Heart of the Lowcountry

The next time you travel the Intracoastal Waterway, take the time to pull into Beaufort, South Carolina.

By Bob Arrington

January 15, 2020

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is not only a place, but also a way of life. That’s something I’ve discovered over the years, while traveling through the region on my way north and south along the Intracoastal Waterway. Sculpted by the rivers that slowly carve their way to the ocean, the Lowcountry, river basins and sea islands have a unique geography and diverse culture that come from the blend of early inhabitants—English, French and Spanish, along with African and Caribbean people brought in to work the indigo and rice plantations that today are nature preserves and protected wildlife habitats. There’s also a surreal beauty to the live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

When cruising through the Lowcountry aboard our trawler, a frequent stop for our crew is the town of Beaufort, South Carolina. Founded in 1711 as the second-oldest city in South Carolina, after Charleston, its location on the Beaufort River—a navigable tributary of Port Royal Sound—has made it a valuable deep-water port for more than 300 years. Beaufort had the mixed blessing of being one of the first cities in the South to be occupied by Union troops only a few months into the Civil War; the fortunate part is that many of the structures were saved as housing for the Northern army.

Today’s residents have restored many of the historic houses, and some 300 acres of the city are designated as a National Historic Landmark. This wonderful collection of antebellum architecture has drawn the attention of more than one Hollywood director, with The Great Santini, The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, Forrest Gump and G.I. Jane all having been shot on location. The Beaufort International Film Festival, held in February, is a must-visit for boaters who also enjoy the cinema.

Those who like to be active outdoors will find opportunities for walking, hiking, bicycling, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and more. The restored waterfront at the Henry C. Chambers park is not only a great place to relax and take in the peaceful view of the river and surrounding islands, but it is also used throughout the year for cultural festivals.

You may only visit and not stay in the Lowcountry, but once you visit, a part of Beaufort will always stay with you.