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Wedding & Event Venue Near Beaufort, SC.

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Your Magic Moment Awaits

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Beaufort, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Beaufort, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Beaufort native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Beaufort, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Beaufort, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Beaufort, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Beaufort, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Beaufort, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Beaufort, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Beaufort, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Beaufort, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Beaufort's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Beaufort.

 Wedding Venue Beaufort, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues in Beaufort?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Beaufort, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Corporate Conference Hall Beaufort, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located in Beaufort, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Beaufort, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Reception Hall Beaufort, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Beaufort, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

Special Event Space Beaufort, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Beaufort, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

 Event Venue Beaufort, SC

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Space Beaufort, SC

Latest News in Beaufort, SC

Cromer wins Special Election for Beaufort Mayor

By Delayna EarleyThe Island NewsBeaufort has a new mayor, and his name is Phil Cromer.As of Tuesday night, Dec. 12, the unofficial results for the Special Election for Mayor of the City of Beaufort show Cromer winning over opponent Mike Sutton with almost 66% of the vote with 15 of the 17 precincts reporting and all 14 absentee and early voting precincts reporting.Sutton received almost 34% of the vote with 627 votes.“It feels terrific,” Cromer said while at his...

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Beaufort has a new mayor, and his name is Phil Cromer.

As of Tuesday night, Dec. 12, the unofficial results for the Special Election for Mayor of the City of Beaufort show Cromer winning over opponent Mike Sutton with almost 66% of the vote with 15 of the 17 precincts reporting and all 14 absentee and early voting precincts reporting.

Sutton received almost 34% of the vote with 627 votes.

“It feels terrific,” Cromer said while at his election after party at Panini’s in downtown Beaufort. “All those three months of campaigning, it seemed like a long time, but it really went by pretty fast and now it’s all over. It was all worth the effort.”

Cromer said that he was grateful for all the support that he received while campaigning and finished with a message to those who voted for him, “I’m not going to let you down.”

He planned on spending a little more time at his after party before heading home to get some much-needed rest, but he would like to meet with City Manager Scott Marshall sometime this week to begin to discuss things for the next 11 months.

Voter turnout was high for a special election with almost 20% of registered voters in the City of Beaufort showing up to the polls on Tuesday.

Cromer will be sworn in Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m., assuming the election results are verified during the Canvass Hearing and Certification of Results of the City of Beaufort Mayor Special Election on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at 10 a.m.

The Special Election was held to fill the void left by former Mayor Stephen Murray who resigned in September of this year.

Murray had one year left in his term, and the newly elected mayor will finish out his term.

Cromer served on City Council for four years before he retired in Dec. 2022.

He decided to come back and run for mayor so that he could try and smooth out some of the tense interactions between the City of Beaufort and preservation organizations like the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF).

Acting Mayor Mike McFee said that he looks forward to working with the new mayor.

“I’m looking for a very positive transition,” McFee said Tuesday night.

Attempts to reach Cromer’s opponent, Mike Sutton, were unsuccessful.

Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Experience The Subtle Magic Of Beaufort, South Carolina

There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes."Yes," it turns out, sums up the ...

There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes.

"Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to experience Beaufort, South Carolina, and its environs, including Hunting Island. Yes, the path less taken is an excellent idea, as is the Sweet Tea Float at Scout Southern Market. Spending hours strolling through The Old Point and gazing at historic homes and even older live oaks offers endless enchantment. But with my eyes peeled for rattlers, I was (yes) relieved that the only serpentine thing I discovered was more of the winding trail along old dune ridgelines through a primordial wonderland.

The trail affirms why Hunting Island, a breathtaking 25-minute drive from Beaufort, is South Carolina's most popular state park. With a dozen similar paths and 5 miles of pristine beach, this place leads you back eons in time through an untouched maritime forest with towering pines and ospreys soaring overhead as well as magnolias and saw palmettos tangled with yaupon hollies and wax myrtles in the dense understory. Here you breathe deeper and look more closely. Life slows down, and a sense of awe percolates up.

Take a seat on one of the bench swings at Beaufort's Waterfront Park. Wide and welcoming, they move back and forth in a rhythmic lullaby. You can't help relaxing, especially if you happen to catch a sunset or tune into the soft lapping of the Beaufort River against the floating dock, hearing the jingling clink of pulleys against sailboat masts—a mariner's wind chime.

Saltus River Grill, where the scenic setting rivals the exceptional food and drink. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards A slice of the sweet life from Beaufort’s upscale Saltus River Grill. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards

Waterfront Park showcases the smart civic planning that makes Beaufort such a delight: The town's best vistas are protected and preserved. There are thoughtful amenities (parking, public bathrooms, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and plenty of green lawn for kids and dogs to play on). Plus it's all conveniently adjacent to an enticing array of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores along Bay Street. What better nightcap than to sit and swing a spell after enjoying grilled scallops or top-notch sushi at Saltus River Grill?

