Mount Pleasant-Gateway To Charleston Hosts The Lowcountry Splash May 19th And Other Activities You Don't Want To Miss

This one-time English settlement was known as "the sleepy town on the other side of the harbor." Then, it had an abrupt awakening. Life changed dramatically for this "sleepy town" with the construction of the Grace Bridge in 1929 and then the Silas Pearman Bridge in 1966, but these two bridges, which crossed the Cooper River and connected it with Charleston, would feel the stiff winds of change themselves, in a big way. The bridges bowed to the inevitable winds of progress and were replaced with the highly celebrated eight-lane wonder, the Authur Ravenel Bridge. The gates of Mount Pleasant were flung open. The building boom that was ignited made it one of the states fastest growing areas for several years. It is now known as the suburban gateway to Charleston and two of Charleston's most popular beaches, The Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island.

Shem Creek

Mount Pleasant's cherished history has been well preserved along side its remarkable growth. You can still view the fishing fleet moored at the docks in 300 year old picturesque Shem Creek, also considered the historic heart of Mount Pleasant. Historic Boone Hall Plantation is open to the public with events scheduled throughout the year. Across the road from Boone Hall is Snee Farm Plantation, home of one of the original signers of the Constitution. Travel along Highway 17 and you will get a glimpse of its Gullah heritage where sweetgrass basket stands dot the roadside. The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion is located at Memorial Waterfront Park. The original village was laid out by James Hibben in 1803 when it received its name. Hibben House still stands in the Old Village. A note from the Civil War years: Mount Pleasant was the secret training ground for the crew of the H. L. Hunley, the Confederate submarine that sunk the USS Housatonic.

USS Yorktown, Patriots Point

Today, Mount Pleasant is home to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum where the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown serves as a museum, Palmetto Islands County Park, a nature-oriented, 943-acre park with Splash Island Waterpark, paddle boats, bicycle paths, boardwalks, and picnic sites with grills, Westbrook Brewing Company, golfing, kayaking, and a farmer's market. Shem Creek is a popular hot spot for live music and eateries such as Red's Icehouse, Vickery's Bar and Grill, Shem Creek Bar and Grill, and the Water's Edge Restaurant. It hosts the Cooper River Bridge Run held every year, a 10k run across the Authur Ravenel Bridge, that draws people by the tens of thousands from all over the country and the world. The list of festivals and events goes on and on.

Shem Creek Inn

This Saturday, May 19th, it will host the "Lowcountry Splash", a 2.4 mile open water swim along the Mount Pleasant shoreline from Hobcaw Yacht Club and wet finish at the Charleston Harbor Marina in front of the USS Yorktown. The Splash has been growing in popularity through the years attracting swimmers from 30 of the 50 states and 3 countries. It is a benefit race for the Logan Rutledge Children’s Foundation. Entry fee is $60. You can register here. Race begins at 8:00 am. First shuttle bus departs Patriots Point at 6:30am-schedule. There are prizes in different age categories. The weather looks good for this Saturday morning and the tide is favorable.

Following the race, head on over to The Lighthouse on the Creek, next to Reds on Shem Creek for "Eddie Bush and The Mayhem" kicking off the "Lowcountry Splash Race to Rock II After Party" starting 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Admission is free and $20 wristbands get you all you want adult beverages.

The fun doesn't end there on Saturday, May 19th,  in Mount Pleasant. "Shaggin' on the Cooper" should be your next stop. Live music will fill the air on the Mount Pleasant Pier. Gates open at 7:00 pm and the music begins at 8:00 pm. The featured band is the Yeager Park Band. All ages are invited to let loose, breathe in the ocean breeze and dance the night away under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets purchased in advance: $10/$8, at the gate: $10 (based on availability). Located at 71 Harry Hallman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant.

Don't forget the "Party at the Point" held every Friday night at the Hilton Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina on Patriots Point. It will be Reggae Night with Dub Island and The Dubplates. Admission is $5. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

Party at the Point

May 20, 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Park West Recreation Complex will be the "Mount Pleasant Beers, Beats, and Eats." If you want to sample local and regional craft beers, this is the event. A home brewer's tent will be set up with creative craft beer demonstrations and accompanied by delicious local food. Entertainment will include the bands The 3 Dudes, The Larry/David Project and Plane Jane. The first 1,000 sample-ticket buyers will receive free souvenir mini-tasting mugs. Free admission, parking and kids activities. Located at 1251 Park West Boulevard, Mount Pleasant.