Beaufort, South Carolina
Tybee Island and Savannah are beautiful–lots of history, charm and beauty; but not far away you can get similar good things. Beaufort, South Carolina is only about 1 1/2 hours from Savannah–easily reachable for a day trip from our area. It is filled with Revolutionary War and Civil War history, and is even older than Savannah, founded in 1711. Many plantation and estate antebellum houses still exist there, and you can take a carriage ride to hear the history and tales of the area.
Several houses are so old there, that they still have the musket holes in the walls where settlers use to fight Indians. Pirates roamed the waters, and you can see another home where the proprietor hosted the pirates so that they wouldn’t rob her and burn her home. You can visit the house where the decision to secede from the Union took place (South Carolina was the first state to secede). You can see the stately mansions that face the harbor, take a stroll down the waterfront, see the houses where some famous movies were shot (Prince of Tides, The Big Chill, Forrest Gump), and see the old Beaufort church with their interesting graveyard. The denouement is the Chocolate Tree–a delectable shop filled with chocolate delights. In short, it’s a jewel of a city.
One of the great events the city runs is the Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens being held October 22-24. You can get a peek at some of the private homes and mansions, and view the spectacular gardens of the old South.
The Candlelight Walking Tour will be held on Friday, 10/22 from 5:00-7:30 and 6:00-8:30. For $40 you can stroll to and through 6 houses located on the Point, a distinctive neighborhood within the city’s National Historic Landmark district.
On Saturday, 10/23 is Ramble Around Beaufort, a wonderful combination of houses that gives visitors a clear picture of the various historical buildings that together weave together the tapestry of the Lowcountry’s architectural styles from simple to grand. Times are 10:00 – 3:00 or 11:00 – 4:00. $40.
The Hallelujah Singers will perform on Saturday, 10/23 at 7:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church. $25
On Sunday, 10/24 experience culinary Beaufort at Kitchens & Cuisine. For $40 you can visit private kitchen where local chefs will prepare regional specialties. Five chefs, five houses!
For information go to: www.historicbeaufort.org or call 843.379.3371.
