
Driving Out for the Day – Beaufort, SC
Driving Out for the Day – Beaufort, SC
South Carolina is a state steeped in national history. Its low country hosted the second arrival of European settlers, and eventually the state became one of the original 13 colonies. Residents of South Carolina today enjoy a pleasing climate, a nice environment and especially stunning coastline. What you may not always remember, if you live in South Carolina, is that you live a stone’s throw from some of the most excellent road trips in the country! So, if you’re stuck for something to do this coming weekend, or for an upcoming holiday, then get the car ready and load up because it’s time to head out. If a car is something you don’t have check out the awesome Dodge Chrysler Jeep & Ram dealership in the Beaufort area.
Here are some ideas for places to go — starting in the Beaufort area
- The South Carolina Lowcountry
When time is not on your side, a weekend trip around the local area is a good option, and the beautiful Lowcountry around Beaufort offers some great easy-to-get-to destinations, like Bluffton, for instance. Drive for about 40 minutes or so and you’ll find yourself among historic homes lining the streets, as well as shops and local galleries packed with heritage. Hunting Island State Park is another great stop on this local road trip, but perhaps better saved for the spring or summer months.
- Ghost Trip
Anyone in the mood for something a bit different (and a bit spooky) can head further afield up northward, about 4 hours in total. You’ll get to Anderson first after crossing the Crybaby Bridge, the first supposedly haunted structure on the tour. Locals claim you can hear a baby’s cry somewhere near the bridge. After that head southwest on Route 28 to Graniteville for a tour of their cemetery to catch a glimpse of the women ghosts delivering flowers to their children’s graves. After that you can hit Charleston and the Battery Carriage House, which apparently is visited by a variety of ghosts. It’s all a bit macabre, but if that’s your thing, we say go for it.
- Fall Foliage
It’s that time of year still, and mid-October to mid-November is, in fact, the best time to enjoy the fall colors in South Carolina’s mountain areas. You can see them on the 125-mile Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. It’s the perfect time to see the fall colors in the setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Small Town Tour
The best way to get to know any state is to make a point of visiting its small towns. If you want to experience the character of South Carolina, then gas up the car and drive out to Clemson, Pendleton, York (and Historic Brattonsville), and Newberry. It’s a South Carolina education that locals and tourists alike need to experience.

