The 2 ‘most charming towns’ in SC are both in the same county, a new ranking shows. Take a look
Two locations in Beaufort County have stolen the number one and number two spots in yet another ‘best of’ category recently released to the public.
Bluffton ranked first place with Beaufort following right behind in second place as the top two “Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina”, according to PureWow, which is a digital media company that publishes and specializes in women’s lifestyle content.
After ranking first on the list of 12 ranked “small-towns”, Beaufort County’s Bluffton became the prize-winner of the list.
“Dubbed ‘the last true coastal village of the South,’ Bluffton is a charming Lowcountry town located between Hilton Head Island and Interstate 95 that grew out of a one square mile spit on a bluff along the May River. The OG area, now called Old Town (makes sense, right?) flaunts well-preserved antebellum landmarks. While art galleries and festivals reveal Bluffton’s vibrant spirit that continues to be a dominant force to this day,” PureWow described.
The company then went on to list Calhoun Street Promenade Villa, Old Town Bluffton Inn, Montage Palmetto Bluff as notable places to stay in Bluffton.
Bluffton has been described as the “Heart of the Lowcountry” and “the last true coastal village of the South,” according to the Town of Bluffton’s website.
Taking second place, Beaufort was the next “small town” chosen for the list despite the fact that it also is a city.
“Technically a city, Beaufort, on Port Royal Island, has a small-town feel and all the charm you’d expect to find in a historic South Carolina community on the coast. It’s packed with shops, restaurants and antebellum mansions. If you’re interested in the latter, head to the Federal-style John Mark Verdier House Museum. Carriage rides are super popular (so be sure to buy tickets in advance). While Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park wows with its scenic views,” the company wrote to describe Beaufort.
The website listed the Best Western Sea Island Inn, The Beaufort Inn, and City Loft Hotel as places to stay during any visit to the Lowcountry, waterfront town of Beaufort.
Known for its marina located in the quintessentially Lowcountry downtown, Beaufort is additionally known by many for its abundance of historical significance, which only adds to its charm.
“It (Beaufort) is one of only a handful of U.S. towns that has had its entire downtown designated a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,” according to Visit Beaufort.
The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina, according to PureWow.
Bluffton
Beaufort
Mount Pleasant
York
Edisto Beach
Aiken
Georgetown
McClellanville
Pendleton
Clover
Travelers Rest
Clemson
This story was originally published July 22, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
