Feature - Charming Towns of the South

LIFE

A. GRIFFIN POTTERY PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC

SOUTH Words by James Saxon

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couple of stereotypical, and at least partially incorrect, views of the south are the opposites of each other. One is that we’re unfailingly hospitable and courteous, have soft-spoken drawls, would never engage in tacky behavior, live in houses with columns and magnolias and azaleas, with the air subtly scented with tea olives, hydrangeas, and the like, often to be found sitting on porches drinking (depending on the person) iced tea, gin-and-tonics, or mint juleps. The other is that we wear only jeans and boots, go muddin’ every weekend, are backward rednecks, or at least resemble The Beverly Hillbillies, chew tobacco and spit, wear baseball caps indoors, eat anything fried, and are suspicious of people and things from outside our geographical boundaries. As in most stereotypes, there’s a bit of truth in both views, but the real truth is something else.

Charm. Whether we’re in khakis and a button down, or jeans, boots, and a ball cap, we generally are charming here in our beloved south. But what does that mean?

A quick online search says charming means “pleasant or attractive; polite, friendly, and likeable.” Merriam-Webster defines charming as “extremely pleasing or delightful: entrancing.” I imagine I’m not the only one who finds these to be very high bars to reach, especially entrancing.

Entrancing? Nevertheless, we know charming when we see and/or experience it, and that’s no less with towns than with people. There’s a tv show on a certain network these days set in a mythical South Carolina town, though it’s filmed in Georgia, where everything is so sweet as to put a diabetic’s life in danger. That level of sugar is neither charming nor very interesting in my not-so-humble opinion.

UPTOWN SHELBY

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC thesouthernedgemagazine.com 9

Really charming towns, again as with people, share some aspects and differ in others. No town is better than its people, so a charming one must include people who are friendly, kind, welcoming, hospitable; occasionally irascible, argumentative only in a polite way, slightly gossipy; helpful, generous, thoughtful. The sort of people who wave from their cars or porches whether or not they know you. The sort who pull to the side of the road when there’s a funeral procession.

The sort who bring food when there’s sickness or death. People who clean and groom their yards, and maybe help others do it when they’re no longer able to do it themselves. I remember an elderly lady who wasn’t able to do much physically, but would walk across the street every day to sweep the walk and porch while my father was dying so our mother had one less thing to worry about—visitors were coming in and out all day and into the evening and did so on a clean walkway.

And a charming town also has plenty of sidewalks, bike paths like the Swamp Rabbit Trail near Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

They have renovated movie houses like The Capri in Montgomery, Alabama; Square Books in Jackson, Mississippi, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina.

They have museums, sometimes several, for art and history and everything in between.

There are cultural sites and venues like those all over Charleston and New Orleans. Fine hotels like the Jefferson in Richmond, the Poinsett in Greenville, and too many to count in the District of Columbia and the above-mentioned Charleston and New Orleans—and we can hardly get started on all the charming hostelries (isn’t that a great word?) in the Florida Keys, and B&Bs in almost every small town throughout the South.

Life, indeed, may be a bit slower in a charming town—life passes fast enough anyway. From the antebellum houses and other structures built before the Late Unpleasantness in the historic areas, to the being-refurbished mill houses, things in a charming town are “kept up” as we say.

There are some nice shops and restaurants and diners. Everyone knows where to find the best pimiento cheese burger, the best

breakfast, the best shrimp and grits, the best biscuits, the best ice cream and cupcakes.

There almost always is a park or square, maybe with a creek or stream, or at least a fountain. There may be a statue or two of someone’s once-famous ancestor. Maybe a weekly newspaper. A local or locally-run hardware store is there, and a local pharmacy where the staff take the time to speak with customers. There will be curb markets in various locations featuring in-season produce and some homemade preserves and relishes. There are churches on every other corner: Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, MethodistEpiscopal, and “independent” churches, and probably at least one temple. If you aren’t there during a service, someone will notice and mention it to you and/or others.

