This weekend, Peter’s radio show is airing from the Palmetto Bluff Inn in Bluffton, South Carolina, within a new residential and recreational community.
Located just 15 miles west of Hilton Head Island and 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, the community is surrounded on three sides by water and includes extensive nature preserves.
So find out what locals recommend in terms of activities, restaurants and local attractions near Bluffton, South Carolina.
James Walea, Palmetto Bluff, LLC
Established in 1927 the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatching paradise. With over 29,000 acres of marshes and creeks the refuge is a favorite of all types of waterfowl. The winter months are the best time to see ducks when they migrate into the Refuge. Spring and fall are the seasons for songbirds that are moving between their northern nesting grounds and their southern hotspots.
Bluffton Oyster Factory features “absolutely the best oysters in the world,” says Walea, with oysters that are directly from the May River. It is the last remaining working oyster factory in South Carolina. 843-757-4010.
Cahill’s Market started out as a fruit and vegetable stand, but now serves home-cooked lunch that rivals Grandma’s cooking. The Chicken Kitchen cooks up Southern cuisine Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.. The owner is a local himself, whose entire family works at the store. 843-757-2921.
Don’t miss South Carolina’s historic city of Charleston. Learn more with the Off the Brochure Travel Guide: Charleston, South Carolina.
Roger Pinckney, Author, Reefer Moon
“An hour by boat from the nearest traffic light, Daufuskie Island, is a place stuck in time,” Pinckney said. With a quite beach and plenty of beautiful, historic houses this is a place to relax.
The locals, who include artists and retired fishermen, are friendly to new transplants and tourists. Pinckney recommended the two best watering holes, The Old Daufuskie Crab Company (843-785-6652) and the world-famous Marshside Momma’s Restaurante (843-785-4755). For information on ferries, call Freeport Marina at 843-785-8242.
The Greenwich Village of the South, River Street in Savannah, Georgia is less than an hour away from Bluffton. River Street is made-up of shops, restaurants and pubs situated inside converted cotton warehouses. “Better yet,” Pinckney said. “Forget driving and cruise to Savannah and back aboard the luxury motor yacht, Spirit of Harbourtown, which departs Hilton Head Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.” 843-363-9026.
Named the first National Historic District by the Department of the Interior in 1976, Beaufort, South Carolina, has been preserved with an eye for historic detail. “Bay Street, the old working waterfront, is an easy walk end to end, providing you have some help carrying your purchases,” Pinckney said.
“And the “Old Point” neighborhood with its exquisite Georgian and Federal buildings is best seen by horse-drawn carriage.” Contact the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce at 800-638-3525.
Take a local driving trip with One-Tank Road Trips: Raleigh, North Carolina
Courtney Hampson Naughton, Palmetto Bluff, LLC
A venue for private events, Moreland Landing was built in September 2003 by sculptor and craftsman, Wayne Edwards. All of the furniture in the Pavilion was made by Wayne and his son, Heath. Moreland Pavilion boasts spectacular views of the May River and a custom oyster pit.
“My favorite part is the incredible five-story tree-house,” Naughton said. Right by the banks of the May River, the tree house wraps around a centuries-old live oak tree.
Buffalo’s Books & Bakery is very popular with both locals and residents. Located in the Village Square, Naughton recommends the homemade sorbets, particularly the coconut flavor.
Each fall, in partnership with Food Network Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence and Coastal Living magazine, Palmetto Bluff puts together an amazing food and wine event called Music to Your Mouth. The four-day event brings together the region’s most prominent chefs, six of whom are James Beard award-winning or nominated chefs. Guests enjoy an array of intimate events from progressive dinners and collaborative cooking demonstrations to wine tastings and introductions to local produce. Other weekend highlights include a culinary symposium and an authentic oyster roast.
Along Calhoun Street, in downtown Bluffton, are tons of art galleries and studios, including Jacob Preston’s Pottery Studio.
“I treat myself to one of his pieces every year,” Naughton says. “He does amazing work, but more importantly every time I step through the door of his shop I know I can look forward to at least a half an hour of great conversation. Jacob is one of my favorite people in Bluffton.”
South Carolina’s Upcountry is one of the surprise picks in our Fall Foliage Getaways: Leaf-Peeping for All.
Mary Socci, PhD, Archaeologist, Palmetto Bluff, LLC
The Octagon/Parkman Cemetery, which is nestled among the cottages of the Inn, contains the gravestone of Theresa Halsey Parkman and a monument dedicated to the memory of her husband Samuel, and four of their children: Allathena Phebe, Theresa, Caroline, and Whitney. They were killed in a boiler explosion aboard the SS Pulaski. Of the 197 passengers and crew, fewer than 100 survived. Many local people had family and friends aboard the ship.
Savannah set aside July 5, 1838 as a public day of morning. All businesses were closed, the bells of the churches tolled and there were religious services to commemorate those lost in the disaster.
The next time you are strolling in The Point, stop by the Screven-Hipp cemetery where John and Elizabeth Screven are buried. John and Elizabeth are the great-great-great grandparents of Dubose Heyward who wrote Porgy, the story of African-American life in Catfish Row in Charleston. The book would then be used to create Porgy and Bess one of the most important Broadway musicals of our time. The Screvens are Palmetto Bluff’s link to America’s great musical heritage.
By Courtney Crowder for PeterGreenberg.com.
