Few purchases give you a sense of pride and accomplishment like buying a new home. From white picket fences and lush green grass to cookouts with neighbors and holidays with the family, owning a home is magical. Like most great things, though, enduring the home-buying process takes a lot of work. There are many steps to take and difficult decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions is what type of home loan and mortgage broker to choose. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you're a seasoned owner with multiple properties, you will need a trusted mortgage broker in Beaufort, SC, with your best interests at heart.
If you're like most people, you need a mortgage professional whose top priority is their customers - an expert who can provide accurate advice and guidance so you can make educated decisions. That's where Mission One Mortgage comes into the picture.
Whether you want the best interest rates or don't know where to start in the home-buying process, Mission One Mortgage can set you up in the right direction. From getting you pre-qualified to buy a home to securing a veteran's loan, Mission One Mortgage is the trusted solution you need. As Beaufort natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Beaufort, SC, we bring years of high-level experience and insight to the table. Having worked with hundreds of clients during our time in business, we know you're probably going through a range of emotions right now. Buying a new home can be a scary process, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we make every effort to make ourselves accessible and available for clients. Our primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage for your family and your budget.
We know that many home loan officers have horrible reputations. Some brokers only see their clients as transactions, and a means to make quick money. They come off as impatient and pushy, failing to understand that this is a very big decision for you. At Mission One Mortgage, we take the opposite approach. We encourage our clients to take as much time as needed to ask us questions and review mortgage documents. We could say that our mission is to exceed your expectations, but we'd rather just show you. From assistance finding FHA, VA, or other loans to refinancing your current mortgage, Mission One is the team you can trust.
Here are just a few reasons why home buyers choose Mission One Mortgage:
Most people simply don't have access to the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to purchase a home with cash. Instead, they take out a mortgage loan to buy a home. Unfortunately, many homebuyers are anxious to get the ball rolling and, due to their excitement, fail to shop around for the best mortgage rates. To some degree, avoiding this step makes sense, as it requires a lot of legwork and research to get the job done. For those not wanting to spend hours researching a reasonable mortgage, there's an alternative to consider - working with a mortgage broker.
To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.
Your mortgage broker is a third party that works to connect you with mortgage lenders. Essentially, a mortgage broker works as an intermediary between a person who wants to buy a home and the entities offering loans to buy a home. The mortgage broker works with both the borrower and lender to get the borrower approved. They also verify and collect paperwork from the borrower that the lender needs to finish a home purchase. Typically, mortgage brokers have relationships with several home loan lenders. Mission One Mortgage, for example, has access to 50 different lenders, which gives us a wide range of home loans in Beaufort, SC, from which to choose.
In addition to finding a home loan lender, your mortgage broker will help you settle on the best loan options and interest rates for your budget. Ideally, your mortgage broker will take a great deal of stress and legwork off your plate while also potentially saving you money.
If you're ready to buy a home, getting pre-qualified is a great choice that will streamline the entire process. Your mortgage broker makes getting pre-approved easy by obtaining all the documents needed to get you pre-qualified. In taking a look at your application, they will determine if you're ready for the pre-approval process. If your application needs additional items, the mortgage company will help point you in the right direction to ensure your application is as strong as it can be. Your mortgage broker will also walk you through the different types of loans, from Conventional and FHA to VA and USDA.
In order to be pre-approved for a home in South Carolina, you must have the following:
Most people choose to use a mortgage broker because they have access to different lenders and interest rates. But a great mortgage broker brings more to the table than a choice of lenders.
Save You from Unneeded Stress:One of the biggest advantages of hiring a mortgage broker is that they can find and vet loans while managing the mortgage process on your behalf. The best mortgage companies, like Mission One Mortgage, hire brokers who are experts at keeping underwriting on track, coordinating with relevant parties, and handling all paperwork involved. At the end of the day, mortgage brokers save you stress and time and often expedite the closing process.
More Access: We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: A mortgage broker provides access to a range of loans, rates, and lenders. In fact, many mortgage brokers can get rates lower than what the average person could get from a lender.
