Day Trip from Bluffton....to Savannah? Beaufort?
Nov 10th, 2013, 05:15 AM
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Day Trip from Bluffton....to Savannah? Beaufort?
Two of us are driving from NYC to Florida next month. We are breaking up the drive with a stop near Elizabeth City, followed by a two-night stop in Bluffton, SC, which gives us a full day in the area.
Back in the days when I was a magazine writer/editor, I covered this area for a number of features (even styled the photos for the cookbook published by a famous old Savannah restaurant), but it has been years and years since my last visit. So for all intents and purposses, I am a newcomer. Partner's exposure to the Low Country is limited to stops oon St. Simons/Sea Island during last's years NYC-Florida ordeal.
Looking at the map, Beaufort seems to be the logical option. But investigating further, it appears that Savannah is actually closer to Bluffton (34 minutes according to Google maps vs 41 mn to Beaufort).
BUT: We want to make this easy and uncomplicated. We will be driving a car filled to the brim with "stuff" destined for out Florida condo rental. We want to walk around for a couple of hours and maybe eat lunch in a non-fancy place featuring local seafood. Do not want any parking issues. Do not want to visit any historic houses on this trip. Just need a break from the long drive and a chance to soak up the natural and architecturall beauty of the Low Country. Since we are staying at a nice hotel, would like to enjoy the faacilities there for part of the afternoon, so this should not be an all-day jaunt. We also want an hour or so in downtown Bluffton, but can possibly do this the evening before, after check-in.
With all that in mind, what would be a good plan for us coming from Bluffton? Maybe a 3/4 hour jaunt from the hotel? Should we meander through some of the shoreline islands? Head for Savannah? But what about parking in Savannah? Secure? Easy to find upon entering the city? Or easier to head for Beaufort which might be a few more minutes in distance but might be a lot less complicated as far as traffic, parking, etc.
I appreciate any and all help!!! Many thanks..
Back in the days when I was a magazine writer/editor, I covered this area for a number of features (even styled the photos for the cookbook published by a famous old Savannah restaurant), but it has been years and years since my last visit. So for all intents and purposses, I am a newcomer. Partner's exposure to the Low Country is limited to stops oon St. Simons/Sea Island during last's years NYC-Florida ordeal.
Looking at the map, Beaufort seems to be the logical option. But investigating further, it appears that Savannah is actually closer to Bluffton (34 minutes according to Google maps vs 41 mn to Beaufort).
BUT: We want to make this easy and uncomplicated. We will be driving a car filled to the brim with "stuff" destined for out Florida condo rental. We want to walk around for a couple of hours and maybe eat lunch in a non-fancy place featuring local seafood. Do not want any parking issues. Do not want to visit any historic houses on this trip. Just need a break from the long drive and a chance to soak up the natural and architecturall beauty of the Low Country. Since we are staying at a nice hotel, would like to enjoy the faacilities there for part of the afternoon, so this should not be an all-day jaunt. We also want an hour or so in downtown Bluffton, but can possibly do this the evening before, after check-in.
With all that in mind, what would be a good plan for us coming from Bluffton? Maybe a 3/4 hour jaunt from the hotel? Should we meander through some of the shoreline islands? Head for Savannah? But what about parking in Savannah? Secure? Easy to find upon entering the city? Or easier to head for Beaufort which might be a few more minutes in distance but might be a lot less complicated as far as traffic, parking, etc.
I appreciate any and all help!!! Many thanks..
Nov 10th, 2013, 06:46 AM
#2
Well, having lived IN Beaufort for a time and long before it was as popular a destination as it has become (this is when there were vacant oceanfront lots on Hilton Head "for sale by owner" soaking up natural and architectural beauty could be done in both places, depending on where IN Savannah you end up.
Beaufort is still kinda slow and sleepy although there are a lot more visitors to the "downtown" and Bay Street environs than there used to be so not sure about the actual parking situation.
If you are looking for the Spanish moss-draped trees and the uneven streets, etc., you'll be in the right place.
Beaufort is still kinda slow and sleepy although there are a lot more visitors to the "downtown" and Bay Street environs than there used to be so not sure about the actual parking situation.
If you are looking for the Spanish moss-draped trees and the uneven streets, etc., you'll be in the right place.
