🌴 Farmers Market Season and Banana Ball at Dunkin'

Hey Palmetto Parents,

I hope you survived the Easter weekend chaos and are thriving during spring break. We have stayed local for this year’s break and we are enjoying an easy week.

Literally as I am writing this, my daughter broke a vase filled with junk she has been collecting around the house for the past few weeks. Filled with baby food puffs, used batteries and of course, empty easter eggs. It was a nice decoration while it lasted!

We have a great newsletter for you this week. First, let's take a broad look at everything related to the Charleston farmers market. We are looking forward to bringing you a more in depth look at each market through the next few weeks. If you have any tips, please let me know in the feedback at the end!

Next, we have an exciting and free event for all sports families… a meet and greet with some of Banana Balls best players at Dunkin’ Donuts in West Ashley. It should be a ball of a time!

If you need a flexible restaurant recommendation, look no further than Leon’s Oyster Shop. Plenty of details listed below, but it is perfect for a quick meal with the kids or a sweet date night.

Lastly I dish on a few reasons why being the type C parent is actually the best choice. Enjoy!

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There is something about spring in Charleston that just makes you want to slow down a little, get outside, and fill your week with simple outings. For our family, farmers markets have become one of those easy go-to plans. They check every box: fresh air, snacks for the kids, something iced in my hand, and just enough structure to feel like we “did something” without overcomplicating the day.

Here is your go-to guide to Charleston-area farmers markets, with a little real-life perspective on what each one actually feels like with kids in tow.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Located at Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion, this Tuesday market (April through September, 3:30–7 PM) is one of the easiest midweek outings. It has that classic, laid-back neighborhood feel where you can stroll slowly, grab fresh produce, and let the kids pick out a treat. It is the kind of stop you make after school when you do not want to rush straight home.

North Charleston Farmers Market
Held at Exchange Park on Thursdays (May 1 through October, 3–7 PM), the North Charleston Farmers Market feels a little more spread out and event-like. There is space for kids to move, which makes it a great option if you have energy to burn. Think casual, easy, and perfect for letting everyone wander without worrying too much about keeping them right next to you every second.

Downtown Charleston Farmers Market
Set in Marion Square, this Saturday staple the Downtown Charleston Farmers Market (April 4 through November 21, 8 AM–2 PM) is the most well-known for a reason. It has everything: food vendors, local goods, live energy, and a little bit of that classic Charleston charm. It can get busy, but that is part of the fun. If you go early, you can beat the crowds and make a full morning out of it. Bonus: the holiday market in December is one of those traditions you end up looking forward to every year.

West Ashley Farmers Market
At Ackerman Park on Wednesdays (April 1 through October 14, 3–7 PM), The West Ashley Farmers Market is one that feels especially family-friendly. It is manageable, not overwhelming, and easy to navigate with little kids. The Thanksgiving market in November is also a great stop if you like the idea of picking up something local for your holiday table.

Sunday Brunch Farmers Market
Tucked behind the Charleston Pour House, the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market is on Sundays (11 AM–3 PM, year-round), this one has a totally different vibe. It is relaxed, a little quirky, and feels like the perfect slow Sunday outing. You can grab brunch, listen to music, and let the kids hang while you browse. It is less about rushing through and more about lingering.

Sea Island Farmers Market
Located at Sea Island Farmers Market on Saturdays (9:30 AM–1:30 PM, year-round), this one feels a bit more tucked away and local. It is smaller and quieter, which can be a dream if you are not in the mood for crowds. It is the kind of place where you can actually chat with vendors and take your time.

Holy City Farmers Market
Hosted at Holy City Brewing on Sundays (11 AM–3 PM), this one blends farmers market meets hangout spot. It is especially great if you are meeting friends or want something that works for both kids and adults. You can browse, snack, and settle in for a bit without feeling rushed.

No matter which one you choose, these markets are the kind of outings that feel easy but still meaningful. You get outside, support local, and somehow everyone leaves happy, which is really the goal most days.

Usually, Saturday mornings in our house mean piling the kids into the car and heading to a cute, slightly bougie coffee shop for iced coffees and a special treat. But this weekend, the hottest coffee spot in town might just be Dunkin’ Donuts. And if you really want to impress someone from Massachusetts, go ahead and call it “Dunkies.” Trust me, it’s a whole thing. If you love Banana Ball and the wild, fan-first fun of the Savannah Bananas league, you are in for a treat.

