On a travel writing assignment covering Charleston, I decided to scoot over the Ravenel Bridge and explore the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant. No pun intended, but I was pleasantly surprised.

First on the agenda was to grab some lunch (can’t sightsee on an empty stomach, eh?). As I headed down Coleman Boulevard on my way into town, I noticed a nondescript little A-frame called Boulevard Diner and figured that someplace so barebones had to be good. Plus, it was listed in my AAA TourBook. Voila! I hit comfort food pay dirt, as I savored my hot turkey sandwich, mashers and collards. Although portions were generous and I was mostly stuffed, I guiltily ordered the tollhouse pie after spying the parade of scrumptious-looking homemade desserts being delivered to other diners.  It turned out to be well worth any later Tums therapy, and I rationalized that I would walk it off during my afternoon ventures.

I started investigating the town itself on Pitt Street, an area known as the “old village.” The street is lined with several charmingly renovated historic buildings, including the Old Village Post House, now a AAA Three Diamond lodging and restaurant. As I wandered along, I couldn’t help but notice the old-fashioned soda fountain in the Pitt Street Pharmacy, and made a mental note to return sometime for a real-deal ice cream soda. A bakery, garden shop and other small businesses gave way to a lovely residential area, where I strolled among graceful antebellum homes bordered by colorful gardens.

On my way back to Charleston, I discovered a large marina complex chock full of restaurants and intriguing night spots just off Coleman Boulevard. My instinct told me this would be a great place to enjoy the sunset and grab some dinner. So, I pulled into Shem Creek Marina and landed at Vickery’s, (right) a AAA Rated restaurant and nightspot popular with the local set. Happy hour was in full swing—folks gathered on the deck to celebrate a glorious Carolina sunset, as shrimp boats lazily drifted back to their berths and sea birds hovered for scraps. My dinner of seared lump crab cakes was superb, served along with Cajun sauce and corn salsa.

Afterward, I ambled along the marina’s boardwalks, dotted with casual strollers and those seeking some evening entertainment. I plopped down at an outdoor table at Red’s Ice House, content to savor the view of Charleston Harbor as a friendly crowd munched on shrimp and oysters, sipped cocktails and mingled with friends.

Mount Pleasant is about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, just over the Ravenel Bridge (left). -Suzanne Lemon