Wedding & Event Venue Near Beaufort, SC

We’re all aware that South Carolina is a state that’s known for having sunshine and warm weather, even during the winter months, so it’s not surprising that two South Carolina cities have been named among the best in America to avoid snow, by UPack, a popular moving company that offers long-distance moves throughout the USA.

Is it a surprise that Beaufort is one of the two cities?

Nope.

“Most of the tranquil city of Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, which is an interior Sea Island in South Carolina,” UPack said. “The smaller town of just under 14,000 people gets around 48 inches of rain annually but 0 inches of snow. Winter lows in Beaufort rarely drop below 39 degrees.”

Unlike your common weather report, they are correct. The winter in Beaufort experiences lots of cloud cover, but it doesn’t usually get that cold (except for maybe back on January 3, 2018).

Beaufort, SC is located in the subtropical zone and has a mild, humid climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from the high 70s to the low 90s while winter temperatures average in the mid-50s. The area also receives plenty of sunshine year-round, averaging 230 days per year with clear skies and temperatures rarely dipping below freezing.

And an equally important statistic, Beaufort averages 0 inches of snow per year, while the U.S. as a whole averages 28 inches of snow per year.

Beaufort is one of two South Carolina cities cited as among your best bets to avoid the snow, the other one? Charleston. But who really wants to go there?

By the way, if you’re interested in the areas of the country with the most snow, so pretty much the opposite of Florida, the experts at the Farmer’s Almanac have put together a tally of the snowiest cities in America.

They only looked at cities with at least 10,000 people, or else they would have pretty much only had Alaskan towns.

The snowiest spot in America is Mount Washington, New Hampshire. Even though it’s not a city, it impressed the Farmer’s Almanac wit its 283.5 inches of snowfall per year. That’s an incredible amount of snow.

The snowiest city in America is actually Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with an average snowfall of 119.3 inches per year.

But Beaufort, it averages zero; and that makes it a place to go to escape the winter snow and cold. Plus, there’s always lots to do.

Welcome to Two Days Away, our series featuring weekend-long itineraries within a five-hour drive of your city—because sometimes we all just need a little adventure fix.

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Like a great book that you just can’t put down, some small towns are filled with so much personality that their stories jump off the page. And there’s perhaps no town where local lore and larger-than-life characters are begging to be told than Beaufort, South Carolina.

Once upon a time, Beaufort was the home of a former slave turned American war hero and politician Robert Smalls, who became the first Black captain of a Union war vessel during the Civil War. Harriet Tubman also lived in Beaufort and led the Combahee River Raid, a military operation that saw hundreds of enslaved people rescued. Add in that it’s the birthplace of legendary boxer Joe Frazier and home to Pat Conroy, the beloved author of literary masterpieces The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini. And to top it all off, Beaufort has also made its silver screen debut in films from Forrest Gump to The Big Chill.

Sandwiched between Savannah and Charleston in the South, Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina and its rich history makes that abundantly clear. Officially founded in 1711, it has retained so much of its original character and charm that it’s since earned the nickname “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” It’s a small town with a lot of stories to tell, and from the moment you set foot here, you know you’ve landed someplace special. Soak it all in with these fun things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Travel time

45 minutes from Savannah, Georgia1 hour and 20 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina4 hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta, Georgia

If you only do one thing: Take a self-guided walking tour through history

Head downtown and waste an afternoon wandering past the stately manor homes lining Bay Street. Be sure to stop into some of the local art galleries, restaurants, and shops and get your soda and ice cream fix at Southern Sweets Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop before you mosey on over to one of the swing benches in Waterfront Park. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and enjoy the view of the Woods Memorial Bridge, which you might recognize from the penultimate running scene in Forrest Gump. If you want to dig into the local history, there are a few tour operators to choose from, including an excellent Historic Golf Cart Tour and Pat Conroy’s Beaufort By Gold Cart Tour. Conheads should head to the Pat Conroy Literary Center downtown, which hosts writers and events and serves as a touching tribute to Beaufort’s very own literary legend.

Fill the weekend with

One of the best ways to experience Beaufort is by the water, and from a pet-friendly river excursion (for well-behaved dogs) to renting a kayak and exploring the local creeks and lowlying marshes, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the Lowcountry.

