A Day on Shem Creek

Growing up, I religiously read Dorothea Benton Frank novels. Each of her books are titled after the islands and communities that surround the Charleston peninsula. Her books were romantic and salty and gave each place a personality. Ever since reading her book, Shem Creek, I’ve wanted to visit. The first time I went was with a friend, and my second trip was with my mom while we were in town for the Festival of Houses & Gardens. Both were equally as magical as the picture the book had drawn, and I can’t wait for my return.

SEE MORE FROM THE FESTIVAL OF HOUSES & GARDENS [coming soon!]

If you’re in Charleston for a long weekend, may I suggest you take an afternoon and spend it on Shem Creek? Here’s what you’re going to do:

Rent Kayaks or SUPs
Explore Shem Creek Park
Dinner at Tavern & Table

Rent Kayaks or SUPs
For under $60, you can rent your craft of choice and get as close as possible to Shem Creek. Watch for the dolphins and cool off on the water. I have never done this, but I’ve only been in March when I don’t feel the need to jump onto a SUP. BUT I’d love to do this when I go back. I’d probably go for a SUP on my own or tandem kayak with Chad. The time of your rentals may depend on the tides, but the company you go through will be able to tell you more!

Explore Shem Creek Park
At low tide or high tide, this place is out of this world. From the parking lot, you’ll see the entrance to the long boardwalk that leads you out over the water. I could spend at least an hour exploring. Out in the distance is the Ravenel Bridge. There are plaques you can read that tell you all about the tidal marsh wild life and shrimping history of the creek. There are sounds to be heard – at low tide, listen for the fiddler crabs clicking and the oyster beds squirting water and the variety of birds. There are people to meet – the birders and the fisherman and the guys who are crabbing… And then there’s the sunset. It’s the most beautiful sunset over the Charleston Harbor where the Ashley, Cooper and Wando River converge. The wildlife symphony and the salt air and golden light… are you sold yet?

Dinner at Tavern & Table
There are so many great spots, so I’m told, to grab seafood on Shem Creek. Most look very casual and lively. Go off of recommendations. My recommendation is Tavern & Table. It has parking, it’s trendy, and the food. Y’all. I can’t say enough about the bbq brisket mac & cheese. And the scallops. And the wings. They have small plates to share and brick oven pizza. I’ve always been too full for dessert, but how about the sounds of the Fluffernutter… cookie butter cake, banana, house-made marshmallow, toasted peanuts, caramel sauce. I’m done. Take me there now.

I hope I’ve convinced you. I can’t say enough about this historic gem. Please, share your favorite things about Shem Creek, or Mt. Pleasant in general!

OTHER POSTS ABOUT CHARLESTON COMING SOON!

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