Happy Friday and Happy Father’s Day Weekend!

We’ve been out of town this week enjoying the West Coast! We've seen some beautiful sights along the way, but Daniel and I were just talking about how much traveling always reminds us how much we love living in Summerville. As much as we enjoy exploring new places, it gives us a renewed appreciation for our hometown, the people here, and the wonderful community we're fortunate to be a part of.

We hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day weekend. This week, we're sharing a special Palmetto Piece written by my father just for the occasion. We're so grateful for all of the dads, grandfathers, and father figures in our community and for the countless ways you love, lead, and invest in your families every day.

See our round up of local Father’s Day events for this weekend here!

If you need a mental health provider who is both highly qualified and able to see new patients quickly, look no further than Huckleberry Health, a local practice run by local parents who truly understand. New clients are typically seen within two business days, and every new patient gets a free 15-minute consultation before committing — so you know it's the right fit from the start.

They're currently accepting parents and caregivers, with a pediatric provider joining the team this fall. Mention "Palmetto Parents" at your first visit and receive a free journal!

👉 Book your free consult at huckleberry-health.com

If you have a kid who is a fan of the whimsical and being outdoors, Magnolia Plantation has built something this summer that is going to blow their mind.

The Fairies & Flowers exhibit is running now through July 12 at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in West Ashley, about 30 minutes from Summerville. Tucked along acres of winding garden paths, more than 20 handcrafted fairy village dwellings are hidden among the blooms — tiny lighthouses, bakeries, bookshops, museums, and more, each one designed by a local tri-county artist and waiting to be discovered. The installations are intricate enough that adults will find themselves crouching down for a closer look, and each one comes with a "Can you find?" prompt to turn the whole walk into a gentle scavenger hunt through some of the most beautiful garden grounds in the Lowcountry.

What makes this one feel especially close to home: one of the featured artists is Sheila Preston-Ford, president of the Summerville Artist Guild. She's joined by more than 30 other creators from across the area, including an artist who spent 25 years contributing to the Macy's Flower Show in New York City and members of the Charleston Garden Club. You can feel the care in the craftsmanship — these are not mass-produced decorations. They are real miniature works of art sitting in the middle of one of South Carolina's oldest and most stunning gardens.

The exhibit is included with general garden admission, so there's no extra cost to wander through it. The gardens are open daily from 9am–5pm. Go on a weekday morning if you can — it's quieter, the light is beautiful, and you'll have more room to let the kids wander at their own pace without feeling rushed.

If your child wants to go deeper, Magnolia is also offering a Fairies & Flowers Art Camp for ages 6–10 from 9am-1pm. There’s still a couple weeks of sessions coming up! Campers spend each morning in the indoor Makerspace doing fairy-themed art and crafting activities — building their own fairy dwelling to take home, making woodland tiaras and wands — and each day includes a guided exploration of the grounds, a ride through the Audubon Swamp on the Nature Train, and a visit to the Wildlife Center. The camp includes a pair of fairy wings, a sketchbook, art supplies, and fairy snacks.

There is something genuinely special about watching kids perform a show they've poured two weeks of their summer into and the Flowertown Players are about to deliver exactly that this weekend!

The Flowertown Players, Summerville's beloved community theater right in the heart of downtown, is presenting Disney's The Lion King Kids as their June youth production at the conclusion of their two week performance camp. Kids ages 7–12 will take the stage to bring Simba, Nala, Rafiki, Scar, Timon, Pumbaa, and the rest of the Pride Lands to life, complete with the iconic songs you already know every word to. Think Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata, I Just Can't Wait to Be King, and Can You Feel the Love Tonight, performed by some of Summerville's youngest and most enthusiastic performers.

The Flowertown Players are located at 133 S. Main Street right in downtown Summerville. There are shows on Friday night at 7pm, Saturday at 12:30pm, and Saturday at 2:30pm and each show runs about an hour long. You can buy your tickets here.

And if your child has ever shown any interest in performing, it's also worth knowing that the Flowertown Players offer ongoing youth acting classes and summer camps throughout the season. The Lion King Kids is just one of several productions they have planned this summer. They've been nominated in three categories for the 2026 Lowcountry Parent Mom's Choice Awards, including Favorite Theatre, Favorite Theatre/Drama Classes, and Favorite Day Camp — which tells you everything you need to know about how our community feels about what they're building downtown!

