Beaufort, South Carolina

Naturally Nice

Years ago, Southern Living named Beaufort as the "friendliest coastal town in the US", and for good reason, it is! Where to start. This is one of my favorite towns in the country, large or small. So many things to see and do, great food, beautiful historic homes, charming harbor, boutique bed and breakfasts and a nearby beach. All packed into a tiny little town with a four block Main Street containing local unique shops. "The Port Royal Sound twists and turns its way through the South Carolina Lowcountry finding a home alongside the beautiful town of Beaufort (pronounced BEW-fert, not to be confused with BOW-fert in North Carolina),” Southern Living said. “Beaufort’s Waterfront Park is a great place to get wide-open waterfront views as you take a sunset stroll. 

 One of the centers of this tight-knit community, it’s also home to a 100-slip marina where you can watch boats dock at all times of day, an amphitheater, playground, and weekly farmers’ market.”  Numerous restaurants are accessible from the Waterfront Park. Our two favorites are Plums (best fried shrimp anywhere) and Saltus River Grill (best variety for seafood). It's wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the view. If the waterfront looks familiar, it should. Beaufort is also popular with Hollywood. Numerous big-name movies have been filmed there to include Forest Gump, The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini and GI Jane just to mention a few.  

The historic district boasts an impressive collection of antebellum architecture. These reflect the Federal, Neoclassical, and Greek Revival styles. All were popular during the late 1800's and the early 1900's. A variety of homes, gardens, commercial buildings, churches and graveyards fill the district, with some sites open to the public. Continuous efforts at rehabilitation and conservation underline the community’s commitment to maintaining the historic nature of the district, which has attracted much acclaim and garnered popularity from visitors and media outlets. 

The historic district is more than just one confined area (although there is a very large residential tract) but meanders across different portions of the old town. There are a number of restored historic homes that are bed and breakfasts, and we have stayed at most of them. In no particular order, the Cuthbert House has recently been remodeled and is a waterfront luxury retreat with all the bells and whistles. It is a great expression of Southern elegance. The "afternoon reception" is nothing short of fabulous. Great food and wine and could easily be dinner. The breakfast is equally as good with a view over the bay. People are always what makes a place special, and the staff here are exceedingly gracious. Just down the street, the Anchorage 1770 Inn is equally as grand and also a waterfront luxury property. Built in 1770, it is the oldest and largest Tabby structure still in use. With 1500 square feet of front porches overlooking the Beaufort River, you can certainly find a perfect spot to relax with the warm breezes and the stunning views. We have stayed most often at the Beaufort Inn which is also historic bed and breakfast. The pink main house has an ever-growing number of newer buildings in a campus like setting. It is very relaxing. Be sure to utilize one of the bicycles to explore the historic district. 

We've been to Beaufort many times and it never gets old. This charming town lives up to its reputation and then some. Visitors often come here because it is in-between Charleston and Savannah only to find it has much more charm. Go visit and find out for yourself.