A- Overview:
Wednesday, (April) 26 th, (1780): At two o’clock in the morning got in motion, and marched seventeen miles to Mount Pleasant, opposite Charleston, where we took possession of the ground, on which the Rebels had one eighteen pounder. Here is a ferry from this to a town called Hibban’s Ferry; there are very good barracks here if finished, that were begun before the rebellion. Sullivan’s Island is about a half a mile distant from the Point. There is a bridge from the Point to the Island with four arches. The barracks were used for a hospital, in which we took some invalids and a doctor. About six miles from the Point stands Christ Church. This night I might properly sing, “Content with our hard fate, my boys,” on the cold ground where I lay – wrapt up in my great coat, with my saddle for a pillow. A blustering cold night. Excerpt from the diary of Lt. Anthony Allaire, Loyal American Regiment, 1780.
Just across the bridge from Charleston lies the town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Mount Pleasant is a town rich in the history of the past while living graciously in the present. Its colorful history includes a leading role in the military engagements of the Revolutionary War. When Charleston finally fell to the British on November 12, 1775, Cornwallis crossed the Cooper River with 2,500 troops and took possession of Haddrell’s Point. The British headquarters is said to have been the home of Jacob Motte, later known as Hibben House.
Located close to the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Pleasant affords its visitors a very comfortable climate for a visit at any time of year. This gracious southern town is always ready to offer hospitality and to welcome visitors. Due to it’s proximity to Charleston, it follows the same seasonal patterns. With the Atlantic Ocean nearby, a breeze is felt year long. Each season brings a special feel to this beautiful and peaceful town. Summer do get warm with the daytime temperature often approaching 90 F but with the evenings dropping into the mid 70’s F, it’s an ideal time for a leisurely stroll during the day or in the evening. The fall stays relatively warm with temperatures still in the 80’s F. Winter is a season of change with temperatures still in the comfortable mid 50’s during the day and the 30’s at night making it just right for sitting by a warm fire with a comforting drink in hand. Visitors may be treated to a dusting of snow during this time, but it will melt very quickly. Spring brings a rise in temperature and more sunshine. Whatever the season, Mount Pleasant welcomes visitors with a warm smile and a gentle sea breeze.
During any season there are a unique variety of attractions and sites to experience. Boone Hall Plantation, originally a cotton plantation, and now producing fruit and vegetables, is one of America’s oldest working plantations. It boasts one of the most majestic avenues of moss draped live oaks in the south. It’s a picture waiting to be taken. A tour of the plantation house, former slave quarters, and 738 acre grounds is a memorable experience.
If a visitor is lucky enough to visit Mount Pleasant in late April, there is the Blessing of the Fleet. Overlooking beautiful Charleston Harbor, this seafood festival celebrates the historic Mount Pleasant shrimping industry with the majesty of the ceremonial Blessing of the Fleet and a host of other family activities. For another family activity, plan a day at Palmetto Island County Park. It is a 943 acre park with a variety of recreational opportunities available including Splash Island Water Park, crabbing and fishing from floating docks along tidal creeks and lagoons, biking, lagoon boating and picnicking.
Of course no visit to Mount Pleasant is complete without a trip to watch the Sweet Grass Basket Weavers at work on US Highway 17 North. Sweet grass basket making has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community for more than 300 years. In fact, Mount Pleasant enjoys the distinction of being the only place where this particular type of basketry is practiced.
Whether the interest is history, nostalgia for hometown America of years past, warm breezes, family water adventures, golf, or just wandering the streets of Old Town: a visit to charming Mount Pleasant is an experience not to be missed on any trip to the area.