Save You Money: There's a chance that your mortgage broker can get your mortgage fees reduced or waived by the lender, which could save you a good deal of money.
Help with Unfavorable Financial Situations: Expert mortgage brokers can often assist in challenging financial situations, like when a buyer has inconsistent income or less-than-perfect credit. Experienced brokers, like those at Mission One Mortgage, are often aware of lenders willing to will work with nontraditional borrowers.
Provide Key Insights: Mortgage brokers share important insights, such as your chances for a home loan approval and exactly how much house you can afford. They can also save you from making costly mistakes based on their years of expertise in the mortgage industry.
While settling on the best type of home loan isn't as exciting as searching for the home of your dreams, it's equally important. Yes, your Mission One Mortgage loan officer in Beaufort, SC, will be happy to help explain the differences between home loans. But understanding the basics ahead of time will save you stress and time in the long run.
Conventional loans can be used to purchase a new home or refinance your current one. Conventional loans include fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. Generally, borrowers must put down a 3% down payment for owner-occupants, 10% for a vacation property, and 20% for an investment home. If you are able to pay 20% of the total cost of the home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance, which is otherwise required. Conventional mortgages are often preferred by buyers with good credit or people needing a non-owner-occupied mortgage.
FHA mortgages are issued by the U.S. government and backed by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This loan is often preferred by first-time homebuyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment and offers more flexibility with credit requirements and underwriting standards. FHA loans have several requirements you must meet to qualify. Contact Mission One Mortgage today to learn more about FHA loans and whether or not they're best for your financial situation.
Also backed by the government, these loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don't require money down. These loans have lower insurance requirements when compared to FHA loans, offer 100% financing if you qualify, and allow for closing costs to be covered by the seller. In order to qualify for a USDA loan, you must live in a rural area, and your household income must meet certain standards. These loans are often preferred by low-income citizens who live in rural parts of South Carolina.
Also known as VA or Veteran's Affairs loans, these mortgages are reserved for the brave men and women who served in the military. VA loans help provide our military members, veterans, and their families with favorable loan terms and an easy home ownership experience. Often, those who qualify are not required to make a down payment on their home. Additionally, these loans often include less expensive closing costs.
If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, contact Mission One Mortgage today to speak with our Vetted VA Professional, Debbie Haberny. Debbie helps our military members, veterans, and their family members obtain home loans utilizing veteran benefits and would be happy to help as you search for a home.
Do you have questions about the complexities of mortgages and home loans? As your advocate, Mission One Mortgage is here to answer any questions you have about mortgages and the home-buying process. We encourage you to call our office to speak directly with one of our mortgage experts or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. I was talking to my spouse about mortgage brokers, and they mentioned the phrase home loan originator. What's the difference between a broker and a loan originator?
A. The mortgage industry is full of confusing jobs and titles, making it easy to confuse roles and responsibilities. Such is the case with mortgage brokers and home loan originators. Though their roles share similarities, a home loan originator in Beaufort, SC, works for a bank or credit union, while a mortgage broker works for a brokerage company. Home loan originators and mortgage brokers are both licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Q. I've heard from everyone that you must have mortgage insurance to buy a home. What is mortgage insurance?
A. Essentially, mortgage insurance helps protect lenders if a borrower forecloses on the home they bought. One advantage of mortgage insurance is that when borrowers pay it, lenders can often grant loans to buyers when they might not have otherwise. Though not always required to buy a home, mortgage insurance is often needed for down payments of less than 20%.
Q. I have just been pre-approved to buy a beautiful home in South Carolina. Is there anything I shouldn't do now that I'm pre-qualified?
A. Mortgage companies like Mission One Mortgage, make getting pre-qualified for a home easy. However, as your loan process continues, your lender is required to run a new credit report before closing on a home. For that reason, it's to avoid any activity that might affect your credit score, such as:
Q. My brother-in-law recently refinanced his home in South Carolina. What is refinancing, and should I consider refinancing my home too?
