4 places in Beaufort County among Southern Living readers’ favorites
Those of us who live in Beaufort County know what a special place it is, but it’s nice when visitors recognize it, too.
Southern Living’s readers called attention to our little corner of paradise Tuesday when the venerable magazine released the results of its fourth-annual “South’s Best” awards. Hilton Head took second place in the South’s Best Beach category, and Beaufort and Bluffton were among the top 10 Best Small Towns.
Southern Living surveyed “tens of thousands” of readers using an outside research firm via emails, newsletters, social media and its website, a news release said. The survey results will be featured in the magazine’s April edition.
Hilton Head
Southern Living called Hilton Head a “grown-up beach village,” echoing words used last year when Hilton Head topped the Best Beach category.
This year, the island fell one spot to No. 2 behind the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama, area.
The magazine’s website includes a photo of the iconic red-and-white Harbour Town lighthouse and gives a local restaurant a shout-out in announcing this year’s honor. “Stay in a cozy bungalow inside Sea Pines, eat at chef Clayton Rollison’s place, Lucky Rooster, for upscale but soulful Southern seafood, and take advantage of over 60 miles of bike paths,“ it reads.
Beaufort
Last year, Beaufort was voted the South’s Best Small Town. It slipped to the No. 2 spot this year behind Williamsburg, Virginia.
The magazine called Beaufort “a coastal gem brimming with charm and hospitality” and lauded its walkable and picturesque historic downtown.
Bluffton
Bluffton also was listed in the top 10 among Best Small Towns, coming in ninth this year.
Southern Living described it as a “dreamy town on the May River that just keeps getting better,” making particular note of the “eclectic vibe” created by its shops, restaurants and live music venues.
Montage Palmetto Bluff, located along the May River in Bluffton, was 10th among the South’s Best Resorts. Southern Living said the resort “feels more like a grand estate.” Some may recognize the resort as a private getaway for celebs and the site of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin’s wedding of last September.
Savannah
Savannah and businesses located there topped several categories, including:
- Best Local Restaurant: The Grey
- Best Neighborhood: Thomas Square
- Best Bar: Alley Cat Lounge
- Best Bookstore: E. Shaver, Bookseller
The City of Savannah came in second in the list of the South’s Best Cities, behind category winner Charleston. It also had a plethora of other Top 10 mentions among Southern Living’s categories.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 8:51 AM.
