Ancient oak trees meet with pristine beaches in the endearing town of Mount Pleasant. Just across the Cooper River from Charleston, the town is dotted with historical attractions, thick marshlands and grand riverside homes. At its heart is what’s colloquially known as “Old Village”, a square of townhouses and cafes that epitomise Mount Pleasant’s relaxed atmosphere.
Iconic nature attracts visitors to Mount Pleasant. The photogenic marshlands glimmer a rainbow of green colours, a handful of beaches gaze out onto Caribbean waters, and sailboats rock gently in Shem Creek and the Cooper River. Historic attractions honour the region’s origins and the struggle against slavery, including Slave Street, Smokehouse, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Long Point Plantation and the old music venue Riverside. Visitors to Patriots Point can view a restored World War II aircraft carrier and various finds retrieved from the surrounding ocean floor.
The Ravenel Bridge connects Mount Pleasant with Charleston and is used by various public buses. Opened in 2005, this bridge has drastically reduced travel time between the two cities. Charleston International Airport is 20 kilometres away from Mount Pleasant, and the closest long-distance rail and bus stations can be found in North Charleston. Many locals get around by boat and visitors can watch small fishing vessels at Shem Creek.
Built by a French Huguenot in 1755, Hibben House is the oldest standing property in Mount Pleasant. It’s just one of the traditional buildings in the Old Village found around the northern end of Pitt Street.