🌴 A Park Glow Up, Seafood Festival, and The Hidden House

Hey Palmetto Parents,

As we wrap up April, you can feel the shift. The days are stretching a little longer, the weather is warming up just right, and everything starts to hint at summer being right around the corner. It is that sweet spot of the year when getting out of the house feels easy, and some of the best memories tend to come from the simplest plans.

In this issue, we are leaning into that energy. We are heading to J. Marshall Stith Park on Sullivan's Island to check out its recent glow up, highlighting the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, one of the most anticipated events of the season, and stopping by The Hidden House Coffee Tea Wine Bar, a charming and beautifully designed coffee and wine spot tucked just off King Street in Charleston. We are also sharing a few small but meaningful reminders from the week about the ways parents show up for each other, and how those everyday moments can end up being the ones that matter most.

Enjoy the read!

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This park has been a staple in the Sullivan's Island area, and a few weeks ago it got a fresh new facelift. J. Marshall Stith Park is one of those easy, go-to spots that somehow works for every age and every kind of outing.

The updated playground areas are a huge win, especially for younger kids. The new pirate ship is perfect for toddlers who want to climb and explore but still feel steady on their feet. They can walk around, play, and feel independent without you having to hover every second. There is also a dedicated toddler area, along with a larger, more classic jungle gym toward the back for bigger kids who want a bit more adventure.

Beyond the playgrounds, the park really opens up. There are tennis courts and even a training wall, a basketball area where kids can run around and shoot, and a large soccer field. Right in the center, the gazebo anchors the space and gives it that classic, community park feel.

One of the most fun features, though, is the giant hill. It is perfect for those fearless kids who just want to run, climb, and roll. Tucked nearby is a small wooded area that some of our friends have lovingly named the “bamboo forest.” There are little trails winding through it that lead up to the top of the hill, and it gives kids that sense of adventure they are always looking for. They feel like they are off exploring on their own, even though they are only a few feet away, which makes it a win for everyone.

A couple of helpful things to know before you go. There are no public restrooms at the park, but there are plenty of nearby restaurants that are happy to accommodate families if needed. Parking is easy, with a dedicated lot right across the street and additional street parking available.

Whether you are meeting friends, letting your kids burn off energy, or just looking for a simple outdoor outing, J. Marshall Stith Park is one of those spots that makes getting out of the house feel easy and fun.

I have never personally been to the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, but it is one of those events that you hear about year after year, and it consistently sounds like a highlight of the season in Mount Pleasant. And one of the best parts? It’s at one of Charlestons best parks, Memorial Waterfront Park. It is completely free and centered around supporting local businesses and the hardworking fishing community that makes the Lowcountry so special.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and the Cooper River, this family-friendly waterfront festival celebrates the area’s deep-rooted fishing heritage. The main event is the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, where working shrimp boats parade through the harbor and receive a ceremonial blessing for a safe and successful season. It is one of those uniquely Charleston experiences that blends history, community, and coastal charm all in one place.

The day is packed with things to see and do. Festivities kick off around 11am with the National Anthem and a welcome from the mayor, followed by a procession to the pier and the official blessing and boat parade at 11:30am. Throughout the afternoon, there is live music, including performances from The Smythes and the East Coast Party Band, plus plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family engaged.

And then there are the crowd favorites. The Shrimp Eating Contest is exactly what it sounds like, fast-paced, a little chaotic, and a lot of fun to watch. The Shag Dance contest brings in that classic beach music energy, celebrating South Carolina’s official state dance with plenty of personality and audience participation.

Of course, no seafood festival would be complete without the food. Local Mount Pleasant chefs and vendors serve up a wide variety of seafood dishes and festival favorites, from fresh shrimp to funnel cakes and everything in between. It is a great opportunity to support local restaurants and learn more about where your seafood comes from. You will even see reminders to ask before you order so you can support wild-caught, local seafood whenever possible.

Beyond the food and entertainment, there are also free activities for all ages, a craft show, and a juried art exhibit hosted by the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, showcasing regional talent. The fun will wind down at 5pm.