B- City Information:
Population: 47,609
Elevation: 24 feet above sea level
Land Area: 41.9 square miles
Location: Located in the southeastern section of South Carolina, approximately 7 miles from Charleston, SC
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Mt. Pleasant, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Mt. Pleasant observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
47.8
49.6
56.3
63.8
72.0
78.2
81.5
80.4
76.2
67.2
58.8
50.7
High temperature (°F)
56.9
59.3
65.5
72.6
79.9
85.3
88.6
87.4
83.2
75.8
68.0
59.9
Low temperature (°F)
38.7
39.9
46.9
54.8
64.1
71.0
74.4
73.3
69.2
58.7
49.6
41.4
Precipitation (in)
4.2
3.1
4.1
2.8
2.9
5.0
5.0
6.4
5.6
3.6
2.9
3.4
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
10
9
10
7
9
11
14
13
10
6
7
9
Wind speed (mph)
9.1
9.8
10.0
9.7
8.6
8.3
7.8
7.4
7.7
8.0
8.1
8.5
Morning humidity (%)
83
82
83
84
85
86
88
90
90
89
86
84
Afternoon humidity (%)
56
52
50
49
53
59
62
63
62
56
53
55
Sunshine (%)
56
59
66
72
68
66
67
64
61
63
59
56
Days clear of clouds
9
9
9
11
8
6
5
6
7
11
12
9
Partly cloudy days
6
6
8
8
11
11
12
13
10
8
7
7
Cloudy days
16
13
14
11
12
13
13
13
13
11
12
14
Snowfall (in)
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.3
Local Seasons:
At any given time of year, Mt. Pleasant is in a vacation mode. This gracious southern town is always ready to offer hospitality and to welcome visitors. Due to it’s proximity to Charleston, it follows the same seasonal patterns. With the Atlantic Ocean nearby, a breeze is felt year long. Each season brings a special feel to this beautiful and peaceful town. Summer do get warm with the daytime temperature often approaching 90 F but with the evenings dropping into the mid 70’s F, it’s an ideal time for a leisurely stroll during the day or in the evening. The fall stays relatively warm with temperatures still in the 80’s F. Winter is a season of change with temperatures still in the comfortable mid 50’s during the day and the 30’s at night making it just right for sitting by a warm fire with a comforting drink in hand. Visitors may be treated to a dusting of snow during this time, but it will melt very quickly. Spring brings a rise in temperature and more sunshine. Whatever the season, Mt. Pleasant welcomes visitors with a warm smile and a gentle sea breeze.
How to Get There:
By Air
Charleston International Airport
500 International Blvd.
Charleston, South Carolina 29418
843-767-1100
The airport is conveniently located just a short drive from Mt. Pleasant. It is served by many of the recognized national airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle services are available at the airport.
By Car
The main north-south coastal route, U.S. 17, passes through Mt. Pleasant; I-26 runs northwest to southeast, ending in Charleston. From there, head north on U.S. 17 to Mt. Pleasant.
By Train:
Amtrak
The nearest Amtrak station is located in nearby Charleston
4565 Gaynor Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
800-USA-RAIL
By Bus:
Greyhound
3610 Dorchester Road
Charleston, SC 29405
843-744-4247
How to Get Around:
With so many things available both in Mt. Pleasant as well as in the surrounding area, the most convenient means of transportation is by car, either personal or rental.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day- Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day- 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day- 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day- last Mon. in May
Independence Day- July 4
Labor Day- 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day- 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day- Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve- Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-884-4371
Admission Charged
Hours: Labor Day to March 31: Monday-Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 1pm – 4pm;
April 1 to Labor Day: Monday-Saturday, 8:30am – 6:30pm; Sunday, 1pm – 5pm.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Originally a cotton plantation, Boone Hall boasts one of the most majestic avenues of moss draped live oaks in the South.
Palmetto Islands County Park
444 Needlebrush Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-0832
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
A 943 acre park with a variety of recreational opportunities available including Splash Island Water Park, crabbing and fishing from floating docks along tidal creeks and lagoons, biking, lagoon boating and picnicking.
