Faces of Freshfields: Meet Jennie Brooks of Longevity

Freshfields Village just got a little stronger – and more serene – with the recent opening of Longevity Pilates Kiawah, led by Charleston native Jennie Brooks. With a deep-rooted passion for fitness and wellness, Jennie’s journey began in a family of athletes and blossomed into a full-scale, holistic wellness center in downtown Charleston. Now, she brings that same dedication and expertise to The Village with her new boutique Pilates space, offering a retreat for both body and mind. As part of our Faces of Freshfields series, we’re excited to introduce the vibrant personalities that make The Village so special. Get to know Jennie below and the inspiration behind Longevity Pilates as she expands her wellness community to Kiawah.

Jennie’s Upbringing that Fueled her Passion

We’ve welcomed a new wellness destination here at Freshfields Village, Longevity Pilates, led by Charleston native Jennie Brooks. Jennie’s journey into the world of fitness and wellness began in her own family, where athleticism was a way of life. Her mother and stepfather were both competitive marathon runners, even winning the prestigious Kiawah Island marathon, while her father was an open-water swimmer. This active upbringing had a lasting impact on Jennie, who spent her youth playing multiple sports, dancing, and becoming an avid equestrian.

Jennie’s passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals blossomed during her early career in California, where she trained people for long-distance races. In 2006, she was fortunate enough to study Pilates under the world-renowned Nora St. John. This pivotal experience led Jennie to become a certified Pilates instructor and later, a trainer for others through the Balanced Body education program.

The Flagship That Started It All

Jennie founded Longevity in downtown Charleston in 2015, opening a 2,100 square-foot holistic fitness and wellness studio. Her vision was to create a space where clients could access a wide variety of complementary services under one roof. Over time, Longevity expanded its offerings and footprint, growing to over 10,000 square feet, with three Pilates studios, an open gym, a personal training suite, and more than 80 research-backed group classes. Clients also benefit from a range of wellness services, including massage therapy, acupuncture, stretch therapy, infrared saunas, cold plunges, skincare treatments, chiropractic care, functional medicine, and bio-testing. Now, Jennie has extended her expertise to the communities of Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island with the opening of Longevity Pilates at Freshfields Village.

What to Expect at Longevity Kiawah

At the new Freshfields location, Jennie has brought the same luxurious boutique aesthetic that defines her flagship studio downtown. The space has been carefully designed to reflect attention to detail and an atmosphere of relaxation. The beautiful woodwork, crafted by her brother, Eric Brooks, adds an elevated touch of craftsmanship to the studio. Known for his fine furniture design on Sullivan’s Island, Eric’s work perfectly complements the spa-like feel of the studio, which has been described as a “fitness center that smells so good.”

Longevity Pilates at Freshfields offers two state-of-the-art Pilates studios—one for Reformer classes and another for private instruction. The studio is fully equipped with Balanced Body Reformers, Cadillac/Trapeze Tables, Chairs and Barrels. Jennie and her team pride themselves on delivering genuine hospitality, treating clients like guests and expanding their close-knit Longevity community.

A Freshfields Fan at Heart

Jennie is thrilled to bring Longevity to Freshfields Village, a place she knows well from years of enjoying its unique neighborhood feel. Living on Johns Island, she often takes the beautiful drive to Freshfields to do her grocery shopping and visit her favorite restaurants, La Tela and Hege’s. She’s particularly fond of Hege’s special sea bass dish and enjoys attending wine dinners at Forty-Eight Wine Bar.

Beyond dining, Jennie loves shopping at The Village, where she can purchase skincare from Bluemercury, treat herself to a massage at Urban Nirvana Spa, or pick up fitness gear from Lululemon. She even loves taking  her son for ice cream dates at Ben & Jerry’s. In an age where so many purchases are made online, Jennie values the social and enjoyable experience Freshfields Village provides. Now, she’s excited to be part of that community, offering her Pilates expertise and a welcoming space for locals and visitors to connect and thrive!

