Pressure Washing in Mt. Pleasant, SC

While the hot, new restaurants tend to open in downtown Charleston, folks east of the Cooper need to eat too. Mount Pleasant serves up a lot of hidden gems that might not get the same publicity as the peninsula hot spots.

This group spans multiple cuisines, from Japanese to Vietnamese to Southwestern, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs.

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After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at former food hall Workshop, restaurateurs Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba opened another Pakistani restaurant, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Popular menu items include dahi puri, chicken tikka masala, the kabab roll plate, and paneer tikka masala.

Located in Towne Center, Savi Cucina has become known for its excellent wine selection, including a wine-tasting room and coveted inclusion in the wine club membership. Ricotta gnocchi and pizza options including the original fig and prosciutto pie accompany other Italian classics. Situated across from Regal Palmetto Grande movie theatre, Savi Cucina is a great stop before a film.

Chef Eric Milley constantly rotates the offerings on the menu at the Shellmore, but there’s always an oyster and cheese selection available to pair with the amazing wine selection. The restaurant is small and the kitchen is even smaller, but it puts out big flavors like shrimp and scallop risotto with lobster cream or rigatoni bolognese.

Kanpai is truly a staple of Mount Pleasant dining. Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and seems to score the freshest catches around. Always check out the specials, which can range from uni to chutoro.

Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. The dining room is set for a special night out, but it isn’t stuffy. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a lamb ribeye or duck breast with celery root puree.

Brunch is serious business at this restaurant that draws crowds for PB&J pancakes and breakfast martinis. There’s a downtown location as well.

A South-meets-Southwest staple of Mount Pleasant, Red Drum has served the community since 2005. An inviting patio, great margaritas made with real ingredients, crispy fried shrimp, and a wood-fired creations from chef Ben Berryhill keep this a date night destination for many in the Lowcountry.

Expect friendly and fast service at this Mount Pleasant deli. At Mozzo, it’s common to hear, “Hey Jimmy, are you having the regular?” Other patrons can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring proteins like chicken cutlet, roast beef, turkey, and Italian meats served on ten different kinds of bread. Daily soups, house-made pickles, and local iced tea are a few of the many accompaniments offered.

Interested in grabbing a few cocktails and watching the sunset? Head here. Chef Denis Crutchfield’s menu offers plenty to snack on, whether it be roasted oysters with “casino butter” or pimento cheese with bacon jam, plus flatbreads and entrees such as grilled swordfish and pasta bolognese.

Oysters are the star at Nico, but there’s so much more to explore. This bustling brasserie from chef Nico Romo serves a wide variety of raw bar items and classic French dishes like escargot and burgundy sea scallops. The wood-fired oven brings a bit of smokiness to the menu through a selection of roasted bivalves and whole roasted fish. The brunch is popular here as well.

Locals like to debate whether Shem Creek dive Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is too touristy or just the right amount of out-of-towners. Nestled on the water, the dining room is not much more than a screen porch and some plastic furniture. It’s no frills, so stop by after a trip to the beach for some boiled peanuts, a cold beer, and fried shrimp.

Post House is a handsome tavern anchoring the Old Village. The neighborhood restaurant focuses on coastal, seasonal cuisine, and classic cocktails. Diners can start their meals with blue crab toast or Abundant Seafood crudo and move on to a half chicken or smothered pork loin. In addition to dinner, the restaurant offers lunch and brunch.

Established in 1945, H&R Sweet Shop is a staple of the Old Village. The address is an old shotgun-style building with a small cafe on the left and a hat shop on the right. Visitors come for deals on griddled burgers, fried oyster plates, and daily specials like cabbage and rice — many dishes are $10-$20 and some less than that.

After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at former food hall Workshop, restaurateurs Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba opened another Pakistani restaurant, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Popular menu items include dahi puri, chicken tikka masala, the kabab roll plate, and paneer tikka masala.

