🌴 Cookies, Crafts & Capybaras?! The Best Family Activities This Week!

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🎉 Palmetto Parents is turning ONE! 🥳 

Tomorrow marks the official one-year anniversary of our very first newsletter, sent on March 22, 2024, to just 39 readers (huge shoutout to those of you who have been with us since day one!). Over the past year, it’s been an absolute joy to connect with so many parents, local businesses, and community members, and we’re beyond excited for what the next year has in store.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you—whether you’ve been here from the start or just joined us recently. Every time you open our emails, share a suggestion, or leave a kind review, you help make this community stronger. Our goal has always been to support and uplift parents in Summerville, and we hope we’ve done just that. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and making memories together! 💛

Read on for an exclusive discount at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Nexton and a new Palmetto Parents spring family fun bingo board!

Looking for plans for your kids over spring break? 

Summerville Parks & Rec has openings for their spring break camps (March 24th-28 & April 14th-18th). Camp offerings include basketball, dance, tennis, and LEGO. Check out all the options here (click on Spring Break Camps). Registration closes on Sunday. They also have all of their summer camps listed and ready for registration if you’d like to start planning your summer!

Also, the splash pad at Ashley River park is opening this Saturday, March 22nd, just in time for spring break!

March Madness: The Ultimate Summerville Showdown!

This March, Palmetto Parents is putting Summerville’s best family-friendly restaurants and parks head-to-head in a bracket-style showdown—and YOU get to decide the winners!

We took your nominations, had a first round of voting, and today is round two of voting to see who will make it to the final round. And remember, your participation each week will count as an entry to win a gift card to the winning restaurant. We will be mailing out six gift cards to randomly drawn participants: a $50 gift card, $25 gift card, and four $10 gift cards.

Select an answer below to complete the two round of voting for today!

TO DO

Create with Your Kids

🍪 Cookie Decorating Class

Looking for a sweet and creative activity for your little one? Join us for a fun-filled, hands-on cookie decorating class where kids can learn exciting techniques to decorate cookies with festive colors and seasonal designs!

📅 Class Dates:
⭐ Saturday, March 22nd | 10-11am
⭐ Saturday, April 26th | 10-11am

📍 Location: Rollins Edwards Community Center
💰 Cost: $35 for Residents | $40 for Non-Residents
👧 Ages: 5 and up (Adults welcome too!)

This Saturday is a St. Paddy’s day themed class and April 26th is a bunny themed class. All supplies will be provided by Monique, owner of Cookies by Monique, LLC. Please note that cookies contain milk, eggs, and wheat, and while peanuts are not used, cross-contamination is possible.

Spots are limited, so sign up today! Register for the March class here and the April class here.

 🌸 Mommy & Me Paint A Flower Pot

Get ready for an afternoon of creativity and quality time at Wine & Tapas! This special Mommy & Me painting event is the perfect chance to bond with your little one while designing a one-of-a-kind flower pot to take home and enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced painter or just having fun with colors, this session is all about self-expression, laughter, and making lasting memories together. Plus, while your child explores their artistic side, you can relax with your favorite wine or mocktail!

What’s Included?

Tickets are $25/pp and include:

🌸 A flower pot and a variety of paints to customize your masterpiece
🎨 Step-by-step guidance from Angel to bring your vision to life
🥂 A laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with snacks and drinks available for purchase

At the end of the session, you’ll leave with a beautiful, hand-painted flower pot—perfect for planting flowers, herbs, or displaying as a unique piece of home décor. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours soon! We can’t wait to paint and create with you!

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🎨 Parent & Me Art Classes

Abstract Adventures is all about creativity, connection, and fun! 🎨✨ They offer Parent & Me art classes designed for 1-5 year olds, giving little artists the chance to explore, play, and create alongside their caregivers. Their sessions are all about making art stress-free and engaging, so parents and kids can enjoy the process together. My son and I love going to these classes to bond and spark our creativity! Also the best part- getting to

📅 Class Times:
⭐ Mondays | 9-10am
⭐ Thursdays | 10-11am

📍 Location: Bold Academy in Nexton
💰 Cost: $25 per class or $80 per month
👧 Ages: 1-5 year olds

Register for classes here. Coming up in April are activities like painting pots and planting seeds, dying tote bags, and egg art!

SPONSORED BY

Two Dads in Tech Podcast

Thank you to today’s sponsor, Two Dads in Tech Podcast!

