Looking for a unique holiday experience full of culture, black heritage, style and shopping? Beaufort, SC is the perfect destination to add to your list and one of my personal favorites to explore the holidays. From unique cultural events to curated shops, and rich Gullah culture to food and history, Beaufort is a go-to destination to the explore during the holidays from Thanksgiving, Christmas, Watch Night and beyond New Year’s. Here is some inspiration for an Artisan-Inspired Gullah Holiday experience:
Food: What is better than delighting in waterfront dining with fresh Lowcountry cuisine? Celebrating Gullah cuisine’s rich flavors. For a personalized touch, opt for custom catering services that capture the essence of local Gullah and lowcountry culinary traditions.
Pro tip: Make reservations ahead of time and also plan some catering options for holiday meals to make your trip relaxing while supporting local Gullah and Lowcountry culinarians. Here are a few great options:
- Gullah Grub – Great option for front porch dining and even better option for custom catering with traditional Gullah dishes like red rice, okra soup and oyster perloo.
- Gullah Express: This is a must visit food truck and they happen to make the perfect shrimp burger. Pack a few orders to go and set off for a beachfront picnic or pair with your favorite wine for a front porch experience at your bed and breakfast.
- Herban Market and Café: Looking to eat healthy before your holiday feasts? Herban Market is a perfect destination. It has great waterfront views and is a great place to pick up to-go food as you explore the town. Their kombucha collection is top notch and their desserts are great for anyone with food allergies.
- Saltus River Grill: Want a date night or group fine-dining experience? Saltus River Grill has you covered and is the perfect place to get curated drink options and local raw bar favorites. Be sure to make reservations as this place stays packed.
Accommodations: If you want true Southern hospitality with luxury accommodations, Beaufort is a must. Here are a few of my favorites:
Pro tip: Enjoy a glass of wine on the front porches in the afternoon and your favorite dessert while you plan out the evening.
- Anchorage 1770: Stay in style at Anchorage 1770, a historic inn offering luxurious amenities and breathtaking views of the Beaufort River. Not to mention the gourmet breakfast and French press coffee. If you love curated design and want somewhere to take a family photo in front of the tree, be sure to stay at Anchorage 1770.
- Beaufort Inn: Want to book a whole house or have a garden for the kids to run around in? Beaufort Inn is a great option especially if you want to bring extended family or friends for your trip as a holiday gift. Everyone can have a space but still be close by to gather and organize before activities.
Curated Experiences:
From museums to boat tours, Beaufort has a little bit of everything you need or a unique experience during the holidays. Here are few of my go-to things to do:
Pro tip: Book a photographer to take photos during, before or after your tours. Great way to remember the memories and make memories and put them into an heirloom photo giftbook.
- Reconstruction History at Penn Center: Dive into history with a tour of the Penn Center, a cornerstone of African American education and culture. These tours are a great experience for a history buff and the Penn Center gift shop is a great option for unique and curated holiday shopping.
- Carriage Rides Rich in Gullah History: Enjoy a leisurely carriage ride through the historic streets of Beaufort, taking in the stunning architecture and views of the Lowcountry. Check out the Sea Island Carriage Company for your tour needs!
- Boat Tours and Dolphin Cruises: Explore the scenic waterways with a boat tour, offering a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Add Coastal Expeditions and Beaufort Dolphin tours to your travel itinerary for sure.
Luxury Shopping: Indulge in a shopping experience that highlights the unique artistry and craftsmanship of the region. Discover beautifully crafted art pieces, cutting-edge designs, fashionable attire, and authentic Gullah crafts that reflect the cultural tapestry of the Lowcountry.
- Gullah Farms: Are you a foodie or just love farm to Table cuisine? Whether a purchase for yourself or a gift for a foodie explore, add these Gullah farms to your fruit & gourmet basket lists: Barefoot Farms, Marshview Farms, and Earth People Farms.
- Beaufort Belle Co.: Want some quintessential Southern gifts? Beaufort Belle Co. is your answer. From local artisans to your favorite Southern brands, this shop has everything you need for your monogram loving friends.
- MacDonald’s – Looking for gifts for someone who has everything? This is a great shop to find something unique and collected. I would suggest even creating a gift basket if antiques, stationery, their famous Bloody Mary mix and
Events:
- Dec 5-8: Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration: Celebrate the season with the Gullah Kinfolk Christmas, an enchanting event filled with music, storytelling, and traditions that bring the Gullah culture to life from a symposium to a Gullah Rice cook-off.
- Dec 31 Watch Night Celebrations: Join in the communal spirit at the Watch Night service at a few historic Gullah Churches including, First African Baptist, Tabernacle Baptist Church and Brick Baptist Church on Saint Helena.
- Dec 6-8th: Christmas Activities: You won’t want to miss the Holiday Boat Parade (Dec 7th) or Christmas Parade (Dec 8th) These are great events to attend before or after shopping for your family and friends.
The holidays on the Sea Islands are absolutely magical. As a Lowcountry native who is proud of her Gullah heritage and upbringing, everything about Beaufort reminds me of family and tradition. It is a great place to create new traditions with your family and friends through travel. From fine dining to Gullah culture, and curated shops, Beaufort SC is a perfect place to make your new holiday destination.
Presented by Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands of SC
Supported by Discover SC
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