Meanwhile on land, the Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile pedestrian greenway set along the old train tracks that’s easily one of the best pet-friendly walking trails in town. South Carolina’s most popular state park, Hunting Island State Beach offers five miles of white sand, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of opportunity to hunt for shark teeth that have a tendency to wash ashore here. Best of all, the beach and campgrounds here are pet-friendly. Make your way to South Beach, otherwise known as “the boneyard” where you’ll find fewer people and plenty of pine trees and tide pools for you and your pet to frolic in. On your way to or from this beguiling beach, Beedos Burgers serves the best fried chicken sandos and soft serve, along with an outdoor patio to park you and your pups as you eat.

Beaufort may not have a traditional movie theater, but Highway 21 Drive In is not only pet-friendly but a trip down memory lane that is well worth a visit when you’re in town. Over in Port Royal, Shellring is Beaufort’s go-to pet-friendly brewery. In addition to the rotating menu of delicious food via their on-site food truck and always changing array of craft beer, it has some killer views and a lineup of live music and entertainment that ranges from trivia nights and goat yoga.

Where to eat and drink in Beaufort

For your caffeine fix: Herban Market offers freshly baked pastries, excellent vegan options, and an out-of-this-world avocado brownie, all of which you can enjoy on this spot’s pet-friendly patio. Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee, which recently added a location downtown, is a great spot to grab a coffee and pick up some cute Southern souvenirs.

For lowcountry fare: For a small town, Beaufort has a number of seriously great eats you can only find here. You can’t miss the green fried tomatoes at Lowcountry Produce. For some tried and true southern fare, Panini's on the Waterfront offers river deck tables and a dedicated doggie menu, plus great po boys and shrimp and grits for the humans. Over on Lady’s Island, Locals Raw Bar is an excellent spot serving up the freshest seafood in town. If you’re around on the first Sunday of the month, don’t want to miss this spot’s lowcountry boil.

For imbibing: Come dinnertime, Old Bull Tavern is beloved by Beaufortonians (this local writer included). But beyond the solid menu and stellar vibes, it’s also known for serving up the best painkiller in all the land. Grab a spot on the patio on cooler nights and don’t leave without ordering the butterscotch pudding for dessert. If you’re looking for some live music and a solid dive, you’ll find it at The Fillin’ Station. Post up with a bucket of beer on the back porch overlooking the marsh and enjoy the views.

Where to stay

For a charming room: A historic mansion in downtown Beaufort, Cuthbert House is a swoon-worthy 18th-century mansion dripping in Lowcountry charm at every turn. Inside this bayside beauty, you’ll find spacious pet-friendly suites and guest rooms, along with one of Beaufort’s most convivial spots to sip sweet tea and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres. On breezy nights, do as the locals do, enjoy a glass of wine or whiskey on the porch, and watch the swaying moss and boats in the bay pass you by.

To find luxury for pets and people: Set along the May River as the crow flies from Beaufort, Montage Palmetto Bluff is spread across 20,000 acres and offers a mix of pet-friendly inn rooms, cottages, guest houses, and suites. The hotel is also home to a Canine Ambassador program, most recently including Finch the Golden Retriever and Bodie the Miniature Sheepadoodle, both of whom can be found roaming this expansive property. Best of all, furry members of the family are treated to custom-baked treats and a pet cuisine menu that includes homemade biscuits and fresh beef, rice, and vegetables when they come to stay.

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Michelle Gross is a travel writer and Beaufort, South Carolina resident by way of New York City. You can read all about her southern escapades in her monthly newsletter The Beau Yorker.

Beaufort County was named the Best County to Live in South Carolina out of all 46 counties in the state, according to 24/7 Wall St., one of the most popular analytics rankings sites in the U.S.

When deciding where to live can be a big decision, one that requires a lot of research into which areas are more affordable, which are a great place to retire or which are simply a great place to call home. 24/7 Wall St. is helping in the search by analyzing data from around the country to compile a list of the best county to live in in each state, basing rankings on factors like poverty and life expectancy.

And, 24/7 Wall St. has told them all that Beaufort, SC is the place to be!

