What is the meaning of Lowcountry? Merriam Webster defines it as “: a low-lying country or region especially: the part of a southern state extending from the seacoast inland to the fall line.” South Carolinians define it as a geographical location and cultural mindset. But for me… It is more than that!
It’s Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper, the four counties that make up the SC Lowcountry Tourism area. These four counties offer a myriad of unbelievable experiences for all.
On any given day in lowcountry you can:
Take a walk under the old oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy our gorgeous beaches.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Pedal your way around our lush naturescapes.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Soak up some history at one of our many museums, former plantations, or historical churches and structures.
(Photography: Keelie Robinson)
Become one with nature as you spy an alligator, deer, or Great Blue Heron paddling down a lazy Lowcountry river.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Stroll along our beaches as you scavenge for shark teeth.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Immerse yourself in the hunt for the next big fish.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Step off the beaten path to find our numerous hidden gems.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Window shop our local boutiques and stores.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Spy an array of birds in our Wildlife Refuges and Wildlife Management Areas
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Meander along our waterfront parks.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Savor a bounty of renowned local cuisine fresh from the sea and our nearby farms.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Unwind and relax as you revel in a lowcountry sunset.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Welcome our lowcountry culture into your heart and mind as you are transported back in time.
(Photography: Lowcountry Tourism Commission)
Come along and we’ll explore this region, south of Charleston and north of Savannah, to find what makes the SC Lowcountry NATURALLY AMAZING!
Come over to beautiful Beaufort, SC to shop, dine, dance, play and socialize.
Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know who you’ll see at Beaufort’s First Friday event!
The historic town of Beaufort is big on tradition and social gathering. This Lowcountry town has dedicated a special day each month for just such occasions. Come over to Beaufort on the First Friday of every month. Bay Street will be closed to traffic in the evening so people can gather and have a good time. 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!
Holidays are especially fun at First Friday.
First Friday is a celebration of Downtown shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and community. It’s a fun night for the downtown businesses and for locals! Come explore downtown galleries, shopping, and eateries throughout the evening. Bay Street is closed to vehicle traffic from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy entertainment and live demonstrations too! The event is free and open to all ages.
The downtown stores always stay open late for First Friday!
Downtown shops are always open late for this monthly event.
December’s First Friday kicks off Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend. This fun three-day event includes Night on the Town, a lighted boat parade and Christmas parade. Be sure to add this to your calendar of events.
Dancing on the street is always a big event at Beaufort’s First Friday events!
Beaufort’s First Friday is always a highly anticipated monthly event.
The Port Royal Farmers Market sets up in the Naval Heritage Park every Saturday, from 9-12. You will find a vast selection of fresh, local and seasonal produce, along with shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese.
If you’re lucky Carolina Kidz will be there with a Nigerian Dwarf Goat to pet. They provide a wonderful selection of raw goat’s milk, drinkable yogurt, goat cheese; chevre, ricotta & feta and goat cheese cheesecake.
Daise Produce, along with many other produce vendors will be on hand with a large selection of farm fresh goodies. Come early for the best selections.
Shoppers will also find plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees, and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets.
Check out the prepared food vendors serving; BBQ, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Come hungry and have coffee and a breakfast sandwich while you peruse the vendors. Make sure to bring your market basket so you can fill it with local goodies. For a list of vendors and a description of their products visit the Port Royal Farmers Market Website. For a complete list of Lowcountry farmers markets and the days they are open, visit SouthCarolinaLowcountry.com/farmersmarkets.
Port Royal Farmers Market at Naval Heritage Park Ribault Road and Pinckney Street. Open every Saturday from 9 to 12.
If you are in the vicinity of Bluffton on any given Thursday afternoon, you should find your way to the Bluffton Farmers Market. Located in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, the market has something for everyone. The market is teaming with fresh produce, sweets, prepared foods, fresh pasta, dog treats and much, much more.
