Beaufort

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One of my very favorite things to do when I have a few days with nothing going on is to hop in the car with the kids and head out for a road trip. There is just something about these southern cities and towns that inspires me to slow down and smell the magnolias.  My last trip was to Beaufort, SC.

Beaufort (Pronounced BYOO-fert) is on one of South Carolina’s coastal sea islands.  The town welcomes you as you drive up with marshy waterfront on one side and gorgeous antebellum mansions on the other.  The charming historic downtown district is home of some fantastic shopping and wonderful eateries. And I’m always a sucker for any town that has enough history and charm to support horse and carriage tours. And the people there are some of the most welcoming I have ever met.

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Stay

The Rhett Inn and the Beaufort Inn looked absolutely charming.  However, on President’s Day Weekend they were booked.  Not only did the Best Western Sea Island work in a pinch, but it really impressed.  And at 160 a night, it’s a bargain for the location!  Located on the main drag, you are right across from the water front and can leave the car in the lot and take the city by foot. 

Eat

I wish we would have had more time to try more of the restaurants in Beaufort.  Something to consider when planning a trip to a small southern town like this one, is that many of the shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays.  Since the majority of our long weekend took place during those two days, we feel like we really missed out on eating at some really good-looking places.    

Sit outside at Plums, and watch the boats float through the waterfront.  The kids can play in the park feet from your table.  Enjoy a diverse menu including salads, burgers, sandwiches and many other favorites from the sea in a casual atmosphere. I also can’t say enough about Hearth Wood-Fired Pizza. The pizza is amazing, the service is great and the atmosphere is the perfect blend of cozy and sophisticated.  I dare you to walk past any Kilwins without getting sucked in by the aroma of their amazing confectionaries.   I know we can’t.  We just can’t find a place that can top their ice cream.

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Shop

I was so excited to go to NeverMore books. It’s the cutest little shop I’ve ever seen.  They sold new and used books, vintage posters and vinyl amidst Edgar Allen Poe themed decor.  However, I was only able to window-shop as they are only open Tuesday thru Saturday.

Sweet Bay, Inc. is possibly the neatest dried flower shop I’ve ever been to.  The items in the store were not only unique but so reasonably priced.  

Play

The whole crew enjoyed our carriage ride.  Beaufort is rich with history.  Harriet Tubman worked to free 700 slaves in the area. Afterwards they all celebrated at a local church, where a statue of the famed abolitionist will be erected. Beaufort was also the home of Robert Smalls, a hero that escaped slavery and not only served in Congress, but also took in his former owner after she developed dementia. 

Hunting Island State Park is about a 25 minute drive from Beaufort.    There are 4 miles of beach, forest areas, and a huge saltwater marsh.  But the star of the park is a 19th century lighthouse. It is no longer operational.  And for just 2 bucks a head, you can climb the 167 steps to the top where you can get a breathtaking view of the island and the surrounding ocean.  In 1993, many of the Vietnam scenes in Forest Gump were filmed in the marshy areas of the park.  The beaches are completely natural. Uprooted trees lay sprawled out all over the beach.  Not only was it an amazing sight, but the trees offered a natural jungle gym for the kids to climb and a unique backdrop for a family photo.

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