Blog Archives - Page 8 of 17 - South Carolina Lowcountry

We Are Dog-Friendly

January 14, 2021

No comments

Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Daufuskie Island, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Hampton, Hampton County, Hardeeville, Hilton Head Island, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Parks, Ridgeland, Uncategorized, Walterboro

Bring Fido along for your next dog-friendly adventure to the South Carolina Lowcountry!

dog-friendly south carolina — Photo by Amy Lane.

Dogs are considered family members and are treated as such in the Lowcountry. Accommodations, restaurants, tours, beaches, and charters can be found that welcome the addition of dogs to the party. Here’s a selection of activities in the South Carolina Lowcountry that are dog-friendly.

dog-friendly beach south carolina — Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Parks and Outdoor Areas that are dog-friendly:

Hunting Island State Park allows dogs on a leash in the park. They are not allowed in cabin areas or inside the lighthouse complex. They are also not allowed on the northern tip of the island to protest critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Take advantage of the many walking trails located throughout the park.

dog-friendly south carolina beaches — Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Lake Warren State Park allows dogs inmost outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. The trails at the park make excellent walking paths for dogs.

Edisto Beach State Park allows dogs in most outdoor areas including the trails provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas.

Colleton State Park allows dogs in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.

dog-friendly parks south carolina — Image provided by Lanie Woods.

Dogs are permitted on Hilton Head beaches before 10 am and after 5 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs must be on a leash or under positive voice control at all other times.

Fikki enjoys the Lowcountry outdoors. Photo by Peach Morrison.

Hilton Head Island’s Chaplin Community Park off-leash dog park is located off William Hilton Parkway between Burkes Beach Road and Singleton Beach Road. This is a great place to bring the dogs to play with others.

Hilton Head Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Audubon Newhall Preserve allow dogs on a leash.

Hilton Head Fishing charters and river cruises that allow dogs include Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruise, Vagabond Cruise, Calibogue Cruises, Runaway Fishing Charters, and Over Yonder Charters. For websites and more information visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/charters/.

Hardeeville’s Sgt Jasper Park has many walking trails that are perfect for short hikes with your dog. Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail is also a good place for dog walking. Both parks are conveniently located just off I-95.

*Hardeeville Dog Park image by James Buquet.*

Hardeeville also has an off-leash dog park located in the Richard Gray Sports Complex behind City Hall, 205 Main Street. The park is divided into areas for small and large dogs. There’s also a designated area for senior dogs as well. The park has shaded benches and doggie water fountains. The park is conveniently located just off I-95, making it a great place to let the pups run off energy.

ACE Basin National Wildlife Management Area allows dogs on a leash. Roam the grounds, hike the trails and picnic on the lawn of the Grove Plantation House.

Fripp Island beaches, most accommodations and activities are dog friendly.

Pippa enjoys a windy day at the Sands Beach. Photo by Julieann.

Port Royal’s Sands Boardwalk and Beach and the Cypress Wetlands Trail are fun places to walk in the late afternoon. The sunset from the Sands Boardwalk is outstanding.

dog-friendly trails south carolina — Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Yemassee’s Frampton Plantation Visitors Center enjoys visiting with dogs. They are allowed inside and out! Plan a picnic on the grounds and take the dog for a walk through the woods. Come inside and visit with the friendly staff that love visits from leashed dogs. The center is located on I-95 at Exit 33.

Edisto’s Botany Bay Ecotours also allows dogs.

Several restaurants with outdoor seating allow dogs. Here is a sample of restaurants by city. For restaurant websites visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/restaurants/.

Beaufort
Bricks on Boundary
Common Ground Coffeehouse and Market Café
Hemingways Bistro
Luther’s Rare & Well Done
Panini’s on the Waterfront
Plums
After a downtown meal, be sure to go for a walk at the Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park.

St Helena Island
Johnson Creek Tavern
Marsh Tacky Market Café
After a St. Helena meal, walk through the Chapel of Ease and Ft. Fremont.

HHI
Skull Creek Boathouse
Captain Woody’s
Old Oyster Factory
Crazy Crab
Up the Creek Pub & Grill
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Go for a walk through Audubon Newhall Preserve or Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Bluffton
The Cottage
Old Town Dispensary
Katie O’Donalds
Okatie Ale House
Fat Patties
Guiseppi’s Pizza
Captain Buddy’s Charters
Go for a walk through the many parks in the Old Town area of Bluffton, or Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve.

Walterboro
Fat Jacks
Sonic Drive-in
After dinner, stroll through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.

Edisto Island
Seacow Eatery
Flowers Seafood
Pressley’s at the Marina
La Retta’s Pizzeria
McConkey’s Jungle Shack
After dinner, walk through Bay Creek Park or Edisto Beach State Park.

Ridgeland
Alchile Mexican Grill
Eats & Sweets Bakery
Fiddlers Seafood
PJ’s Coffee House
Go for a walk through Blue Heron Nature Center’s trail after dinner.

*Doggie life jackets are a good idea if you plan to add boating to your agenda. Photo by Charlotte Pinckney.*

Dog friendly accommodations are easy to find in the Lowcountry. Many rental homes, hotels and bed & breakfast locations are happy to accept your furry friends.

*The historic Anchorage 1770 is dog friendly.*

Certain rooms at the Anchorage 1770 are also dog friendly. Just let the staff know you plan to bring your furry friend, and you will be booked accordingly. The Beaufort Inn also allows dogs.

While visiting Lowcountry parks and wildlife management areas, dog owners are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal’s excrement. Please keep in mind, it is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.

