Women's Clothing Boutique Near Me Beaufort, SC

Hey y’all. Beaufort did it again. Beaufort SC was just named one of the Best Small Towns in America by CNN, the most popular news outlet on Earth.

“The vast majority of Americans may live in big cities (more than 70%, according to the 2020 census), but there’s an enduring affection for small towns and cities,” CNN said. “The United States boasts tens of thousands of towns and cities with fewer than 50,000 people. So there’s no lack of choice when it comes to visiting America’s diminutive destinations. But how do you choose which are the best?”

Enter, Beaufort, South Carolina.

“Founded in 1711, this charming town is the second-oldest in South Carolina, after Charleston. Stately mansions built before the Civil War surround the commercial hub along Bay Street,” the popular outlet published in its July 21st article 15 Best Towns & Cities in America, which named Beaufort SC #4 on its list.

In a nod to our waterfront dining, CNN said, “a pleasant park along the waters of the Beaufort River is just beyond the street lined with restaurants and shops. Shade and sustenance – with waterfront views – are available on the porches and patios at Plums, Saltus River Grill and Lowcountry Cider Co. & Superior Coffee.”

“Exhibits and artifacts inside the old Arsenal show how Beaufort was in Yankee hands for most of the Civil War, while the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park (one of the newest units of the US National Park System) spins tales of the post-war American South.”

“Beaufort is bullish on festivals including an oyster festival in January, Original Gullah Festival over Memorial Day weekend, and shrimp festival in September.”

And, not leaving out our cultural history, CNN added, “a string of barrier islands is just across the bridge. St. Helena is rich in the culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of formerly enslaved West and Central Africans.”

And our beaches and amazing natural environment even got a mention. “Farther on, the state’s most popular park, Hunting Island State Park, boasts thousands of acres of maritime forest and marsh fronted by five miles of unspoiled beach.”

It’s good to be consistently included among the best, but this isn’t really that much of a surprise if you’ve ever visited Beaufort SC.

Beaufort is in some good company on the list, too. Other towns made the list include Saranac Lake, New York, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Taos, New Mexico, Moab, Utah, Whitefish, Montana and Mackinac Island Village, Michigan.

The accolades really have been pouring in for Beaufort recently, and we couldn’t be more proud.

Trips To Discover recently named Beaufort the Best Summer Vacation Destination in South Carolina, one of the Most Friendliest Towns in the U.S. and one of the 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.

In 2022, Southern Living magazine named Beaufort the #1 Best Small Town in the South.

We’ve also recently been named one of the 25 Best Small Towns in America by Architectural Digest; the Most Charming Small Town in South Carolina; one of the Cutest Towns in the U.S. and the Most Quaint Town in South Carolina.

In addition to those, Southern Living magazine named the Old Sheldon Church ruins one of the South’s Most Beautiful Chapels; named Hunting Island State Park one of the Best State Parks in the South; and named downtown Beaufort’s Craven Street one of the South’s Most Beautiful Streets.

Read the full CNN article here.

Before you set out on a long day of adventures while exploring Beaufort and our sea islands, you need to fuel up with a delicious breakfast. Fortunately, the booming culinary scene in the area extends to what many say is the most important meal of the day. From classic breakfast options to vegan fare and delicious Lowcountry favorites, Beaufort SC has plenty of great options to start your morning.

Lowcountry Cider & Superior Coffee

There’s a lot of great taste coming out of this little St. Helena Island coffee shop. With fresh made breakfast sandwiches served on homemade biscuits and croissants, fresh pastries galore and every coffee, latte, tea and espresso drink you can think of, there’s something for everyone on the menu board. And as a bonus, the spot comes equipped with all the perks of a little country store. Lowcountry Cider & Superior Coffee, 507 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena SC

Blackstone’s Cafe

After serving breakfast for over 32 years, Blackstone’s Cafe is as welcoming as a local spot could ever be. Located in the heart of historic downtown Beaufort SC, you’ll find traditional breakfast options intertwined with local Lowcountry delicacies. Blackstone’s offers a traditional breakfast “your way” with pancakes, omelets, French toast and more, along with local favorites including their nearly-famous shrimp & grits (yes, it’s for breakfast), and corned beef hash. And, if you’re there at 8am, you’ll add to your experience and have your breakfast interrupted by the daily reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, to which every patron typically partakes of en masse. Menu Watch: You’ll spot an occasional offering of Eggs Benedict which includes traditional, crab, or salmon. Blackstone’s Cafe, 205 Scott Street, Downtown Beaufort SC

