MARCH/APRIL 2025 COASTAL REAL ESTATE INFO AT CAROLINAREALESTATEPODCAST.COM BEAUTIFUL HOMES • THE HAMMOCK COAST • BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT Lowcountry Luxury Tour of Top Neighborhood Homes Sold From Start to Finish Line www.BridgeRunHistory.com Eat. Play. Stay. Hammock Coast Guide to Fun Venues to Say “I do” Wedding Directory
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1 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 368 Evian Way Kain Slowikowski 843.847.9639 341 Bridgetown Pass 39 Isle of Hope Road 252 Cooper River Drive 1551 Ben Sawyer Boulevard 22 155 Wingo Way 418 HISTORIC CHARLESTON ISLE OF PALMS WILD DUNES FOLLY BEACH SULLIVAN'S ISLAND MT. PLEASANT KIAWAH / SEABROOK Real Estate 800.476.8444 • Vacation Rentals 888.250.8730 • dunesproperties.com 1444 Madison Court Tim Reese 843.906.1861 LUXURY Has a New Address Nestled on over three private acres, this tranquil Lowcountry retreat offers sweeping views of Horlbeck Creek and direct access to the Wando River. Vannessa Carter 423.967.0087 Laurie Minges 843.270.7633 Brian Mello 843.442.4958 Ann Shimer 843.442.4487 Keith McCann 843.442.6675 Add your home to this list! With four offices and agents specializing in each community, we can help you find the perfect place to work, play, live, and grow. Under Contract
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5 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 280 WEST COLEMAN BLVD.,MT PLEASANT, SC | 843.936.6997 | INTERIORMOTIVESMP@GMAIL.COM
6 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 20 MINUTES = HOURS IN THE GYM DON’T PAY FOR YOUR TRIAL! YOUR FIRST TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED WORKOUT IS ON US! 20-MINUTE WORKOUT. LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS. TOP 10 BENEFITS • TRAINING THAT IS EASY ON THE JOINTS, REDUCING STRAIN AND INJURY. • CORRECTION OF MUSCULAR IMBALANCES STRENGTHENING OF CORE AND ABDOMINAL MUSCLES • INCREASED OVERALL STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE • IMPROVEMENT OF POSTURE • REDUCTION IN CELLULITE • RELIEF FROM BACK PAINS • 20 MINUTES EQUALS HOURS OF CONVENTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING • INCREASED MUSCLE DEFINITION FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE TO REACH FITNESS GOALS 1117 Market Center Blvd, Ste 100 Mount Pleasant | 843‑388‑5074 body20.com/mount‑pleasant
7 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Jake Prichard: 843.375.5035 or jprichard@bewellathome.org Now is the time to plan for it. age 65+ wish to age in place in their homes. 90% of adults Home. If home is where you want to stay, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina offers BeWell@Home, a membership program that combines the support services of a traditional continuing care retirement community with the best benefits of longterm care insurance—while you live at home. BeWell@Home is a cost-effective and comprehensive long-term care solution with predictable costs that helps you safeguard your resources and avoid the high expense of future care needs. BeWell@Home may supplement an existing long-term care insurance policy, or it may be used as a standalone option. Plan for a lifetime at home. BeWell@Home membership is a fraction of the price you may pay for long-term care on your own. After a one-time membership fee, you can depend on a set monthly payment to help cover the services you may need, with no waiting period to access your benefit. You customize your future service levels and financial commitment with a choice of plan options that provide lifetime coverage. The time to plan is now, while you are healthy and independent. Assure a lifetime of living in the comfort of your home, with professional support when you need it. Wellness, Your Way. To enroll in BeWell@Home, members must be 50 years or older, reasonably healthy, live independently in South Carolina and maintain acceptable health insurance. When health needs change, navigating the healthcare maze can be overwhelming. You can rely on your Wellness Coordinator to work with you, and your physicians to best maintain your wishes when health issues arise. Your family or other support persons can also be involved—it’s up to you. LEARN MORE. ATTEND A SEMINAR. TALK ONE ON ONE. BeWellAtHome.org
8 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Staff Box.......................................................................11 Publisher’s Note.............................................................11 From the Editor.............................................................12 About the Cover............................................................15 Contributors. ................................................................ 16 On the Web...................................................................17 Social Buzz...................................................................18 25 35 15 contents BEAUTIFUL HOMES EDITION • VOL. 15, ISSUE 2 Calendar of Events..................................................19 Live Music Schedule...............................................23 Arts & Entertainment.................. 19 Mayor’s Message.....................................................25 Cooper River Bridge Run........................................27 Blessing of the Fleet................................................28 Credit One Charleston Open..................................29 Charleston Race Week............................................31 Two Girls and a Guy...............................................33 Ladies Who Lead....................................................35 Medal of Honor......................................................41 The Digital Touch...................................................45 Our Town........................ Old Village...............................48 Dunes West..............................49 Old Village...............................51 Dunes West..............................53 RiverTowne.............................. 55 Sullivan's Island.......................56 Home Beauty on a Budget........57 Pools & Landscapes..................60 Gorgeous Gardens....................63 Anchor Heating & Air.............65 Beautiful Homes...................................... 47 47 71 Eat, Play, Stay...................................................................................68 Tour of Lighthouses..........................................................................71 The Hammock Coast.................................. 67 41 Wedding Venue Directory..................74 Springfield Estates..............................76 The Porter Room................................77 Georgie Girl.......................................79 108 W Main......................................80 Bridal.....................................................................73
