Beaufort, SC

There is a Beaufort in each of the Carolinas. The one in NC is pronounced Boe’fort and the town and surrounding areas including Cape Lookout is my personal no 1 spot on the US east coast. In SC, the town is pronounced Bew’fort. I have no idea why the difference is there, but the SC town is the second oldest in the state. Beautiful old mansions and live oaks full of Spanish moss line the downtown area along the river. Several movies have been shot here, e.g. Forrest Gump and The Prince of Tides. Noted Southern author Pat Conroy live nearby on one of the sea islands. We stayed for Friday night and the main street was shut down for a Christmas festival with live music, vendors, food and drinks galore. This is a beautiful place and I am looking forward to returning in the spring.

Boaters beware, though. They must have had some serious trouble in the down town marina, there are signs on the Lady Island Bridge that if you disobey the “idle speed” rule you are subject to "a $1025 fine or 30 days in jail". Wow, y'all....

Southbound out of Beaufort, SC, we passed Parris Island. The text on the water tower says “We make Marines”. We say thank you; to you for making them, to them for their service to all of us.