🌴 Jurassic in CHS, Reggae and The Swamp Fox

Hey Palmetto Parents!

We’ve had the busiest past few weeks. We traveled to see family in Austin and my husband and I did a solo trip to Mexico. Then last week, we had the highlight of the summer— my mother’s wedding (more details on that below).

I hope you’ve had an exciting summer as well. If you need some ideas of how to keep your summer rolling, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at the new exhibit at South Carolina Aquarium— which is all things Jurassic at Sea! Then get your groove on this weekend at Reggae Nights over at James Island County Park.

After you’ve worked up an appetite from dancing at the park, head downtown for this week’s restaurant recommendation. The Swam Fox is a classic staple restaurant that has been around for a while. If you are getting tired of the trendy Instagram perfect bar scenes, this will be a perfect break for you!

AND speaking of classic not trendy things, this week’s palmetto piece is a sweet love story that involves my mom and her new husband— but it’s mostly about how my best friend and I kinda sort of set up our parents after they both became widowers. Read more about the story below!

As always, thank you for taking the time and reading our newsletter!

If your family is anything like ours, the South Carolina Aquarium is one of those places we find ourselves returning to again and again. Whether we're escaping the summer heat, waiting out a rainy afternoon, or simply looking for an educational outing, there's always something new to discover. This summer, there's an exciting new reason to plan a visit.

The Aquarium has unveiled Jurassic Seas, a brand-new exhibit housed inside the new John A. Hill Family Discovery Gallery, a space dedicated to bringing fresh, rotating exhibits to Charleston families. Step back more than 70 million years and explore the oceans of the Late Cretaceous period through fascinating fossils, life-size skeletal replicas, and hands-on interactive displays. Kids and adults alike will love learning about the incredible marine giants that once ruled the prehistoric seas.

Don't forget to check out the Dinosaur Evolution, an immersive virtual reality experience aboard the Aquarium's Undersea Explorer. This thrilling adventure transports guests into the Cretaceous world, where you'll come face-to-face with feathered raptors, armored dinosaurs, and even the mighty T. rex! VR tickets are $8 per guest or $7 for Aquarium members and can be purchased on the second floor. (The experience may be too intense for children under 8.)

One of the things we love most about the South Carolina Aquarium is that no two visits ever feel exactly the same. Between the beloved sea turtles, playful river otters, interactive touch tanks, daily animal encounters, and now rotating exhibits like Jurassic Seas, there's always another reason to come back. It's one of our favorite family-friendly spots to cool off on a hot Charleston day, or stay dry when those afternoon summer storms roll through.

The South Carolina Aquarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm (last admission at 3:30pm). If you're looking for a fun mix of adventure, learning, and air conditioning this summer, be sure to add Jurassic Seas to your family's bucket list!

Looking for a fun summer night out with friends or a laid-back date night? Grab your lawn chairs, pack a blanket, and head to James Island County Park for the return of the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series. Set in one of Charleston's most beautiful outdoor venues, this family-friendly concert series combines live reggae music, warm summer evenings, and a relaxed Lowcountry atmosphere.

The first concert of the season takes place Friday, July 17, featuring Well Charged, with the second concert scheduled for Friday, August 7, featuring Mystic Vibrations. Gates open at 7:30pm, music begins at 8pm, and the show runs until 11pm. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and even small tables to create the perfect picnic-style setup while enjoying an evening of live music under the stars.

Admission is $20 per car when purchased in advance (up to 15 people per vehicle) or $30 per car on the day of the event, if tickets are still available. Food, beverages, and souvenirs will be available for purchase, and beer and wine will also be sold on-site for guests 21 and older with a valid ID. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they remain leashed throughout the evening. Please note that outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted, and the concerts are held rain or shine.

Whether you're looking for an affordable family outing, a relaxing evening with friends, or a unique Charleston summer tradition, Reggae Nights is the perfect way to enjoy live music in the park. Be sure to purchase your tickets early, as these popular concerts can sell out.

