I get many questions about where to travel and places to see in the South and there are sooo many great places to visit but my most beloved place is Beaufort, SC. Although it is not my hometown, I fell in love with this place as soon as I stepped foot on it. It not only oozes all of the Southern and lowcountry charm and African-American history a Black Southern Belle could ask for. From the historic Penn Center and African American churches to the Gullah Art and food (and is designated an official monument to Reconstruction), Beaufort has stolen my heart so much so that I come back almost every other week. This town is not my hometown but as a Black Southern Belle it means so much to me and I hope you are able to visit it one day.
Where to Stay
1)Anchorage 1770: When I say this has to be the one of my favorite bed and breakfast experiences, I am not kidding. This place is perfect for a weekend getaway with your significant other or girlfriends getaway. From the lemon water, to the artisan soaps Anchorage 1770 is the perfect place for a Black Southern Belle to stay and it doesn’t hurt that their owners are the cutest couple ever and the wife loves Howard University 🙂 (my alma mater so yes I am bias) . Did I also mention the triple front porches with waterfront view? That alone is worth the trip. Rooftop happy hour with a lowcountry view are what dreams are made of and I can’t wait to go back soon! Click here to learn more.
Where to Eat
2)Plum’s
If you love Oysters, plums has got you covered not to mention they have plenty of lowcountry shrimp salad sandwiches and oyster po boys as well. They also make a dessert butter that will knock your socks off when combined with the biscuits they bring to your table. My husband and I bought extras just to take home. We have been here at least 10 times and keep coming back.
I can hang out at this place for days. This relaxed dining environment is still a great place to bring a date and also to shop for local artisan goods. From grits to Gullah Art, this place has you covered. I tried my favorite Hot Ginger Ale and a Prime Rib Sandwich (which was whole size steak on bun for 12.99) and I was hooked instantly. They also have a great collection paper goods and home decor items so you can shop while your husband eats (at least that’s what I do) They have 3 locations in the Beaufort area and I went to the one downtown and will be sure to visit the others soon!
4)Ribaut Social Club at Anchorage 1770
Anchorage is a great place to stay and a great place to eat. Anyone who knows me understands how much I love oysters and this place is now at the top of my list and I loved it so much I came back for my wedding anniversary/Valentine’s Day.
Where to Shop
The owner of this store loves blue as much as I do and I never though this was possible. If you have an obsession with coffee table books, home decor and sweet tea floats, you must come visit Scout Southern Market ASAP! Whenever I need a gift for family or friends, this is my go to place. It is perfectly curated and she even has a great area for the men to peruse (even my husband doesn’t mind shopping here) If you are in need of some inspiration, this store will take you there.
If you are looking for Gullah or Lowcountry art, make sure to stop here. This Beaufort staple is my go to place to find my next Jonathan Green (also a Beaufort area native) piece do add to my collection.
Where To Visit
The Penn Center was the first school for freed slaves and to me and my husband’s surprise we had never heard of it until we visited Beaufort. If you love learning about African American History and have an interest in education, this place is a must see. Not to mention it is beautiful and made up of multiple buildings including a museum, event center, conference center and housing accommodations and a beautiful oak tree lined courtyard.
If you want to get a quick overview of all the history that Beaufort has to offer, take a trolley ride. You will get to learn the history of all the buildings and my tour guide was so well informed about the African American culture of the town as well as the food and monuments of the area.
9)First African Baptist Church
This church was built by hand by freedman and was officially founded the same day as the Proclamation of Emancipation. We took a tour of the space and got an impromptu meeting with pastor. He invited us to come back one Sunday and I will definitely take him up on that offer.
If you are a history buff, this is a must see and also has a monument to US Rep. Robert Smalls. This was a church that made a huge impact during the Reconstruction Era and is absolutely beautiful. Check out the video below to learn more.
My words can’t do him just but this political giant and businessman are Black History and American History that everyone should read about. Check out this video for a little more information:
All Images by Captured By Kaitlin Rose Photography
Learn more at: http://www.beaufortsc.org/
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
