Touring and Shopping the Low Country - Beaufort, SC

This is the last in my series about touring and shopping in the Low Country - that area of the Southeastern United States along the Atlantic Ocean coast distinguished by flat areas of sandy soil, barrier islands, and distinctive southern charm. My husband and I spend a week in late November on Hilton Head Island and scouted the nearby areas.  A partial day trip to Beaufort was on our agenda.

Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA.[4] Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city's population was 12,361 in the 2010 census. It is located in the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan Area.

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry. The city is renowned for its scenic location and for maintaining a historic character by preservation of its antebellum architecture. The city is also known for its military establishments, being located in close proximity to Parris Island and a U.S. Naval Hospital, in addition to being home of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Link to Site.

We have been to Beaufort before and took advantage of some of the many tours available to see the historic district and hear about Beaufort's unique history - including the fact that it was one of only a few southern cities not destroyed during the Civil War (or War of Northern Aggression as it is still called here in the South).  This was a shorter stay and included a quick drive around (and stop at an historic church), lunch, and shopping in downtown Beaufort.  We found a great local seafood place for lunch on Lady's Island called "Steamers" which we highly recommend!

Beaufort is a very charming city and well worth taking the time to get to know it better.  It is about an hour's drive from Hilton Head Island.  Here are several websites with information about tours, places to stay and nearby attractions - Tourist Information and City Information.

Here are some photo highlights of the trip - I will be returning for a longer stay in June of 2013 when we are having a family reunion on Hilton Head Island.