Herban Market & Cafe

Herban Market & Cafe is Beaufort’s vegan and vegetarian cafe and bakery where you’ll find freshly made juices and smoothies, espresso and coffees, along with the healthy food options you may be inclined to look for. With everything fresh-made from scratch, popular items include homemade breakfast burritos with fresh veggies and vegan sausage, southern style grits, savory sweet danishes, biscuits and muffins…all made with your good health in mind. Herban Market & Cafe, 1601 North Street, Beaufort SC

Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant

The Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant in Port Royal is big on breakfast. We mean, BIG. The local spot serves a hearty meal each and every time. The Olde Schoolhouse offers a variety of traditional fare as well as some bonus offerings on its breakfast menu including shrimp & grits (we told you, it’s for breakfast), deliciously crafted pancake sandwiches, chicken & pancakes, steak and eggs, grits, country fried steak and lots more. Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant, 1638 Paris Avenue, Port Royal SC

Red Rooster Cafe

The breakfast menu at Red Rooster Cafe is as exciting as it is diverse. This local spot is all about flavor, and their menu tells it all. Along with traditional breakfast choices, you find lots of imagination in options including green eggs & ham, Old McDonald’s E-I-E-I-O, and the popular Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Other goodies include crab cake Benedict, chicken & waffles, breakfast tacos, and shrimp or catfish with grits. Red Rooster Cafe, 2045 Boundary Street, Beaufort SC.

Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe

Located in downtown Beaufort perfectly positioned inside an old post office building, Lowcountry Produce is a popular local breakfast spot with farm to table fare. Everything is made fresh, including their amazing homemade donuts, and you can definitely see the difference in the taste. Their menu offers traditional fare including brioche French toast, omelets, country sausage, breakfast sandwiches, grits and lots more. Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe, 302 Carteret Street, Beaufort SC

Urban Brew + Co

This locally owned trendy coffee shop offers some seriously good wake up taste. Urban Brew + Co has put together a smallish menu of breakfast options that meshes perfectly with its larger drink menu. You’ll find all the coffee, latte, and cappuccino that you need, but you’ve got to eat, too. Lucky for you, you can choose from their waffles, breakfast sandwiches on ciabatta rolls, specialty toasts, oatmeal offerings, acai bowls, yogurt parfaits and lots more. Pay special attention to their fresh pastry case to see what just came out of the oven, you’ll be glad you did. Urban Brew + Co, 2139 Boundary Street, Beaufort SC

Rain-N-Bagels

Don’t let the name fool you. Rain N Bagels in downtown Beaufort is much more than a spot to grab a bagel for breakfast. Their breakfast menu offers lots of options if you’re not looking for a typical breakfast. You’ll find traditional breakfast bagel sandwiches and wraps, bagels & lox, a breakfast BLT, omelet bagels, a good variety of pastries, danishes and muffins and coffees. Rain N Bagels, 221 Scott Street, Beaufort SC

Beaufort’s premiere summer event is here. The 10 day, 67th Annual Beaufort Water Festival is taking place from July 14th through July 23rd at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. It’s a summertime celebration of Lowcountry culture that Beaufort SC locals wouldn’t miss for the world and that has tens of thousands of visitors making a special trip to experience each year. Enjoy our photo galleries of several (but, not ALL) of the events. We’ll dump photos into our galleries daily, so you don’t miss out on too much. Some photos are taken by us, some are sent in, but most are taken by Amber Hewitt at Amber’s Eye Photography.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Also, a BIG thank you to Chelsea Gratton and Sarah Christofek for their photos of the Raft Races. Photo creds go to them.

The LGBTQ+ Lowcountry Pride Group is planning to move its annual Pride festival to a public park in Port Royal, which has sparked a divide in the community as opponents attempt to block it and supporters come to its defense.

It would be the first time the event, which has been held in Bluffton the past four years, would be held north of the Broad River.