Charles Pinckney Historic Site
1240 Long Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-881-5516
Hours: Open 9am – 5pm daily
Admission Charged
The last protected remnant of Snee Farm is this country estate of Charles Pinckney (1754-1824). Pinckney was a statesman, revolutionary war officer, and a principal framer of the US Constitution. The site includes interpretations of African-American life and contributions during the colonial era.
Charleston National Country Club
1360 Highway 17 North
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-884-7799
Call for tee times and additional information
Admission Charged to Play
Unabashedly beautiful, Charleston National is a golf facility of high standards and impeccable taste. This 18-hole championship course is the only Rees Jones Design in the Charleston area open to the public. The course is sculpted out of Low Country marshland, with the cool ocean breezes creating different playing conditions between the morning and afternoon rounds.
Dunes West Golf Club
3535 Wando Plantation Way
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-856-9000
Call for tee times and additional information
Admission Charged to Play
Set amid Bermuda grass-covered dunes and 200 year old oaks draped in Spanish moss, this course blends its historically rich environment with the best golf facilities offered anywhere today. The Dunes West clubhouse, which was built on the site of the antebellum Lexington Plantation, was specifically designed to capture the old southern charm of the Low country. This tremendous course takes full advantage of its fabulous setting.
Patriots Point Link
1 Clubhouse Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-881-0042
Call for tee times and additional information
Admission Charged to Play
Patriots Point Links is one of the most convenient 18-hole championship golf courses to downtown Charleston – and within minutes of the beaches at the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Overlooking Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter and Shem Creek, Patriots Point Links is known for its excellent putting surfaces and challenging waterfront finishing holes.
RiverTowne Country Club
1700 RiverTowne Country Club Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-216-3777
Call for tee times and additional information
Admission Charged to Play
Situated among scenic marshlands and majestic live oaks with 13 holes along the Wando River and Horlbeck Creek, this 18-hole championship course features exceptional year-round playing conditions with five sets of tees from 5100 yards to 7200 yards. Amenities include GPS-equipped cars, driving range, chipping and putting green, clubhouse, golf shop and PGA teaching professionals on staff.
Historic Old Village
This National Register district is home to both colonial and antebellum period homes as well as many historic churches. A stroll in the Old Village may lead visitors to Pitt Street, the heart of the Old Village and once business center of this well-maintained community of Mount Pleasant. Here visitors will find unique shops and boutiques as well as the Pitt Street Pharmacy, where an old fashioned ice cream soda is still available. This district’s only accommodation is The Old Village Post House, a renovated grocery store originally built in 1888 by German immigrants. The Post House also operates a restaurant and tavern. The Old Village is also home to the majestic Alhambra Hall, a popular site for weddings and special events. The Hall is situated on a waterfront park with a view of the Charleston Harbor and a community playground just across the street for “little ones.” Perfect for family picnics or watching the sunset, Alhambra Hall is an ideal place to spend the afternoon with your loved ones.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-2727
Hours: Call for hours of operation and additional information
Admission Charged
Home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, nicknamed the Fighting Lady. The museum also includes the destroyer Laffey, submarine Clamagore, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, a re-creation of a Vietnam Naval Support Base, a Navy Flight simulator, vintage military aircraft, displays and exhibits and the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum.
Sweet Grass Basket Weavers
Roadside basket stands on US Highway 17 North. Mount Pleasant Sweet grass basket making has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community for more than 300 years. Basket making is a traditional art form, which has been passed on from generation to generation. Today, it is one of the oldest art forms of African origin in the United States. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina enjoys the distinction of being the only place where this particular type of basketry is practiced.