On Saturday, April 11 from 9 to 11am in the morning, players from the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns will be taking over the Savannah Highway Dunkin’ location for a free, family-friendly meet and greet at 1843 Savannah Highway. They will be serving coffee behind the counter, taking photos, signing autographs, and bringing that over-the-top Banana Ball energy fans love. There will also be free Dunkin’ merchandise and gift card giveaways throughout the morning. No tickets are required, so you can just show up and join the fun.

As someone who grew up just outside of Boston my childhood was filled with all things Boston sports, lots of snow, plenty of beach days, and what felt like a daily trip to Dunkin’. It was simply part of life.

This is a perfect event for sports-loving families who want to make a fun, memorable moment together without breaking the bank and without needing to carve out a huge chunk of time.

If you’ve spent any time in Charleston, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “Let’s just go to Leon’s.” And for good reason. Leon’s Oyster Shop has become a true Lowcountry staple, loved by locals and visitors alike for its laid-back vibe, standout food, and effortlessly cool atmosphere.

Housed in a converted old garage, Leon’s has that hidden, hole-in-the-wall feel like you’ve stumbled upon someone’s secret neighborhood spot. But behind that casual charm is a nationally recognized restaurant with the perfect Charleston vibe. It strikes that rare balance parents are always looking for. It’s relaxed enough to bring the kids without worrying about noise or spills, yet still feels fun and special enough for a date night or a parents’ night out.

Let’s talk about the food, because that’s really what keeps people coming back. Leon’s is known for its oysters and fried chicken, but the menu goes far beyond that. You can keep it light with one of their fresh, flavorful salads or lean into the classics with a perfectly crispy fried chicken plate or a fried fish sandwich.

The starters are where Leon’s really shines. From raw oysters and char-grilled oysters topped with butter, parmesan, lemon, and parsley, to smoked mahi dip, hush puppies, and a crab and avocado tostada, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to order a little bit of everything for the table. Even the marinated cucumber salad is a standout. And for the adults, the drink menu is just as fun, with cheap beer, Frosé on tap and solid cocktails.

Leon’s has earned national recognition over the years, including being named one of the best new restaurants in America by Eater, landing in the Top 50 Best New Restaurants, and receiving a Best Restaurant in the South nod from Southern Living. It’s also been featured on the Michelin Guide’s recommendation list, which says a lot for a place that still feels so relaxed and approachable.

A few helpful tips before you go: Leon’s accepts reservations for parties of 6 to 12 (you can book through Resy or call ahead), while smaller groups can usually walk in. Takeout is available Monday through Thursday from 11am to 5pm, depending on availability, but not on weekends. Complimentary parking can be found at 19 Race Street, just across from the Greek Orthodox Church.

Whether you’re heading out with the kids or planning a night out, Leon’s is one of those places that just works. Good food, great drinks, and a come-as-you-are atmosphere make it a Charleston favorite.

Scroll any parenting corner of the internet and you’ll quickly find two camps: the Type A parent and the Type B parent. Type A is the planner, the list maker, the one with labeled bins and backup snacks for the backup snacks. Type B is more laid back, go with the flow, less concerned with perfect timing or perfectly matched holiday outfits. Both get a lot of airtime, but most parents I know don’t fully live in either lane. There’s a quieter, in between approach that feels a lot more realistic. Let’s call it the Type C parent.

Type C parenting is the balance. It’s preparing for what matters, letting some things go, and rolling with the punches when real life inevitably throws a curveball. It’s having a plan but not letting the plan run you. It’s knowing when to put in the effort and when to say this is good enough and still special. In a season of parenting that can feel like a constant push for more, better, bigger, Type C is often the best kept secret. It leaves room for joy, flexibility, and a lot less stress.

I had my biggest Type C moment this Easter. I had planned three different egg hunts for my kids, plus a kid led adult egg hunt where they hid fun drinks like Diet Cokes and coconut waters for the grown ups. And then I realized I had packed all of our Easter things away in storage, including the baskets I couldn’t easily replace. Instead of scrambling to fix it, my daughter suggested using their Halloween buckets for collecting eggs, and just like that, the problem was solved. It was simple, funny, and honestly more memorable than anything I had planned. That’s Type C parenthood. You prepare where you can, roll with the punches when you need to, let some things go, and choose a positive attitude through it all. Which parent type do you lean toward? Maybe you’re Type A, maybe you’re Type B, maybe you’re Type C. And what are your best pieces of advice for each of these parenting styles? Leave your answers in the comments!

Have a great week!

Love,

Jenna