The summer solstice is here! It’s the longest day of the year—and the perfect time to soak in all the summer magic.

And yes, we know our recent subject lines have been heavy on the fruit references… but can you blame us? It’s officially blueberry season in the Lowcountry, and there’s just something special about fruit you pick yourself—it really does taste better. 🫐

Our family is traveling abroad for a few weeks, but don’t worry—your weekly newsletters aren’t going anywhere! We’ll be writing some and we’ve also lined up some amazing guest contributors from the Palmetto Parents community, starting with this week’s Palmetto Piece by our friend Jenna.

We’ll share a few updates from our travels once we’re back, and we can’t wait to keep bringing you fresh ideas for making the most of a Summerville summer. ☀️

Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth.

Unlike renters homeowners gain equity as

This is a huge boost to increasing your net worth. Homeowners net worth is 40x’s that of renters. As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity – and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than a renters.

But you should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it. If you want to build a plan to get there, let’s connect.

Want to get your business in front of thousands of Summerville parents this summer? Click here to give us your information and we’ll be in touch soon.

Blueberry picking season is officially here! Myers Blueberries opened last Saturday and they’re ready for you!

One our our favorite memories from last summer was blueberry picking at Myers Blueberries. The blueberries are abundant with two huge fields of blueberry bushes with plenty of blueberries in reach for kids to pick. The best part? The blueberries are natural with no chemicals which means you can eat them right off the bush. In fact, the owners encourage you to eat as much as you want as you pick! This made the experience so fun for us as the baby (now not so much a baby 🥲) sat in the wagon and ate blueberries to his heart’s content which brother and I picked.

Myers Blueberries is located at 212 Twin Lakes Drive in the Knightsville area of Summerville. Blueberries are $15/gallon, payment in cash or check only. A gallon is A LOT of blueberries. They are absolutely delicious and perfect for snacking, smoothies, baking, and freezing. A friend made this blueberry upside down cake with hers and said it was amazing.

For those that work a traditional 9-5, their hours accommodate picking on the evening and weekends. They are open from 7:30am-1pm and 5pm-7:30pm Monday-Friday and from 7:30am-2:30pm on Saturdays. The blueberry season is very weather dependent. Typically they will be open for about 4-5 weeks, but some seasons have been much longer or shorter depending on the rain. Check their Facebook page for updates.

There is something special about the friends you make in childhood. The bonds are formed without interference from self-consciousness and the myriad of responsibilities that pull our attention in all directions, once we become adults.

Summerville resident, Veronica Jaeger O'Sullivan met her best friend, Lisa Manyata Olson, in the 2nd grade. Their friendship blossomed throughout their joyous school years and deepened in adulthood as they bonded over work stress and aging parents. It's a common story of course…but Lisa is not common at all. Lisa was born without limbs and with an indomitable spirit.

In addition to being friends, Veronica will occasionally serve as a caregiver for Lisa over holidays or when Lisa needs to travel for her motivational speaking ministry, based in Virginia Beach. There is a mutual trust and respect that has evolved over decades of friendship.

Inspired by their friendship, Veronica authored a children's book called "Glory Be!". The proceeds from all sales assist with the ongoing cost of Lisa's full-time caregivers. "Glory Be!" is a timeless parable reminding us to see beyond another's circumstance and to simply extend kindness and encouragement. Copies are available for purchase at Main Street Reads in Summerville and online at all major retailers.

My boys and I got to attend one of Veronica’s book readings at Main Street Reads and loved hearing her read “Glory Be!” Knowing the real-life story behind the fictional story just made it even more special. Veronica is such a kind-hearted member of our community and it’s an honor to support her work by purchasing her book.

Veronica Jaeger O'Sullivan resides with her family in Summerville and is available for local book readings and signings. She looks to the beauty found in friends and nature for literary inspiration.

Throw Lumber Jill’s is turning up the fun for their Birthday Bash Weekend—and Sunday is all about families! On Day 3 (Sunday, June 22nd), bring the whole crew out for an all-ages axe-throwing fun.

🎉 Family Day | Sunday, June 23 | All Day | $15 per person
Whether your crew is full of first-time throwers or mini lumberjacks in training, this indoor axe-throwing experience is designed with families in mind. Here's what's included:
🍦 A frozen treat to keep things cool
🪓 Axe-throwing fun in a safe, welcoming environment
🎟 Raffle entry (prizes all weekend, including a league spot!)

