Happy Friday!

We have an exciting week ahead in Summerville with the rescheduled Summerville Italian Feast happening this Sunday, November 16th, from 11am-6pm in Hutchinson Square. You can find Italian food, drink, and local goods prepared from over 100 vendors at the feast. And the cherry on top— all proceeds from the event go to the Dorchester Two Educational Foundation.

This Thursday, November 20th, is Summerville’s Third Thursday event from 5:30-8pm in Hutchinson Square! The theme this month is Native American Heritage and there will be dancing, native artifacts, and opportunities to learn about the native history of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe.

And lastly, check out this week’s event section to read about tomorrow’s family day at Middleton Place, with free entry for kids under 14!

The holiday season is quickly approaching! If you're hoping to shop local and get a head start on your Christmas gifts, we've rounded up a list of upcoming holiday markets happening in Summerville and nearby towns over the next few weeks.

With farmers markets wrapping up for the 2025 season, these festive events are your last chance to browse a wide variety of local artisans and makers all in one place before spring returns!

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to spark your child’s love of reading and phonics, The Alphabittles by local author and former children’s librarian Mr. Steve is the perfect pick. We got our hands on the first books in the series this week, and our bedtime routine has truly never been more fun. The stories are quirky, clever, and full of heart — our son cannot stop giggling over his favorite, "P on Your Pants."

Each of the 26 books in the series introduces a lovable character tied to a different letter of the alphabet. They're great for early readers, blending humor and literacy in a way that kids absolutely adore. As one reviewer put it:
“Mr. Steve’s experience as a former children’s librarian clearly shows. He gently introduces young readers to the idea that letters are everywhere, sparking an early love for language and reading.” – Carol Thompson, Readers’ Favorite

The first three titles — The B Hive, Fishing is Fun, and P on Your Pants — are available now to order! Use code PALMETTO for 20% off + free shipping through November 20th.

You can also sign up for Mr. Steve’s newsletter to get free printables, event updates, and a closer look at what’s next in the series.

With sunshine in the forecast and a high of 74°, this Saturday (November 15) is shaping up to be the kind of crisp, beautiful fall day that practically begs you to get outside — and Middleton Place’s Family Day: The Art of the Harvest is the perfect way to do just that.

From 10:00am-3pm, families are invited to explore one of the most historic and scenic spots in the Lowcountry while diving into the sights, sounds, and tastes of the autumn harvest season. While there's something for everyone, this day is especially fun for kids and curious minds — packed with hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences that make history feel alive and exciting.

At the heart of the event is the story of the Lowcountry harvest, brought to life through the work of artisans, chefs, and culture keepers who show how the land shaped everyday life. Throughout the day, families can watch (and taste!) open-hearth cooking demonstrations, try their hand at sugarcane pressing, and learn traditional skills like blacksmithing, pottery, and sweetgrass basket weaving. There are even opportunities to build a barrel in a cooper's workshop, and see how once-essential tools were forged right before your eyes.

But what your kids will likely love most are the hands-on, interactive stations sprinkled throughout the grounds. Children can:

And because no fall outing is complete without something tasty, families can enjoy tastings of traditional Southern ingredients like cornmeal, molasses, and pork prepared using historic methods. Peculiar Pig Farm will be on site with BBQ lunch specials, including a kid’s meal featuring a pulled pork slider, a side (mac and cheese, baked beans, or collards), and a juice box.

This event also includes cultural education, including a special appearance by the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe, who will share stories, traditional planting methods, and examples of traditional dress. It's a meaningful opportunity for families to learn about the people whose deep connection to the land shaped Lowcountry foodways and traditions.

Admission is free for members and included with general admission for non-members. Even better — kids 14 and under are free, making this a truly affordable and enriching day out for the whole family.

Whether your kids love crafting, food, music, or just being outside, Family Day at Middleton Place offers the perfect mix of fun and learning. Come make memories, get a little messy, and celebrate the season in a place that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful.