Park the car and have lunch at one of the many restaurants that are just steps away. Lunch can also be purchased at the market and taken to the Heyward House where tables are set up around a backyard fire pit.
Don’t miss the opportunity to browse the many unique stores in the area after visiting the market booths. Most shops are housed in restored structures along Calhoun Street and its intersections. Converse with shop owners and view their one-of-a-kind items.
The Bluffton Farmers Market is open every Thursday from, 12-5 p.m. – Year-Round. Farm Fresh Produce to includes strawberries, carrots, onions, spinach, varieties of lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms, beets, potatoes, just to name a few… and honey, eggs, cheese, herbs, plants, flowers, seafood, and anything else in season. Prepared foods include BBQ, crepes, empanadas, gumbo, fried oysters & shrimp, she crab soup, crab cakes, fresh baked pastries & breads, sweets, coffee, kettle corn, chocolates, and much more…
Don’t forget your furry friends. Dogs are welcome at the farmers market and in most of the stores and restaurants in the area. Bring Fido for lunch and if he behaves, stop by the doggie booth and pick up some treats!
Bluffton Farmers Market Martin Family Park 68 Boundary Street at the intersection of Green St. Bluffton, SC 29910 843-415-2447
March is upon us and so are all the festivities that come with it! The Lowcountry is busy with festivals and activities to keep us entertained all month.
Bluffton will be starting off the month’s festivities with the inaugural Bluffton Night Bazaar held under the twinkling lights of the Burnt Church Distillery courtyard. This new monthly event features local artisans, live music, food & drink.
The Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast is just a few days away, on March 5th at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. In its 17th year, the Oyster Roast features all you can eat Beaufort oysters from 1-8 pm. Entertainment will be provided by local bands The Entertainers and Steel Rail Express. The event also includes premium micro-brews, a full day children’s program, live auctions, and local vendors offering varied fairs.
Walterboro is excited to announce the return of the Walterboro History, Arts & Music Festival. This festival celebrates local history along with visual and performing arts added into the mix. Artists, performers, reenactors, storytellers, musicians and more entertain the crowds that come from near and far. The festival will be held in various locations throughout Walterboro, March 7-12.
The Beaufort History Museum will host two Revolutionary War events March 11-12, 2022, as part of its anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the war in 2026. On Friday, March 11, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at the St. Helena Island Public Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Rd., Rita Elliott will discuss the Battle of Purrysburg, S.C., and later archaeological dig discoveries made at the battle site. On Saturday, March 12, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., at the Beaufort History Museum, 713 Craven St., re-enactors from the 5th Company, 4th South Carolina Regiment will conduct a live-fire demonstration with period artillery. The team will be set up in the walled Arsenal Courtyard and provide a unique educational opportunity for visitors of all ages. Live cannon demonstrations are planned at 30-minute intervals throughout the day starting at 10:30 AM. Both events are free and open to the public.
Dust off your green because the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is BACK!! It’s time to turn out for South Carolina’s oldest St Patrick’s Day Parade. Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Hilton Head Island during the 27th Annual Pinnacle Bank Hilton Head Shamrock 5K. Hilton Head’s Annual “Running of the Green” will be held on Saturday morning March 12th at 7:30am.
Next on the agenda is the Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. Come view the 2nd Annual Boat Parade as it cruises down Broad Creek, followed by an Irish concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The parade is the grand finale! It will proudly march down Pope Avenue Sunday, March 13th at 3pm.
Join Beaufort March 12th in historic downtown as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun way! The Sham Rocked Sip & Stroll 2022 offers several ticket options from 10am – 2pm. Each attendee receives a Sip & Stroll t-shirt, swag bag, and access to all the goodie stations spread throughout downtown Beaufort. Goodie stations will feature either a cocktail, something yummy or something swag for you to have during your stroll. Downtown merchants will be open for shopping during or after the stroll. Restaurants will be featuring lunch and dinner specials as well! So grab your gal pals, friends, family, or significant other for a fun filled day in downtown Beaufort during the Sip & Stroll!