There’s a funeral home, one for the white population and one for the black population.

This segregation isn’t the hateful kind, because either will gladly assist in your final arrangements, but sometimes customs and traditions differ, and they are kindly experts in these. There will be historic signs noting long-forgotten Revolutionary or Civil War battles, maybe even a cannon or two.

The churches will have plaques honoring the war dead from the Revolution to the latest conflicts. There’ll be clubs: Kiwanis, Lions, Masons, Eastern Star, Garden, St. Andrew’s, and the like. There’ll be oyster roasts, barbecues, cookouts (the two are not synonymous), and probably a yearly festival celebrating livestock or a popular vegetable or plant or special quality of the town: watermelon festivals, spring water festivals (my hometown), cotton festivals, blue grass festivals, and anything else you can think of worth taking over the town square or park and having booths of foods from every charitable organization in the area. I’m willing to bet there’s also a honkytonk or “joint” or two, often out in the country and hard for non-locals to find.

Somewhere nearby is a river or lake for boating, picnicking, and lots of paths, bridal and otherwise, for meandering. You’ll hear a siren from the fire department at Noon on Saturdays to test it, and you’ll hear it whenever there’s a fire or tornado warning.

EDGEFIELD, SC

Charming towns also have that village quality of behavior toward children. If you’ve been bad, it’ll get back to your parents long before you get home. If you’re lost, someone will see you and take you home or call your folks. If you get into trouble at school or church, you get into much more trouble when you get home and your parents take you in hand (ping-pong paddles, belts, hickory sticks, etc., are not without their uses, and nary a one of us turned out to be serial killers or abusers because of spankings—we deserved every one we got and a lot we didn’t get).

Charming towns also use the phrase that became popular in the 1960s-era The Andy Griffith Show: “how’s your mama’n ‘em?”

It can be said as a greeting, but equally as a genuine question of how your family is doing. Charming towns, generally, are small(ish), so everyone knows everyone else’s business and can be sweetly or annoyingly nosy. News gets around faster than a Western Union telegram or text, and can go full circle with one person saying to the other “I told you that yesterday.”

BLUFFTON, SC

Two other key parts to a charming town are hair salons and barbershops. Hair takes a long time to style or cut even if you’re nearly bald because much of the time is spent talking and shootin’ the bull instead of the actual reason for being there. Or maybe that is the major reason for being there.

Remember what Dolly allegedly said: “the higher the hair, the closer to God.” Not to throw shade, as the current phrase goes, but there also are things a charming town does not do or have. It does not raze its historic buildings. It does not build strip malls on its main street. It doesn’t not fill beautiful parks and greenways with cement; on the contrary, the cement for basketball, tennis courts, and the like are for recreations centers, which a charming town has as well as a more unspoiled park. And these recreations centers or areas are a necessary part of the village atmosphere because a charming place looks after its children and young people and their needs outside school.

And fortunate, charming towns have local schools. Friday nights are for high school football and band performances. Every parent, grandparent, and family friend is sure to be at every play, concert, science fair, and fund-raiser, and will be staffing the concessions booths for every athletic or musical event you can imagine.

for the south’s most charming town, other than my beloved home, is … I don’t think I’ll tell. You see, I heartily believe that charming towns abound throughout the south, and we could visit one a month and never live long enough to see them all.

Bon voyage.

P.S., Were I to be so brazen as to name my favorite charming town, it may be Lexington, Virginia.

HELEN, GA

@sarahbhicks

Another requirement of a charming town is a public library and a bookstore. Far more important than trendy gift or tourist shops, havens for books are binders (pun intended) for community, and are almost as good a place for conversation as the hair salon and barbershop.

Finally, charming towns also have a deepseated, sincere, and genuine cooperation between the private, public, industrial, academic, political, and business communities—i.e., they work together for the greater good instead of having endless meetings resulting in much ado about nothing.