Located in Towne Center, Savi Cucina has become known for its excellent wine selection, including a wine-tasting room and coveted inclusion in the wine club membership. Ricotta gnocchi and pizza options including the original fig and prosciutto pie accompany other Italian classics. Situated across from Regal Palmetto Grande movie theatre, Savi Cucina is a great stop before a film.

Chef Eric Milley constantly rotates the offerings on the menu at the Shellmore, but there’s always an oyster and cheese selection available to pair with the amazing wine selection. The restaurant is small and the kitchen is even smaller, but it puts out big flavors like shrimp and scallop risotto with lobster cream or rigatoni bolognese.

Kanpai is truly a staple of Mount Pleasant dining. Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and seems to score the freshest catches around. Always check out the specials, which can range from uni to chutoro.

Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. The dining room is set for a special night out, but it isn’t stuffy. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a lamb ribeye or duck breast with celery root puree.

Brunch is serious business at this restaurant that draws crowds for PB&J pancakes and breakfast martinis. There’s a downtown location as well.

A South-meets-Southwest staple of Mount Pleasant, Red Drum has served the community since 2005. An inviting patio, great margaritas made with real ingredients, crispy fried shrimp, and a wood-fired creations from chef Ben Berryhill keep this a date night destination for many in the Lowcountry.

Expect friendly and fast service at this Mount Pleasant deli. At Mozzo, it’s common to hear, “Hey Jimmy, are you having the regular?” Other patrons can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring proteins like chicken cutlet, roast beef, turkey, and Italian meats served on ten different kinds of bread. Daily soups, house-made pickles, and local iced tea are a few of the many accompaniments offered.

Interested in grabbing a few cocktails and watching the sunset? Head here. Chef Denis Crutchfield’s menu offers plenty to snack on, whether it be roasted oysters with “casino butter” or pimento cheese with bacon jam, plus flatbreads and entrees such as grilled swordfish and pasta bolognese.

Oysters are the star at Nico, but there’s so much more to explore. This bustling brasserie from chef Nico Romo serves a wide variety of raw bar items and classic French dishes like escargot and burgundy sea scallops. The wood-fired oven brings a bit of smokiness to the menu through a selection of roasted bivalves and whole roasted fish. The brunch is popular here as well.

Locals like to debate whether Shem Creek dive Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is too touristy or just the right amount of out-of-towners. Nestled on the water, the dining room is not much more than a screen porch and some plastic furniture. It’s no frills, so stop by after a trip to the beach for some boiled peanuts, a cold beer, and fried shrimp.

Post House is a handsome tavern anchoring the Old Village. The neighborhood restaurant focuses on coastal, seasonal cuisine, and classic cocktails. Diners can start their meals with blue crab toast or Abundant Seafood crudo and move on to a half chicken or smothered pork loin. In addition to dinner, the restaurant offers lunch and brunch.

Established in 1945, H&R Sweet Shop is a staple of the Old Village. The address is an old shotgun-style building with a small cafe on the left and a hat shop on the right. Visitors come for deals on griddled burgers, fried oyster plates, and daily specials like cabbage and rice — many dishes are $10-$20 and some less than that.

Published: Dec. 4, 2024 at 1:45 PM PST|

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders approved the first of two readings to establish the Patriots Point planned development and impose a local tourism development fee on retail to fund major projects in the development.

The tourism development fee is a local tax on retail items, but excludes the major categories of groceries, gas and prescriptions, among a few others. After two years in place, the fee will return some of the collected money to residents in the form of homeowner rebates. The other item the council approved at first reading would establish the Patriots Point Planned Development district.

Mayor Will Haynie says the $100 million for infrastructure they expect to collect over 10 years is crucial to the area reaching its full potential.

“Our Comprehensive Plan and our Economic Development Strategic Plan both direct council, and have for years, to develop it, to make it an economic generator that takes the tax burden off the citizens of the town of Mount Pleasant. By funding this tourism development fee, we get money from tourists. We give our residents a rebate. And in effect, the things that get built there for the people of Mount Pleasant are funded in large part by tourism dollars,” Haynie says.