Angela Wright, who represents the group, said it is looking to move the event to Port Royal in November because a number of sponsors in northern Beaufort County have expressed interest in supporting it.

“We have a lot of people who are really excited it’s going to be in Port Royal for once,” Wright said.

Wright’s comments came in July, when she gave an update on the plans during a Town Council work session.

Since then, residents who are opposed to the event being held in the public Live Oaks Park have attended Town Council meetings to urge elected officials to block the plans. That testimony has prompted others to show up to support the Pride festival being in Port Royal.

Opponents have cited concerns about the location of the festival being near the town’s elementary school and the possibility of drag queens participating in a parade. They’ve also raised issues about the distribution of LGBTQ+ information regarding gender.

Wright initially told the Town Council that a parade was part of the plans, but Mayor Joe DeVito said Thursday that he’s met with the group and a parade is no longer under consideration.

“They tell me that none of that is going to happen at this event,” DeVito said.

The group must meet certain requirements to use the park, and its application is under review, DeVito said. “At this point, there is nothing glaring that says they don’t meet the requirements.”

“Make no mistake, if you are not against this movement, you are for it,” Danny Norwood, describing himself as a father, grandfather and follower of Jesus Christ, told council members Wednesday, which brought applause.

National LGBTQ+ groups are on a “twisted spiritual crusade” to steal the innocence of kids, Norwood said, adding he believes it is no coincidence that the event is proposed near a school.

“I would ask everybody in this community, on this council, to consider what we’re letting in,” Norwood said. “The snake has crawled under the door.”

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, when school will not be in session.

Supporters say Pride festivals are safe, welcoming events where people can find support and information and have a good time, too.

“My family will be there, and we look forward to celebrating all of God’s beloved children with you,” said Mary Foster, describing herself as a straight cisgender female who is married and has a son who is transgender.

Cisgender means a person’s gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth; transgender means a person’s gender does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.

Those who don’t want to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community “should stay home,” said Foster, adding she’s been been frustrated and embarrassed that there is so little to honor the LGTBQ+ community in Beaufort County.

The LGBTQ+ Lowcountry Pride Group says its mission is to promote the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in the Lowcountry by educating society, honoring its heritage, advocating for its culture and celebrating diversity.

Wright said the event is family oriented and will include vendors, a bounce house and face painting.

This story was originally published August 10, 2023, 12:28 PM.

Eight Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” grades in June health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:

Berkeley Hall Clubhouse, 366 Good Hope Road in Bluffton, scored an 88% (A) in a routine inspection on June 16. Even though that normally would merit an B grade, the business was given a A and a chance to correct violations. Inspectors noted problems with the temperature of the dish machine, cooked beef brisket held past the seven-day disposition date, consumer advisory statements not linked to relevant menu items, and issues with the facility not following a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food-safety plan.

The clubhouse scored a 98% (B) in a follow-up inspection June 27. This normally would merit an A grade, but the clubhouse was given a B because of a continued issue with the HACCP: Thawed fish was not properly labeled.

The clubhouse was reinspected on June 28 and scored a 100% (A).

Corner Perk, 1297 May River Road 11C in Bluffton, scored an 80% (B) in a routine inspection June 15. Inspectors noted problems with the chlorine level in the chemical dish machine, cold-holding temperatures, containers of soap and bleach without labels on the bottles, pesticide labeled for residential use stored near the dish machine, a box of potatoes on the floor, and equipment in need of maintenance.

The coffee shop was reinspected on June 21 and scored a 100% (A).

Delcid la Moreliana, 802 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island, scored an 82% (B) in a routine inspection June 2. Inspectors noted that the person in charge did not posses a certified food protection manager certificate; a kitchen handwashing sink did not have paper towels; the manual washing procedure had no chemical sanitizer, and the final rinse temperature was too low; pots, pans and food storage containers were stored while unclean; lack of a date-marking policy; chemicals stored with food ingredients; two bowls of meat were thawing at room temperature; several paper bags of food ingredients were stored on the floor; single service cups, takeout trays and napkins were stored on the floor; there was no sanitizer for warewashing; and there was a heavy buildup of grime and food debris on kitchen shelving and inside cabinets.

The restaurant was reinspected on June 12 and scored a 95% (A) and again on June 22 and scored a 100% (A).

