If you’re looking for places to see and things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. Beaufort sits on the coastal sea island of Port Royal, and is known for its antebellum mansions. For example, the John Mark Verdier House Museum is an early-1800s Federal style mansion that features period furnishings and exhibits about the area’s history. There’s also the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which offers beautiful views of the Beaufort River and Woods Memorial Bridge.
Old Sheldon Church
The Old Sheldon Church Ruins are a historic site located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It is located about 17 miles north of Beaufort, in the Sheldon area. The ruins of the old church date back to the early 1800s. Visitors are welcome to explore the church ruins and explore the history of the area.
Old Sheldon Church was built around 1750. It was later burned by the British, but was rebuilt by the local parish. After the Revolutionary War, the church was active again, and served as a place of worship until the Union Army destroyed it in 1865. Despite its ruins, the church is a beautiful location for portraits and wedding photos.
Although surrounded by a 5-foot-high black fence, the Old Sheldon Church is still worth a visit. The ruins were once used by Patriots as a gunpowder storage facility, but were later burned by British forces during the war. The old church is in a beautiful setting, surrounded by ancient oak trees and a small gate with a lock.
The Church is owned by the Parish Church of St. Helena and Beaufort Parish. Although it is on private property, the ruins are easily accessible, and are a peaceful place to spend an afternoon. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The church is located in the low country of South Carolina.
Old Sheldon Church in Beaufort was the first church to imitate Greek Temple architecture. Built between 1745 and 1753, it is believed to be the first attempt in the United States to imitate the design of a Greek temple. Its pediment and gable roof are gone, but the columns remain.
Parris Island
If you’re in the area, you can explore Parris Island, South Carolina, which is known for its legendary golf course. The island is also home to the oldest building in the city, the Parris Island Lighthouse. This landmark was once used to guide ships away from the harbor and forward on their journeys. Today, it is used by the local military to train recruits. The area also includes a national cemetery, where more than 18,500 soldiers rest.
The town has many antebellum and pre-Revolutionary War houses. One of the oldest houses in the city is the Beaufort Hepworth House, which dates back to the 1720s. Another old building is the Beaufort Arsenal, which houses a visitor center. The town has a rich history, dating back to the Spanish exploration of the area in 1520. Archeological digs have uncovered several settlements from this time period.
In addition to the Parris Island Marine Base, there are numerous places to go in Beaufort. If you’re in town for a business trip, there are plenty of locations to hold offsite meetings and events. You can also check out the Parris Island Museum, which teaches you about the history of the United States Marine Corps and the Port Royal area.
For an evening out, check out the nearby bowling alley. This location offers glow bowling Friday nights. The town of Beaufort is also home to Southern Sweets, which is rated one of the best ice cream places in Beaufort.
John Mark Verdier House
The Lafayette Building, also known as the John Mark Verdier House, was constructed by a French Huguenot in 1804 and typifies the gracious antebellum architecture of Beaufort. This historic building is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The John Mark Verdier House is one of the most popular attractions in Downtown Beaufort. It is the only historic planter’s house in the area that is open to the public. The mansion represents the life of the city’s wealthiest citizens during the Antebellum period and is a prominent landmark in the town.
The museum offers guided tours of the 1804 home of a prominent merchant and planter. The house was never updated and retains many original architectural details. The Verdier family lived in the house until 1861. However, the house survived the Civil War and the 1893 hurricane.
Located in downtown Beaufort, the John Mark Verdier House exhibits the splendor of antebellum architecture. Its four-story chimney, ornate carvings and finely-crafted mantels add to its stately appearance. Tours of the house are available Monday through Saturday. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Verdier House is also home to a museum dedicated to the life of its owner, John Mark Verdier.
The Pat Conroy Literary Center is another attraction in Beaufort. The author Pat Conroy once lived in Beaufort. There are exhibits dedicated to his life and his literary works at the center. The center was dedicated to him and is a fitting tribute to the author. It also features numerous passages from his books.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
This beloved riverfront park features beautiful landscaped green space, a playground, and a stage for concerts and performances. The park is ideal for families with children, but also attracts adults who enjoy outdoor activities. Visitors can spend a lazy afternoon or enjoy a romantic evening in front of the water.
The park was named after former Beaufort mayor Henry C. Chambers, who pushed for its development and championed the need to replace old docks with waterfront parks. Today, the park is a gorgeous, seven-acre space that is perfect for afternoon picnics and breezy walks.
The waterfront park in Beaufort is large enough to accommodate all kinds of activities, from hiking to fishing. There are also several restaurants in the area that offer outdoor dining. The restaurants specialize in southern barbecue and local seafood. You can even stop for an ice cream treat.
Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina and is home to a historic downtown district. The Chambers Waterfront Park is the centerpiece of the downtown district and offers great views of the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge. In addition, visitors can see Port Royal Island and Lady’s Island.
The waterfront park is perfect for families with children. It has a small waterfront walkway and several picnic tables. It is also close to restaurants, shops, and a dog supply store. Parking is metered and credit cards are accepted. The park is very popular and attracts a large number of visitors each day.
Gullah Grub
Barbecue Cafe offers authentic Lowcountry African-American cooking. The restaurant offers a quaint ambiance with live music in the evenings. The lowcountry cuisine is a must-try for any Beaufort foodie. Barbecue Cafe also has a large outdoor terrace overlooking the Beaufort River.
The restaurant’s owner, Bill Green, has been preparing authentic Gullah fare for 15 years. He uses ingredients from his wife’s organic farm and adheres to Gullah tradition. Right now, the restaurant is closed for renovation, but the restaurant is expected to re-open in a few years.
A local favorite, Gullah Grub serves traditional Lowcountry food with a contemporary flair. The restaurant also features a gallery with local art and history. If you’re hungry, you can enjoy lunch on the porch or head to the back of the restaurant for a delicious barbecue. The restaurant also focuses on educating the local youth on growing their own food. Located on St. Helena Island, Gullah Grub has been a local landmark for years.
There’s no shortage of celebrity visits to Gullah Grub. Actors Dave Chappelle and Norman Reedus stopped by during the filming of the sequel to their movie “Ride With Norman Reedus.” In May, CNN’s W. Kamau Bell featured Gullah culture and its cuisine on his show “United Shades of America.” Even Martha Stewart has been known to stop by for an oyster roast.
Whether you’re craving fried shark strips or a Southern shrimp stew, there’s sure to be something for everyone in Beaufort. Try some of the many seafood restaurants and seafood stands that serve Gullah food.
