Beaufort, South Carolina

As a planner, I plan EVERYTHING (obvious, I know)! Creating meal plans, shopping lists, itineraries, content calendars down to the very last detail I rarely leave room for any spontaneity. In fact, there are very few times that I can recall being very spontaneous (that’s not to say that I don’t break my routine and do fun things, I do, I just have never really walked into a situation without a plan), which was one of the main reasons I started to write this blog. Over the past week I did just that and completely stepped out of my comfort zone leaving New England behind on a road trip to Key West with no plans (OK, OK…we did book two hotels, but that was it, I swear!!!) 

Our first stop, Beaufort, South Carolina!

Beaufort, South Carolina is a charming town located on Port Royal Island, in the heart of the Sea Islands and South Carolina Lowcountry. Overlooking the river and nestled in Oak trees covered with Spanish Moss (they are gorgeous!), Beaufort offers a rich historical perspective imbued with southern charm. 

Interested in channeling my inner Reese Witherspoon, we set out for Beaufort, South Carolina (it was as close to Alabama as I could get! #sweethomealabama). Unaware of what to expect of this tiny town having done no research before hand I was unbelievably anxious to arrive. After a thirteen hour drive, we arrived and Beaufort, South Carolina stole my heart from the moment I started to explore. 

Accommodations

Anchorage 1770 allows its guest to step through the pages of history upon their arrival. Described best on on the Anchorage website, “Guests of Anchorage 1770 have a front-row seat in a rich drama 240 years in the making.” There is no other way to describe it other than rich with history, timeless with touches that make you feel at home and unbelievably magical. Attention to detail from interior design to homemade cookies delivered to your room before bed made our stay at the Anchorage 1770 by far one of the best hospitality experiences I have ever had and will continue to set the bar for future vacations. My advice would be to book it as soon as you can and go, I promise you, you won’t regret it! If you love history and would like to know about what makes this gem so fascinating check out their website or call to speak to one of their amazing staff members (they are the nicest people ever!). 

Wine & Dine

Lunch: Plums is perfect for a relaxed lunch with a fantastic view. An outdoor patio over looks the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offering a view of the river. The ingredients are sourced from nearby farms. The big portions ensure that no one goes home hungry and I recommend the Biarritz wrap!

Outfit Details: Sweater (Similar), Top (Similar), White Skinny,  Shoes

Dinner: The Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770 aims to create a similar atmosphere to the original Ribaut Club, established at the Anchorage in 1891. The club hosted performances, lavish parties, dancing and gambling - an escape from everyday responsibilities. Today, the club offers locals and visiting guests decadent regional cuisine in their intimate dining room or roof-top balcony. The menu, changing monthly, has something for everyone and is unbelievably delicious. The Heirloom Tomato Salad, Wild Striped Bass. Prime Strip Steak and Lemon Custard Sponge Cake are must haves if you can get there by the end of March! 

Outfit Details: Dress, Heels

Entertainment

Our time in Beaufort wasn’t nearly long enough leaving so many adventures waiting for us when we return. Even though, we weren’t able to fully explore all the Beaufort has to offer I wanted to give you a list of a few things that are on my must do list for the next time we are there so if you visit you all can try it out and tell me if you liked it or not! 

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park: Enjoy the view from one of the many bench swings along the walking paths at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park! We could have spent all day there if we weren’t starving from our long drive. The view is outstanding and having a few moments to just talk and relax is always a nice way to start a vacation. 

Fort Fremont: Watch Hill, Rhode Island and San Francisco have so many neat forts to visit, but from the pictures I am dying to explore Fort Fremont in Beaufort. Located in St. Helena Island, Fort Fremont is a Spanish American War fort built in 1899 and abandoned in 1921 (so freaking cool!). 

Port Royal’s Cypress Wetlands: I LOVE animals and from what I have read you are able to take a nature tour at the Port Royal’s Cypress Wetlands and could potentially see egrets, ducks (I LOVE DUCKS), great blue herons and a variety of other shorebirds. Along the winding boardwalk you also will be able to see willow oak trees.