🌴 Art Museums, Viral Starbucks Orders, and Sand & Sea Fest

Hi Palmetto Parents,

Are we done with the colder weather and with sick season? Last week I was in the ER twice for a terrible stomach bug. The worst part of a stomach bug is knowing your kids could projectile (from either end) at any point in time. I am happy to report, I was the only one to get sick!

I went to two different ERs. One experience was not great, but the other was wonderful. I was sent to the new MUSC ER in Johns Island/Kiawah by my doctor. I was sent there specifically to get a CT Scan. It was a very pleasant experience. I waited in the waiting room for FIFTEEN MINUTES. Miracle in itself. I was treated with respect, expertise and friendliness. There was one point I was given a new chapstick from the nurses!

In the summer months this new ER is expected to get busier. But its good to know if you are in need of medical intervention. As always, consult a professional!

This weekend is busy with fun events so buckle up! I share a new to us, but a well known waterfront park that is less busy than its rivals, Carr-Richardson Park. Then we have three events this weekend. A fun parents night out this Friday night at the Halsey Institute, then Saturday and Sunday will be the Sea & Sand Festival at Folly beach, and Sunday the Gibbs Art Museum is hosting a FREE family fun day!

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I am so excited that the short winter weeks are finally coming to an end, because my kids and I have been soaking up so many sweet post nap afternoons at the park lately. There is just something about that golden hour before dinner when everyone needs fresh air and space to run, and lately Carr-Richardson Park has been our go to.

Located at 1071 Bender Street in the historic Maryville-Ashleyville neighborhood, Carr-Richardson Park is a beautiful addition to West Ashley. Tucked along the Ashley River, this nearly three acre park transformed what used to be an abandoned contractor’s yard into one of the first city waterfront parks in the area. It truly feels like a hidden gem that reconnects the neighborhood back to the river.

The layout is thoughtfully designed, with deep porches, a wide front lawn perfect for picnics or tossing a ball, and a more intimate rear lawn for smaller gatherings. There is also a 2,000 square foot indoor facility and an open air pavilion that make the space feel flexible and welcoming for events. Instead of dominating the view, the building was intentionally placed to act as a backdrop, keeping the focus on the open green space and river views.

For families, the walking trails and playground are the real win. My kids can climb and explore while I enjoy a slower lap around the path or sit and watch the river. There is a small parking lot on site, making it easy for quick visits, especially during that post nap window when timing is everything.

With a total project cost of $2.7 million, this park feels like such a meaningful investment in the community. If you are looking for a fresh spot to let the kids run, enjoy waterfront views, or simply stretch your legs after a long day at home, Carr-Richardson Park is absolutely worth adding to your rotation this spring.

I love planning beach days on the weekends, especially in the winter when we are lucky to live somewhere as mild and beautiful as Charleston and this weekend there is the perfect excuse to get yourself to the beach. The Sea and Sand Festival is back on Folly Beach this Saturday and Sunday (February 21 and 22). This longtime coastal celebration brings together local artists, live music, beach fun, and plenty for families to enjoy.

Saturday from 10am to 4pm, Center Street transforms into a lively street festival filled with more than 80 local art, craft, and fashion vendors. You can stroll through booths, listen to live music on multiple stages, and grab lunch from food vendors while the kids enjoy a dedicated children’s area with inflatables, performances, and hands on crafts. The popular Surfboard Painting Contest adds even more creativity to the day. Tickets are required for Saturday’s street festival and cost $10 in advance or $15 at the entrance. Admission is free for Folly Beach residents with ID and for children 12 and under.

On Sunday, the fun shifts to the beachfront near The Tides Folly Beach, where the Sand Sculpting Competition begins at 10am. This portion of the weekend is free to attend and offers a relaxed beach atmosphere as talented sculptors transform simple sand into impressive works of art. Families can enjoy live music, walk the shoreline, and soak in those classic Folly vibes.

If you plan to attend, arrive early on Saturday since Center Street will be closed for the festival. Parking is available in public beach lots throughout Folly Beach, at metered street spaces where open, and at the county park lot on the west end if you do not mind a short walk. Restrooms can be found at public beach access points, near the Folly Beach Pier, and inside local restaurants or cafés if you are dining.

If you kids are wild as mine are, make sure to pack a change of clothes and sand toys. My kids always go into the water and get completely soaked no matter the weather or water temperature!

Whether you stay for a few hours or make a full day of it, the Sea and Sand Festival is a fun way to enjoy art, music, and time outside with your family by the water.

I love art, museums, and taking my kids to them, but sometimes it can feel a little risky bringing little ones into a space that is not exactly designed for busy hands and wiggly bodies! This Sunday is the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to an art museum in a way that feels welcoming, interactive, and completely family friendly.

Celebrate South Carolina A Gibbes Family Day is happening this Sunday, February 22 from 1pm to 5pm at the beautiful Gibbes Museum of Art. Inspired by Revelations! The Art of Leo Twiggs and the 250th celebration of the United States, this special event honors all things South Carolina. Even better, it is completely free and designed for all ages, making it an easy yes for families looking for something meaningful and fun to do together.