When going on outings with your dog be sure to bring food, trail treats, water and water bowl, plastic bags, leash, and collar. Make sure your current contact information is on your dog’s collar. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

January 12, 2021

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Blog, Food & Drink

The Lowcountry’s favorite comfort food recipe

Visitors to the Frampton Plantation Visitors Center often ask advice on what to see and do in the Lowcountry. The conversation always turns to food. No matter the Lowcountry destination, I always recommend trying the shrimp and grits. This dish is a treat of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Most natives have their own way of cooking it. I learned from two local treasures: Daufuskie Island’s Sallie Ann Robinson and my father-in-law Ryan Pinckney.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a scoop of southern grits topped with shrimp and gravy. Combining the knowledge gained from watching the master chefs, I came up with a concoction that fit the bill on a cold winter’s night!

Ingredients:
1-pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
paprika
salt & pepper
1-cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
¼ green bell pepper, diced
4 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
Additional bacon, crumbled for garnish
1 cup bacon grease
grits
chicken stock
butter
fresh parsley

Directions
Cook a pot of grits using water, a little chicken stock, salt, and butter. Simmer on low.

Season the shrimp with paprika, salt and pepper, then set it aside.

Dice and sauté bacon with celery, bell pepper and onion. Remove veggies and bacon from pan and put into blender. Pulse until it turns into a gravy consistency.

Heat bacon grease in pan. Use a plastic bag to coat shrimp in flour. Shake off excess and fry shrimp, just until they turn pink. Remove from pan.

Using the same pan, warm gravy until bubbly. Pour gravy over grits and top with shrimp. Garnish with parsley and crumbled bacon.

This recipe makes a gravy that is thicker than what you normally see in a restaurant, but the flavor is delicious. It’s a simple and wholesome meal that takes me back to the memories of my father-in-law’s kitchen and all the delicious meals that he would prepare.

Cooking with the Master!

January 12, 2021 | Updated on: June 5, 2026

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Blog, Food & Drink, Ridgeland

The Lowcountry’s Favorite Comfort Food Cooked by Daufuskie Island’s Favorite Chef

Sallie Ann Robinson
Daufuskie Island
Shrimp and grits — Shrimp gravy simmers while Sallie Ann tells stories of Daufuskie.
Image by Carmen Pinckney.

Daufuskie Island’s own chef Sallie Ann Robinson tours the Lowcountry teaching Gullah cooking. The sixth-generation island native has authored several cookbooks and conducts cooking demonstrations both locally and nationally. She came to the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and taught participants how to cook shrimp and grits and share stories of her beloved Daufuskie Island.

Sallie Ann Robinson
Daufuskie Island — Old and new friends gather around their favorite Lowcountry chef.
Photo submitted by Carmen Pinckney.

The evening started off with glasses of wine and conversation. After we were properly acquainted, Sallie Ann started a demonstration that was intermingled with cooking and stories of her beloved Daufuskie Island. She shared stories of a very influential sixth grade year spent with her teacher (and later famous author) Pat Conroy. He wrote a book about his experiences on the island entitled The Water is Wide. Conroy would later write the forward to Sallie Ann’s first cookbook entitled Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way.

As Sallie Ann weaved a tale of island stories, she fried bacon and stirred a pot of grits. She sprinkled shrimp with spices and tossed them in flour. Then she cooked the shrimp until they reached the perfect shade of pink.

She next sautéed the vegetables until they were tender and added the shrimp back to the pan. The flavors simmered together until the gravy thickened and turned a beautiful brown.

When we felt like we couldn’t stand it any longer, the shrimp and gravy was ladled over the slow-cooked grits and presented to us! Believe me when I tell you, it was worth the wait! I have never tasted anything so delicious and comforting. I’m glad it was a cold night, because the meal warmed me from the inside out!

As the evening came to an end, I waited in line with everyone else to have Sallie Ann sign my cookbook. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with the sixth-generation Daufuskie native who is both an entertainer and a master chef. She is most definitely a Lowcountry treasure. After her demonstration I gathered ingredients and made my family’s Shrimp and Grits recipe.

Sallie Ann’s recipe for Cooper River Smuttered Shrimp can be found in her cookbook Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way. To experience a tour on Daufuskie with Sallie Ann Robinson, visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/daufuskie-island-tours.

We’re Accessible

January 6, 2021

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Daufuskie Island, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Hampton, Hardeeville, Hilton Head Island, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Parks, Ridgeland, Walterboro

Limited mobility is not a problem in the SC Lowcountry.

mobility impaired destination — *Sgt. Jasper Park photo by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.*

The South Carolina Lowcountry is the perfect destination for people with limited mobility. The consistency of our flat ground makes reaching many attractions easily attainable. Come tour the natural beauty of our unspoiled landscape. Bask in the sunshine at one of our beaches, view the carefully preserved architecture and experience a fishing expedition. There’s something here for everyone!

Beaufort

The sidewalks and streets of downtown Beaufort make touring the city quite easy. Take a walking tour of Beaufort’s Historic Churches, or tour along Bay Street’s Waterfront Homes. Venture across Boundary Street to view the Homes of the Point . The Historic Churches of Beaufort can be viewed, either driving or walking.

Looking for an indoor adventure? Visit the Beaufort Arsenal Museum , or the Penn Center.

*Sands Boardwalk image by Miles Sanders.*

For beautiful sunsets that are unmatched in beauty, head over to Port Royal’s Sands Boardwalk. Make sure to stop by the Cypress Wetlands Rookery on the way. Roll through the paved trail loop and look for egrets, herons, eagles and migratory birds.

Interested in fishing while in Beaufort? Head over to the Crystal Lake Park. The 25-acre park has a boardwalk that surrounds the lake and has docks that are perfect for catch and release fishing.

Looking for nighttime fun? Beaufort is one of the few cities where you can step back in time and go to a drive-in movie. The Highway 21 Drive-in has been updated with a digital format and concession stand snacks can be ordered online. They have two screens which show double features Thursday – Sunday nights. Grab your blankets and pillows and have fun the old-fashioned way!