Ela’s on the Water, 1 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island, scored a 94% (B) in an inspection June 14 that was the result of a public complaint. A note from the inspector says the facility’s plumbing system underground is failing, and gray water is backing up into the the outside service sink and into the parking lot. DHEC defines gray water as wastewater that is generated by appliances such as sinks, showers and laundry.

The restaurant was subject to a routine inspection on June 23 and scored an 82% (B). Inspectors noted the lack of chlorine in the chemical dish machine; issues with cold food holding temperatures, food cooling processes and the need for repairs of the walk-in cooler; hood filters with a thick layer of grease and grime; problems with plumbing at the three-compartment sink and from the restaurant to the sewer system outside; and debris in the grout lines of the kitchen floor.

The restaurant was inspected again on June 29 and scored a 100% (A).

Lowcountry Produce, 1919 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, scored an 84% (B) in a routine inspection June 19. Inspectors noted a hand-washing sink without cleanser or paper towels, problems with cold food holding temperatures, food items without date marks, a kitchen window propped open with no means of preventing the entry of pests, the presence of live cockroaches throughout the facility, coolers in need of repair, spilled grease and debris on the floor behind the cook line, and damaged walls with paint flaking off in the line area.

The restaurant was reinspected on June 29 and scored an 89% (B). Inspectors noted continued issues with cold food holding temperatures and date marking, coolers in need of repair, and kitchen walls with damage and in need of painting.

The restaurant was reinspected on July 5 and scored a 100% (A).

Okko, 95 Matthews Drive Suite C on Hilton Head Island, scored an 81% (B) in a routine inspection June 27. Inspectors noted a handwashing sink without cleanser; grime on the cook line breading container and ice machine reflector plate; problems with cold food holding temperatures; pest sprays and medication stored next to food; boxes of food stored on the floor of the freezer; coolers in need of repairs; and the need to clean gaskets of the prep unit, shelves throughout the facility, handles to coolers and hood filters.

The restaurant was reinspected on June 29 and scored a 100% (A).

Pizza Hut #34753, 35 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort, scored a 98% (B) in an inspection June 29 that was the result of a public complaint. This grade normally would merit an A grade, but the report says this was a consecutive violation: Running water in the three-compartment sink was not reaching a high enough temperature. Previous inspection reports were not immediately available on the DHEC website.

The restaurant was reinspected on July 7 and scored a 100% (A).

Polanco Modern Mex Kitchen, 9 Market St. #1 in Beaufort, scored an 82% (B) in a routine inspection June 21. Inspectors noted that the person in charge did not posses a certified food protection manager certificate; there was a case of corn in dry storage with mold and pests; unclean plates were stacked and stored as clean; plates and utensils were washed and rinsed but not sanitized; there was no date-marking system for foods; the consumer advisory on the menu was incomplete; the kitchen door was propped open without an air curtain or screen; there were flies and cockroaches in the kitchen; in-use wiping cloths were held in soiled water; single-use cups were being used as scoops in ingredient bins; there were no sanitizer test strips for the warewashing equipment; and the unisex restroom did not have a lidded trash can.

The restaurant was reinspected on June 30 and scored a 97% (A).

Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score.

During June, DHEC recorded 155 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.

Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.

Below are the SC DHEC restaurant grades in Beaufort County from June 1-30, 2023.

At the top left of the chart, there is a space to search for the name of a restaurant. Please note that this month’s inspections take up two pages. Switch to page 2 at the top right.

This story was originally published July 14, 2023, 12:17 PM.

Six Beaufort County food businesses were cited with grades below an “A” in routine health inspections in April by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:

Albergotti Grill, 2225 Boundary St. in Beaufort, scored an 82% (B) in a routine inspection on April 10. Among the issues noted: All hand-washing stations without paper towels; moldy produce in coolers; organic buildup on the ice machine; problems with cold food temperatures, lack of dates on prepared foods and food held past the date mark; leak under ice machine and door to the freezer unable to properly close; soda syrup and sticky grime on the floors near the ice machine and grime on the floors in the walk in cooler.

The restaurant was reinspected on April 17 and scored a 100% (A).