The projected revenue from the fee will go in part toward building the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, something the town has already committed $3 million to. On the second floor of the facility will be the Mount Pleasant Fine Arts Gallery.

“Yes, it will have a patriotic theme but can have other traveling exhibits. This will be our first major arts facility in the town of Mount Pleasant, and it’s a great place to have it because it’s so accessible. A waterfront promenade that goes all the way around to Shem Creek will be there, completing the trail that’s there now at Ferry Wharf,” Haynie says.

Money will also provide an expected $100 million in infrastructure like a 1,000-space parking garage, a waterfront promenade, turf on the town soccer fields and improvements to the College of Charleston soccer stadium.

“If you’ve been there on a Friday or Saturday, it’s bad, or when there’s a party at the Point, it’s not sustainable, and we will own that. And the people of Mount Pleasant will not have to pay when they are there for a Mount Pleasant recreation event. And then the other thing that we get out of all of this is that the whole development there is going to generate about $25 million a year in new tax revenue for the town of Mount Pleasant. That is $25 million a year that does not have to come from our residents’ property taxes in the future,” Haynie says.

Haynie boasts that Mount Pleasant is already the lowest property tax-wise of all the major municipalities and says this is how they will stay that way. Mount Pleasant also finished a nearly $10 million road improvement project at the intersection that enters Patriots Point in the fall of 2024, setting the stage for a big future.

“The whole idea behind what’s being developed there now Patriot annex, which has always been the plan for Patriots Point since the Yorktown got there, is to support the ships that are there, and its mission to give people a patriotic experience and the uniqueness of America. You add on top of that, the Medal of Honor Museum and the Center for Leadership, which will have nationwide reach, we’re going to build that tourism around that patriotic theme, and it’s going to be an economic generator for the town of Mount Pleasant that lessens tax burdens on our citizens,” Haynie says.

The 1% fee will go before the council again in January. At its first reading, the council unanimously supported it. Patriots Point Development Authority, the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, Explore Charleston, the College of Charleston and Charleston Battery all showed public support at first reading.

“Even if it passes a second reading in January, it will not go into effect until certain conditions are met. And then there’s a 60-day waiting period after we notify the State Department of Revenue, so you’re looking at the middle to the third quarter of next year before it goes into effect,” Haynie says.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

|Updated: Dec. 11, 2024 at 4:11 AM EST

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders held a special town council meeting Tuesday night where several community members spoke about a now-dropped sales tax increase proposal.

This comes the day after Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie made a public apology and announced the tax, which would have been used to fund major development projects at Patriots Point, would be dropped following major disapproval from the community.

The town council approved the first reading of a tourism development fee for the Patriots Point development just last week.

The project’s plan stated the fee was proposed as a local tax on retail items, designed to support the local economy.

A portion of the estimated funding from the fee would have been used to build the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, to which the town has already dedicated $3 million.

Funding was also anticipated to go towards $100 million in public infrastructure projects such as a 1,000-space parking garage, better roadways, a boardwalk along the waterfront, a public park, improvements to the town soccer fields, as well as renovations to the College of Charleston and Charleston Battery soccer stadium.

Some residents that came out raised concerns about the lack of transparency about the proposed sales tax increase to the community.

“I just want to know how this came about. I follow the agendas, there is no committee meeting. It just appears. It appears the Monday after Thanksgiving,” one public commenter said. “If you live on the property. If your direct family lives in Patriots Point. If you have a family member with contracts on Patriots Point, that should be known to the public.”

Some residents brought up that Haynie should resign from his role because of this proposal going straight to the town council and not through the committee first.

“If you were a CEO of a public company and you pulled these shenanigans without board approval you would be fired. You should do the right thing and resign effective immediately. If you don’t, the voters of Mount Pleasant will make sure you will be gone in November,” one public commenter said.

Another public commenter from the Coastal Conservation League brought up concerns related to protecting the land.

