We are currently docked in Beaufort, SC., a charming coastal town known for its well preserved antebellum architecture, 18th-19th century homes, waterfront beauty, and relaxed Southern hospitality. It was founded in 1711, and is the second-oldest city in South Carolina with a deep history tied to the Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and Gullah Culture.
We visited the Cypress Wetlands, a quiet, scenic off-the beaten-path site in the growing town of Port Royal, which features a boardwalk. It is home to a variety of birds, including herons and egrets, as well as turtles, and alligators.
Nelson took a photo of me with my feet in the "Big Boots of Beaufort" a series of large, artistically painted fiberglass boot sculptures scattered throughout the town, celebrating Beaufort’s connection to the Marine Corps at nearby Parris Island.
Beaufort has long been a favorite destination for celebrities and filmmakers like Pat Conroy, the acclaimed author of “The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, that call Beaufort home. The iconic Vietnam war scenes in Forrest Gump (1994), starring Tom Hanks were shot near Beaufort.
