This Small Coastal City in South Carolina Has Charleston-like Allure With out the Crowds

Charleston could get many of the consideration in relation to South Carolina’s many cities, however the historical past, tradition, and (in fact) Southern allure that make it so particular will also be present in smaller and cheaper locations within the area. If you happen to’ve ever watched “Forrest Gump” or learn something by the late writer Pat Conroy, you might be conversant in Beaufort, a harbor city on Port Royal Island. Its slender streets, oak timber, and historic district that pre-dates the Civil Battle are much like these in Charleston, however Beaufort is outstanding and magical in its personal proper. Plus, it doesn’t draw the identical crowds that are likely to flock to notable Holy Metropolis hangouts like King Road, Folly Seashore, and the Battery. 

Earlier than you learn any additional, although, it’s good to know correctly pronounce the title. To not be confused with Beaufort, North Carolina (stated like “bow-fert”), the coastal city has a pronunciation extra akin to “bew-fert.” Mistaking the 2 will instantly establish you as a vacationer — and it received’t sit too effectively with the locals. After you have that squared away, you can begin planning your journey to Beaufort, the second-oldest metropolis in South Carolina.

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Greatest Issues to Do in Beaufort, South Carolina

In 1969, Beaufort turned one of many few U.S. cities with a complete downtown designated as a historic district by the Nationwide Belief for Historic Preservation, so exploring the neighborhoods full of Victorian, Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Federal-style houses is on the high of most vacationers’ lists. At Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you’ll spot Woods Memorial Bridge, recognizable from the aforementioned Tom Hanks blockbuster. Stretching your legs can be inspired alongside the Spanish Moss Path, a 10-mile greenway that weaves by Beaufort’s marshes and thru timber draped in Spanish moss. Given its waterfront location, Beaufort also needs to be skilled by boat; ebook a Dolphin & Historical past Boat Cruise with Coastal Expeditions or an ecology tour with Beaufort Kayak Excursions. Paddleboarding is an alternative choice, with rental tools out there at Increased Floor Outfitters. 

Beaufort’s ties to the literary world are robust; visiting the Pat Conroy Literary Middle (Beaufort was Conroy’s adopted hometown) or one of many three unbiased bookstores on the town — NeverMore Books, McIntosh E book Shoppe, and Beaufort Books — is a should for ebook lovers. For these keen on native artwork, there’s the Gullah Artwork Gallery and Museum, Legacy Artwork Gallery, Rhett Gallery, Thibault Gallery, or Atelier Off Bay. 

Most of the greatest issues to do in Beaufort are discovered additional outdoors of downtown. About 17 miles east is Looking Island State Park, with its pristine seashores, marshes, maritime forest, saltwater lagoon, and the Looking Island Lighthouse, which was destroyed through the Civil Battle and rebuilt in 1875. St. Helena Island (a 13-minute drive away) is dwelling to Penn Middle — one of many United States’ first colleges for previously enslaved people — in addition to the family-owned Dempsey Farms, the place you possibly can decide in-season vegetables and fruit. Native produce will also be acquired on Saturdays on the close by Port Royal Farmers Market.

The Greatest Issues to Do in South Carolina, In keeping with a Native

Beaufort Accommodations

An in a single day journey to Beaufort is greatest accompanied by a keep in one of many city’s upscale inns. Gradual Southern mornings paired with a home-cooked breakfast will be loved on the expansive wood porch at The Rhett Home Inn. Visitors can even ebook the extra fashionable Rhett Home Inn Cottages, which sit throughout the road from the primary constructing. As soon as a Union Military hospital, Anchorage 1770 overlooks the Beaufort River and presents a high-quality eating expertise on the Ribaut Social Membership. The Beaufort Inn first opened its doorways in 1897, and the property’s modern-day chapter options a number of absolutely renovated buildings throughout the city’s historic district.

The place to Eat and Drink in Beaufort, South Carolina

As with most Southern cities and cities, meals is a serious a part of the native tradition. If you happen to’re a traveler who plans their holidays round meals, you’ll need to begin your day at Blackstone’s Cafe or Herban Market and Cafe. If you happen to’re exploring Beaufort through the day and wish one thing fast, order a fried hen sandwich or po’boy from Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe. Chapman’s Grocer additionally has grab-and-go treats, wine, and craft beer. Previous Bull Tavern is a energetic gastropub open just for dinner, Saltus River Grill is nice for indulging in seafood, and people craving Italian ought to dine at Griffin Market. Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island is among the space’s most well-known eating places (it appeared on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations); get the shrimp gumbo.

Greatest Time to Go to 

A South Carolina summer season is scorching and humid — there’s no getting round that. To discover Beaufort in probably the most snug local weather, your greatest wager is to go in both early spring or late fall. April and October are perfect for having a lot to do (winter is much from bustling) whereas concurrently avoiding the sweltering climate synonymous with the South.

Getting There

If you happen to’re flying into Hilton Head Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head Worldwide Airport (SAV) — each are below an hour away  — you’ll have to lease a automotive to totally expertise Beaufort and its surrounding space. Charleston Worldwide Airport (CHS) can be an possibility, though it’ll take about 90 minutes to get to Beaufort.