*This image, taken from the top of the lighthouse, shows wheelchair friendly sidewalks that can be used to tour the lighthouse grounds. Photo by Bobby Weiner.*

Like to go camping on the beach? The Hunting Island State Park Campground has an all-terrain wheelchair and Handicapped-equipped restrooms and mobi-mats that allow for smooth access to the beach. There’s also another wheelchair located near the lighthouse. Call 843-838-2011 for more information. Visit the nature center and the marsh boardwalk. Both are accessible by wheelchair. Tour the grounds of the lighthouse and see the footprint of the former facilities.

*Spanish Moss Trail image by Carmen Pinckney.*

Beaufort’s Spanish Moss Trail is a 12-ft wide trail that follows the path to Parris Island that was used by the railroad to bring recruits to the marine training facility. No longer in use, the rails were removed, and a trail was constructed to lead visitors and locals along a path that winds through wooded areas and across the waterways of Beaufort County. Fishing can be done from several bridges along the way.

Bluffton

*The Garvin-Garvey House and adjacent Oyster Factory Park have sidewalks for easy wheelchair access. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.*

Old Town Bluffton is located along the shores of the May River. Stroll along the paths of the Oyster Factory Park or Wright Family Park. Oyster shell-paved sidewalks lead right to the door of the Garvin-Garvey House for a tour of Bluffton’s restored freedmen cottage. If Spending a Day in Old Town Bluffton be sure to visit the Church of the Cross, and stroll through the grounds of the Heyward House Museum.

*The Bluffton Shell Art Trail leads throughout Old Town Bluffton. Image by Carmen Pinckney.*

The Bluffton Shell Art Trail is another fun outdoor activity that is accessible. Download the map and set out to discover all 21 shells that are placed throughout the historic district.

Hilton Head

*Image from Coastal Discovery Museum website.*

Hilton Head is home to the Coastal Discovery Museum. This facility also has nature trails and a butterfly pavilion. The museum also conducts tours on site and around the island.

If getting out on the water is on the agenda, spend an afternoon Sailing the Coastal Waters. Tours range from dolphin searching to dinner cruises.

*Hilton Head Beaches are handicapped accessible. Image from HiltonHead.com.*

The town of Hilton Head offers matting for regular wheelchairs near beach accesses at Alder Lane, Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Fish Haul Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, and Islanders Beach Park. The town does not offer modified wheelchairs. Call 843-341-4600 for more information.

*Daufuskie Island is best seen by golf cart. Image from SC Living Magazine.*

Daufuskie Island is an adventure that is not to be missed. The island is situated between Savannah and Hilton Head. It is only accessible by boat. Ferry services are available. Rent a golf cart and explore the Robert Kennedy Trail and learn the History of this Gullah Paradise where Pat Conroy used to teach in a two-room schoolhouse. Explore the island to your heart’s content with so much to see. Experience the secluded beaches, Daufuskie Island Rum Company, Bloody Point Lighthouse, Historic Gullah Homes, Mary Field School, The Iron Fish Studio, historic churches, Silver Dew Winery, and so much more.

Hampton

*Lake Warren fishing pier is the perfect place to park a wheelchair and throw out a fishing line. Image by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.*

Hampton County is home to the Lake Warren State Park. Enjoy fishing in the lake for largemouth bass, brim, redbreast, and other freshwater fish. There are docks to fish from shore or you can rent a boat and troll the 200-acre lake.

Hardeeville

Look for alligators while driving through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.
Image by David Moran.

Hardeeville is home to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. This vast natural wonder has a driving tour through former rice fields that are teaming with an abundance of waterfowl. Look for alligators and migratory birds as you make the slow drive through the refuge.

*Sgt. Jasper Park image by Carmen Pinckney.*

Sgt. Jasper Park is another great place to view nature in Hardeeville. Several of the trails are designed for people with mobility impairment. You can also fish at the park.

Ridgeland

Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail winds around a pond and its surrounding wetlands. It’s conveniently located just off the interstate. It’s a great place to get out of the car and take in fresh air and relaxation.

Just up the street you’ll find the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage. This museum has fun travelling exhibits and permanent displays.

*Frampton Plantation House, c. 1868 – Lowcountry & Resort Islands Visitors Center and Museum has a ramp for easy access into the house. Photo by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.*

Another Jasper County gem that’s located on I-95 is the Frampton Plantation House Visitors Center and Museum. It has sidewalks, a picnic area and ramp for guests with disabilities. Come inside and see the 153 year-old house that was saved from demolition by the Lowcountry Tourism Commission.

Walterboro

The newly opened Walterboro Wildlife Center features native wildlife of the state’s largest city park, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. Come to the center to view the interpretive exhibit hall showcasing plant and animal life. Click HERE to see the newest addition to the collection. After a visit to the center, drive over to tour the sanctuary and experience nature firsthand.

*Donnelley Wildlife Management Area photo by Carmen Pinckney.*

Bear Island Wildlife Management Area and Donnelley Wildlife Management Area are other great places for bird watching. Both are easily driven, and nature can be seen up close and personal from the seats of your car. Look for Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, and other native species.

Edisto Island

*A drive down this avenue of oaks takes you to Botany Bay. Image by Carmen Pinckney.*

Edisto Island is steeped in history and natural beauty. Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful spot to tour from your car. The entrance to the former plantation property is lined with an iconic alley of live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Upon check-in, guests receive a driving tour map that includes information on the history of the property.

*Henry Hutchinson House image by Grayce Gonzalez.*

The Henry Hutchinson House is another Edisto Island treasure. The house was built by a freedman during Reconstruction. It is the oldest house of its kind on the island. It has recently been restored and the exterior is on display to celebrate this important time in American history.

*Photo from the Town of Edisto Beach Facebook.*

Edisto Beach has rolled out the carpet for beach goers with disabilities – literally! New mats have been installed for visitors with mobility impairment. Beach wheelchairs are also available at the fire station. Simply call 843-869-2505, ext. 217 to make a reservation.

Henry Hutchinson House

December 22, 2020

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Blog, Colleton County, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Outdoor Activities

Reconstruction Era history is preserved on. Edisto’s Henry Hutchinson House gets a facelift, and much more!