What’s your favorite charming southern town? My charming hometown is well on its way toward regaining charm after some mid-century years of negelct. But my vote

WALHALLA, SC

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Helen,

1 GEORGIA Words by Michelle McCollum

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magine dining alfresco-style by a picturesque river. The sounds of the river are accompanied by Bavarian folk music playing quietly in the background and families laughing from the bridge above as they cheer on the adventurers tubing in the waters below.

Your meal at Troll Tavern (a fitting name for a tavern located below the bridge) is a dish of bratwurst and mashed potatoes paired with a hoppy, yet smooth, Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen. You decide to keep your stein as a memento of your travels. Forgoing dessert at the restaurant, you instead follow the quaint, flower-lined cobblestone street to the nearby Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen for gourmet truffles and an espresso.

This may sound like a fairytale trip to Germany, but a trip across the Atlantic is not necessary for this experience. You need only to make your way to Helen, Georgia; one of the most unique and charming towns in the South.

Nestled in the mountains of Georgia on the Chattahoochee River, Helen is a re-creation of an alpine village of colorful buildings with gingerbread trim, Bavarian-inspired landscaping, and quaint shops and restaurants that will make you feel as if you are on the set of “The Sound of Music.”

The locals (numbering around 500 to be specific) joke that the town is “where Alpine and Appalachia collide.” Native American and pioneer history runs deep here, with fortunes in the area made through both gold and lumber. In the late 1960’s, as the lumber industry began to decline, a group of local businessmen met to discuss how to revitalize the old main street to attract tourists as they made their way to the mountains. They enlisted the help of a local artist who had recently been stationed in Germany and he sketched drawings of a town inspired by his travels through the country. The community loved the idea and renovations began. The effort was a huge success, with Helen now recognized as Georgie’s third most visited city.

Helen is not only for foodies, historians, and artists – and there is plenty of all of this in the downtown – but also for outdoor adventurers. As a matter of fact, the town has recently been named “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” From tubing and ziplining to hiking and flyfishing, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast. And the weather is perfect for outdoor adventure year-round. Unicoi State Park, Georgia’s premier park, is located right outside of downtown with a number of hiking trails and picnic areas. Trails to waterfalls are abundant in the area and are

perfect for grabbing a bottle of wine, some meats and cheeses, and spending a day relaxing in the warm Georgia sun. And, last but not least, a trip to Helen is never complete without a leisurely drive through the Georgia countryside, stopping off at antique shops and diners along the route.

The most popular of Helen’s annual festivals is, you guessed it, Oktoberfest. It is actually the longest Oktoberfest in the world, running from mid-September to the end of October. German beer, food, music, and dancing are on full display during this time. Other very popular festivals include their annual July 4th festivities, the Bavarian Nights of Summer, Winefest, the Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race, and Alpenfest - where the city dresses up in all its Christmas splendor.

There are plenty of alpine-themed hotels in the heart of downtown and nearby charming B&B’s, cozy cabins, and vacation rentals for your stay. If luxury is more your style, the Valhalla Resort Hotel is just what you’re looking for and is located just a stones throw away from downtown.

When you visit, don’t forget your lederhosen. Gute Reise! (Enjoy your journey)

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MUST DO'S SPRING: Take a trip on the Unicoi Wine Trail to six local wineries including Habersham Winery, Serenity Cellars, The Cottage Vineyard, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, CeNita Vineyards, and the Sylvan Valley Lodge & Winery. Check websites for various times wineries are open.

SUMMER: Meander down the lazy Chattahoochee River. There are several outfitters that will ensure your experience is amazing.

FALL: Oktoberfest, of course. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the amazing food, wine, and beer in Helen. It’s also a perfect season for leaf viewing by car or on foot through the Georgia mountains.

WINTER: Bring a blanket and enjoy a leisurely carriage ride through the streets of Helen. An evening ride is the perfect way to experience this winter wonderland. Make sure to pick up some authentic and unique Christmas gifts along the way.

