Pressure Washing in Mount Pleasant, SC

Looking for a new place to eat in Mount Pleasant? No worries foodies, we’ve got you and your appetite covered.

Bodega

Bodega exudes a funky, groovy vibe that pays homage to New York City. Executive chef Alec Gropman has created old school staples with a modern touch. Situated off Coleman Boulevard next to Juanita Greenberg’s, you can order both breakfast and lunch favorites. Bodega offers indoor and outdoor seating, and you can walk right up to the bar and grab a seat if one’s available. If you’re in a rush and want to get your grub to-go, they have a separate corner store set up for ordering takeout. Their drive-thru is open from 7-10 a.m. Monday through Friday, featuring a select limited breakfast menu. For breakfast, try The Bodega Classic, any of the benedicts or their creative pancakes. Bodega serves seven different sandwiches for lunch such as The Diner Club, The Chick Flick or The Chopped Cheese. Like NYC, bodegas have fantastic food, but their coffee selection is amazing too. And this Bodega doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the coffee bar. From Sour Patch Kids shooters to a strawberry lemonade martini, the cocktails are refreshing as well. Stop in today and give them a try. Visit www.eatdrinkbodega.com for more information.

Get Carried Away – The Perch

If you have ever shopped at Get Carried Away, then you are probably familiar with The Perch. Located in the Moultrie Plaza, Get Carried Away is a great place to purchase ready-made foods and dishes. Additionally, the market offers unique items plus beer and wine. The Perch prepares sandwiches such as the Italian club, turkey bacon avocado and a smashburger. Enjoy the tasty quiches, salads and shareable snacks outside on their patio. This is a neat little joint to have a relaxing lunch by yourself or with a small group of friends. They are open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The patio bar is open from Thursday to Saturday serving up delicious drinks. The next time you’re looking for a new lunch spot or after work cocktails, swing by The Perch and treat yourself. Check them out online at getcarriedaway.com/the-perch/.

Taverna

Experienced the delectable fare of Philosophia Mezze Ouzeria? Then you may also want to try their sister property Taverna Philosophia at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. adjacent to the Holy City Tennis Shop. Taverna Philosophia is an Aegean Brasserie Mediterranean restaurant serving up authentic dishes inspired from the love of the culture, cuisine and beauty of the Greek Islands. The owners, who have been best friends since the first grade, have Greek roots, so you know this establishment is the real deal. A mixture of surf and turf entrees, you can opt to dine family style or “giortí,” meaning feast or individual dishes. Open for dinner only Tuesday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5-9:30 p.m. They accept walk-ins and reservations. Visit them on the web at philosophiamtpleasant.com/taverna/home/.

For tips on other excellent food options in the area, visit mountpleasantmagazine.com/department/food/.

By Maurice J. Frazier

If only these walls could talk! They’d sure have plenty to say. They would tell about when General William Moultrie held a parley here with Lord Cornwallis during the Revolutionary War. They’d also talk about the scores of ships that pulled up to nearby docks, bringing visitors from near and far. And they’d talk about the two little children who dug for hidden treasures just outside the walls.

Shannon and David Wood, the current owners of the Hibben House, know the stories. That’s because Shannon grew up next door and remembers Julie McIver, the owner of 111 Hibben St. back then, reciting them to her. After all, McIver’s family had lived in the house for nearly a century, so she knew those stories by heart. But the house resembled a museum then and was filled with antiques. That was only natural, since McIver’s mother, Petrona Royall McIver, was a local historian.

When the Woods family purchased the house 10 years ago, they had young daughters and wanted the home to be more comfortable for their family’s lifestyle. So, their version of the house’s interior is tailored for casual living. The walls are painted light colors and adorned with local art, some of it Shannon’s own work.

“I like the walls to be bright. That makes the art pop. And I like the lived-in feel. It’s important to me to not be too formal or stuffy,” Shannon explained. The blend of ancient oak floors, wainscoting and pocket doors with modern light fixtures, granite countertops and contemporary furnishings (along with some antiques) is more to her family’s liking. “I love the eclectic mix.”

