Want to slow down the hectic pace of your life? Take a little time to sit under graceful live oaks and enjoy the breezes from a lovely, lazy river? Visit antebellum homes, checkout art galleries and antique shops and eat the freshest seafood? If the answer is yes -- y’all should come on down to Old Town Bluffton, South Carolina.
Historic Lowcountry Living
Bluffton is in Beaufort County, the southernmost coastal county in South Carolina, just 12 miles west of Hilton Head Island and 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia. The beautiful small town sits on a high bluff, overlooking the pristine May River.
Even during the antebellum period, this coastal community was popular as an escape from the harsh inland plantation conditions in the hot summer months. Strong southerly breezes from the river kept infectious mosquitoes, carrying malaria and yellow fever, at bay. Today, it offers an escape for visitors who seek the Bluffton “state of mind” – there’s even a State of Mind Street – characterized by creativity, friendliness and a relaxed sense of fun.
Old Town Flavor
Historic buildings and churches, stunning old homes, art galleries and antique shops mingle seamlessly with modern amenities in Old Town Bluffton. The entire historic district is easy to navigate on foot, because it’s all located within one-square-mile.
Here’s a small sample of what you’ll see as you wander the wide sidewalks:
The Bluffton Oyster Factory. One of South Carolina's top 10 oldest, continuously operating businesses and the oldest cannery factory still in operation in the state.
The Church of the Cross. The construction of this handsome Gothic cruciform building was begun in 1854 to replace an earlier and much smaller Chapel of the Cross. The church was completed in 1857, at a cost of $5,000.
Heyward House Historic Center. The official welcome center for Bluffton is located in a home built as a summer residence for John James Cole, a local plantation owner. Believed to be built by Cole's slaves, it is both a fine and well-preserved example of the Carolina farmhouse style of architecture; a style brought to the colonies by planters from the British West Indies.
Southern Hospitality
Seafood and art. What a great combination! You’ll find the best of both at the annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival from Oct. 17 - 24. This eight-day festival showcases local seafood, Lowcountry signature cuisine and the unique arts and history of Old Town Bluffton.
Whenever you visit, you can partake of mouthwatering Lowcountry dishes and fine dining opportunities in historic and charming settings. Stop in at the Old Town Distillery Dispensary, established in 1893; the popular Captain Woody’s for fresh seafood at great prices; Pepper’s Porch for Southern fare in a historic building; or the many other friendly and delicious dining options in town.
Whether you’re looking for a memorable Southern souvenir, or want to bring home some art, crafts or antiques, a day of shopping in Old Town Bluffton will entice you. Many of the town’s 19th-century homes have been transformed into galleries and antique shops, where visitors are given a warm Southern welcome just for stopping in.
Have you visited Old Town Bluffton, South Carolina? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.
Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.
Historic Lowcountry Living
Bluffton is in Beaufort County, the southernmost coastal county in South Carolina, just 12 miles west of Hilton Head Island and 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia. The beautiful small town sits on a high bluff, overlooking the pristine May River.
Even during the antebellum period, this coastal community was popular as an escape from the harsh inland plantation conditions in the hot summer months. Strong southerly breezes from the river kept infectious mosquitoes, carrying malaria and yellow fever, at bay. Today, it offers an escape for visitors who seek the Bluffton “state of mind” – there’s even a State of Mind Street – characterized by creativity, friendliness and a relaxed sense of fun.
Old Town Flavor
Historic buildings and churches, stunning old homes, art galleries and antique shops mingle seamlessly with modern amenities in Old Town Bluffton. The entire historic district is easy to navigate on foot, because it’s all located within one-square-mile.
Here’s a small sample of what you’ll see as you wander the wide sidewalks:
The Bluffton Oyster Factory. One of South Carolina's top 10 oldest, continuously operating businesses and the oldest cannery factory still in operation in the state.
The Church of the Cross. The construction of this handsome Gothic cruciform building was begun in 1854 to replace an earlier and much smaller Chapel of the Cross. The church was completed in 1857, at a cost of $5,000.
Heyward House Historic Center. The official welcome center for Bluffton is located in a home built as a summer residence for John James Cole, a local plantation owner. Believed to be built by Cole's slaves, it is both a fine and well-preserved example of the Carolina farmhouse style of architecture; a style brought to the colonies by planters from the British West Indies.
Southern Hospitality
Seafood and art. What a great combination! You’ll find the best of both at the annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival from Oct. 17 - 24. This eight-day festival showcases local seafood, Lowcountry signature cuisine and the unique arts and history of Old Town Bluffton.
Whenever you visit, you can partake of mouthwatering Lowcountry dishes and fine dining opportunities in historic and charming settings. Stop in at the Old Town Distillery Dispensary, established in 1893; the popular Captain Woody’s for fresh seafood at great prices; Pepper’s Porch for Southern fare in a historic building; or the many other friendly and delicious dining options in town.
Whether you’re looking for a memorable Southern souvenir, or want to bring home some art, crafts or antiques, a day of shopping in Old Town Bluffton will entice you. Many of the town’s 19th-century homes have been transformed into galleries and antique shops, where visitors are given a warm Southern welcome just for stopping in.
Have you visited Old Town Bluffton, South Carolina? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.
Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.
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