By Sarah Marie Glass
As the summer comes at Charlestonians in full force, many will be trekking to the various beaches. Over are the days of stopping for fast food on the way; health conscious beach-goers look to find a quick and healthy beach lunch.
Whether beach-goers are on the way to Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms there are stops along the way that will be sure to fill up coolers with delicious and healthy food and drinks that will leave the beach bound happy and satisfied. No more midday food-hangovers from fast food pit-stops.
If the caravan is headed to Sullivan’s Island, make sure to check out The Green Heron, Metto Coffee and Tea, or Mozzo Deli. Folly bound? Stop by Earth Fare, The Daily Dose, or Jack’s Cosmic Dogs. For a day on Isle of Palms stock the cooler at The Sprout, Tasi Bites and Blends Juice Bar, or Five Loaves Café.
The Green Heron is located on the main drag of Sullivan’s Island (2019 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island) just past the main restaurants, with a little green storefront you will enter into a beach stop that screams “locals!”
Upon entering you will likely be greeted by Tim Holbrook who runs the store his wife Heather Holbrook started. Tim (he is on a first name basis with all customers) explains the store as “Mayberry meets Dean and Deluca.”
Whether it is your first time in the store or you are on one of the 395 charge accounts for the local islanders, you will instantly feel like you have been going there for years.
When asked why The Green Heron is the perfect beach stop Holbrook smiles and says: “If you are on your way to the beach, the Green Heron is a place to stop for a quick sub or fresh sandwich like pimento cheese or chicken salad, a hummus-veggie wrap or a ‘5 diamond’ hotdog-200 or 300 of my customers tell me it’s the best hot dog they’ve ever had in their life.”
All the salads, spreads and breads are made fresh daily. Original refreshing drinks include fresh squeezed lemonade, bottled Mexican coke made with cane sugar, and Charleston Tea Plantation bottled teas (the only tea plantation left in the USA).
For the sweet tooth there is old fashioned penny candy, Hawaiian shaved ice (try the blue raspberry), and their fresh-baked lemon chewies.
If you forgot sunscreen or a towel, no need to fret, the Green Heron has those as well. They carry many organic sunscreens and products as well as your standard beach necessities.
Order your lunch ahead of time if you want 843-883-3354. But don’t be too hasty to rush out of the shop because you might miss being graced with the presence of one the Holbrook’s precious sons who will be sure to make you smile. Check out the Green Heron on Facebook to learn more about it.
Metto
Metto Coffee and Tea is nestled on the side of W Coleman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant (354 W Coleman Blvd). The shady lot sets Metto off from the traffic on the main boulevard.
They serve delicious coffee and tea drinks as well as pre-made sandwiches, grilled paninis and light and healthy wraps for lunch. Metto offers an extensive spread of coffeehouse pastries and fresh fruit cups for a lighter option. Monica Lotzgesell, a seasoned Metto employee, reminds customers: “To keep cool we have a variety of blended espresso drinks, fresh fruit smoothies and iced teas. Any of our other drinks can be made iced as well.”
Metto’s full breakfast and lunch menus can all be made to go. Metto also boasts the advantage of a drive through window on the side, save looking for parking for the beach.
Metto Coffee and Tea strives to use health conscious and in-season ingredients from local vendors. If you need a coffee fix on the way back from the beach, don’t forget that on Sundays from 3-5pm Metto features live music from local artists.
Mozzo
Mozzo Deli has hit 730 Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant with a bing, a bang, and a boom. Celebrating its first anniversary on June 15, Mozzo has fulfilled Charleston’s need for a true delicatessen. Mozzo has something for everyone in the beach caravan. The line of people is a sign of satisfied returning customers, not bad service.
When owner Shannon Campbell transplanted to Charleston four years ago, he did not see any place like the delis up North. Campbell explains, “Deli comforts everybody, there is something for everyone. You come in and you get what you want!”