9 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contents BEAUTIFUL HOMES EDITION • VOL. 15, ISSUE 2 Best Of Voting......................................81 Business Ratings....................................82 Best Of Party.........................................85 Aqua Blue Pools....................................86 843 Nail & Spa.....................................87 Ridpath Insurance Agency.....................89 Polly’s Fine Jewelry................................91 Palmetto Primary Care..........................92 Absolute Wellness Care.........................93 Express Sunrooms of Charleston............93 Robyn Jones Hall..................................95 ECCO..................................................96 Timmy Hayes Moving...........................97 Rad Rydz..............................................98 Hobcaw Brewing...................................99 BlackOut Burger...................................99 Dish & Design Catering......................100 Rug’d Training.....................................101 Cachita's Kitchen................................102 In the Black Marketing........................103 Tapio School of Dance........................104 Our Neighbors........................................................144 Best of Mount Pleasant................................................ Reggie’s Report......................................137 Rescue of the Month.............................139 Guide to Dog Parks...............................140 Happy Owner, Happy Dog...................143 Our Pets...................................................................... High School Baseball....................................................105 Charleston Battery.......................................................109 Oceanside Collegiate Academy.....................................111 Our Sports..................................... March Snackness..........................................................113 New Fare......................................................................114 Behind the Bar.............................................................115 Meet the Chef..............................................................117 Food and Beverage........................... National Nutrition Month....................118 Food is Medicine...................................120 National Autism Awareness Month........122 Lowcountry Ovarian Cancer Alliance....124 River Landing Dentistry........................126 MINDZERO........................................127 Health and Wellness...................................................... John Chitwood .................................129 TOP TEN HOMES SOLD IN 2024 Dunes West......................................130 Coastal Dwellings............... Old Village.......................................131 Hamlin Plantation............................132 Sullivan's Island................................133 Park West.........................................135 I'On................................................. 136 113 118 109
10 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com ® ISLAND COURT OFFICE 1200 Two Island Court, Suite E | Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 www.PalmettoPrimaryCare.com Hayley Bryan, PA-C Call (854) 444-7676 to make your appointment today!
11 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com As part of our Newcomers Program, throughout the year each issue of Mount Pleasant Magazine is mailed to all new residents no matter what neighborhood they have moved to in the five local zip codes we serve, including Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant. Not only has our Newcomers Program helped our marketing partners reach new customers, but it’s also increased our subscriptions. This program has provided us with invaluable editorial feedback that has helped us improve how and what we publish in our magazine. An example is the overwhelming positive feedback we receive from new neighbors about our Best Of issue. We’ve been told our readers keep each issue of Mount Pleasant Magazine around, in most cases for years, as their go-to resource for sourcing the products and services they are seeking for their family and new home. That’s why we decided to expand the Best Of 2025 edition to include additional articles and ads highlighting even more of our community’s leading businesses. Look for the expanded Best Of edition at local businesses and your favorite Harris Teeter (See Page 81). To further help our readers find resources that can positively affect their lives, inside the Beautiful Homes edition we’ve assembled hard to find content regarding local real estate transactions. This includes information spotlighting various neighborhoods featured in the Top Ten Homes Sold in 2024. Congratulations to the agents who worked hard to earn their spot on the coveted Top Ten Homes Sold list. As a bonus, we are giving these realtors the opportunity to use our Top Ten Homes insignia, which is pictured here. Additionally, we will be interviewing various top-performing agents on our podcast www.CarolinaRealEstatePodcast.com. The tradition of the Top Ten Homes Sold list began back in in 2017. When users