULULEMON Fresh gear helps get me going for morning workouts. 1:00PM | PALMETTO MOON Almost forgot a cooler and flip flops! Beach day, here I come. 11:15AM LAS OLAS Now that I’ve found the perfect suit, I may just have to head out to IOP this afternoon. 10:45AM | VESTIQUE Welcoming summer with a fabulous new pair of sunglasses? Don’t mind if I do! THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SPEND A SUMMER DAY . on the Towne
11 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com I’ve got to share with you how much fun we had at the Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition on Isle of Palms. I just love our front cover, but I’m going to throw myself under the bus here. I had never previously been to this event, but now I will never miss it. It’s such a fun event as the front image illustrates. Read more about the cover on page 15. By now you’ve probably heard Mount Pleasant was recently honored to receive the All-America City Award for the third time in 13 years. Not only that, but Mount Pleasant is the only town in South Carolina to receive three All-America City Awards. You would think that says it all, right? Sure it’s great for our town to be honored this way, but for me the real story was watching how residents throughout Mount Pleasant were energized and united to make this happen. Seriously y’all, the way our community mobilized and directed their efforts to generate creative and heartfelt stories that embraced the heart and soul of our community was amazing. Learn firsthand from Mayor Will Haynie as he talks to Brian Cleary on our latest podcast www.MountPleasantPodcast.com. This podcast will give you an inside glimpse of what it took for Mount Pleasant to achieve our third AllAmerica City Award. Sincerely, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com publisher’s note Vol. 13, Issue 4 • July/August 2023 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM COPY EDITORS COLIN MCCANDLESS LEAH RHYNE ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL REBECCA SOTTILE TECHNOLOGY GEORGE CONKLIN BRIAN SMITH GENE PHAN WRITERS KATIE AUGUSTINE MADISON BROACH • JACK LOVINGOOD COLIN MCCANDLESS • SHERRY WHITING MARY COY • MAURICE FRAZIER • KATIE FINCH CLARK LEACH• ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA BILL FARLEY • SARAH MAKUTA • BROOKE HUGHES LEAH RHYNE • HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN CARI LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS KATIE FINCH KATIE@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ANDY BIMONTE ANDY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE ASSISTANT TOTHE PUBLISHER JENNIFER BURKE DOG BOSS REGGIE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS CHESLEY LANFORD ANTHONY MACCHIO KAREN LISZEWSKI DISTRIBUTION U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • PUBLIX • CVS Mount Pleasant Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Mount Pleasant Magazine is published six times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013ChuckDawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC29464 Copyright © Media Services 2023. 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 Moun t P l e a s a n t r ep r e s en t a t i ve s a t t he A l l - Ame r i c a n Awa r d s c e r emony .
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13 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com editor’s note Welcome to my first issue as managing editor of Mount Pleasant Magazine. The past two months have been an editorial adventure journeying from the newspaper world to the magazine world. The theme of this issue, which focuses on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, is very special to me, having spent much of my formative years as a journalist in Charleston reporting up and down these particular stretches of sand. Since becoming acquainted with the Lowcountry I’ve been fascinated with these two barrier islands and how starkly different they are despite their proximity. The islands offer distinct lifestyles and provide residents and visitors with unique experiences. In this issue, you will read about everything from the craze of pickleball and historical tales of a lighthouse to new faces who have assumed leadership positions at schools, recreation departments and World War II aircraft carriers. You will read a heartfelt tribute to an island historian and learn about a beloved police officer stepping down from his post after nearly three decades. Other features examine the praise for a legislator who invented the Palmetto State’s official dance and a local author with new stories to tell and big shoes to fill. As you thumb through the glossy pages of this issue it will become apparent just how much the islands have changed with the tide and evolved over time, highlighted recently by the revamping of a marina and the construction of a new fire department. What once were sleepy little beach towns are now vibrant isles of paradise that are blossoming with every ebb and flow. There is truly something for everyone inside this magazine. I hope you enjoy this July/August edition as much as the folks who poured their hearts and souls into these pages. This issue reflects our enthusiasm for this slice of paradise that we are all equally blessed to call home. See you around town! Cheers! Respectfully Yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2023 2023 I S L A N D E D I T I O N • H U R R I C A N E P R E P A R E D N E S S • C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S Pickleball Craze Invades The Islands Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant’s Main Street Sweetgrass Baskets Honoring Local Heritage