Historic Craven Street. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards A rooftop sunset at Anchorage 1770. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards

Beaufort is subdued in the best possible way. She has the same deep history and stunning architecture that her nearby sisters, Charleston and Savannah, are celebrated for, but she's fine staying slightly out of the limelight. Wise and mature, Beaufort wears her age like the badge of honor it is. Her Lowcountry aura feels elemental, with more patina and less pomp. Along Short Street at the edge of The Old Point, moss-heaped limbs cradle historic mansions. Beaufort's treescape shouts of grandeur in whatever language oaks speak. Gardens and yards aren't so much manicured as they are magical. It's easy to see why Hollywood frequently comes calling (a stairwell at The Beaufort Inn features posters from major motion pictures filmed here). Longtime resident Pat Conroy was so smitten that he wrote, "When I came to Beaufort I had struck upon a land so beautiful I had to hunt for other words."

Not far from Short Street, the First African Baptist Church, a Gothic Revival gem built by freedmen in 1865, bears witness to Beaufort's African American, Gullah, and Reconstruction-era history. "Robert Smalls was a member here. This document notes his Sunday school attendance and that he put a few cents in the offering plate," says the Rev. Alexander McBride, a jovial former marine and the church's pastor of almost 20 years, pointing to framed, yellowing pages hanging behind the sanctuary. A statue of Smalls, an enslaved crewman who heroically commandeered a Confederate ship and later served as a U.S. Congressman, is less than a mile away at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where a monument to Harriet Tubman is also planned.

Both churches are worthy stops, along with the Penn Center across the bridge on St. Helena Island, the Gullah Art Gallery/Museum on Bladen Street, and the Legacy Art Gallery on Bay Street. Each place gives a deeper insight into the region's vibrant and enduring African American and Gullah Geechee culture. Providing an overview of Beaufort's past, Capt. Henry Brandt of Coastal Expeditions offers a boat tour that cruises through the area's Native American, Spanish, and French history; Union occupation; and a view of Camp Saxton's tabby ruins, where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in South Carolina—all interspersed with musings on estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.

"You don't fully experience Beaufort until you see it from the water," Brandt claims. After watching dolphins curl and glide from the boat's bow and admiring the town's steeples rising in the background, I absolutely believe him.

Where to Stay

Anchorage 1770Boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion with fine dining at the Ribaut Social Club; anchorage1770.com

The Beaufort InnHistoric main inn plus several cottages clustered around a courtyard; beaufortinn.com

What to Eat and Drink

Blackstone's CaféClassic diner-like options; blackstonescafe.com

Common GroundCoffee, lattes, baked goods, and sandwiches; commongroundbeaufort.com

Lowcountry Produce KitchenLocally sourced salads and sandwiches and a legendary tomato pie; lowcountryproduce.com

Chapman's GrocerGrab-and-go items plus beer, wine, and snacks; facebook.com/Chapmans-Grocer-Beaufort

Saltus River GrillFine dining with fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks, sushi, and a well-curated wine list; saltusrivergrill.com

Old Bull TavernGastropub featuring a lively bar scene anda lamb shank that does not disappoint; oldbulltavern.com

Where to Shop

Scout Southern MarketUnique gifts and home goods as well as delicious treats like the famous float at the Sweet Tea Bar; scoutsouthernmarket.com

Bachelor Hill AntiquesOffering treasures galore; bachelorhillantiques.com

Cabana22Coastal-chic boutique; cabana22.com

The Chocolate TreeConfections such as fudge, truffles, and peanut brittle; thechocolatetree.us

Legacy Art GalleryGullah-inspired works; legacyartgallery.com

What to Do

Hunting Island; southcarolinaparks.comSt. Phillips IslandPat Conroy Literary Center; patconroyliterarycenter.orgCoastal Expeditions; coastalexpeditions.comReconstruction Era National Historic Park; nps.govSpanish Moss Trail; spanishmosstrail.comCraven Street en route to The Old Point to explore historic neighborhoods

Beaufort mayor resigns, city to hold special election

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Beaufort will look to fill its mayor seat with a special election before the end of the year.The city announced the resignation of Mayor Stephen Murray on Friday effective immediately.Mayor Pro Tem Michael McFee will become acting mayor until a special election can be held to fill the vacated seat.City spokesperson Kathleen Williams said the special election is expected to be held on Dec. 12.Murray was elected mayor in 2020 after spending six years on the city council being elec...

