Bluffton And Beyond

OK gang, we had a great meal at our home away from home and got rested up for a day of exploring along our wonderful coast. We began our day with an outstanding breakfast at the Hilton Head Diner and hit the road for Old Town Bluffton, S.C. Of course Hilton Head gets all the glamor press but there are countless communities around the low country that are absolutely fascinating places to visit. Bluffton is just such a place. If you look the name up on the Internet you are likely to find something that looks like a parody of Marin County CalifornIa. That's because the developer, Dell Webb, of "Sun City" fame learned of this sleepy southern locale with the magic combination of cheap land and a beautiful shoreline. The result was a retirement community near Hilton Head that is just stunning in scope and glamour. But, interestingly, the actual community of Bluffton has remained relatively intact - but certainly not untouched. The ancient landing on the May River still serves as the nesting place for local shrimp boats but now hosts a good number of modest pleasure craft too

Not far from the landing is one of the most historic structures in the area, "+The Church of The Cross" Episcopal church. Although begun in 1854 and consecrated in 1857, the church dates the formation of it's congregation all the way back to 1767

The church is huge for a structure it's age and the furnishings have been meticulously maintained. Note the large clear windows in the nave. They were made in England and during The War Between The States they were sent back there for safekeeping. That action was very farsighted because in 1863 Bluffton was virtually destroyed by Union troops.
 The church currently has a congregation of over 1,600 and has a student population of over 400 in their school. It is definitely a key part of the life of the town.

Another historic and fascinating structure nearby is the "+Heyward House" which now houses the Visitor's Center and a wonderful small museum.
While I could take up several pages describing the house and it's remarkable contents, I'm going to have to skip a lot of it in the interest of space and time. But, I will say that the furnishings, artifacts, paintings, clothes, quilts and much more are amazing. The picture to the left is a great example. If you look closely you will see it is one of the copies of the articles of secession, the document that led to the most trying time our country has ever faced.

The grounds of the house also contain a treasure trove of structures and artifacts - including a fully intact slave cabin and outdoor kitchen.

Although I haven't had much luck with them recently, I added a video showing the interior of the cabin. It is furnished much as it would have been in the mid-1800s but bear in mind that such a cabin would have housed as many as nine family members.
The interior of the kitchen and the plots for the "medicinal herb gardens" reflect the self-sufficiency required by the times.
Our visit was made even more special by meeting and getting to know a very special member of the museum staff, +Susan Scoggins. Susan is not only an extremely knowledgeable historian, she is an amazing artist as well. Versed in a wide range of media she is another one of the Crown Jewels of this neat community.

And ... Speaking of artists ...!!!... leaving the Heyward House it is less than a hundred feet to one of the most remarkable art communities you could find anywhere - Calhoun Street. The art galleries, restaurants and shops on this street could keep you browsing for an entire day.
We did our share and left a donation or two but soon headed out to finish our visit.

Just driving around the tiny back lanes of the town seem to take you back to times long ago.
The Spanish Moss laden Live Oak trees, the dark water of the slow moving creeks, the narrow lanes and the ubiquitous signs announcing the availability of fresh local seafood seem to emit a constant murmur that says .. "This the South and we're glad ya'll are here."

After a great visit to Old Bluffton we headed back toward Hilton Head but we had planned for one final stop. We hopped off of highway 278 onto Pinkney Island, home of the Pinkney Wildlife Preserve. Situated at the confluence of Mackay Creek, Skull Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway, the preserve is one of a number of protected habitats in the area.

We took a long walk through the Sable Palmetto Palms, Red Cedars, Live Oaks, Yaupon Hollies and a million other plants I couldn't begin to name.
Although we wound up walking in the rain for the last half mile or so, the temperature was gentle, the scenery invigorating and the time together a treasure -so we didn't mind at all. We made our way back home for a short afternoon nap so we could get ready for dinner at "+The Black Marlin" near Harbortown. The meal was really exceptional and the service excellent. We heartily recommend it if you're in the area. Sooooo ... It was another wonderful day in our fabulous state. We'll be planning more adventures for tomorrow so be ready early!!! See ya!