South Carolina FYI

Menu

vacation

Uncategorized

What To Do During Your Next Weekend Getaway To Hilton Head Island, SC

Summer trips aren’t entirely canceled this year. While you might not be able to book a getaway overseas, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. Gear up for a road trip this summer and head to Hilton Head Island, SC. Your family trip or weekend getaway can still be packed full of adventure. Check out this list of activities for your next visit to Hilton Head.

Hit the Beach

It wouldn’t be a trip to Hilton Head without a relaxing day at the beach. Luckily, they’ve got many to choose from. Coligny Beach Park is a fan favorite and by far the most popular. With gorgeous sunsets and perfect weather for a day on the coast, you’ll be left wanting to extend your trip. For those seeking a bit more peace and quiet, Mitchelville Beach is sure to please. This northeastern end shore is a great remote relaxation spot.

Visit a Museum

Once you’ve got your taste of the sun, head to the Coastal Discovery Museum for free admission. This 68-acre museum offers culture and history your kids will love. Not only will families adore it, but travelers can enjoy the stunning oak trees and gardens as far as the eye can see. There’s something for everyone at this outdoor ecological preserve.

Have a Night in Harbour Town

For fun, shopping, and socializing, a night in Harbour Town is just the answer. The downtown Hilton Head district is filled with scenic views and delicious restaurants. You’ll feel like you’re inside a postcard! Meander down the streets post-dinner for a picturesque evening sunset along the water.

Go Golfing

The famous RBC Heritage PGA golf tournament takes place at the Harbour Town Link. Book a tee time for the same greens your favorite golfers competed on. Not only is Harbour Town a stunning spot, but there are 24 other private and public championship golf courses to choose from. Grab your visor and glove because it’s time to hit the greens!

Rent a Boat Tour

For an up-close and personal look into the elegant waterways, you’ll want to book a boat tour. See the beach from a new perspective while enjoying a nice sea breeze. Cast a line or enjoy a lunch on the boat. Either way, this is an experience you simply won’t want to miss.

Uncategorized

Hunting Island SC

Why Hunting Island State Park Should Be On Your SC Bucket List

Featured Image Source: Wikipedia

If you’ve never walked among the driftwood on the beach at Hunting Island, you’re missing out on one of the most serene and beautiful areas of South Carolina. As one of the last undeveloped Sea Islands in the Lowcountry. It has a strong reputation for its undisturbed natural features and animal populations, including deer, turtles, alligators, and hundreds of species of birds.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sean Sr (@pm_daniels) on

The 5,000-acre state park nestled between Fripp Island and Harbor Island got its name because of its original use as a hunting preserve. When the Sea Islands hurricane swept through in 1893, it destroyed everything man-made except for the lighthouse, which is still standing today. Visitors were able to use one of several cabins on the island until all but one of the park’s cabins were destroyed in recent years due to beach erosion. Luckily, RV and Tent camping is still available on the north side of the island.

Visitors have plenty to do on the island, with 4 miles of beautiful beachfront, more than 6 miles of hiking/biking trails, and a large lagoon that’s popular for fishing. In addition, the Hunting Island Nature Center has live animals and exhibits on the island and its history. Visitors can also climb to the viewing deck of the lighthouse and look out on the island from 134 feet up.

 

Hunting Island is one of South Carolina’s true hidden gems. If you live in-state or just visiting, don’t deny yourself one of the most amazing and peaceful experiences South Carolina has to offer.

Eat & Drink

Our Favorite Farm-to-Table Restaurants in South Carolina

It’s hard to beat Southern food, but it’s even harder to beat the fresh offerings of these farm-to-table restaurants.

Stono Market & Tomato Shed Café

Right outside of Charleston is a “real farmer’s market” serving up meals made from their own organic produce. Located one island over on Wadmalaw, their farm grows all of their produce along with preservative-free shrimp that they catch with their own trawlers.

The Flipside Café

Comfort food is Flipside’s specialty, focusing on locally inspired dishes for everyone to enjoy. Located in downtown Fort Mill, the Flipside Cafe does farm-to-table right.

The New Moon Café

The spot for local food in Aiken is the New Moon Cafe. Not only does it offer some of the best coffee roasted in-house, but the food is also made with the best ingredients the Southeast has to offer.

The Farmer’s Table

Bringing the local food movement to Spartanburg is the Farmer’s Table. Family owned and locally sourced, the Farmer’s Table offers the best sustainable and seasonable options.

Grits and Groceries

In the small town of Belton is a farm-to-table restaurant with big flavors. Grits and Groceries tailors their menu to the local produce available to them, creating a diverse menu year-round. Acclaimed by Gourmet and Southern Living, we saved the best for last on this list.