With his Mexican/Jewish/Italian inspired lunch menu that takes up two full walls, and breakfast menu that takes up another full wall, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. If you still do not see something you like – you can make up your own sandwich. Suggestions are always welcome.
Sandwiches are not all that Mozzo has in store for you. Mozzo has a wide variety of homemade cold salads ranging from traditional potato salad and slaw to spiced up Mediterranean quinoa salad or curry chicken salad. There is also a green salad menu featuring just as much diversity.
A cooler standing next to the register is stocked with juices, vitamin waters, teas, sodas, and water (the San Benedetto water from Italy is incredibly refreshing and comes in an extra large bottle).
Campbell could not tell me his favorite lunch (there are too many) but when asked what his family’s beach cooler would look like he did not hesitate: “Curry chicken salad, ham sandwiches, and brownies.”
The secret to Mozzo as stated by Campbell: “What separates you from the other deli’s is what your mom taught you in the kitchen.” All of Mozzo’s offerings can be made packaged to go. Customers can order ahead of time (843-388-5755) and just run in to pick up the noshes.
Whether headed to Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to stop along the way. See the side bar for Folly and IOP suggestions. Eating healthy will leave beach-goers feeling energized at the beach, not weighed down by greasy food. All of the stops mentioned are locally owned and operated.
Sidebar
Folly Beach Pit-Stops
Earth Fare – 74 Folly Road Blvd, Charleston, SC
Grab an eco-friendly cooler as you walk in and head to the prepared foods section for easy grabs. Earth Fare boasts a fresh salad and sandwich bar as well as freshly prepared creative cold salads. The cold case on the other side has a selection of pre-made and pre-packaged sandwiches and salads. For the family or friends to share there are delicious sampler platters. Choose something to hydrate and the cooler is complete with some of the most pure and healthy food in the area.
The Daily Dose – 1622 Highland Ave, Charleston, SC
“I love going to the Daily Dose with friends or even alone. I love the relaxed atmosphere and the food is amazing, plus it’s healthy” – William Thompson, avid Daily Dose eater.
The motto is “Good Mood Food” and it certainly is. Just off of the James Island Connector, Daily Dose offers a selection of fresh sandwiches. The original menu features many vegetarian options, try the “Oh My Goodness” wrap. All food is made from scratch using organic ingredients and can be prepared to go.
Jack’s Cosmic Dogs – 1531 Folly Road, Charleston, SC
Jack’s has a landed at a brand new station on the side of Folly Road. Jack’s Cosmic Dogs offers dogs for the pickiest of eaters, even vegetarian eaters. Healthy dogs? Yes. The Old Dominion Draft Root Beer is a healthy alternative to typical fountain sodas: sweetened with honey, sans high fructose corn syrup and caffeine. Need ice? Conveniently, there is a free-standing ice dispenser just next door. Call ahead for a zippy stop (843)225-1817.
Isle of Palms Quick-Stops
The Sprout – 627 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Raw goodness. The Sprout’s reach in coolers have ready-made organic foods that are the perfect fillers for a healthy beach cooler. Their smoothies and juices are fresh and filling. For a lighter lunch try a meal replacement smoothie such as “The Meal Deal.” Grab some granola to snack on for a healthy beach mix.
Tasi Bites and Blends Juice Bar – 1948 Long Grove Drive #5, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Feel-good healthy food that will fill coolers and bellies. Tasi combos are the perfect solution for a nutritious and balanced lunch. Try opting for a wrap on a crisp lettuce leaf for a cool crunch with each bite. Smoothies and juice blends will cool down beach-goers and provide natural energy. Pick up some extra sides to share (try the tabouli for a light side). Call in your order for easy pick-up (843)856-4246.
Five Loaves Café – 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Not just a sit down restaurant. Five Loaves Café can prepare any of its menu options for take away. Pick a sandwich or a salad, or even both for an easy beach meal. Be sure to ask what the daily specials and soups are. Call ahead and swing by to pick up your order on the way to the beach (843)849-1043!
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