*The Henry Hutchinson stands tall and proud today thanks to the efforts of the Edisto Island Open Land Trust. Photo by Grayce Gonzalez.*

Edisto Island is rich in Lowcountry history. A visit to the museum or one of the historic churches will put you in touch with the many former inhabitants and how they lived their lives in this coastal paradise. Highway 174 is the island’s yellow brick road that leads to the beach, dividing the island in half, from stem to stern. A little over halfway, just before the Old Post Office Restaurant, sits Point of Pines Road. A left turn down this unassuming country road leads to the Henry Hutchinson House. Look carefully to the left after passing Clark Road. Standing proudly in a field of green, is a very important part of the storied past of Edisto Island and the Reconstruction Era.

*Photos by Grace Beahm Alford from a 2017 Charleston Post & Courier article shedding light on the work being done at the historic property.*

In recent years, the house sat in dilapidation, as a photographer’s dream and a historic preservationist’s nightmare. The humble, but brightly painted green and red cottage has sat uninhabited for 40 years. In this time the forgotten framing, wooden siding and trim boards suffered heavily from the elements. overgrown landscape began to envelop the house in a cocoon of native foliage.

*Photos by Grace Beahm Alford from a 2017 Charleston Post & Courier.*

Built just two decades after the Civil War, the house and its builder play an especially important role in history. Henry Hutchinson was the son of a prosperous African American. His father James Hutchinson, along with other freedmen earned the nickname “Kings of Edisto.” He worked diligently while in bondage and later as a freedman to improve the conditions for blacks on the island. Born a slave in 1860, Henry went on to prosper as well. At the time of his marriage in 1885, Henry built this cottage as a wedding present for his bride. Just a stone’s throw away, he built and operated the island’s first freedman-owned cotton gin from 1900-1920. The infestation of the boll weevil would put an end to cotton production on the island. Today this house stands as the oldest identified freed-man’s cottage on Edisto Island. Henry lived here with his family until his death in 1940. Descendants occupied and maintained the house until about 1980. Since that time, the house has sat vacant.

*The first photo shows the Hutchinson House around 1900. The second is a photo of Henry and his wife Rosa riding in their shay. Photos found on interpretive signs at the Hutchinson House.*

The one and a half story cottage features three dormer windows and Victorian adornments. The rectangular house has a side gabled roof and is clad in weatherboard. Attention was paid to detail when building and decorating this house. Great pride went into the production of details that were dressed-to-impress. Hand-carved trim was applied above the first story porch and upper story roofline. Dormer windows were also crowned in fine Victorian style. When built, the residence was wrapped in porches that were later removed. The restoration hopes to replace the porch and restore the house to its original design. Listed on the National Register in 1987, the house and surrounding acreage is currently in the loving hands of the Edisto Open Land Trust.

*The first image was taken in 1991. The house was still in working order. By 2007 the house was in a state of dilapidation. Images from the National Register.*

Purchased in 2017, the Edisto Open Land Trust has worked diligently to put a plan in place to restore the house to its former glory. After acquisition, a massive canopy was placed over the remains to stop any further damage to the historically significant property. A large team of consultants and contractors have worked on behalf of the EOLT to stabilize the house. Upon inspection, the team realized the lightly framed house was compromised by rot and bugs. The exterior siding and interior paneling were basically holding the house together. Temporary stud walls were put in place to brace the 800 sq. ft. house while stabilization work was completed.

*The first image by Vicki Ayers shows the addition of the canopy to protect the house. The second image by Robert Behr shows the addition of new siding after the house was stabilized*.

Today, the house has been stabilized. A new roof and siding have been added as well. The windows have been replaced with period glass, and the canopy has been removed. Future projects include replicating the three-sided porch and missing exterior Victorian details. Rear addition and interior restorations are also planned. The Trust hopes to include a public path around the historic property. Future endeavors aim to open the house as a museum by 2022.

*The first photo was taken by Grayce Gonzalez. It shows the Hutchinson House restoration. The map*

Visitors are encouraged to see the work that has taken place. A parking area has been put in place with interpretive signs detailing the history of the house and its importance as a survivor of the Reconstruction Era when African Americans prospered in a new way. The house tells the story of the late 19^th century Kings of Edisto and their success. The Henry Hutchinson House can be found at 7666 Point of Pines Road on Edisto Island.

Information gathered from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Charleston Post & Courier articles, and Edisto Open Land Trust Newsletter.

For more information about sites on Edisto Island visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/edisto-beach. For Edisto Island day trip ideas visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/edisto-day-trips.

What’s Brewing in the Lowcountry?

December 18, 2020 | Updated on: July 1, 2025

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Blog

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Hilton-Head-Brewing-Co-Facebook-3-scaled.jpg.webp — Image found on Hilton Head Brewing Company Facebook page.

Award-winning breweries, distilleries and wineries can be found across our beautiful landscape. Often paired with delicious libations, menus and live entertainment, these local hotspots are great places to relax and enjoy the South Carolina Lowcountry. Visit one, two or make it a challenge to see them all. Whatever you chose, you’re sure to have a good time!

Rotten Little Bastard Distillery images found on Facebook.

Rotten Little Bastard Distillery is Beaufort’s newest attraction. RLB is a family-owned craft distillery located in Beaufort Town Center, 2139 Boundary St. Take a tour and see how their products are made. Tasting tours are offered every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. The $10 tasting fee includes a souvenir shot glass. After touring and sampling the goodies, head over to the retail store to purchase King Tide Vodka, Saint Helena ‘Shine Moonshine and Coosa Cur Bourbon. The shop also carries bourbon scented soap and candles, moonshine hand sanitizer, t-shirts and shot glasses and other items. Want to take the chill off?