visit www.TopTenHomesSold.com, they will find 20 different neighborhoods and communities that feature past sales. It’s fascinating to reflect over these years and see the dramatic change in pricing and how much our town has grown. Our publishing family hopes you will enjoy reading our Best Of 2025 section and the Top Ten Homes Sold list inside our Beautiful Homes issue. We love that you’re spending time with us. Let us know what you like best about Mount Pleasant Magazine or what you would like to see improve by emailing me directly at Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com. Positively yours, Bill Macchio Publisher • Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com publisher’s note Beautiful Homes Edition • VOL. 15, ISSUE 2 PUBLISHER BILL MACCHIO PUBLISHER@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 DIRECTOR ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM DIGITAL/WEB EDITOR GEORGE CONKLIN COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS@GMAIL.COM AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS MARY COY • KATIE FINCH • MAURICE FRAZIER ALLYAH HARRAR • WILL HAYNIE • CARI LAWSON CLARK LEACH • COLIN MCCANDLESS • SARAH ROSE ANNE TOOLE • BROOKE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SARAH ROSE SARAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM PAUL SMITH PAUL@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM COLLEEN KASSNER COLLEEN@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM SHERRI ROSE SHERRI@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE BOSS DOG REGGIE DISTRIBUTION/DIRECT MAIL U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • 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. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2025. 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 Newcomers = New Readers
12 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Spring in the Lowcountry means it’s time to open those plantation shutters and let in the sunshine. Our Beautiful Homes edition offers our readers a chance to explore Charleston’s beauty inside and outside the home. Before we moan and groan about that never-ending spring cleaning checklist, let’s indulge in all of the fun that spring has to offer. Mild temperatures mean it’s time to swap out those long-sleeve shirts and pants for shorts and tank tops. Put the sunroof down and blast your favorite beach playlist. It’s also time to make outdoor reservations on Shem Creek or take your bike for a spin in the Old Village. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the Cooper River Bridge Run is right around the corner. Are you physically in race shape? If so, grab your running shoes and head over to the Ravenel Bridge and join 30,000 friends competing in our town’s historic 10K race. Read Page 27 to get mentally prepared. Get over it! Outdoor sporting events are back like the Credit One Charleston Open and that means the top professional women’s tennis players in the world are about to serve it up on Daniel Island. If you’re a fan of tennis, whether it’s watching or playing, you won’t want to miss this golden opportunity to see these stars shine. Check out Page 29 for a preview of what to expect at this year’s tournament. Good luck, Emma! Fan of sailing? Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point draws professional sailors from all over the United States and countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy and Australia. Last year, nearly 200 different boats competed in Charleston Harbor. May the wind be in your favor! See Page 31 for more info. Do you enjoy eating fresh, wild-caught local shrimp? The town’s annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival at Memorial Waterfront Park is a free, family-friendly event that pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry. Enjoy a boat parade, live music, food vendors, an artisan craft show, contests and kids’ activities. Cheers to a bountiful season! Read more about what’s in store on Page 28. Rest assured, there is much more to see and do this spring, this is just the tip of the tulip! Respectfully yours, Zach Giroux Managing Editor from the editorReasons to shout for spring SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2025 BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT • THE HAMMOCK COAST • BRIDAL Venues to Say “I do” Wedding Directory
13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com A Stand-Alone Memory Care Community. Come see what makes us different! Serving those with dementia and other related conditions. Mount Pleasant Gardens is committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our residents and their families while honoring the experience of aging. 843.216.1001 1025 Hungryneck Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 GardensMemoryCare.com Call for a Tour, Today! 2025 ® Reset Your Mind. Elevate Your Life. Become Limitless. Use promo code MPMAG10 for $10 oo your first session 1748 Towne Centre Way #102 MINDZERO.com | (843) 798−9596 Sauna | Cold Plunge | Breathwork
14 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 843.216.2222 or 800.940.7435 Elevate your living experience. 1885 Rifle Range Rd. • Mt. Pleasant FrankeAtSeaside.org Join our Family Guided by Faith, Inspired by You. At Franke at Seaside we offer a welcoming environment designed for those who want to stay engaged, enjoy new experiences, and a vibrant, active lifestyle. From fitness classes to exploring hobbies and socializing, your days are filled with opportunities. And with our dedicated team offering support, you can feel confident your health and well-being are in good hands as your needs evolve. Backed by a long tradition of excellence in senior living, let our family take care of yours. Independent Living Apartments & Patio Homes • Assisted Living & Memory Care • Short-term Rehab • Long-term Care
15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com An estate known as “Seven Oaks,” 967 Royall Ave. is situated on a secluded .4-acre lot in the heart of the historic Old Village. Every room in the home, designed by architect Eric Daffron, captures postcard-esque views of Sullivan’s Island, the lighthouse, the Intracoastal Waterway and the marsh. A resort-style infinity pool also offers vistas and panoramas, as does the private dock where boaters, kayakers and fishing enthusiasts enjoy rare direct water access. The custom 5,000-square-foot build was completed in 2024 and boasts five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. Additionally, the house incorporates approximately 2,300 square feet of covered porches and decks. The open-plan layout of the main floor centers around views from the living room adjacent to a dining room, kitchen and scullery. On the same level is an office, mudroom, laundry, powder room and the primary suite, which about the cover BY SARAH ROSE includes a private waterfront porch and spa-like bathroom. The top floor features a second laundry room that services three more bedrooms and two bathrooms. The bonus living room opens out onto an expansive porch perfect for taking in the fresh air. Extras include an elevator that connects all floors from the three-car garage. A detached guest house or mother-in-law quarters also has a bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Throughout the home, fine details such as designergrade finishes, herringbone white oak floors, custom stonework and bespoke millwork set Seven Oaks apart as an exceptional destination. To tour your dream home today, contact Alex Brener with Carolina One Real Estate at alexbrenerrealestate.com. 940 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. | Suite 100 | Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843.606.2397 | buxtonandcollie.com ® VOTED BEST FIRM FOR REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS LAW 5 YEARS IN A ROW! At Buxton & Collie, our commercial and residential real estate team offers comprehensive legal counsel on a wide range of real estate matters. From residential buyers and sellers, to commercial real estate owners and syndicated investors, developers, family partnerships, and rural real estate matters. WE’D BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION. Brian Collie Nina Ivankovic Jonathan Savitske Michael Allen An Experienced REAL ESTATE TEAM About the Cover
16 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com contributors 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! 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. 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. 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 and puppy at Disney World! Allyah Harrar is an SEO specialist and certified data nerd. Raised in the Outer Banks, she moved to Charleston in early 2024. She got her bachelor's degree from Ursinus College and has been trying to convince her dog Russ to become her data analyst sidekick. Colin McCandless is a Charlestonbased 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. Clark Leach is a business and health writer with more than 20 years of experience. He has written for several 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. Maurice J. Frazier is a freelance writer living on Daniel Island. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in the North Charleston and Summerville area, he has been working in the TV and film industry for the last eight years. 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. Anne Toole was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, where she resides with her husband and two children. She works in a school by day and has been moonlighting as a freelance writer for more than a decade. Anne finds joy in writing about the people, places, cultures, history and food that uniquely shape the Lowcountry.
17 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the web The Town of Mount Pleasant’s YouTube channel offers a front row seat to everything happening in the community. Stay up to date on major projects, traffic updates, public meetings and the latest town initiatives. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the talented staff bringing projects to life and working to make Mount Pleasant a great place to live, work and play. From quick updates to in-depth recaps, the town’s YouTube is the place for longer, more detailed videos covering key issues, project highlights and town meetings. Whether catching up on important decisions or learning more about community efforts, residents can take a deeper dive into the topics that matter most to them. Subscribe to @TOMPSC on YouTube today. Stay Tuned in to your Town For even more updates, follow @mountpleasantgov on Instagram and Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on Facebook. Additional ways to stay informed, including Notify Me alerts and the town administrator’s E-brief newsletter, are available at tompsc.com. Have feedback or suggestions? Reach out to communications@tompsc.com. Stay connected — Mount Pleasant is just a click away! America’s oldest preserved plantation open to the public. Charleston, South Carolina | draytonhall.org Museum Galleries | Historic House | Active Archaeology See it and be moved.
18 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com social buzz In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful platform for expressing emotions, opinions and support. Mount Pleasant is no exception, with countless individuals sharing their love and appreciation through posts and comments. Residents and local businesses are increasingly using our platforms to celebrate the bonds they share and the positive impact the community has had on their lives. Mount Pleasant Magazine is a vital tool for building your brand and growing your audience. From showcasing our editorial features to supporting local businesses, our online presence encourages engagement and strengthens community connections. If you’re interested in expanding your audience or partnering with Mount Pleasant Magazine, email Publisher@MountPleasantMagazine.com or call (843) 530-0403.
