
Illustration by Aly Miller
Nestled under ancient oaks and cradled by the quiet May River, Bluffton retains a sepia-toned serenity that underscores its billing as the “last true coastal village in the South.” For centuries the town, incorporated in 1852 as one square mile along its namesake bluff, remained a tucked-away enclave of oystermen and fishermen, not much more than a pass-through (or rather, speed trap) for travelers to Hilton Head. Today, Bluffton’s historic district is a destination all its own—still petite and perfectly quaint, but a haven for artists and galleries, a deliverer of culinary surprises, and home to the state’s last hand-shucking oyster company. Those who love rambling will appreciate Bluffton’s unhurried pace and walkable charm steeped in Lowcountry character.
Warm Welcome
Settle in at Old Town Bluffton Inn, a three-story, 14-room property that anchors the historic district’s main intersection. Friendly innkeepers are at the ready with a complimentary glass of wine and itinerary suggestions, or if you prefer R&R to exploring, the elegant rooms feature small balconies.
Rise and Shine
Fuel up for the day with breakfast or brunch at the Cottage, a coffee shop, bakery, and cafe in a historic bungalow with shady front-porch seating. Opt for the classic tomato pie, killer salads, or Crabby Bernice, a crab-loaded eggs Benedict.
Coastal Chic
While Spartina 449’s exquisite handbags, clothing, and jewelry are in boutiques around the country, Bluffton boasts the flagship. Designed by locals, Spartina’s bespoke collections fill the delightful, tin-roofed, century-old cottage.
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
There’s salvation to be had—or at least heavenly spirits—at Burnt Church Distillery. Light pours through the stained-glass windows of the Sanctuary tasting room, where wicked cocktails featuring small-batch bourbon, gin, whiskey, and vodka tempt patrons.
Gallery Hopping
Calhoun Street is creativity central, with galleries galore tucked into old cottages, including SOBA (Society of Bluffton Artists, a nonprofit co-op), which rotates original work from 100 artists, and La Petite Gallerie, showcasing jewelry, pottery, and paintings.
Golden Hour
Is anything as peaceful as a vermillion sunset over the May River? Beside the picturesque Church of the Holy Cross, Wright Park’s swings, benches, and dock offer the perfect perch for soaking in Bluffton’s natural beauty.
Deep Roots
At Okàn, Bluffton’s Gullah history and West African heritage come together in Chef Bennett’s James Beard–nominated dishes. Meanwhile, roots of the literal sort run deep at Farm, where seasonality reigns and locally sourced produce and seafood shine on the almost daily–changing menu.
This article appears in the Winter 2025 issue of Southbound.