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15 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com about the cover How do you capture the essence of a proud beach community that represents East Cooper’s barrier islands? By taking a candid photograph of children laughing and building a sandcastle, of course! Really the two siblings in the photo, James (5) and Maggie (3) from Greenville, are building more than just a sandcastle. They’re creating family memories that will last long after the high tide washes over their ephemeral sand creation. Last month, Mount Pleasant Magazine ventured out to Isle of Palms to document the 34th annual Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Competition along Front Beach. This year’s competition featured 40 participants vying for first, second and third place in their respective categories including: Best of Children’s, Best of Young Adults, Best of Family, Best Architectural, Most Creative, Best of Adults and Best of Show. Beachgoers oohed and awed as they sauntered down the beach to gaze upon the intricate designs that included everything from traditional sandcastles to octopuses in recliners, mermaids buried in the sand, seals, turtles and even a re-creation of downtown Charleston’s Rainbow Row using an assortment of food coloring. The judges had an impossible job of deciding which ones were worthy of the highest praise. Our staff believes all the competitors deserved first-place! It was clear that it wasn’t their first trip to the beach, and they weren’t just playing in the sand. They were artists hard at work and the beach served as their blank canvas. Bravo to all the sculptors. These words don’t do it justice, so check out the photos below by our photographer Mark Staff to get a glimpse of their masterpieces. Like the old adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words or, in this case, trillions of grains of sand! Photos by Mar k S ta f f . The 34th annua l Pi cco l o Spo l eto Sand Scu lpt i ng Compet i t i on was he ld at the I s l e of Pa lms Front Beach on June 3 . Be an Integral Part of an Established Brand. We are growing the Ad Sales team. FLEXIBLE HOURS! This is a perfect FT or PT position for Moms! For more information or to send your resume please email Stacey@MountPleasantMagazine.com Stacey McLoughlin Brand Ambassador Katie Finch Media Consultant
16 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com social buzz (Quick Response) codes are one of the latest mass communication trends that have taken print and digital industries by storm. The funny thing is, these little squares of encryptions have been around since the 1990s, initially developed by a Japanese automotive company that invented it to track vehicle parts during manufacture. QR codes can now be seen pretty much everywhere, including this very edition of Mount Pleasant Magazine. The emergence of the QR code in the media scene has provided another avenue to access online content, event promotion or exclusive discounts. This digital dimension has added another layer of boosting advertising campaigns and reader engagements. The ultimate goal is to bridge the print medium to online marketing channels to reach a greater audience, grow brand awareness and drive leads. Whether you’re a retail store, restaurant or small business owner, QR codes offer another technological tool to increase your business’ image and gain exposure. The best part: it doesn’t take a tech savvy genius to figure out how they work. Pull out your cell phone camera to scan and click on the link attached. QR 843-666-8899 AMAZINGNAILSSPA.COM VOTED THE BEST NAIL SALON! 2023 ® 1200Queensborough Bvld., Ste D, Mount Pleasant, SC FAMILY. The guiding light behind our desire to open Izzy’s, our very own FAMILY-OWNED AND FAMILY-OPERATED BUSINESS. THE SHOPPES AT SEASIDE FARMS 1960 RIVIERA DRIVE, SUITE E MT. PLEASANT, SC (843) 981-9177 izzys-scoopsandsweets.com