19 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com MARCH Charleston Wine + Food Festival When: 3/5-3/9 Where: Different venues across Charleston The annual festival features in-restaurant brunches, lunches and dinners, cooking classes, beverage workshops, large walkabout thematic events, educational excursions and a large sampling experience at Johnson Hagood Stadium. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Charleston Festival When: 3/13-4/13 Where: Different venues throughout Charleston Historic Charleston Foundation has celebrated houses, history and culture through its annual spring festival since its founding in 1947. As the Foundation’s largest fundraising and educational event, the month-long festival has evolved into a holistic celebration of Charleston’s history, architecture, culture and community. --------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Patrick’s Day Block Party & Parade When: 3/15 Where: Park Circle The celebration will feature live music, street vending and fare from Olde North Charleston restaurants, a Kid’s Zone and more. The party, parade and parking are free to the public. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Charleston Show When: 3/21-3/23 Where: Charleston Festival Hall The Charleston Show brings together 30 exhibitors from the U.S. and Europe showcasing the best period to midcentury furniture, traditional and contemporary art and ceramics, jewelry, folk art, oriental rugs, silver, prints and maps and garden and architectural antiques. Calendar of Events
20 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mount Pleasant Art Fest When: 3/22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Town Centre This annual festival brings families and cultural enthusiasts together with budding and professional artists for an event that showcases a diverse array of local and regional artistic talent. Local music, dance and visual arts studios offer stunning performances by some of the area’s most talented individuals and groups. --------------------------------------------------------------------- House and Garden Tours When: 3/27-3/29 Where: Different venues across Charleston Annual tours provided through the Garden Club of Charleston, visiting selected local gardens not usually open to the public. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Brunch Festival When: 3/29 from noon-4 p.m. Where: Johnson Hagood Stadium A celebration of brunch with brunch bites from great Charleston restaurants and food trucks, mimosas, bloody marys, beer and wine. Featuring live music and a DJ. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Credit One Charleston Open When: 3/29-4/6 Where: Credit One Stadium The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament, will feature some of the world’s best professional tennis players including Charleston resident and US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro, Australian Open champion Madison Keys, US Open finalist Jessica Pegula and Australian Open semifinalist Paula Badosa. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Summerville Flowertown Festival When: 4/4-4/6 Where: Historic Downtown Summerville Every spring, Summerville comes alive with vibrant azaleas, wisteria and dogwoods for the annual Flowertown Festival, proudly hosted by the Summerville Family YMCA. Recognized as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast, this three-day arts and crafts festival attracts more than 200,000 visitors to enjoy local artisans, delicious food and family-friendly entertainment. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 48th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run When: 4/6 at 8 a.m. Where: Corner of Simmons and Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Hosting a capacity of 38,500 participants, the Cooper River Bridge Run is the third largest 10K event in the U.S. Typically, it draws participants from all 50 states and 15 different countries. calendar of events APRIL
21 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com MORE WAYS TO ATTEND!!! MORE TICKET OPTIONS!!! SEE COMPLETE EVENT DETAILS AND FAQ AT: BooneHallPlantation.com EVENT LOCATED AT 2434 NORTH HWY. 17 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC. 29464 live in 2025 April 4-6 & 11-13 Presented By
22 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Race Week When: 4/10-4/13 Where: Charleston Harbor Widely considered the pinnacle of annual sailboat racing events in the country, Charleston Race Week draws professional sailors from all over the United States and different countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy and Australia. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Lowcountry Cajun Festival When: 4/12 from noon-6 p.m. Where: James Island County Park Annual Louisiana-themed food and music festival at James Island County Park, with Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, other Southern and festival foods, children’s activities and more. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Charleston Cocktail Week When: 4/21-4/27 Where: Various bars and restaurants in Charleston This annual event showcases the best bars and restaurants in the area, bringing locals and travelers together to experience the epicurean masterpieces of Charleston’s renowned chefs, mixologists and bartenders. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Daniel Island Fine Art Show When: 4/26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Daniel Island Recreation Center The fine art show and sale will feature 18 local artists showcasing their original work. Admission is free to the public. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival When: 4/27 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Memorial Waterfront Park An annual celebration of the local seafood industry, with the ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, food from local restaurants, boat parade, live music, craft show, contest and other family activities. Admission and activities are free. --------------------------------------------------------------------- North Charleston Arts Fest When: 4/30-5/4 Where: Variety of venues across North Charleston Popular annual arts festival featuring a range of visual and performing arts performances, concerts, exhibitions, demonstrations and more. calendar of events