The RLB Facebook page has a suggestion. To create a hot toddy, mix hot tea with Saint Helena ‘Shine and add a splash of elderberry syrup. Rumor has it, this is just the thing to take the chill off! Open Wednesdays and Thursdays 1pm-7 & Fridays and Saturdays 11am-7pm.
To tour the distillery, call 843-379-5252 or email rlbdistillery@gmail.com . For more information visit the RLB Facebook page.

Burnt Church Distillery images found on Facebook.

Bluffton has three tasting rooms to wet your whistle. Burnt Church Distillery crafts authentic Lowcountry spirits that honor local history and give back to the community. The tasting room is a great space where locals and tourists can learn about distilling and the rich history of the Lowcountry. Their goal is to entertain with legends of folklore, ancient anecdotes, and one-of-a-kind spirits. The distillery is located at 120 Bluffton Road.

Burnt Church Distillery suggests this hot chocolate recipe to sweeten your holiday. Try a Boozy Hot Chocolate. Start by stirring together 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with 1/2 cup sugar and a dash of salt in a medium saucepan. Then, stir in 1/3 cup of boiling water until the sugar dissolves and the cocoa isn’t lumpy. Turn to medium heat and stir in 3 1/2 cups milk to warm. Once warmed, remove from the heat. Stir in 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 2 tbsp. half and half, and 8 tbsp. bourbon. Top with mini marshmallows. This will either serve four people or four cups just for you. Follow the Burnt Church Distillery Facebook page for fun recipes and opening information

Lot 9 Brewing Company images from Facebook.

Lot 9 Brewing Company is a nano-brewery in the Lowcountry, devoted to bringing people together for the love of great beer made right. This company is deeply passionate about delivering high-quality brews which celebrate the culture of beer itself. They also like to have a little fun along the way. Come find your home away from home – your new favorite brew is waiting at Lot 9 Brewing Company. What’s on tap? Lot 9 Brewing Company is a craft beer test kitchen with a revolving door of styles and flavors. While their tried-and-true favorites are always on tap, there’s always something new and exciting to taste. Need some sustenance to soak up the beer? There’s usually a food truck on location. Check their website for the food truck schedule.

You can find Lot 9 Brewing Company at 258 Red Cedar Street every Thursday & Friday 3 – 9pm, Saturday 12 – 9pm and Sunday 12 – 4pm. You can usually find a fun event happening at Lot 9 Brewing Company, from live music, game tournaments, bring-your-own-dog-nights and Sunday brunch. For more information about events and what’s going on, call (843)757-5689 or visit the Lot 9 Brewing Company Facebook page.

Salt Marsh Brewing Company images from Facebook.

Southern Barrel Brewing images found on Facebook.

Southern Barrel Brewing Company is another Bluffton fun spot. At Southern Barrel Brewing Company, you can relax, grab a bite and a brew and just…enjoy. They have combined “the beauty of old with the taste of new”. Visit the bar, beer garden and tavern to enjoy the seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and beer fresh from the brewery. You’ll find core beers, seasonal selections, and limited runs on tap. Outdoor and indoor seating is available. Come for dinner with the family or gather in the beer garden with friends.

Southern Barrel Brewing Company images found on Facebook.

Enjoy playing games? Southern Barrel Brewing Company is the place for you! Bingo and Trivia nights are often found on the calendar. Brew-Yoga is another fun event. It is also the home of the Bluffton Artisan Market on Saturday mornings. Southern Barrel Brewing Company is located at 375 Buckwalter Place in Bluffton, and open seven days a week, from 11:30 am – 10 pm. For more information call (843) 837-2337 or visit the Southern Barrel Brewing Company Facebook page.

Photos found on Hilton Head Brewing Company Facebook page.

Hilton Head Brewing Company is the island’s first brewery. If beer and BBQ is your style, this is the place for you! They also host oyster roasts. Try local favorites including Crab Pilsner, Tropical Lager and J Street IPA. Sample them all and take home a six-pack of your favorite. Owner Juan Brantley is a Hilton Head native. He has a passion for food and micro brews.
Their retail shop is a great place to find goodies like handmade liquid beer soap and apparel

Hilton Head Brewing Company website states quite clearly… “Come for the beer, leave with a story”. They are kid-friendly, and reservations are not required. Call 843-715-3251 to find out what’s on tap then visit the Hilton Head Brewing Company Facebook page to check for events and

Hilton Head Distillery images from Facebook.

The Hilton Head Distillery is located just down the street at 14 Cardinal Road. They specialize in fine spirits. They craft premium, small batch rum and vodka by hand. According to their website… “We embrace the idea that enjoying craft spirits is a unique voyage best shared. So, grab your crewmates and join us for a drink or two. We’d love to get to know you!” Roots run deep at Hilton Head Distillery. Their whisky is inspired by the South Carolina mountains and the rum is inspired by its coast.

Tastings are $10 and offered on a first come, first served basis. They are open seven days a week, from noon – 8 pm. Choose any six neat spirits to sample. Spirits come in light, aged and flavored varieties. Be sure to try Whisky Girl Peach, Toasted Coconut Rum and Bananas Foster! Visit the Hilton Head Distillery website to find cocktail recipes to try from their hand-crafted spirits. The Hilton Head Sunrise looks interestingly delicious. It is made with HHD Toasted Coconut Rum, pineapple, and cranberry juices, with a garnish of pineapple. Yummy! Call (843)686-4443. You can also visit the Hilton Head Distillery Facebook page.

Island Winery sits right next door at 15 Cardinal Road. Come in for wine tastings, then enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. For $8 you can sample up to six wines. There’s plenty of outdoor seating to bring a picnic or cheese board and enjoy your purchases. Enjoy the socially distanced tasting room, scenic patio and large family and pet friendly picnic area. Hilton Head Winery is the island’s premiere winery. All wines are made on Hilton Head. Island Winery specializes in offering a unique selection of wines, wine and cheese pairings and their famous Happy Hour.

