Pickleball sure is having a moment. Only I don’t think it’s going to last just a short while. Pickleball is definitely here to stay.
And Happy Pickleball Month! Yes, it even has its own month - and April is it.
The Lowcountry has gone pickleball crazy. There’s an exciting new pickleball place plus that’s quickly become hugely popular. More about that in a minute. But first, a little about pickleball right here on the Isle of Palms…
Pickleball on the IOP
As I covered in this blog, the Isle of Palms constructed several nice new outdoor pickleball courts near the Rec Center. It was part of a reconfiguration/upgrade project the City did last spring.
The IOP’s pickleball courts are open to the public on a first come, first served basis, and there’s no charge to use them. They’re illuminated and are located at the corner of Hartnett Boulevard and 27th Avenue, near the Rec Center’s ball fields.
Series of pickleball lessons, both beginner and intermediate, are offered on certain Monday and Wednesday mornings in the spring and summer. Private lessons for individuals and groups up to four are available as well. Read all about it on the IOP’s official website.
Check out Sunsational - our new house with its own private pickleball court!
Brand new this April is 620 Ocean Boulevard, aka Sunsational… a sensational luxury oceanfront home with 7,000 square feet, seven bedrooms (each with its own bath), two more baths, an elevator, yoga room, private pool, putting green, bocce court… and yes, its very own pickleball court, which is situated right on the ocean. Play with unobstructed views of the Atlantic and the beach. Pickleball luxury.
And get this – Sunsational is even pet friendly. It just joined our portfolio April 1st and is open for bookings. Read all about it here.
As cool as these courts are, they’re outdoors and thus weather dependent. If only there were indoor courts somewhere nearby, where you could play whenever you felt like it. And maybe grab a drink, a bite to eat while you’re at it.
Well, wish no more. You can find that, plus a whole lot more, just a short drive from the Isle of Palms.
I’m talking about…
Crush Yard - “A Pickleball Paradise”
Crush Yard is a new place in Mount Pleasant that’s all about the pickleball craze. Pickleball is certainly center court, so to speak - but there’s a whole lot more going on under one giant roof.
It’s part of the latest trend called “eatertainment” - basically, a place where you can do something fun and also eat and drink while you’re at it.
Photo credit: Crush Yard’s Facebook page
Here’s how they describe themselves:
- “It’s like going to the gym. Except you want to be there. Time flies. And there’s wine.”
- “It’s like going to therapy. Except you don’t cry. And there’s beer. And your friends can come.”
So what’s inside Crush Yard?
Glad you asked. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Eight regulation indoor pickleball courts… they’re made of the same material as outdoor courts, super well maintained, never wet, never windy, always at the perfect temperature, and the sun is never shining right in your eyes.
- A modern restaurant & gourmet kitchen led by a trained chef Brandon Buck, who was Executive Chef at Middleton Place and also cheffed at Cypress and Kiawah Island; offering elevated American comfort food like cheeseburger sliders made from ground Schweid & Sons certified brisket and chuck short rib, with Holy City Beer Cheese and Cholula aioli.
- 36 beers on tap - they’re all lined up and ready for you to pour yourself to your heart’s content – no need to wait for a bartender. Just pick up a swipe card, sample and taste your way till you find your favorite pour. Plenty of local options and microbrews are always on tap.
- Curated wines & cocktails, for those who prefer a different libation, they’re covered, too, with a rotating selection.
- Non-alcoholic beverages like slushies, soft drinks and coffee are all bottomless; just take a cup and serve yourself as much as you like.
- Large event space, where you can host big gatherings of people; perfect for bachelorette parties, company outings, team building events, reunions… and they specialize in throwing great birthday parties.
- Arcade and ping pong especially for kids – where they can have their own fun while you hit the courts.
- The “best view in pickleball” - there’s a neat elevated level of seating where you can take in all the action on the courts below.
- Classes and lessons - Learn from some of the best. They have pros on staff, including Head Pro Matt Ouano, Director of Pickleball Dan Levine, and Assistant Pro Justin Loescher. They also have camps, leagues, tournaments, and fun events like Glow (in the dark) Pickleball.
- Special social events like Trivia, Happy Hour and Family Game Night.
- Chef Brandon’s Brunch Buffet on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. till noon.
Crush Yard Hours, etc…
Crush Yard is open seven days a week. They offer memberships with some nice perks and special court times, but it’s also open to the public. You can easily book your court (or courts) up to a week ahead of time.
Hours for pickleball are 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. every day.
Restaurant hours are:
Monday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday through Sunday: Noon – 9:00 pm.
Saturday & Sunday Brunch Buffet: 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Where exactly is Crush Yard?
Crush Yard is located up Highway 17 North in North Mount Pleasant, basically across 17 from Costco. The street address is 3365 South Morgans Point Road in Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. Just cross the IOP Connector, turn right onto 17 and head north; it’ll be on your right.
Crush Yard Mount Pleasant has gotten a huge following already - so much so, they’re opening their second and third locations – in Orlando, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee. As they say, “One Crush Yard is not going to be enough.”
Read all about Crush Yard at their website, where you can also create an account and book a court or a lesson. They’re also on Facebook and Instagram.
Whether you’re a pickleball pro or just starting out, you’re basically near pickleball heaven while you’re here staying on the Isle of Palms. Check out Crush Yard, it’s wholesome fun for everybody in your Isle of Palms luxury rental.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger