Fall pleasure seeking in Mount Pleasant
The Cooper River separates Mount Pleasant from Charleston, South Carolina. In earlier times, the Charleston newspaper placed advertisements to let Mount Pleasant residents know they had mail waiting. Residents then had to take a ferry over to Charleston to claim their mail.
Today, the eight-lane Arthur Ravenel Bridge connects the two. Within fifteen minutes, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the City of Charleston and arrive in another setting entirely; a peaceful, laid-back town built alongside the Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek. With another fifteen minutes, you can return to all the cultural and culinary opportunities Charleston has to offer.
But that’s only if you feel you must. Mount Pleasant has, in its own right, numerous attractions, fantastic lodging and dining choices, and outdoor recreation opportunities that are compelling. Mount Pleasant can easily capture your attention for the entirety of your stay in the area.
Boone Hall Plantation is a must see. Allow time to tour the main house, view the Black History in America Exhibit, walk to the Cotton Dock, ride the plantation coach tour and view the Butterfly Pavillion. For a special treat in history and music, attend the Gullah Culture live theater.
Guided tours of Mount Pleasant’s Old Village are available and usually include the Waterfront Park. Mosey up and down Pitt Street to see old businesses including a sixty-year-old pharmacy serving up homemade milkshakes.
Rev up your patriotism a notch with a visit to Patriots Point, located at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. A naval and maritime museum, the property is home to the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, which serves now as a museum ship. See the Vietnam Experience Exhibit and the Cold War Monument, as well.
Enter the great outdoors and grab your chance to get on the water at Coastal Expeditions. Kayaking has never been as leisurely and peaceful as out on the normally smooth waters of Shem Creek and the Harbor. It’s not unusual to spot numerous fowl, a dolphin or manatee.
For the perfect getaway or special occasion, settle in at the Cottages on Charleston Harbor. There’s no better way to watch the big ships, tugboats, and sailboats traverse the harbor than from the private screened porch of one of ten two bedroom, three bathroom luxurious cottages, still a best-kept secret. High-end amenities combine with a secluded setting. An attentive staff, private beach, use of beach cruisers to explore historic Patriots Point, and a deluxe continental breakfast all add up to a memorable stay.
Wings rule at Kickin’ Chicken where you can find a fresh, hearty lunch or dinner. Or grab a gourmet sandwich at the Square Onion, a deli-styled establishment specializing in sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. Indulge at the Charleston Harbor Fish House with a classic seafood pasta dish such as Shrimp Scampi. Eat like the locals do at Page’s Okra Grill.
For a special evening out, make your way to Langdon’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Mount Pleasant’s only AAA/Four Diamond restaurant where Lowcountry and global flavors are further enhanced by the elegant setting and warm hospitality. Create your own fusion of fine dining and history at the Old Post House & Inn in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant.
Upcoming events:
November 13 – 14: YALLFest, Downtown Charleston. The largest and most renowned festival in the country specifically geared toward Young Adult and Middle Grade Literature, will bring 63 acclaimed authors to Charleston. More than 5,000 international fans are expected to attend the fifth annual event. Details: visithttp://www.yallfest.org .
November 14 – 15: Plantation Days at Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston. Middleton Place invites visitors to see what life on a Low Country plantation was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. The National Historic Landmark welcomes guests to immerse themselves in Plantation Days, an annual event reflecting the activities of a Charleston plantation during the harvest season. Details:visithttps://www.middletonplace.org .
December 4- 6: Garden & Gun Jubilee, Charles Towne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. The third annual event will be a lively mix of sporting, shopping, food, music, art, special dinners and live entertainment on the grounds of the historic state park. The three-day festival attracts readers from all over the country, and celebrates the best of Southern culture. Details: www.gardenandgunjubilee.com
January 31: 33rd Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Boone Hall Plantation.
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” from local favorites. Details: http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/lowcountry-oyster-festival/.
February 12 – 14: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Multiple Charleston locations. SEWE is a three-day showcase of everything we love about wildlife and nature. It brings together people of all ages, men and women, sportsmen and conservationists, artists and artisans, fans and families. Through an incredible lineup of events – from fine art exhibits, conservation education, sporting demonstrations and parties, SEWE invites us all to explore our “wild” side and pay tribute to our naturally beautiful world. Details: http://sewe.com/the-exposition/.
This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Fall pleasure seeking in Mount Pleasant."