🌴 Easter Egg Hunts, CHS Open With Kids, and Heavy's Burgers

Hey Palmetto Parents,

Early kudos and congratulations to everyone running the Cooper River Bridge Run this weekend! A special shoutout to the parents pushing strollers while they do it. That kind of strength and commitment deserves its own finish line celebration. You are rockstar parents in every sense.

This week we're covering tips to make your Easter plans run smoothly and where to go for Easter events. We also have some exclusive advice for any parents heading to the Charleston Open. We have an easy lunch or dinner spot the whole family will love, and we close things out with a reminder of just how far you've come as a family — take a look!

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Everybody celebrates Easter a little differently, and honestly, that’s part of the magic. Some families go all out, some keep it simple, and most of us land somewhere in between while trying to keep track of who found the golden egg. However you celebrate, here are a few Easter-themed events around Charleston to have on your radar this year, in chronological order so you can actually plan like the organized parent you aspire to be.

A few quick tips no matter which event you choose: arrive early because parking and lines fill up fast, take your family photos before the egg hunt starts while everyone is still clean and smiling, and bring your own basket because someone will forget one and it will absolutely become a thing.

Whether you go big, keep it simple, or somehow attempt all three, these events are an easy way to make Easter feel special without having to plan every detail yourself.

If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to bring your kids to something that feels mostly for you but somehow ends up being fun for them too, the Charleston Open at Credit One Stadium is it. Think world class tennis, sunshine, snacks, and just enough chaos to keep everyone humble.

The tournament runs March 28 through April 5, with Family Weekend landing perfectly on March 28 and 29. If you have been looking for a sign to get out of the house and do something a little different, this is it.

Let’s start with the parenting logistics, because that is always the real headline. Children 2 and under get in free, as long as they are sitting on your lap the entire time. This is either a dream scenario or a bold personal challenge depending on your child. Juniors 16 and under can get free general admission tickets all week with a paid adult. You just grab those at the box office the day you go, and yes, they are available even if the event sells out. If you want reserved seating, kids will need their own ticket, but general admission is a very solid option for families.

Tickets for adults typically start around $20 to $30 for general admission early in the week and go up for premium matches and finals weekend. You can purchase tickets online through the tournament website or in person at the stadium box office. Pro tip, having a flexible plan makes this experience much more enjoyable.

Security is tight, which is a good thing, but definitely build in extra time for stroller and diaper bag checks. This is not the kind of place you sprint into at the last second with three kids and a snack bag. Give yourself a buffer and everyone will be happier.

One of the best parts about this event is that you do not have to be glued to a seat the entire time. There are plenty of areas where you can step away from the matches, let your kids move around safely, grab a drink, and enjoy some truly top tier people watching. It is the kind of environment where you can ease into the day instead of forcing a strict schedule.

Also worth noting, this is not a kid centered event, but it is incredibly family friendly. People are generally kind, patient, and very aware that parents are doing their best. It actually ends up feeling like a bit of a team effort. You might even find that trading off with your partner works well. One of you watches part of a match while the other walks the kids around, then switch. Not perfect, but honestly a great family outing strategy.

Another major win is same day reentry. You can come as a family in the morning, head home for naps, and then one parent can go back in the afternoon or evening to catch more tennis. It is one of those rare events that can flex with your day instead of the other way around.

And then there is Emma Navarro. Charleston’s own. Yes, she is expected to be part of the tournament, and if you have not followed her yet, now is the time. She has deep Charleston roots and has played this tournament multiple times, continuing to grow into one of the most exciting young players in the sport. Beyond her talent, she carries herself in a way that represents Charleston so well. If you have seen her on social media over the past few years, you know exactly what I mean. She is the kind of athlete you want your kids watching. Go Emma.

This event is also a really meaningful way to support women’s sports. Sitting in those stands, watching these athletes compete at such a high level, it is hard not to think about the example it sets. Especially for daughters. It is a chance for them to see what is possible and to start dreaming a little bigger.

So pack the sunscreen, overpack the snacks, and go in with a flexible mindset. It might not be a perfectly smooth day, but it will be a memorable one. And those are usually the ones that matter most.

There is something deeply satisfying about finding a restaurant that feels like a treat for you and a win for your kids at the exact same time, and Heavy's Burger manages to pull that off without trying too hard.

With locations in downtown Charleston at 1137 Morrison Drive and on Daniel Island at 891 Island Park Drive, plus a new spot coming soon to Isle of Palms at 1012 Ocean Boulevard, Heavy’s is quickly becoming one of those go to places you keep in your back pocket for the days when everyone is hungry and your patience is… limited.

