🌴 Sullivan's vs. IOP, KPOP Kids Party, and Ye Ole Ice Cream

Hey Palmetto Parents!

If you've ever found yourself negotiating with a toddler over snacks, wondering how it’s already time for another meal, or trying to balance the wants and needs of three kids all summer long… you’re not alone! Parenting can feel like a beautiful mix of chaos and joy, and this week one of those sweet moments came from my almost 2-year-old. He’s been learning more and more words, and he recently started saying “love you” back (which sounds more like “wovwou” and is absolutely adorable). Those little milestones are such a good reminder that even during the challenging toddler days, the small moments make it all worth it.

This week we’re talking all things Charleston family fun! We’re comparing two local favorites, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms, and sharing the pros and cons of each beach to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your family. We also have a few fun events to check out, including the Moonlight Mixer at the Folly Beach Pier this Friday night and a K-pop-themed pool party (use your parental discretion while checking out the details)! We’re also have a restaurant spotlight on Ye Ole Fashioned, a Charleston staple serving up burgers, fries, chicken fingers, and plenty of ice cream. Lastly, we end the newsletter with some parental encouragement to make sure you are having fun too, not just the kids!

As always, I hope this week’s newsletter encourages you to get out, explore Charleston, and remember to have fun as a parent.

Enjoy this week’s newsletter!

Charleston families are lucky to have these two incredible beach options right in our backyard: Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms (IOP). I haven't been to Folly much this summer, but more on that a different time. Both Sullivan’s and IOP are beautiful, family-friendly, and worth a visit, but they offer very different experiences depending on what your family needs that day.

Isle of Palms is often the easier choice for families with younger kids. Since it’s a Charleston County Park, families with a Gold Pass can take advantage of discounted parking, and the beach access has added conveniences like bathrooms, a playground, picnic tables, and a shorter walk from the parking area to the sand. When you’re carrying chairs, toys, snacks, and tired toddlers, those little conveniences make a big difference. IOP also tends to have more sea shells for kids to look for, which can keep little beachcombers entertained for hours.

The one downside is that because it’s so convenient, it can get crowded, especially during peak summer days. Finding parking and a quieter stretch of beach can take a little extra planning.

Sullivan’s Island offers a more natural, laid-back beach experience. The walk from the parking area to the water is longer, and there aren’t the same amenities you’ll find at IOP, but many families love it because it feels quieter and less commercial. It’s a great place for kids to explore, look for treasures, and enjoy a slower-paced beach day.

As a parent, one thing I’ve noticed is that the shorter walk doesn’t always guarantee an easier beach trip. My kids have had full meltdowns walking the shorter path to the beach at IOP, but they’ve also happily walked the much longer trek at Sullivan’s Island when they were excited and engaged. Sometimes the adventure, the anticipation, and the surroundings matter more than the actual distance.

At the end of the day, both beaches are family-friendly for different reasons. IOP is great when you need convenience, bathrooms, and kid-friendly amenities. Sullivan’s Island is perfect when you want more space, a quieter atmosphere, and a chance for your kids to explore. Charleston families really can’t go wrong with either one. It just depends on the kind of beach day your family is looking for.

Looking for a fun family night with an unforgettable ocean view? The Folly Beach Pier's Moonlight Mixers are back for five special Friday evenings this summer, offering music, dancing, and classic Lowcountry fun at one of Charleston's most iconic spots.

Held from 7pm–10pm at the Folly Beach Pier (101 E. Arctic Ave., Folly Beach), these all-ages events invite guests to dance beneath the stars while enjoying cool ocean breezes and stunning Atlantic views. Whether your family loves beach music, dancing, or simply spending an evening by the water, Moonlight Mixers are a summer tradition worth experiencing.

Advance tickets are $10 per person, while day-of tickets are $15 per person if the event has not sold out. Children 3 and under are free and do not need a ticket.

Families with children ages 15 and under should note that a registered, paid chaperone is required for each child. While outside food and drinks are not permitted, guests can purchase refreshments from Koko's on the Pier, including beverages for adults and soft drinks, as well as food and snacks from Koko's and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop near the pier entrance.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs since seating is limited, though chairs must remain outside the dance floor. Smoking, vaping, tobacco products, and pets are not permitted.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night, or an evening with friends, Moonlight Mixers offer the perfect combination of music, dancing, and beautiful coastal scenery. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a summer evening while making lasting Lowcountry memories.

