Happy fall y’all!

We hope you’ve been soaking up all the sweet events and gorgeous weather in Summerville this week! In today’s newsletter, we’re bringing you the scoop on tomorrow’s Sweet Tea Festival, the start of fall fun at Westbury Farms, and a taste of Nonna’s Italian Deli in downtown Summerville.

I’ll admit—I’m not quite ready to let go of summer just yet. But ready or not, the official start of fall is this week, and with it comes a full lineup of seasonal fun. Think corn mazes, pumpkin picking, carving pumpkins (even with goats!), and all the pumpkin-flavored treats popping up around town. There’s so much ahead this month and next, and we’re excited to share it all with you right here! 🎃

Struggling with back or neck pain? After three spine surgeries, Daniel nearly faced a fourth—until Dr. Stoller at Active Care Family Chiropractic helped him avoid it through adjustments, cupping, and personalized therapy. Now he’s running pain-free! From spinal decompression and acupuncture to massage, their services support the whole family. Courtney also finds relief for the everyday aches of motherhood.

📞 Call (843) 871-2472 and mention Palmetto Parents for 50% off your first visit (exam, x-rays & treatment included; excludes Medicare/Medicaid).

For all the moms and dads of both two-legged and four-legged kids—this one’s for you! 🐾 Twice a month, we’ll fetch the latest on pup-friendly restaurants, tail-wagging events, and the best local spots to explore with your furry family member. Charleston is basically a dog’s paradise, and we’re here to make sure you and your pup never miss a treat.

Fall fun officially kicks off at Westbury Farms—and opening day is today, September 19th! This year, the farm has expanded its fall experience, adding a corn maze alongside their much-loved u-pick pumpkin patch. Families can also enjoy a vibrant u-pick flower patch, making it a festive outing for both kids and parents.

Admission is $8 per person (ages 3 and under are free) and includes the corn maze, u-pick patches, yard games, and even a giant sand hill for kids to climb. Pumpkins are available for $8 each (and have been impressively large in past years), while flowers are $5 for 10 stems—a favorite from their spring season.

A few helpful tips: bathrooms are available on site but are porta-potties; pets aren’t allowed, so plan to leave furry friends at home. Don’t forget to stop by the MaryMeade Market, which is free to enter and filled with pumpkins and other seasonal goods.

Westbury Farms is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 AM–5 PM, now through November 2nd. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of fall in Summerville!

The Sweet Tea Festival is here! If you’re new to Summerville, the Sweet Tea Festival is Summerville’s beloved annual celebration that honors our claim as the birthplace of sweet tea. Set in Historic Downtown Summerville at Hutchinson Square, the Sweet Tea festival features local food trucks, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of sweet tea sampling (you’ll even get to vote for Tea of the Year!). There’s even a free kids zone with lots of games and activities to keep them entertained.

The Sweet Tea Festival is tomorrow, September 20th, from 2-7pm. We compiled a list of helpful information so you can get ready for the big day. 👇🏼

If you’ve been to Summit Coffee in Nexton, you’ve probably noticed the construction happening all around as the area continues to grow. What first seemed like a challenge for the café has turned into something families love—kids can’t get enough of watching the trucks in action! The last time we visited, my son was completely mesmerized.

Leaning into the excitement, Summit Coffee Nexton (408 Brighton Park Blvd, Ste 106) is hosting a Construction Viewing Party on Saturday, September 27 at 10am. Kids can try on kid-sized hard hats, enjoy themed crafts, and dig through a sandbox full of construction toys. Parents can relax, connect, and sip on Summit’s delicious fall drinks (think Pumpkin Cheesecake Latte or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte) while the kids play. It’s a way to turn everyday construction into community fun—and a morning you won’t want to miss!

When Nonna’s Italian Deli first opened downtown, the buzz was immediate—rave reviews and lines nearly an hour long to snag a sandwich. With little ones in tow, we waited for the rush to settle before trying it for ourselves, and this week we finally stopped in for lunch. It did not disappoint.

I asked the staff what their favorite cold sandwich was, and they recommended the Italian. I’m not exaggerating when I say one sandwich fed our whole family. Even after splitting it between all of us, my husband skipped dinner because he was still so full. The meat and cheese are sliced fresh, and it was easily the most flavorful, fresh deli sandwich I’ve ever had.

Nonna’s menu features both hot and cold sandwiches, homemade pastas, soups, salads, fresh mozzarella, and breads baked in their New York–style brick oven. They also make their own sauces (marinara, vodka, bolognese) and serve espresso drinks like cappuccinos and American coffee. Their pastry case is loaded with Italian desserts that had the boys wide-eyed with excitement (and my one-year-old practically bouncing in place). We can’t wait to go back to try their hot sandwiches, pasta dishes, and, of course, the desserts.

What stood out most—beyond the food—was the family atmosphere. The owners are clearly proud of what they’ve built. When my toddler wanted to walk around, one of them sweetly took his hand and gave him a tour of the space.

Nonna’s is located in the former Eva’s spot at 129 S. Main Street. While they don’t have indoor seating, you can easily grab your food and enjoy it in Hutchinson Square or on the nearby tables on Short Central.

📍 Address: 129 S. Main St, Summerville
⏰ Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am-6pm

As I’ve watched my boys grow, I’ve noticed something: they go through seasons—and let’s be honest, some are sweeter than others. Sometimes it’s a phase of pushing boundaries, testing limits, and stretching independence. Necessary and important, yes, but also challenging. And then there are seasons that just feel… sweet.

Our youngest, for example, has taken his time learning to walk (which was perfectly fine with us—he’s growing fast enough already). But this past week he finally started toddling more than a few steps on his own, and the joy on his face is the ultimate serotonin booster. He’s even trying to dance, which is just as delightful as it sounds. On top of that, he’s having a language burst, and hearing his little voice is pure magic.

Our older son is in his own sweet season—watching out for his little brother, initiating giggle sessions, asking thoughtful questions about our day, and proudly helping around the house. He’s also a lot more independent, wanting to put on his own shoes and pick out his clothes. His manners have also blossomed, too (thank you, preschool). It feels like they’re both growing up so quickly, and I love having a front row seat.

Of course, it’s not all easy. Between potty training mishaps and a stomach bug, I’ve worn more bodily fluids than I’d like to admit this week. But the sweetness isn’t lost on me. In fact, a stranger reminded me of it at the grocery store. He saw my one-year-old and told me how much he misses when his own son was that age. I agreed, “Yes, this stage is so sweet.” His reply stuck with me: “My son is 14 now—and he’s still sweet.”

What a gift to hear. Especially as a mom of boys, it’s easy to think the sweetness is fleeting. But maybe it isn’t. Maybe every season has its own sweetness if we’re looking for it.

So here’s to noticing it, savoring it, and embracing the sweetness amidst the challenges in every season.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