A Day in the Old Village of Old Mount Pleasant
The quaint Mount Pleasant Old Village was developed to capture the breezes of the Charleston Harbor for the early settlers there. It’s now a charming, walkable area with shops and restaurants. This historic area is small but has nice shops and is surrounded by live oaks.
As I always recommend, start with coffee. Gala Cafe and Bakery in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant serves an excellent latte in a mug. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, start with the hot tea, served in a pretty teacup. They also have delicious pastries and breakfast items. They have a spacious dining room and an outdoor patio, but I like the expansive front porch the best.
After breakfast, drive or take a walk down to the Pitt Street Bridge on Cove Inlet. It used to be the only way to cross Charleston Harbor to get to Sullivan’s Island. It is now a public park with beautiful views of the harbor, a kayak launch, and fishing piers. It’s a scenic spot to take a walk, and it is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog too. One of my friends surprised us with a sunset picnic there, and it was lovely!
After your walk, head back to the retail section of Pitt Street and wander into some of the shops in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant. My favorite gallery, owned by my favorite artist, now has a location there. Betty Anglin Smith was an inspiration for me when I learned to paint, and I have always loved her work. She has triplets who are also artists, so be sure and stop there to see their work, along with her gorgeous, colorful, abstracted marsh scenes.
Do a little shopping at Out of Hand. They have an extensive collection of really nice dresses, along with a lot of other upscale clothing, shoes, and vintage jewelry. However, my favorite section of the store is the home decor side, which is filled with beautiful coffee table books, candles, gorgeous tableware, and interesting gifts. It’s my go-to for a special gift.
Step into the Pitt Street Pharmacy in the Old Village and it feels like you are going back in time. Look for the old-fashioned Rexall Drug sign. It’s still an actual pharmacy with a counter in the back and a soda counter on the side. They sell a few gifts and typical pharmacy items, but I love the children’s books up front and the soda counter, as it reminds me of going to the pharmacy with my mom when I was a child. She would always let me pick out a book, and sometimes we’d have an ice cream cone. If you want comfort food, the Pitt Street Pharmacy soda fountain serves gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and thick, creamy homemade milkshakes, along with a typical menu of grilled items and freshly made sandwiches.
When you tire of shopping, it’s a short walk through the beautiful Old Village historic neighborhood to Alhambra Hall. It was developed as a summer retreat and dance hall overlooking Charleston Harbor. The hall is now used as an event space and is a beautiful place for a wedding. Alhambra Hall also has an expansive lawn designed with an area for picnicking under the live oaks. Bring a book and a blanket and enjoy the view and the breeze.
Before dinner, head to the Wine Shop Old Village for a glass of wine (or a flight). The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and they have a nice selection of pre-dinner snacks.
Finish your day with dinner at the Post House in the Old Village, which was built in 1896 as a private residence and retail space. You can also stay at the Inn, but it’s a classic place for an elegant dinner. They offer contemporary American cuisine using regionally-sourced produce, sustainably-raised meats, and local seafood. Be sure to make a reservation or get there early to secure a spot at the classic oak bar in the front of the restaurant.
Who knew there was so much to do in this little village in the heart of Mount Pleasant?
