The second-oldest town in South Carolina, Beaufort (pop. 12,950; BYOO-furd) is a well-preserved antebellum town stretching along a fine natural harbor. Established in 1710, Beaufort stands on the largest of some 75 islands near the Georgia border; the town is perhaps best known as the home of the massive U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot at nearby Parris Island, where new marines undergo their basic training (graduation ceremonies, held Fri., are open to the public). Dozens of colonial-era and antebellum homes line Beaufort’s quiet, small-town streets, but only two, the Verdier House and the Greek Revival Elliott House, a block apart on Bay Street along the waterfront, are open to visitors.
Beaufort is a very enjoyable place to wander around and explore, and has at least one great place to eat: Blackstone’s (843/524-4330), off the main street at 205 Scott Street, where fans of the shrimp ’n’ grits and corned beef hash include local writer Pat Conroy. Places to stay include the waterfront Best Western Sea Island Motel (843/524-4121 or 800/528-1234), 1015 Bay Street, and the state’s only four-star B&B: the lovely Rhett House ($160 and up; 843/524-9030) at 1009 Craven Street, where the film of Conroy’s Prince of Tides was shot on location.
