5 Hours In Bluffton, South Carolina

Bluffton, South Carolina, is known as “The Heart of the Lowcountry.” Located on the May River, it’s a place many drive through on their way to Hilton Head, pausing perhaps to fill the tank with gas and the cooler with ice. But it’s worth stopping and exploring this beautiful small town.  Although inhabited for centuries, the town of Bluffton was initially incorporated in 1852 with original borders of only one square mile—the area now known as Old Town. It has grown since then while retaining its distinctive Lowcountry charm.  Photo by Tee Gentry Where I Ate  I enjoyed walking around the area and started my day by stopping at Corner Perk, a small, locally-owned coffee shop that welcomes you with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee. I grabbed a streetside table outside and did some people-watching, including vacationers driving by with their vehicles loaded with beach accessories on their way to Hilton Head.   Other recommended sustenance stops include River House, The Bluffton Room, and The Pearl Kitchen and Bar.  After coffee, I headed to the riverfront area.  What I Saw And Learned  Photo by Tee Gentry Wright Family Park and Calhoun Street Dock are on the river and are great places to take a walk, run,  or - as many were doing the morning I was there - sit and take in the beauty of May River. I made sure to wander over to the Church of the Cross, which may be the most photographed building in the area. This rustic building, which combines elements of rough-hewn Lowcountry practicality with the graceful hallmarks of Gothic architecture, is a still-active Anglican church. It was established in 1857 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. And while my visit was limited to marveling at the architecture and vistas overlooking the water, visitors are welcome to take a guided tour Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and services are held every Sunday at 8 and 10 a.m.  What I Missed  Photo by Tee Gentry Although still very much a small southern town, the few hours I spent in Bluffton were not nearly enough. I plan to return soon. Plans for my next trip include the Historic Bluffton Foundation’s walking tour to learn more about one of my new favorite places in Beaufort County and a stop at the Burnt Church Distillery, where brothers Billy and Sean Watterson are producing a variety of farm-to-bottle brands.