I really enjoy the dining options in Charleston, South Carolina, which is why my spouse and I choose where to stay based on how close it is to the restaurants we're eager to visit when we travel there. baked deviled crab to the iconic shrimp boil There are numerous Lowcountry dishes to enjoy, and you can easily indulge just within The Holy City itself. That’s what makes me particularly surprised that the finest Lowcountry meal I experienced last year wasn’t in Charleston, but rather in the quaint town of Bluffton.
Located two hours southeast of Charleston and 15 minutes away from Hilton Head Island, this formerly quiet riverside town has become the emerging highlight of the Lowcountry food scene and one of Country Living’s Top 10 Cozy Small Towns to Explore in 2025 For all the insider information on spending a weekend dining, shopping, and discovering in Bluffton, keep reading! Details about the meals that continue to tantalize my taste buds are also provided.
Rise and Shine
The bacon basil croissants along with the lavender matcha lattes at Corner Perk Brunch Café are best savored at the eatery’s communal table.
Stroll the Stores
Shopfronts and art galleries entice visitors throughout Calhoun Street. Drop in The Store , operating since 1978, offers a varied collection of antiques and curiosities gathered by Babbie Guscio.
Walk Within History
A scarce survivor from the Reconstruction era that offers guided tours, this site is worth visiting. Garvin-Garvey House It is among the first emancipated slave-owning cabins situated near the May River.
Commit Fully to Gullah
This coming summer, Chef Bridgette Frazier from Bluffton, who is also known for her role as a community celebrant, plans to make her debut. Ma Daisy’s Porch , a multifaceted facility celebrating the heritage, history, and tastes of Gullah, a uniquely Southeastern culture stemming from the offspring of enslaved West and Central Africans. The Ma Daisy's establishment will feature an engaging museum, an outdoor marketplace for Gullah artisans and craftspeople, a bakery serving up Benne cookies alongside innovatively filled croissants, and a spacious two-level restaurant. "Ma Daisy’s site serves as a venue where all senses experience Gullah culture," explains Bridgette. "Here, you can savor it, observe it, feel it." feel It—it truly encompasses every aspect of the term."
Tip Your Hat
Customize a straw topper using bandana straps, leather cords, feathers, and additional accessories. Brims on the Bluff .
Sea What’s In Store
Observe the shrimp fishing vessels coming ashore. Bluffton Oyster Company , a century-old fresh-seafood market that remains the sole surviving hand-shucking operation for oysters in the state.
Get on the Water
Navigate through the saltwater marshes on a bottlenose dolphin-watching boat tour. May River Excursions When the tide goes out, you can join the local crowd and head for the temporary beach formed at the May River sandbar.
Enjoy Some Art and Craft Activities
Featuring live music, art and craft vendors, and eccentric competitions, Bluffton’s yearly event draws crowds with its vibrant atmosphere. Mayfest The celebration (happening this year on Saturday, May 10) is a significant attraction.
Do Dinner Right
A red cabbage salad doesn't have to be particularly striking. However, when it comes to the red cabbage salad prepared by Chef Bernard Bennett, Okàn It’s one you'll find yourself reflecting upon for quite some time. With his selection as a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist, Chef Bernard presents a constantly changing menu that guides guests through the journey of ingredients and tastes originating from West Africa, traversing the Caribbean, and culminating in the coastal wetlands of South Carolina. Savor this delightful creation best when shared with loved ones—think Djon Djon noodles, whole-head harissa shrimp, and lobster-cashew curry. This delectable offering serves as merely one gateway to exploring the rich heritage of African-Americans in Bluffton. Without hesitation, I must say it stands out not only as my top choice among dishes but also within what remains my most cherished dining experience throughout all of 2024!
Spend the Night
A haven all on its own, this 20,000-acre family-oriented retreat Montage Palmetto Bluff is home to bicycle paths, golf courses, tennis courts, and the odd alligator.