For travel information, visit

HELENGA.ORG

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Uptown Shelby,

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estled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just west of Charlotte, North Carolina, there is a place where sparks of creativity run through everything to see and do. It’s a place where music fills the air and unique art galleries, shops and eateries are abundant; a place where vibrant murals highlight local history and the enchanting sounds of one of the nation’s few year-round carousels invites you for a spin; and a place rich with history and food traditions.

Uptown Shelby is a thriving destination where community pride, gracious hospitality and one of a kind places to visit are abundant. Shelby is named for Isaac Shelby, the Revolutionary War-era hero of the battle of Kings Mountain.

Many of Shelby’s main streets were named for Revolutionary War heroes. Officially incorporated in 1843, Shelby was designated the county seat of the newly formed Cleveland County. A self-guided walking tour of Shelby highlights historic structures dating back to the 1850s. Today, Uptown Shelby, a designated Main Street Community since 1980, features one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants and attractions in restored historic buildings along walkable tree-lined streets.

Photography provided by Visit Cleveland County, NC thesouthernedgemagazine.com 17

UPTOWN SHELBY Locally sourced and crafted foods from barbecue and burgers to modern southern fine dining, food traditions are deeply rooted here. Shelby is widely known for award winning Carolina barbecue and local delicacy, Liver Mush. Liver mush is regionally specific and originated from German settlers that traveled south through the Appalachian Mountains in the 1700s.

For 30-plus years, the North Carolina Liver Mush Festival: Mush, Music & Mutts, is held each October in Uptown Shelby. Try it out at the festival or stop by the Shelby Cafe and treat yourself to this local favorite.

Turning 100 this year, the Shelby Cafe is a long-standing favorite dining spot.

Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge and “AwardWinning Barbecue” are synonymous. This 75+ year old favorite, now run by the 3rd generation of the Bridges family, has been slow pit cooking pork over hickory and serving it up with some of the best hushpuppies, red slaw and sweet tea you can find.

MUST DO'S The Foothills Farmers Market at the Bobby Bell Pavilion hosts over 100 vendors from the area producing and providing a large variety of fresh fruits & vegetables, flowers, meat & poultry products, baked goods, artisan cheeses, and handmade local artisans crafts, and more. Saturdays often include live music, a food truck and the greatest number of vendors. With three weekly markets, there are ample opportunities to visit yearround.

While exploring and falling in love with the area of course you'll find many locally owned shops, galleries, and open studios filled with one-of-a-kind treasures to remember your visit. Select a piece of pottery, a sterling silver necklace, charcuterie board or painting, all by local artists. With the work of over 50 creatives on display, Buffalo Creek Gallery is the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

Designated as a hub site of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC, Shelby proudly shares the roots of bluegrass music through

the legacy of musician Earl Scruggs.

Scruggs was born in the nearby Flint Hill Community. It was there, in his formative years, that Scruggs learned to play banjo.

It was Scruggs’ three-finger banjo picking style which created the foundation of what has become known as bluegrass music and influenced generations to come. Stop in at the Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South to learn more about Scruggs, bluegrass and the music and heritage of the region.

If you like live music check the calendar for Pickin’ On the Square or other live music at the Scruggs Center or visit the Don Gibson Theatre to enjoy nationally touring artists and up-and-coming talent. Formerly a 1937 movie house, the theatre pays homage to the original art deco style. No matter which of the 400 seats you claim, both the sound and view of the stage are fantastic!

Shelby's City Park Carrousel (circa 1919) at the Anne Dover Bailey Carrousel Pavilion has thirty-two hand-carved and painted jumping horses, twenty-eight colorful handpainted rounding boards and scenery panels that have been lovingly restored. It received a National Preservation Award from the National Carrousel Association. Children and the young at heart can ride for a mere .50¢.

