A day trip to Beaufort, SC

This describes my 3 favorite cities the best:

When I talk to writers, from the States and Internationally, I compare Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah to three sisters. Charleston being the older sister because she is well established, has her stuff together but can be a bit uppity. Savannah being the youngest sister because she loves to party, is very pretty and is smaller. Beaufort is the middle sister who has as much, or actually more, history than either… but the Beaufort middle sister will put her pearls on graciously and still back the truck up, put the boat in the water and go catch fresh shrimp for dinner. ~ Peach

The first time I went to Beaufort it was to bury my grandfather. It was 2002 when he passed away. He is now buried at the Beaufort National Cemetery. I remember driving there with my mom thinking this was a really short drive from Charleston because I originally thought Beaufort was far. I have driven through a couple of times but haven’t been able to stop and see what Beaufort truly has to offer. I plan on spending a day in Beaufort during the summer and here are a few places that I have heard are a must see.

What to do in Beaufort, SC

First thing I will do in town is stop by Common Ground for some coffee. Well Latte for me! I need something to perk me up.

Next, I will visit the Penn Center

Penn Center has played a tremendous role in the development of African-American culture – and more recently, in its preservation. By the early 1900s, it had adopted Booker T. Washington’s model of industrial training. This model focused on teaching black people trades like cobbling and carpentry that would help them earn livings. The school continued to teach students until the middle of the twentieth century. At this time, after 86 years, the school shifted its focus and began to offer community services such as day care and health training. The change came about for a variety of reasons. One reason was that black families were moving north, causing enrollment to decline. Another important reason was that South Carolina’s state and county governments finally began to take steps towards providing a more thorough education for black children. Before 1948, the public school system was only required to educate blacks through the seventh grade. During the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference often met at the Penn Center. The center served as a rare retreat where members of both races could meet peacefully without being threatened or harmed.

To learn the history of where I’m from helps me to understand where I’m going. I also want my kids to know that I am different in many ways. Not just in the way I speak (which they have gotten use to) but in the way I cook and do things.

Hunting Island State Park Lighthouse

The last time I went to a lighthouse we walked up to the top. Huge mistake! I was so out of shape. I love lighthouses because when you get to the top you see the beauty of what lies beneath. Kind of like life a little. I definitely have to check this out

Plums Restaurant

After all that walking I know I will be famished so I will head over to Plums because I have heard good things about this spot. The seafood looks fresh and the atmosphere very relaxing. They are also located by Water Front park which I think is neat because we have our own Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC. I use to sit there during warm evenings and just look out at the water. It was so calming to do and to know that I can do the same in another city is so cool.

Lulu’s

Every time I go out of town I have to shop! The locals rave about Lulu’s so my next stop after lunch will be to check out the various items in her shop and of course, pick up a souvenir or two to bring back. Every time we visit somewhere new we must get something that reminds of us the city.

Santa Elena

I’m not a history buff but I love history. I know that sounds strange but I love to know the history of things especially ships and artifacts that are unique. Santa Elena has everything about South Carolina’s earliest colonial history and its a must see.

The story of Santa Elena, founded in 1566 on Parris Island, is one of religion, geopolitics, cultural clashes, war and struggles to survive. It also is little known — even in South Carolina, where colonial European powers France and Spain established beachheads in the New World.

The Santa Elena Foundation wants to change that. The foundation is dedicated to sharing the story of Santa Elena with South Carolinians and the world. Its mission is to expand the story of North American colonization by researching, preserving and promoting Santa Elena, the first European colonial capital.

I will probably stop and take loads of pics with the kids and do a little more shopping then head off to dinner at Old Bull Tavern.

During the summers I like to visit smaller cities and towns because it’s less crowded and my kids get a little education going during the summer to keep their brains fresh. Now many of you may be wondering how to pronounce Beaufort. Is it Boo Fort or Be – you- Fort as a Charleston person you might hear me say the first one but it’s actually pronounced the latter. If you are staying the night I have heard that the Beaufort Inn is the place to be. I think going to small towns like this you have to stay at an inn or bed and breakfast to get the beauty of the city. A reg hotel just won’t cut it. Remember Beaufort isn’t that far from Hilton Head island or Savannah you can also stay in Charleston and make it a day trip from that side too.

Have you ever been to Beaufort, SC? Would you visit a small town in the summer?