Whether you are a longtime local or just looking for something fun to do with your family, the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival offers a full day of tradition, community, and waterfront views that feel uniquely Lowcountry.

The Hidden House Coffee, Tea & Wine Bar is every girl’s dream. And while yes, it is very pink, it is balanced with so many timeless, elegant touches that for an hour or two, you can completely escape the chaos of crumbs in your minivan or SUV and the never-ending trail of Legos and toys at home.

Nestled just off bustling King Street, The Hidden House truly feels like stepping into a different pace of life. By day, it is a warm and welcoming coffee and tea lounge, perfect for a quiet moment alone or catching up with a friend. As the sun sets, it shifts into a cozy wine bar with a thoughtfully curated menu and an atmosphere that leans into intentional hospitality. It is one of those rare places that works just as well for a slow morning as it does for an early evening unwind.

On our visit, we tried the Bluebird savory matcha, which was incredible and such a unique twist, along with the Jardin Party, a sparkling green tea with blueberry basil syrup that made the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Both felt refreshing, elevated, and a little bit special.

Their menu offers a variety of light bites that pair perfectly with whatever you are sipping. You will find pastries like croissants, cinnamon rolls, and danishes, along with more filling options like avocado toast, sandwiches, and quiche. If you are leaning toward something celebratory, they also serve mimosas, spritzes, and a wine list with a few cocktails mixed in. One of the most popular is the Garden Party Spritz, made with blueberry basil syrup, green tea, and prosecco, which feels very on brand for the space.

As the evening sets in, the wine bar menu expands to include charcuterie, flatbreads, affogato, tiramisu, prosciutto-wrapped dates, and other small plates that are perfect for sharing. It is the kind of place where you can linger a little longer than planned.

A couple of helpful notes for parents. There is no changing table in the bathroom, and while it is not the most stroller-friendly spot due to its dainty, intimate layout, it can still be a lovely stop with older kids or for a more intentional outing. It is also the perfect little pit stop before or after a stroll through Marion Square.

The design alone is worth the visit. It truly feels like an interior designer’s dream, with thoughtful details in every corner that make the space feel both elevated and inviting. They also host a variety of fun events, so it is worth checking out their website or social media to see what is coming up next.

Whether you are sneaking away for a solo coffee, meeting a friend, or planning a special outing like a Mother’s Day date, The Hidden House offers a little escape right in the heart of Charleston.

I had two moments this week that reminded me just how powerfully moms can show up for each other. Not big, planned events, just those everyday “playdates that also include moms” where life happens in between snacks, sunscreen, and a little bit of chaos.

One of those moments has been a weekly workout I have started doing with a few other moms, led by one of our friends who is a personal trainer. It has been so motivating to have that built-in support and accountability. There is something about showing up together that makes it easier to stay consistent and take care of yourself, which in turn helps you show up better for your kids. In between lifting sets, we were all taking turns distracting the younger kids, which was honestly just super cute. At one point, my 20 month old was even “helping” with the youngest baby in the group, gently rocking his car seat like he had an official job.

Later in the week, my kids and I were getting ready for what we thought would be a big pool afternoon. I packed drinks for the moms and had everything set up, looking forward to spending time together. But right before everyone was supposed to arrive, one of my friends called to say she had to rush to an emergency dentist appointment because a piece of her tooth had chipped and was literally in her hand. I told her to drop her boys off and go. What was supposed to be a full mom hang turned into me with five kids, which at first felt like a bit of a letdown. But it ended up being one of those unexpectedly sweet afternoons. Her boys jumped right in, carrying my baby around the pool, feeding him snacks, handing him his drink, and even helping him climb onto a chair. At one point, I actually got to sit still for ten to fifteen minutes while all five kids played happily together, which felt like a small miracle.

It was such a simple reminder that parenthood is a marathon. The days are long, and not everything goes as planned, but there are these small, meaningful moments of victory woven in. Sometimes it looks like showing up for a workout when you are tired. Sometimes it looks like telling a friend to go take care of herself while you handle the chaos for a bit. And sometimes, it looks like a group of kids stepping up in the sweetest ways so everyone gets what they need.

See you next time!

Love,

Jenna