Like most folks, I visit Beaufort to delight in its Lowcountry
pleasures. Similar to its big sisters, Charleston to the north and
Savannah to the south, the town entertains with memorable shopping,
dining, and lodging amid handsome historic neighborhoods. But I also
come to Beaufort because it embraces the distinctive charms of the
coast. Unlike when I'm in those two larger bookend cities, I'm always
aware of the water here, and I can almost always spot it wherever I
roam. That's not too surprising, as Beaufort County has 64 sizable
islands and some 2,000 tinier ones. It's a place where freshwater meets
salt and where creeks, marshes, and rivers meld with sunshine, tides,
and sea breezes.
Because of the winding nature of the delta, roads rarely run in
straight lines; instead they follow the capricious paths of water.
Driving here is not unlike taking a boat ride. Overhead, terns, ospreys,
and herons course through April's blue skies, while twisted oaks spiked
with furry resurrection ferns and dripping with moss shade narrow
streets.
One of the best times to explore this watery land is in the
springtime, when the blooms of loquats and mock oranges infuse the air
with a fruity scent.
Where To Go and What To Do
Reserve most of a day to explore the shops along Bay and Carteret
Street. You'll discover beautiful home accents at Grace & Glory;
BellaVista Antiques, Home and Garden; The Gallery; The Craftseller; and
Lulu Burgess. Look to The Oyster Cay Collection for period pieces from
the Near and Far East. You can find treasures for less than $300 or invest in heirlooms surpassing $1,000.
Bay Street Outfitters supplies you with gear for outdoor activities.
If you're looking for a fishing or kayaking guide, stop here first. Be
sure not to miss the nostalgic Fordham Hardware on the corner of Bay and
Carteret; it hasn't changed much during the past several decades. Rows
of shelves stock every imaginable item, from penny nails to weather
vanes. Another Beaufort institution, Lipsitz, is a 101-year-old locally
owned department and shoe store.
Let loose of the shopping shuffle with a stroll alongside Waterfront
Park, where boats creep in with the stunning sunsets.