Join Daniel Berk and Troy Munson, two dads with a knack for humor and a love for software, as they navigate the highs, lows, and quirks of building startups — all while balancing the beautiful chaos of parenting.

Whether it’s dissecting the industry’s latest trends, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from the trenches of development, or addressing the awkward questions no one dares to ask in meetings, Daniel and Troy bring sharp wit and unfiltered honesty to every episode. Their unique perspectives blend the wisdom of seasoned professionals with the hilarity of being dads who can’t escape the occasional spilled milk.

"Two Dads in Tech" is more than just another software podcast — it’s a space where the everyday meets the extraordinary, where dry humor softens the sharp edges of tech talk, and where you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even feel a little less alone in the madness of it all.

This weekly podcast will keep you informed, entertained, and coming back for more.

Tune in and discover what tech dads really think — it’s the podcast you didn’t know you needed.

Listen and subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts! 👇️ 

LOCAL EVENT

Petting Zoo at Luxe Bar & Bistro

Looking for a unique, hands-on experience that the whole family will love? 🐾 Crosswind Farm is bringing some of their most adorable baby animals to Luxe Bar and Bistro, and trust us—you don’t want to miss this! This special event will give kids (and kids at heart!) the chance to pet and interact with a variety of baby animals, including a capybara, two baby kangaroos, bunnies, a camel, a mini cow, a dwarf mini horse, tortoises, a llama, tiny baby goats, and a sheep! With so many baby animals born this winter and spring, it’s the perfect time to come out and meet them up close.

🐐 Event Details:
🎟 Cost: $5 per child (includes entry for one free adult per paid child)
🐾 Extras: Stuffed animals available for purchase ($25 large, $15 small), feed cups ($2), and large feed bowls ($5)
🍽 Food Special: Luxe Bar and Bistro is offering ½ off kids' meals with a paid adult meal during the event!

RESTAURANT

Rita’s Italian Ice

Looking for a delicious way to treat the family? Rita’s Italian Ice in Nexton has you covered with refreshing Italian ice, creamy frozen custard, and indulgent frozen treats. And here’s a sweet deal—mention “Palmetto Parents” at checkout now through the end of the month and get 15% off your order! 🎉 

Many of you may know Rita’s from a previous place you lived, and it’s exciting to now have our very own location in Summerville! We stopped by yesterday for their free Italian ice to celebrate the start of spring and loved how quick & friendly the service was and of course the delicious treat.

What’s on the Menu?

Rita’s is known for its smooth, refreshing Italian ice, made fresh daily in a variety of fun and fruity flavors like Mango, Cherry, Cotton Candy, and Swedish Fish. But the treats don’t stop there! If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, try their signature Gelati, which layers rich, creamy frozen custard with Italian ice for the perfect balance of smooth and sweet. 🍧🍦

Other favorites on the menu include:
🍦 Frozen Custard – Velvety smooth and available in vanilla, chocolate, or twist
🍪 Concrete – A super-thick frozen custard blended with your favorite mix-ins
🥤 Milkshakes & Blendinis – Creamy, dreamy sippable treats
🌈 Misto Shakes – A delicious blend of Italian ice and custard for the best of both worlds

A Family-Friendly Stop in Nexton

Located in the heart of Nexton Square, Rita’s Italian Ice is a go-to spot for families, friends, and anyone looking for a refreshing treat. The welcoming atmosphere, outdoor seating, and quick service make it a great choice for an after-school snack, post-dinner treat, or just a fun way to cool off on a hot day. Plus, with kid-friendly sizes and plenty of flavors to choose from, it’s a hit with little ones (and parents too!).

📍 Location: 1120 Metropolitan Avenue, Summerville
🕐 Hours: 12-9pm daily

Next time you’re in Nexton, stop by Rita’s for a sweet escape—and don’t forget to mention Palmetto Parents for 15% off your order through the end of the month!

PALMETTO PIECE

Family Fun Spring Bingo Board

Spring officially started yesterday which means a new family fun bingo board is here! Have fun with your family making spring memories and the first family that completes a bingo will be the winner.

If you’re new here, here are the rules:

Choose which activities from the board your family wants to do to complete a “bingo” (across, down, diagonal). Take pictures when your family completes each activity. When you’ve finished your four activities, post the pictures to our free Palmetto Parents Community on GroupMe OR email your evidence to [email protected].

The first family to complete four in a row wins! This time the winner will receive a $25 gift card to Rita’s Italian Ice.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