This past weekend I had big Saturday night plans with some friends who came in from out of town. They were staying at a hotel downtown and I made plans to hit a few trendy restaurants and bars. But Mother Nature had other plans! A massive summer storm rolled through, flooding several downtown streets and quickly changing our plans. Instead of hopping from spot to spot, we decided to stay in and enjoy dinner at The Swamp Fox Restaurant inside the historic Francis Marion Hotel, and I'm so glad we did!

Located on the corner of King Street and Calhoun Street, overlooking Marion Square, The Swamp Fox has been a Charleston dining staple since 1924. In a city that's constantly welcoming trendy new restaurants, it was refreshing to step into a space with so much history and character. The atmosphere felt warm, classic, and inviting!

The menu features elevated Lowcountry favorites made with locally sourced ingredients, along with classic comfort food. We started with warm bread served with soft butter and an order of hush puppies, both of which disappeared quickly around the table. I ordered the burger, and it was one of the best I've had in downtown Charleston. During our visit, the restaurant was also offering a special FIFA World Cup-inspired menu, along with seasonal drink specials that made the evening feel even more festive. Whether you're looking for upscale bar food, fresh seafood, or a handcrafted cocktail, there's something for everyone.

If you're spending the day downtown and looking for a dependable spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks, don't overlook this Charleston classic. The Swamp Fox serves breakfast from 7–11am, lunch from 11:30 am–3pm, and dinner from 5–10 pm daily. If you visit on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening, you'll also enjoy live piano music from 6–9pm. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when your original plans get rained out, and this one is definitely worth adding to your downtown dining list!

Twelve years ago, my mom was helping me get ready for one of the biggest days of my life, my wedding. Last weekend, our roles were reversed. I stood beside her as she married the (second) love of her life at 65 years old. As I watched her walk down the aisle, I couldn't help but think about how none of us could have imagined this chapter of her story.

Years ago, while living and working in Boston, I met one of my closest friends. What started as a work friendship quickly became the kind of friendship that feels like family. She attended my parents' church, so she came to know my mom and dad well. Later, when her own mom became seriously ill, she moved home to help care for her, and I had the opportunity to spend more time with her family. During those years, I watched her dad love and care for his wife with extraordinary tenderness. Even in the hardest moments, he showed what steadfast love looked like. After her mom passed away, my friend walked through a grief that few people our age understood.

Then, just a year later, my own dad passed away unexpectedly. Suddenly, our roles were reversed. My friend became one of the few people who truly understood the road my family was now walking because she had already been there. We often joked that our parents, who shared the same sense of humor, were probably in heaven making jokes. Neither of us had any idea that our families' stories were still being written.

A few years later, after my friend got married, I remember talking with her dad at the wedding. It was obvious he wasn't trying to replace the incredible marriage he'd had, he was simply open to the possibility of moving forward. Around that same time, my mom asked me a question over coffee that caught me by surprise: "How would you feel if I ever dated again?" She didn't have anyone in mind. She was simply wondering if our family was ready for the idea. Without hesitation, I smiled and said, "What about my best friend's dad?" It sounded almost ridiculous. He lived in San Diego. She lived in Charleston. But she decided to send him a text anyway. That one small act of courage changed everything. What began as two people connected through their daughters' friendship and the shared experience of losing a spouse slowly became a friendship of their own and eventually, a love story.

As parents, we spend so much time trying to protect our children from disappointment and heartache. But one thing life teaches us is that none of us are immune to difficult seasons. Loss, unexpected change, and challenges are part of every family's story in one way or another. The beautiful part is that those chapters don't always get the final word. Sometimes healing comes through friendships that become family. Sometimes it comes through the people who quietly show up when we need them most. And sometimes, when we least expect it, life surprises us with joy we never thought possible.

Watching my mom and and her new husband begin this new chapter reminded me that there is always room for hope. Not because life is easy but because our stories are rarely finished when we think they are. If you're walking through a difficult season today, I hope their story reminds you to keep going. The next chapter may look nothing like you imagined, but it just might be more beautiful than you ever expected.

Have a great week!

Love, Jenna