Sample old and new world reds, signature whites and unique Lowcountry fruit wines. Current specialty flavors include Southern Passion, Cranberry Sunset and Peach on the Beach. The Apple Cinnamon wine is delicious hot or cold. Their website states, “All of our wines are handcrafted with care in small batches. The grapes arrive fresh at our door from some of the finest wine regions in the world. There is something for everybody’s taste and Island Winery.” Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday, 12:30-5:30 pm and Sunday, 12-4 pm. Call (843)842-3141 to see what’s in stock, or visit the Island Winery Facebook page for more information.

Daufuskie Rum Company images from Facebook.

Daufuskie Island is just a stone’s throw across the river from Hilton Head. Hop on the ferry and visit the Daufuskie Island Rum Company. Rum is an island drink and Daufuskie is the perfect place to drink it! They are also distilling vodka and bourbon as well. Mix the Perfect Summer Cocktail by mixing Hair of the Dog Blueberry Lavender Vodka with lemonade and serve cold over ice. Looking for something to warm you up? Mix Fuskie Fire Rum with ginger beer and garnish with a lime slice to make a Fuskie Fire Storm.

Set under live oaks drenched in Spanish moss, the Daufuskie Island Rum Company sits at 270 Haig Point Road. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm. Call (843)342-4786, or visit the Daufuskie Rum Company Facebook page for more information.

Silver Dew Winery image on left by Barbara Bradley. Right image from Daufuskie Difference website.

Daufuskie Island’s Historic Silver Dew Winery is located in a tiny and historic building that dates back to 1883. The building was originally used as the wick house for Bloody Point Lighthouse. The wick house was used to store oil, wicks and the lamp for the lighthouse. In the 1950s the island icon was converted into a winery by the last Bloody Point lighthouse keeper Papy Burn. He fermented bananas, plums, grapes, scuppernong, pears, elderberries, and other fruit. Silver Dew winery was mentioned in Pat Conroy’s novel The Water is Wide, which is set on Daufuskie Island and is based on his experiences while teaching on the island.

Silver Dew Winery is located adjacent to the Bloody Point Lighthouse. Images by Dawna Moore & Kim Lewis.

Silver Dew Winery is located at the southern end of the island near the Bloody Point Lighthouse. Call (843)432-8687 for more information. Wine can be tasted and purchased at the Bloody Point Lighthouse Museum.

Lucky Duck Distillery images from Facebook.

Lucky Duck Distillery is conveniently located just off I-95 in Yemassee. This young and energetic team works starts with old recipes and creates new formulas to create naturally flavored moonshine whisky and bourbon. Come in for a tasting and sample Apple Pie, Apple Vanilla, Cherry, Peach and White Lightening flavors.

All fermenting, distilling, labeling, and bottling is done in small batches on site. Call (843) 812-8337 to schedule a tasting. The distillery is open 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday thru Saturday. Visit Lucky Duck’s Facebook page for information.

River Dog Brewing Company is located in Okatie at 591 Browns Cove Rd N. River Dog Brewing has managed to make a splash in the rising tide of the Southern craft beer scene. They have created an exceptional menu of hand‐crafted, nationally recognized and award‐winning beers. Open from 3-9 pm Tuesday thru Thursday, 3-6 pm Fridays and 12-6 pm on Saturdays, there’s always something tasty on tap.

Try the Riverwalk Empire Pilsner, a light, refreshing, & snappy Pilsner that’s the perfect complement to life here in the Lowcountry. You’ll feel like a million bucks after one or two of these puppies! If you’re a coffee drinker, try a tall glass of Perkolatte. It’s a sweet, rich, and full-bodied coffee milk stout. Visit the Riverdog Brewing Company Facebook page for more information.

For more information on fun things to do in the SC Lowcountry visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/.

Beaufort’s Oyster Festival

December 11, 2020

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Destinations, Events, Food & Drink, Outdoor Activities

Winter is Oyster Season in the SC Lowcountry. Come to the Beaufort Oyster Festival – Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands every January

The shores of the South Carolina Lowcountry are known for their oyster harvests. What would our winters be without a good, old-fashioned oyster roast? Typically, in our neck of the woods, if the month ends in “R”, we’re eating our fill of this delicious shellfish. The Beaufort Area Hospitality Association is delighted to host the Beaufort Oyster Festival. This multi-day festival will celebrate all aspects of the Lowcountry and the Carolina Sea Islands oystering culture.

The festival will be held alongside the yearly Tides to Tables event. This is Beaufort’s celebration held in conjunction with South Carolina Restaurant Week. The events will culminate in a weekend of mini-festival events held throughout Beaufort County.

Beaufort Oyster Festival — Photo courtesy of the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.

The festival kicks off with the Oyster Festival 5K. The festival is held downtown Beaufort at the waterfront park.

Come share in this family-friendly event that is held every January. Educate yourself on the life cycle of an oyster. Taste oyster dishes and beverages from local food trucks and enjoy the entertainment. Admission to this event is free, but you must buy tickets to purchase food and other goodies.

Lady’s Island Oyster Company will be on hand to serve single lady oysters. Grab your friends, enjoy the oysters, grab a drink and enjoy the live music. Order Lady’s Island oysters for your next oyster roast.
35 Hutson Drive, Seabrook, (843)473-5018

Magionni Oyster Company will celebrate the tradition of oyster roasts the way the locals do it. This talented family will set up a good old fashioned oyster roast in the waterfront park. When in season, oysters can be purchased at the Port Royal Farmers Market every Saturday, or visit 440 Eddings Point Road, Saint Helena Island, (912)844-1031.

Lady’s Island Oyster Inc will also be serving oyster dishes. Their oysters are harvested from their very own hatchery in the Lowcountry. Oysters can be ordered from Lady’s Island Oyster Inc by calling
843-473-5018.

Click the image for more information and updates.

Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail

November 19, 2020 | Updated on: March 3, 2025

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Blog, Destinations, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Parks, Ridgeland

Interstate weary? This conveniently located nature trail is just what the doctor ordered!