Soak up some local culture at Hardeeville’s Lowcountry Pow Wow and Cultural Festival March 12-13th. Millstone Landing is the backdrop for this festival that sets out to educate the public about Native Americans. It also creates a gathering place for Native people to celebrate their culture. The event features Aztec dancing, drumming, arts & crafts, native campsites, demonstrations, food and much more.
Beaufort’s Town Center will be the site for their Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This outdoor event will showcase a variety of wholesome activities for people of all ages. The 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Beaufort Town Center is a free, family-fun celebration benefiting the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. The event will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 12-4pm. Area restaurants and food trucks will be selling food and drinks and there will be live entertainment including a bagpipe player, local music, and much more! This family-fun event will have activities for all ages! We will also have festive drinks available for the adults!
The Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival takes place the last week of March. This week-long celebration combines the fruits of global wine partnerships, signature Lowcountry cuisine, grassroots cultural happenings, and the authentic fabric of a unique community. Join us as we celebrate the 36th anniversary of this annual Hilton Head Island rite of passage. Experience for yourself this year’s schedule of events including spectacular celebrity chef showcases, intriguing wine education sessions, live entertainment and of course the famed Grand and Public Tasting events.
Photos found on Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook page.
A great time was had by all at the 2022 Beaufort Oyster Festival! The weather was a perfect combination of winter chill and sunshine. The city’s waterfront park was the setting and oyster lovers from near and far came out to enjoy great food, live music and activities. Oyster dishes of all kinds were provided by Maggioni Oyster Company, Sea Eagle Market, Lady’s Island Singles and Serg Group. Festival goers had their choice of oyster creations, from fried to steamed and everything in between!
Photos found on Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook page.
The festival coincided with Beaufort Tides to Tables Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants pulled out all the stops to create mouth-watering menus. The week rounded up with the two-day Oyster Festival. The festival kicked off Friday night with food and music provided by the Country Project and Steel Rail Express.
Photos found on Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook page.
Runners came downtown bright and early Saturday morning for the Oyster Boogie 5K Run. The Social Oyster Shuck started at 10 am and the Competitive Oyster Shuck commenced at 1 pm. A Cornhole Tournament went on throughout the day. A competition for best oyster dish was held on Saturday. Here’s what the competitors served up for the judges:
Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
The Maggioni family has been harvesting and canning oysters in this part of the world since 1870, when they immigrated from Italy. The oyster company in in its fifth generation of ownership and is one of the largest providers of premium quality wild harvested bushels and single oysters. For this year’s festival Maggioni Oyster Company prepared oysters the old-fashioned way, just like we make in Lowcountry back yards. Three fire pits were placed in the park and oysters were roasted all day long. Head over to the Port Royal Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 am – noon to pick up Maggioni Oysters, or call 912-844-1031 and ask for Jeff.
Photos by Carmen Pinckney and Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook.
Sea Eagle Market delivers fresh seafood from their boats on St. Helena Island. The family has been in the business since the 1970s. They deliver fresh seafood all over the state. They also have a busy catering business and market at 2149 Boundary Street, Beaufort. Sea Eagle served oysters raw, steamed and fried to perfection. They also dished up oyster fritters (my new favorite)! If you’re looking to purchase local seafood or have an event catered by the team, call 843-521-5090.
Photos by Carmen Pinckney and Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook.
Lady’s Island Oyster Inc prepared single lady oysters with mignonette. Typically, classic mignonette is made from red wine vinegar, minced shallot, and freshly ground pepper. What did the Lady’s Island Oyster chef use? Who knows what his secret ingredients were? The oysters were delectable! Lady’s Island Oysters are harvested from their very own hatchery in Oysters can be ordered from Lady’s Island Oyster Inc by calling 843-473-5018.
Photos by Carmen Pinckney.