23 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Live Music MARCH------------------- KRS-ONE When: 3/6 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House With 20 published albums to his credit and his numerous appearances with other artists, KRS-One is believed to have written the most rhymes in hip hop’s history. --------------------------------------------------------------------- BEETHOVEN’S 5TH SYMPHONY When: 3/7 and 3/8 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center This program features Beethoven’s groundbreaking Fifth Symphony and the incredible prize-winning pianist George Li performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. JoAnn Falletta, acclaimed by American Public Media as “a mighty figure on the global music scene,” returns to conduct the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. --------------------------------------------------------------------- GARY CLARK JR. When: 3/11 at 8 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center The four-time Grammy Award-winning, gifted multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and performer brings his tremendous talents to Charleston. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FRUITION When: 3/13 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Fruition is American roots music at its broadest and boldest — a melting pot of rock, soul, folk and pop. --------------------------------------------------------------------- BLAKE SHELTON When: 3/14 at 7 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center Country star and American singer-songwriter Blake Shelton, who served as a coach on the TV show “The Voice” from 20112023, brings his “Friends & Heroes” tour to the Holy City. --------------------------------------------------------------------- WILDER WOODS When: 3/16 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Wilder Woods is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who is a founding member and lead singer of the rock band Needtobreathe. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ZZ TOP When: 3/19 at 7:30 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center Classic rock icons ZZ Top are known for their distinctive rock and roll sound and epic beards. --------------------------------------------------------------------- HALEY MAE CAMPBELL When: 3/23 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Blending infectious pop melodies and conversational lyrics with a Celtic-inspired sound that honors her Irish roots, a listen through Haley Mae Campbell’s debut album feels like catching up with a friend on FaceTime. --------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY When: 3/24 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Explosions in the Sky is an American post-rock band, formed in Austin, Texas, in 1999. --------------------------------------------------------------------- TREY ANASTASIO When: 3/30 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center Best known as a founding member and frontman of the jam band Phish, composer/guitarist/vocalist Trey Anastasio has forged a multi-faceted career, winning acclaim in rock, classical and theatrical circles. APRIL--------------------- JOHN VINCENT III When: 4/3 at 8 p.m. Where: Music Farm John Vincent III is an Americana artist with a penchant for pairing soulful folk-pop melodies with vulnerable lyrics. --------------------------------------------------------------------- AWOLNATION When: 4/8 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall Awolnation is an American rock band from Los Angeles formed and fronted by Aaron Bruno.
24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- WOOFSTOCK 2025: A LOWCOUNTRY DOG MUSIC FESTIVAL When: 4/12 from noon-7 p.m. Where: Hanahan Amphitheater Bring Fido to listen to live music and support local rescues at this annual event! There will be food trucks and local vendors. --------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND When: 4/13 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall For nearly six decades, the three-time Grammy Awardwinning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has entertained audiences with their top-shelf musicianship and timeless hits. --------------------------------------------------------------------- RUBBLEBUCKET When: 4/15 at 9 p.m. Where: Music Farm Rubblebucket is an American art-pop and indie-rock band from Brooklyn, New York. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CHICAGO: LIVE IN CONCERT When: 4/16 at 7:30 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center Self-described as a "rock and roll band with horns," Chicago’s songs often also combine elements of classical music, jazz, R&B and pop music. --------------------------------------------------------------------- THE FRAY When: 4/17 at 8 p.m. Where: Charleston Music Hall The Fray has earned four Grammy Award nominations, scored a multitude of Billboard Top 10 hits and amassed a passionately devoted worldwide fanbase. --------------------------------------------------------------------- CHARLESTON JAZZ FESTIVAL When: 4/21-4/29 Where: Different concert venues throughout Charleston Join us for a transformative celebration featuring worldclass performances and enriching education programs. --------------------------------------------------------------------- SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 When: 4/26 at 8:30 p.m. Where: Charleston Pour House Seun Kuti is a Nigerian musician, singer and songwriter renowned for his captivating performances and socially conscious music. --------------------------------------------------------------------- HIGH WATER FEST When: 4/26-4/27 Where: Riverfront Park This annual music festival brings musicians together from all over the country and the world to the riverfront of North Charleston. Headlining acts this year include Arcade Fire, Counting Crows, Lord Huron, Mt. Joy and Trampled by Turtles. live music
