Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in Berkeley County — and if you’re like most Lowcountry families, that means cookouts, lake days, beach trips, and backyard gatherings are about to be in full swing.
Whether you’re firing up the grill in Moncks Corner, spending the weekend near Lake Moultrie, or hosting family in Summerville or Goose Creek, now is the time to stock up on the essentials before the real summer heat arrives.
Here are some of the best Memorial Day weekend buys Berkeley County residents are grabbing right now — and yes, many are already on sale.
1. A Blackstone Griddle Is Taking Over Backyard Cooking
If you’ve driven through Berkeley County lately, chances are you’ve smelled one in action.
From smashburgers to breakfast for a crowd, the Blackstone 28″ Outdoor Griddle Station has become one of the hottest backyard cooking trends across South Carolina.
Why locals love it:
- Cooks fast in humid Lowcountry weather
- Perfect for shrimp, burgers, bacon, hibachi and pancakes
- Easier cleanup than traditional grills
Many Memorial Day sales include bundled accessories and covers. Check out these Red, White and Blue sales from Walmart.
2. Mosquito Control Gadgets Are Worth Every Penny
Let’s be honest — Berkeley County mosquitoes don’t play around.
Thermacell repellents have become a go-to for patios, fishing docks and evening cookouts.
Popular pick:
These work especially well around:
- Lakefront homes
- Backyard fire pits
- Camping trips near the Francis Marion area
3. Everyone Needs a Good Cooler in South Carolina Heat
A cheap cooler in South Carolina summer heat is a mistake you only make once.
The most popular upgrades this year include:
They’re ideal for:
- Boat days
- Tailgates
- Beach trips to Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island
- Kids sports tournaments
4. Outdoor String Lights Instantly Upgrade Any Backyard
One of the easiest ways to make your backyard feel more inviting? Good lighting.
Berkeley County homeowners are increasingly adding:
- LED café string lights
- Solar pathway lighting (Our managing editor has these. She can vouch for their brightness!)
- Smart outdoor bulbs
Affordable outdoor lighting sets are some of the biggest-selling Memorial Day items online every year.
5. Pellet Smokers Are Huge Right Now
Traditional charcoal grills still have their fans, but pellet smokers continue to explode in popularity across the Lowcountry.
Top-rated choices include:
They’re especially popular for:
6. Don’t Wait Until Hurricane Season to Buy Emergency Gear
Hurricane season begins June 1, and experienced South Carolina residents know supplies disappear quickly.
Now is the best time to grab:
Popular options include:
7. Pool Floats Are Somehow Serious Business Now
Yes, giant inflatable floats are still trending.
And yes, adults are buying them just as much as kids.
This year’s favorites:
They’re especially popular around:
- Lake Moultrie
- Neighborhood pools
- River houses
8. Portable Bluetooth Speakers Are a Summer Must-Have
Every cookout needs music.
Some of the best-rated options for outdoor gatherings include:
Waterproof models are especially useful for:
- Boats
- Pools
- Fishing trips
- Golf carts
9. Pop-Up Canopies Save You From South Carolina Sun
If you’ve attended a baseball tournament, festival, or lake gathering in Berkeley County, you already know the importance of shade.
Highly rated options include:
10. Air Fryers Still Aren’t Going Anywhere
Air fryers remain one of Amazon’s top-selling kitchen products — especially before holiday weekends.
Locals are using them for:
Popular models include:
Local Tip: Memorial Day Weekend Means Heavy Traffic Near the Lakes
If you’re planning to head toward Lake Moultrie or boat landings across Berkeley County this weekend:
- Arrive early
- Expect long trailer lines
- Bring extra ice and sunscreen
- Watch for afternoon thunderstorms
And if you’re grilling at home? Hydrate. The Lowcountry heat is already kicking in.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer — it’s also a time to remember and honor those who gave their lives serving our country.
But for many Berkeley County families, it’s also a weekend spent together: around the grill, on the water, or simply enjoying time outside before the peak of summer arrives.
If you’re shopping this week, keep an eye out for Memorial Day sales online. Many of the season’s best deals disappear before the holiday weekend even begins.
The Berkeley Observer participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through links in our articles. These commissions come at no additional cost to you and help support our ability to provide independent, local news for Berkeley County. Your purchases directly help keep The Berkeley Observer in business and allow us to continue serving our community.
