Cross That Bridge When You Come to It:

Visiting Charleston’s Neighbor, Mount Pleasant

By Denise K. James

“Hands across the water, heads across the sky…”

“Uncle Albert” by Paul McCartney 

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, majestically arching over the Charleston Harbor, is impossible to miss when you visit Charleston and its surrounding communities. Erected in 2005, this visually impressive cable-stayed bridge has shepherded numerous cars, bicyclists and pedestrians safely between the city of Charleston and the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant. If you’re visiting the Charleston peninsula and haven’t yet crossed the water to explore Mount Pleasant, you are missing out. Mount Pleasant has its own reasons for drawing visitors year after year, from the beautiful views to the fantastic shopping and dining.  

Terrified of the Ravenel Bridge? No worries there – you can hop aboard the Charleston Water Taxi. Their ferry service will ensure you and your family will enjoy the view and see both sides of the harbor. 

Welcome to Mount Pleasant. 

Mount Pleasant’s Early Days

Ever wonder why you hear the terms “Wando'' and “Sewee” so often in Mount Pleasant? These are the names of Native American tribes that lived on the shores of the Cooper and Wando Rivers. These tribes made special artifacts found exclusively in this region: shell middens and clay and limestone pottery made from the riverbeds. 

By 1680, the Europeans arrived, and they settled where the Sewees were living along the rivers. The name “Mount Pleasant'' was originally the name of Jacob Motte’s plantation in Christ Church Parish, one of 10 parishes that made up the colony known as Carolina. The early economy was based on shipbuilding, naval stores production, indigo, cotton, rice and raising cattle. Eventually, the village of Mount Pleasant incorporated other neighboring villages, and, since those early days, Mount Pleasant has continued to explode in land area and population. 

Sightseeing and Nature

After you cross the Ravenel, make your first stop at Patriots Point and visit the Naval and Maritime Museum, including the famous Yorktown and the Laffey. Patriots Point is both educational and scenic, as well as a hub for action East of the Cooper River — holidays, festivals and other events are common. Across Coleman Boulevard and Highway 17, Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Parkoffers spectacular views of Charleston Harbor, plus a great opportunity to cast a fishing line, take a playground break with the kids or grab ice cream and souvenirs at the River Watch Cafe & Gift Shop. 

After taking in those gorgeous views, head up historic Coleman until you reach Shem Creek, a piece of heaven that is practically synonymous with Mount Pleasant itself. The views at any of the restaurants – we’ll get to food later – are worth navigating the jovial crowds that inevitably end up at the creek on a beautiful day. You’re promised to spot dolphins, paddleboarders, happy party boaters and sunbathing pelicans, all in one hour. Check out the top deck view at Red’s Ice House, and you’ll see what we mean. 

The most historic part of the town, Mount Pleasant’s Old Village, is another spot well worth a visit. Beautiful oaks, stately homes and the chance to walk the old Pitt Street Bridge— which was once a trolley bridge connecting the town to Sullivan’s Island — are reasons enough to go, but you’ll also enjoy exploring “Mount Pleasant’s downtown,” a compact yet thriving business district made up of unique shops and restaurants. 

A bit farther up the highway, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens covers just about everything — local history, natural beauty, and fresh produce. Founded in 1681 as Major John Boone’s plantation home, Boone Hall has earned numerous accolades throughout the years — including No. 1 plantation in the Charleston area by USA TODAY’s 10BEST — and it hosts a number of regional events such as the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, Wine Under the Oaks, and more. Visit Boone Hall and explore the actual plantation home, or enjoy presentations on regional history, including Gullah Geechee culture. 

Another scenic spot is Palmetto Islands County Park, part of the Charleston County Parks system. Made up of 943 acres, Palmetto Islands is the ideal place to take a break and enjoy a picnic, let your pet run around in the leash-free dog park, enjoy fishing and crabbing in the tidal creek, visit the seasonal Splash Island Water Park with the kids or simply wander the shaded trails, breathing in the briny Lowcountry air. Kayaking, another favorite activity for locals, is a great way to see more of the area; you can rent a kayak on-site. 

Dining Options 

Mount Pleasant has its share of fantastic food for all four meals of the day – we included brunch, obviously – so take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a good meal. If you’re in the mood for fried chicken, a country-fried steak or perhaps chicken and waffles — which you can order for supper, too — you won’t go wrong with Page’s Okra Grill,an award-winning East Cooper mainstay that locals and visitors love for its Southern fare, sunny outdoor patio and build-your-own craft bloody mary bar on the weekends. Another Southern restaurant we love, Grace & Grit,is the ideal place to order a flight of gourmet grits, a sweet tea-brined pork chop or a fresh seafood catch, chef-prepared in a variety of presentations. And don’t miss their cocktail program – we’re partial to the Honeysuckle Martini. 

If you’re hanging out near Shem Creek and looking for something a little upscale, we suggest NICO Oysters + Seafoodfor French-influenced cuisine, plus a raw bar to please the most discerning palate. Order French dishes, such as Bouillabaisse de Marseille or Bistro Steak + Frites, or sample fresh oysters from all over the continental United States. Then wash it all down with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail with a whimsical name like “Front Porch.”  

Italian aficionados and those with kids clamoring for pizza will want to check out La Pizzeria, a tucked-away spot on Coleman Boulevard open for dinner only, yet worth the wait. Family owned-and-operated since 2007, La Pizzeria’s menu features favorites such as Chicken Parmigiana and Lasagna Bolognese,plus the chance to build your own pizza and indulge in a house-made Italian dessert. And while Vietnamese cuisine might not be the first thing you think about when you visit Mount Pleasant, Little Miss Ha will change your mind. We’re huge fans of the pho, the yellow and green curries, and the steamed dumplings as an appetizer. 

Another can’t-miss icon in North Mount Pleasant, ideal if you’ve been visiting the Palmetto Islands Park or Boone Hall, would be SeeWee Restaurant, an area staple for a quarter of a century. You’ll love the quirky, Southern atmosphere — the place is brimming with unconventional things to look at — and the home-cooked food, plus the patio featuring live music. Order a whole catfish with decadent sides; local fresh shrimp made “SeeWee Style” with Old Bay, garlic, lemon and sherry; or locally made cakes, pies and puddings, which rotate frequently. 

Shopping and Coffee Breaks 

Even though you can certainly spend your entire day – or weekend – simply eating and basking in the natural beauty of Mount Pleasant, you won’t want to miss out on the shopping opportunities. If you’re looking for standard “mall stores,” look no further than Towne Centre, Mount Pleasant’s upscale outdoor shopping complex, which is also home to more than a few local and regional stores plus plenty of restaurants, a movie theater, and more. 

Elsewhere in town, we recently walked into Ivy Rowe on Coleman Boulevard and found our ideal combination of cute dresses, accessories and even swimsuits, in case you’re on the way to Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms. Art lovers will enjoy exploring the Charleston Artist Collective and Heart of Gold galleries, both located in old Mount Pleasant. On the other side of town, near Long Point, you’ll do well to visit II Brunettes, Millie Lynnor Mainstream Boutique. And if you’re a consignment store fan, you won’t go wrong with Butterfly Consignment or, for the gentlemen, Worn—both have a generous selection of well-known designers and unique deals for every budget. 

When you need a second wind to keep up this retail therapy, ignore all the Starbucks locations and make sure to visit one of East Cooper’s independent coffee shops. Located on Coleman near the Farmers Market, Brown Fox is an ideal gathering spot on a nice day — we love the Mexican Fox Mocha — and Metto Coffee and Tea, near the bridge, offers a full breakfast menu and a killer Ginger Latte. Across town, Sena Cafe offers a full coffee menu plus homemade European sweets, wine, and charcuterie. 

Where to Stay in Mount Pleasant

We support spending the entire weekend or longer in Mount Pleasant, and you’ll get the truest vibes if you skip the corporate chain hotels and opt for one of the independent lodging options. For waterfront fanatics, the Shem Creek Inn offers proximity to all of the restaurants, bars and fun water activities of Shem Creek. King room rates, facing the creek, run around $259 per night in the autumn months. 

For those who crave a classic Mount Pleasant experience right in the heart of the Old Village, check out the Post House Inn, an exclusive bed-and-breakfast located above the Old Village Post House restaurant on Pitt Street. Rooms are highly sought after at this hot spot – there’s only seven of them – so book far in advance and get ready to explore historic Mount Pleasant.