17 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com contributors Interested in contributing to Mount Pleasant Magazine? Email your contact information (name, phone, mailing address) and one sample of work you have created (or a link to your work online) with the subject “Aspiring MPM Contributor” to Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com. Isabel Alvarez Arata is a freelance writer and content creator with a focus on business, marketing and lifestyle. She has her own pet-related podcast and blog, “Covered in Pet Hair.” 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! Madison Broach was born and raised in Mount Pleasant and has always had a passion for writing and reporting. She just finished her sophomore year at the University of Florida where she is studying journalism. Clark Leach is a business and health writer with more than 20 years of experience. He has written for universities, magazines, businesses, newspapers, nonprofits and niche publications. Since 2015, his work has appeared in Greenville Business, Charleston Business, Charleston Women, HealthLinks and The Tennessean. Heather Rose Artushin is a local writer, poet and therapist. When she’s not talking to our town’s most interesting people for an article, she’s working alongside a local nonprofit or playing around with a poem. Jack Lovingood is a native of Western North Carolina. He has spent most of his adult life as an entrepreneur dabbling in web development, real estate and finance. Jack enjoys penning songs, playing guitar and writing for lifestyle publications. Mary Coy is a fifth-generation Charlestonian and expert on Charleston history. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for over a decade. Mary can be found giving tours of the Holy City in her free time. Sarah Makuta comes from a journalism background with 15 years of experience as a news reporter and writer with a diverse range of interests. Bill Farley has had a long multimedia career. A native New Yorker, he moved to Mount Pleasant in 2005 after working in local and national network news, sports and entertainment. He was also a media spokesman for Playboy’s iconic founder, Hugh M. Hefner. 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. Maurice J. Frazier is a freelance writer living on Daniel Island. Born in the Bronx, New York and raised in the North Charleston/ Summerville area, he has been working in the TV and film industry for the last eight years. Leah Rhyne is a professional writer with a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Montclair State University. She spent four years as the festival director of the Charleston Literary Festival and specializes in event management, marketing and public relations. Brooke Hughes is a local resident and senior at the University of South Carolina pursuing a degree in English. In her free time, she can be spotted on Sullivan’s Island, playing tennis and reading. Sherry Whiting is a freelance writer and full-time project analyst. She has over 15 years of experience developing and editing marketing materials, newsletters, policies and technical documents.
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19 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com atch Mount Pleasant Magazine online at MountPleasantMagazine.com, and flip through the digital magazine at ReadMPM.com. For up-to-date, relevant content for all of Mount Pleasant and East Cooper, follow us on Instagram @MountPleasantMagazine, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ MountPleasantMagazine. Don’t forget to comment on our posts with your thoughts on the events, businesses or personalities featured. We want to connect with you. Your voice could become featured in our “Social Buzz” section. We have so much to offer the community beyond these pages. We invite all of our readers to enjoy our podcasts, in addition to our online publications. Both MountPleasantPodcast.com and BestOfMPpodcast.com offer amazing insights into our community through the first-person stories of our leaders, business owners and beloved residents. This is a chance to watch, listen and learn from your neighbors. Want to get involved with the content chosen for Mount Pleasant Magazine? Give us your ideas for a feature story. Email Editor@MountPleasantMagazine.com with your ideas, supporting photos and contact information. We’d love to hear from you! on the web C
20 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com ONGOING Beach Reach Shuttle to Isle of Palms When: Saturdays and Sundays until 9/4/2023. Times vary so please confirm with CARTA. Where: Market Center Boulevard Mount Pleasant Towne Centre has once again partnered with CARTA to serve as the stop location for the Beach Reach Shuttle, a free seasonal park-and-ride shuttle providing a connection between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Pass for Charleston County Parks When: A full year of family fun and adventure! Check individual park hours on their website. Where: Charleston County Parks Did you know Charleston County stretches along 89 miles of coastline along the Atlantic? It also encompasses 1,358 square miles of land, marshes, rivers and wetlands. Your Gold Pass to the Charleston County Parks provides you, your friends and family access to explore and create memories at 21 county parks that include trails, festivals, concert series, water parks and more for one annual price! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Awendaw Green When: Every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Where: Awendaw Green A converted old barn is a centerpiece of an outdoor live music space that features food and bonfires and a showcase of local talent. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Play Dayz When: First Tuesday each month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Mount Pleasant Towne Centre invites kids ages 10 and under to join us for Play Dayz at The Oaks, featuring exciting and engaging activities for you and your children to enjoy! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Meet The Animals When: Daily at 2:30 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Explore the world of animals native to the southeast as an interpreter introduces you to a live animal in an interactive setting in this 30-minute program at the Campbell Center Program Shed. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mother Nature’s Cafe When: Daily at 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Walk through the Lowcountry Zoo and the Floyd Family Heritage Farm with an interpreter and observe the animals’ natural behavior as they are fed a snack in this informative 50-minute tour. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Creek Excursion When: Daily through 11/23/2023 at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Cruise the creeks on a 48-foot pontoon boat. You will pass historic rice fields, now home to alligators, waterfowl and osprey, as an interpreter helps you see the distinctive landscape of the rice plantations and understand the role of enslaved Africans in cultivating the rice crop and shaping the history of the Lowcountry. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Oaks Excursion When: Daily through 11/23/2023 at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Ride in their mini-bus to the site of the Oaks Plantation. Learn the history of the prominent Alston family during the colonial and antebellum eras. Visit the Alston family cemetery and grounds of the slave village. Along the way, see the natural beauty of a protected longleaf pine forest. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Trekker Excursion When: Daily through 11/23/2023 at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Calendar of Events
21 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com calendar of events Ride with an interpreter along an avenue of historic live oaks to a plantation cemetery, a Civil War earthen fort site and a historic rice mill chimney. From the top of one of the area’s highest bluffs, see a panoramic view of the Waccamaw River. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Ladies Night with Karaoke When: Thursdays 5/4/2023 - 9/7/2023 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Where: Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill Hey ladies!! Join Coconut Joe’s every Thursday for drink specials and karaoke night with DJ Luna! We’re serving up specialty cocktails for just $5 and belting out all the ballads from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. We hope to see you and your gal pals there! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Shona Sculpture of Zimbabwe When: Exhibit runs through 8/27/2023 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Featuring the work of acclaimed sculptor Dominic Benhura, and including works from many other Zimbabwean artists, this exhibit will include hundreds of sculptures, large and small. All works are available for purchase through Keepsakes, the Brookgreen Gardens gift shop. - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Junior Summer Tennis Programs When: Event runs through 8/12/2023 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Where: Wild Dunes Resort Tiny Tots, ages 4 - 6, is 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.; Tennis Only Program, ages 7 - 16, is 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; and Tennis Half Day Camp, ages 7 - 16, is 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All levels are welcome to sign up! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Summer Light: Art by Night When: Event runs through 8/26/2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Be enthralled by the lighting up of Brookgreen Gardens at night on Wednesday and Saturday evenings all summer! Experience Oak Allee and Beyond the Garden Wall like never before, immersing yourself with sounds and lights, the exquisite Conway Glass display, the “blooming flora” in the Children’s Garden and more. “Summer Light: Art by Night” will allow visitors to stroll the gardens in a new light. Various bands will accompany the light displays at each event. Teen Messy Night When: 7/10/2023 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Night Heron Park soccer field Kiawah Meet up at the Night Heron Park soccer field to participate in a series of messy games and challenges! Compete against others and be prepared to take part in classic lawn party games! Dress accordingly. Open to all teens ages 12 to 17. No reservation necessary. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystery Book Club When: 7/13/2023 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Where: The Village Bookseller Two of The Village Bookseller’s most voracious readers have joined forces to create a book club around the genres of mystery, suspense and thrillers, ranging from classics by Agatha Christie to modern writers like Tana French and Ruth Ware. Join them every second Thursday for the Mystery Book Club, led by Megan Kelly and Paula Koetter! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris Stapleton When: 7/13/2023 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Christopher Alvin Stapleton is an American singersongwriter, guitarist and record producer. He was born in Lexington, Ky., and grew up in Staffordsville, Kentucky. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Reggae Nights: Mystic Vibrations When: 7/14/2023 from 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Where: James Island County Park The deep roots of Mystic Vibrations began growing in Little London, Westmoreland, Jamaica and spread to the U.S. in 1992 via Ric Williams. The band has been blessed by establishing a large fan base that has steadily grown over the years. Their music speaks of love, unity and peace amongst all mankind; not forgetting the trials and tribulations of oppressed peoples. JULY
22 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com September 26 Artrageous October 5 Wine & Food Gala October 6 Best of the Eagles October 7 Joe Gransden & His Big Band Songs of Sinatra & Friends October 12 The British Invasion Years October 13 The Lords of 52nd Street October 14 Spyro Gyra October 19 The Texas Tenors October 20 The Spinners October 21 The Doo Wop Project www.pawleysmusic.com September 26 - October 21, 2023 Experience Perfect Harmony Sponsored in part by: www.hammockcoastsc.com
23 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com calendar of events --------------------------------------------------------------------- Isle of Palms Farmers Market When: 7/20/2023 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where: Isle of Palms Recreation Department The market features over 60 vendors including local farmers, artists, crafters, photographers, live music, specialty foods, food trucks, face painting and more! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Historical Fiction Book Club When: 7/20/2023 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Where: The Village Bookseller A historical fiction book club moderated by bookseller Tammy Watkins, a retired English teacher with a nose for brilliant historical fiction novels. Meets on the third Thursday of each month. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 19th Annual Sweetgrass Festival When: 7/22/2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Offering free admission, entertainment and activities, the Sweetgrass Festival also provides an opportunity for local basket makers to showcase, promote and market their sweetgrass merchandise to locals as well as cultural tourists from around the country. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dancing on the Cooper When: 7/22/2023 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Summertime calls for live music and dancing on the Mount Pleasant Pier! Local bands perform a variety of live music, including beach/shag, Cuban salsa, funk/soul, rock, jazz, country, Motown and more. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Pickleball Pro Event When: 7/22/2023 and 7/23/2023 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Where: Wild Dunes Resort Current touring pro Anderson Scarpa and Damien Spizzo, director of pickleball at Wild Dunes Resort, are teaming up for a special summer camp. Focus on basic fundamental skills, grips, stroke development strategy and, of course, strategies to win at your current level and more. Instruction will be given by Spizzo, Scarpa and the professional staff. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Kids Adventure TerrariumWorkshop When: 7/24/2023 at 4:00 p.m. Where: PlantHouse 832 Coleman Blvd. The Kids Adventure TerrariumWorkshop is the perfect family activity! Join PlantHouse for a fun workshop where you’ll learn how to create a unique terrarium complete with air plants, decor and adventurous figurines. Recommended for ages 6+. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Tie Dye Series When: 7/24/2023 - 7/28/2023 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: AR Workshop Our grooviest week of camp includes four tie-dye projects, an all-new Spin Art experience and unlimited creativity. Campers will gain an understanding of pattern design, color theory and working with a variety of materials. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Ladybug Day When: 7/29/2023 at 10:00 a.m. Where: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Join the team at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens on Saturday, July 29, for their 10th Annual Ladybug Day! This family-friendly event will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Isle of Palms Beach Run When: 7/29/2023 at 8:00 a.m. Where: 1008 Ocean Blvd. 5k & 10k Run and Walk sponsored by the Isle of Palms Recreation Department; early registration $30 for run / walk and $10 for kids’ fun walk. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 21st Annual Folly Beach Wahine Classic When: 7/29/2023 - 7/30/2023 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Where: The Washout Folly Beach Surf sisters, mark your calendars for the best weekend of the year! All are welcome to cheer these surfers on the waves at the longest running all-female surf contest on the East Coast!
