🌴 Mary Utsey Playground, Dave Matthews Tribute Band and Acai Bowls

Hey Palmetto Parents,

We had such a memorable week over here, especially celebrating my daughter’s preschool graduation. Watching all of the little kids walk in wearing miniature caps and gowns in such a professional setting was adorable, and honestly a little emotional too. It’s one of those parenting moments that makes time feel very fast. I know it will somehow feel like only a few more moments until we’re sitting at her high school graduation, but thankfully, I’m very happy we still have many, many years until that day arrives.

With Memorial Day weekend here, I hope everyone has some fun plans lined up and a little extra time to slow down with family and friends. Our first stop this weekend is the newly updated Mary Utsey playground in West Ashley, which has quickly become a favorite pit stop for so many local kiddos. While there aren’t a ton of events happening around town this weekend, there is a fun Friday night option at Party at the Point in Mount Pleasant featuring a Dave Matthews tribute band right on the water.

We’re also sharing one of our favorite local café spots this week: Huriyali, with locations downtown and on James Island. The gorgeous patios, great coffee, healthy food options, and refreshing acai bowls make it such an easy spot to relax for a little breakfast or lunch outing with the kids.

And finally, we’re ending this week’s newsletter with a few thoughts on surviving “Maycember,” otherwise known as the whirlwind season of school graduations, performances, spirit weeks, and nonstop end of year chaos. Parents everywhere, we’re almost there.

Enjoy!

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West Ashley’s playground game is seriously becoming a force to be reckoned with! Renovations at Mary Utsey Playground in the West Ashley area are complete, and local families are going to love the upgrade! This is the first time in more than 30 years the park has received completely brand new equipment, with new play areas designed for both ages 2–5 and 5–12. Located at 1350 Orange Grove Road in Charleston.

The playground features lots of climbing and movement focused equipment built by the same company behind the popular Park Circle Playground in North Charleston. The City has already removed dangerous trees, updated the bathrooms, installed the playground equipment, and improved sidewalks, with finishing touches like pathways, mulch, and parking lot paving still underway. The renovation is part of Charleston’s Playground Replacement Program, which has helped modernize parks and playgrounds across the city since 2012.

Make sure to put this on your summer family bucket list. No matter the age of your kiddos, this park will not disappoint!

If your calendar feels surprisingly empty this weekend, you’re not alone. With Memorial Day weekend kicking off, there are fewer local events than usual around Charleston as many families head out of town or spend time at the beach. But if you’re looking for an easy Friday night date night idea, Party at the Point in Mount Pleasant is always a solid choice.

Taking place Friday, May 22, at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Party at the Point is one of the Lowcountry’s most popular spring concert series. The waterfront event features live music, dancing, food and drinks, and some of the best sunset views around Charleston. This week’s featured entertainment is a Dave Matthews Tribute Band, making it a fun pick for parents looking for a laid back night out by the harbor.

The event begins at 6pm and is perfect for couples wanting to kick off the holiday weekend with live music and coastal views. Whether you stay for one drink or dance the entire evening away, it’s one of those classic Charleston nights that always feels like summer has officially arrived.

Tucked away just a few blocks from Hampton Park, Huriyali Charleston feels like one of Charleston’s best kept secrets. Between the cozy atmosphere, healthy menu options, and dreamy hidden back patio, it is the kind of place you stumble upon once and immediately start planning your next visit. I recently took my mom there for an early Mother’s Day celebration, and we completely lost track of time sitting outside in what felt like a secret garden tucked away right outside downtown Charleston. At one point we both looked around and joked, “What country are we even in right now?” because the patio feels so peaceful and transported from the rest of the city.

The downtown location at 401 Huger Street has plenty of street parking nearby and is only about a two block walk from Hampton Park, making it the perfect pit stop after a morning workout, a family stroll, or a park playdate with the kids. The back patio is one of the cutest outdoor spaces around and is especially great for families with little ones or anyone bringing along a pet. Even without a dedicated kids menu, there are plenty of fresh and simple options that children will enjoy, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

Huriyali’s menu focuses on fresh, healthy foods and drinks that still feel fun and flavorful. Their coffee and lattes are delicious, and they also offer smoothies, juices, salads, sandwiches, bowls, and beautiful acai bowls that are almost too pretty to eat. Favorites include avocado toast, nachos, strawberry matcha, and blueberry matcha, along with plenty of refreshing options for Charleston’s warmer days. Everything feels thoughtfully made without being overly complicated.

Their motto says it best: “Huriyali's dream is to provide delicious healthy foods in the most eco-conscious way we know how, all while having a bit of a good time.” That laid back, welcoming energy really comes through the moment you walk in.

In addition to the downtown café, Huriyali also has a James Island location at 2016 Wappoo Drive, giving locals another easy way to grab a healthy bite or coffee close to home. The downtown location is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9pm to 3pm.

Whether you are meeting up with loved ones, looking for a quiet coffee break, stopping in after a workout, or searching for a Charleston spot that feels a little different from the rest, Huriyali is one of those places that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.

Maycember is officially here, and if you’ve been feeling like May somehow has the chaos level of December, you are definitely not alone. Between school performances, field days, teacher gifts, graduations, sports banquets, spirit weeks, dance recitals, and trying to remember which child needed what snack on which day, this month can feel like a full speed sprint to summer. Social media has lovingly coined this season “Maycember,” and honestly, it fits perfectly.

For many parents, this time of year feels equal parts magical and exhausting. The calendars are overflowing, the laundry piles are growing, and dinner plans become whatever can be thrown together in under twenty minutes. But in the middle of all the busyness are moments worth holding onto. The last day of school pictures, tiny cap and gown ceremonies, late evenings at the ballfield, and excited kids counting down to summer break all become part of the memories we’ll look back on one day.

This week, my daughter had her preschool graduation, and it was one of those moments that reminded me why schools go all out for these milestones. Seeing all of the kids dressed up, smiling proudly, and soaking in every second of the celebration was incredibly special. It’s one of those memories I already know I’ll be thinking about for years to come, and watching the kids feel so proud of themselves made the entire event even sweeter.

So whether you’re deep in the middle of Maycember, barely surviving the final stretch, or already sitting poolside with the school year officially behind you, give yourself some credit. You made it through another year of early mornings, packed lunches, homework help, and nonstop parenting. Take a breath when you can, celebrate the small wins, and know that summer is almost here.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Jenna