5 Bluffton landmarks you don't want to miss

Viewed by some as little more than a wide spot in the road on the way to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is beginning to shed its sleepy image and emerge as a tourist destination in it's own right.

Here are five places you just can't miss:

Heyward House

The Heyward House (70 Boundary St., heywardhouse.org, 843-757-6293) is a must-see for history buffs, offering a glimpse into Bluffton's past.

The house, which serves as a visitors center for Old Town, was built in the 1840s and is one of the few intact antebellum structures remaining in the town.

Visitors can take guided tours of the home and surrounding area.

The house is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

May River

The May River is the heart of Bluffton -- literally.

Look at a map and you'll find the waterway cuts a heart-shaped path through town.

Blufftonians have relied on the river for food, jobs and leisure for centuries.

There are several areas around town where visitors can take in the river's beauty from the shore or a dock.

You can access the river from several locations around town, including the Alljoy Boat Landing, 265 Alljoy Rd., and the Bluffton Public Dock, 113 Calhoun St.

Church of the Cross

The Church of the Cross (110 Calhoun Street, thechurchofthecross.net, 843-757-2661) is a living piece of Bluffton's history.

Designed by renowned architect Edward Brickell White and built over 150 years ago, the church is listed on National Register of Historic Places.

The congregation takes advantage of the church's prime location near the May River, often holding sunrise services outside. Recently, dozens gathered to be baptized in the river.

The church is open for tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Bluffton Oyster Factory

The South Carolina coast is famous for its seafood -- shrimp, crabs, and especially oysters.

The Bluffton Oyster Factory (63 Wharf St., blufftonoyster.com, 843-757-4010) is keeping Lowcountry traditions alive as the state's last remaining hand-shucked oyster operation. The Bluffton Oyster Factory is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday .

The factory sits right next to a public dock visitors can use to launch small boats and kayaks or just take in the sights and sounds of the May River.

Just north of the factory is the Oyster Factory Park, home to the Garvin House, the earliest-known home owned by a freed slave along the river. The town will soon start a series of improvement projects at the park to expand the parking area, widen the boat dock and add pedestrian walkways.

The Promenade

After a long day of sightseeing, you've probably worked up quite an appetite.

The Bluffton Promenade, located in the heart of the revitalized Old Town neighborhood, is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a cold drink on a warm night.

Promenade Street between May River Road and Dr. Mellichamp Drive is the kind of place you will find a hip wine bar wedged between a bistro and a yoga studio.

And while there are a host of of dining and shopping options on the street, it is short enough to stroll leisurely from one end to the the other in no time at all.

Follow reporter Lucas High at twitter.com/IPBG_Lucas.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 2:04 PM with the headline "5 Bluffton landmarks you don't want to miss."