The chef for Serg Group and Skull Creek Boathouse prepared a garlic, parmesan and breaded oyster dish that would melt in your mouth! Skull Creek Boathouse is located on Hilton Head Island. Their restaurant has a wonderful menu that reflects the bounty of the Lowcountry waters. Dine at their waterfront restaurant and enjoy the views as you indulge on delicious menu items. Don’t forget to try their hushpuppies with spiced honey butter! They are famous. You can find Skull Creek Boathouse at 397 Squire Pope Road, 843-681-3663.
Photos by Beaufort Oyster Festival and Carmen Pinckney.
The competition was fierce, and the judges struggled to pick a favorite. After much deliberation and a tiebreaker, Maggioni’s old fashioned oyster roast won.
Photos found on Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook page.
Just like many festival-goers, I’m looking forward to next year’s Beaufort Oyster Festival. In the meantime, I’m going to try to figure out how to make oyster fritters! That’s a blog for another day. For more information on festivals in the Lowcountry visit SOUTHCAROLINALOWCOUNTRY.COM. You can also find accommodations, attractions and much, much more on our website.
2019 Hampton County Watermelon Festival images by Jeffrey Musgrave and Harry Fanning.
Save the date for June 20-25, 2022! The state’s oldest festival with the longest parade is coming back in a big way! Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Watermelon Festival has taken a two-year break, but officials are anxious to bring the event back to the public! This marks the third time in history that the festival has been interrupted since its inception in 1931. The only events to cancel festival plans have been World War II, the Korean War, and COVID-19.
The six-day event will be held June 20-25th. Most events will be held outdoors, amid the fresh air and Hampton sunshine. Plans mare also underway to televise the parade for those that want to watch from home.
Images by Brandy Harrington and Harry Fanning.
-The festival will kick off with a Youth Parade and Opening Ceremonies on Monday, June 20th. Head over to Varnville to see this spectacular event that stretches from the Varnville Baptist Church to the Varnville Gazebo. The Hampton County youth look forward to this event every year. Golf carts, strollers, wagons are decorated in the festival theme and paraded along the route. Opening ceremonies are celebrated with hot dogs, drinks, and of course – watermelon slices. Stick around to watch the watermelon eating contest.
Photos by Brandy Harrington and Trent Tribe.
-Typically, Tuesday would bring the Taste of Hampton. This year an outdoor Food Truck Event is scheduled. Food trucks from across the county will be serving up their favorite recipes. This is a great night of fantastic food and fellowship. Children’s Day in the Park is two fun-filled hours of entertainment for the younger crowd. Bring the little ones for face painting, sidewalk chalk, games, water slide, and bounce house. Entertainment will be provided by local talent.
-A Fishing Contest will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd at Lake Warren State Park, along with a music event. The fishing contest is the oldest event in the festival’s history. All ages are invited to come out to Lake Warren State Park and compete for one of the many prizes. Bring the whole family for a day of fun!
Pet Show images from Hampton County Watermelon Festival Facebook.
-Thursday, June 23rd is the day for the Pet Show at Varnville Rec. Center, followed by the Battle of the Towns. Wade Hampton football field is the scene for this silly competition. Teams participate in wacky races and competitions for bragging rights and a trophy. Bring the whole family to see the competition and indulge in concessions.
Photos by Brandy Harrington.
-Friday is the day to come out for Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, T-shirt sales and a free Street Dance. The street dance is the second largest event of the festival and held outdoors on Lee Avenue. The night is filled with music and old-fashioned family fun.Two different bands will play on opposite ends of the street, so there’s something for all tastes.Food vendors and arts & crafts will be available during the night’s festivities.
Parade images by Jeffrey Musgrave.
-And Saturday is the big day, starting with a 5K run, followed by the longest parade in the state. The route is 3.2 miles long, stretching from Varnville to Hampton! Pick your spot early and be ready at 10 am for queens, floats, state and local dignitaries, bands, and horses.