View this post on Instagram

Y’all want to eat here-oh mercy, you truly do. Two New Orleans trained chefs own Grits and Groceries, they grow their own vegetables and use a local dairy to offer you “real food done real well.” Besides, I just don’t know where else y’all will find deep fried deviled eggs?. (swipe to see menu photo2) Joe was pastry chef for Emeril Legasse in New Orleans and Heidi at the helm at Elizabeth’s. But these two Carolinians wanted to come home to raise their son, so what’s a big city chef to do? Find an old timey meeting spot on the hind end of nowhere and set up a kitchen, that’s what. Your GPSwill whirl and spin, so look at the road signs in 3) just past the 15 foot chicken in the parking lot. It’s at Saylor’s Crossing, you know, just three miles east of Ebenezer Crossing— giving y’all these location tips because I wouldn’t want y’all to miss out on Joe’s Homemade Sweet Corn ? Ice Cream 5). #southernroadtrip #southcarolina #gritsandgroceries #southernfoodways #southernfood #yallcome

A post shared by Auntybelle (@auntybellecracker) on

Uncategorized

BFF Road Trip

The Ultimate SC Road Trip For You And Your BFF!

Want to know what’s better than a BFF night? A BFF road trip!

That’s right. Just you and your bestie hitting the open road with an awesome playlist, a bag full of snacks, and all the tea to spill. Traveling with your bestie is a major bonding experience that both of you need ASAP! Take yourselves out of your element and relax with your person by your side.

So load up your car because we’ve got a fun and fabulous SC road trip planned for you and your BFF.

Greenville, SC

Kick off the first day of the road trip by heading upstate to Greenville. Once there, stretch your legs and go for an afternoon hike along the Swamp Rabbit Trail where you can enjoy the great outdoors and exercise with your best friend. After, head downtown and go shopping to find a new outfit to wear to your late lunch date. You and your BFF can catch up and take in the up and coming city.

Myrtle Beach, SC

After a night in Greenville, head towards the coast to the casual, but always entertaining  Myrtle Beach. When you get there, find affordable lodging where you can park the car. Take a walk to the crowded boardwalk and breathe in the nightlife of bustling Myrtle Beach. Go through a haunted house, play games at the arcade and find a fun bar to get a quick dinner and enjoy live music together.

Charleston, SC

In the morning drive south along the coast to the Lowcountry and park in Charleston. Head downtown and take a drive to The Battery, then stroll through the market to find matching best friend bracelets. Check out one of the local breweries in town before heading to King St. where you can find low to high-end shopping. Make a reservation for two at one of the many restaurants in town and enjoy a late dinner and drinks before heading back to your hotel. On a budget? Spend less on a hotel by staying in Mount Pleasant or West Ashley which is just a quick Uber or Lyft from downtown.

Hilton Head Island, SC

When you wake up throw on a bathing suit for the last leg of the trip and drive to the relaxing Hilton Head Island. Rent bikes and ride through town and find a casual lunch spot. After two full days of exploring, get some R&R together and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Throw down two towels and enjoy each others company, after all the best kind of friend is the one you can just lay low and do nothing with. Find a cute bed and breakfast for the last night of your trip to watch a movie together in bed and get delivery from the best pizza place on the island.

Closer to Hilton Head Island than Greenville? Don’t worry! You can switch it up. Start wherever you’re closest to and have a blast!

 

 

Eat & Drink

Old Town Bluffton

Plan Your Next Weekend Getaway To Old Town Bluffton

Old Town Bluffton is a gorgeous and welcoming town nestled on the banks of May River. Located in the town of Bluffton, the old town has charm, culture, history, and fun. It’s laid back, coastal vibe makes for a relaxing time yet it has plenty for people to do.

The entire old town is bikeable, walkable, or if you’re lucky enough to know a local, golf cart-able. Most of the locals own golf carts and drive from their nearby houses into the old town where they can enjoy great food, live music, and shop the local boutiques.

So, now that we’ve convinced you to start planning your trip, here are some tips on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat:

What To Do:

Calhoun Street is where it all happens. Many of the local boutiques have turned historic homes into unique Bluffton shopping experiences. Gigi’s Boutique is owned and operated by a Bluffton native and is a great destination for those who dig the Lowcountry style. Looking to add the Lowcountry vibes to your home or maybe pick up a Bluffton-inspired gift? Check out the Bluffton General Store which has everything from hats and candles to jewelry and kitchenware. And, if you’re looking to pick up a few pieces of art created by local artists, stop by one of Old Town Bluffton’s many art galleries.

