Mt. Pleasant is located just northeast of downtown Charleston. With a population of almost 80,000, it is the fourth largest municipality in the state of South Carolina. However, this hasn’t always been the case. Because of its location across the Cooper River from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant spent many years as a place where the wealthy kept summer homes and there were very few full-time residents.

Even in 1970, the town only had about 6,000 residents. This number more than doubled between 1980 and 1990, increasing the population from 13,000 to 30,000, and the town has continued to grow ever since. This steady growth can be partially contributed to the annexation of a few subdivisions and the addition of Interstate 526, which made it easier to get to North Charleston and I26.

Captain O’Sullivan led a group of white settlers to the Mt. Pleasant area in 1680. The area was originally known as North Point and includes Sullivan’s Island, which was named in honor of O’Sullivan. The acres given to the captain were divided among the original settlers and 51 others who arrived in 1696, and the resulting parish was renamed Christ Church. Early enterprises included shipbuilding with the abundance of timber available and growing rice and indigo at several plantations. Mt. Pleasant was also the home of a sawmill and brick factory.

During the Civil War, batteries located in and adjacent to Mt. Pleasant were used to defend the city of Charleston, and it also served as the training ground for a nine-man team who manned a Confederate submarine that sank the USS Huosatonic. After the war, Robert Scanlon, a freedman carpenter, purchased a plantation with over 600 acres and established Scanlonville, which other freemen bought property and established residences. Scanlonville is still a neighborhood in Mt. Pleasant today.

Mt. Pleasant was named after one of the many plantations in the area, and was incorporated in 1837. It served as the county seat for Berkeley County for 15 years before being replaced by Moncks Corner.

1989 was a rough year for Mt. Pleasant, which suffered significant damage from Hurricane Hugo along with many neighboring areas. Winds over 140 miles an hour and a 20-foot storm surge left 1,000 truckloads of debris and two months of cleanup to do. Charleston County suffered over $2 billion in damages, but was eventually rebuilt and has been welcoming new residents and visitors ever since.

Mt. Pleasant has a nice variety of parks, some of which are operated by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, including: Mt. Pleasant Pier, Laurel Hill County Park, Palmetto Island County Park (with Splash Island). For a more natural setting, visit Shem Creek Park. It has a 2,200 foot boardwalk and is a perfect place to rent a paddleboard or kayak, or bring your own. Francis Marion National Forest boasts 260,000 acres filled with wildlife and perfect for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and picnicking.

Mt. Pleasant is full of history. A good place to start is Old Village, which includes 30 blocks of historic homes and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A leisurely walk along Pitt Street Bridge provides beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. Once you’ve had your fill of Old Village history, enjoy some of the quaint shops and stop to get a bite at one of the many unique restaurants, like the Village Bakery or Old Village Post House.

Boone Hall Plantation offers a glimpse into plantation life. It is one of the oldest working farms in the U.S., and now grows a variety of produce, including peaches and strawberries. Visitors to the plantation can learn about the history of this plantation, which was established by Major John Boone in 1681, shop at the Boone Hall Farms Market, or even pick their own produce when in season. The plantation also offers numerous events throughout the year, such as a pumpkin patch, strawberry festival, Wine under the Oaks, and the Scottish Games and Highland Gathering.

War buffs will enjoy a trip to Patriots Point, where they can tour the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier from World War II.

Mount Pleasant offers over 300 places to eat. Seafood is an obvious choice when you’re in a town on the coast, and you can get your fill at Charleston Harbor Fish House, Gilligan’s, Finz Bar & Grill, and The Wreck. For those who prefer their meals to come from land, the options range from American and Italian to Asian, Greek, and everything in between. If you aren’t looking for a meal, you can grab a craft beer at the Mount Pleasant House of Brews, or a gourmet coffee from Metto Coffee & Tea.

Shoppers have their pick of destinations in Mt. Pleasant. Belle Hall Shopping Center, Wando Crossing, and Mount Pleasant Town Center have a variety of retail shops for your day-to-day needs and places to eat. Antique lovers will enjoy finding new treasures at Six Mile Antique Mall and Paige’s Thieves Market. Over a dozen independently owned boutique shops offer unique apparel, jewelry, and housewares for yourself or for gifts for friends and family.

Whether you live in Mt. Pleasant or come for a visit, you’ll be sure to find great food, beautiful parks, and plenty of fun things to do!