It is an axiom of traveling that the most charming and interesting places are away from the trampled track of the herd and it’s certainly true on the ICW. I ran seven miles up the May River to the little town of Bluffton and found an absolute gem.
Located here:
http://fms.ws/6lGbf
As its name implies, Bluffton is on high ground. This rare feature gives it a different feel than other marshland towns. There are numerous parks and nature trails, an eclectic mix of houses, and a feeling that the inhabitants care about their little corner of the world.
I went ashore to find food vendors setting up in the waterfront park just behind the Bluffton Oyster Company. The New Year’s Eve parade consists of all the school athletes and ends up in the park where the proceeds from the donated food go to support the sports teams. I got to see the parade and then eat some of the best BBQ I have ever had.
The oyster company also has an “off the boat” seafood market which includes such items as local conch, something I didn’t realize was available so far north. I’ll be having shrimp scampi this evening, dining in splendid solitude to wind up the greatest cruising year of my life.
The Bluffton Oyster Company
The park where the food was served is just behind. That is a solid mound of oyster shells just to the left of the fishing boats.
I don’t get very excited about houses but this 1860 house called “Seven Oaks” was the rare one that made me think I would like living there:
Just in case anyone is interested:
And, there are houses for every budget:
But, just look at the Live Oak that comes with it:
This other Live Oak just a couple houses down has, I think, the largest trunk I have seen yet.
The parade turns into the park:
Just for the record, these folks make absolutely the best Cole Slaw I have ever eaten. I don’t even particularly like Cole Slaw so, when I get this excited, you know it must be good. The ribs and pulled pork were incredible. Unfortunately, (or maybe it’s a good thing) they are not in walking distance. If you are every in the area, you should look them up.
An historic house being restored in the park:
And, its story:
My boat seen through palm trees, the stuff of my youthful dreams:
Happy New Year Everyone.
Located here:
http://fms.ws/6lGbf
As its name implies, Bluffton is on high ground. This rare feature gives it a different feel than other marshland towns. There are numerous parks and nature trails, an eclectic mix of houses, and a feeling that the inhabitants care about their little corner of the world.
I went ashore to find food vendors setting up in the waterfront park just behind the Bluffton Oyster Company. The New Year’s Eve parade consists of all the school athletes and ends up in the park where the proceeds from the donated food go to support the sports teams. I got to see the parade and then eat some of the best BBQ I have ever had.
The oyster company also has an “off the boat” seafood market which includes such items as local conch, something I didn’t realize was available so far north. I’ll be having shrimp scampi this evening, dining in splendid solitude to wind up the greatest cruising year of my life.
The Bluffton Oyster Company
The park where the food was served is just behind. That is a solid mound of oyster shells just to the left of the fishing boats.
I don’t get very excited about houses but this 1860 house called “Seven Oaks” was the rare one that made me think I would like living there:
Just in case anyone is interested:
And, there are houses for every budget:
But, just look at the Live Oak that comes with it:
This other Live Oak just a couple houses down has, I think, the largest trunk I have seen yet.
The parade turns into the park:
Just for the record, these folks make absolutely the best Cole Slaw I have ever eaten. I don’t even particularly like Cole Slaw so, when I get this excited, you know it must be good. The ribs and pulled pork were incredible. Unfortunately, (or maybe it’s a good thing) they are not in walking distance. If you are every in the area, you should look them up.
An historic house being restored in the park:
And, its story:
My boat seen through palm trees, the stuff of my youthful dreams:
Happy New Year Everyone.
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