 The Lowcountry of Beaufort County, SCThe Beaufort Lowcountry is a mosaic of 64 major Sea Islands and Barrier Islands, and hundreds of smaller islands. The neighboring towns of Beaufort and Port Royal are perched on Port Royal Island, and an intricate network of bridges connects these towns, dotted with Historic homes and churches, to Bray’s, Callawassie, Dataw, Lady’s, Fripp, Hilton Head, Hunting, Parris, St. Helena and dozens of other islands of distinction. The intertwining ocean creeks, Intracoastal Waterway, thousands of acres of pristine wetlands and over 30 miles of shorelines, provide not only an abundance of unique wildlife and natural beauty, but also the vistas for one of the most exciting and unique places to live - a paradise of islands. See my Photo Gallery of The Lowcountry at www.fototime.com In addition to fine Estate-Homes, Homes Under $500K, building lots and Land, many with water access, the Lowcountry offers numerous exceptional Waterfront & Golf communities that provide a genteel southern lifestyle that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Outdoor activities and recreation are a way of life in the Lowcountry. Shrimping, fishing and crabbing are complimented by golf, tennis or beach combing. Our gentle climate allows most activities to be enjoyed year-round. Below, I will highlight some of the many attractions in the area, including examples of the pre-Civil War architecture, outdoor activities, historical sites, African-American heritage, natural resources and our military bases. For more information about the Beaufort area Lowcountry browse Area Links. |
 Beaufort - Queen of the Sea IslandsAs the second oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort is known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” Steeped in history and antebellum heritage, and abounding in cultural activity, the area offers something for everyone. Superb shopping and dining, art and antique galleries, white sandy beaches, historic homes, boating and golf, are just some of the attractions, not to mention the natural beauty and bountiful wildlife. Graced with giant moss-draped oaks, fragrant gardens, stately mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and bayside cafes, Beaufort is the gateway to the Lowcountry mix of ecology, entertainment and recreation. Consistently ranking high in published lists of preferred communities, Beaufort has been named among the top choices in the nation for retirement living. Beaufort's first recorded inhabitants were known as the Archaic Indians whose earliest traces date back over 4000 years. The Spanish exploration in 1514 was the first occurrence of Europeans to this area. Since then, it has known Spanish conquistadors, French Huguenots, English privateers, treacherous pirates and bloody wars. Beaufort entered its golden era about 1800, when sea island cotton debuted and many of Beaufort’s loveliest historic mansions were built by the wealthy owners of cotton, indigo, and rice plantations who came to Beaufort for the breezes and summer conviviality. Today, reminders of the area’s colorful history abound in architecture preserved with loving care and folkways honored across generations. Historic sites of French, Colonial, Spanish- American, and Revolutionary origins include forts, churches, and architecture from many grand cultures and eras. Beaufort boasts at least 90 historic sites, including cemeteries, bed and breakfast inns, churches, and other buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more about Beaufort, see Area Links. |
 Town of Port RoyalIncorporated in 1874, The Town of Port Royal is located between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry, adjacent to Historic Beaufort, and near the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. History buffs, nature lovers and even those who enjoy the peace and quiet of a private walking community will enjoy in Port Royal. With more than 4,000 residents, new homes and almost 500 businesses, the Town retains its small-town atmosphere, encouraging growth while protecting the environment. Port Royal takes pride in its walking trails, community beach, boardwalk and observation tower where you can watch the dolphins play in the water and the many varieties of birds fly over head. Its diverse population offers out-of-town visitors a sense of home. The Town is currently involved in a revitalization program offering many new homes as well as a remodeled historic district to include small businesses and fine dining. A traditional walking community theme stresses the importance of Port Royal’s "get-to-know-your-neighbor" atmosphere. Port Royal also enjoys the Arts!! It is fortunate to have two theaters, The Shed and The Port Royal Playhouse, where plays, exhibits, and classes in the performing and visual arts are offered. For more information, see www.portroyal.org and the Area Links. |
 Sunset Over the Beaufort RiverMy husband, Dan, took this photo about 100 yards from our home in Newpoint on Lady's Island, overlooking the Beaufort Intracoastal Waterway. These spectacular sunsets are not uncommon, and is just an example of the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. (My husband, a digital photo buff, took many of the photos seen on this Website.) |
 Superb Golfing in the LowcountryIf you love golf, you’ll love the Lowcountry. Great golf courses caress the contours of their native landscapes. They draw on natural elements—lagoons and ocean breezes, tidal marshes and swaying palms—to create hazards and challenges. The Lowcountry’s gift to some of golf’s best architects—Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, Arnold Palmer, Russell Breedon, George Cobb, Davis Love III—has been rich and varied canvases that let them stretch their imagination. Best of all, these courses can be enjoyed year-round. In January, the average daytime high is a balmy 58o. Among the top golfing communities in the Beaufort Lowcountry area are Bray's Island Plantation, Callawassie Island, Cat Island, Country Club of Beaufort, Dataw Island, Fripp Island, Lady's Island Golf & Country Club (Royal Pines), and Spring Island. For descriptions see Waterfront & Golf. For more info on Beaufort and Hilton Head area golf, see www.beaufortonline.com |
 Fripp Island ResortAn exclusive Oceanfront Golf Resort, at Fripp Island you will enjoy three championship golf courses, including Davis Love III's first signature golf course and two George Cobb designs; ten tennis courts; 3 1/2 miles of Atlantic beach; ecology-minded recreation and children's programs; seaside pool complexes; a deep-water marina; island dining and more. PGA professionals offer instructions in golf and tennis. Over 300 villa & house accommodation choices. You may view a few company listings at Resort. Fripp Island has a variety of new developments to choose from including Fripp Cottages at Ocean Creek, offering open floor plans and covered porches; Bluff lots; or the Bonito Boathouse, seven charming homes located at the Marina. For more information Contact Cassy. See Photo Gallery at www.fototime.com |
