Water, water everywhere. Beaufort has a small historic district, rivers, barrier islands, a state park (Hunting Island) with oceanfront camping and cabins for rent, a fishing pier, wildlife viewing areas, boardwalk style nature walks and a number of scenic areas for photos. Don't forget the cameras, you'll have a field day if you enjoy photography.
Towns/Cities You'll Pass By/Through
This trip has many small towns along the way. The real gem of them all is Beaufort. Beaufort's small, quaint historic district is a great place to spend some time. Parking is sometimes at a premium but other than that, Beaufort has a reputation as being a clean and safe place.
Attractions & Points-of-Interests Along the Way
Along the way there are two restaurants that shouldn't be missed; - Sgt. Whites Diner is BBQ and soul food in a very relaxed setting, served up from a buffet, meat and 2 style with the world's best cornbread...lunch only on weekdays. (Yes, he's a real sergeant, retired from the USMC.) Read the NY Times article. - The Blackstone cafe is breakfast & lunch 7 days each week. Breakfast is Low Country style with shrimp and grits, eggs Benedict with piles of crabmeat and huge muffins and cinnamon rolls.
One of America's finest national cemeteries is located in Beaufort. A South Carolina Medal of Honor winner, Civil War heroes, The Great Santini and many more of America's finest are laid to rest here under sprawling old oak trees. If you know a Marine, he's likely to remember Beaufort as Parris Island, a basic training post for the USMC is located here. A Marine Corps Air Station often is host to air shows and other displays. The Beaufort National Cemetery was designed by and authorized by President Abraham Lincoln. The layout is a half-wheel configuration with "spokes" leading out to grave sites. The cemetery is the resting place for heroes such as Medal of Honor winner Ralph H Johnson, The Great Santini, Union Soldiers of the all Black Massachusetts 55th Infantry, more than 7,500 Civil War soldiers and others up to and including modern day conflicts such as the current war. During events like Veterans Day, motorcycles are guided by uniformed Marines from nearby Parris Island to reserved parking spots for the convenience of the riders. It isn't often you'll get that sort of service and respect and although those special ceremonies can be a bit crowded, it's worth arriving a bit early to watch the color guards and listen to local dignitaries and members of our military as they honor those fallen.
Hunting Island State Park is our frequent destination. A small fee gets you in to a primitive park that has an extensive network of well paved roads, picnic facilities, restrooms, plenty of places to fish and a wide expanse of beach to enjoy. It's motorcycle friendly and safe with regular patrols by rangers who are always happy to stop and talk. Cabins are available to rent, there's a large camping facility and as part of the park, a pier is available for fishing or just relaxing and taking in the view. Along the way as you ride to Hunting Island are a nature walk...a raised boardwalk with great views and picture opportunities as well as a popular small photo-op stop.
