Buy a home at a reasonable rate with a VA loan in Beaufort, SC

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 at Blackstone's Cafe. 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 In The Scenery At Waterfront Park

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.

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?

Appreciate Beaufort's Subdued Beauty

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."

Learn About Beaufort's History

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.

tabernacle1863.org; 901 Craven Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29901penncenter.com; 16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, South Carolina 29920coastalexpeditions.com

Where To Stay

Anchorage 1770Boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion with fine dining at the Ribaut Social Club anchorage1770.com; 1103 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

The Beaufort InnHistoric main inn plus several cottages clustered around a courtyardbeaufortinn.com; 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Rhett House InnHistoric Greek revival mansion that's been a favorite of movie starsrhetthouseinn.com; 1009 Craven St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

What To Eat And Drink

Blackstone's CaféClassic diner-like optionsblackstonescafe.com; 205 Scott Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Red Rooster CafeExtensive breakfast menu, whether you like it country, continental, Lowcountry, or Tex Mexfacebook.com; 2045 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29901

Lowcountry Produce KitchenLocally sourced salads and sandwiches and a legendary tomato pielowcountryproduce.com; 302 Carteret St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Chapman's GrocerGrab-and-go items plus beer, wine, and snacksinstagram.com/chapmans_grocer_beaufort; 208 West St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

PlumsWaterfront dining featuring soups, salads, and sandwichesplumsrestaurant.com; 904 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Saltus River GrillFine dining with fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks, sushi, and a well-curated wine list saltusrivergrill.com; 802 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Old Bull TavernGastropub featuring a lively bar scene anda lamb shank that does not disappointoldbulltavern.com; 205 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Breakwater Restaurant and BarSeafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes with Southern flairwww.breakwatersc.com; 203 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Paninis on the WaterfrontStone-baked pizzas, paninis, seafood, and pastaswww.paninisonthewaterfront.com; 926 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Where To Shop

Cabana22Coastal-chic boutiquecabana22.com; 819 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

The Chocolate TreeConfections such as fudge, truffles, and peanut brittlefacebook.com; 507 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

The Beaufort Candy ShopClassic candies and sweet treats of every kindfacebook.com; 103 West Street Extension, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906

Lisa Rivers Fine ArtGullah-inspired art, prints, and giftswww.lisariversart.com; 917c Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Cassandra Gillens Art / Gullah Art in De WoodsPaintings, posters, and giftswww.cassandragillensarts.com; 711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906

Good AuraSustainable clothing and jewelry boutiqueshopgoodaura.com; 221 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

Monkey's UncleToys, fun, and games for children of all ageswww.monkeysuncletoys.com; 909 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

What To Do

Hunting Island; southcarolinaparks.comSt. Phillips Island; southcarolinaparks.comPat 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

As the Lowcountry continues to grow, more fan-favorite food options are beginning to pop up all over town.

Now, Beaufort County residents are about to indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine and treats like frozen custard, cheese curds and the iconic ButterBurgers from the Culver’s chain restaurant that’s on its way to Bluffton.

The City of Bluffton Planning Commission approved a brand new Culver’s location to be built between Buckwalter Place Boulevard and Innovation Drive at the roundabout, across the street from Station 300.

While this new location hasn’t broken ground just yet, Bluffton project managers and Culver’s owners are looking forward to seeing what this new restaurant can bring to the community (other than great food).

Another Culver’s location also appears to be in the works for the city of Beaufort and is set to be located at 2338 Boundary Street.

Culver’s is a hybrid drive-through and sit-down chain restaurant that originally began in Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Known for what is referred to as “fast-casual” dining, Culver’s aims to get its customers from the order speaker to the window in under 50 seconds.

Culver’s restaurant chain states on its website that they use fresh beef and white meat chicken from American family farms. With its Wisconsin roots, farm-fresh dairy is used for its custard with cheese coming from Wisconsin farms to ensure fresh food is always served to customers.

With over 900 locations nationwide, Culver’s is known for its creamy custard, fresh chicken and crinkle fries. You can view their full menu here.

There are currently locations in Pooler and Savannah, Georgia.

But that’s not all, it looks like the city of Beaufort is also expected to get not one … but two new Starbucks locations.

That’s right, you can get your pumpkin spice, matcha, cold brews and all things in between soon.

The two locations are:

These projects have been in the works for some time now, especially the location on Lady’s Island, but an updated timeline shows that they are expected to be completed around March of 2026.

Carolina Retail Experts, a Charleston-based retail company, represented Starbucks in helping them secure this new location on Lady’s Island.

While all of these projects are in the early stages of development, check back for updates and progress.