Calling all Stray Kids fans! SKZ Charleston is celebrating STAY’s 8th Anniversary with a fun-filled pool party perfect for fans looking to connect, celebrate, and enjoy a day of summer fun. Grab your floaties, bring your friends, and get ready for a splash-filled celebration featuring Stray Kids-themed activities and plenty of memories to make.

Splish Stay Splash will take place on Saturday, August 1, from 2pm to 5pm at Collins Park in North Charleston.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the event, including a poolside craft where fans can get creative by the water, photo opportunities to capture the celebration, and prize giveaways with chances to win fun surprises.

Admission is free for all attendees, making this a great opportunity for local STAYs to gather, celebrate their favorite group, and meet fellow fans in the Charleston area. Donation tier details will be announced soon for those who would like to further support the event.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the fandom, this summer celebration is a chance to enjoy music, community, and a little poolside fun with fellow Stray Kids fans.

For more than 50 years, Ye Ole Fashioned has been a Lowcountry favorite, serving up classic comfort food, generous scoops of ice cream, and memories for generations of Charleston families.

The tradition began in 1972 when Rod Lapin opened the original West Ashley café. What started as a neighborhood spot quickly became a local staple, growing over the years to include multiple locations throughout the Charleston area, including two Summerville locations owned by Lapin’s son, Todd.

While Ye Ole Fashioned has expanded over the years, it has stayed true to its old-fashioned roots. The restaurant is known for its classic American menu, friendly atmosphere, and of course, its famous ice cream. Families can choose from dozens of flavors and enjoy everything from traditional scoops and milkshakes to sundaes and banana splits.

One of the things that makes Ye Ole Fashioned special is the nostalgic feeling you get when you walk through the doors. There are fun old school type of games that my kids love to play! It feels like a true old-fashioned ice cream shop where families can slow down, enjoy a treat, and make memories together.

Our family has visited a few different Ye Ole Fashioned locations over the years, and we have always enjoyed the experience. There is something authentic about the atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. My kids especially love the classic ice cream flavors, and it has become one of those simple family outings that everyone looks forward to. Plus a lot of there locations have drive thrus, which can be very helpful with a minivan full of crying kids!

Today, Ye Ole Fashioned has six locations throughout the Lowcountry:

• West Ashley
• Mount Pleasant
• North Charleston
• Goose Creek
• Summerville (Old Trolley Road)
• Summerville (North Main Street)

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, grabbing an after-school treat, or simply looking for a fun family dessert stop, Ye Ole Fashioned continues to be a Charleston tradition that brings people together one scoop at a time.

My husband and I have been trying to make more of an effort to go on dates this summer, and this past weekend was one of them. It was simple, but something we were really looking forward to. And in true parent fashion, we totally worked in an errand we (me) had been avoiding all week - a UPS package drop off. What is more romantic than running errands by ourselves?

We left about 30 minutes early so we would have plenty of time to get a few packages sent before our dinner date officially started. And you know what? It was actually a fun way to spend time together. We laughed, chatted, and enjoyed having a few uninterrupted minutes just being together. It was also helpful to have my husband help me!

It’s funny how, as parents, the smallest things can start to feel like a treat. A coffee run without kids climbing into the car. Walking around a store without saying “please don’t touch that” a hundred times. Running a few errands at your own pace with your partner. These little moments of freedom can feel surprisingly refreshing!

As parents, we spend so much time planning activities for our kids, making meals, managing schedules, and creating special memories for them that we sometimes forget we need those moments too. Having fun and enjoying life doesn’t stop when you become a parent.

Maybe it’s a date night with your spouse when a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or babysitter watches the kids. Maybe it’s grabbing coffee with a friend, taking a walk together, or even just enjoying a quiet afternoon without having to rush back home.

The truth is, our kids benefit when they see us enjoying life too. They get to see what a healthy relationship looks like, what friendship looks like, and that parents are people who need joy, laughter, and connection as well.

So this summer, don’t wait for the “perfect” date or a big night out. Find the little moments. Take the opportunity when someone offers to watch the kids. Say yes to the coffee date. Go for a drive together. Make memories with the people you love.

Because parenting is one of the greatest adventures, but it’s also important to remember that we are still allowed to have fun along the way.

Have a great week!

Love, Jenna