A. Refinancing your home basically means you're swapping your current mortgage for a new one, most often with a lower interest rate. If you would like to reduce the term of your loan, lower your monthly mortgage payments, or consolidate debt, refinancing may be a smart option. Many homeowners also choose to refinance if they want to switch from adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate mortgages or to get cash back for home renovations. To learn whether refinancing is a viable option for your situation, contact Mission One Mortgage ASAP, as loan rates change frequently.
Here at Mission One Mortgage, we believe that the best communities begin with the dream of home ownership. Our mission is to make those dreams come true, with personalized service, expert guidance, and good old-fashioned hard work. As one of the most trusted mortgage companies in Beaufort, SC, we have years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time buyers and investors to self-employed borrowers and non-native English speakers.
Though every mortgage situation is different, one thing never changes: our commitment to clients. Contact our office today to get started on an exceptional home-buying experience.
Actor Gary Sinise was honored on Saturday night at the 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival for his acting career, as well as his work with veterans and their families; receiving the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award.“We are honored to have Gary Sinise back in Beaufort where the character of Lt. Dan first appeared nearly 30 years ago. His body of work as an artist and humanitarian is worthy of celebration,” said Ron Tucker President of the Beaufort Film Society.Gary Sinise’s stage, television a...
Actor Gary Sinise was honored on Saturday night at the 18th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival for his acting career, as well as his work with veterans and their families; receiving the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award.
“We are honored to have Gary Sinise back in Beaufort where the character of Lt. Dan first appeared nearly 30 years ago. His body of work as an artist and humanitarian is worthy of celebration,” said Ron Tucker President of the Beaufort Film Society.
Gary Sinise’s stage, television and film career has spanned nearly fifty years. Beginning in 1974, he co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company then twenty years later for his performance as Lt. Dan Taylor in the blockbuster film Forrest Gump, he received nominations for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Academy Awards, and earned Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board of Review and the Commander’s Award from the Disabled American Veterans. Other film credits include Apollo 12, Ransom, The Green Mile and The Human Stain.
For over forty years Gary has stood as an advocate on behalf of America’s service members, but following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Gary’s dedication to our nation’s active duty defenders, veterans, first responders and their families has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude for all those who protect our freedom and serve our country.
The evening’s ceremony started with a video of Sinise’s fellow actors, including Tom Hanks, congratulating the actor before he was invited on stage for a discussion with Tucker.
In 2003, after several USO handshake tours, he formed the Lt. Dan Band and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. Over the years, the 13 piece cover band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes, Gold Star families, veterans and troops around the world.
The Lt. Dan Band performed live in concert at MCAS Beaufort on Friday night, a show that was attended by thousands, adding a huge bonus to his two day visit to Beaufort for the Festival.
Sinise started the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 and has since formed R.I.S.E., which builds homes for veterans, and the Snowball Express, which brings gold star families to Disney World.
“(The decision) wasn’t difficult at all, you know, when you think of lifetime achievement, Gary has been in the film business for 50 years, that’s a lifetime to a lot of folks,” Tucker said to WJCL. “Thinking about retirement, Gary is still going strong, and I think he’s got a lot more to give, and I think he wants to give more.”
It was an award well-deserved by Gary Sinise.
Enjoy a few photos of the evening, by Amber Hewitt/Amber’s Eye Photography.
Daily Covid-19 admissions in the Beaufort County areaAbout the dataData is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalization data is a daily average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Beaufort County, an area which may be larger than Beaufort County itself.The number of daily hospital admissions shows how many patients were admitted to hospitals for Covid and is one of the most reliably reported indicators of Covid’s impact on a commun...
Data is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalization data is a daily average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Beaufort County, an area which may be larger than Beaufort County itself.
The number of daily hospital admissions shows how many patients were admitted to hospitals for Covid and is one of the most reliably reported indicators of Covid’s impact on a community.
Total population
Ages 65 and up
Total population
Ages 65 and up
An updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 7% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.
Share of I.C.U. beds occupied
About this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals map shows the average I.C.U. occupancy at nearby hospitals in the most recent week with data reported. The data is self-reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by individual hospitals. It excludes counts from hospitals operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Numbers for hospitalized patients are based on inpatient beds and include I.C.U. beds. Hospitalized Covid-19 patients include both confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023.