Beaches
Beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island
Mount Pleasant is also Charleston’s only access to the barrier island beaches of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. Isle of Palms caters to the visitor with ample public parking, a beach front county park, public facilities and a bustling front beach district with restaurants, snack bars, and shopping. Although Sullivan’s Island is less intentional in its attraction of travelers, the beaches on this quaint island town still warrant a visit. Public facilities are not provided by the municipality but the main street does house shops and restaurants that serve visitors and residents alike.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
843-884-4371
Admission Charged
Hours: Labor Day to March 31: Monday-Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 1pm – 4pm;
April 1 to Labor Day: Monday-Saturday, 8:30am – 6:30pm; Sunday, 1pm – 5pm.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Originally a cotton plantation, Boone Hall boasts one of the most majestic avenues of moss draped live oaks in the South.
Palmetto Islands County Park
444 Needlebrush Parkway
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-0832
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
A 943 acre park with a variety of recreational opportunities available including Splash Island Water Park, crabbing and fishing from floating docks along tidal creeks and lagoons, biking, lagoon boating and picnicking.
Historic Old Village
This National Register district is home to both colonial and antebellum period homes as well as many historic churches. A stroll in the Old Village may lead visitors to Pitt Street, the heart of the Old Village and once business center of this well-maintained community of Mount Pleasant. Here visitors will find unique shops and boutiques as well as the Pitt Street Pharmacy, where an old fashioned ice cream soda is still available. This district’s only accommodation is The Old Village Post House, a renovated grocery store originally built in 1888 by German immigrants. The Post House also operates a restaurant and tavern. The Old Village is home to the majestic Alhambra Hall, a popular site for weddings and special events. The Hall is situated on a waterfront park with a view of the Charleston Harbor and a community playground just across the street for “little ones.” Perfect for family picnics or watching the sunset, Alhambra Hall is an ideal place to spend the afternoon with your loved ones.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-2727
Hours: Call for hours of operation and additional information
Admission Charged
Home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, nicknamed the Fighting Lady. The museum also includes the destroyer Laffey, submarine Clamagore, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, a re-creation of a Vietnam Naval Support Base, a Navy Flight simulator, vintage military aircraft, displays and exhibits and the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum.
Beaches
Beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island
Mount Pleasant is Charleston’s only access to the barrier island beaches of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. Isle of Palms caters to the visitor with ample public parking, a beach front county park, public facilities and a bustling front beach district with restaurants, snack bars, and shopping. Although Sullivan’s Island is less intentional in its attraction of travelers, the beaches on this quaint island town still warrant a visit. Public facilities are not provided by the municipality but the main street does house shops and restaurants that service visitors and residents alike.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Low Country Oyster Festival
Held in late January
Location: Boone Hall Plantation
843-884-8517
Imagine…65,000 pounds of oysters! Two tractor- trailer loads full of single select oysters roll into Boone Hall Plantation for one of the World’s Largest Oyster Roasts sponsored by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association.
February
African American Cultural Heritage Days
Held Saturdays in February and March
Location: Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
843-881-5516
These programs highlight Low country African American history and culture including traditional stories, music, and demonstrations of sweet grass basket making and food arts.
March
Mount Pleasant Arts Festival with Towne Centre
Held in late March
Location: Town Centre
843-849-2061
Admission Free
A joint festival with Towne Centre to celebrate the arts in Mount Pleasant. Live entertainment, performing arts, juried art exhibit, Mount Pleasant Artists Guild entries, roving entertainment, games, fun for kids.
April
The Cooper River Bridge Run
Held in early April
843-577-7400
A local tradition that stretches back to 1978, this 10-K race draws more than 30,000 participants every year. From lean elite runners to weight-watching weekend warriors to those who just run once a year, this race attracts a diverse crowd from across the state and beyond (Oprah Winfrey and Bill Murray have both been spotted).
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
Family Circle Cup
Held in mid April
Location: Daniel Island
800-677-2293
The Family Circle Cup is held 5 minutes from Mount Pleasant on Daniel Island. The Family Circle Cup is the longest running women’s professional tennis event in the United States. As one of the oldest all-women’s Tier 1 events in the world, the Family Circle Cup has provided fans with over three decades of exciting action on the court. In 2004, fans saw a Grand Slam player field including Lindsay Davenport, Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, and Venus Williams.
