Lowcountry Detour to Beaufort!

Sometimes, the detour is the more rewarding journey.

Our detour, sometime after we left Florence, South Carolina, eventually brought us to a backroad with a sign pointing several miles toward I95 while the other read: Beaufort - 20 miles. It has been almost 30 years since we traveled to Beaufort, and it's now on the map as one of South Carolina's most picturesque cities. With a husband who has wanderlust, and an easy going travel attitude, the decision was easy.

That choice lead us to the best lavender pound cake, an adorable dog (and pet) boutique, stunning local art and a home shop that will, forever, remain one of my all-time favorites.

BEAUFORT

Like the rest of the Lowcountry, Beaufort is fringed with Spanish Moss, towering oaks, gorgeous marshes and sits on the Beaufort River which leads to the Port Royal Sound. You will see the occasional horse drawn transportation, plenty of tall grasses and pretty, stately homes that dot the neighborhoods around Bay Street.

Our puppy, Fin, was happy to stroll the side streets leading to Bay Street, the main thoroughfare. We could not resist stepping into The Rustic Pup: Biscuits and Boutique! Fin picked out a couple goodies for himself (well, maybe that was me) and I lingered behind to pour over the precious artwork, dog and cat accessories, home goods, treats and more. Locals (I could tell because they appeared to be "regulars") and visitors, alike, hopped in and out of this cute space and chatted with the manager, Sally, with whom I had a lovely conversation, along with her sweet puppy, Tilly, who wore the cutest blue sweater! I could have spent the better part of my day here but, time marches on and, so, I had to, as well.

My husband went to fetch coffee (which ended up, ultimately, being the destination for lavender pound cake), while I strolled up Bay Street. Countless shops caught my eye, but I opted to dip into Sweet Bay and - wow - did it deliver. "Eye candy" is an understatement. The store is lush. I met the delightful Maggie Engstrom, owner of the shop, and a 25-year floral designer. Her floral designs are, in fact, fabulous - but her discerning eye and impeccable curation of the store's home accessories, furniture and gifts kept me ogling her displays over and over. I walked away with some gorgeous post-holiday finds and absolutely intend to return for some of the fabulous coastal-inspired everything - pillows, candlesticks, art - loved every piece! The staff at Sweet Bay is friendly, and I so enjoyed our conversation.

City Java was our next stop, where the coffee is delicious. I savored a Whiteout (cafe mocha with white chocolate) which was utterly perfect for mid-afternoon, and the lavender pound cake was, literally, other worldly! Our barista, Sarah, was a delight - we chewed her ear off talking about various kinds of coffee and desserts and City Java will be our first stop when we return!

(Photos courtesy City Java)

Before leaving to continue our trip home to north Florida, we stopped by the Rhett Gallery on Bay. It was a genuine privilege to peruse the fine oils, acrylics and watercolors - these fine coastal pieces were immersive. I stood there dreaming of just the right place I would hang such heirloom pieces. The marsh sunsets and shorebirds, the sail boats, the light reflected on water - all reminded me of the very reason I started Magnolia Blue as an homage to the American coastal south. Named for the artists who founded the gallery, the shop is also full of antique maps and artifacts, which is another facet of the gallery beyond their original pieces. Please head to their website and read about the history of the art in the Rhett family - and put this gallery on your destination list for Beaufort.

Last Flight, original acrylic by Nancy and William Rhett (my photo; please do not duplicate). For pricing, please contact Rhett Gallery. 

Discovering the coastal south is what I do - and it's not just a pleasure to take the side roads, visit the fruit stands, stores, and historical sites, or watch the herons and cranes arc their way over the gold and green grasses of the marshes, it is a privilege. I have eased into this role since arriving and traveling between Florida and Maryland and it has been one of my greatest blessings.

Rick and I will return to Beaufort. In the meantime, I hope you do it for us - and let me know what you think of this precious piece of Lowcountry with its great shops, fine art, picturesque Instagram-worthy spots, great refreshments and happy, cordial locals!

Please join me on Facebook and Instagram (@southernskiesnrisingtides) where I will share even more photos from our lovely foray into Beaufort.