The Beaufort Inn
Don't overlook sweet, sleepy Beaufort--an hour or so away from Charleston. Although its offerings aren't quite as grand as the others, it too is a relaxing, walking waterfront town. We found fine fare and hospitality at The Beaufort Inn, an 1897 home. Here, breakfast makes you almost as happy as dinner.

A before-dinner crab-crawfish timbale cake wooed most. No breaded patty here: Tremendous lumps of crab and plump crawfish are suspended in lemon-parsley mayonnaise, dusted in pecans, and served with spunky green tomato chowchow. A refined version of local Frogmore stew leans nicely toward bouillabaisse. General manager David Boyd takes good care of wine lovers. In the morning, savor eggs Benedict with Creole mustard hollandaise, biscuits, marmalade, preserves, creamy grits, great sausage patties, and service that is nearly as indulgent as at dinner. 809 Port Republic Street, Beaufort; (843) 521-9000 or www.beaufortinn.com. Dinner entrées: $18-$28; rooms: $145-$350.

[For two very different takes on Southern treats, read "Sweets by the Sea" on page 30 and "Eat Your Greens" on page 57 of the August 2002 issue of Southern Living.]

This article is from the August 2002 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.