📍Middleton Place
🗓 Saturday, November 15 from 10am-3pm
🎟 Included with admission | Kids 14 & under FREE

Sometimes all you want in the morning is a fully loaded bagel sandwich that hits every savory note — and for our family, that place is Ruby’s NY Style Bagels. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast on the go or treating yourself to a slow morning bite, Ruby’s is the kind of place that delivers big flavor and the satisfying crunch of a real-deal New York–style bagel. And trust me — it’s earned its spot as Summerville’s go-to bagel shop, especially now that Wakey Bakey Bagels has closed.

Our usual order? My sons are loyal to their favorite: a warm, soft cinnamon sugar bagel, often devoured before we even leave the parking lot. I go straight for the Rico — a beast of a sandwich layered with avocado, egg, bacon, hashbrowns, and chipotle mayo. It’s savory, satisfying, and exactly what I want.

Ruby’s doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. They bake their bagels fresh every day, using unbromated, unbleached flour with no chemical additives — following a traditional method that gives each bagel that signature golden shine, crunchy exterior, and chewy center. They offer up to 26 varieties daily, and it’s a mix of classic and creative.

You’ll find savory options like rosemary salt, pumpernickel everything, and even bloody mary, alongside sweet flavors like french toast, cinnamon crunch, and chocolate chip salt. There’s also something for everyone — including gluten-free bagels (made offsite to avoid cross-contamination) and vegan cream cheese, which I personally appreciate as someone with dietary restrictions. They also offer omelettes and lots of delicious lunch sandwich options, too.

While bagels are their specialty, Ruby’s coffee game is strong. Their lattes have a bit of a cult following — especially seasonal and specialty flavors like Nutella and Biscoff. It’s not unusual to see someone swing by just for coffee and leave with a half-dozen bagels “just in case.”

They also serve omelets and lunch sandwiches if you’re popping in later in the day, but in our experience, the early morning rush is real — especially on weekends. While there’s indoor seating, we usually grab ours to-go because it fills up quickly with fellow bagel lovers.

Ruby’s has six locations across the Lowcountry, including nearby spots in Nexton and Carnes Crossroads.

If you haven’t tried Ruby’s yet, consider this your official nudge. Grab a bagel (or three), sip something sweet, and enjoy one of the most satisfying breakfasts Summerville has to offer — no plane ticket to New York required.

Hey Palmetto Family — Courtney’s dad here. I’ve been a fan of these “Palmetto Piece” reflections since they began, and when I asked Courtney if I could write one, she graciously said yes. So here goes.

As a father of three wonderful adult daughters — all of whom I’m still close to — I wanted to share a bit of wisdom that shaped our parenting years. Over 35 years ago, my wife Cheryl and I were given one simple piece of advice that became our guiding principle:

Protect the relationship.

We always believed in providing structure and discipline at home, but we also wanted to nurture our daughters’ personalities and independence. That balance wasn’t always easy — especially when our standards for order clashed with their creative energy.

Take their rooms, for example. From our perspective, they looked like disaster zones. From their perspecitve, the “piles” were part of an organized system that fueled their imagination. Determined to enforce cleanliness, we set strict rules about how their rooms should look. But soon, those rules became battles — daily reminders that left us frustrated and them feeling nagged.

Then we remembered our principle: protect the relationship.

We decided our connection mattered more than the state of their rooms. So, we backed off. We agreed that the common areas of our home would stay tidy but gave them freedom behind their bedroom doors. We talked about respect, responsibility, and discipline — but most importantly, we started talking again. And those conversations changed everything.

As our relationship grew stronger, something unexpected happened — their rooms got cleaner. We’d find ourselves cleaning together, laughing about school, friends, or life. I even remember a mysterious carpet stain one daughter insisted looked like something symbolic. I can’t recall what it was — but I remember the laughter.

Protecting the relationship didn’t mean lowering our standards. It meant lifting connection above control. And in the end, that choice built trust, closeness, and love that has lasted long past their messy-room years.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

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