Nov 10th, 2013, 07:24 AM
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I'm not sure what you are really trying to accomplish. For all practical purposes both Beaufort and Savannah are about the same distance from Bluffton (28 and 24 miles respectively) and the 5 or so minute difference in driving time won't amount to a hill of beans considering the total drive time from NYC to Florida.
The biggest difference is Beaufort is north of Bluffton and Savannah is south. So if you are spending the night in Bluffton and go north the following morning to Beaufort you'll have to backtrack that same distance when you continue your trip to Florida. That said, the added distance driving from Beaufort to your destination in Florida vs. Savannah to Florida is going to be less than 50 miles and maybe 3/4 of a hour's drive teem - certainly nothing to be concerned about.
As for parking your car, it will be a little easier in Beaufort but there's no guarantee that your "stuff" will be any safer in either Beaufort or Savannah and you should have difficulty finding parking in either town. I don't recall either town having difficult "traffic.
Both Beaufort and Savannah are interesting places to visit. The center of Beaufort (where most visitors go) is only a few blocks long with a few nice shops to browse. Savannah has a larger "tourist area" so it will take you a little longer to "explore".
Why not spend the"first afternoon/night in Beaufort, then drive to Bluffton the following morning, spend the late morning/early afternoon there then drive to Savannah and spend your second night there (choose a hotel that has an indoor parking garbage so your car will be relatively safe). That way you'll still have a 2 night break in your drive and you'll get to visit three different towns that just a short drive from each other.
The biggest difference is Beaufort is north of Bluffton and Savannah is south. So if you are spending the night in Bluffton and go north the following morning to Beaufort you'll have to backtrack that same distance when you continue your trip to Florida. That said, the added distance driving from Beaufort to your destination in Florida vs. Savannah to Florida is going to be less than 50 miles and maybe 3/4 of a hour's drive teem - certainly nothing to be concerned about.
As for parking your car, it will be a little easier in Beaufort but there's no guarantee that your "stuff" will be any safer in either Beaufort or Savannah and you should have difficulty finding parking in either town. I don't recall either town having difficult "traffic.
Both Beaufort and Savannah are interesting places to visit. The center of Beaufort (where most visitors go) is only a few blocks long with a few nice shops to browse. Savannah has a larger "tourist area" so it will take you a little longer to "explore".
Why not spend the"first afternoon/night in Beaufort, then drive to Bluffton the following morning, spend the late morning/early afternoon there then drive to Savannah and spend your second night there (choose a hotel that has an indoor parking garbage so your car will be relatively safe). That way you'll still have a 2 night break in your drive and you'll get to visit three different towns that just a short drive from each other.
Nov 10th, 2013, 12:26 PM
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We try to get to SC from Scotland each October.
Eks : I can't remember from your posts about Italy, whether you like wildlife. The marsh areas are teeming with life and there are beautiful walks at Botany Bay in Edisto (location for The Patriot film) and also at the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge which is just off HW17.
The St. Helena's Episcopal Church and graveyard in the centre of Beaufort is beautiful and one of the oldest churches in the US. The graveyard dates back over 300 years and we will never forget the sight of each grave having a flag placed on it to denote the allegiance of the deceased. Quite a few British flags from 1700s.
Over the bridge on St Helena island, the small town of Frogmore is as drenched in history and culture as we have experienced. Being British we didn't exactly feel comfortable, little like Germans visiting a death camp. It was pretty shocking to appreciate where and how a great deal of our pre industrial wealth was derived. The museum :
http://penncenter.com/
Provides a thorough insight into the Gullah culture imported from Africa.
Driving round the whole area, has a feel of being a million miles away from the States of the North.
Incidentally, if you have the chance try to visit Drayton Hall Plantantion in Charleston which is unrestored and offer meaningful lectures about the operation of a plantation in the 1700s.
Dukey
Are you still in Beaufort?
Eks : I can't remember from your posts about Italy, whether you like wildlife. The marsh areas are teeming with life and there are beautiful walks at Botany Bay in Edisto (location for The Patriot film) and also at the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge which is just off HW17.
The St. Helena's Episcopal Church and graveyard in the centre of Beaufort is beautiful and one of the oldest churches in the US. The graveyard dates back over 300 years and we will never forget the sight of each grave having a flag placed on it to denote the allegiance of the deceased. Quite a few British flags from 1700s.