The house was built circa 1755 by Jacob Motte as part of his plantation named – you guessed it – Mount Pleasant. It’s believed to be the oldest structure in town. James Hibben purchased the house and the surrounding 67 acres from Motte’s estate in 1803 and divided the tract into 35 lots for residential development, 10 of which he gave to his 10 children to build their homes. Five streets were also laid out – Beach, Bennett, Whilden, Boundary and Venning – and the village of Mount Pleasant was born.

When Motte built the house, it was only half the size it is now. The two symmetrical wings or bump outs, as Shannon calls them, were added by a more recent owner, an Englishman, to give the house a much larger living space – now almost 3,900 square feet. He also added a heavily windowed sunroom providing ample light and a breathtaking view of the harbor. And he installed air conditioning. Shannon remembered, “Miss Julie (McIver) never felt the need to put in air conditioning. The open windows and doors were enough to capture the harbor breeze and keep it comfortable inside.” She also recalled that, “for years, a cannonball held the door open. Miss Julie’s father had found it in the sandbank. It’s gone now, so I guess the Englishman took it with him.”

Since transportation was primarily by boat centuries ago, the large porch and entrance facing the harbor was originally the front of the house. In 1890, the other side, facing Hibben Street, became the front. That’s when the columns were added.

Shannon’s parents bought the house in 2012, thinking one of their four grown children might eventually want to buy it from them. Shannon and David took them up on the offer. They have transformed the half-acre property into an urban retreat, complete with a putting green and garden overlooking the harbor. Shannon explained, “This is where we put most of our money. It was just a dirt yard before.” But David, who enjoys gardening, has kept the century-old camellias that McIver planted and tended.

Shannon owns a framed copy of a letter between Washington and Cornwallis that she obtained from the Charleston Library Society in which Cornwallis offered land in Jamaica to Washington if he surrendered (obviously, he refused). And on her modern coffee table, she displays a glass box showcasing various artifacts – shards of pottery and the like – that she and her brother found in the yard when they were children. “Miss Julie (McIver) would let us dig. We were always digging up stuff. If I wasn’t an artist, I’d be an archaeologist!” Shannon mused.

The house has had only a handful of owners over its nearly 270 years. “We are thrilled to have this house!” exclaimed Shannon. And for her, it’s coming full circle – from having grown up next door, then living with her husband at Pirates Cove and I’On and now back here. “I feel like it was meant to be. I think Miss Julie (McIver) is our guardian angel – she wanted us to be here. And I feel as though I have a responsibility to preserve the house for Miss Julie’s sake and share its rich history with future generations.”

By Mary Coy

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For as long as Mark Pulley can remember, he has been working in the food and beverage industry. Growing up in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, a small town of about 3,000 residents and 81 students in his graduating class, Pulley started his career cooking and waiting tables in a restaurant owned by a friend of his mother’s. When Pulley decided to expand his horizons and leave a town where everybody knows everybody, he moved to Greenville, where he waited tables at various chain restaurants. Everything changed the day that one of the bartenders called in sick and Pulley had to fill in. That moment marked the start of his new career as a mixologist.

Praised by his customers for being friendly, attentive, quick on his feet and for crafting excellent bloody marys and margaritas, Pulley soon found himself behind the bar at a popular tippling spot in downtown Greenville. Cranking out the tips every night, Pulley learned that the establishment was being sold and it seemed the perfect time to pursue his dream of moving to Charleston to live near the beach.

Here in Mount Pleasant, he started bartending at what was formerly known as East Coast Wings and worked his way up to bar manager. Not long after, Pulley learned that the joint was being sold to Perry Freeman. Pulley wasn’t too worried about finding a new job though, as some 150 to 200 regulars emailed Freeman urging him to keep Pulley on staff because as they said, “He comes with the building.”

Now, seven years later, Pulley still enjoys slinging drinks behind the bar in the same location, called Charleston Sports Pub. He said his favorite cocktail to make during the summer is what he calls “Mark’s Special Sunrise.” To craft the delicious and refreshing drink, Pulley suggested using equal amounts of pineapple, cranberry and orange juices, along with 1.5 oz of Malibu Rum and a splash of ginger ale. His bar menu favorites include the bird dog fries, a pretzel, stuffed jalapenos or the crowd pleasing fried green tomatoes.

