Last week was a heavy one, but I’m reminded how grateful I am to be a parent in these moments because it means I get to do something bigger than myself.
This week in Palmetto Parents, we’re taking you along to Charles Towne Landing (yes, the kids will love the pirate ship look-alike!), sharing details on the Chicken Feast Fest and a fun family-friendly event at Firefly Distillery this Saturday, giving tips on how to do a concert perfectly at Credit One Stadium (including dinner at the Kingstide), and reflecting on how you can find peace in parenting even during the toughest weeks.
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TO DO
Charles Towne Landing
This week we headed to Charles Towne Landing Historic Site thinking we’d only spend an hour or two, but we ended up staying much longer. And honestly, we could have added an extra day with all there is to see and do! From exploring the historic replica village to walking the trails, checking out the Adventure Ship, and visiting the onsite zoo, there’s something for every age. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7.50 for kids (ages 6–15), and free for ages 5 and under, making it an affordable family outing.
Be sure to bring a jogger stroller to handle the walking and don’t forget to pack a lunch with lots of snacks. Every turn is picture perfect place for a picnic. This spot is definitely worth putting on your family’s Charleston bucket list!
And this Saturday, there are a couple of extra-special events you won’t want to miss…
✨ Engage with Enrichment – Saturday, September 20th, 10:30–11am
See how zookeepers use enrichment tools like peanut butter biscuits for the bears, scented burlap for the pumas, and pool toys for the otters and how it helps encourage natural behaviors.
✨ From the Collections: Special Artifact Highlight – Saturday, September 20th
Join the park’s archaeologist for this month’s spotlight on annular slip decorated ceramics and learn about the creative ways potters made these fun designs. Kids can even color their own annular ceramics to take home!
TOGETHER WITH
Summit Coffee
If you’ve been to Summit Coffee in Nexton, you’ve probably noticed the construction happening all around as the area continues to grow. What first seemed like a challenge for the café has turned into something families love—kids can’t get enough of watching the trucks in action! The last time we visited, my son was completely mesmerized.
Leaning into the excitement, Summit Coffee Nexton (408 Brighton Park Blvd, Ste 106) is hosting a Construction Viewing Party on Saturday, September 27 at 10am. Kids can try on kid-sized hard hats, enjoy themed crafts, and dig through a sandbox full of construction toys. Parents can relax, connect, and sip on Summit’s delicious fall drinks (think Pumpkin Cheesecake Latte or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte) while the kids play. It’s a way to turn everyday construction into community fun—and a morning you won’t want to miss!
EVENT
Chicken Fight Feast at the Firefly Distillery
Firefly Distillery in North Charleston has quickly become a go-to family spot known for their free events, great food options, and an enclosed outdoor area where your kids can play safely. They also bring in amazing artists for small, intimate concerts.
This Saturday, September 20th, don’t miss their Chicken Fight Feast from 12–5pm. The Chicken Fight Feast is a mini food truck festival that’s all about chicken. Some of the Lowcountry’s favorite food trucks will be battling it out with their best chicken-inspired dishes (think fried, grilled, spicy, sweet, and everything in between). You’ll get to sample, savor, and vote for your favorite to help crown the champion (with a $1,000 prize on the line!).
Competing trucks include Mazyck Grill, Summerville Burrito Co, VG Garlic Crab, Dig in the Park, Foxes Fried, Roti Rolls, and Biscuit Shed. Plus, there’s live music by Chris Boone from 1–4pm. This event is free for everyone and is perfect for a Saturday out with the family.
Pro-tip: bring a football to throw or ball to play with. It’s a great way to help your kids make friends. With delicious food, live music, and plenty of space for kids to play, this cluckin’ good time is the perfect way to kick off fall at Firefly!
RESTAURANT
The Kingstide
After weeks of busy schedules, we finally carved out time for a much-needed date night, and it was just what we needed! We had a concert at Credit One, and after a few attempts, we finally perfected our pre-concert “how-to.” We arrived before the dinner rush, snagged street parking close to our dinner spot, and had the perfect evening.
This time we tried Kingstide, and it did not disappoint. Kingstide is one of those rare gems that’s perfect for a romantic dinner and stroll but also works beautifully for families. The first floor offers their full dinner menu, and if you go, don’t miss their crab cake, lobster pasta, or steaks. They are all worth the hype.
If you’re headed there before a Credit One concert, here are a few tips:
Make reservations if you’d like to sit in their main dining room.
No reservation? Head up to their rooftop bar for a fun, lively atmosphere (they also have indoor seating upstairs if you prefer).
Plan a little time after dinner to grab a late coffee at the Dime next door. We definitely needed caffeine to stay awake past 9! They are open from 8am-4pm during the week and 8am-8pm on Friday-Saturday.
After dinner or before a concert at Credit One, make sure to walk on the trail from the park to the stadium.
Bonus for parents: Kingstide’s happy hour runs Monday–Friday from 4-6pm, which makes it perfect for an early dinner before bedtime routines. My kids are still down by 7pm on the dot, so I can confirm it’s great timing.
And the best part… there’s usually plenty of parking, elevators that are stroller-friendly, and a massive jungle gym waiting at Daniel Island Waterfront Park, making it a win for both date nights and family outings.
PALMETTO PIECE
Finding Peace in Parenting
This past week felt heavy. Like many of you, I’ve been carrying the weight of what I’ve seen and read on social media, and at times, it’s been overwhelming. There were moments this past weekend when I had to put on a brave face and smile when I didn’t feel like it, and tuck away my own emotions, so my kids could still feel the peace and joy that they deserve from their mom.
Parenting through difficult times often means separating our inner struggles from the tasks of everyday life. And while that can feel exhausting, it can also be grounding. I was reminded this weekend that kids don’t need us to be perfect or to have all the answers. They just need us. They need us to sit on the floor and play, to laugh at their silly jokes, to build towers and knock them down.
In the middle of an intense week, I realized something simple but powerful: these moments with our kids are what really matter. When I slow down and choose to be present, even if my heart feels heavy, I find myself remembering why having kids is such a gift. Their joy, their curiosity, and their unconditional love bring me back to center in a way nothing else can.
So if you’ve had a hard week too, know you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel what you feel, and it’s okay to step into joy for your kids’ sake. Sometimes the best thing we can do, for them and for ourselves, is to put everything else aside, sit down, and just play.