Get Outside

LIFE on the MAY

The river defines the daily rhythm of Bluffton

By Linda Lanier

When Blufftonians talk about spending the day in “the rivah,” they’re referring to the May River in Lowcountry speak. For almost three centuries, the river has provided sustenance, livelihood, and recreation for residents and visitors. If Bluffton is the Heart of the Lowcountry™, the May is its life-giving force.

Tidal shifts from the sound and Atlantic Ocean feed the May, creating an unusual saltwater river. It flows for 15 miles from Calibogue Sound to the causeway at Palmetto Bluff.

This unique saltwater blend abounds with fish and shellfish. Shrimp, oysters, and blue crabs bring people together for Lowcountry boils and oyster roasts on the river’s banks. Sandbars create natural meeting spaces for boaters enjoying a day of fun on the water.

The river remains timeless and its beauty ageless. Its waters entice visitors today just as it did decades ago — meandering through moss-draped Bluffton, defining the geography and lifestyle of this coastal place.

WHATEVER YOUR VESSEL, SPENDING TIME ON THE RIVER IS A MUST.

The town of Bluffton is protective over the health of the May River, ensuring that it continues to sustain aquatic life and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Several local businesses help you get onto the water to enjoy its attractions.

Book a trip with May River Excursions and the captains pick you up at Calhoun Street Dock for an afternoon of dolphin watching. By the end of the day, you’ll be able to spot the difference between a great blue heron and a great egret, two of the magnificent sea birds that fly through the sky above the river.

Take a kayak tour down the May River with Outside Palmetto Bluff. Naturalists with the award-winning outfitter and guide company not only help you navigate the waterway, but also explain the area’s history and culture. The more adventurous can try stand-up paddleboarding or paddleboard yoga. Another up-and-coming sport is kayak fishing, where you fish for largemouth bass along the inland waterway trails.

Whether you search the horizon for dolphins, pull seafood to the surface, or simply glide under Spanish moss and soak in the quiet, you’ll be joining generations of people who have made memories on the May.

TAKE IT SLOW

Soak in the scenery and rich history of Bluffton with Hidden Treasures Tours of Bluffton, SC. Roll in style on a guided golf cart tour or cruise by bicycle and feel those coastal breezes. Along the way, you’ll explore beautiful sights and fascinating facts about Bluffton for an easygoing tour experience. 843.278.2027 hiddentreasuresbluffton.com

THE HEART OF BLUFFTON

The Heyward House, built in 1841, is located in the heart of Bluffton’s Historic District and serves as the official welcome center for the town. The house museum offers guided tours of the five-room Carolina farmhouse, which is filled with interesting artifacts and furnishings from the 1850s to the 1920s. Walking tours of the Historic District are available; call for reservations. heywardhouse.org 843.757.6293 G e heywardhouse

Wright Family Park

TAKE ME to the PARK

Bluffton has a plethora of outdoor spaces, ideal for getting some exercise and fresh air

By Linda Lanier

With a wide expanse of lawn and a panoramic view of the May River, Wright Family Park is the newest greenscape in Old Town Bluffton. Longtime Blufftonians, the Wrights, owned and stewarded this waterside property for 80 years. They enjoyed walking the shoreline, looking for oysters and crabs. Now their piece of Bluffton paradise is shared with everyone in town. Walk the meandering boardwalk that follows the water’s edge and pause to read placards about Bluffton history and the flora and fauna that create its distinct sense of place. Stairs lead down from the boardwalk, right to the river. Watch overhead for great blue herons and keep an eye on the water for bottlenose dolphins. Sit on a bench under moss-draped oaks and soak in the serenity. The recently renovated Calhoun Street Dock, adjacent to the park, provides public river access for fishing, boating, shrimping, and nature watching. The park is family friendly and wheelchair accessible. Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

Martin Family Park Buckwalter Place Park

BUCKWALTER PLACE PARK Home of the Veterans Memorial, made possible by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 205, the open lawn area offers comfortable benches and an inclusive playground including a wheelchair whirl and sensory panels.

DUBOIS PARK Family friendly, with a playground, and a covered pavilion, the park also features a Civil War historic marker.

PRITCHARD POCKET PARK At the end of Pritchard Street, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the sun, with benches and a sweeping May River view.

OYSTER FACTORY PARK The riverfront park with an open-air pavilion is a favorite location for oyster roasts and celebrations. Visit the Garvin-Garvey House and Bluffton Oyster Company while you’re here.

OSCAR FRAZIER PARK With meadows, playground, ball field, tennis courts, and a dog park, Oscar Frazier Park is the center of Bluffton recreation.

MARTIN FAMILY PARK Picnic in this restful green space with benches and a table and enjoy the Farmers Market of Bluffton on Thursday afternoons.

AIM FOR FUN

Got an axe to grind? Locally owned Palmetto Axes has your target. Book online or drop in and try your hand at axe throwing, with guidance from friendly “axe-perts.” Choose from a selection of local and domestic beers while you’re here. It’s a unique, memorable spot for a birthday celebration, bachelor or bachelorette party, or afternoon of family fun (age 12 and older). 843.816.7878 • palmettoaxes.com G palmettoaxes e palmetto_axes