How to Take a look at Beaufort, South Carolina

Charleston could get most of the attention when it arrives to South Carolina’s a lot of cities, but the historical past, culture, and (of training course) Southern charm that make it so particular can also be discovered in more compact and much less pricey destinations in the location. If you have ever watched “Forrest Gump” or read anything by the late writer Pat Conroy, you may possibly be common with Beaufort, a harbor city on Port Royal Island. Its slim streets, oak trees, and historic district that pre-dates the Civil War are equivalent to these in Charleston, but Beaufort is remarkable and magical in its have ideal. As well as, it doesn’t draw the identical crowds that are inclined to flock to notable Holy Town hangouts like King Street, Folly Beach front, and the Battery. 

In advance of you study any further, although, you require to know how to appropriately pronounce the title. Not to be puzzled with Beaufort, North Carolina (reported like “bow-fert”), the coastal town has a pronunciation extra akin to “bew-fert.” Mistaking the two will promptly identify you as a tourist — and it will not sit also perfectly with the locals. Once you have that squared away, you can get started preparing your trip to Beaufort, the next-oldest city in South Carolina.

Ideal Items to Do in Beaufort, South Carolina

In 1969, Beaufort grew to become just one of the several U.S. metropolitan areas with an full downtown designated as a historic district by the National Rely on for Historic Preservation, so discovering the neighborhoods loaded with Victorian, Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Federal-type households is at the top rated of most travelers’ lists. At Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you’ll place Woods Memorial Bridge, recognizable from the aforementioned Tom Hanks blockbuster. Stretching your legs is also inspired together the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile greenway that weaves by Beaufort’s marshes and via trees draped in Spanish moss. Offered its waterfront site, Beaufort should also be seasoned by boat ebook a Dolphin & History Boat Cruise with Coastal Expeditions or an ecology tour with Beaufort Kayak Tours. Paddleboarding is yet another choice, with rental products obtainable at Bigger Ground Outfitters. 

Beaufort’s ties to the literary planet are sturdy browsing the Pat Conroy Literary Centre (Beaufort was Conroy’s adopted hometown) or one of the three impartial bookstores in town — NeverMore Guides, McIntosh E book Shoppe, and Beaufort Publications — is a ought to for e-book enthusiasts. For all those intrigued in local art, there is the Gullah Artwork Gallery and Museum, Legacy Artwork Gallery, Rhett Gallery, Thibault Gallery, or Atelier Off Bay. 

Many of the ideal matters to do in Beaufort are observed further more outside the house of downtown. About 17 miles east is Searching Island Condition Park, with its pristine shorelines, marshes, maritime forest, saltwater lagoon, and the Searching Island Lighthouse, which was destroyed all through the Civil War and rebuilt in 1875. St. Helena Island (a 13-moment travel absent) is residence to Penn Middle — a person of the United States’ initial colleges for formerly enslaved people today — as properly as the family-owned Dempsey Farms, where by you can pick in-time fruits and veggies. Local deliver can also be obtained on Saturdays at the close by Port Royal Farmers Industry.

Beaufort Accommodations

An right away excursion to Beaufort is most effective accompanied by a stay in just one of the town’s upscale inns. Slow Southern mornings paired with a property-cooked breakfast can be enjoyed on the expansive picket porch at The Rhett Household Inn. Guests can also e book the additional modern day Rhett House Inn Cottages, which sit throughout the road from the major setting up. Once a Union Army healthcare facility, Anchorage 1770 overlooks the Beaufort River and presents a fantastic dining practical experience at the Ribaut Social Club. The Beaufort Inn to start with opened its doorways in 1897, and the property’s modern day-day chapter functions various completely renovated properties in just the town’s historic district.

Wherever to Try to eat and Consume in Beaufort, South Carolina

As with most Southern metropolitan areas and towns, meals is a main part of the local culture. If you’re a traveler who plans their vacations all around foods, you’ll want to start off your working day at Blackstone’s Cafe or Herban Industry and Cafe. If you’re checking out Beaufort for the duration of the working day and want anything speedy, buy a fried rooster sandwich or po’boy from Lowcountry Produce Industry & Cafe. Chapman’s Grocer also has get-and-go treats, wine, and craft beer. Aged Bull Tavern is a energetic gastropub open only for meal, Saltus River Grill is good for indulging in seafood, and all those craving Italian really should dine at Griffin Marketplace. Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island is one of the area’s most renowned dining places (it appeared on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations) get the shrimp gumbo.

Very best Time to Visit 

A South Carolina summer is warm and humid — there is no getting close to that. To examine Beaufort in the most comfortable local weather, your best guess is to go in possibly early spring or late slide. April and Oct are great for getting a lot to do (winter is significantly from bustling) though at the same time averting the sweltering climate synonymous with the South.

Obtaining There

If you’re flying into Hilton Head Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head Worldwide Airport (SAV) — both are underneath an hour away  — you will need to rent a vehicle to absolutely encounter Beaufort and its encompassing place. Charleston Intercontinental Airport (CHS) is also an option, despite the fact that it’ll take about 90 minutes to get to Beaufort.