🌴 Navigating January: Local Highlights, Family Ideas, and Grace in Sickness

Good morning, Palmetto Parent!

Does anyone else feel like they blinked and now we’re already half way through January. Wasn’t Christmas just last week?

 If you’re looking for a sweet treat this weekend, don’t forget to check out Alien Cow Flavored Sno for a unique blend of ice cream and sno cones. Their creations, like Red Velvet Sno Cakes and Bostonish Cream Pie, are sure to delight your family.

Speaking of snow, we may have a cold and wintery week ahead with rare snow in the forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Being from Chicago we’re no strangers to snow, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out here in Charleston. Stay safe and warm!

TO DO

Enjoy Nature with Winter Programs at Ashley River Park

Ashley River Park is a great spot for a family outing. Whether you want to explore nature trails, let your kids enjoy the playground, or watch your pup frolic in the dog park, there’s something for everyone. Fishing enthusiasts can even rent rods for free at the park office and try their luck catching sunfish, bass, or perch in the large pond (keep an eye out for gators!).

Entry Fees: $2 per person (kids 2 & under free) or a $40 annual pass for families.

Beyond its everyday amenities, the park offers fantastic programs for kids and families, including both free and low-cost options. Perfect for homeschoolers, after-school adventures, or just some weekend fun. Here are a few upcoming events:

• Nature Walk
  Date: Wednesday, 1/22, 10 AM – 12 PM
  Join park staff for a guided walk through the trails, learning about wildlife, birds, and native plants.
  Cost: Free with park entry.

• Jewelry Making with Polymer Clay
  Date: Friday, 1/30, 6 PM – 7:30 PM
  Kids (ages 8+) can create unique jewelry using polymer clay, with materials provided.
  Cost: $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents.

• Birding for Kids
  Date: Wednesday, 2/5, 10 AM – 11 AM
  This hands-on program introduces kids (ages 5-12) to birdwatching. Participants will "build a bird" and take a guided walk to spot local species.
  Cost: $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents.

Check out the full calendar here for more details and registration.

LOCAL EVENT

Enjoy Live Choral Music from Hollywood

The Cane Bay High School “Vox Bellator” will perform “Hollywood Boulevard” tonight (1/17) and tomorrow night (1/18) at 7:00pm at Cane Bay High School. This performance will feature the award-winning Vox Bellator group, the top performing treble ensemble group at Cane Bay High School. They are an award winning group, claiming the state champion title at Palmetto State Choral Championships in years past among other accolades. This is a great event for older kids and families to enjoy live music and do something out of the ordinary while supporting local talent.

Vox Night is a beloved tradition in Summerville, where talented students and community members put on a show-stopping performance with a unique theme each year. For 2025, "Hollywood Boulevard" promises a red-carpet experience filled with classic movie hits, creative choreography, and unforgettable moments. At this performance, they will be singing Pop and Broadway hits from across the ages in a coffeehouse style performance. Coffee, refreshments, and dessert will be served throughout. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased ahead of time on Eventbrite or on the Cane Bay Choir website. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Hey everyone, Daniel here!

Since May of 2024 I’ve completely uprooted my entire life to change my habits and become healthier than I’ve ever been.

1. I lost over 40 pounds 

2. I started running and put in over 300 miles

3. I stopped drinking alcohol

4. I ran a 5k, 10k, and half marathon

And this year I’m training to run the Chicago Marathon in October! I’m running with a charity and would love it if you’d consider donating any amount to the cause. Livestrong has asked me to raise $3,000 by October :)

You can donate and read more about my story here.

RESTAURANT

Restaurant Week; Deals at Hall’s Chophouse and Middleton Place

There’s still a few days left for restaurant week in Charleston which ends on Sunday, January 17th. If you can sneak in a date night or fancy family night out, check out this list of participating restaurants in Charleston to see what special menus and meal deals they’re offering.

At Hall’s Chophouse in Nexton, they are offering a three course meal for $68 with options like she-crab soup, filet minion, and a nightly dessert feature. This deal started yesterday and lasts until Tuesday, the 21st (extended past the 19th end date). Check out the full restaurant week menu here. 

The other local restaurant with a restaurant week deal is The Middleton Place Restaurant. They’re offering a three course meal for $60 including items like guava bbq glazed pork belly, shrimp & grits, short rib, and southern pecan pie. Check out all the menu options and make reservations here.

TOGETHER WITH

Dream Maker Agent

If you’re looking for a realtor, our Dream Maker Agent Ernest Govan is your man! If you’ve been around for awhile, you know that we loved our experience with Ernest as our realtor. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to give him a follow on social media. On his Instagram and Facebook he provides things like “Wednesday Wisdom” with helpful advice related to home ownership and “Friday Finds” showcasing great deals and new houses on the market. He also gives you all the details for all of the amazing events and community partnerships he puts on throughout the year. Over the past months he helped sponsor events like free entry to West Farm Corn Maze, free fall family photos with a local professional, and breakfast with the Grinch. These were amazing events and you don’t want to miss what’s in store in 2025.

dream_maker_agent

View more on Instagram

PALMETTO PIECE

Navigating Sick Season

This week, our family has been hit hard by RSV. It derailed my three-year-old’s birthday, canceled all our plans, and took us on four doctor visits. It’s been overwhelming, to say the least. During times like this, it’s easy to feel defeated and isolated, but we’ve been leaning on a few key practices to help us stay grounded and make it through.

1. Know You’re Not Alone. One of the most comforting realizations is that we’re not alone in this struggle. Talking to friends, other parents, and members of mom groups has reminded me that so many families go through similar hard seasons. While I’d never wish sickness on anyone, it brings me strength to know others have walked this road, emerged stronger, and returned to normal life. Knowing there’s a shared experience out there makes the weight feel a little lighter.

2. Cling to Gratitude. In the chaos, gratitude has been our lifeline. It might be easy to overlook blessings when life feels overwhelming, but acknowledging even the smallest things can bring comfort and perspective. I’ve found myself thanking my husband for the smallest acts of kindness and giving thanks for access to doctors, medicine, and a warm home. I’m grateful for moments that might seem mundane—like the kids taking a good nap, eating a solid meal, or sharing a laugh. Even my older son comforting his little brother feels like a victory. Gratitude creates room for light, even on the hardest days.

3. Give Yourself Grace. This week has been a reminder that it’s okay to let go of expectations. Sometimes, the most important thing is to focus on rest and recovery, letting go of everything else. The house might stay messier than usual, and plans might be canceled, but that’s okay. Giving yourself grace allows you to prioritize what truly matters—your family’s well-being. And when we give ourselves that permission, we teach our kids that slowing down and caring for ourselves is not only okay but necessary.

Seasons like this aren’t easy, but they remind us of our resilience. By connecting with others, practicing gratitude, and letting go of perfection, we can find strength to make it through and come out the other side with a deeper appreciation for the things that truly matter. After weeks with so much sickness, we know the next time we get to have a play date or go on an outing we won’t take it for granted!

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 

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