The Blessing of the Fleet
Held in late April
Location: Charleston Harbor
Overlooking beautiful Charleston Harbor, this seafood festival celebrates the historical Mount Pleasant shrimping industry with the majesty of the ceremonial Blessing of the Fleet and a host of other family activities.
May
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
June
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
July
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
Patriots Point 4th of July Celebration
Held on the fourth of July
Location: Charleston Harbor
Hot bands, a huge Kidz Zone, some of the best restaurants and snacks in Charleston, and when the stars come out… fabulous fireworks off the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.
Rice Planters Golf Tournament
Held in early July
Location: Snee Farm Country Club
843-971-9352
One of the top 10 amateur golf tournaments in the country.
August
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
September
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
Scottish Games and Highland Playing
Held in mid September
Location: Boone Hall Plantation
843-529-1020
Boone Hall Plantation hosts this annual Scottish Society of Charleston event. A family friendly weekend where you can enjoy and learn more about Scottish heavy athletics, piping and drumming, highland dancing, Scottish country dancing, Scottish fiddling, children’s games, and Border Collie demonstrations.
October
Mount Pleasant Children’s Day Festival
Held in mid October
Location: Park West Recreation Complex
843-849-2061
Old and new traditions meet at the Mount Pleasant Children’s Day Festival as children have their pick between tethered balloon rides, pony excursions, laser tag games, wall climbing and many other activities. Other activities include giant slides in all shapes and forms, jump castles, climbing walls, an obstacle course, roving clowns, mascots, a magician and costume theme characters.
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
Held April – mid October, every Tuesday 4pm until dark
Location: Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd.
843-884-8517
The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks.
IOP Connector Run & Walk for the Child
Held in early October
Location: Isle of Palms
843-884-3912
The IOP Race for the Child, a tradition since the opening of the Clyde M. Dangerfield Isle of Palms Connector Bridge, is getting bigger and better. Organized by the Exchange Clubs of Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms, the City of Isle of Palms, the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston County Parent Teachers Association, the race continues to promote child advocacy and local child abuse prevention in the low country.
Taste of Charleston
Held in mid October
Location: Charleston
843-577-4030
An afternoon of food, fun, entertainment, contests and music. Charleston’s best restaurants offer their house specialties in bite-size portions for you to sample.
November
Re-enactment of the Battle of Secessionville
Held in mid November
Location: Boone Hall Plantation
843-884-4371
A Civil War reenactment at Boone Hall Plantation where military history is reenacted right in front of your eyes by skilled historians.
December
Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show
Held in early December
Location: Moultrie Middle School
843-849-2061
The Festival is a combination of locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, hot food and homemade preserves. Hand crafted gifts by more than 75 local artisans include Christmas ornaments, glass work, lighthouses, whimsical holiday crafts, doll clothing, and original art by locally recognized potters, painters and photographers. Live entertainment with a holiday twist flow through the market. Children activities include face painting, a jump castle and a visit with Santa Claus.
Mount Pleasant Holiday Extravaganza
Held in mid December
Location: Downtown Mount Pleasant
843-849-2061
More than 100 floats march down Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Holiday Parade set sails to the delight of thousands of residents and visitors. Immediately following the Fireworks and Tree Lighting Ceremony held at Moultrie Middle School at 5:30 PM, the parade begins at 5:45 PM at the intersection of Coleman and Pelzer Drive. It continues past Shem Creek and the Moultrie Middle School to conclude at the Sea Island Shopping Center around 7:15 PM.
Entertainment
The Village Playhouse
730 Coleman Blvd.
Brookgreen Towncenter
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-856-1579
Call for performance schedule
Mount Pleasant’s only professional repertoire company.
Palmetto Grand Theatre
1319 Theater Dr
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-216-8696
Call for current showings on multiple screens