Beaufort Wet Willie’s, 2127 Boundary St. in Beaufort, scored an 82% (B) in a routine inspection on April 12. Among the issues noted: Food employee sneezed into gloved hand and continued to work; food employee touched raw product and then utensils and ready-to-eat hamburger buns without a hand wash and glove change; one hand-washing sink blocked with cleaning tools and supplies; one hand-washing sink without paper towels; food employee placed a package of raw hamburger meat on the sandwich prep board while preparing cheese sauce and plating hamburger buns; lack of chlorine sanitizer in the dish machine; build-up of pink organic matter inside of the ice machine; problems with cold food temperatures; containers of dry ingredients without identifying labels; and build up of soap scum, limescale, food crumbs and organic matter on the dish machine.

The restaurant was reinspected on April 21 and scored a 100% (A).

Blue Laguna Mexican Grill and Cantina, 841 William Hilton Parkway Suite L on Hilton Head, scored a 78% (B) in a routine inspection on April 27. Among the issues noted: Oysters stored in the walk-in cooler without identifying tags attached, and shelled oysters stored in standing water; lack of chlorine sanitizer in the dish machine and a build up of soap scum and limescale; organic build up inside the ice machine bin and on the soda nozzles; food without date marks; lack of consumer advisories about raw foods on menu; toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash stored with clean dishes; cooler unit near cookline in poor condition; and holes in walls by the ice machine.

The restaurant was reinspected on May 3 and scored a 100% (A).

La Mexicana, 21 Simmonsville Road Suite A in Bluffton, scored a 72% (C) in a routine inspection on April 13. Among the issues noted: Hand sink in meat market area blocked with hose connected to faucet; unpackaged frozen raw animal proteins stored together in a manner that promotes cross contamination in chest freezers; unclean cutting knives at sandwich prep counter; unclean meat saw, meat slicer, butcher cutting board, meat trays and tortilla processing machine; heavy accumulation of organic matter inside ice machine; problems with cold food temperatures; lack of food date marking system and repackaged bulk and house-made food offered for retail sale without labels; tilapia thawing in standing water; garage doors in back food storage room open; live roaches in kitchen near the hand-washing station; large quantity of freshly made masa dough stored improperly, uncovered in back room and exposed to the elements; pork bellies hung to dry in front of a dusty fan on an untreated greasy wooden frame; knives stored improperly and scoops without handles in dry food containers; an untreated 2x4 used as a food contact surface; chest freezer lid in poor condition; unclean spice containers and food storage containers; holes in walls and sagging ceiling tiles in the meat prep room; missing ceiling tiles in kitchen and food prep storage rooms; unclean floors and an excessive amount of tools and unrelated items stored in tortilla processing room.

The restaurant was reinspected on April 18 and scored a 96% (A).

New Sake Grill and Sushi, 1017 Fording Island Road Suite F104 in Bluffton, scored a 79% (B) in a routine inspection on April 12. Among the issues noted: Multiple food handlers went outside and returned to preparing food without hand-washing; escolar offered on menu labeled as white tuna; prep table not sanitized after use; spatula washed but not sanitized before re-use with different animal protein; several cutting boards with heavy accumulation of black organic buildup and deep scoring; utensils and food strainer stored with food residue; problems with both hot and cold food temperatures; lack of consumer advisory about raw sushi on menu; multiple unlabled chemical spray bottles; bleach and dish soap stored on top of onions; open Vaseline stored above hot line; large crack in sliding glass door cooler and other issues with the cooler; cutting board in use with large crack in center.

The restaurant was reinspected on April 21 and scored a 100% (A).

Tio’s Latin American Kitchen, 7 Venture Drive #106 in Bluffton, scored a 96% (B) in a follow-up inspection on April 20. Even though that normally would merit an A grade, the business was given a B because of food temperature issues in the walk-in cooler that had been noted in a routine inspection the day before.

The restaurant was reinspected on April 21 and scored a 100% (A).

Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score.

During April, DHEC recorded 147 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of health inspections on its website.

Newer food grade decals will include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see the food establishment’s latest report.

Below are the SC DHEC restaurant grades in Beaufort County from April 1-30, 2023.

At the top left of the chart, there is a space to search for the name of a restaurant. Please note that this month’s inspections take up two pages. Switch to page 2 at the top right.