The 2022 Colleton County Rice Festival has been scheduled for April 29-30, 2022. This annual event features arts and crafts, food, fireworks, music, a parade and much more! Competitors can take part in the corn hole tournament and Rice Run.
Images from Colleton County Rice Festival Facebook page.
According to the Rice Festival website, “Since it first arrived in 1685, rice helped create enormous wealth for the Lowcountry, and Colleton County was perfect for growing it. During the annual Rice Festival, we celebrate the heritage of rice in this community and the beauty of the people and land that continue to bless this great country.”
Come enjoy a fun-filled week of family activities in the warm Carolina sun. The Rice Festival has all the elements that make it fun for the entire family. Central to the festival is an arts and crafts area with a wide array of handcrafted items. The queen of the Rice Festival is crowned in a special pageant and she takes her rightful place of honor in the Rice Festival Parade as it meanders through downtown as a kickoff event to the festival. A 5K run, rated one of the top races in South Carolina, is another signature event for the festival. And what Carolina Festival is complete without a food court? Sprinkle in activities such as fireworks, music, and other entertainment, and you’ve got an event sure to please the entire family.
Images from Colleton County rice Festival Facebook page.
Explore the streets of our county seat and experience a full schedule of family activities. Come see why Walterboro is the front porch of the Lowcountry. For more information visit Ricefestival.org or follow them on Facebook.
Strawberries are plentiful at Breland Hill Farms. Photo found on their Facebook page. Lettuce image taken at Dempsey Farms by Jackie Miller.
Farm fresh local produce can be found during the spring and summer months throughout the SC Lowcountry. From u-pick farms, to produce stands and farmers markets, seasonal produce is abundant in our neck of the woods!
Images found on Dempsey Farms and Okatee River Brand Produce Facebook pages.
U-Pick
Beaufort County
You can find Dempsey Farms on the way to Hunting Island State Park, Harbor and Fripp Islands. The farm has various produce throughout the seasons, starting with strawberries in April. They are a working family farm growing produce for the last sixty years. For a farm fresh experience stop by and pick with us. Follow their Facebook page to see what is available.
1576 Sea Island Pkwy. St Helena Island, SC 29920 843-838-3656
Bluffton’s Okatee River Farms has a great selection of local fruit and produce. This small family farm is located 1/2 mile from 278 in Bluffton, SC. They grow tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, okra, peppers and strawberries. April and May is the perfect time to stop by for u-pick strawberries. Follow their Facebook page to see what’s available.
1921 Okatie Hwy. Okatie SC 843-206-5023
Colleton County
Breland Hill Farm is a multigenerational family farm raising fruits, vegetables, and much more! A market is located in Ruffin. Housed in a repurposed tobacco barn, they grow, process, and sell all of their farm products here. U-pick strawberry fields are also located here. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in season.
849 Spence Dr. Ruffin, SC 29475 843-866-7560 Call for hours of operation.
Shop at the Farm
Pictures found on Morning Glory Homestead and Whippoorwill Farms Facebook pages.
BeaufortCounty
Morning Glory Homesteadis a family farm on St. Helena Island, which uses sustainable agriculture methods to feed the community. This small family farm began as a homestead for a family of seven. Visitors to the farm can buy seasonal produce, bakery items, eggs and honey. You can also call to schedule a farm tour. The tour includes the rich history of the Gullah community.
Mon – Fri: By Appointment 42 Robert & Clara Trail St. Helena Island, SC 843-812-0344
Bluffton’s Okatee River Farms has a great selection of local fruit and produce. They currently have u-pick strawberries. They are also currently planting sunflowers for harvest. They also have seasonal fruit and veggies throughout the year. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in season.