A rare sight was spotted on Cat Island in South Carolina on Wednesday. An alligator was discovered lounging in a frozen pond.

BEAUFORT, S.C. – "See you later, alligator!" is often a phrase used in a rhyming scheme to say goodbye to someone in a fun way, but for an alligator in South Carolina, and many across the Deep South, they won’t be leaving their ponds anytime soon.

Video from Cat Island, South Carolina, just outside of Hilton Head, showed an alligator stuck in an icy pond after the South's recent deep freeze, which brought a rare bout of ice and snow.

While the scene may seem worrisome with just the alligator visible above the pond’s icy waterline, experts say the behavior is a completely normal survival strategy.

"When temperatures drop significantly, alligators can enter a state called brumation - similar to hibernation," officials in Beaufort, South Carolina explained. "They slow down their metabolism and become lethargic, allowing them to conserve energy when food is scarce. During a hard freeze, they often stick their snouts above the water to breathe, while the rest of their bodies become immobilized in the icy depths."

(@beaufort.southcarolina / FOX Weather)

DEMISE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGE KANGAROOS LIKELY NOT CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, STUDY SUGGEST

The National Weather Service office in nearby Charleston, South Carolina, reported that 2-4 inches of snow fell over the region, with temperatures dropping to the mid-20s.

A typical winter day across the region usually sees highs around 60 degrees, with lows dropping into the upper 40s.

When the mercury falls to these levels, the reptiles’ biological processes begin to kick in until sunny days with temperatures in the 70s return.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alligators in colder climates are inactive from October to March, as brumation processes take over.

The reptiles can survive an entire year without food and, under certain circumstances, can live much longer without hunting for prey.

Lakes and swamps from Texas through Louisiana and the Carolinas are rarely covered by ice, but it does occasionally happen during colder winters.

(FOX Weather)

FISHERMAN CHARGED AT BY ALLIGATOR FROM SOUTH CAROLINA POND

Despite similar scenes in other states, wildlife organizations have not reported coming across any distressed alligators but do report tending to the needs of other animals such as manatees and sea turtles, who also need warmer weather.

"So, if you happen to see one of our cold-blooded friends frozen in time, don’t worry! They’re just taking a break until the sun warms things up," South Carolina officials said.

Due to the climate and terrain, it's estimated there are only around 100,000 alligators in Palmetto State, with more than 10 times the amount existing in Florida and Louisiana.

Federal grants are critical in the support and growth of local governments, nonprofits, schools, housing, transportation and more in Beaufort County.

President Donald Trump created uncertainty across the nation on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after he signed an executive order supposedly pausing all federal grant funding.

This was then blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and rescinded on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Despite all the headlines, mass confusion and legal challenges this decision brought, The Island Packet found it important to outline what federal grants Beaufort County receives and what some of the top awards are.

Since Trump’s executive order has been rescinded, federal grants and funding will continue to stay in place.

Here is a rundown of the top 10 federal grants awarded to Beaufort County, according to USASpending.gov. This website tracks how much money the government is obligated or promises to spend and the current outlaid, or amount paid so far.

Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services

Obligated Amount: $52,049,034

Outlay Amount: $27,091,925.37

South Carolina Department of Transportation

Obligated Amount: $44,749,524.47

Outlay Amount: $28,729,029.34

Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.

Obligated Amount: $33,884,315.36

Outlay Amount: $0.00

Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.

Obligated Amount: $33,606,225.86

Outlay Amount: $20,445,667.71

Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.

Obligated Amount: $30,074,425

Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available

County of Beaufort

Obligated Amount: $18,912,922

Outlay Amount: $2,767,363

Beaufort County Memorial Hospital

Obligated Amount: $17,997,000

Outlay Amount: $9,976,908.68

South Carolina Department of Transportation

Obligated Amount: $15,000,000

Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available

South Carolina Department of Transportation

Obligated Amount: $14,478,315.62

Outlay Amount: $10,331,012.25

South Carolina Department of Transportation

Obligated Amount: $13,090,567.23

Outlay Amount: $8,165,619.04

The Beaufort County School District also receives federal funding to support its students, programs and teachers. The following list includes the top five funded programs in the Beaufort County School System.

Every Student Succeeds Act (Includes Title I, II, III, IV): These federal grants govern elementary and secondary education in America. It covers the improvement of programming, teacher training, language instruction and other financial aid needs. The price breakdown is as follows:

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA): These grants ensure special education and related services are accessible to children and support early intervention services for infants and toddlers. This goes to both preschool and all other schools in Beaufort County. The price breakdown is as follows:

Magnet Schools Assistance Program: These grants provide eligible education agencies to establish and operate magnet schools. BCSD receives $2,363,534 for these programs.