The most rewarding part of his job, Pulley said, is meeting people, whether it’s visitors or locals and listening to their stories. “Plus,” he added, “my passion is getting to come to work and watch sports every day.”

When asked about earning the Best Bartender of Mount Pleasant award two years in a row, Pulley said he’s going for a third. “It’s not just me,” he said. “It’s the bar staff. I share the award with everybody.”

To meet Pulley, drop by the pub anytime during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or at night on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You won’t find him behind the bar on weekends, however, because he’ll be watching sports either on the big screen at Kickin’ Chicken or traveling with friends somewhere to catch the Green Bay Packers or the Atlanta Braves.

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May

Festival Chamber Music Quartet & Quintet When: I’On Chapel Part of the Colour of Music Festival, highlighting the impact and historical significance of Black classical composers and performers on American and world culture, the Festival Chamber Music Quartet & Quintet is one of two events currently planned during the festival’s Charleston dates.

When: 5/4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Brittlebank Park Hosted by Dragon Boat Charleston, the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival is a community competition for amateur paddlers to raise money for cancer survivor programs.

Cheers on the Pier When: 5/9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Pier Gather with friends for a musical performance by TNT set against a gorgeous Lowcountry sunset. Craft beer, made-to-order sandwiches, ice cream, fruit smoothies and more will be for sale in the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop. Bring your chairs and blankets.

When: 5/11 and 6/15 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Pier Bait your hook, cast your line and register onsite to compete for one of three prizes: Biggest 3 by Weight, Biggest Youth Catch (12 & under) and Best 5 Fish Total Weight.

Bands of Wando Foundation Community Jazz Festival When: 5/11 at 1 p.m. Where: Dodds-Durst House The Bands of Wando Foundation Community Jazz Festival will feature performances by the jazz bands of Wando High School, Cario and Laing Middle Schools and Wando Winter Guard, as well as food trucks and vendors.

Spring Wine Festival at Brookgreen Gardens When: 5/11 from 1-4 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Brookgreen Gardens’ fourth annual Spring Wine Festival features wine tastings and live music in the oak grove near Pegasus in the Gardens.

When: 5/17 and 6/7 from 7-10 p.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Pier Enjoy classic oldies and beach music from Shem Creek Boogie Band on May 17 and an eclectic fusion of soul, rock and funk hits from Tommy & the Chucktown Players on June 7.

Party in the Park with TUCKA When: 5/18 at 3 p.m. Where: 4-Mile Community Park Take in TUCKA’s electrifying musical performance and the beautiful surroundings. Bring your lawn chairs, tents and coolers or purchase non-alcoholic beverages and local grub at the event.

When: 5/24 to 6/9 (times vary) Where: Throughout Charleston Piccolo Spoleto is an annual festival of the performing and visual arts. It features a wide range of performances and events showcasing local and regional artists at venues across the city.

When: 5/26 at 6 p.m. Where: Brookgreen Gardens Join N.S. Promos and Brookgreen Gardens for the 11th annual Brookgreen Gardens 5K in Murrells Inlet. Both runners and walkers are welcome to participate.

June

When: 6/1 at 9 a.m. Where: Historic downtown Charleston Individuals and organizations are welcome to participate in the Charleston Pride Parade by walking in the parade, riding along in a vehicle or creating a unique themed float for the occasion.

When: 6/6, 6/7, 6/15 (times vary) Where: Circular Church 150 Meeting St. Illuminated by over 2,000 candles, this tribute to composers like Andrew Loyd Webber, Hans Zimmer and John Williams is performed by Vienna Light Orchestra’s world-class musicians.

Disney’s Descendants: The Musical When: 6/8 and 6/9 (times vary) Where: Encore Music Hall Based on the popular Disney Channel original movies, “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” is a brand-new musical that blends comedy, adventure, infamous characters and hit songs from the films.

Charleston Carifest When: 6/13 to 6/16 (times vary) Where: Locations vary Hosted by the South Carolina Caribbean Culture & Heritage, Inc., the Charleston Carifest is a Caribbean-style carnival celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month with lively costumes, a masquerade band parade, live music, dancing, traditional cuisine and more.

When: 6/16 at 7:15 a.m. Where: James Island County Park Named one of the Top Ten Charleston Signature Sport Events by the Charleston Metro Sports Council, the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series features a 600-yard freshwater swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a 5K flat run.

