A Busy Saturday Afternoon in Beaufort
I’d planned to stop for lunch and a poke around in Beaufort on my way to Hilton Head Island.  With antebellum houses, restaurants with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway, gift shops and galleries, Beaufort’s the perfect place to take a break on the drive from Charleston to Hilton Head.  There’s always something going on in Beaufort.  It’s a great haven and you always feel welcome.  On this Saturday afternoon Beaufort was busy, people everywhere walking along the streets and by the Intracoastal Waterway, enjoying themselves in the shops, restaurants and cafes.

Everybody Goes to Plum’s
I parked in the lot near Nippy’s, a popular local spot I’d eaten at a few years ago on my first visit to Beaufort.  Nippy’s had a live band playing in the parking lot and a ring toss game alongside, but this time I wanted to eat along the water.   I walked in to Laura Tucker Designs to enjoy her mix of furniture, art and collectibles, and asked Laura to suggest a place to eat.  “Everyone goes to Plum’s!” she said without hesitation.  So, I headed to Plum’s just a few blocks away and on the water.  She was right – at Plum’s  there was a line of people, a signup sheet and a wait for a table.  But it was lively and fun and the line was visibly moving.  I could see the cooks on the line, working quickly.  Patrons were streaming in, meeting each other, crowding up to the bar.  Waitresses were gliding around, each in a brightly colored Plum’s t-shirt .  Seated after about 20 minutes, I chose the Chopped Romaine Cobb Salad and warm, fresh French Bread.  I briefly considered but passed on the daily soup selection – Alligator Stew – but appreciated that it was on the menu.  Plum’s has the feel of a family-run – and well-run – restaurant, a very friendly atmosphere and food that’s fresh and all made right there.  I can see why ‘everybody goes to Plum’s’ and look forward to my return.  Next time I’d love to sit on the back deck overlooking the water, enjoy a glass of wine with my meal and imagine a trip on the Intercoastal Waterway.

Back to a Favorite Shop
Fortified and happy, I headed to a shop I’d found on my last visit – Lulu Burgess -  whose owner has a knack for finding unique, beautiful – and well priced – items that you can’t live without the minute you see them.  The shop is a great place to stock up on clothes, jewelry, kitchen items, soaps, and decorative pieces that will please you and whoever you give them to – if you can part with them when the time comes.  I suggest you consider buying two – the prices allow it.  Beaufort is also a great spot for finding Low Country art and many art galleries are on the main street – perfect for window shopping or selecting a piece of art that will make you remember your day in Beaufort.  But, it was time to push on, so back to the parking lot next to Nippy’s and on to the next stop – Hunting Island State Park.

A Beach Left to Nature and a Maritime Forest
I’d read about Hunting Island State Park in Off the Beaten Track in the Wall Street Journal.  It sounded like a great stop on the way to Hilton Head Island – and turned out to be well worth the detour.  The beach is on the edge of a maritime forest, a jumble of pine trees and palm trees.  Walking along the beach you feel you’ve landed on shore like Swiss Family Robinson.  It’s wild and natural.  This is a wildlife refuge so there are flocks of birds, large driftwood trees dotting the beach, alligators in the nearby pond – and a sense of what the area was like 200 years ago with just the wind, the sun and nature all around.  If you are a camper consider camping here.

The drive to Hunting Island from Beaufort is beautiful, through countryside, past roadside stands for shrimp and crabs, and then out along and over the water.  Heading from Hunting Island State Park toward Hilton Head Island I drove over bridges and causeways and through small towns.  A quiet alternative to reaching Hilton Head if you’re tired of the major highways.  If you have the time to take this route you won’t regret the choice.  You’ll arrive on Hilton Head ready to ease into your visit there.