It all started when my girls begged me to go to the beach. I am more of a mountain person myself, but when it came time to plan a trip, we decided to give it a shot and plan some time at the beach as well. Being from landlocked Tennessee we don’t see the ocean much anymore, I lived near the water my whole life until recently but you do start to miss hearing the gentle calm of the ocean tide. So, to make my daughter's wildest wishes come true, we made the drive out to Mount Pleasant in South Carolina.

Our original plan was to go to Charleston, but a campground was open in Mount Pleasant, so we decided that was close enough. I really didn’t know what to expect as we left the mountains behind and found ourselves in the flatland once again. As we got closer, the sun was setting, and we witnessed the tall marshland grass gently swaying in the breeze, illuminated in a golden hue from the setting sun. We rolled down our windows, and the familiar scent of the salty air came wafting as we drove. It felt like a lovely change of pace from the mountains to the sea once again.

Truth be told, we loved Mount Pleasant and found that it lived up to its name quite nicely, although there was not a mount to be seen. We stayed at the Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA, and the scenery was breathtaking. I woke up early and just sat watching the calm water but what struck me the most were the trees. The live oak trees were everywhere, with twisting branches and hanging Spanish moss. I used to live in Florida, and it brought me right back to those fond memories I have of the Sunshine State.

It was good to feel the warm sun again, and once everyone was awake, it was time to start exploring. The city felt like the perfect size, and the upscale neighborhoods were fun to drive around. We found the whole place incredibly charming and there were many activities nearby to partake in. We took a quick drive to Isle of Palms, and I have to say, I may have found my favorite beach ever.

Dogs are allowed on the beach, and we have an adventure dog, so he goes everywhere with us. He has hiked mountains, dug sandcastles with the girls at the ocean, you name it, and he has done it. He was living his best doggie life, taking a nap in the shade in the soft white sand. We had the greatest time splashing in the water with him and soaking up the sun. 

After spending some time in this amazing little city, we can’t wait to go back. It was one of the highlights of our trips, and as the sun set, closing out the day, we knew that this place was special. I would highly suggest starting your day at Joey Bag of Donuts. These huge, delicious donuts really hit the spot, and they have tons of outlandish flavors that you might not think will work but really do. 

It was a pleasure spending some time in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and it is a place I can’t wait to go back and visit again. With lots to see and do, it makes this upscale suburb the up-and-coming city it is. 

If you are also looking to take advantage of Charleston I asked a local what would be the number one thing she would recommend and she told me to take a historic carriage ride.