Over the bridge on St Helena island, the small town of Frogmore is as drenched in history and culture as we have experienced. Being British we didn't exactly feel comfortable, little like Germans visiting a death camp. It was pretty shocking to appreciate where and how a great deal of our pre industrial wealth was derived. The museum :
http://penncenter.com/
Provides a thorough insight into the Gullah culture imported from Africa.
Driving round the whole area, has a feel of being a million miles away from the States of the North.
Incidentally, if you have the chance try to visit Drayton Hall Plantantion in Charleston which is unrestored and offer meaningful lectures about the operation of a plantation in the 1700s.
Dukey
Are you still in Beaufort?
Nov 10th, 2013, 12:38 PM
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Thanks, all.
I answered this earlier but my post seems to have vanished. Very frustrating.
Sorry to RoamAround if I was not clear:
We are spending two nights outside Bluffton (already booked) and would do this meandering on the day after the first night, when we will arrived tired from the long drive from eastern NC. I've traveled a bit in this area and have been to both cities several times, while on assignment for a magazine (also did photo styling for a cookbook put out by a famous restaurant in Savannah--long ago!) But have not been in the area in 25 years or so. Partner has never been.
Above info is very helpful, many thanks. Probably will not be in the mood for any house tours on this trip...just wanted to spend a few hours meandering around, soaking up aatmosphere, and maybe having a seafood lunch in a non-fancy place. Then will return to the hotel near Bluffton. (Have picked out Bluffton Oyster company for dinner on that night, but can change).
Will keep Dickie's ideas in mind--a good nature walk would be welcome after all those hours cooped up in the carand I don't remember ever having been in Frogmore. I do like cemeteries, too.
I do realize after raeading helpful answers, that there is no wrong answer--and do not have to plan in advance...
I answered this earlier but my post seems to have vanished. Very frustrating.
Sorry to RoamAround if I was not clear:
We are spending two nights outside Bluffton (already booked) and would do this meandering on the day after the first night, when we will arrived tired from the long drive from eastern NC. I've traveled a bit in this area and have been to both cities several times, while on assignment for a magazine (also did photo styling for a cookbook put out by a famous restaurant in Savannah--long ago!) But have not been in the area in 25 years or so. Partner has never been.
Above info is very helpful, many thanks. Probably will not be in the mood for any house tours on this trip...just wanted to spend a few hours meandering around, soaking up aatmosphere, and maybe having a seafood lunch in a non-fancy place. Then will return to the hotel near Bluffton. (Have picked out Bluffton Oyster company for dinner on that night, but can change).
Will keep Dickie's ideas in mind--a good nature walk would be welcome after all those hours cooped up in the carand I don't remember ever having been in Frogmore. I do like cemeteries, too.
I do realize after raeading helpful answers, that there is no wrong answer--and do not have to plan in advance...
Nov 10th, 2013, 01:19 PM
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After many years of roaming round, many hours of poking round back roads, we came to the conclusion that our love of SC is that there isn't a Niagara Falls or Mount Rushmore.
Just all about just soaking it up.
Just all about just soaking it up.
Nov 10th, 2013, 01:45 PM
#7
Dickie_Gr, No, I left Beaufort many many moons ago but I find the place remains delightful nonetheless.
And as to those "crypts" at St. Helena's what always fascinated me was the fact that during the Civil War ( or the "recent unpleasantness" as some folks in Charleston like to call it) the tops of those graves/crypts were used as operating tables. And perhaps there was a piece of wood to bite on when no anesthetic was available.
And as to those "crypts" at St. Helena's what always fascinated me was the fact that during the Civil War ( or the "recent unpleasantness" as some folks in Charleston like to call it) the tops of those graves/crypts were used as operating tables. And perhaps there was a piece of wood to bite on when no anesthetic was available.
Nov 11th, 2013, 12:01 AM
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"recent unpleasantness"
Is a phrase that would sum up the refined humour of Charlestown.
I have many times encountered people in the South who seem proud of their " Britishness". Strange really because they hold the values and approach they we lost 50 years ago. They are more British than we are!
Is a phrase that would sum up the refined humour of Charlestown.
I have many times encountered people in the South who seem proud of their " Britishness". Strange really because they hold the values and approach they we lost 50 years ago. They are more British than we are!
