The Most Incredible Meal of My Year Was Hidden in a Tiny South Carolina Town

I really enjoy the dining options in Charleston, South Carolina, which is why my spouse and I choose where to stay based on how close it is to the restaurants we're eager to visit when we travel there. baked deviled crab to the iconic shrimp boil There are numerous Lowcountry dishes to enjoy, and you can easily indulge in them just within The Holy City itself. It came as quite a surprise to me that the finest Lowcountry meal I experienced last year wasn’t in Charleston, but rather in the quaint town of Bluffton.

Located two hours south of Charleston and just 15 minutes away from Hilton Head Island, this formerly quiet riverside town has emerged as the burgeoning jewel of the Lowcountry’s culinary landscape—and one of the highlights. Country Living’s Top 10 Cozy Small Towns to Explore in 2025 To get all the information you need for spending a weekend dining, shopping, and discovering in Bluffton, keep reading! Details about the meals that continue to linger in my thoughts are also provided.

Rise and Shine

The bacon basil croissants along with the lavender matcha lattes at Corner Perk Brunch Café are best savored at the eatery's communal table.

Stroll the Stores

Shops and art galleries entice visitors throughout Calhoun Street. Feel free to drop in. The Store , operational since 1978, offers a distinctive collection of antiques and curiosities handpicked by Babbie Guscio.

Walk Within History

A surviving example from the Reconstruction era that offers guided tours, this site is noteworthy for its architectural heritage. Garvin-Garvey House It is among the first cottages owned by freedmen situated along the May River.

Commit Completely to Gullah

This coming summer, Bluffton-based chef and community enthusiast Bridgette Frazier will make her inaugural appearance. Ma Daisy’s Porch , a multifaceted facility celebrating the legacy, history, and tastes of Gullah—a uniquely southeastern culture stemming from the descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans. The Ma Daisy's establishment will feature an engaging museum, an outdoor marketplace for local Gullah artisans and craftspeople, a bakery serving up Benne cookies alongside innovatively stuffed croissants, and a spacious two-story dining area. "Ma Daisy’s site offers an all-encompassing experience of Gullah culture through sensory engagement," explains Bridgette. "Here, visitors can savor its flavors, admire its sights, and more." feel It—which encompasses every aspect of the term."

Tip Your Hat

Customize a straw topper using bandana straps, leather cords, feathers, and additional accessories. Brims on the Bluff .

Sea What’s In Store

Observe the shrimp boats coming in. Bluffton Oyster Company , a century-old fresh-seafood market that stands as the sole remaining hand-shucking facility for oysters in the state.

Get on the Water

Navigate through the saltwater marshes on a bottlenose dolphin-watching boat tour. May River Excursions When the tide goes out, you can join the local crowd and head for the temporary beach formed at the May River sandbar.

Enjoy Some Art and Craft Activities

Featuring live music, art and craft vendors, and whimsical competitions, Bluffton’s yearly event draws crowds. Mayfest The celebration (happening this year on Saturday, May 10) is a significant attraction.

Do Dinner Right

A red cabbage salad doesn't have to be remarkable. However, the red cabbage salad served by Chef Bernard Bennett does catch attention. Okàn It’s one you'll find yourself reflecting upon for quite some time. With his selection as a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist, Chef Bernard presents a constantly changing menu that guides guests through the journey of ingredients and tastes originating from West Africa, traversing the Caribbean, and ending up along the coastlines of South Carolina. Savor this delightful creation best when shared with dishes like Djon Djon noodles, spiced head-on shrimp, and lobster-cashew curry served in a family-style setting. This delectable offering serves as merely one gateway into exploring the rich heritage of African-Americans in Bluffton. Undoubtedly, it stands out as my most cherished restaurant experience in all of 2024!

Spend the Night

A destination unto itself, the family-friendly 20,000-acre resort Montage Palmetto Bluff is home to bike trails, golf courses, tennis courts, and the occasional alligator.