Let Uptown Shelby move you. There are so many ways to find your rhythm in Carolina's Land of Rhythm and Roots. Take in the sights and sounds and step away from the norm. You'll be happy you did.

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MUST DO'S GET CAMERA READY. Uptown Shelby, NC is filled with public art paying tribute to it's history and culture.

For travel information, visit

LANDOFRHYTHM.COM

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Walhalla,

SOUTH CAROLINA Words by Michelle McCollum

COURTESY OF Braden STOCKS

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sk anyone to describe Walhalla and they’ll tell you about the friendly people, the wonderful streets lined with old-town buildings of yesteryear, the beauty of legendary Issaqueena Falls, and the grandeur of Sumter National Forest.

These are images that have made the city a destination for travelers for decades. But the Walhalla of today is much different than the Walhalla you may have visited in years past. There are still plenty of opportunities for front porch sittin’ and relaxin’’; but there’s also a new energy present in the city attracting those who crave adventure.

Dubbed the “Garden of the Gods” by the Germans who founded the town in the 1850’s, and “Main Street to the Mountains” to those who live and visit today, Walhalla, SC is a quintessential mountain town full of charm and Appalachian character. Here you can stroll Main Street shops and restaurants, delve into the past at the many historic sites and museums, and explore the great outdoors that surrounds the town. There’s definitely more to do than can be packed into a short trip.

To know and love Walhalla, is to discover and understand its past. Years of history have shaped this once native landscape; long before the Germans, Scotch-Irish, and English settled in Walhalla, the Cherokee called the area home. A visit to the Museum of the Cherokee, the Oconee Heritage Museum, and Patriot’s Hall Museum in downtown Walhalla will whet your appetite for the history and heritage that can be explored throughout the entire Upcountry and is the perfect place to learn about the area’s historic sites such as Oconee Station and Stumphouse Tunnel.

THE HUNGRY HIKER

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As for the great outdoors, the 1.2 miles of main street leads to over 100,000 acres of outdoor adventure (also year-round). If you like mountain biking, gotcha covered.

Horseback riding? Yep, that too. How about hiking? There are more trails than you can shake a stick at, many leading to waterfalls and scenic vistas. Flying fishing? Of course.

And there is rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and more.

For hikers, adventure begins in Walhalla on two amazing trail systems. The Palmetto Trail, one of only 16 cross-state trails in the country, begins in the mountains of Walhalla and ends in Awendaw in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail, is a 77-mile trail leading from Oconee State Park outside of Walhalla to Table Rock State Park in Pickens County.

The trail features fun bridge crossings, beautiful waterfalls, and challenging terrain in several sections. It’s a great way to explore the Appalachian Mountains on a smaller scale than the Appalachian Trail.

A work-in-progress for outdoor adventure in Walhalla is in a 440-acre park owned by the city and held in a conservation easement.

The park is home to Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel, two must-see attractions in the Upstate, and now, through the efforts of the community, a world-class mountain bike park is being built.

Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park currently features over 10 miles of premier mountain bike trail. Much of the trail is dual-use for both Mountain Bikers and hikers but there are some sections that are mountain-bike only for safety. The city is now contracting out for Phase III which, once completed, will provide over 20 miles of trails with technical features that will give riders of all skill levels, from beginner to expert, one of the best mountainbiking experiences to be found on the East coast. SMBP is conveniently connected to Oconee State Park via the Ross Mountain passage of the Palmetto Trail (4+ miles) for those that wish to camp and ride directly into the park to play.

So, bring your bikes, hiking boots, paddles and backpack and come prepared to explore.

The mountains are calling, and you must go.

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MUST DO'S EXTREME ADVENTURE: For those who love a thrill, Walhalla is your town. Wildwater, Ltd., located directly outside of Walhalla, has myriad opportunities to get your blood pumping.

