Happy Thursday, Pawmetto Parents!
We took our dog, Lacey, on a weeklong getaway to visit family in Asheville, and she was thrilled with the cooler weather and wide-open spaces to run free on my parents’ property. There’s just something magical about watching your dog sprint across a field, totally in their element — pure joy, tail flying, tongue out, living their best life.
If you’re dressing up your pup for Halloween, I need to see the photos. Dressing our two toddlers is our limit this year, but I’ll happily live vicariously through your adorable dog costumes. Reply to this email or tag @palmettoparents on Instagram — I’ll be sharing my favorites!
This week, we’re covering:
🐾 Dog-friendly kayak and paddleboard tours
🎃 Dog Days at West Farm Corn Maze
🔥 Lowcountry BBQ spots with dog-friendly patios
Enjoy these last beautiful weeks of October with your family!
TO DO
Kayak with Your Pup with Coastal Expeditions
If your dog loves adventure as much as you do, this Lowcountry experience is one for the memory books. Imagine gliding through calm tidal creeks, sunlight reflecting on the water, and your four-legged co-captain perched proudly at the front of your kayak — ears flapping, tail wagging. That’s the magic of kayaking with your pup through Coastal Expeditions.
But before you get too excited, a disclosure: this one’s for the small pups. Larger dogs ruin the boards with their nails, so this is limited to smaller dog breeds.
With locations in Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant) and Folly Creek (Folly Beach), Coastal Expeditions offers kayak and paddleboard rentals as well as guided tours where dogs are welcome to join. These trips let you and your dog explore the natural beauty of the Lowcountry — from winding salt marshes and quiet backwaters to dolphin sightings and views of coastal wildlife.
For first-timers, the Shem Creek launch is a great choice — easy access, calm waters, and plenty of curious pelicans to spot. For a more adventurous outing, Folly Creek offers a peaceful paddle through winding estuaries with stunning views of the Folly River and Morris Island Lighthouse.
🐶 Tips for a smooth paddle with your pup:
Call ahead when you’re bringing your dog along so they can have the right kind of kayak or paddleboard prepared for you.
Bring a dog life jacket, even for strong swimmers.
Pack fresh water and a collapsible bowl — saltwater and marsh water aren’t safe to drink.
Keep a towel or mat for your dog to sit comfortably in the kayak.
Start with a shorter route if it’s your dog’s first time on the water.
Whether you book a guided eco-tour or head out on your own rental, this is an unforgettable way to spend time outdoors — bonding, exploring, and soaking up the Lowcountry’s beauty together.
📍 Locations:
Shem Creek: 514 Mill St, Mount Pleasant, SC
Folly Creek: 2223 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC
🌐 Learn more and reserve your adventure at coastalexpeditions.com.
LOCAL EVENT
Dog Days at West Farm
West Farm Corn Maze in Moncks Corner has long been a favorite Lowcountry destination for fall family fun — and as their 21st season comes to a close, they’re ending it with something truly special: a weekend dedicated to the dogs!
On Saturday, November 1st, and Sunday, November 2nd, West Farm will host its Dog Days Festival — a celebration of dogs, community, and all the joy our furry friends bring.
Expect a weekend packed with fun for pups and their humans. There will be local rescues showcasing adoptable dogs, animal-focused organizations raising awareness, and local vendors and small businesses offering treats, accessories, and more. You can even show off your dog’s best trick, snap adorable photos in festive fall setups, or simply stroll the large grounds together enjoying the autumn air.
Admission to Dog Days includes full access to the farm and the famous West Farm Corn Maze, plus all the activities, including the corn maze, hay ride, play area, and animal exhibits. Whether you’re looking to adopt, shop local, or just enjoy a good time with your pup, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the end of fall.
📅 Dates: Saturday, Nov. 1st & Sunday, Nov. 2nd
📍 Location: West Farm Corn Maze, 1542 Cooper Store Rd, Moncks Corner, SC
🎟️ Admission: $15/per person (2 & under are free. Includes maze & festival access.
Bring your pups, bring your friends, and get ready for a weekend full of wagging tails, local love, and community spirit! 🐕💛
RESTAURANT
Swig & Swine
If you’re looking for a restaurant where you can enjoy a good meal with your dog in tow, Swig & Swine BBQ is a must-visit. This beloved Lowcountry barbecue spot combines award-winning smoked meats, Southern hospitality, and a laid-back, dog-friendly vibe that keeps locals (and their pups) coming back again and again.
With locations in Summerville, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and Moncks Corner, Swig & Swine makes it easy to find great barbecue no matter where you are in the Lowcountry. Each spot features a covered, dog-friendly patio with umbrella-covered tables where pups are always welcome to relax while their humans dig into some seriously good food.
One visitor, Jill, shared this glowing review on Bring Fido:
“First: this is some of the best BBQ I’ve had ANYWHERE. So. Good! Second: their covered patio is a great place to dine with your fur babies. They brought us water bowls and loved on our girls the whole time. Excellent food; excellent service; super dog-friendly.”
The menu is as mouthwatering as the hospitality. You’ll find slow-smoked favorites like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken — all available by the plate, sandwich, or by the pound. Classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and collard greens round out every meal perfectly. For parents, there’s also an impressive selection of whiskey, cocktails, and local craft beer to pair with your plate.
Whether you’re grabbing a family dinner, meeting friends, or bringing your pup along for a weekend lunch, Swig & Swine offers the perfect mix of great food, relaxed atmosphere, and dog-friendly charm.
You can find all of their locations, hours, and menus at swigandswinebbq.com — and don’t forget to bring your pup for a patio visit soon. Because nothing says “Lowcountry living” quite like good barbecue, great company, and a happy dog by your side. 🐶🍖
FEATURED PUP PRESENTED BY SUMMERVILLE WEEKLY
Meet Thelma 🐶
From Dorchester Paws:
“At just 11 months old, Thelma came to the shelter unsure of the world around her and needing a little extra love to learn that people and pups can be pretty great.
In just 4 short weeks in foster, she’s blossomed into a happy, confident girl who’s ready to find her forever family. This is why fostering is so important, outside the shelter, dogs like Thelma get the chance to grow, learn, and truly shine.
Here’s what her foster has to say about her: “Thelma loves other dogs, is respectful towards cats, loves car rides, is great in the crate, and waits to potty outside. She’s eager to learn and is working hard on learning all her manners. She’d be so happy in a home with doggy companions!”
To apply to adopt Thelma, please click here!
Love,
Lacey 🐾 & The Berks 👨👩👦👦