Hey Charleston Parents,

Happy Halloween weekend! 🎃 We've had a busy week staying up late and driving around the neighborhood in search of the scariest, most over-the-top decorated houses. I'm hoping the house we checked out tonight won't be too scary for my daughter and won't leave her with nightmares, but we'll see how that goes!

We've got a fun weekend ahead, starting with the Coastal Carolina Fair! As always, we recommend going earlier in the run, October 29 or 30, rather than waiting until the final weekend. For this week's event, the kids can also enjoy trick-or-treating at The Joe, which sounds like the perfect way to squeeze in a little extra Halloween fun.

For dinner inspiration, we're sharing one of our King Street favorites, Mario's, for a delicious Italian meal the whole family can enjoy. And to wrap things up, I'm sharing a little personal story about trusting my mom gut this week and why I'm so glad I did. Sometimes those instincts really do know best!

Have a wonderful Halloween weekend, Charleston! Stay safe, eat plenty of candy, and enjoy every bit of the spooky fun.Have the best week!

It’s officially fair season in the Lowcountry! The Coastal Carolina Fair kicks off Thursday, October 29, and if you’re planning a family outing this weekend, this is one to put on your list. Our advice? Head over on the earlier side of the weekend before everyone gets into full Halloween mode!

There’s something for everyone, from carnival rides and midway games to farm animals, a petting zoo, exhibits, and live entertainment. The kids can enjoy the classic fair favorites while parents get to sample all the food that somehow tastes better when it’s served at a fair. Think funnel cakes, fried treats, roasted corn, turkey legs, and plenty of other sweet and savory options. There are also live shows and concerts included with admission, so you can make a whole afternoon or evening out of it.

The fair runs for 11 days, October 29 through November 8, at Exchange Park in Ladson. Friday is a great option if you want to kick off Halloween weekend with some fair fun, while Saturday is perfect for families who want to spend more time exploring. Just keep in mind that rides, games, and food are additional expenses beyond admission, so it's worth setting a budget before you go!

When: October 29–November 8, 2026

Where: Exchange Park, 9850 Highway 78, Ladson

Admission: $15 for ages 13+, $7 for ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under. Ride wristbands cost extra.

Parking: General parking is free.

Check the official Coastal Carolina Fair website for tickets, daily hours, and entertainment details before heading out. Get ready for rides, treats, and a little old-fashioned fair fun!

Hey Charleston Parents,

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Looking for a fun, FREE Halloween event for the kids? Head to Trick or Treat at The Joe (home of the RiverDogs) on Friday, October 30! Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park is turning into a Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, decorated vehicles handing out candy, and plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained.

Beyond collecting candy, families can enjoy a petting zoo, jump castle, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, crafts, a DJ, and even a chance to check out local fire and police trucks. There will also be food vendors, cotton candy, and plenty of opportunities for cute costume photos. Costumes are encouraged, so let the kids dress up and get ready for an afternoon of Halloween fun!

When: Friday, October 30, 4–6 p.m.

Where: Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park (The Joe), 360 Fishburne Street, Charleston

Cost: FREE!

Parking: Available at Brittlebank Park and Stoney Field.

A great option for families looking to squeeze in one more round of trick-or-treating before Halloween! Find more event details here.

Mario’s is one of those King Street spots we keep coming back to because you just know it’s going to be good. Amazing drinks, delicious pizza, and specialty pastas that make you want to try something different every time. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with Italian!

We usually start with the Polpette Italiane, their Italian meatballs, and bruschetta before diving into dinner. Their gnocchi is amazing, and the rigatoni alla vodka is another favorite if you're in the mood for a really good pasta dish. They have plenty of other delicious dinner options, too, so there's something for everyone. And don't skip dessert! They've got classics like tiramisu, cheesecake, and cannolis to finish off the meal.

This is a perfect spot for a date night or to bring the whole family for a 5pm meal right before the dinner crowd hits. They are located at 487 King Street. They are open daily from 4:30-10:30pm.

What I love about Mario’s is that it feels like a great night out without being overly fancy or requiring weeks of planning. The atmosphere is casual, the food is consistently delicious, and you can often snag a reservation without having to book way in advance. I've mentioned Mario’s before, but it's worth repeating: it's one of our go-to spots on King Street. Whether you're planning a date night or just craving pasta and a good drink, it's a reliable favorite that never disappoints.

This week, my two-year-old had a cough that had been lingering for a few days. Otherwise, he seemed totally fine, with no other obvious signs of being sick. Normally, I probably would have waited a little longer to see if it went away on its own. But I've been trying to follow a new rule: when I'm not sure if one of my kids needs to see a doctor, I'm going to trust my gut and get it checked out.

So I took him in, expecting a pretty routine visit. Instead, I found out he had pneumonia. I was shocked and honestly a little scared. How could my little guy have pneumonia when he seemed perfectly fine otherwise? And what if I had waited a few more days to see if the cough went away?

As moms, we're constantly making little judgment calls about our kids. Is that cough worth worrying about? Am I overreacting? Should I wait another day? With three kids, I feel like I'm making these decisions all the time, and it can be hard to know when to trust your instincts.

I'm so glad I trusted my gut this week. It's a reminder that we know our kids better than anyone, and sometimes that little feeling that tells us something deserves a second look is worth listening to. So here's your friendly reminder, mama: trust your gut. Even when you aren't sure, don't be afraid to ask questions or seek a little reassurance. Sometimes that instinct is there for a reason.

Have the best week!

Love, Jenna