Charleston: Where the Locals Go

The Old Village
Rossilind and Ladine ("Dean") Daniels show us a delightful shopping venue tucked away in Mount Pleasant's Old Village.

Only about 3 1/2 miles from downtown Charleston, this area just across the Cooper River is the oldest part of Mount Pleasant, and a large section of the Old Village is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rossilind and Dean, proud parents of a college-age daughter and a son in the Marine Corps, start the afternoon at Expectations Studio, an art gallery on Pitt Street that specializes in giclee prints.

After perusing the art, the Danielses browse at Out of Hand, a shop just down the street that sells everything from bowling bag purses ($30) to glass candlesticks ($50) to sun hats ($22). Beaded picture frames in the window catch Rossilind's eye. One of them is perfect for a picture of their Marine--or maybe a lovely portrait of her and Dean. "We've recently celebrated our 25th anniversary," she says.

Rossilind, a minister of music at their church, has plenty to sing about while shopping in the area. The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons at the Moultrie Middle School features organic produce, barbecue from local restaurants, and lots more bargains to be had.

Another little-known spot popular with the Daniels family is Gwynn's, located in Village Pointe Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant. If you're looking for the latest in Kate Spade purses, funky jewelry, shoes, or accessories, you'll find it here.

Next, the Danielses wander down to the Pitt Street Pharmacy, where Linda Brackman makes the best egg salad in town. The only things more popular are the vintage soda fountain milk shakes ($2.75). Kids love it here, and it's even okay to carve your initials in the lunch counter.

For a great end to a day of shopping and wandering, walk around the park surrounding Alhambra Hall, just past Pitt Street. The live oaks and welcoming benches offer a perfect place to watch the river traffic and a glorious Carolina sunset.

Expectations Studio: 125 Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant; (843) 810-5262. Out of Hand: 113-C Pitt Street; (843) 856-3585. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market: (843) 884-8517. Gwynn's: 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd.; (843) 884-9518. Pitt Street Pharmacy: 111 Pitt Street; (843) 884-4051.