Once you’ve shopped all the stores, explore history at the gorgeous Church of the Cross built in the 1800s, enjoy the view at Pritchard Pocket Park, and get to know the roots of Old Town Bluffton at The Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center.

Where To Eat:

Old Town Bluffton has fine dining, casual dining, and some of the best Lowcountry cuisine you’ll ever find. Head to The Cottage Cafe, Bakery, and Tea Room and enjoy brunch in a quaint cottage built in 1868 or even on the porch outside. Don’t fill up on brunch before you try one of their amazing desserts though. You can grab a quick, tasty dish while listening to live music at Captain Woody’s or Calhoun’s or splurge a little at The Pearl.

After dinner grab some drinks at Salt Marsh Brewing or Old Town Dispensary.

Where To Sleep:

Catch some zzz’s right in town at the Old Town Bluffton Inn in one of their fourteen guest rooms. They offer complimentary breakfast, coffee, and wi-fi to all guests. Or if you’d rather feel more like a local, check out one of these Air BNB’s.

When planning your trip make sure to check for festivals that might be going on while you’re visiting as the Old Town has festivals all throughout the year.

Have you been to Old Town Bluffton? What’s your favorite part.

Featured

Underrated Gems in S.C.

Plan Your Next Vacation To One Of These Underrated Gems In S.C.

While we all know and love Charleston, Hilton Head, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, there are a few hidden gems in our state that are worth visiting. It’s time to turn these pass by towns and tucked away cities into destinations and enjoy all that they have to offer.

So, get out your map (or Siri) and start planning your next trip to one of these underrated South Carolina treasures:

Bluffton

Minutes from well-known Hilton Head Island is a hidden Lowcountry gem called Bluffton, South Carolina. Located on the May River, Bluffton is a gorgeous town just an hour from Savannah and is filled with rich history, beautiful mossy oak trees, and charming boutique stores and restaurants. It has a little bit of everything, with a bustling downtown area, a phenomenal art scene, and in close proximity to the beach.

What to do:

Visit one of the oldest (and most gorgeous) churches in the South at Church of the Cross, take a bike ride to explore the downtown area or shop in the old town.

Where to eat:

Eat a bit, drink a bit, and listen to a little bit of music on the rooftop bar of The Bluffton Room. Or, if you want the best burgers in town head over to Old Town Dispensary.

Where to stay:

Stay in one of the fourteen rooms at Old Town Bluffton Inn for a good night’s sleep and welcoming accommodations.

Beaufort

Not far from the Holy City is the second oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort. Located on one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands, Beaufort was once named “the best small southern town” by Southern Living. With sprawling historic mansions and water views like no other, we can’t argue with this. Beaufort is a must visit in South Carolina.

What to do:

Take in the beauty at Waterfront Park, book a Catamaran Wild Horse & Dolphin Scenic Cruise, or explore the many shops in the historic district.

Where to eat:

You can’t go to Beaufort without eating at Old Bull Tavern or Wren Bistro.

Where to stay:

Book a room at Anchorage 1770 in the main house or cottage and you won’t regret it.

Pendleton

Just under an hour from Greenville is this small town founded in 1790. Pendleton has a rich history and was once a summer home retreat for Lowcountry plantation owners in the 1800’s. The entire town is on the National Historic Registry so everything in the town is historic. With quaint antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, Pendleton is sure to give you those Hallmark small-town vibes.

What to do:

Stroll through Pendleton Square and admire the artwork of Pendleton Square Artists Cooperative at the Art Gallery on Pendleton Square and shop at one of the many boutiques located on Exchange Street or E. Queen Street.

Where to eat:

Eat up at 1826 Bistro then go enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine at Viva Pendleton.

Where to stay:

After a long day of shopping, strolling through the town, and eating all the delicious food, you can catch a good night of sleep at Liberty Hall Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1849, this bed and breakfast is full of history and heart and has over ten rooms to choose from.

Georgetown

Georgetown is often just a pass by town in between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, but it boasts many reasons why it should, in fact, be a destination, or at least an extended stop in between destinations. This small coastal South Carolina town is a beautiful historic waterfront community offering many things to see and do. With just one visit you’ll see why Georgetown is a destination, not just a rest stop.

What to do:

You can’t go to Georgetown without strolling along the Harborwalk on Front Street. After visiting one of the many museums or get a little spooky with a ghost tour.

Where to eat:

Front Street is filled with waterfront dining but the River Room is some of the best seafood you can find.

Where to stay:

Catch a few zzz’s in 620 Prince, a gorgeous luxury bed and breakfast located in historic Georgetown.

Where are you headed to first?