Touted by Southern Living Magazine as the “Best Small Southern Town”, named a “Top 25 Small City Arts Destination” by American Style and a “Top 50 Adventure Town” by National Geographic Adventure, Beaufort, South Carolina is a definite favorite for many tourists. Located in the Low Country of South Carolina, this is a town where antebellum architecture is in juxtaposition with military establishments such as the U. S. Naval Hospital and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. It is located on Port Royal Island, an interior island of Sea Island, South Carolina.
As South Carolina’s second oldest city, Beaufort (est. 1711), has seen its share of battles and military occupation ranging from that of the British who founded it to attacks by the Native Americans who originally lived there as well as Spanish threats. In addition, it was a center of liberation efforts for newly freed slaves during the Civil War and throughout the Reconstruction Era. With this colorful history, a visit to Beaufort offers many opportunities to step back in time through the buildings and locations such as the Penn Center. For an opportunity to see many of the antebellum home of Beaufort, be sure to take wither the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Fall Tour of Homes or the St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes.
Not only is Beaufort, South Carolina a favorite for many tourist, but it has also become one frequented by Hollywood. It is here that major motion pictures The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, Forrest Gump, Something to Talk About and G. I. Jane were filmed; also the town is host to the Beaufort International Film Festival held the first week of March. The town is also the setting for Lawrence Hill’s book, Someone Knows My Name.
In Beaufort, SC, you will find friendly residents, fine restaurants, quaint shops, and quiet shorelines that are certain to enchant you as you explore this delightfully renowned Southern town. So, if you will be in the South Carolina Low Country, be sure to make time to spend visiting this well-loved area.