From rafting the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River to ziplining and treetop canopy tours, Wildwater can introduce you to the waters and forests of the area. Or check out a few of the many waterfall trails that are challenging, but def initely worth it in the end. Many accommodations are available to keep your outdoor adventure going at the end of the day. State parks, county parks, cabins, and yurts are available for rent.

LAID BACK ADVENTURE: The Chattooga River ends into the amazingly beautiful and pristine Lake Tugaloo, which is the perfect place to canoe or learn to paddle on a SUP. Wildwater, Ltd., also offers these excursions. If you’re looking for a lazy day to meander along a trail and enjoy a picnic, grab lunch from Gather Uptown or the Hungry Hiker and pick your pleasure – there are dozens of trails to navigate directly outside of downtown. A perfect way to end a day of “forest therapy” is resting peacefully at Lofts Over Main, the downtown’s whimsical and upscale getaway, or at one of several romantic treehouses outside of main street.

For travel information, visit

CITYOFWALHALLA.COM

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Edgefield,

SOUTH CAROLINA Words by Anna Joyner / Photos by John Robeson

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he perfect ingredients to pass the charm test can all be found in the Historic Village of Edgefield.

Having changed little in appearance or function in over 200 years, the charming town square is dotted with locally owned shops that offer everything from home decor and antiques to quintessential Southern gifts and incredible local eateries; the square is the heartbeat of this historic community.

Edgefield is a place where traditions are honored and celebrated and down-home Southern hospitality greets you around every corner.

Before the West was wild, there was Edgefield. Prompted by colonial land grants, religious freedom, and fertile soil, settlers began arriving here in the 1750’s and were met with plentiful wildlife, thick forests, and Native American tribes. It was a part of the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road from the North and later, the Federal Road that carried travelers into the West. The thousands of people who came here were from diverse backgrounds, including ScotsIrish, French, German, and English.

Visit the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society and dig a little deeper into the history of the town. The OEDGS is well renowned for the quality of their records. Additionally, the Edgefield County Archives houses 230 years of Edgefield’s original court records in a climate-controlled vault. At any given time, there are visitors from across the country sitting in the library or archives researching their ancestry and the history of the region.

Edgefield, often dubbed "Home of Ten Governors, " is not only famous for it's political history, it is nationally known for its prominent role in the arts; primarily pottery.

Phoenix Factory's Old Edgefield Pottery continues the two-hundred year tradition of making and firing quality pottery made straight from the clays of Edgefield. Each year, the community hosts the Heritage Trail Pottery Tour & Sale. In its 11th year, this annual event gives visitors the opportunity to meet local potters, visit working studios, and offers a huge selection of pottery to make a special one-of-a-kind purchase.

There is a wide-variety of eateries offering classic burgers, locally sourced inspired dishes, made from scratch baked goods and fresh espressos. Once you've satisfied your appetite, there are many options in town or a short distance from the square to walk off those calories. Take a stroll on the Ten Governor's Trail which gives a history lesson with historical markers along this easy walking trail and enjoy the views of Slade Lake.

The Historic Village of Edgefield is full of big personality. Today, you can find quaint settings with live music, local artisans at work, and last but certainly not least, simply great people. Dripping with current-day “Mayberry Charm,” Edgefield continues to move towards the future while maintaining its sense of place and charisma. From their 2nd Saturday Market and numerous community events you should try it out— for a day, a weekend or even a lifetime.

Something tells us the Historic Village of Edgefield will continue to make history.

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MUST DO'S LET'S TALK TURKEY: If you're looking for a more sporty outdoor adventure then the 700-acre National Wild Turkey Federation's Palmetto Shooting Complex and Hunting Heritage Center is a must. With hundreds of pristine acres dedicated to conserving nature and wildlife, visitors have access to the network of interpretive walking trails, wildlife observation decks, wetlands and f ishing habitat. This complex also offers shooting instruction, hiking, f ishing, kayaking and team-building adventures.

