Around Beaufort: Fun things to do this Memorial Day weekend
Gas up the boat and fire up that grill, Beaufort. It’s Memorial Day Weekend and that means fun here in our beautiful little slice of the Lowcountry. A three-day holiday weekend full of sun seems to be a given-right for us all and this weekend looks to be a beautiful one in the area.
It’s no doubt that all the local beaches will be enjoyed by many. Hunting Island Beach on the Memorial Day holiday is always a treat, and both Land’s End beach and The Sands in Port Royal see no shortage of fun loving sun-seekers. If a trip to a local beach is in your weekend plans, please play it smart while you’re having fun. Hunting Island has a new flag warning system in place that will help you out. Take the time to read it when you pass it.
There’s always plenty to do at our parks, at the beach, or downtown. You can enjoy dinner at any one of Beaufort’s fine restaurants. Take in a movie at the Highway 21 Drive In. It’s a lot of fun! With less than 400 drive ins left in across the country, we’re blessed to have one of them here in Beaufort. Fill your day with something local and go downtown and visit some of Beaufort’s fine art galleries. Rent a kayak from Barefoot Bubba’s or Higher Ground Outfitters and drop it in the water. Enjoy what’s around you.
How does an afternoon walking around and marveling at historic Penn Center followed by a trip right down the street for an adventure at historic Fort Fremont and a walk along Land’s End beach sound? Yeah, it’s a pretty good idea, especially when you have a picnic packed and along for the ride too. Be a tourist in your own hometown and visit the Parris Island Museum, or spend an afternoon visiting one of our many other important local historical sites. Walk around and relax Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and stop by Common Ground for some gelato or a nice refreshing fruit smoothie.
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your little ones, look no further than the assortment of fantastic local parks that our area has to offer. From shady sanctuaries to waterfront views, Beaufort’s parks hold immense amounts of beauty, breezes, and fun to be had for all ages.
If you’re looking for an event this weekend, try The Gullah Festival of South Carolina over on the grounds of the Technical College on Ribaut Road. In its 28th year, the festival celebrates and recognizes the history, customs, cultures, language and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry. You’ll enjoy some fantastic food, live entertainment including Aunt Pearlie Sue and Soweto Street Beat of Soweto, South Africa along with lots of kids’ events, arts, crafts and more.
Don’t forget about the City of Beaufort’s annual Memorial Day Parade. Always fun and spirited with many of Beaufort’s organizations and groups getting out to honor those who gave it all for our Country. The parade is Monday morning at 10am, followed by a traditional ceremony at the Beaufort National Cemetery. Be a part of it. It runs along Boundary Street from the National Cemetery, to Carteret Street and along Bay Street and Bladen Streets.
Check out the Port Royal Farmers Market Saturday morning at Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal, it’s a local tradition with an amazing variety of local fruits, veggies, baked and canned goods and LOTS more from all over the area.
If live music when the sun goes down is what you like, many of Beaufort’s nightspots including the popular Panini’s on the Waterfront, Foolish Frog, and Luther’s Rare & Well Done usually have live bands performing after 9 or 10pm. Visit Beaufort After Dark for the full weekend schedule. If you’re a karaoke or a cornhole fan, there’s always some of that going on too.
Get out and enjoy beautiful Beaufort. It doesn’t matter what you fancy there is always something for everyone happening here.
For all of the local events every weekend in Beaufort, visit our Event Calendar.