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How to make the most of your Christmas vacation in the Lowcountry
What better place to spend the most wonderful time of the year than in the most wonderful place on the coast? If you’re not yet a Lowcountry local, a merry getaway is the next best method to take in the magic and cheer of our coastal community this holiday season. Whether it’s remarkable retailers, delightful decor, delicious dining, or simply an early tee time–your spirits will be bright this season with all of the holiday shopping, savory seafood, and outdoor recreation the Lowcountry has to offer.
Holiday Shopping
In a hurry to make your season bright? We find the best way to ignite our holiday spirit is to start thinking about the joy of gift giving. Enjoy perusing presents in shops that are sure to have your mood merry, no matter where in the Lowcountry you find yourself this holiday season.
Beautiful art and wonderful Christmas cocktails abound in Bluffton. The historical architecture and holiday cheer of Old Town are sure to make you feel jolly and bright in no time. Nothing makes for a more fabulously festive experience than shopping, or just strolling, the beautiful boutiques of Bluffton along the gorgeous May River.
If you find yourself in Beaufort, stop by the Chocolate Tree for some sweet homemade confections. The scrumptious pecan fudge and endless array of homemade truffles make perfect presents… as long as they make it back home with you. The chocolatier is located at 507 Carteret Street in Beaufort.
f you’re looking for some lovely lights and more serious shopping, stop by Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island. When chasing Christmas cheer, you’re sure to catch it at the colossal Christmas tree that serves as the centerpiece of the harbor. If shopping is more likely to make you cheery, the harbor is your holiday haven. With fashion boutiques, home decor retailers, toys stores, and jewelers–Harbour Town is a great place to find gifts on your getaway.
Savory Seafood
If your idea of season’s greetings is sharing oysters while they’re in season, there’s no more delicious place to spend your holidays than the South Carolina coast. It’s oyster season here in the Lowcountry and that means, whether it’s roasting oysters instead of chestnuts or dining out with friends, the holidays are always happy around here.
We can’t talk about holiday dining without starting with the Old Oyster Factory in Hilton Head. The Oysters Savannah (their delicious take on Oysters Rockefeller) is one of our favorite ways to ring in the holiday season. This tried and true oyster oasis is located at 101 Marshland Road on Hilton Head Island.
If you’re looking to satisfy your seafood craving in a more deliciously DIY way, you can’t go wrong cooking fresh Lowcountry catches on your own. The Bluffton Oyster Company has been a source of fresh seafood for Lowcountry locals since 1899. Their seafood superstore can be found at 63 Wharf Street in Bluffton.
The Lowcountry is home to some of the freshest seafood in the south. Whether you want to make like a local and host your own boil or have beautiful dishes prepared by a professional, delicious meals make for merry moods. It won’t be visions of sugarplums, but rather South Carolina seafood, dancing in your head this Christmas.
Recreation in the Great Outdoors
The Lowcountry is known for its natural beauty and opportunities to enjoy the coast. With no worries of impending flurries, enjoying the beautiful outdoors is possible here year-round. From golfing and fishing to simply strolling along the Port Royal Sound, there’s enough recreation to keep you jolly throughout your Lowcountry escape this season.
Book an early tee time at one of the area’s gorgeous golf courses or charter a fishing boat from the Hilton Head Boathouse Marina. Learn more about how festive fishing can be this winter here in our interview with nationally-acclaimed fishing guide and Lowcountry legend, Captain Fuzzy Davis.
The happiest holidays come from time in a beautiful atmosphere with the people we love. Whether your idea of yuletide joy is shopping for loved ones in delightful town squares or eighteen holes on an award-winning golf course, a coastal Christmas vacation is one of the best ways to unwind after a jam-packed year.
The Lowcountry makes a beautiful home for the holidays–and every other time of the year. If you find yourself longing for a longer stay after your Christmas vacation, contact us today to find your year-round refuge in one of our beautiful communities.
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