“We firmly believe that the proposed permanent structures and necessary infrastructure plans on the conservation easement property which includes the conference center and a 1,000-space parking garage do not meet the criteria of minimum improvement. Conservation easements are an essential tool in ensuring the integrity of our state’s natural resources from our water quality to wildlife to make sure these are sustained for future generations,” one public commenter said.

Another public commenter shared that although she thought the situation was a miscommunication she felt the residents shouldn’t be targeting Haynie.

“Just hearing everybody talk, I’m just going to say this seems like a bit of a witch hunt for Mayor Haynie and I don’t know perhaps some of you have only been to this because I haven’t seen a lot of your faces and I’m in here quite a bit and Mayor Haynie has done amazing things for this town and you can snicker all you want,” the public commenter said. “It seems like poor communication happened here and that’s all I’m going to say about that, but I do apologize for the witch hunt. I think it’s horrible.”

Following the public comment of the special town council meeting, each council member and Haynie spoke about the community’s concerns.

When Haynie spoke he covered concerns about protecting land at Patriots Point, accusations residents made that the town council members were only informed the day of the meeting last week before approval of the first reading, as well as a lack of transparency to residents.

“One reason this could not be thrown out to the public and I am a board member at Patriots Point and the Center for Leadership, all of that, everything that involved them up until the point that we said we could go public was privileged legal information,” Haynie said. “I met with our general council today, we reaffirmed that was the advice from the attorneys for all three. We cannot come out and discuss their landlord, tenant relationships and their legal and contractual things until they were at a point where they told us that we could go, and I hope you understand that because we had to operate under the law.”

Following the special town council meeting was the regular town council meeting, where council members received input from the public for a proposed development to be known as the Patriots Annex at Patriots Point. This development would include a mix of multi-family residential space, office, retail, hotel and conference, amphitheater, museums and public plazas. The town’s agenda says that this project is not related to the proposed tourism fee development that was dropped.

Town leaders emphasized the importance of being clear to residents that this isn’t just a change in the name of the project.

Officials say this proposed development will go to the planning commission on Dec. 11 for a public hearing, following that, it will go to the Committee, then the town council for first and second readings in January.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

If Mount Pleasant's proposed tourism development fee moves forward, it would push the town's sales tax rate to the highest in South Carolina.

Since the announcement of the 1 percent retail tax, residents have raised questions about what is and isn't included, along with lack of transparency and other concerns.

Town officials plan to use the estimated $17 million to be collected the first year for several big projects at Patriots Point, including funding the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, plus a convention center and more than $100 million in public infrastructure improvements also at Patriots Point.

Those additions will include a new town-owned, 1,000-space parking garage, an expansion of the waterfront boardwalk, new turf for the town's soccer fields and improvements to the College of Charleston's soccer stadium.

A 1 percent retail sales tax was originally established by state law in 2008 in order to fund out-of-market advertising to bring in more tourists. At the time, Myrtle Beach was the only municipality that passed such a tax. Mount Pleasant could be the second.

What exactly would the fee apply to?

It applies to most retail sales within the town, excluding groceries and other specified categories. Examples of taxable purchases include clothing and accessories, electronics and appliances, furniture and general retail items sold in stores.

It does extend to restaurant and dining purchases, including meals, beverages and other food and drink items.

What kind of purchase categories would be excluded?

Exclusions include essential categories like groceries, prescription medications, medical supplies, utilities and large-ticket items with capped tax rates, like vehicles.

What can the money be spent on?

The revenue is earmarked specifically for promoting tourism and hospitality, funding infrastructure improvements tied to tourism and offering property tax rebates to residents.

Unlike a general sales tax, the funds cannot be used for unrelated town expenses.

What is the backstory?

It's unclear exactly when discussions on the tax started.

