82 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com CELEBRATE HISTORY Visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens to explore Gullah history. While there, take in the colors of the flower gardens and enjoy the antique roses. Don’t forget to admire the countless butterflies in the butterfly pavilion. A remnant of Charles Pinckney’s coastal plantation, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site tells the story of a local figure. Here, you’ll learn about the lives of enslaved African Americans on South Carolina plantations and their influences on this “forgotten founder.” Stop by Patriots Point to tour National Historic Landmark ships, including the famed USS Yorktown. Then, take a stroll through the Medal of Honor Museum and visit the only replica of the Vietnam Naval Support Base Camp in the U.S. CONNECT WITH NATURE The 1250-foot-long Mount Pleasant Pier, part of Memorial Waterfront Park, stretches into Charleston Harbor under the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Enjoy stunning views while lounging on bench swings and under shade structures. The agricultural arm of Boone Hall Plantation, Boone Hall Farms boasts approximately 120 acres used to grow a wide variety of fresh local produce. Celebrate the bounty of the South with a farm tour and the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, held in April. Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park’s tropical setting with bicycle paths, boardwalks and picnic sites with grills is a perfect local getaway. With a 50-foot observation tower, families and groups enjoy fishing, nature trails and the Big Toy playground in this 943-acre park. EXPLORE YOUR WILD SIDE Join Coastal Expeditions and Nature Adventures on their kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard tours of Shem Creek and beyond to get closer to the flora and fauna that make the Lowcountry so remarkable. Head to the Pitt Street Bridge to fish off the pier or kayak through Charleston Harbor on a bright, sunshiny day. INDULGE YOUR INNER CHILD Head to Charleston Fun Park for go-karts, miniature golf, arcades, gemstone or fossil mining, jumping, climbing and more. The perfect place to go wild, Sky Zone Charleston is another amusing way to play the day away in Mount Pleasant. SHOP LOCAL Kick off the season by treasure-hunting in Charleston’s largest co-op mall featuring 25,000 square feet of new and pre-owned furniture, designer home accessories, antiques, vintage collectibles, art, jewelry and more. Hit up the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market for farm goods, food vendors and live music on Tuesdays from April through September. Open from 3:30-7 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion, the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is the perfect place to source quality seasonal ingredients and savor the flavors of the South. Walk the Old Village Historic District’s worn roads to delight in the gorgeous heritage homes, unique local
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1