About this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: Weekly county death data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. Hospitalization data is a weekly average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Beaufort County. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government.
The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated.
About this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated. Weekly county case data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023. Test positivity data is based only on test results reported to the federal government and is a seven-day average.
By Jon Huang, Samuel Jacoby, Jasmine C. Lee, John-Michael Murphy, Charlie Smart and Albert Sun. Additional reporting by Sarah Cahalan, Lisa Waananen Jones, Amy Schoenfeld Walker and Josh Williams. See a full list of contributors to The Times’s Covid-19 data reporting here.
Data on this page is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Population and demographic data is from the U.S. Census Bureau. Hospitalization data is reported by individual hospitals to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and it includes confirmed and suspected adult and pediatric patients. The C.D.C. does not provide complete vaccinations data for some counties and caps its vaccination rate figures at 95 percent.
The C.D.C. may make historical updates as more data is reported.
The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on Covid cases in May 2023.
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes."Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to ...
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes.
"Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to experience Beaufort, South Carolina, and its environs, including Hunting Island. Yes, the path less taken is an excellent idea, as is the Sweet Tea Float at Scout Southern Market. Spending hours strolling through The Old Point and gazing at historic homes and even older live oaks offers endless enchantment. But with my eyes peeled for rattlers, I was (yes) relieved that the only serpentine thing I discovered was more of the winding trail along old dune ridge lines through a primordial wonderland.
The trail affirms why Hunting Island, a breathtaking 25-minute drive from Beaufort, is South Carolina's most popular state park. With a dozen similar paths and 5 miles of pristine beach, this place leads you back eons in time through an untouched maritime forest with towering pines and ospreys soaring overhead as well as magnolias and saw palmettos tangled with yaupon hollies and wax myrtles in the dense understory. Here you breathe deeper and look more closely. Life slows down, and a sense of awe percolates up.
Take a seat on one of the bench swings at Beaufort's Waterfront Park. Wide and welcoming, they move back and forth in a rhythmic lullaby. You can't help relaxing, especially if you happen to catch a sunset or tune into the soft lapping of the Beaufort River against the floating dock, hearing the jingling clink of pulleys against sailboat masts—a mariner's wind chime.
Saltus River Grill, where the scenic setting rivals the exceptional food and drink. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards A slice of the sweet life from Beaufort’s upscale Saltus River Grill. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards
Waterfront Park showcases the smart civic planning that makes Beaufort such a delight: The town's best vistas are protected and preserved. There are thoughtful amenities (parking, public bathrooms, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and plenty of green lawn for kids and dogs to play on). Plus it's all conveniently adjacent to an enticing array of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores along Bay Street. What better nightcap than to sit and swing a spell after enjoying grilled scallops or top-notch sushi at Saltus River Grill?
Historic Craven Street. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards A rooftop sunset at Anchorage 1770. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards
Beaufort is subdued in the best possible way. She has the same deep history and stunning architecture that her nearby sisters, Charleston and Savannah, are celebrated for, but she's fine staying slightly out of the limelight. Wise and mature, Beaufort wears her age like the badge of honor it is. Her Lowcountry aura feels elemental, with more patina and less pomp. Along Short Street at the edge of The Old Point, moss-heaped limbs cradle historic mansions. Beaufort's treescape shouts of grandeur in whatever language oaks speak. Gardens and yards aren't so much manicured as they are magical. It's easy to see why Hollywood frequently comes calling (a stairwell at The Beaufort Inn features posters from major motion pictures filmed here). Longtime resident Pat Conroy was so smitten that he wrote, "When I came to Beaufort I had struck upon a land so beautiful I had to hunt for other words."
Not far from Short Street, the First African Baptist Church, a Gothic Revival gem built by freedmen in 1865, bears witness to Beaufort's African American, Gullah, and Reconstruction-era history. "Robert Smalls was a member here. This document notes his Sunday school attendance and that he put a few cents in the offering plate," says the Rev. Alexander McBride, a jovial former marine and the church's pastor of almost 20 years, pointing to framed, yellowing pages hanging behind the sanctuary. A statue of Smalls, an enslaved crewman who heroically commandeered a Confederate ship and later served as a U.S. Congressman, is less than a mile away at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where a monument to Harriet Tubman is also planned.
