With a steeple that towers over the town of Beaufort, SC, St Helena’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in North America. Established in 1712 as a colonial parish of the Church of England, this church still serves the community it surrounds. The original church was almost completely demolished in 1824 to allow for an expansive rebuild.

The beautiful historic city of Walterboro sits right on I-95 at exits 53 and 57. If you’re traveling, this is the perfect spot to get out and stretch your legs. There are many interesting attractions for you to chose from. You just might decide to make this historic city a part of your itinerary.

Oyster Roast season is a much-anticipated time of year in the South Carolina Lowcountry. These saltwater treasures are best eaten on a chilly night while standing by the fire that steamed them to perfection. We tend to enjoy them with cocktail sauce, saltines and a group of friends. The later the hour, the taller the tales. There are several places in our area to find the perfect oyster roast.

Historically speaking, the “Frampton House” property was part of an original King’s Grant to the Frampton family in the 1700s. The family oversaw the production of 4,000 acres, which were used for growing cotton, rice and other crops. During the 1865 Campaign of the Carolinas, General Sherman’s troops marched from Savannah to Columbia. Along the way they burned the plantation house and all the farm buildings that stood on this site.

A trip to Beaufort is always a good idea – no matter what season you pick. October is packed with events that will keep you busy.
The action-packed month starts off with the Beaufort Shrimp Festival. This two-day event features some of the best shrimp dishes you will ever try!

This is a heritage event that celebrates Lowcountry cuisine. Participating local restaurants prepare samples of Lowcountry dishes featuring South Carolina wild-caught shrimp. Prizes are awarded for “best recipe” and “most creative recipe”. Food vendors will be set up along the park both days.

The Spanish Moss Trail is an expanding rails-to-trail greenway running from Clarendon Road in northern Beaufort County to Port Royal along the historic Magnolia Line Railroad, which once connected Yemassee to Port Royal. This was an active railroad line from 1870-2003. This 10-mile greenway has become a must-experience activity for locals and tourists alike. The 12-foot-wide paved trail is a great space for walking, running, biking, skating, scooting, strolling or even fishing. The trail is handicap accessible, and parking lots are provided.

The Hampton Museum & Visitor’s Center is located at 15 Elm Street, across from the County Courthouse. Visitors are welcome to browse the displays on any given Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, from 2 – 5 p.m.
This architecturally significant building started life as the Bank of Hampton in 1892. The two-story Italianate influenced brick building was designed by French architect Vincent Fontaine. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bank closed its doors in 1930, but the upstairs space was rented as a law office until the 1960s. The structure was given to the town in 1987 and it became a museum shortly after. The bank’s original vault and safe with hand painted doors are still intact today.

It’s that time of year again. Fall descends on our neck of the woods with very little change, other than the appearance of pumpkin patches and holiday events. The temperatures will start off lower and with excitement we pile on sweaters, only to remove them when the midday temperatures reach 90. We don’t put them away though, because as the sun sets, we layer them back on. It’s okay, that’s what we’re used to. We pull out the fall decorations and head off to the pumpkin patches. We book our holiday ghost tours and look for hayrides. We buy all things apple and pumpkin spice, and we get ready for oyster season. This is fall in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The historic towns of Walterboro and Beaufort are big on tradition and social gathering. These lowcountry towns have both dedicated a special day each month for just such occasions. Come over to Walterboro on the First Thursday of each month, then head to Beaufort on the First Friday. The shops are unique, the food is divine and the people are one-of-a-kind! Experience southern hospitality in the heart of the lowcountry!

Fall rolls around with much applause in the South Carolina Lowcountry. It a celebration of many things: harvest and seafood being the biggest draw, but secretly we southerners are most happy about the cooler temperatures. October and November are stock-full of exciting events for those looking to get out and celebrate the bounty of our harvest and lower temperatures that come with the beloved season.