🌴 Serpentarium, Family Day at Middleton and Galpo Gaucho

Hey Palmetto Parents,

We had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend filled with lots and lots of food, and I was even able to get in some alone time on my couch with no loud children running through the house, which was perfect for one afternoon!

In this week’s newsletter, we’re sharing details about the Serpentarium on Edisto Island, a longtime Lowcountry attraction that I somehow just learned about this past week. For our featured event, one of Charleston’s most beautiful destinations, Middleton Place, is hosting a Spring Family Day complete with live animals and fun farm-related activities for the whole family.

We also had the chance to try Galpão Gaucho for the first time this weekend, and we’re talking about what makes Brazilian steakhouses such a unique and memorable dining experience.

Finally, we end this week’s newsletter with a few thoughts I had after Mother’s Day and some encouragement for parents, not just for one special day each year like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, but for the everyday moments that matter most all year long.

Enjoy!

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Not every Charleston mom is signing up to spend the day around snakes and alligators… but I know there are plenty of moms and dads in this group who would absolutely love this kind of adventure! So although it’s not something I can personally recommend, I have a few friends that can definitely vouch for this place!

If your kids are obsessed with reptiles, nature, creepy crawly creatures, or anything adventurous, then the Edisto Island Serpentarium might need to go on your family’s summer bucket list.

As the first true serpentarium in South Carolina, this unique destination is dedicated to the recognition, preservation, and study of reptiles from around the world and right here in our region. Families can explore educational and exciting reptile displays featuring snakes, alligators, turtles, and more while learning about wildlife conservation and native species.

One of the biggest highlights for kids is that throughout the day, the serpentarium offers special snake programs and even a live gator feeding program that families can observe together. If you have an animal-loving child who wants a hands-on learning experience beyond the usual aquarium or zoo trip, this could be such a memorable outing.

The serpentarium is open seasonally from April through October 2026, making it a great warm-weather day trip option from the Charleston area. Admission is $21.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $16.95 for children ages 4–12, while children 3 and under are free. They also offer discounted rates for first responders, larger groups of 18 or more paying together, and guests who have parking passes for Edisto Beach State Park.

Whether you’re raising future wildlife biologists or just looking for a different kind of family adventure this summer, the Edisto Island Serpentarium is definitely one of the more unique things to do near Charleston. And if your kids leave wanting a pet snake afterward… don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Looking for something fun, educational, and family-friendly to do this weekend in the Charleston area? Middleton Place is hosting its Spring Family Day on Saturday, May 16, from 10am to 3pm, offering families a full day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and outdoor fun that kids and adults can enjoy together.

This special event blends history with modern-day practices in agriculture and livestock care, giving families the opportunity to experience how farming and daily life have evolved over time. Guests can explore interactive demonstrations, learn about historic and contemporary farming techniques, and participate in activities designed to engage children of all ages. Whether your child loves animals, being outdoors, or simply discovering something new, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Spring Family Day is designed to make learning fun while creating meaningful family memories. The beautiful grounds of Middleton Place provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed day outside, and the event offers a great chance for parents to slow down, unplug, and enjoy quality time together before summer schedules begin.

The event is free for Middleton Place members and included with general admission. Children 13 and under can attend for free, making this an affordable outing for families looking for something special to do this weekend.

There’s just something so fun about a Brazilian steakhouse because they literally walk around with giant swords of meat, slicing fresh cuts right onto your plate straight from the grill. It turns dinner into an experience, and that’s exactly what families, couples, and friend groups can expect at Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse in Charleston.

If you’ve never experienced a traditional Brazilian steakhouse before, this is the place to do it. Galpão Gaucho combines upscale dining with the rich tradition of Brazilian barbecue, creating a meal that feels both elevated and welcoming at the same time. Their expert chefs prepare premium cuts of meat with incredible precision, serving everything from tender picanha to flavorful grilled selections alongside savory sides and an impressive gourmet salad bar. The restaurant itself has a modern, elegant atmosphere while still feeling warm and inviting, making it perfect for a special night out.

One of our favorite dishes was the gold-encrusted steak, which felt every bit as over-the-top and delicious as it sounds. Between the table side service, endless grilled meats, and beautiful presentation, it’s definitely one of those meals you’ll keep talking about afterward.

While Galpão Gaucho is absolutely perfect for parents looking for a fun date night or special evening out with friends, kids are always welcome too. Honestly, the experience alone is entertaining enough to keep little ones excited throughout dinner as servers continuously bring different cuts of meat directly to the table.

Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating something special, or simply wanting to try something different in Charleston, Galpão Gaucho offers a dining experience that feels memorable from the moment the first sword of steak arrives at your table.

Mother’s Day may have passed, but the gratitude lingers long after the flowers fade and the breakfast dishes are cleaned up. As moms, it can be so easy to get caught up in the next stage. We look forward to our kids becoming more independent, sleeping later, helping more, or simply needing us a little less. But this year, I’ve been reminded how important it is to slow down and truly appreciate the season we are in right now, even when it feels messy, exhausting, loud, and fleeting all at once.

Motherhood was never meant to be done alone, and so many people help make it possible. We are deeply grateful for the people who gave us our children and for the family members, grandparents, friends, teachers, neighbors, and caregivers who help us raise them every single day. The little moments of support often become the moments that carry us through. Whether it’s a phone call, a meal dropped off, or simply someone showing up for our children, those acts of love matter more than words can express.

One of the sweetest surprises of motherhood has been the friendships formed along the way. There are people in our lives now who may have once been complete strangers, but because our children are the same age, we now share some of the most meaningful moments together. We cheer each other on through milestones, laugh through the chaos, and understand one another in ways only fellow parents can. Those friendships become part of the village that helps shape both us and our children.

As we move past Mother’s Day and back into the rhythm of everyday life, may we all take a moment to pause and recognize the beauty in what we already have. The sticky hands, the bedtime stories, the endless snacks, the car rides, the cuddles, and even the hard days are all part of something sacred. Childhood moves quickly, and while it’s natural to look ahead, there is so much goodness in simply being present for today.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Jenna