Mt Pleasant is one of Charleston’s surrounding towns that is quite special. It embodies what many people look for in a coastal city or town. It’s not just your average place to visit. It is filled with an unbelievable array of restaurants, shopping, activities, and accommodations. It also isn’t your average place to live. Top ranked schools, a strong sense of community and a breathtaking coastline to name a few reasons. Some have named Mt Pleasant an All-America City, which means we’ve shown the ability to innovate in such areas as job creation, neighborhood revitalization, crime reduction, improving education, and engaging youth. The diversity of the town also gives it character. One part of Mt Pleasant called “Old Village” oozes character and history. It is tucked along the shores of Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor offering one of the most sought after places to live in Mt pleasant. Since 1759, when the oldest surviving house was built it has always been this way. You will still see varied examples of historic architecture that still stand along the community’s oldest streets thanks to the residents and property owners who have preserved it. While the rest of the town has experienced tremendous development during the past 30 years, the Old Village Historic District has remained a quiet residential area of small and large houses. The land and properties typify South Carolina’s inland coastal settlements. Shade trees line the sides of the streets and wood poles carry electrical and cable wires throughout the district. Front yards are typically lawns that extend from the sidewalk or street to the house. You won’t see any “cookie cutter” homes here. Along the harbor, houses sit atop bluffs with views of the water and some even have views of Charleston peninsula! Small size ranches or large estates intermingle to give it it’s unique personality. The quaint business area includes unique shops and boutiques as well as the Pitt Street Pharmacy, where an old fashioned ice cream soda is still available. The only overnight accommodations is at The Old Village Post House, a renovated grocery store originally built in 1888 by German immigrants. The Post House also operates a restaurant and tavern.
When I ride my bike or take walks through the Old Village’s original streets, it brings me back to a special place and time!