24 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com Counting Crows When: 8/2/2023 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Credit One Stadium Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, “August and Everything After,” the band has gone on to release seven studio albums, selling more than 20 million records worldwide, and is revered as one of the world’s most pre-eminent live touring rock bands. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Konnection When: 8/4/2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Where: 100 Broad St. Georgetown Historic Georgetown invites you to enjoy the Konnection as part of the Music in the Park series. Come hungry and thirsty and ready to dance the night away! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Reggae Nights: Amani Smith and the Give Thanks Band When: 8/4/2023 from 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Where: James Island County Park Amani Smith has been a mainstay in the industry for 30 years as an impactful guitarist, singer and songwriter. Based in Wilmington, N.C., the Give Thanks Band are a longstanding riddim section with Fyah on the live circuit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Moon Taxi When: 8/5/2023 at 6:00 p.m. Where: The Windjammer NUTRL Outdoor Stage Since forming in 2006, Moon Taxi have brought their genre-bending musicality to a boldly adventurous body of work, all while taking their live show to leading festivals across the country. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Lyle Lovett When: 8/11/2023 at 8:00 p.m. Where: Charleston Gaillard Center Lyle Pearce Lovett is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Active since 1980, he has recorded 13 albums and released 25 singles to date, including his highest entry, the number 10 chart hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, “Cowboy Man.” --------------------------------------------------------------------- Inclusive Prom When: 8/12/2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Where: R.L. Jones Center (Charleston County Parks) People with disabilities and their families and friends are invited to an unforgettable night! Come dressed in your favorite formal attire. Music will be provided by a DJ. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Half Rubber Tournament When: 8/12/2023 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Where: Isle of Palms Recreation Department Let’s keep this Charleston beach tradition alive -- just watch out for errant half rubber balls! Games begin at 8:00 a.m.; lights will be turned off at 10:00 p.m. (at the very latest). --------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Sunday When: 8/13/2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Where: King Street Charleston Stroll the streets of historic downtown Charleston as you shop and eat and greet neighbors and new friends! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Isle of Palms Farmers Market When: 8/17/2023 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where: Isle of Palms Recreation Department The market will feature fresh produce, food vendors, live music and more! Join us every third Thursday from June through October from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at 24 28th Avenue. Parking is available on site. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cravin’ Melon and Danielle Howle When: 8/18/2023 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Where: Awendaw Green Join us for a rare Friday night Barn Jam! $10 at the door, kids under 12 free, BYOB, wood fired pizza and snacks available. Non-aggressive dogs on a leash are welcome. Please bring your friends and family for a musical treat. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dancing on the Cooper When: 8/19/2023 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Pier Let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze and dance the night away under the stars! calendar of events AUGUST
25 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com calendar of events --------------------------------------------------------------------- Cowboy Mouth When: 8/25/2023 at 6:00 p.m. Where: The Windjammer NUTRL Outdoor Stage Much like gumbo, the famous dish of their hometown, the New Orleans-born Cowboy Mouth uses a potent blend of musical ingredients—rock, blues, punk, funk, country, pop, soul and whatever else feels good—to create their bodacious tunes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Summer Wine Festival When: 8/26/2023 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where: Charleston Harbor Carnival Cruise Terminal Featuring 50+ wines as well as mimosas, White Claw and beer. Enjoy live music and a DJ. Ages 21 and up. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sister Hazel When: 8/27/2023 at 11:30 a.m. Where: The Windjammer NUTRL Outdoor Stage The band has become firmly established in rock and alternative music, and now in country with four back-toback Billboard Top Country Albums Chart entries and their debut on the most revered stage in country music, the Grand Ole Opry. ACE Party Band When: 9/1/2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Where: 100 Broad St. Georgetown Music in the Park in Historic Georgetown wraps up the summer series with ACE Party Band! Family fun with food and beverages available as well as a kid zone! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Paws on the Patio When: 9/14/2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Where: Burtons Grill & Bar Reservations are mandatory and require a $10 nonrefundable donation to Charleston Animal Society to hold your space at Paws on the Patio. Plus, every Fido will receive his/her own party favor from Hairy Winston Pet Boutique! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dancing on the Cooper When: 9/16/2023 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Pier Enjoy the best views of the Cooper River and Ravenel Bridge while dancing on the beautiful pier! SEPTEMBER
26 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com TH ANNIVERSARY 2003 2023 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! IT’S OUR 20TH BIRTHDAY. YOU WON’T BELIEVE The Party WE’RE GONNA HAVE! Historic Shem Creek | 98 Church Street, Mt. Pleasant | 843 . 388 . 0003 | r e d s i c e h o u s e . c om SCHOOL OF ROCK | Mount Pleasant 1907 N Highway 17 Suite 102 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 258-1181 MENTIONMOUNT PLEASANTMAGAZINE FOR 20%OFF YOUR FIRSTMONTH
27 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie? Some folks prefer the convenience of streaming a flick at home, but to many there’s nothing like the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. Talk to some longtime residents of Mount Pleasant and you may hear them reminiscing about catching a show at the long-gone drive-in movie theater the Sea Breeze, nicknamed the “Mosquito Drive-in” for obvious reasons. Some people even claim to own one of the 400 or so car speakers that were left behind when the operation was shuttered in the 1960s as Cooper Estates was developed nearby. Located near the intersection of what is now Coleman Boulevard and Cottingham Drive, the Sea Breeze was a popular place in the 1950s. Believe it or not, though, the Sea Breeze wasn’t the first movie theater in Mount Pleasant. A decade earlier, when the family automobile was still a novelty for many folks and the Sunday afternoon drive to the country was a weekly tradition, an evening at the drive-in movies offered another exciting pastime. An article appearing in the Charleston Evening Post on May 30, 1946, heralded the opening of the Mount Pleasant Drive-in Theater. Located on Coleman Boulevard near what was known then as “the Sullivan’s Island Highway,” the theater lay just beyond “the Georgetown Highway Junction” (which is today’s Chuck Dawley Boulevard). The property was situated across from where the Goodwill store now stands in the Sea Island Shopping Center and extended to McCants Drive, encompassing an area of about 200 by 200 feet. The simple, wooded land was owned by Ruth Baker when J.B. Cottingham and W.B. Causey asked Baker for permission to clear it for the new enterprise. The feature at the Mount Pleasant Drivein Theater was shown twice nightly, excepting Sundays, with a 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. showtime. Four different movies ran each week. Admission was 40 cents per adult and 9 cents per child. One central loudspeaker provided audio for the sea of automobiles. Remember hearing stories about moviegoers stuffing passengers in the trunk of the car so they wouldn’t have to pay to get in? Yes, that was really a thing! In today’s modern movie era, as you watch the latest flick in the air-conditioned comfort of an indoor theater or even at home with Netflix and central air, consider that some of the old-fashioned excitement of a drive-in movie might be gone. But at least there’s no need to keep the insect repellent handy to enjoy the show! Dr i ve - i n mov i e theater s were a precur sor to today ’s c i nemas . L i brar y of Congres s : LC-DIG-h i ghsm- 31928 Lights, Camera… Mount Pleasant’s first big screen experience BY MARY COY our town
28 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com BY MARY COY Down On Main Street A historic stroll down Coleman Boulevard THE HISTORY OF COLEMAN BOULEVARD 1929 – Highway 17 rerouted and John P. Grace Bridge (Cooper River Bridge) opened 1945 – Pitt Street Bridge closed and Ben Sawyer Boulevard and Ben Sawyer Bridge opened 1946 – First drive-in movie theater opened at junction of Coleman Boulevard and Ben Sawyer Boulevard 1954 – Channel 2 television studio opened 1958 – Stretch of Highway 17 renamed Coleman Boulevard Co l eman Bou l evard i s Mount Pl easant ’s ma i n s t reet and home to more l oca l l y- owned bus i nes ses than any other s t reet i n town .
