Many years ago my wife and I visited Beaufort, S.C. (that’s Bewwfort not to be confused with Beaufort, NC pronounced Bowwwfort).

Beaufort is not a town that you pass by on the interstate; you have to want to go there because there’s one way in and out. On the map it appears to be between Charleston and Savannah and a stones throw from Hilton Head.

Beaufort is the kind of place that, once you find it, you don’t want anyone else to because it’s like a secret paradise. The approach is not much to look at…once you get off the interstate it’s 20 miles of nondescript road that directs you to Parris Island, the Marine Corp training station, and then a pretty typical suburban streetscape with its fast food restaurants and ubiquitous Walmart. Then, as you pass the intersection of Ribaut and Boundry streets, the transformation begins.

As you approach Bellamy Curve you are greeted with the most gorgeous view of salt marsh and the Beaufort River and you just want to stop and take in the view! As you round the bend and head into the City of Beaufort you come upon the USC Beaufort and its historic building dating back to 1700’s. From there it’s neck turning every step of the way. Every twist and turn uncovers another historic building, home or view. Since Beaufort was spared from the ravages of the Civil War, the town is full of homes and churches dating back to the colonial days.

Whether you are a history buff, a sportsman, a beachcomber or just looking for a relaxing place to stroll around, you hit the jack pot with Beaufort. From the Old Point, a section of town with old historic mansions draped in moss covered oaks lining the Beaufort River, to the downtown shopping district with its shops, art galleries and restaurants to the waterfront park, you will find plenty to keep you occupied for weekend or a week. Who knows, you may even run into author Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, Beach Music, Great Santini…) who lives on nearby Fripp Island and is often seen in town.

Beaufort and its environs is quietly famous for many things:

• Parris Island across the River from Beaufort was first inhabited by the Spanish in the early 1500’s
• It had one of the first Universities in the country
• It was one of the most affluent areas during the 1700’s due to is famous long staple “Sea Island Cotton”
• Beaufort played home to the “Secession House” where SC statesmen first met to plan its secession from the union
• For you movie buffs its where many movies were filmed such as The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini and parts of Forrest Gump. In fact if you visit Blackstone’s restaurant the place is adorned with autographed pics of all the movie stars that lived there while filming.

Well I can go on but if I did it would be with much trepidation since I am one of those who want to brag about Beaufort but then again don’t want the outside world to discover it. So a word to the wise…be very careful if you decide to visit Beaufort because your vacation just may turn into a Staycation, it happened to us!

By Mike LaRuffa