Down in the low country is where this undiscovered alluring waterside town hides away under the Spanish moss. Beaufort, pronounced as if saying “beautiful,” has presented itself with all the trimmings of the big city – think culture, history, culinary and some – whilst remaining quaint, quiet and ever-so charming.
Trees kiss over the many bike paths, park benches overlook the multiple water views and the Spanish moss grows over and above the walking paths that disperse all over Beaufort. The town, the second oldest in the state, is right on Port Royal Island in the heart of what the locals call “Sea Islands.” The natural beauty and remoteness could be what inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. who drafted his famous “I have a dream speech” for the Washington D.C Civil Rights March of 1963 right here.
Today Beaufort is respected for its preservation of antebellum architecture – classic plantation style mansions with deep porches accompanied with iced servings of Bitter Milk mixed cocktails.
Locals liken the town to a modest millionaire that never puts on airs, but could if they desired so.
Lazy days here are spent in the sunshine strolling around the city’s waterfront, or cruise biking over to the islands with their remote beaches. Here is a more specific guide on how to do it all:
Where to eat
Old Bull Tavern is where the locals converge at any time of the day, or night for elbow bending. The menu, mostly unusual, also comes with a classic burger from pasture-raised cattle from nearby Mibek Farms.
Griffin Market has all of the finest Northern Italian delights with a seasonal ever-changing menu.
For a picnic next to the water Low Country Produce will offer up a basket of French pastries and southern pies all served with cheeses and preserves.
Right on the water is the town’s most sophisticated dining spot, Saltus River Grill, with seafood that comes from local fishermen all paired with interesting wines from California.
En route to the beach is when to stop at Shrimp Shack drive thru for shrimp burgers and hush puppies. A happy hour runs every day, all afternoon.
Where to rest your head
Anchorage 1770, the iconic 18th century Victorian manse on the water, has recently opened with just a handful of suites. Four-poster beds, bay windows, generous porches, gorgeous linen and original plasterwork make this the perfect nest for a weekend of rest and romance. In the 19th century, the Inn was home to the locally famous “Ribaut Club,” a literary crew who met for drinking, gambling and dancing – a tradition resurrected .
City Loft Hotel is a revamped 50s modern take on a motel but with enough modern glamor and a coffee shop where locals pick up a cup and read the newspaper.
Where to shop
Fill up the bags at Scout Southern Market where everything is southern. Specializing in a contemporary southern lifestyle the store carries unique home décor, furniture, lighting, jewelry, gifts and small-batch specialty foods.
Besides offering Orvis endorsed fishing charters on the river and on the lagoon, Bay Street Outfitters also sells all things to wear for the weekend, from Barbour to Patagonia.
For fun and perfect gifts visit Lulu Burgess boutique where the proprietress shops for a living and brings it back into the store to share with best friend locals and visitors.
What else to do?
Stand up Paddle boarding on the lagoon, passing dolphins and stingrays out to the sandbar is a perfect activity for the afternoon.
Penn Center, the site of the first school for freed slaves, is the best way to learn about southern African American history.
Explore the numerous, mostly cotton, plantations with gorgeous homes – some which are for sale currently.
Hunting Island State Park is untouched and presents secluded wide beaches with fallen driftwood trees for some additional romance.
Head out to many farms
For strawberry picking, and seasonally pumpkins, the Dempsey Farms is a short drive out of town on St Helena Island.
Every Saturday is when the Port Royal Farmer’s Market attracts locals and people from nearby parishes to pick up all things delicious including produce and southern style crab cakes.
The Sheldon Family Farm just outside of town naturally manufactures everything from goat’s milk – soap, lotions, and sugar scrubs.
And if you’re holiday gift panicking here is a recent guide I did - https://wonderlusttravel.com/winter-holiday-gift-guide/