29 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com Coleman Boulevard is more than just a gateway to the beach. It’s Mount Pleasant’s Main Street, USA. It was where all the action began in the early 20th century and it remains the heart and soul of the town today. Coleman Boulevard was named after Mayor Francis Coleman, who steered the town through the rapid development of the 1950s and its transformation from a farming community to a suburban hotspot. Before that, what we now know as Coleman had been U.S. Highway 17, created when the Old Georgetown Highway was rerouted to connect with the newly-built Cooper River Bridge in 1929. When an additional bridge was constructed in 1967, Highway 17 “bypass” was created, pulling traffic away from the business district of Coleman Boulevard. Besides alleviating traffic congestion on Coleman, it was a boon for the local economy as shoppers began to patronize the strip malls along the bypass. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo forced the shuttering of some businesses along Coleman, and those that survived struggled to compete with the ever-expanding activity on the bypass. Over the last decade, however, Coleman Boulevard has re–established its reputation as the iconic main street it once was — and business is booming. A CULINARY TOWN When residents from downtown Charleston first began relocating “across the bridge” in the 1950s, new neighborhoods such as the Groves, Bayview Acres, Brookgreen and Shemwood popped up adjacent to Coleman Boulevard. Supermarkets, shopping centers, movie theaters, restaurants, churches, a public high school and a television station diversified the offerings. Shem Creek changed, too, transitioning from its former identity as the center of shrimping and boat building to become the hub of renowned seafood dining establishments, beginning with the famed Lorelei and Trawler. Back then, the familyfriendly Fork Restaurant between the Shem Creek Bridge and Broadway Street was literally the restaurant — as in the only one in town. Later came Piggy Park, a drive-in barbeque place owned by the Bessinger family, located on the spot that is now Page’s Okra Grill. The drive-in was later replaced by Alex’s Diner, well-known as the last stop for late-night revelers, since it stayed open until 2 a.m. When fast food joints our town 1960 – Shem Creek gained new identity with establishment of seafood restaurants 1966 – Highway 17 Bypass created and Silas Pearman Bridge (new Cooper River Bridge) opened 1989 – Hurricane Hugo made landfall in the Lowcountry as a Category 5 1990s – Coleman Boulevard Merchant Alliance created 2005 – Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge opened The For k Res taurant .
30 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www. ShemCreekRes taurant s . com BOBRenegadeWagon The perfect sidekick for adventures of all sizes. 642 Coleman Boulevard Mount Pleasant,SC 843.856.9277 | BabyBloomersHome.com ® Welcome to our flower community! A SPACE TO LEARN & CREATE WORKSHOPS | BIRTHDAYS | PRIVATE EVENTS 626 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 843-388-7543 Call us Today to reserve your spot for a customized foral design workshop! • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE • TIRE SALE We Match & Beat Any Estimate 1237 Ben Sawyer Blvd 843-216-1599 1084 Johnnie Dodds 843-881-1078 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER VISIT • Custom Exhaust • Tires • Diagnostic Service • Air Conditioning Repairs • Shocks-Struts • Brakes • Transmission • Tune-Ups • Alignments • Engines • Timing Belts FREE Tire Repair FREE Testing of Battery, Alternator & Starter Reg. Price $37.50 2023 ® Ben Sawyer Blvd. Harris Teeter Automotive Excellence Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital Regions Bank Wendy’s ChuckDawley Blvd. Sunoco Rifle Range Rd. TWO LOCATIONS! Automotive Excellence With this MPMCoupon. This coupon is not valid with any other coupon offers. Exp. 06/30/23. $10off Any Service $100 or More FREE Tire Rotation & Brake Inspection With Purchase of Any Other Service $500 OVER COST (Per Tire) Mounting & Tire Aalance Fees Apply Any Brand Tire Coolant Extra Coolant Flush $5775
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