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Beaufort will look to fill its mayor seat with a special election before the end of the year.

The city announced the resignation of Mayor Stephen Murray on Friday effective immediately.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael McFee will become acting mayor until a special election can be held to fill the vacated seat.

City spokesperson Kathleen Williams said the special election is expected to be held on Dec. 12.

Murray was elected mayor in 2020 after spending six years on the city council being elected mayor while serving his second term in the council.

During the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s annual meeting in July, Murray was elected president of the Association of South Carolina Mayors.

In a statement, Murray touts the regional partnerships developed by the city.

“We’ve proved that local government can be responsive, that it can work with a robust list of partners to achieve shared goals, and ultimately provide high-quality daily services while also investing in our preferred future,” Murray said.

Murray said he’s been “actively fighting” against people “who’ve had their hands on political levers for a long time.”

“And while I’m proud of the work and I know there is still much to be done, I’m tired,” Murray said. “I’m tired of the daily barrage of uncivil and rude people accusing me of impropriety without a shred of proof. I’m tired of the ‘he said, she said’ middle school drama that is present among many of the folks that I’m required to work with outside of Team Beaufort. I’m also tired of prioritizing my civic job at the expense of my health, my family, my friends, my businesses, and my reputation.

“The City of Beaufort deserves a mayor that has their heart and energy fully committed to the job. A mayor who is fully committed to fighting the last bastions of the ‘good ole boys’, fully committed to responding to even the nastiest email with kindness, and fully committed to actively and consistently communicating their thoughts to the people they represent. I’d like to think at one time, not too distant ago, I was this mayor. But I do not feel like I am currently up to the task of the mayor I want to be, nor the one Beaufort deserves.”

The full statement can be found below:

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

SC Ethics Commission opens investigations into 3 former, current Beaufort County employees

By Delayna EarleyThe Island NewsFormer Beaufort County Administrator Eric Greenway and Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland are currently being investigated by the S.C. State Ethics Commission after a complaint against each and evidence to support the complaints were submitted to the Ethics Commission in July 2023 by a Beaufort County resident who has asked not to be named in our news article.The same constituent also filed a complaint against Beaufort County Parks and Recreation...

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Former Beaufort County Administrator Eric Greenway and Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland are currently being investigated by the S.C. State Ethics Commission after a complaint against each and evidence to support the complaints were submitted to the Ethics Commission in July 2023 by a Beaufort County resident who has asked not to be named in our news article.

The same constituent also filed a complaint against Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Loper, and according to letters received by the complainant, all three complaints “contained facts sufficient to warrant an investigation.”

In an interview with The Island News, the concerned citizen said the complaint filed against Greenway was regarding him allegedly hiring his daughter, Andrea Greenway, to do graphic design work for the county without putting it out for bid or going through the proper process to hire someone to do work for the county.

“I don’t know if it was ever completed or if it was an aborted attempt like the blanket situation with [Whitney] Richland,” the person who filed the complaint said. “But there was definitely talk of him hiring his daughter, possibly in relation to redesigning the Beaufort County logo.”

The complainant continued to say that there was talk that there were contracts of up to $100,000 for that graphic design that were up for grabs.

The complaint about Richland involves the alleged attempted purchase of 587 weighted blankets from a company called R&R Home, a company allegedly owned by Richland’s husband.

Beaufort County received an invoice from R&R Home in April for $35,644 for the almost 600 blankets and “Wellness (Eric Greenway)” is listed in the contact information on the invoice.

Interim Beaufort County Administrator John Robinson confirmed in an article published by The Island Packet on August 9, that the weighted blanket controversy is under investigation.

The complaint filed against Loper alleges that she used Beaufort County Public Works property – a Bobcat type vehicle and possibly an excavator – to make improvements upon her personal property in Bluffton in 2021.

“She appeared to be trying to regrade her property and lay fresh dirt and gravel,” the complainant said. “Her neighbors noticed it and took photos and video and brought it to the attention of [Beaufort] County Council at the time as well as Greenway. It was reportedly swept under the rug.”

Greenway’s contract with Beaufort County was terminated with cause on July 28.

Sources have told The Island News that Richland was seen packing up her office on August 9, 2023, but as of Tuesday afternoon Beaufort County has neither officially confirmed nor denied whether Richland still works for them.

Attempts to reach Greenway, Richland and Loper for comment have been unsuccessful.

Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Grimy floors + fruit flies. 4 Beaufort County businesses fell short in October inspections

Editor’s note: Belfair Grill Room’s location has been updated. The incorrect town was listed in DHEC reports. Also, the restaurant’s follow-up inspection, which was not available at press time, has been added. --Four Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in October health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:Belfair Grill Room, 16 Cottage Drive West in Bluffton, ...