Both churches are worthy stops, along with the Penn Center, the first Southern school for formerly enslaved people, across the bridge on St. Helena Island. Each place gives a deeper insight into the region's vibrant and enduring African American and Gullah Geechee culture.
Providing an overview of Beaufort's past, Capt. Henry Brandt of Coastal Expeditions offers a boat tour that cruises through the area's Native American, Spanish, and French history; Union occupation; and a view of Camp Saxton's tabby ruins, where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in South Carolina—all interspersed with musings on estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.
"You don't fully experience Beaufort until you see it from the water," Brandt claims. After watching dolphins curl and glide from the boat's bow and admiring the town's steeples rising in the background, I absolutely believe him.
Anchorage 1770Boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion with fine dining at the Ribaut Social Club; anchorage1770.com
The Beaufort InnHistoric main inn plus several cottages clustered around a courtyard; beaufortinn.com
Rhett House InnHistoric Greek revival mansion that's been a favorite of movie stars; rhetthouseinn.com
Blackstone's CaféClassic diner-like options; blackstonescafe.com
Red Rooster CafeExtensive breakfast menu, whether you like it country, continental, Lowcountry, or Tex Mex; facebook.com
Lowcountry Produce KitchenLocally sourced salads and sandwiches and a legendary tomato pie; lowcountryproduce.com
Chapman's GrocerGrab-and-go items plus beer, wine, and snacks; facebook.com
PlumsWaterfront dining featuring soups, salads, and sandwiches; plumsrestaurant.com
Saltus River GrillFine dining with fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks, sushi, and a well-curated wine list; saltusrivergrill.com
Old Bull TavernGastropub featuring a lively bar scene anda lamb shank that does not disappoint; oldbulltavern.com
Breakwater Restaurant and BarSeafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes with Southern flair; www.breakwatersc.com
Paninis on the WaterfrontStone-baked pizzas, paninis, seafood, and pastas; www.paninisonthewaterfront.com
Scout Southern MarketUnique gifts and home goods as well as delicious treats like the famous float at the Sweet Tea Bar; scoutsouthernmarket.com
Bachelor Hill AntiquesOffering treasures galore; facebook.com
Cabana22Coastal-chic boutique; cabana22.com
The Chocolate TreeConfections such as fudge, truffles, and peanut brittle; facebook.com
The Beaufort Candy ShopClassic candies and sweet treats of every kind; facebook.com
Lisa Rivers Fine ArtGullah-inspired art, prints, and gifts; www.lisariversart.com
Cassandra Gillens Art / Gullah Art in De WoodsPaintings, posters, and gifts; www.cassandragillensarts.com
Good AuraSustainable clothing and jewelry boutique; shopgoodaura.com
Monkey's UncleToys, fun, and games for children of all ages; www.monkeysuncletoys.com
Hunting Island; southcarolinaparks.comSt. Phillips IslandPat Conroy Literary Center; patconroyliterarycenter.orgCoastal Expeditions; coastalexpeditions.comReconstruction Era National Historic Park; nps.gov/reerSpanish Moss Trail; spanishmosstrail.comCraven Street en route to The Old Point to explore historic neighborhoods
A strong storm system battered Beaufort County with rain and heavy winds Tuesday afternoon — but reported damages appeared to be minimal as power slowly returned to the Lowcountry.Fire officials from across the county said the volume of storm-related calls was about what they expected. Despite a sizable number of downed trees, no injuries or significant property damage was reported.Just after 3 p.m., crews fr...
A strong storm system battered Beaufort County with rain and heavy winds Tuesday afternoon — but reported damages appeared to be minimal as power slowly returned to the Lowcountry.
Fire officials from across the county said the volume of storm-related calls was about what they expected. Despite a sizable number of downed trees, no injuries or significant property damage was reported.
