Happy Day After Thanksgiving!

I had a little kitchen adventure this Thanksgiving trying to make a gluten- and dairy-free pumpkin tiramisu for our family. Let’s just say… it was a good reminder that Thanksgiving is really about who you share it with, not the perfection of the meal. Between the cost, the effort, and the so-so results, I think that recipe’s going in the “probably not again” file.

We hope your holiday was filled with moments that made you smile and memories that will last—whether or not everything turned out just as planned.

Just a friendly reminder that all South Carolina state parks are offering free admission today — a perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the sunshine (even if it’s a little chilly!). If you caught last week’s newsletter, you’ll find a full list of our favorite nearby SC state parks ideal for a family outing. Also launching this weekend is the SC State Parks "Dashing Through the Parks" Scavenger Hunt, a fun and family-friendly program with both at-home and in-park missions. Complete challenges, earn points, and win prizes from now through January 1st!

We’re also counting down to Summerville’s Tree Lighting this Tuesday — the official start of a month full of festive events. And if you’re gift planning, don’t miss our Local Experience Gift Guide in the latest Palmetto Piece for thoughtful ideas that support local and skip the clutter.

Do you love receiving Palmetto Parents every week? For only $5/month (less than a cup of coffee!) you can become a Palmetto Parents Supporter, which will help keep this labor of love free forever. And for a limited time only, you’ll receive 50% off the Palmetto Parents Store when you become a Palmetto Parents Supporter!

The Dorchester County Libraries have put out their catalog of programs for the winter season, and there is fun planned for every age from babies to teenagers (and even adults). You can view the whole catalog here, but here are a few highlights for this winter at the Summerville and Ashley River branches. Make sure you read all the details, some programs require registration and have limited space. All the events are free and open to the public. You do not need a DCL library card to participate.

Summerville Branch (76 Old Trolley Rd):

Ashley River Branch (2824 Bacons Bridge Rd.):

Winter Reading Program: Dorchester County Libraries' Winter Reading Program kicks off December 1, 2025! Kids and teens can pick up a BINGO card at any branch (or download one online) and complete daily reading challenges through February 15, 2026. Younger readers earn a free book for completing a blackout, while ages 12+ earn one by completing two BINGOs. All completed cards are entered for a chance to win the grand prize!

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Summerville area? Ernest "The Dream Maker" isn’t just a real estate agent—he’s a trusted guide, neighbor, and cheerleader for your next chapter.

Whether you're a growing family searching for more space, first-time buyers ready to plant roots, or looking to downsize with peace of mind, Ernest brings knowledge, heart, and hustle to every step of the process. Ernest offers:

Ernest helped our family find our home after moving from Chicago in 2021, and since then, he’s become the go-to realtor for many of our friends and family.

Ready to turn your dream into an address? Contact Ernest the Dream Maker and let’s make it happen!

Join us on Saturday, December 6th for the 2nd Annual Brunch with the Grinch — a family-friendly holiday celebration full of fun, festive food, and community spirit.

Hosted by our friend and trusted real estate agent Ernest Govan, this free event promises green pancakes piled high with whipped cream, cheerful holiday vibes, and a special visit from the Grinch himself.

We (Daniel and I) will be there too and can’t wait to meet you and your families. Come say hi and maybe even snag some Palmetto Parents swag while you’re at it. We attended last year and had an absolute blast — it’s the kind of event that brings the magic of the season to life.

This event also supports Roses In Concrete, a local nonprofit doing incredible work mentoring underserved youth and providing food and resources to those in need. To help, we’re asking families to bring travel-size toiletry donations (items like socks, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, pads, etc.) or consider making a small cash donation at the event. There will be local vendors on-site — a perfect opportunity to grab some last-minute holiday gifts and support small businesses in the process.

A special thanks to the sponsors of this event, The Charleston Church of Christ & The Abraham Team at New American Funding for making this event possible.

One of the sweetest — and most heartfelt — dessert spots in the Lowcountry is preparing to close its doors. Alien Cow Flavored Sno, located at 2033 Old Hwy 52 in Moncks Corner, has announced that its last day open will be December 21st.

For those who’ve had the joy of visiting, you already know this place is so much more than a dessert shop. It’s a labor of love born from a deeply personal journey. Owners Ericka and Robert Bungert created Alien Cow during Robert’s battle with cancer, hoping to make something he could enjoy even when traditional ice cream was too harsh. The result? Their signature “flavored sno” and “sno cream” — cool, colorful creations that combine the fun of a snow cone with the richness of ice cream. And yes, they’re lactose- and gluten-free!

From the Strawberry Shortcake Sno Cream Bowl to the Peppermint Patty, their creations are playful, delicious, and totally unique. It's no surprise they were voted Best of Berkeley County, a Charleston’s Choice finalist, and even named Best Ice Cream in South Carolina 2025.

But despite the accolades and loyal fan base, the off-the-beaten-path location and some hard financial hits have made it impossible to continue. As they shared in their heartfelt goodbye post, Alien Cow was built on love — and love is what they’ll remember most.

The good news? There’s still time to show up, show love, and maybe help them go out with a bang (or better yet, a miracle). They’ve hinted that a future revival isn’t off the table — if the right opportunity comes along.

So here’s what we’re asking you to do:

Let’s wrap this chapter of Alien Cow in the love and support it absolutely deserves.

📍 Alien Cow Flavored Sno
2033 Old Hwy 52, Moncks Corner
Open 2pm-8pm Fridays-Sundays through December 21st
Find them on Facebook for updates!

For parents, grandparents, friends, and family members looking to give meaningful gifts this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of 10+ local experience gifts that go beyond the usual toys and trinkets.

Whether you’re purchasing a gift card or booking an entire experience, these ideas make it easy to surprise your loved ones with something fun, thoughtful, and unforgettable. From creative classes to hands-on adventures, these gifts are designed to create lasting memories instead of add to the clutter.

Experience gifts are a win-win:
✔️ You support small, local businesses
✔️ Your loved ones enjoy quality time and new adventures
✔️ No batteries, no assembly, no mess

So if you’re ready to give memories instead of more stuff, dive into our guide for quick links and inspiration for all ages. Trust us — these are the gifts people will talk about long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

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