Bluffton/Hilton Head Island, S.C. October 20-21, 2006

A short drive from Charleston and we were in the historic town of Bluffton, South Carolina. Bluffton is about 10 miles from Hilton Head Island, S.C. and has over 20 historic homes. Many of the older homes were burned during the course of the civil war by union troops, although some of have been restored.

Josh and I stopped in at the visitors center and walked around the main street and took some photos of homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. The south is full of old homes and plantations. I’ve also noticed that golf courses have become increasingly popular as we’ve traveled down south. Some golf courses in Hilton Head cost you $200 just for a day of golf!

After touring the historic street in Bluffton, we walked to the Sippin’ Cow, an adorable deli and ice cream shop. I got a chai iced tea and Josh had an iced coffee. We picked up some wine at a nearby shop and then drove to my friend Matt’s house. Matt and I haven’t seen one another since high school graduation, but he is one of those great guys that you can pick up right where you left off. We went through elementary and middle school together also, and were in the youth group at church together. Yay Blackwood Buddies! We went to the Bluffton Festival on Friday night which is a little block party for the residents of Bluffton, held every third Friday of the month. Matt’s neighbor Carol was entering her dog in the costume contest, and we just could not stop laughing at this pooch. You really have to see the photos to believe it. It’s like this lady was picked right from Los Angeles and plopped into this southern town of Bluffton, S.C. Some people really get into their pets. She said to us at one point during the night, “I love this dog more than life.” Enough said. The festival was a lot of fun (beer is sold on the street too!) and we headed to get some dinner afterward at Peppers Porch. Everyplace we go to eat in the South has She-Crab soup! Yum. We also got fried green tomatoes which I didn't think were very good.

Saturday morning we got a late start and headed to Hilton Head. Matt gave us a tour of the Island and the surrounding area. We saw Michael Jordon’s home and drove past (and through one) some of the most affluent gated communities in Hilton Head. We got on the beach around 1 p.m. and hung out there till about 5. It was a beautiful beach day, 78 degrees and sunny! It was great to lay on the beach and hang out. We went grocery shopping after the beach and Josh, Matt and I prepared a Mexican Fiesta dinner complete with guacamole dip, margaritas, bean dip, taco dip and tacos. It was delicious! Then we watched the movie “Eulogy” which was pretty funny and went to bed.

Many thanks to my friend Matt Dooley for housing us Friday and Saturday night! Any time spent with Matt is full of loud, hard laughs which always make for a great time.

Pros of Bluffton, South Carolina:
Climate
Close to the Beach and Savannah
Dooley

Cons:
Jobs?
Outdoor activity access
Small

Next stop: Savannah, Ga.