American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: These grants provide local educational agencies with emergency relief funds. The BCSD receives $50,976,622 for these funds.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: This act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, and provides additional funds for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. BCSD receives $22,681,781 in these funds.

BCSD also receives funding for Adult Education. These grants fund local programs of adult education and literacy services such as GED and English as a Second Language. Beaufort County receives $691,874 to fund these programs.

For a comprehensive list of all the federal, state, along with other public and private grants awarded specifically to the Beaufort County School District, you can visit their special revenue and grants webpage.

This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 5:30 AM.

Book bans have been a popular topic in recent news articles and on social media platforms. But what even is a book ban and how do they work?

Different facilities approach book bans in their own way to uphold certain standards and protocols when addressing these concerns.

Here’s what happens and what to know if a book ban takes place in Beaufort County locations.

Books often go through periods of being banned and then being unbanned based on the discretion of a review committee, typically at either the state or local level.

If a concerned person wants to have a book removed, formally referred to as “challenge the book,” they must first read the book in its entirety and fill out a challenge form explaining why, how and citing where in the book there is offensive wording or another issue.

Most challenges happen at public libraries or schools.

Once the challenge form has been submitted, a review committee analyzes all the material within the complaint and casts a vote determining whether or not to keep the book on the shelves.

Depending on the nature of the challenge and the final decision of the review committee, book bans can come in different forms.

When books do get banned, they can range from only a few to hundreds of copies no longer available at a library or school district.

Here are the most common kinds of bans, according to PEN America:

Beaufort County School District

The Beaufort County School District outlines its policy regarding book bans in its Administrative Regulation IS-38.1.

The Beaufort County School District states that they uphold the principle of intellectual freedom, promote academic freedom, the student’s right to read and the fair and reasonable competition of ideas and information.

BCSD officials are not permitted to remove any book from a school library but the district administrators have the right to institute an Administrative Review Committee to conduct a review if deemed appropriate.

When challenging a book, any student, employee, parent or legal guardian has the right to challenge a book. Once the challenge is submitted, the BCSD review committee will analyze the complaint and decide within 15 business days of the challenge being filed.

Decision Process

If the committee recommends any changes regarding access to the material in question, such as the addition or removal of the material, the Superintendent is responsible for implementing and communicating those changes.

If anyone who files a challenge would like to appeal their request after a final decision is made by the BCSD, they must do so within seven days to the Board of Education. Parents and guardians do have the option for certain materials not to be available to their specific child and can do so by submitting the “Request to Opt-Out of School Library Materials Form,” available on the BCSD website.

For information regarding the status of any district library materials currently under review, you can visit their webpage.

Beaufort County Libraries

The Beaufort County Libraries operate differently from Beaufort County schools.

Libraries are tasked with the responsibility to provide materials and information to meet the needs and interests of the public they serve.

The Beaufort County Libraries are thorough and thoughtful and take on each removal request carefully.

According to their website and library managers, The Beaufort County Library firmly endorses the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement and the American Library Association Code of Ethics.

Collection development in each library is carried out under the guidance of established policies based on the needs of user groups, service objectives, collection specifications and current selection needs. The choice of whether to read library materials is entirely an individual and confidential matter.

If a library member wants the library to reconsider any material they have, they must also go through a challenge request called a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form.

This form is available at all Beaufort County Library locations.

Library staff members review the completed reconsideration request and then give it to the branch manager, who will then contact the library director.

The director will appoint a committee of at least three staff members and/or area specialists to evaluate the material. The committee will examine the material in question and will determine whether the item in question meets the criteria to stay or be removed from the library’s collection within 30 business days.

The title under reconsideration will remain available for circulation while under review.

If anyone who files a challenge would like to appeal their request after a final decision is made, they can do so by writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 10 business days of the decision.

It’s important to note that for both Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Libraries, a challenge report must be filled out in its entirety with all required information to be taken under proper consideration.

Bookstores

Since bookstores are private and independently owned businesses, it is up to the discretion of the business owner what is placed on their shelves.

In most cases, bookstores are not the biggest supporters of banning books and in many cases, you will see titles of these books displayed on the shelves.

This also holds true for bigger bookstore chain locations like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.

“We are a private business, it is up to the discretion of the parent, guardian or yourself if you want to read that book,” said Bruce Page, owner of The Beaufort Bookstore.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. She has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Originally from Georgia, Anna Claire studied journalism, legal studies and English at High Point University, where she graduated in 2024. For tips and story ideas, email amiller@islandpacket.com or call (843) 626-0211.