The 10-acre Blue Heron Nature Trail and Learning Center offers relief for the road-weary, and it’s as easy to get to as any rest area. The nature trail is conveniently located at Ridgeland’s I-95, Exit 21.

This in-town green space boasts a nature trail that travels around a three-acre pond and through forested wetlands filled with ferns and native plants. The property also includes a butterfly garden, picnic area, outdoor classroom, observation decks, and a Nature Center. Permanent trailside displays help visitors learn more about the native flora and fauna of Jasper County and the Lowcountry.

Along the trail you will find benches, swings, and an attractive butterfly garden. Be on the look-out for wildlife that frequently stop along the shores of the pond.

In addition to the herons, you may see egrets, ducks, turtles, fish, alligators, and other wildlife. The forest boardwalks take visitors in two different directions so make sure you travel both ways.

The nature trail is open daily dawn to dusk. The Nature Center is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Here you’ll find many displays of animals and other interesting facts about the South Carolina Lowcountry.

There is a parking lot that has plenty of room for a camper. The nature trail is also dog-friendly but be sure to pick up what your furry friend puts down.

Get out of the traffic and spend some quality time wandering around this natural gem located at 321 Bailey Lane in Ridgeland.

All images found on Blue Heron Nature Center Facebook page.

For more information on places to go and things to do in the SC Lowcountry visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/

Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Tradition

November 19, 2020 | Updated on: December 26, 2022

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Destinations, Outdoor Activities

“Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish…Freedom Coming”

Beaufort is steeped in tradition and prides itself in its celebrations. Folks from far and wide anticipate the start of the holiday season, celebrating with the Gullah Kinfolk.

The annual Sea Island Christmas Celebration that is a much-loved and anticipated musical and historical event that happens every Christmas.

Master storyteller, Aunt Pearlie Sue and her renown, Gullah Kinfolk take you back in time to the 1860’s Pre- Civil War and Reconstruction Era on a southern plantation on the Sea Islands of Beaufort SC.

The performance includes reminiscings about Mother Africa, the Middle Passage Voyage, the auction block, the last Christmas before the Civil War, December of 1860 to freedom. You get to experience it all.

Abraham Lincoln has just been elected president on November 6th…South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union on December 20th…Masters in the Big House talkin’ War…Servants in the Quarters talkin’ Freedom comin’.

Through soul stirring music, historic re-enactments, and mesmerizing narrations, you are drawn into that Yuletide season of emotions…sorrow, excitement, hope and joy of a brighter future…Gullah Kinfolk Christmas wish…Freedom!

“Christmas Dis’ Ain’t Christmas, Wit’out Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk. Cum and ‘joy yo’self”

For more information about events in the Lowcountry visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/events-calendar/.

All information provided by Anita Prather. All photos courtesy of Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk Facebook page.

Hollywood Loves the Lowcountry

November 11, 2020 | Updated on: January 4, 2023

Keelie Robinson

No comments

Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Hampton, Hampton County, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Ridgeland

The South Carolina Lowcountry is a great place to film a movie. The landscape is filled with oak lined alleys, lazy waterways, and charming small towns. Our sub-tropical sea islands are also another well-used place to set a jungle scene. Let’s not forget the beautiful beaches and classically southern architecture. Our chameleon-like environment and mild weather can transport production crews from the South to the Midwest, tropical islands, and even Europe. Let’s take a chronological look at the movies that have been filmed in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton and Hampton counties.

The Great Santini is a Pat Conroy classic that was filmed in Beaufort. The Meechum family home scenes were shot in the house is known locally as Tidalholm. Many of the military scenes were shot at the Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station. All of the other scenes were filmed in and around Beaufort. Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner and Michael O’Keefe star in this 1979 coming of age drama classic.

Beaufort’s Tidalholm Mansion was also prominently featured in the film The Big Chill. It is a private home located in downtown Beaufort. The 1983 film includes the talents of Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, Tom Berenger and Jo Beth Williams. Kevin Costner was also cast for the film, but unfortunately the only scenes that made the final cut involved his funeral. Filming sites also included Bay Street and streets along the Point. Tidalholm also serves as a main backdrop in The Great Santini, filmed just a few years earlier in 1979.

Full Metal Jacket was filmed on Parris Island in 1987. The island is home to the training facility of the US Marine Corps. Footage of an actual marine graduation was used in the film. The movie stars Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin and Vincent D’Onofrio.

Pat Conroy’s Prince of Tides was filmed on Fripp Island. Just an island hop-skip-and-a-jump from Beaufort, the beautiful, unspoiled beach made the perfect backdrop for the film. Conroy wrote the book in 1986, while living in Beaufort. The movie was filmed on Fripp in 1991, then in 1992, Conroy moved onto the island. Nick Nolte drives across the Beaufort River in the opening scene of the movie. The private home at 601 Bay Street was used as well. Nick Nolte, Barbara Streisand and Blythe Danner star in this Conroy classic.

Forrest Gump may have been set in Greenbow, Alabama, but it was mainly filmed in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Fripp Island, Beaufort, Hunting Island, Varnville, Walterboro, and Yemassee were all sights used in this iconic 1994 movie. Stars Tom Hanks, Robin Right, Sally Field and Gary Sinise travelled between Beaufort, Fripp Island, Varnville, Yemassee and Walterboro to create this American classic film that has left us with enough quotes to last a lifetime.

Disney’s Jungle Book was filmed in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The lush India jungle scenes were shot on Fripp Island, nearly 8,000 miles away from the story’s fictional setting. Locations for the war scenes were destroyed then later developed into a golf course. An abundance of exotic animals were brought onto the island foe filming, including monkeys, elephants and tigers. The 1994 movie carried a star-studded cast including Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, Lena Heady, Sam Neill and John Cleese.