When: 6/19 to 6/22 (times vary) Where: Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina South Carolina’s premiere billfishing tournament paid out over $450,000 in 2023 and promises a weekend to remember in 2024. The packed events calendar includes billfish, BBQ and bluegrass to kick off the weekend, an awards presentation to close and lots of fun in between.

Tyler Henry: The Hollywood Medium When: 6/20 at 8 p.m. Where: North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center Medium to the stars, Tyler Henry discusses his gift and how it affects his everyday life. This new live show includes a multimedia video presentation and interactive audience Q&A.

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Construction is underway on the area’s first The Fresh Market in Bowman Place Shopping Center at 1118 Bowman Place, between Dick’s Sporting Goods and DSW.

Peter Stone, a senior planner with the town, said the design and all permits have been granted to move the project forward.

The Fresh Market did not respond to requests for comment, but employees at the neighboring DSW shoe store said they’ve been told the store is expected to open in 2025.

Some of the parking in the Bowman Place lot has now been fenced off for construction, while inside the store, workers are breaking ground and tearing up the concrete floor that previously housed Kitchen & Co.

Real Estate

The Fresh Market signed a deal last year to slip into the 26,000-square-foot space that was originally to be occupied by a discount grocer: Lidl added 6,000 square feet and a loading dock but never opened its doors at Bowman Place.

The Fresh Market, based in Greensboro, N.C., has assumed the remainder of the 15-year lease Lidl signed around 2021, with an option to extend the terms for another 15 years, according to Charleston County real estate records.

The chain has nine grocery stores in South Carolina, including three along the coast in Hilton Head, Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach.

Not judging

Out with the old and in with the new.

Following the closing of Gold’s Gym at 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston, a Planet Fitness will be taking over for its third location in the city.

A spokesperson for the Hampton, N.H.-based chain said it’s tentatively scheduled to open in the late summer or early fall.

”We are looking forward to helping the North Charleston community improve their physical and mental wellness in our newest judgement free zone,” the spokesperson said.

Planet Fitness operates more than 50 gyms in South Carolina, according to its website .

Ciao, Bella

An Italian eatery inside Citadel Mall will close April 30.

The small-scale Bella Roma serves up favorites like chicken parmesan, fettucine alfredo and cannoli to go. Owners Fabio and Barbara Spadaro shared news of the closing on their Facebook page .

The duo will not be opening any other local ventures, citing “For family reasons we decided to go back to Italy. We invite everyone to support us until the end of the month.”

Kitchen upgrade

A kitchen, bath and closet design center will open a new Charleston location April 25.

The Designery Charleston, owned by Nate Van Valkenburg, is ready for launch at 1217 Remount Road. Inside the showroom, customers can personally design their kitchen and view finish selections for 100 cabinet styles.

Van Valkenburg also owns a Window Hero and a Yard Patrol Pros in the area, which along with The Designery Charleston are franchised by HomeFront Brands.

Market makers

The Carnes Crossroads Farmers Market in Goose Creek returns April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event, which takes place every fourth Friday through September at 513 Wodin Place, features more than 50 vendors, including local farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as live music and food trucks.

A week later, on May 4, the fourth annual Ravenel Depot Farmers Market will be starting back up at 5775 S.C. Highway 165 at the town’s train depot. It takes place on the first and third Saturday of the month through Dec. 14 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

In addition to live music and food trucks, roughly 20 vendors will be on hand with fresh produce, breads and baked goods, local crafts, artwork and more.

Going green

A South Carolina commercial landscape business is growing more than grass.

The Greenery Inc. is expanding its footprint with a new branch at 5080 Coosaw Creek Blvd. in North Charleston.

The company offers commercial landscape services to resorts, municipalities, industrial and commercial businesses, planned communities and more in Greenville and Spartanburg, as well as Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah and Hilton Head Island, where it was started in 1973.

The company also has Florida offices in Jacksonville, Amelia Island and Daytona.

“We have been serving the Charleston market since 1999,” CEO Lee Edwards said. “It’s the second-largest market that we are in, and we think it’s going to be a huge part of our future through our strategic plan and our employee-owned leadership.”