25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town As we celebrate and admire the remarkable homes in our community in this edition, let’s take a minute to reflect on the nature of Mount Pleasant and what makes this one of the most desirable communities in the nation. I have had the privilege of observing Mount Pleasant in every phase of my life: childhood, young adulthood and middle to senior age. I have seen it grow beyond what anyone could imagine and yet the essence of what makes it unique still exists. True, it is not the small, quaint fishing village it was when my family first moved here and yet the tight-knit fishing community still exists with all its quaintness. The attendance of thousands of people at our annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration gives testimony to the importance of the local shrimping/fishing fleet among all our residents. We now have exquisite homes, both old and new, all the way from the Old Village to the farthest reaches of the municipal limits. This shows that interest in living here and building remarkable residences has remained strong over several centuries. As a member of your local government, I see it as our job to continue to protect the uniqueness of our town, its natural resources and its livability. The question is, how can that be accomplished? These are some of the issues Mount Pleasant is identifying and addressing to keep our community livable and vibrant: • SAFETY: Because of our excellent police, we have one of the lowest crime rates in the state and our fire department is as good as they come. Two state-of-the-art fire engines have just entered service and more are on order and fully funded. • RESILIENCY: We were one of the first Lowcountry municipalities to establish a standing Flood Resilience Committee to address flooding and drainage, ensuring protection of your property and its value. Flooding disclosures have become increasingly important in real estate transactions and your local government must be highly proactive. We also established a GREEN Commission comprised of credentialed professionals to guide us in ways to reduce and mitigate flooding and protect natural resources. • LIVABILITY: We are constantly addressing issues such as traffic flow, increasing and improving green space and affordability. Homes near green space appraise as much as 30% higher and it also adds flood resiliency. Affordability is a huge issue as we have the distinction of being the most expensive nonresort residential real estate in South Carolina. Our goal is to be a true community – not a resort – so that multiple generations of families can afford to live here and enjoy life together. My wife Suzette and I have four grown children and have just moved my parents here into a senior living community. We wish our children could live here, but lack of affordability prevents it. We know that we are not alone in that. As your mayor, I continue to work with the council and affordable housing groups to find solutions. Our future as a healthy, complete community depends on it. BY WILL HAYNIE MAYOR OF MOUNT PLEASANT Mayor’s Message Preserving our uniqueness
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27 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Fitness enthusiasts from all over the country and the world will convene in Charleston on Saturday, April 5 for the 48th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run. Hosting a capacity of 38,500 participants, the Bridge Run is the third largest 10K event in the U.S. Typically, the race draws participants from all 50 states and 15 different countries. Of course, pulling off such a massive race wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. James Island resident Pat Welch, president of the Charleston Running Club, which sponsors four local races throughout the year, said its members volunteer their time to fill all the registration packets for the Bridge Run. Typically anywhere from 12 to 15 volunteers work in two-tofive-hour shifts stuffing 30,000 to 40,000 bags with bibs, shirts and vendor goodies, according to Welch, who also serves on the board of the Bridge Run and has participated in the race more than 20 times. Charleston Running Club (CRC) race director Tony Shuler is one of those volunteers. Shuler, a downtown Charleston resident and a 12-year member of the CRC, has volunteered with the Bridge Run for the last four years. In a process that typically takes place two weeks before the Bridge Run, the team of volunteers loads the packets with cards from different vendors that include items such as $10 coupons and readies them for the packet pickup at the Health & Wellness Expo. On a big day, they can prepare 1,000-1,500 bags to distribute to runners and walkers. Another responsibility of volunteers is coordinating people’s sizes for their shirts, which registrants also get through the Health & Wellness Expo. However, Shuler said volunteers also do a massive mail out in the thousands to obtain shirt sizes from those participants who cannot attend the Expo. Shuler said for the volunteers, it’s neat to see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into organizing a major operation like the Bridge Run and to see the fruits of their labor displayed at the Expo, where people will pick up their race packets on the Thursday and Friday before the event. Shuler, 67, has completed the Bridge Run 10 times in the past and still runs every day to stay in shape, but he no longer competes in races. Since he lives downtown though, he runs the Ravenel Bridge often. Shuler cited a couple of factors that motivated him to volunteer. “I wanted to give back. You just feel honored that you helped with the Bridge Run to put it all together.” Further, Shuler said he enjoys knowing what the volunteer process entails for a race of this magnitude. He added that he also likes that it “kind of helps you build a rapport with runners.” Packet and race shirt pickup for the 2025 race is at the Expo at the Charleston Area Convention Center on Thursday, April 3 from noon-8 p.m. and Friday, April 4 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no packet pickup on race day. The start is at the corner of Simmons and Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. Start time is 8 a.m., but you should be in your corral by 7 a.m. The Real MVPs Bridge Run volunteers: the most valuable participants Charleston Running Club Bridge Run volunteers pictured left from right: Gary Ricker, Pat Welch, Nancy Curry, Jack Cleland (in back), Tony Shuler and Kathy Brown. BY COLIN MCCANDLESS More about the Bridge Run at www.BridgeRunHistory.com. Photo courtesy of bridgerun.com Photo provided by Tony Shuler.