Curious about the painted turkeys around town? Edgef ield is home to the National Wild Turkey Federation is an international non-prof it organization whose mission is the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. The main facility, a short drive from downtown, houses The Winchester Museum which is the only museum in the world dedicated to wild turkey restoration. The exciting story of the wild turkey unfolds through interactive displays.

For travel information, visit

EXPLOREEDGEFIELD.COM

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Bluffton,

5 SOUTH CAROLINA Words by Michelle McCollum Images by SC Lowcountry Tourism

Located between Hilton Head and Savannah is a slice of Lowcountry heaven.

With picturesque views of moss-draped trees and local folks as sweet as their tea, Bluffton, South Carolina, has the Southern charm, stately homes, and artistic grandeur to be as pretentious as a seersucker suit, but it is as comfortable as your favorite pair of flip flops.

The smell of sea salt and pluff mud and the sounds of ocean breezes and shorebirds will let you know you are unmistakably in a coastal town. And Bluffton’s way of life has recently earned it the title of “one of the last true coastal villages of the South.”

It is a town frozen in time aesthetically, yet modern in its approach to resilient living.

Its growing art scene has attracted not only tourists, but also a new generation of home and business owners, and its dedication to preserving history and culture has been noticed on the national stage.

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These accolades led to Bluffton’s designation as a cultural district by South Carolina in 2016. With over 120 cultural attractions and three dozen annual festivals and events, there is never a lack of something special happening in Bluffton. Stop by the galleries and shops and meet the artists behind amazing works of art, shop the boutique shops unique to the area, and visit the famous Farmers Market of Bluffton to get a taste (metaphorically and literally) of the essence of the area. And the market is the perfect place to pick up fresh-off-theboat seafood so you can prepare your own Lowcountry dish. Shrimp and grits, anyone?

For those interested in exploring the town’s past, the area is rich in Native American, Colonial, Revolutionary, and Civil War history, with plenty of historic sites to keep you busy. The Old Town Bluffton Historic District showcases homes with architectural styles influenced by the West Indies – styles that have become synonymous with South Carolina Lowcountry living; clapboard siding, inviting front porches, “island” colors, and manicured lawns. All perfect for enjoying outdoor living in a coastal town.

Bluffton, so named because its original one-mile jurisdiction ran along a bluff above the May River, will make you slow down and appreciate the more important things in life. The river remains the town’s centerpiece. And, just as in year’s past, the river is where people still fish, oyster, and shrimp. A family business since 1899, the historic Bluffton Oyster Company still harvests and hand shucks oysters. They are one of many amazing opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood in the area. Seafood is always a favorite, but do not overlook the amazing BBQ joints and opportunities to explore Lowcountry inspired “spirits.” At Burnt Church Distillery, you can learn about the local culture while sipping.

So, when your everyday has become too stressful, when you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle, when work has become too hectic and life hands you lemons…put them in your sweet tea and head to Bluffton.

A Lowcountry sunset will be waiting.

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MUST DO'S

BY LAND: Did we mention that Bluffton is an art mecca? With everything from local street art to fine art, Bluffton has it all. Art galleries, traveling exhibitions, and art shows are all part of the art scene in Bluffton.

Whether you’re looking for paintings, mixed media, pottery, or photography, you’re sure to find a special piece for your collection. There are also a variety of studio workshops held at special times if you’d like to create your own piece while in town. No better way to take a memento of the SC Lowcountry home with you.

BY SEA: A trip to Bluffton is not complete without including some time on the water, specifically the May River. Local adventure companies are available to provide ecotours of the river where you can learn about Lowcountry flora and fauna up-close. Or enjoy a day of fishing on the river or offshore from one of many fishing charters. If going solo is more your style, grab a kayak or paddle board for your water adventure and take your time exploring. There is plenty of fun to be had in the marshes, estuaries, and open sea found in and near Bluffton.

For travel information, visit

southcarolinalowcountry.com/ bluffton-area/

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