Throughout the afternoon, families can explore a lively Garden Expo from 1 to 5pm and experience hands on art demonstrations with Arianne King Comer as she showcases the batik process from 1:30 to 4:30pm. There will be Lowcountry Yoga sessions offered twice, from 1:30 to 2pm and again from 2:30 to 3pm, giving both kids and parents a chance to stretch and reset in a beautiful setting.

The entertainment lineup keeps the energy going with a HEART performance at 2pm, followed by Story Time with the Charleston County Public Library from 3 to 3:30pm. The afternoon wraps up with performances by Annex Dance Company from 4 to 4:30pm and again from 4:30 to 5:00pm, bringing movement and creativity right into the museum space.

If you have been wanting to expose your kids to more art and culture but have hesitated because it feels intimidating, this is your moment. A free, festive, and proudly South Carolina celebration inside one of Charleston’s most beautiful museums makes for a memorable Sunday afternoon with the whole family.

Some outings are made for the whole family, and some are better saved for a true parents night out. Halsey After Hours is definitely the latter and it sounds like such a fun and affordable way to step out for the evening without overcomplicating things.

On Friday, February 20 from 5:30 to 7:30pm, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is hosting its After Hours happy hour inside the galleries. You can explore Young Contemporaries 2026, a showcase of bold and dynamic work created by talented students from the College of Charleston, while enjoying a relaxed social atmosphere.

Expect mimosas and espresso martinis, breakfast for dinner bites, music from DJ Dollamenu, hands on art activities, and even a mini market featuring student vendors. It’s creative, lively, and just grown up enough to feel like a real night out.

Admission is free for Halsey Institute members and just a $10 donation for non members, which makes it one of the most budget friendly date night ideas in Charleston right now. If you’ve been looking for something different that won’t break the bank, this is a great excuse to call the sitter and head downtown.

Written by local dad and Palmetto Parents cofounder, Daniel Berk.

If you’re looking for a babysitter-required, wear-your-nice-shoes kind of night… book a table at FIG in downtown Charleston.

We celebrated my wife’s birthday there on Valentine’s Day (yes, we know… bold move), and it was absolute perfection from start to finish. Every bite felt intentional. Every plate looked like art. We shared appetizers, ordered our own entrées, and genuinely could not stop talking about the flavors.

One member of our group has gluten, dairy, and egg allergies — and the staff handled it with such care and respect. Three of us weren’t drinking alcohol, and the mocktail options were just as thoughtful as the wine list.

That kind of hospitality matters and went a long way.

And the ricotta gnocchi… please. 😭 It was the most pillowy, flavorful gnocchi any of us have ever had.

Ever.

This isn’t an everyday dinner spot — and it’s not inexpensive — but for birthdays, anniversaries, or a once-in-a-while date night, it’s worth every second.

We highly, highly recommend going if you get the chance.

At one point in the evening I thought “Oh I need to take a few more pictures of the food!” And alas, it was at this moment I realized every single plate was empty (proof below).

You’ll want to make a reservation before going to FIG, and it’s worth noting that it’s not easy to get a reservation. They open reservation slots 28 days in advance at 12pm noon, and I recommend booking your reservation exactly 28 days before you want to go for the best chance of a getting a seat at the time you want.

Walk-ins are available at the bar on a first-come, first-served basis, but I wouldn’t count on it for your special occasion.

Recently, in the new year, we have been trying to be more mindful of our budget. My trips to Starbucks for emergency lattes are definitely something I have been paying closer attention to. Not that I would ever give up my emergency coffee stops, but I noticed I can cut my spending in half when I thoughtfully order an iced coffee instead of a latte. Those small decisions really do add up over time!

If you are still craving something fun and trendy without automatically defaulting to the most expensive drink on the menu, here are a few viral Starbucks-style orders and exactly how to ask for them.

The Banana Latte is all over social media right now. Since Starbucks does not carry a true banana syrup, the popular hack is to order a grande iced latte and add two pumps of brown sugar syrup with vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top. Some people also ask for a splash of oat milk for extra creaminess. It gives that cozy, banana-bread vibe without being overly sweet.

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso is already a fan favorite inspired by the Starbucks menu. To make it feel more indulgent without bumping up the price too much, order a tall Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and ask for light ice and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. You still get that layered, frothy texture but at a smaller size price point.

The “Pink Drink with a twist” is another viral order. Start with a tall Pink Drink and ask for light coconut milk and one scoop of vanilla bean powder blended in. It tastes like strawberry ice cream in a cup and feels like a treat, especially on warmer Charleston afternoons.

If you love chocolate but want to avoid the full Frappuccino price, try ordering a tall iced coffee with two pumps of mocha and a splash of milk. You get that iced mocha flavor without paying for the blended drink. It is simple, lower calorie, and usually several dollars less.

For something that tastes fancy but is budget friendly, order a tall cold brew with one pump of vanilla and a splash of sweet cream. It feels elevated but keeps things simple. Cold brew tends to stay strong even with added ice, so you are not watering down your caffeine boost.

Being mindful does not mean missing out. Sometimes it just means sizing down, tweaking your order, or choosing iced over steamed. Over weeks and months, those few dollars saved each trip can turn into grocery money, a family outing, or simply a little extra breathing room in the budget.

Enjoy the weekend!

Love, Jenna