The War was filmed in Beaufort in 1994. The movie Stars Kevin Costner, Mare Wittingham and Elijah Wood. The movie follows the family of a Vietnam soldier as he tries to acclimate into his former life after the war. While his children build a treehouse in their small hometown of Juliette, Mississippi, they were actually filming in a Beaufort, SC live oak tree. Fun fact – this is Kevin Costner’s second time to film in the Lowcountry. He was in the cast of the Big Chill. Unfortunately all his scenes, with the exception of his funeral, were cut from the movie. Little did they know that he would become the Hollywood powerhouse that he is today.

King Farm scenes from Something to Talk About were filmed at Davant Plantation, just north of Ridgeland. Downtown Beaufort was also used for filming the college scenes. The restaurant at 822 Bay Street was used for a scene and many locals were cast as diners. The Beaufort County Library on Scott Street was used extensively during the production. Mobile dressing rooms were parked in the lot and the meeting room was used as well. The intersection of Craven and Scott Streets was a popular spot to try to catch a glimpse of Julia Roberts, Dennis Quaid, Robert Duval, Gena Rowlands, Kyra Sedgewick and the rest of the cast. The film was released in 1995.

Something to Talk About Filming Location

Even Jim Carrey and Courtney Cox found their way to the Lowcountry when Ace Ventura was filmed in 1995. Edisto Island’s Botany Bay and Yemassee’s Cherokee Plantation were locations used for the comedy film. Botany Bay was the perfect backdrop to film the tropical jungle and African village scenes. The Georgian mansion of Cherokee Plantation and its manicured gardens served as the setting for the British consulate in Bonai. Fun fact – the president of General Motors, Robert Beverly Evans, once owned Cherokee Plantation and named the Jeep Cherokee after his Lowcountry estate.

Hollywood came to the Lowcountry was once again when the all-star cast, featuring Sharon Stone, Peter Gallagher, Randy Quaid and Rob Morrow visited Beaufort and Ridgeland to film Last Dance. The 1996 film captured images of the Castle (411 Craven Street), Hunting Island and the newly constructed state prison in Ridgeland.

Parts of the movie White Squall were filmed in Beaufort. The 1996 film stars Jeff Bridges and Caroline Goodall. The production crew transformed 510 Carteret Street, Beaufort, into the movie’s bus terminal. The churchyard of the Parish Church of St. Helena, 501 Church Street, was also used in the movie. The church, built in 1724, is a Beaufort landmark. Other Beaufort film sites included: Murr’s Graphic and Printing, 1012 Boundary Street, the Chocolate Tree, 507 Carteret Street, and areas of Washington Street.

Demi Moore and Viggo Mortensen made their way to the jungles of the Lowcountry in 1997 to film GI Jane. The movie dealt with the extreme physical and mental challenges of training for the elite Navy Seals. Survival camp scenes for this movie were filmed on Harbor and Hunting Islands.

Edisto Island’s Botany Bay was the setting for the beach slave camp in the movie The Patriot. The movie was shot in entirely in South Carolina in 101 days from September of 1999 to January of 2000. Benjamin Martin’s (Mel Gibson) character is loosely based on the legend of South Carolina’s famed “Swamp Fox,” Francis Marion. The movie also stars Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs and Joely Richardson.

Forces of Nature made its way along the east coast and filmed in the Lowcountry in 1999. Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, Maura Tierney and Blythe Danner shot scenes at the Beaufort home at 411 Craven Street. The mansion, commonly known as the Castle served as the Cahill’s house. The stars were guests at the Rhett House Inn during their stay in Beaufort. It’s fun to note that this is the third time that Blythe Tanner was cast as the mother in a movie filmed in Beaufort (Great Santini, Prince of Tides, Forces of Nature).

Rules of Engagement is another movie that was filmed on the South Carolina Lowcountry. Vietnam War scenes from this 2000 film were shot on Hunting Island. The island’s lush, semi-tropical landscape is reminiscent of the Vietnam jungle. The military film stars Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson.

Edisto Island’s Brookland Plantation served as the home of Matt Damon’s character in the 2000 movie Baggar Vance. Actors Will Smith and Charlize Theron join the cast with Damon. The movie was also directed by Robert Redford. Golfing scenes were filmed at the Pete Dye course in Bluffton’s Colleton River Plantation.

Inspired by a heart-warming true story, Radio was filmed in and around Walterboro. Many of the 2003 movie scenes were shot at Hampton Street Elementary, which was also a location used in Forrest Gump. Filming also took place at Colleton County High School. Many scenes were shot along Washington Street. The coach’s house is located on just outside Walterboro on Mt. Carmen Road. Radio stars Cuba Gooding, Jr., Ed Harris and Debra Winger.

Cassina Point Plantation on Edisto Island was a scene from the movie Dear John. This was the site of Savannah’s (Amanda Seyfried) family home. Seyfried and Channing Tatum were filmed there for several scenes in the 2010 motion picture. Both stars shared their thoughts in a www.sciway.net post:
“I love South Carolina,” says Channing Tatum. “I’m from the South, so I have an addiction with it. The food, the people, the lifestyle. It’s just so charming.”
“The South is a whole different thing altogether. It’s romantic. It’s just so beautiful. It brings something to a film you can’t get anywhere else in the world.” – Amanda Seyfried

More recently Beaufort has been used in the production of the 2019 Netflix hit Outer Banks. While the story line takes place in North Carolina, filming is done in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. While a majority of the scenes were filmed in the Charleston area, Hunting Island plays a prominent roll in the series. The island was the spot for the nighttime beach scenes. And the boneyard beach area was the location for several party scenes. The Hunting Island Lighthouse also makes an appearance while the characters search for clues to a hidden treasure.

Stars Fell on Alabama was filmed in Beaufort and Bluffton in 2019. The romantic comedy was filmed throughout Beaufort, including Bay Street, The Beaufort Inn and Blackstone’s Cafe. Other locations included Port Royal, Beaufort Academy on Lady’s Island, and the Old Town Dispensary in Bluffton. The film is scheduled to premiere in film festivals in the fall of 2020.