The Old Village in Mt. Pleasant is just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, on your route to Sullivan’s Island and IOP beaches, and yet often overlooked by tourists coming to town. This is a shame to me, as the old, historic neighborhood maintains the small coastal town vibes that so many Charleston visitors are looking for – not to mention Charleston locals! That’s why the Old Village has some of the most desirable (and expensive) real estate in the metro Charleston area. This guide will highlight why the Old Village Mt. Pleasant is worth visiting, what you can see and do there, and where to stay during your Charleston trip or staycation.
Why the Old Village in Mt. Pleasant, SC is Worth a Visit
The Old Village’s magic lies in its unique combination of historical significance, quaint downtown, convenient location, and proximity to water. The neighborhood’s beautiful location along the Charleston harbor led many of Charleston’s earliest residents to build summer homes here, forming a village during the 18th and 19th centuries, and eventually a small downtown along Pitt Street, which remains the heart of the Old Village neighborhood today.
This Charleston treasure remains special, although is not quite the hidden gem it used to be. In recent years, the village has gained additional fame as a filming location for the hit show “Outer Banks,” adding to its appeal as a must-visit spot during a trip to Charleston.
What to Do and See in the Old Village
Some of these suggested Old Village activities were featured in this Redfin article: 9 Romantic Things to Do in Charleston, SC: The Perfect Stay: No matter if you’re a longtime local or in the market to buy a home in Charleston, SC, have your eyes on an apartment in the city, or interested in a rental house in the area, here are some of the most enchanting romantic things to do in Charleston for those who are looking to call it home.
Stroll Down Pitt Street
Since Pitt Street is the main drag of the Old Village, it’s the perfect place to start your visit. This charming street is lined with historic buildings, cute little shops, and one of many Charlestonians’ favorite local restaurants. I promise if you spend a lazy afternoon exploring the small downtown and you’ll be sold on village life by the end of the day.
Pitt Street Pharmacy
One of the highlights of Pitt Street is the Pitt Street Pharmacy, an old-fashioned neighborhood drugstore that has been a staple of village life since 1937. Sit at the counter and order a root beer float, and if you time it right, you might catch some of the neighborhood kids stopping off for an ice cream cone on their way home from school. The owner still lets local families keep a tab, adding to the charming, nostalgic feel of the place.
Shop at Out of Hand
For a fun local shopping experience, stop by Out of Hand or OOH boutique. This cute boutique offers globally sourced pieces in addition to featuring local Charleston artisan goods. The shop’s curated selection makes it the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or treat yourself to a new outfit. I am tempted to buy half the store whenever I stop by.
Wine Shop OV
If you’re into wine, or just looking for a charcuterie snack, stop by Wine Shop OV. This quaint little wine bar is run by Ebony and Kym, who are determined to bring local and visiting beer and wine drinkers together. Order a glass or bottle and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and friendly service.
Pitt Street Bridge
No visit to the Old Village is complete without a trip to the Pitt Street Bridge, a popular spot for both locals and tourists. This former bridge that once connected Mt. Pleasant to Sullivan’s is now a park with both amazing sunrise and sunset views along the Charleston harbor. It’s one of my personal favorite spots to take a walk, clear my head, watch for dolphins, bring a visitor, have a picnic, or read a book during a Charleston summer. Park along the street before you drive into the park for an easier exit.
Dinner & Cocktails at the Post House
End your day with dinner and drinks at Post House – both a boutique inn and popular local restaurant. Post House is a village known for its delicious food and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to book in advance to secure a spot, or you can nurse one of their house Negronis at the bar while you wait. The restaurant’s menu features locally sourced ingredients, and their butterbean burger is one of my go-to Charleston dinner options as a vegetarian.
Where to Stay in the Old Village, Mt. Pleasant
The Post House Inn
I already liked Post House as a dinner or brunch spot, but once my husband and I booked a staycation there for a special anniversary and were waited on hand and foot, my like turned to love. Book a room at the Post House Inn to truly soak in village life. This historic bed and breakfast, which really was once the Old Village post office, is not just charming, it is also super convenient for those wanting to explore the city of Charleston plus beaches, being equidistant from downtown Charleston and Sullivan’s Island.
Accommodations at Post House Inn
Post House Inn has seven rooms, and each offer their own unique shape, size, and price point. All rooms come equipped with a mini bar that includes all sorts of local goods (even an emergency bow tie), adding a touch of whimsy to your stay. Room #2, the old solarium, is my personal favorite, as you will wake up to the beautiful natural light and sleepy village rooftop views.
Amenities at Post House Inn
Guests at the Post House Inn enjoy complimentary cocktails from the bar and breakfast from the restaurant every morning. To ensure a seamless experience, you can make dinner reservations at the restaurant when booking your room – the staff are more than happy to handle this for you via email. Bike rentals are free for guests, allowing you to explore the neighborhood on the Inn’s iconic red bikes during your stay. We rode out to Pitt Street Bridge for the perfect sunset view before circling back for dinner and a nightcap following. After all, you just have to walk upstairs after if you book a room!
Local Touches at The Post House
You will feel especially immersed in local Charleston culture when staying at the Post House Inn thanks to its many thoughtful accents and touches. Many of the accents in the rooms come from the nearby Out of Hand boutique I mentioned above, and much of the art on the walls is sourced from the nearby Charleston Artist Collective. The Inn’s staff is happy to help you purchase any items you fall in love with during your stay, plus their own Post House swag, which is adorned with snails (because snail mail is an old post office’s love language)!
Conclusion
The Old Village in Mt. Pleasant, SC, is a Charleston gem that offers its visitors a lovely blend of history, charm, and coastal sea breeze along every street. Exploring the little downtown along historic Pitt Street and enjoying the gorgeous water and city views from the Pitt Street Bridge will have you sold on this charming village. Definitely go for dinner at Post House Inn, and consider going all in and booking a room for a truly memorable experience on the less touristy side of Charleston.