Let’s start with the food, because that is obviously the main event. Heavy’s is known for their classic smash burgers, hot off the griddle and exactly what you want when a craving hits. The kind with crispy edges, melty cheese, and zero chance of leftovers. If burgers are not your thing, they have you covered with options like a fried chicken sandwich and a mahi sandwich, which makes it a lot easier to please everyone at the table.

And then there are the apps, which if you are a parent, you already know can make or break the experience. A basket of fries or a stack of onion rings hitting the table quickly can buy you a solid ten minutes of peace while you figure out who is sharing what and why someone suddenly does not like ketchup anymore. It is simple, it is fast, and it works.

The vibe is another reason families keep coming back. Heavy’s has that classic vintage feel that somehow makes everything feel relaxed and easy. You are not worried about your kids being too loud or too wiggly, which is half the battle when eating out with little ones.

The downtown Charleston location also has its own parking lot, which honestly deserves its own round of applause. Being able to park without circling the block or unloading kids into traffic just makes the whole outing feel manageable from the start.

They are open daily from 11am to 10pm, which gives you plenty of flexibility whether you are squeezing in a quick lunch or attempting a full family dinner. And if you are looking for a budget friendly option, their weekday happy hour from 4 to 6pm is a sweet spot. It is one of those rare times where you can grab a great meal, maybe even a margarita, and not feel like you need to mentally recover from the bill afterward.

Speaking of margaritas, they are worth mentioning. Because sometimes the real parenting win is sitting down for a minute, taking a sip, and realizing everyone is fed, happy, and contained.

Heavy’s is not trying to be overly fancy or complicated. It is just really good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a setup that makes dining out with kids feel doable. And when you find a place that checks all of those boxes, you keep going back.

Consider this your reminder that an easy, delicious, and budget friendly family meal does exist. You just have to know where to go.

Last week’s piece about the special bond between a toddler and the people who collect our trash struck a chord in a way I did not fully expect. So many of you reached out to share your own stories, and it felt like this quiet, collective moment of appreciation for a job that is essential, visible, and somehow still easy to overlook in the rush of everyday life. It was a reminder that sometimes as parents, we get to help fill in those gaps of gratitude for our kids. We get to show them what matters, who matters, and why.

And then, in a very humbling turn of events, I found myself scrolling through old photos of my now five year old daughter and remembering a season of parenting that felt… slightly less reflective and a lot more survival based.

Her transition into toddlerhood was not what I would call smooth. There was a solid stretch of about eight months where bedtime turned into a nightly test of willpower. Mostly hers. She had a habit of taking off her pajamas, removing her diaper, and fully committing to the consequences of that decision. I will spare the full details, but just know it was not a situation you could ignore until morning.

We tried everything. Pajamas on backwards. She figured it out. Sleep sacks. Also figured it out. Layers, zippers, snaps, optimism. (The picture above her pj’s were literally zipped up from behind and she still found her way out!) None of it stood a chance. It became this ongoing standoff of creativity versus determination, and I am still not entirely sure we were winning.

At the time, it felt endless. Like this was just our life now. Cleaning, resetting, trying again the next night, and wondering if we would ever reach a point where bedtime did not come with a backup plan and a deep sigh.

And now here we are.

She is five. She goes to bed, stays in her pajamas, and wakes up in a clean bed. Which feels like a small sentence to write, but if you know, you know. It is a victory. A quiet, consistent, beautiful victory. And yes, she has plenty of “big girl” opinions these days, but I find myself oddly grateful for them. Because they come with independence, growth, and a reminder that we made it through that season.

It made me realize how easy it is to forget just how far our kids have come, and honestly, how far we have come too. The hard phases feel all consuming when you are in them, but they do pass. And often, they are replaced with something that is not perfect, but is easier. Lighter. More manageable.

So maybe this is your gentle reminder to pause and look back for a minute.

What is something your child does now that used to feel impossible?

What phase were you sure would never end that somehow did?

What used to feel overwhelming that now feels routine?

Where have you seen growth in your child that made you stop and think, wow, we made it here?

And maybe most importantly, where can you give yourself a little credit for getting your family through it?

Because just like teaching our kids to notice and appreciate the people around them, we can also learn to notice these milestones in our own homes. The big ones and the very small, very specific ones.

Especially the ones that used to involve a lot more laundry.

Lasts weeks feedback was so helpful. Keep the input coming!

Love,

Jenna