The Ravenel Bridge - Charleston's Gateway

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge stretches over the Cooper River connecting Charleston to Mount Pleasant. That’s the information you will find on the internet. It is also my favorite view in all of Charleston because it is more than a bridge;

It is a gateway.

Heading over the bridge going south, you can look to the right and see the Port of Charleston and any cruise ship that happened to be docked at the time. Just across the river is the beautiful USS Yorktown and the view of Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum. A must-see for all. Rich in history and honorable service members.

Continuing south, you will find many restaurants, bars, and locally owned boutiques lining Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant.

Shem Creek is my favorite destination in Mount Pleasant. Water’s Edge and Vickery’s Bar & Grill are on the first side of Shem Creek. They overlook Saltwater Cowboys, Red’s Icehouse, and Tavern and Table. These dog-friendly favorites are all overlooking commercial shrimp boats, dolphins, and pelicans.

If you continue past Shem Creek, at the very end of this gateway, two very different gems are at the final destination. Head to the left, and you find Isle of Palms. Beaches, restaurants, stores, bars, and live music are always a solid choice.

Direct your car to the right; Sullivan’s Island is a paradise of local restaurants, bars, boutiques, and attractions.

South is when we are going to play, eat, drink, shop, and spend the day at the beach.

Traveling north over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a different kind of excitement. It means we are headed home. Beautiful Summerville, SC, where the people are kind, considerate, and always happy to help one another. Filled with restaurants, bars, locally-owned boutiques, and coffee houses, they are always happy to see new faces.

Traveling and exploring are exciting, and I recommend it as often as you’re able. Nothing compares to landing back home.