Looking for a fun and unique way to spend time together this weekend? This is it. Family Day offers the perfect mix of activity, memory-making, and treats.

Bonus: Want a grown-up night out too? Check out Friday’s Date Night and Saturday’s Birthday Bash Party with live music, food trucks, and drinks!

Tucked away off of Central Rd., Luxe Bar and Bistro blends cozy indoor charm with a spacious outdoor seating area—perfect for families. Kids can move and play while parents relax with coffee, cocktails, or charcuterie.

Bonus for families:
Every Saturday from 11am–4pm, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kid-friendly options include cheese or pepperoni flatbread, grilled cheese, or a PB&J Uncrustable, served with chips or Oreos.

Once a casual coffee spot I loved frequenting with the baby in our Knightsville days, Luxe is now under refreshed ownership and working hard to create a welcoming, community-centered space. The menu features a mix of wines, beers, cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, pub food, and charcuterie—something for everyone.

They regularly host community events like live music and weekly music bingo. This Saturday, June 21 from 11am–2:30pm, don’t miss the Faery Frolic—a magical celebration for kids with faery meet-and-greets, storytelling, sparkle-filled surprises, and faery treats in the courtyard. Wings encouraged!

🕒 Hours:
Tues–Thurs: 2–10pm
Fri: 2–11pm
Sat: 11am–11pm
Sun: 11am–7pm

📍1430 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC

First, there was Mother’s Day. Let me be real: I never know how I want to celebrate it. I usually end up choosing between two equally appealing but incomplete options—either I have my husband and kids deep-clean the house while I sneak away to get my nails done, or I spend quality time with my kids doing something sweet and messy I’ll remember forever.

Meanwhile… my husband’s ideal Father’s Day celebration? A tee time. Easy. Booked. Group text with three other dads, and they’re out the door. And this happens for birthdays too—his and all his friends’. Honestly, they’ve got it figured out. Four hours of peaceful fun, outdoors, with snacks, drinks, and no one yelling “DAD!” while they drive a tiny car with no doors on a cute little road. Then lunch like civilized adults who haven’t had to cut anyone’s food. It’s social, it’s quiet, it’s sporty, and yes—they get to wear a golf outfit they got for Christmas. Honestly? They deserve it. Dads work hard. They carry their own mental loads, often quietly, and showing up day in and day out earns them a long, satisfying break with friends.

I’ve often joked to my husband that there’s no golf equivalent for Mother’s Day. And—being the classic “let me fix it” guy—he told me, “Why don’t you figure out the female version of a tee time?” Now, I know the obvious response: just go golfing. But I don’t want to spend five years training to be subpar (golf joke fully intended).

So I brought this problem to a fellow mom friend—our husbands are golfing besties—and we came up with a real plan. The mom version of a tee time. And honestly? It’s better. We solved golf’s flaws: too much effort, not enough conversation, and tee times that are way too early. The snacks? Vending machine vibes. I’m a grown woman—I only eat vending machine snacks alone, in silence, at rock bottom.

So here’s what the Mom Tee Time had to include:

Naturally, we landed on a Charleston classic: the beach. We met at a cute coffee shop, grabbed our drinks, and piled into one minivan (because driving together is part of the magic). We chose a beach we hadn’t visited in a while—Folly, in this case—because part of the joy was doing something just for us.

And the most underrated part? We each brought ONE BAG. One towel. A snack. One water bottle with zero intention of sharing. No floaties. No buckets. No beach cart. No one asking for a bite or sip. You know what else? You can doze off. Eyes closed. Mid-convo. I love bringing my kids to the beach, but I’m constantly scanning the ocean and counting heads. That morning, I laid down and didn’t panic once. It was heavenly.

And here’s what I realized: we don’t just need a break—we need each other. Studies show that moms with strong peer support feel less overwhelmed and more connected. One study in Maternal and Child Health Journal found that social support is one of the biggest factors in maternal wellbeing. Translation? Time with your mom crew isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.

So moms, here’s your homework: plan your own tee time. No kids. No errands. Just you, iced coffee, the ocean breeze, and a friend who reminds you you’re not alone. Dads, when you schedule your next tee time—don’t forget to help make one for her too.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