Lorrie Dixson Griggs' Journey
Finding Joy in Change
Enjoying Shem Creek
In the early days of the pandemic in 2020, Lorrie Dixson Griggs moved into Saltgrass Pointe with her 2.5-year-old daughter, Harper. This transition marked a new chapter in their lives, just six months after her husband Bert Griggs died unexpectedly. Before his death, the couple had been searching for a more family-friendly neighborhood, seeking the perfect place to raise their daughter. Previously, they had been living in a home Lorrie built a few miles away at Phillips Park.
After taking their home off the market following Bert's death, Lorrie received an inquiry from a young couple moving to the area. Coincidentally, she had recently discovered an open house for a property in a neighborhood she had always admired in Old Mount Pleasant. This location was ideal, as it was close to the Old Village Montessori School that Harper had attended since she was just nine months old. With perfect timing, Lorrie was able to pack up, move, and settle into their new home while her work had slowed down during the pandemic.
The grief of losing a family member is incomprehensible, and the isolation of the pandemic made Lorrie’s journey even more challenging. Fortunately, she had a strong support system, with family and friends rallying around her. To help cope with her loss, Lorrie planned a celebration of life event just three months after Bert's passing. Called Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam, the event remembered Bert while showcasing their music-inspired apparel and accessories line, Drifter Merch, which they had launched together three years earlier.
At the time, Lorrie had owned Eskimo Advertising, a boutique PR and marketing company, for over 20 years, so she was able to leverage her professional expertise to ensure the success of the event. The celebration not only paid tribute to Bert but also gave back to the community by donating a portion of the proceeds to Carolina Studios, an organization that fosters creative and educational initiatives for students through music, technology, and media arts.
As life continued to unfold, Lorrie met Josh Moore at a Widespread Panic concert. Their connection blossomed over shared musical interests and their North Carolina roots. After dating for some time, Josh was able to continue working remotely for Allstate selling insurance and relocate from Wilmington to Mount Pleasant to join Lorrie and Harper in their new home. The trio, along with their fickle cat Alice, adapted to life together until Alice passed away from multiple health issues.
Josh, an avid golfer, quickly became part of the family. While Lorrie and Josh enjoy riding their electric bikes, the three of them are also often on the boat exploring throughout the picturesque Lowcountry creating memories. Like Bert, Josh has a deep love for live music and can be found alongside Lorrie in the Drifter Merch tent, selling the popular merchandise at local gatherings, jam band concerts, and other events on the road. This past September, he played a crucial role in managing the company’s busy vending at the 4th Annual Drifter Fest while Lorrie ran the event. This year's celebration featured a remarkable lineup, with Rolling Stones saxophonist Karl Denson and his Tiny Universe Band headlining the growing fest.
Now nearly seven years old, Harper attends East Cooper Montessori Charter School that is just a short golf cart ride away. She enjoys dancing, singing and is becoming quite the artist. The trio enjoys spending time at Lorrie's family's beach house in Wild Dunes, relishing the sun and surf. They feel that one of the best parts about living in this neighborhood is the community vibe complemented by the sprawling oaks and scenic waterfront views. They enjoy being able to access so many cool places via golf cart, from Pitt Street Bridge and the harbor to Shem Creek. Harper loved doing marsh walks at her former school that sat by Shem Creek, as well as playing on the playground and running on the lawn at Alhambra prior to the renovations. Around town, they often visit their favorite dining spots like Home Team BBQ, Locals, Leon's, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen, and Santi's, or catch live music at venues such as The Refinery, Pour House, and Mainland Container.