Editor’s note: Belfair Grill Room’s location has been updated. The incorrect town was listed in DHEC reports. Also, the restaurant’s follow-up inspection, which was not available at press time, has been added.

--

Four Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in October health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:

Belfair Grill Room, 16 Cottage Drive West in Bluffton, scored an 85% (B) on Oct. 31 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: A food worker touching ready to eat foods with bare hands, issues with shellstock tags, prepared dips and sauces held longer than seven days, packages of beef without date marks, issues with thawing techniques for fish fillets and shrimp, and the three-compartment sink being used for both dirty dishes and food preparation.

The restaurant was reinspected on Nov. 9 and scored a 100% (A). Here is a note included by the inspector: “Upon arrival for follow up inspection on 11/9/23, observed B Grade Decal applied on 10/31/23 had been removed by facility. During followup inspection, facility then attempted to re-attach grade while inspection was being performed. Decal was re-attached but in different, lower location and clearly showed signs of tamper.”

El Super Market, 33 Sherington Drive in Bluffton, scored an 85% (B) on Oct. 30 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: Lack of paper towels at the meat counter hand-washing sink, a spray bottle of bleach stored over produce in the cooler and over bagged flour in the tortilla room, residential roach spray stored near the tortilla maker and under the sink in the meat display area, talcum powder stored in the meat wrapping area, rodent droppings in the tortilla making room and near the bakery oven, open containers of food stored on the floor of the cheese cooler, boxes of food stored on the floor of the freezer, plastic cups without handles stored in masa in the back room, single-use plates and to-go containers stored on the floor in the meat area, untreated wood shelving throughout the back storage room, and heavy food debris accumulation on the shelving units in the cheese and produce walk-in cooler.

The market was reinspected on Nov. 8 and scored a 100% (A).

Editor’s note: El Super, the restaurant with the same name and address as the market, also was inspected on Oct. 30 after a public complaint and scored a 92% (A). It was reinspected on Nov. 8 and scored a 100% (A).

Jasper’s Frosty Dog Cafe, 8 North Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head Island, scored a 72% (C) on Oct. 6 in a routine inspection that was the result of a public complaint. Issues noted by inspectors included: The person in charge does not have a food handlers certificate, lack of a written employee health policy, lack of a clean up policy for vomiting and diarrhea events, lack of hand cleanser at the front hand-washing station, signs of spoilage on produce in the ice cream lowboy, heavily dented cans in dry storage, fryer baskets encrusted with food debris, waffle irons with batter splatter and grime, unclean dipping well containers at the ice cream bar, issues with cold food holding temperatures, lack of a date-marking system for ready-to-eat foods, an unlabeled open container of cleaner, an open container of powdered soap stored above the sandwich prep cooler, a mouse trap on top of shelving holding bulk food items, fruit flies around the cook line prep unit and the three-compartment sink, bagged cheese stored in standing water in the cook line prep unit, boxes of single-use cups and pizza boxes stored on the floor, issues with cold food holding temperatures in the sandwich prep cooler, the soda machine leaking water onto the counter and floor in the ice cream area, accumulation of grime in the sandwich prep cooler and ice cream prep cooler, encrusted dried ice cream on top of the ice cream freezer display case, and flooring in poor condition and with a heavy accumulation of grime, grease, food debris and trash.

The restaurant was reinspected on Oct. 16 and scored a 86% (C). This percentage normally would merit a B grade, but the inspector maintained the C grade because of continued priority violations. The inspector noted the person in charge does not have a food handlers certificate, issues with cold food holding temperatures, lack of date marks on ready-to-eat foods, a cleaner bottle stored on top of the Dippin’ Dots ice cream bin, drain cleaner stored at the waffle cone making station, the soda machine leaking water onto the floor, dried ice cream debris on the ice cream coolers, flooring in poor condition, and a heavy accumulation of food debris, grease and grime under the kitchen prep unit doors and under the cook line equipment.

The restaurant was reinspected on Oct. 24 and scored a 97% (A).

Okatie Ale House, 25 William Pope Court in Bluffton, scored a 93% (C) in a follow-up inspection related to September’s restaurant ratings. This percentage normally would merit an A grade, but the inspector downgraded the restaurant to a C because of failure to correct temperature issues with the outside walk-in cooler.

The restaurant was reinspected on Oct. 10 and scored a 100% (A).

Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score.

During October, DHEC recorded 196 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.

Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.

Below are the SC DHEC restaurant grades in Beaufort County from Oct. 1-31, 2023.

At the top left of the chart, there is a space to search for the name of a restaurant. Please note that this month’s inspections take up two pages. Switch to page 2 at the top right.

This story was originally published November 9, 2023, 12:52 PM.

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