You go on vacation and sooner or later, you go shopping. Even in places as historic and fun-filled as Mount Pleasant and nearby Charleston, tourists always want to explore the local stores to find a memento of their trip.
To preserve your vacation memories and impress your friends back home, the ultimate shopping trip in Mount Pleasant will take you on a hunt for a sweetgrass basket. Nothing else comes close to representing the South Carolina Lowcountry culture like one of these handmade works of art.
Not sure what they’re all about? First, do a little research at Mount Pleasant’s site for such things. Then head out to see what’s available at roadside stands along U.S. Highway 17 and elsewhere.
For information and locations, check Sweetgrass Baskets and Palm, Mazie’s Sweetgrass Baskets and DNA Sweetgrass Baskets. Also visit Charleston.com and sciway.net.
Prefer haute couture over culture? Shop at the famed Gwynn's of Mount Pleasant, the only locally owned luxury department store in the Charleston area offering men's and women's designer clothing, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and skincare, as well as upscale gifts and home accessories. Open since 1967, this "Southern Charm" favorite features high fashion designer labels like Jimmy Choo, Escada, Brunello Cucinelli, Tom Ford, Stuart Weitzman, Marchesa and Aquazzura. Sip on champagne while you peruse today's hottest glam goods in the stylish setting of this Charleston area institution.
Mount Pleasant also has plenty of more traditional retail establishments, including a trio of shopping centers and malls.
For variety and selection, it’s hard to beat Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, featuring dozens of stores as well as nine restaurants. Besides big box outlets like Belk, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy and Men’s Warehouse, there are smaller stores such as Apricot Lane Boutique, Copper Penny and Hairy Winston, a pet boutique.
Another location with lots of choices, including many one-of-a-kind boutiques, is Belle Hall Shopping Center. Among the most popular establishments are Bach to Rock, Bangs ‘n Bows, Charleston Glow, Dog & Duck, Gown Boutique of Charleston, Mainstream Boutique and The Main Squeeze. Mount Pleasant Mall and The Market at Oakland also offer a wide variety of stores to satisfy your shopping needs.
And that's just for starters. Southern Living Store offers home and garden, pantry and table, travel, fashion, books and, of course, wedding ideas. For sports fan paraphernalia, visit Palmetto Moon. Women’s clothing is the draw at Gwynn’s.
There's also the Charleston Bicylce Center for bikes and cycling accessories; and Next To New and Lowcountry Consignment for furniture and home decor, both used and vintage.
Finally, remember that half the fun of vacation shopping is discovering some place you never even imagined. Check out freestanding shops in Mount Pleasant and beach shops on Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island. Chances are you’ll find just the right something to remind you of your trip for years to come.
