Good Morning, {{first_name | Palmetto Parent}}!

We hit a milestone last month—5,000 subscribers! And whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just joined recently, we want to say thank you. It means the world to us that you take time each week to read, share, and engage with Palmetto Parents. Our hope has always been to help your family feel more connected—to each other and to this amazing community—and it’s a true joy to show up in your inbox.

And speaking of connection… this week is huge for Summerville!

School is back in session, events are ramping up, and a long-awaited dream is becoming reality: a brand new 300-acre park is opening right here in Summerville—decades in the making and finally ready to explore. We’re not sure if we’ve been living with our heads in the sand (like seriously, how did we miss this?) but our jaw dropped when we read about all the new park has to offer (plus how close it is to us). Read more below! 👇🏼

Pine Trace Park, Dorchester County’s long-anticipated 306-acre public park, is officially opening—and it's a story worth celebrating.

Located just minutes from downtown Summerville, this sprawling green space has been years in the making. Originally slated to become a 900-home development, the land was purchased by a private company that later foreclosed. In a fortunate twist of fate, the Town of Summerville stepped in to preserve it—transforming what could have been another neighborhood into one of the largest public parks in the county. And now, the wait is over.

📍 303 Chandler Creek Road, Summerville, SC 29483

Join Dorchester County with free admission all day on Thursday for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and stick around to enjoy:

Pine Trace Park blends natural beauty with thoughtful amenities for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike:

🎟️ Admission: $2 per person (ages 3+), with annual passes available for $40 for Dorchester County residents. Passholders receive unlimited access to both Pine Trace Park and Ashley River Park, plus year-round programs and events.

Pine Trace is more than a park—it’s a promise kept to our community. What once was nearly another development is now a space to play, explore, and connect with nature for generations to come.

Join the Kids Club at the Summerville Museum on August 9th from 10:30am-12pm as they kick off the new school year with a fun Back to School Bash! Volunteers will assist children in creating special back-to-school crafts, followed by an ice cream social. Every child will leave with a back-to-school gift. Kids will also get to explore the upstairs fossil room which is always a huge hit!

This event is open to kids ages six and up. The cost is just $5 per child; all parents or guardians are required to stay with their children during the event. For more information about Kids Club and to sign up for the event, visit their website.

The Summerville Museum is located at 100 E Doty Ave. right in downtown Summerville. It’s a great place for the whole family. Beyond special events, admission for kids is always free and adult entry is $10 per person. We will be doing a special write up about the museum experience soon!

After a week of long drives and carrying a 25lb baby who refuses to walk, my back and hip were in rough shape. I called Active Care Family Chiropractic—and they got me in same day. Dr. Stroller took extra time to help me feel better, and I left with real relief.

At Active Care Family Chiropractic they offer:
✔️ Family Chiropractic Care
✔️ Spinal Decompression
✔️ Active Release Technique
✔️ Acupuncture
✔️ Massage Therapy & more

Daniel gets regular chiropractic care and cupping at Active Care, and he’s also benefited from their acupuncture and massage therapy. Each service has made a noticeable difference—but the biggest? He was on track for a fifth back surgery, and thanks to Dr. Stoller’s care, he’s back to feeling good without the surgery. We’re so grateful.

Mention Palmetto Parents and get 50% off your first visit (exam, x-rays, & treatment included).

📞 Call (843) 871-2472 to book. You deserve to feel good.

Note: Discount not available for Medicare/Medicaid patients due to federal law.

Last night, we headed out hoping to try a new restaurant—one we’ve never featured before and were excited to explore. But as soon as we walked in, it felt… off. The place was packed (not a kid in sight), the noise level was overwhelming (including some less-than-family-friendly language), and after sitting without service for ten minutes, we made the call to leave.

At the next spot, things kind of improved. Our waitress forgot to put in our order, so everything took a while—but at least the food was good. We totally understand that mistakes happen. We also fully acknowledge that eating out is a privilege. But when we do choose to go out as a family—especially with two hungry boys in tow—it makes a big difference when the experience is welcoming and smooth.

All that to say: last night reminded us to be grateful for our go-to spots—places where you can always count on three things:

✔️ Fast service
✔️ Friendly staff
✔️ Consistently good food

These aren’t necessarily the fanciest or trendiest restaurants in town—but they’re reliably family-friendly, and that’s exactly what we need some days. Here are a few of our Summerville favorites:

We’d love to know: What restaurants are on your family’s short list?
Reply to this email and share your faves—we’re always looking for new spots to try (especially the ones that pass the kid test!).

If you live in Charleston (or just like driving down there) and love Palmetto Parents, subscribe to the Palmetto Parents Charleston newsletter!

It’s the same great Palmetto Parents newsletter you know and love, but for all things Charleston.

We’d love to have you.

My son doesn’t start school until next week, but I’m already anticipating the moment. He’s excited—new classroom, new teacher—but also a little uneasy about all the change. And honestly, I get it. Last year, he screamed every single day at drop-off for the first month of preschool. (Then, of course, he ended up loving it and had the best year.) So even though he’s eager to go back, I know transitions aren’t always easy, even when we’re ready.

Over the past few days, I’ve talked to so many moms whose kids started school this week—and a theme keeps coming up: anxiety in the shift. Whether it’s a new classroom, a different routine, or simply getting back into the groove after summer, it’s a big adjustment for both kids and parents.

We want so badly to make it smooth—to help our kids feel safe and brave and ready. But some of the most powerful growth comes in those wobbly moments, when they step into something new and uncertain… and do it anyway.

So if you’re facing some nerves or resistance this week, if the drop-off was rough or the mornings feel rushed, you’re not alone. This season stretches all of us. But here's what we’re holding onto:

Our kids can do hard things. And so can we.

We can support them with presence, patience, and praise for the small victories: walking into class, raising a hand, making it through the day. They’re learning resilience—and we are, too.

Wishing courage and calm to every family starting a new chapter this week. 💛 You’ve got this.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