 The Secession House - circa 1813An inscription on the basement wall reads: "In this house the first meeting of Secession was held in South Carolina." According to local tradition, after voting, the Beaufort County Delegation went directly to the boat landing and set off for Charleston to cast their ballots for secession. The foundation of the house represents the base of an earlier 2-story house that was reportedly constructed in 1743. Around 1800 Milton Maxcy came to Beaufort from Massachusetts to open a school for boys and acquired the property. He removed the tabby second floor, and added two stories of wood siding. The next owner, Edmund Rhett, rebuilt the two upper floors completely, circa 1861, using modified Greek Revival architecture. The house was used by the Union Army for headquarters of General Rufus Saxton, billeting of officers, a hospital, and for the office of Paymaster. See Photo Gallery of Historic Homes & Churches at www.beaufortonline.com |
 John A. Cuthbert House - circa 1810Built circa 1810, this house underwent significant remodeling in the late 1830s. Union General Rufus Saxton purchased the home in 1865. The book Marching With Sherman, written by an aide of General W. T. Sherman, contains the following passage: "The General came to Beaufort and stayed one day at General Saxton's. The latter owns a large fine double house on Bay Street fronting the sea. He bought it at one of the U. S. Tax Sales and I was told gave $1,000 for it." The property was sold to Saxton's friend Duncan C. Wilson in 1882. Wilson was responsible for the construction of hundreds of prefabricated houses and military buildings on Hilton Head Island during the Civil War. Wilson is thought to have added Victorian style elements to the house, including the gingerbread trim and expansions to the south porch. The Cuthbert House now serves as one of about a dozen of Beaufort's exquisite Bed & Breakfast Inns. |
 The Arsenal / Beaufort MuseumThe Beaufort Museum, housed in the 1795 Beaufort Arsenal, is an historical treasure trove. On Craven Street across from Beaufort County Library, Beaufort Museum, formed in 1939, displays a wide range of aritfacts, including Indian artifacts, art, textiles, and Civil War weaapons. |
 A Fishing ParadiseHow would you like to pull in a 50 pound Cobia from the Broad River off Port Royal Sound? The coastal waters and estuarine rivers surrounding South Carolina's Lowcountry provide some of the world's best fising. The freshwater and brackish rivers emptying into a saltwater marine environment is the perfect breeding ground for many different species of fish. Off shore, you can catch King Mackerel, Dolphin, Wahoo, White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sail Fish, Sharks and many other species. For local fishing info, tides, boat landings, marinas, reefs, etc., click www.beaufortonline.com |
 Penn School Historic DistrictTucked in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands between glimmering marshes and deep water, nestled beneath the silvery moss draped limbs of massive live oaks, you will find the Penn Center - the site of one of the country's first school for freed slaves and one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today. Located on St. Helena Island, the most beautiful and historically distinct of the South Carolina Sea Islands, Penn Center sits at the heart of Gullah culture, on 50 acres. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974, it is a part of the Penn School Historic District, comprised of 19 buildings related to and used by Penn School, including Brick Church, Darrah Hall, one of the oldest buildings on St. Helena Island, and Gantt Cottage where Martin Luther King Jr. lodged during his meetings at the Penn Center. The District includes old burial grounds, a Nature Trail, Chowan Creek, acres of pines, native flora and fauna. Come and experience the history of the Lowcountry Sea Islands. For more info, click www.penncenter.com or www.beaufortsc.com for area African-American history, culture & festivals. |
 Hunting Island State ParkLocated 16 miles east of Beaufort, SC on US 21, this popular State Park is a large secluded barrier island with a historic 1859 lighthouse as its centerpiece and a semi-tropical abundance of plants and wildlife, and white sandy beaches. The lighthouse provides an excellent view of the coastline and is the only lighthouse in South Carolina open to the public. The island got its name because it was once used for hunting deer, raccoon and other small game and waterfowl. Today the park is a popular beach destination and offer execellent campgroud facitities. For more info and photos, click www.huntingisland.com |
 Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit DepotMarines were first stationed on Parris Island in 1891, in the form of a small security detachment, attached to the Naval Station, Port Royal, the forerunner of Parris Island. Military buildings and homes that were constructed between 1891 and World War I form the nucleus of the Parris Island Historic District. On Nov. 1, 1915, Parris Island was officially designated a Marine Corps Recruit Depot and training was continued from then on. Today, about 18,000 recruits are trained at Parris Island each year. For more info on PI, click www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil For info on Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, see www.beaufort.usmc.mil and for Beaufort Naval Hospital, www.navyallotment.com |
 The ACE BasinA land of sea islands, maritime forests, and vast tidal marshes, the ACE Basin is the last great unspoiled wetland on the eastern seaboard. An acronym for the three rivers (the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto) that flow into Saint Helena Sound south of Charleston, the ACE Basin constitutes a pristine nature preserve that is rich in wildlife and ecological diversity. In an estuary, fresh water from rivers mixes with sea water to form a complex and ever-changing environment for many varieties of plant and animal life. The combination of high and low marsh, low-lying islands and myriad waterways provides a home for dolphins, alligators, minks, otters, raccoons, deer, eagles, ospreys, wood storks and many other varieties of waterfowl and other bird life. Shrimp, crabs, oysters, clams and fish live in the nourishing waters of the Basin and provide food for many of the other residents. For tour info, click www.acebasintours.com |