Using an index inspired by the [United Nations’ Human Development Index], 24/7 Wall St. identified the best county or county equivalent to live in in each state. Counties are ranked on a combination of three measures — average life expectancy at birth, the share of adults with a bachelor’s degree, and the poverty rate.”

According the site, the best county to live in South Carolina is right here in Beaufort County, with a poverty rate of 10,1%, compared to the state average of 14.5%, and life expectancy of 82.4 years, a few years longer than the state average of 76.8.

Additionally, the median household income is $74,199.

“Beaufort County is located in the southern part of the state along the Atlantic coast,” 24/7 Wall Street said.

“Home to the resort community of Hilton Head Island, it ranks as the best county to live in in the state. Of all 46 counties in South Carolina, Beaufort has the longest life expectancy at birth, which, at 82.4 years, is nearly six years longer than the state average. The county also ranks as best to live in in the state also because of the relative lack of serious financial hardship, with a poverty rate far lower than the state average.”

Is it really a surprise?

The accolades that Beaufort has received lately are just way too many to mention. Recently, Beaufort has been named the Healthiest County in South Carolina (for 12 straight years). Just last month, it was named one of the Most Beautiful Towns in America, and in August, Southern Living named Beaufort the #1 Best Small Town in S.C.

That’s an awful lot of love.

Check out the full report at 24/7 Wall St. to see the best county to live in for each state.

Explore Beaufort SC Community Event Calendar Sponsored By

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Beaufort SC is one of the friendliest towns you’ll ever find. Neighbors take care of each other and our community rallies like no other; and this holds true even, or especially, at downtown’s Panini’s and at Hemingway’s at Thanksgiving every year.

Gearing up for their 31st annual “Orphans and Strays Thanksgiving Dinner,” both Hemingway’s and Panini’s on the Waterfront are looking at the holidays as truly a time for giving back to folks in the Beaufort community.

Starting around 2pm, the free dinner is being held at Hemingway’s all afternoon long on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024.

Started way back in 1993 by the previous owners of Hemingway’s, the event has grown quite a bit in the time that new owners have kept if going ever since. According to Paul Thompson, who also owns Panini’s on the Waterfront, the free event “draws over 150 locals and visitors,” who would otherwise not have many choices of where to spend the holiday.

In fact, the sense of community is so strong, Thompson decided to close Panini’s next door for the holiday again this year, giving his employees the day off as well as passing up on the revenue generated from being one of the few local restaurants open on Thanksgiving so he could focus his efforts on preparing main courses next door at Hemingway’s for those that don’t have anywhere of their own to go.

“We greatly appreciate all of our regular patrons who have returned over the past 10-plus years to Panini’s to celebrate with family and enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner,” Thompson said. “This year, we have again made the decision to be closed and will be cooking several smoked turkeys and hams for the annual Hemingway’s Bistro ‘Orphans & Strays’ Thanksgiving.”

“I can’t stress enough the amazing amount of support we get from the community for this special day. This is a great tradition now in its 31st year, and we are always pleased to be part of it; we love when our locals and visitors all come together for a holiday dinner,” Thompson said.

The annual Orphans & Strays Thanksgiving is a pot luck where the folks who have been coming regularly year after year bring a side dish, with both Panini’s and Hemingway’s donating time and money in preparing the main entrées including turkeys, hams, mac & cheese, salads, etc.

While it’s not necessary to bring anything, the food is free to all and you can enjoy live entertainment and meet some new friends. While the free dinner is available to everyone starting around 2pm, the full bar will be available until 1:30am (another post-Thanksgiving dinner tradition).

In yet another selfless act by another local, “Campfire Tyler has graciously agreed to provide his talents for the Orphans and Strays party at Hemingway’s, away from his family. We thank him for doing this. Tyler is first and foremost a family man that is giving back his time to the community,” Thompson added. “Hopefully the weather is good and we can have outside entertainment.”

For a lot of people, Thanksgiving has become their official binge eating day stuffing themselves with as much turkey and goodies as possible. For others, it is a day for shoes off and football. Most likely afterwards, you spend a couple of days eating leftover turkey and stuffing.

However, there are many others who focus on the true meaning of Thanksgiving which is simply to be thankful for everything you have. The purpose of Thanksgiving is to practice humility and give thanks for whatever it is we do have.

“The event has become popular and lots of folks look forward to it,” Thompson said. “So we are going to expand it again and also have the same gathering this year on Christmas Day. Anyone and everyone is welcome.”

At Panini’s, and at Hemingway’s, humility and giving thanks are obviously things that they practice, and for that, we’re thankful that we have them.

Hemingway’s Bistro is located at 920 Bay Street (Rear) at downtown Beaufort’s Waterfront Park. On Thanksgiving Panini’s & Hemingways are taking care of folks and that’s special.

Details

Date:

November 28

Time:

2:00 pm

Venue

The town is getting ready for the holidays and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming City of Beaufort Holiday Weekend Celebration. But there’s a few other happenings that will help you show your holiday spirit.

The weekend of December 6th through 8th will be packed with music, food, entertainment, shopping, parades – and Santa, of course!

Friday night, December 6th The weekend kicks off with Night on the Town at 6 p.m. on Friday. Bay Street will be closed to traffic. Downtown retailers will be open. Roving choirs will be singing Christmas carols and other performers will also be taking the stage as well.

The Community Bible Church Soul Patrol Puppet Team will perform at Bay and Carteret streets. Food will be available along Bay Street from vendors. Parents can bring their kiddies to have their pictures taken with Santa from 6-8 p.m. And, a recital of “The Night Before Christmas” will occur on the main stage just before the Christmas tree lighting culminates the evening around at 8pm

Saturday, December 7th The Gullah Taste of Christmas kicks off at 11 a.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. With live music, a Rice Cookoff, food vendors, a kid’s village and more, the event is a beautiful celebration of Gullah traditions that will have you singing and dancing with joy.

Then, the super-popular Christmas Boat Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. – grab a seat at the park to get a great view.

Sunday, December 8th The annual Christmas Parade, led by Santa and featuring local bands and lots of floats, begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Beaufort.

There’s more!

During the Night on the Town Celebration, catch a Christmas double feature under the stars as J.P. Signature Group at Keller Williams Realty is hosting two free movies with The Grinch and The Santa Clause. Refreshments and popcorn will also be served.

Also, capture the magic with Santa himself outside the Beaufort Candy Shoppe on select dates. Share your wishes and spread joy with Santa on November 30th (1-5pm), December 6th (6-8pm), December 7th (1-5pm), and December 21st (noon-4pm).

Christmas in the South is amazing, and so is all of the fun at Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend.

Find more Holiday fun in Beaufort SC

On Saturday, December 14th at Noon, Wreaths Across America will be at Beaufort National Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and through the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

Volunteers are needed for the afternoon, and everyone is invited to the ceremony and also to help place the wreaths on as many graves as possible.

More than 26,000 wreaths will be needed to mark the graves of those veterans and family members interred in the cemetery. Beaufort National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 26,000 military members and their spouses. Those interred represent every conflict from the Civil War to current combat casualties.

The mission of the National Wreaths Across America program is to remember our fallen heroes, honor them, and teach others of the sacrifices they have made for our Country. Started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992, each year during the holiday season, wreaths are placed on veterans’ grave sites at more than 1,400 locations across the United States, at sea and around the world.

The Beaufort National Cemetery joined the national Wreaths Across America celebration about 18 years ago and has been participating in the Wreaths Across America ceremony ever since.

Over 26,000 wreaths were laid at Beaufort National Cemetery at last year’s Wreaths Across America Day. Before last year, 2019 saw more than 21,000, which had been the most to date.

Numbers are falling behind this year, and every headstone is deserving of a remembrance wreath.

Play your part and honor a veteran

You can honor our veterans by sponsoring wreaths.

Individuals or groups that wish to purchase one or more wreaths for the Wreaths Across America Beaufort event can do so by visiting this link. For updates on this year’s ceremony in Beaufort and to learn more about the organization, please visit Wreaths Across America Beaufort’s website.

Each wreath is hand-crafted of all-American balsam and hand-tied with a red velvet bow in Columbia Falls, Maine. It will then be sent to one of the participating locations where a volunteer will place it on the marker of a fallen hero. That volunteer will then “say their name” to ensure that the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice of that veteran is never forgotten.

Sponsoring a wreath means you’ll honor an American hero this year on Wreaths Across America Day.

That’s really special.