BeaufortBonusesCounty

• Sands Beach, Port Royal

• Cypress Wetland Loop, Port Royal

• Spanish Moss Trail

• Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

• The Chocolate Tree (favorite of Tom Hanks)

• Parris Island

UPON REACHING ST. PHILLIPS ISLAND, VISITORS BOARD A TRAM TO THE BEACH. STOPS ALONG THE WAY PROVIDE LESSONS ON LOCAL ECOLOGY AND WILDLIFE, AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES TO DISEMBARK AND HIKE THE INTERIOR TRAILS

TOURISTS JOHN AND MARY DROSKE OF AMHERST, WIS., ENJOY A NATURALIST-LED RIDE TO ST. PHILLIPS ISLAND. EVEN ON A WARM DAY, IT’S BEST TO BUNDLE UP FOR THE EARLY MORNING TRIP ALONG THE STORY RIVER, WHERE DOLPHINS OFTEN SURFACE BESIDE THE BOAT.

Drinks & Dining

After a long day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than having a few drinks and a delicious meal to unwind — and in Beaufort, there are plenty of places to choose from. If you’re into spirits, Rotten Little Bastard (RLB) Distillery offers tasting tours Tuesday through Saturday.

“We are a grain to glass distillery,” said Steve Smiley, brand ambassador. “We source our grains from the Charleston area. On the tour you’ll taste moonshine, vodka, a white rum, a gin, an American whiskey, and two bourbons. The bourbon and gin are customer favorites.” Owned by Brian Fackrell, jokingly referred to as that “Rotten Little Bastard” by his mother, and his wife, Brigid, RLB’s award-winning spirits can be purchased on-site or in certain liquor stores throughout SC. While you’re there, be sure to greet the “boss” at the door — Juniper, the distillery cat.

If you’re looking for an upscale meal in the heart of downtown Beaufort, Breakwater Restaurant & Bar offers delicious seafood, steaks, and other Lowcountry delicacies. Other downtown gems include Lowcountry Produce for breakfast, Plums Restaurant for a delicious lunch on the waterfront, and Lost Local for inventive tacos and tasty margaritas.

For a more laid back vibe, we highly recommend a visit to Shellring Ale Works, situated directly on the marsh in Port Royal, for some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll see in this lifetime (no exaggeration). After enjoying a cold brew and live music, wander next door to Fishcamp on 11th Street for more waterfront views and fresh seafood — a local best-kept secret. t beaufortsc.org

The Emerald is located in the historic Downtown Beaufort, just a short walk from Waterfront Park and the local shopping and dining options of Bay Street. Unlike other conventional hotels, our unique fully automated check-in process means no front desk allowing for 100% contact free check-in.

To book, please email us at allhospitalityteam@gmail.com or visit theemeraldbeaufort.com

Hole-in-the-Wall Havens

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

SOMETIMES A SIMPLE MEAL AT A HUMBLE PLACE IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL.

What better time than spring to expand your horizons and try some of the best no-frills restaurants our state has to offer?

Over the course of two days, we ventured out to eastern North Carolina and then headed south to the coast to visit six notable hole-in-the-wall eating spots. There were drive-ins. An old-school diner. Iconic establishments that have stood the test of time. Read on to discover what food reigns supreme, who’s dishing it up, and why each place is so doggone special.