1921 Okatie Hwy. Okatie SC 843-206-5023
Colleton
Kindlewood Farms was born from the interest in the age old techniques of grafting and a passion to create quality, sustainable produce. We are dedicated to producing high quality heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, okra, corn, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, and cantaloupe. We also grow grafted heirloom tomato plants and grafted cucurbits. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in season and where to find them.
kindlewood.farms@gmail.com (843)302-2312
Jasper County
If you are in Jasper County and looking for fresh eggs, look no farther than Earleah Plantation. Call for more information or to order and pick up fresh eggs. 843-540-2200, earleahvintageglass@gmail.com
Whipporwhill Farmsis a40-acre small family farm offering fresh chicken, rabbit and pork as well as fresh eggs and seasonal veggies. Come to the farm Monday, Wednesday or Sunday to shop on site, or find them at the Hilton Head Farmers Market at Coastal Discovery Museum on Tuesdays. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in stock.
870 Tillman Road Ridgeland, SC 843-473-5231
Hampton County
Murdaugh Farms is a family-owned and operated farm offering a large variety of produce throughout the year. Some of the produce offered include the well-known Hampton County watermelons, squash (several varieties), cucumbers, zucchini, corn, red potatoes and other varieties of potatoes, okra, carrots, collard greens and many other types of produce. As produce becomes available, it will be posted on the Facebook page. We sell our produce both to the wholesale and retail markets as well as to individual buyers looking for just enough for a meal or two.
22603 Pocotaligo Road Early Branch, SC 803-942-3814
Drawdy Farms is a family-owned business, selling fresh locally grown fruits and veggies. Their produce stand is open year around, with whatever is in season at the time. We proudly serve the low country and support local farmers. Join their Facebook page for weekly updates!
2598 Hopewell Rd Brunson, SC
The Bluffton Farmers Market is open on Thursdays. Image by Donna Carretta. The Hilton Head Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays. Image found on Beach Properties of Hilton Head.
The Port Royal Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays, from 9 am-noon, rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese. If you have a green thumb, look for plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. Check out the fabulous prepared food vendors serving BBQ, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Find them at the Port Royal Naval Heritage Park at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Pinckney Blvd.
The BlufftonFarmers Market is open Thursdays, from 12-5 pm. Come find fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs at the Farmers Market of Bluffton. Gather with locals and tourists at this weekly community event to buy excellent produce, enjoy delicious food, listen to entertainment, and relax with friends. Located in historic downtown Bluffton along Calhoun and Lawrence Streets and through Carson Cottages, this family friendly market showcases local growers, local food vendors, local entertainment, local community causes and local information about the Bluffton area. Find them at 71 Green Street in historic Bluffton.
Come to the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market at Coastal Discovery Museum and take home fresh produce, chicken, rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, fresh sausage, beef, meals to cook, cookies, breads, she crab soup and much more! The market is open every Tuesday from 10-3 in the spring, summer and fall. Hours shorten to 9 am-1 pm in the winter. Shopping at the Hilton Head Farmers Market is about more than getting great food, it is about meeting friends, strengthening the community, and rebuilding the local food economy. Find the Hilton Head Farmers Market on the grounds of Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, on Hilton Head Island.
The Ridgeland Farmers Market hosts a variety of vendors, including produce, baked goods, prepared meals, arts, crafts and estate sales. The market is located on Main Street in downtown Ridgeland. They are open Fridays, from 1-6 pm.
