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 eaufort, Chartered in 1711, is the second-oldest city in South Carolina behind Charleston. Beaufort’s historic area is also one of the state’s three national landmark districts. Beaufort County is located in the heart of the Sea Islands and the South Carolina lowcountry. It contains 587 square miles of islands, and at low tide sandbars are scattered throughout the Beaufort River, exposing a myriad of unspoiled acres of oyster beds and marshland, and opening up a entire world of wildlife. These tidal areas are natural habitats for eagles, egrets, pelicans, blue herons, dolphins and even an occasional alligator. A large, almost tame deer population adds to the wildlife that share the islands. As seen in the movie filmed in Beaufort, Forrest Gump, the Sea Islands are also a very lucrative and popular place for shrimping, crabbing and fishing.
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Not only is Beaufort a scenic coastal area that can be experienced by all five senses, but is also known for its historic antebellum architecture. Remnants of the original English colonial settlement of Beaufort can be found in the downtown historic district. 304 acres of Beaufort have been listed a National Historic Landmark. Downtown is broken into five distinct historic neighborhoods: Downtown (the commercial core), The Point (also known as the Old Point), The Bluff, The Old Commons, and the Northwest Quadrant. The heritage and descendants of the Gullah culture also still remain on the Sea Islands. The Penn Center, located on St. Helena Island, founded in 1862 is one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves and was used almost 100 years later by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a retreat center.
Because of its prime location and deep connections with history and culture, the tourism and hospitality industry is a major economic sector. Nearly two million visitors a year come to Beaufort and the Sea Islands of northern Beaufort County, mostly in the Spring and Fall. The primary attractions of these visits include golf and beach vacations, history, boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing and local arts and crafts. Beaufort was named a "Top 50 Adventure Town" and the number seven Waterfront Adventure Town by National Geographic Adventure. Beaufort is home to many options for accommodations, ranging from upscale bed-and-breakfasts in the downtown area to standard motels and inns along Boundary Street. There are several dozen excellent dining establishments in the city that cater to both locals and tourists. The downtown area of Beaufort is a virtual mecca of shopping and dining experiences.
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Major annual festivals and arts events include the Water Festival, a two-week extravaganza in the middle of July, and the Shrimp Festival, celebrating the local, traditional seafood industry, and takes place the first weekend in October. The Beaufort Shrimp Festival was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events in 2007. The Beaufort International Film Festival, held the first week of March, screens independent films. A Taste of Beaufort, presented by Main Street Beaufort, is held on the first Saturday in May and features 20 local restaurants, fine wines, and live music. The Gullah Festival (celebrating the mingling of the West African and American cultures in this area), and Penn Center Heritage Days on nearby St. Helena Island, offer spiritual and historical sustenance amid live oaks and palmetto trees. Historic Beaufort Foundation's Fall Tour of Homes and St. Helena's Spring Tour of Homes provide glimpses into the stunning antebellum homes on the Point and local plantations. A good place to reference upcoming events: click here
Beaufort is also home to MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station). MCAS is a 6,900-acre United States Marine Corps air base located three miles northwest of Beaufort's central business district. This military installment has a huge indirect economic impact on the area. According the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, the military installations located in the area employ more than 8,400 local civilians and military personnel, as well as help attract new industry to the area.
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With everything Beaufort has to offer, its no wonder there have been so many awards granted, books written and movies filmed over the years. To name several, Southern Living Magazine recognized Beaufort as Best Planned Community in 2013. In 2014, Southern Living Magazine also listed Beaufort as #1 "Small Towns we Love"! Money Magazine named Beaufort one of 6 Terrific Towns on the Water. In 2005, John Villani rated Beaufort as one of America's top 100 art towns in his book The 100 Best Art Towns in America: A Guide to Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Lodging and Dining. In 2008, American Style Magazine rated Beaufort as the #14 Small City Arts Destination. Southern Living Magazine listed Beaufort at number 12. Beaufort has also been the inspirational setting for several novels by native son Pat Conroy (author of The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, among others) and a popular filming location for major motion pictures, including The Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, The Big Chill, Forrest Gump, Something To Talk About and G.I. Jane.
There is something for everyone in Beaufort. We, at Palmetto Real Estate, would love to tell you more about our area and help you buy or sell your dream property here. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information! |