7 Must-Do Fall Activities at Freshfields Village in the Lowcountry

As the weather cools and the leaves start to turn, there’s no better time, or place, to embrace the magic of fall in the Lowcountry. Freshfields Village is the perfect place to soak in autumn vibes while enjoying a blend of seasonal activities, great shopping and delicious food. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s how to get into the spirit of the fall season at Freshfields Village.

Sip on Seasonal Flavors 

Fall is all about warm drinks with a twist of spice, and Freshfields Village has great spots to get your seasonal caffeine fix! Café Eugenia always has something seasonal up their sleeve, so be sure to drop in and see for yourself. Cozy up in the corner or enjoy outdoor dining with family and friends to treat yourselves. Nothing says fall like the first sip of a tasty and fun fancy drink! Stop by Java Java for a fun fall sipper, like their apple caramel macchiato, “Spice Girls” latte, praline latte or a cult classic pumpkin spiced latte. And don’t forget to pick up a sweet treat, like their fresh homemade biscotti or pumpkin bread!

Take in Fall Foliage by Bike

One of the best ways to enjoy the changing season is by taking in the sights of Kiawah Island on two wheels! Head to Seacoast Sports & Outfitters to rent a bike and explore the scenic bike paths winding through the island. As you pedal along, you’ll feel the crisp air and watch the leaves fall, making for a perfect fall afternoon. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or an adventure for the whole family, this is a must-do autumn activity!

Root On Your Favorite Football Team

Fall wouldn’t be complete without football, and King Street Grille is the ultimate spot to catch a game with friends and family! With plenty of screens, great drink specials, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to cheer on your favorite team while digging into wings or a burger. Nothing says fall like gathering with friends to watch a game while enjoying your favorite fall appetizers and eats!

Enjoy Al Fresco Dining

Now that the weather is starting to cool, it’s the perfect time to enjoy al fresco dining at Freshfields Village. Whether you’re craving something light or hearty, there’s a spot for every mood. FortyEight Wine Bar offers an extensive selection of wines by the glass, paired with small plates that are perfect for a leisurely meal on their charming outdoor patio. For a more casual vibe, head to Cantina 76 for tacos and margaritas while soaking up the fresh fall  air. The Co-Op is ideal for a laid-back lunch with their famous sandwiches and frosé, while Hege’s provides a more upscale outdoor dining experience with French-inspired dishes. Embrace the beautiful weather and make the most of fall with patio dining throughout the Village!

Grab a Book and Get Cozy 

Don’t forget to pop into Indigo Books, a charming local bookstore that’s perfect for finding your next cozy read. As the cooler weather rolls in, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book, a warm blanket, and a hot drink. The inviting atmosphere and personalized recommendations from the friendly staff make it a must-visit for book lovers!

Refresh Your Home with Fall Decor 

Get your home fall-ready with a visit to GDC Home and Imagine Home. At GDC, you’ll find plush throw blankets, cozy pillows and autumn-inspired accents like pumpkins to create a warm, inviting space. Over at Imagine Home, browse their artisan-crafted goods and perhaps discover the perfect fall-scented candle to complete your seasonal décor. These wonderful shops offer everything you need to transform your home for the season!

Settle In at the Porch Bar inside the Andell Inn

After a day of exploring Freshfields Village, head over to the Porch Bar at The Andell Inn for the perfect way to wind down. Nestled within the warm and inviting lobby of the boutique hotel, the Porch Bar offers a cozy atmosphere to relax and enjoy a crafted cocktail or glass of wine. The comfortable seating, charming Southern décor, and scenic views of the lagoon make it an ideal spot to unwind as the cool fall air sets in.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Freshfields Village offers endless ways to get into the fall spirit. From biking through Kiawah Island to sipping on a seasonal drink or watching a football game with friends, fall at Freshfields is all about savoring the simple pleasures of the season. Take advantage of the crisp autumn air by enjoying al fresco dining on the many patios scattered throughout the Village, perfect for a relaxing meal under the changing leaves.

So grab your favorite sweater, head over to Freshfields Village, and embrace everything this magical time of year has to offer. Don’t forget to tag us @freshfieldsvillage on social media when you share your fall fun!