Sea Eagle Market is a family owned and operated retail and wholesale market and catering company located at 2149 Boundary St. in Beaufort. Stop by and pick up soft shell crabs, shrimp and more! Open Monday thru Saturday, from 9 am – 6 pm. For daily information visit their Facebook page. (843)521-5090
Maggioni Oyster Company is South Carolina’s largest provider of premium quality wild-harvested bushels and single oysters. They harvest oysters at low tide, wash off the briny mud, and deliver them directly to their customers. Maggioni Oyster Company first opened on Daufuskie Island in 1883 and later built a cannery in Beaufort. They have been family owned and operated for five generations. Find them at 440 Eddings Point Rd, on St. Helena Island. (912)844-1031
Lady’s Island Oysters specializes in single lady oysters, grown in the clean, crisp waters of the SC Lowcountry. The estuaries that nurture their oysters are filled with pure salt water flowing directly from the Atlantic Ocean. Great pride is taken to nurture oysters from hatchery to harvest. Find them at 35 Hutson Drive, in Seabrook. (843)473-5018
Bluffton
Bluffton Oyster Company has been a family run operation since 1899. The Bluffton Oyster Company actually sits on reclaimed land, built up by more than a hundred years of discarded shells from previous shucking operations. The oyster business thrived in early Bluffton and throughout the 1920’s, with five different oyster operations in the area. Now the Bluffton Oyster Company remains the last hand-shucking house in the state of South Carolina. They specialize in fresh local seafood; oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, fish filets, soft shell crabs and live blue crabs. Hours of operation are 9 am – 5:30 pm, Monday thru Saturday. You can also purchase fried shrimp, oysters and soft shell crab at the Bluffton Farmers Market on Thursdays. Find them at 63 Wharf St. (843)757-4010
Edisto Island
Flowers Seafood has been commercially fishing and serving fresh, local seafood on Edisto Island for four generations. Come into their family owned seafood market and browse the selection of fresh, wild caught seafood. They have a large selection of fish, shrimp, crabs, and other seafood that comes “fresh off the boat” daily. If you’re interested in cooked food try their “To-Go” restaurant located right behind Flowers Seafood Company. The same fresh seafood is made ready to order. Stop by on your way to Edisto Beach. The market is open Monday-Saturday, from 9 am-6 pm, and Sunday 9 am-5 pm. The Flowers Seafood To-Go Food Truck is open Thursday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm. They are located just six miles from the beach at 1914 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC (843)869-0033 (Market), (843)869-3303 (kitchen/to-go orders)
Ridgeland
Fiddler’s Seafood Market and Restaurant is a historical and beloved destination where fresh seafood is enjoyed and homemade goods are shared. Fiddlers gives customers an authentic taste of local, old-fashioned southern comfort. Their seafood is either caught by Fiddler’s owner, Billy Rowell on his very own boat or purchased from local fishermen. Within walking distance of their restaurant is the seafood market, where customers can bring home southern hospitality in its finest form. Fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and local crafts are all created by our own staff, or by the artisans of the Ridgeland, SC community. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s going on in the restaurant and market, or visit for yours self. The restaurant is located at 7738 West Main Street, (843)726-6681. The seafood market is just around the corner at 572 South Green Street, (843)726-6691.
Hampton
Tuten’s Fresh Market Meat and Seafood is Hampton’s finest local butcher shop. This family owned business has been around for over 30 years. Ran by an expert butcher and grill master, Tuten’s is dedicated to delivering the very best meat and freshest seafood, with farm fresh produce and some staple grocery items as well! Come by and see them sometime. They’ll be glad to help you find anything you are looking for as well as give you some great tips for seasoning, marinating, and grilling your meals to perfection. Located at 604 Elm St. in Hampton, (803)943-4670. Visit their Facebook page for daily updates.
Red Rice and Sausage is a favorite in the Lowcountry. Whether used as a side dish or the main attraction, this iconic dish is a crowd-pleaser. It is also quite easy recipe to prepare. I like to serve it with fresh green beans and buttermilk biscuits.
Ingredients 1 cup brown rice ½ green pepper, diced ½ sweet onion, diced 1 stalk celery, diced 12-oz smoked sausage, sliced 4 strips maple bacon, cubed 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Cook rice with two cups of water over low heat.
Place bacon in a pan and cook over medium heat. When bacon starts to sizzle, add the vegetables. Sauté until the bacon is done, and the veggies are soft and transparent.
Add smoked sausage to the pan and cook until sausage plumps.
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The Lowcountry & Resort Islands Region of South Carolina includes the four, southern-most counties in the state, Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton, which are bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Savannah River and the state of Georgia.
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