ONE-TANK TRIP: BLUFFTON, SC
Founded in the early 1800s on the banks and bluffs of the May River, historic Bluffton is a classic Lowcountry town. Once a summer residence of a local plantation owner, Heyward House Historic Center at 70 Boundary St. is the place to go for insider info on the town.
Originally published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t miss
• A walking tour of the historic district using a brochure provided by the historic center.
• The stunning waterfront Church of the Cross, a wooden Gothic-style structure that was built between 1854 and 1857.
• Buying fresh seafood right off the docks from the Bluffton Oyster Co., established in 1899 and featuring fresh May River oysters in season.
• Shopping and perusing boutiques and galleries around Calhoun Street. Maye River Gallery (37 Calhoun St.) and Jacob Preston Studio (10 Church St.) are best bets.
• Dining and entertainment at Pepper’s Porch on May River Road. Located in an old drying barn, the popular restaurant’s tagline is “Where Seafood and Culture Come Together.” Locals also swear by the home cooking and friendly service at Squat & Gobble.
Home away from home
Many chain hotels lie along U.S. 278 just outside town. However, those in the know head to Palmetto Bluff as their Bluffton base.
Palmetto Bluff is a Lowcountry sea island that extends into the May River, skirts the islands of Bull and Daufuskie to the east, and gives way to ancient freshwater rice fields on the New River to the west. That is the setting for the residential and resort community Village at Palmetto Bluff.
The 22,000-acre property features a variety of overnight accommodations at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, including house rentals. But for a memorable experience, consider a stay at one of the cottages or cottage suites at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff. With their peaceful water views, vaulted ceilings, pine floors, steam showers, fireplaces, luxury linens and screened-in porches, they’re well worth the nightly rate.
Managed by Auberge Resorts of Napa Valley’s Auberge du Soleil fame, the resort boasts every amenity imaginable, including riding stables, four swimming pools, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, eight tennis courts, a spa, a gym, several restaurants and the complimentary use of canoes, kayaks and fishing poles.
IF YOU GO
How to get there
From Atlanta, take I-75 south to I-16 east to I-95 north to U.S. 278 east toward Bluffton. It’s about 275 miles away. Bluffton is about 30 minutes from Savannah International Airport.
Where to stay
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. Cottages start around $475 per night, cottage suites start at $700 and houses start at $1,000. 476 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton; 843-706-6500, 1-866-706-6565, www.palmettobluffresort.com
Where to eat
Pepper’s Porch. Serves steaks and seafood 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Menu features seafood and steaks. Check out the entertainment at the Back Bar. Dinner entrees $11-$22. 1255 May River Road; 843-757-2295, http://www.peppersporch.org/
Squat & Gobble. Homey food and atmosphere. Entrees $5-$10. 1231 May River Road; 843-757-4242.
Canoe Club Restaurant. Stunning waterfront setting and a tapas-style menu highlighting seafood. 6-9:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. $12-$26. Palmetto Bluff, 476 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton; 843-706-6500, 1-866-706-6565, www.palmettobluffresort.com
Information
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau. 1 Chamber Drive, Hilton Head Island; 843-785-3673, 1-800-523-3373, www.hiltonheadisland.org