28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Get ready for a fun, festive atmosphere as the Town of Mount Pleasant hosts the 38th annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Waterfront Park. This free family-friendly event pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, live music, food vendors, an artisan craft show, contests and kids’ activities, according to Town of Mount Pleasant events coordinator Tracy Richter. The boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/ fishing fleet kicks off the event at 11:30 a.m. Bring your appetite, as there will be savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant’s best restaurants and vendors will be serving festival staples including kettle korn, funnel cakes, shaved ice, ice cream, baked goods and more. Stroll through the craft show and enjoy a variety of handmade arts and crafts. Show off your competitive spirit and enter the Shrimp Eating Contest or strut your stuff at the Bowers Beach Boogie Dance Competition. It’s also a memorial event and there will be memorabilia and T-shirts for sale, with proceeds supporting nonprofit beneficiaries. Additionally, every one of the shrimp boats from the Shem Creek fleet that registers to participate in the boat parade will receive a stipend, said Richter. COMMEMORATING MARITIME HERITAGE Leading up to the event, there will be Fleet Week activities including an art show and the installation of the Wayne Magwood Fishermen’s Memorial Statue on the pedestrian walkway at Shem Creek. The statue will be dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the rich maritime heritage of Mount Pleasant fishermen, represented by Captain Wayne Magwood, a Mount Pleasant icon who captained his Winds of Fortune trawler for over 30 years. The Magwoods, a shrimping family institution synonymous with Shem Creek, started the Blessing of the Fleet festival in 1988. Magwood was tragically killed in September 2020 after being hit by a vehicle while crossing Coleman Boulevard. The family received an outpouring of support from people in the community calling to erect a statue in his remembrance, which ultimately led to the town launching a GoFundMe fundraiser to pay for a Fishermen’s Memorial. The sculpture features a QR code people can scan for information about the shrimping industry as well as a list of restaurants serving wild-caught, local seafood, shared Richter. “We feel deeply privileged to have been able to partner with the town and have been supported by the community for this project,” said Tressy Magwood Mellichamp, author of the local history book “East Cooper: A Maritime Heritage,” and one of Magwood’s four daughters along with Jennifer Ray, Tara Magwood and Melissa Magwood, who collaborated with the town to spearhead the memorial statue initiative. “The project is a huge honor to be a part of for ourselves as well, but more importantly it helps us to continue our father’s legacy by supporting our local Shem Creek fleet. This means so much to all of us to celebrate our rich heritage as well as spotlight the Town of Mount Pleasant fishing community, hopefully for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported this project!” Festival parking will not be available at Memorial Waterfront Park due to construction. Attendees can park at Mount Pleasant Town Hall or East Cooper Medical Center. Shuttle buses will run continuously throughout the event to and from these locations, said Richter. She added that people are allowed to bring coolers and chairs on the shuttles. For more information, visit experiencemountpleasant. com/event/blessing-of-the-fleet-seafood-festival. BY COLIN MCCANDLESS our townSmooth Shrimping Blessing of the Fleet floats on
29 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com North America’s largest women’s only tennis tournament, the Credit One Charleston Open, returns to Daniel Island on March 29 to April 6. The award-winning WTA 500 tournament features some of the top players in the world including Charleston resident, World No. 8 and US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro; World No. 5 and Australian Open champion Madison Keys; World No. 4 and US Open finalist Jessica Pegula; and World No. 10 and Australian Open semifinalist Paula Badosa. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the tournament being played in Charleston. Originally held on Hilton Head Island starting in 1973, the event relocated to Charleston in 2001. Reflecting on its impact on the Lowcountry from a tennis perspective, COCO tournament director Bob Moran said there are two ways it has been impactful. The first is on the player development side. “It’s not lost on me that the two professional tennis players that have come from Charleston are female, in Shelby Rogers and Emma Navarro. They grew up being inspired by the years of watching professional women’s tennis here in Charleston.” The second is on the community side. “And the exponential growth of tennis in the Charleston area. Charleston has grown significantly in participation from the moment we moved here back in 2001,” noted Moran. The Lowcountry Tennis Association (LCTA) currently runs the fourth largest local adult tennis league program in the country. Moran attributes the tournament’s growth and success to a couple of things. “There’s always been a great commitment here to putting on a first-class event,” he said. Additionally, Charleston supplies a scenic backdrop as a host city that attracts both players and fans. “So I think it’s a perfect storm of those two factors.” COCO DELIVERS A THREE-PEAT In 2024, the Credit One Charleston Open won the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year award for the third consecutive year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), is voted on by the players. Discussing what earning a three-peat of the award means to the tournament team of staff and volunteers who put on the event, Moran stated, “It’s how we measure ourselves. We measure ourselves by our fans, by our partners, by the players. And we take great pride in knowing that when the players make a decision about what their favorite experience is — it’s Charleston, the Credit One Charleston Open — that means the world to the whole team.” As they examine ways to improve the tournament, Moran said that it’s less about offering something new and more about enhancing what they currently do to make the player and fan experience better. One major change fans will notice in 2025 is that this will be the first year of fully electronic line calling. This will also include live replay so fans will have access to real-time data during the event. They have invested in new lighting systems on the outdoor courts as well. “From the overall general experience of what’s going on the grounds from music to interviews, entertainment, the food and beverage options — we just continue to refine and get better,” added Moran. Court on the Coast Charleston Open celebrates 25 years on Daniel Island For more information, visit creditonecharlestonopen.com. BY COLIN MCCANDLESS our town Photo courtesy of Charleston Tennis LLC
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