The town states the idea was proposed as a tool to capitalize on Mount Pleasant’s growing tourism economy. Mayor Will Haynie said during the Dec. 2 special town council meeting where the idea was revealed that it was a sustainable way to fund critical infrastructure improvements at Patriots Point, support projects like the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, expand recreational facilities and improve waterfront access.

By law, the tax may only be imposed by a municipality located in a county where revenue from the state A​ccommodations Tax​ is at least $14 million in a fiscal year, according to state law.

Was there community input?

The Dec. 2 special meeting was the first public meeting where the fee had been discussed, followed by a press conference that detailed how the money could be spent.

It was somewhat of an unusual process for the town, with no advance public campaign on the matter, an unlinked ordinance on the agenda and a delay in a public news release.

Per state law, a second reading and vote are required to finalize the ordinance. The town expects it to be held in early January, at which time residents can speak during public comment.

To be adopted, the ordinance needs a supermajority of council or a referendum.

How does the tax work?

Estimations are based on the town's gross taxable sales in 2023, which amounted to $3.18 billion with net taxable sales totaling $1.808 billion, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. In the first year, more than $17 million is expected to be collected through the tax.

The 1 percent fee, if approved, would be added to consumer's retail bill. The retailer collects the tax and remits the total to the S.C. Department of Revenue. The state distributes the funds to Explore Charleston, which allocates funds to the town and designated organizations.

What kind of tax break do residents get?

A portion of what is collected would be set aside for property tax rebates for Mount Pleasant homeowners in the first year. A resident with a $500,000 home could expect a $38 rebate in the first year. In years 2-10, only owner-occupied homes will see an estimated $45 credit, for example.

While the property tax rebate is a direct way to target a portion of Mount Pleasant residents for relief to offset the burden of the additional tax, there is no framework in the state law to provide relief for other residents, like renters.

Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Perspective Art Gallery has become a cherished hub for local artists and aspiring creatives. Since its inception in May 2017, the gallery has operated as a nonprofit driven by a heartfelt mission: to give back to the community and support the artistic growth of middle school students.

Betsy Jones McDonald, a member of the gallery’s steering committee, has been there since the beginning. She has witnessed firsthand how the gallery’s nonprofit initiative has evolved from its initial focus on scholarships to a broader vision that empowers young artists. “Our mission is to ensure that all proceeds go back to the three middle schools in Mount Pleasant.” This commitment has allowed the gallery to provide funding for local art programs, helping students develop their creative potential.

The gallery was founded thanks to a generous grant from the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild, who recognized the need for a space where artists could showcase their work. “We wanted to create a place that not only highlights exceptional art but also inspires the next generation,” McDonald shared. As sales have grown over the years, so has the gallery’s ability to give back, further fueling its mission.

Art Displayed at Perspective Art Gallery, Mount Pleasant

Operating as a nonprofit is somewhat rare in the art world, only a small percentage of galleries follow this model. Another member of the steering committee, Anne Brownyard said, “We chose this path because we believe in the transformative power of art, especially for young minds.” The gallery currently exhibits work from 34 talented artists, with a diverse range of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, and sculpture. Each artist contributes not only a portion of proceeds from their artwork, but also engages with the community, often creating art live during events, allowing guests to connect with the creators behind the art.

In addition to exhibitions, Perspective Art Gallery hosts educational workshops and special events, making art accessible to all. Their Sunday workshops, led by well-known artists, offer a rare opportunity for participants to learn without the usual hefty price tag. “We want to make these experiences available to everyone, not just those who can afford expensive classes,” Brownyard noted. The gallery also hosts several events each year, where art lovers can mingle, enjoy refreshments and experience the vibrant community spirit.

As Perspective Art Gallery continues to grow, its commitment to nurturing young talent and enriching the community remains steadfast. Through art, the gallery enhances the cultural landscape of Mount Pleasant while inspiring the next generation of artists. The gallery’s vision is a testament to the belief that art is a powerful tool for connection, growth and transformation, proving that it can truly change lives — one masterpiece at a time.

For more information, please visit perspectiveartgallery.com.

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