Just after 3 p.m., crews from the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department responded to a small structure fire at a business in the 1800 block of Boundary Street, which closed the roadway for less than an hour in downtown Beaufort. The flames were put out by a fire extinguisher and likely started in a surge protector, according to spokesperson Ross Vezin.
Beaufort County power outages peaked at nearly 17,000 affected customers around 4 p.m. Tuesday, with Palmetto Electric Cooperative’s Hilton Head customers experiencing widespread blackouts after a small tree impacted a mid-island Santee Cooper power line. Power outages dwindled as the night went on. As of 9 p.m., Poweroutage.us reported just over 1,000 households without power — nearly all of which came from Dominion Energy.
Winds reached a high point around 4 p.m. Tuesday, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 37 m.p.h and gusts reaching up to 53 m.p.h., according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Although the local tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning ended before 6 p.m., Beaufort and Jasper Counties were still under a handful of weather warnings Tuesday night: a high surf advisory until midnight and a wind advisory lasting to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The NWS also issued a special weather statement Tuesday night, warning of downed trees and power lines that might impact drivers overnight — especially on secondary roads and rural highways.
Other areas of the southeast and south had more extensive damage as wind, possibly from tornadoes, ravaged areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, as well as North and South Carolina. In Florida’s panhandle, images of a marina building and mobile homes severely damaged by the storm demonstrated the force of the storm as it moved across the states.
Meteorologists on The Weather Channel devoted Tuesday to tracking what they called a 600-mile long cyclone that moved from states near the Gulf of Mexico to all the way up the eastern seaboard, bringing winds, rain, and tornadoes to the south and wet snowfall to the northeast.
In Bamberg, SC, reports of a tornado touching down near a Edisto Electric Cooperative building causing damage will be investigated Wednesday as cleanup activities are completed.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story contained incorrect power outage information. It has since been updated.
This story was originally published January 9, 2024, 9:31 PM.
Here comes our Lowcountry Holiday season and the ‘trifecta’ of downtown Beaufort, SC events – plus a few more!Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit like our fun-filled first weekend in December with the annual ‘Night on the Town’ celebration, followed by the ever-popular Light Up the Night Boat Parade and ending with the Beaufort Christmas parade. Here are several must-see local events, and links to all the i...
Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit like our fun-filled first weekend in December with the annual ‘Night on the Town’ celebration, followed by the ever-popular Light Up the Night Boat Parade and ending with the Beaufort Christmas parade. Here are several must-see local events, and links to all the info you’ll need to have the most enjoyable Lowcountry Holiday ever.
The Annual A Night on the Town is the opening of the Christmas/holiday shopping season and takes place on Friday evening, December 1st, 2023, beginning at 6 pm. A long-standing tradition of the community, A Night on the Town is a mix of traditional and contemporary. An evening with a surprise around every corner and several things that will entertain, delight, and get you in the Holiday Spirit. Shops will stay open late to welcome regular and new customers with special treats and a preview of their large and unique selection of items for the Holidays to help get a head start on the holiday season.
The evening also includes the City of Beaufort’s tree lighting ceremony, entertainment by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, choral performances, plenty of good cheer, and a rumored visit from Santa himself.
Back for the fourth year is the Gullah Taste of Christmas featuring the Rice Cook-off Competition. The event is a part of the Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration to be held on Saturday. Rice is a staple among Gullah Geechee households, and the Gullah Rice Cook-Off showcases this “gold” by encouraging participants to show off their culinary skills by preparing a rice dish for which they are known. The entry fee is $50. Each dish will be judged based on five criteria – texture, flavor, consistency, crumb, and taste. There will be three winners who will receive a plaque and a cash prize – first place $2000, second place $1000, and third place $500.
The first boats will start arriving at the seawall at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park by 5 pm. Boats will make three passes by the seawall.
The traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade will be on December 3rd, at 3:00 pm, through the streets of downtown Beaufort. Floats, bands, groups of walkers, and personal cars and trucks are expected to participate.
From light displays to community celebrations, Santa sightings, holiday concert performances, and everything in between, there’s tons of Lowcountry holiday fun for everyone happening in Beaufort, SC.
We look forward to seeing you all around town this December.
Happy Holidays Y’all!!!