The North Charleston of today is vastly different than a decade ago, and the rate of change is accelerating. Park Circle (pictured above inset) is hopping with restaurants, bars, and shops; the new Marquis Station is already home to an athletic club, a coffeehouse, and boutiques; and Riverfront Park (pictured above) is attracting thousands for music festivals (reggae rock band Slightly Stoopid headlines there on July 20). Now you can enjoy a memorable summer day without ever setting foot in Charleston proper.
On the Water
Swimming in North Charleston is generally limited to pools, and the Mixson Swim and Social Club is an attractive option. Rates vary, but for $150ish a month, members get access to the pool, yoga classes, and the poolside bar and restaurant, a stylish home base for family summer fun. 4401 McCarthy St., www.mixsonclub.com
Explore Nature
Mountain biking and the Lowcountry may seem like an odd match, but the natural rolling sand hills around Goose Creek’s Naval Weapons Station make the 17-mile Marrington Plantation multi-use trail the go-to spot for off-road, pedal-powered riders in coastal South Carolina. The 12-mile loop trail (with five miles of offshoots) features sharp curves, steep 20-foot ascents and descents, and lots of obstacles and jump opportunities. It’s beginner friendly—after all, it’s not on a mountain—but challenging enough to keep hard-core riders entertained. Trail usage requires a $15 annual Marrington Patron Pass, which includes a background check. Sign up at the Outdoor Adventure Center at 1966 Fletcher Street. www.sctrails.net
Cool Off Indoors
There’s only one place to ice skate in Charleston: the Carolina Ice Palace (pictured above). It’s a winter wonderland inside, even in July. Open sessions range from $7 to 10, including skate rentals. Slide around on the ice and then chill out at the on-site bar, the Penalty Box Sports Lounge. If you catch the skating bug, the Ice Palace also offers figure skating lessons and an adult hockey league. 7665 Northwoods Blvd., www.carolinaicepalace.com
Events
June 16: Catch New Orleans’ pop/rock heavyweights The Revivalists, who last played in town for 2017’s Spoleto finale. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Saturday, 7:45 p.m. www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
July 25: Brian Wilson, the genius behind the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, had to reschedule his May appearance until the peak of summer beach season—perfect. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Wednesday, 8 p.m. www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
Eat & Drink
Stems & Skins: This cozy wine bar that sells seafood out of cans (better than it sounds) hosts vinyl nights on Thursdays, when patrons can play a favorite record and get a discount on their bill. 1070-B E. Montague Ave., www.stemsandskins.com
The CODfather: Opening a fish-and-chips joint on a blighted street by the shipyard was a risk that paid off for this specialist. The chippy recently moved to a bigger location and now doubles as a British pub with plenty of room to hide in the cool dark on a hot August afternoon. 4254 Spruill Ave., www.facebook.com/thecodfatherchippy/
The Junction Kitchen & Provisions (pictured above): This forward-thinking eatery expands the area’s good food footprint with its eclectic breakfast-all-day menu and creative lunch entrées, such as cactus portobello tacos. 4438 Spruill Ave., www.thejunctionkitchen.com
COAST Brewing Co.: Not all treats are for kids. COAST was the second craft brewery in Charleston (after Palmetto) and still considered the best by many local beer geeks. Their Hop Art IPA is arguably the standard bearer for local brews, and the 32/50 Kolsch is the perfect can for lazing in a beach chair or inner tube on a river. COAST’s tasting room is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. 1250 N. 2nd St., www.coastbrewing.com
Pro Tip
The Bend, a redevelopment project along the Ashley River, is a 20-acre haven off Azalea Drive that hosts birding and photography workshops. Free “Birding @theBend” walks are held every Tuesday at 8 a.m. “Golden Hour @theBend” photo meet-ups are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 and June 28. 3775 Azalea Dr., www.thebendcharleston.com