Written by Luanne Berk

An authentically Mexican atmosphere greets you as you enter the lively El Patrón restaurant in Nexton – thick wooden benches and chairs with typical old-world-style carvings and colorful décor. Nestled in an area with several other restaurants (Dog and Duck, Dunkin Donuts and Rotolo’s), it is especially convenient to those living in the Summerville/Nexton area. 

We dropped in on a Friday night, around 5:30pm, hoping to miss the rush, but the place was packed! Luckily someone was just leaving so we were seated within a few minutes. Soon after, the noticeably- fresh chips arrived – with a side of their own house made salsa – a great start!

The menu is typical Mexican fare: Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas…the usual. However, we noticed a glass “window” looking into the kitchen area, so we took a peek and saw the cook staff making tortillas from scratch! Yum!

My husband and I ordered our usual chicken fajitas — quickly delivered, piled high on the plate, piping hot! The freshly crafted guacamole was excellent and made my husband smile (his favorite). The fajitas were delicious with all the sides (refried beans, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole). We immediately noticed the difference in the texture and taste of the tortillas – they had just made them! Incredible.

We didn’t partake in any alcoholic beverages, but we may have been the only ones! The brightly lit bar was buzzing with lively conversation and every bar stool was taken. As we looked around the room, nearly every table had thick, colorful margarita glasses filled to the brim. So, if you like margaritas, this might be your new go to spot. 

We didn’t try any desserts (we were stuffed), but here are a few options listed on the menu: Fried Ice Cream, Churros and Flan – yum! We will be back to sample those soon!

They do have a kids’ menu which offers tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, burgers and fries and chicken fingers. BONUS: Kids’ meals are $3.25 all day Thursday! 

Overall, our experience at El Patrón was great.  Delicious Mexican food, fast service in a casual, family friendly atmosphere with reasonable pricing.  And for us, a huge plus: it’s easily accessible with a golf cart in the Nexton area!

Dear Young Todd,

As I sit down to write this letter, I can't help but reflect on the journey of fatherhood and all the lessons I've learned along the way. If I could travel back in time and share some wisdom with you, here’s what I would say.

First and foremost, don’t ever give up on love, family, and relationships—even when the going gets tough. There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, but it’s in those times that your commitment matters most. Keep the lines of communication open and remind yourself that love is a choice that you make every day.

Remember that putting others before yourself is truly the best way to live. Don't make things about yourself.  It might feel unnatural at times, but the joy and fulfillment that come from serving your family and others are unparalleled. When you prioritize their needs, you create a nurturing environment where love and support flourish.

Stay moving—work hard, play hard, and rest hard. Balance is key in this whirlwind of parenting. Embrace the chaos, and don’t forget to carve out time for yourself, too. Your energy and enthusiasm will inspire your children to lead vibrant lives.

Patience may be difficult, but it is worth the effort. When you find yourself about to snap, take a deep breath and remember that growth takes time. Your children are learning from you, and showing them patience will teach them the value of resilience.

Make it a priority to have a weekly scheduled time with your partner to talk about “us.” Be honest, kind, and vulnerable with one another. If you can keep this rhythm, it will become sacred—it’s your chance to reconnect, share your dreams, and navigate the ups and downs of parenting together.

Make time for one another. Life is busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. Make little moments to connect—whether it’s a shared meal, a walk, or just a quiet moment together. These simple acts will build a strong foundation for your family.

Take your family on adventures whenever you can. Whether it’s a day trip to the beach or a hike in the mountains, create experiences that will foster a sense of wonder and togetherness.

Tell your kids how proud they make you.  These needed reminders will feed their soul.

Lastly, always remember to tell those around you that you love them every chance you get. The world can be unpredictable, and you never know what tomorrow may bring. Expressing your love openly strengthens those bonds and creates lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

As you navigate the beautiful chaos of fatherhood, remember that you’re not alone. Embrace the journey, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate the joys. Your love and commitment will shape not only your life but the lives of your children in ways you can’t yet imagine.

With love and encouragement,

Todd (Courtney’s Dad)

Love,

Courtney, Daniel, and the Berk Boys

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We know this might sound cliché, but truly—every time someone signs up as a Palmetto Parents supporter, it makes Daniel and me so grateful. Just $5/month or $40/year shows us that you value what we’re building and that it’s helping your family connect with each other and with the Summerville community. That kind of support is exactly what keeps us going.