I remember the first time I sunk my choppers into a homegrown, perfectly ripe, South Carolina peach. Like taking a bite out of the sun, it filled my senses with aromatic vibrancy and just the right amount of sweet. Grocery-store produce picking falls short of the wonder and sense of community provided at area farmers markets. Stacks of green onions, collards, crimson peppers … [Read more...]
The Past Looks Bright: Remembering Our Mount Pleasant Lighthouse
As any boater can tell you, navigating Charleston Harbor can be a tricky proposition because of its many sandbars and oyster beds. That challenge is of particular importance for the large commercial vessels entering and leaving this busy port city. Today, modern technology enables harbor pilots to guide ships safely through the main channel. But more than a century ago, ships … [Read more...]
Sustenance for the Soul and Body: The Center for Jewish Life
Jewish families seeking a taste of their religious heritage will soon have an array of appetizing options. The Charleston Center for Jewish Life, a 12,000-square-foot building currently under construction on 2.5 acres of land in a secluded, wooded area on Mathis Ferry Road in Mount Pleasant, is scheduled to open its doors in May 2016. According to Rabbi Yossi Refson, the … [Read more...]
Honoring Silence: A Mount Pleasant Resident Goes to Work at Mepkin Abbey
It is becoming more difficult to escape the outside noise these days. Whether we are at work, at home or out to dinner, the world begs for more of our attention through media – and, in turn, the window of time for doing something meaningful can feel as though it is shrinking away, leaving us with no space for our breath and our thoughts. More than 10 years ago, Mount … [Read more...]
A Perfect Dinner Pairing – Charleston’s Ronald McDonald House and the GCRA
For over 30 years, Charleston’s Ronald McDonald House has been an invaluable resource to families of hospitalized children, providing food and shelter so they can focus on the child’s return to health without worrying about paying for hotels and restaurants. Tens of thousands of family members have been helped by the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston, but when the … [Read more...]
Surrounded by East Cooper’s Past: Local Cemeteries
What is it about old cemeteries that we find so intriguing? Maybe it’s the serenity and natural beauty. Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s thoughts of the hereafter. Regardless, the East Cooper area has more than enough historic graveyards to evoke any of these pondering. Quite a few are in some rather unlikely places. Myrtle Grove is barely noticeable on busy Venning Road, … [Read more...]
The Ravenel Bridge’s Wonders’ Way
On most postcard-worthy days, you don’t think twice about slipping on your sneakers and taking a stroll or bike ride on the Ravenel Bridge’s Wonders’ Way. Weather permitting, it’s not uncommon to see hundreds taking in all this 2.7-mile pedestrian and bike path has to offer. Seeing the side of the bridge peppered with enthused cyclists, joggers, runners and walkers making their … [Read more...]
It’s a Small World: Mount Pleasant’s Thriving International Population
What makes Mount Pleasant and the rest of the Charleston so attractive to people from across the United States – from the lovely climate to the friendly residents – also draws folks from around the globe. At the grocery store or on the playground, it is common to hear different languages being spoken. The international influence on the local dining scene is apparent with … [Read more...]
What’s Up Dock? : Shem Creek Gets More Public Access
For several years, folks have been able to enjoy access to great vistas, fishing and strolling at Shem Creek Park. Now things are about to get even more interesting. The town has plans for increasing public access to the dock space behind Vickery’s Restaurant, Shem Creek Inn, the Dive Shop and Mt. Pleasant Seafood. Currently, use of the creek-side docks is mostly limited to … [Read more...]
A Piece of History: Park Was a Part of Pinckney’s Plantation
Most area residents recognize the name Snee Farm as one of Mount Pleasant’s long-established neighborhoods. But far fewer are familiar with one of its early residents – Charles Pinckney. Pinckney is well-known to historians as one of the signers – and drafters – of the U.S. Constitution. Every day, Americans enjoy the freedoms and protections that were his design. A small … [Read more...]