The South Carolina Sea Islands are internationally known for their incredible seafood. People flock from all over to dine on locally caught fish and the irresistible oysters that come out of the sea. This year, make a resolution to taste the finer things in life and head to Beaufort for the annual South Carolina Restaurant Week and Tides to Table Oyster Festival.
Restaurant Week & The Beaufort Oyster Festival
South Carolina loves to celebrate its rich culinary history each year with one week of tasty paradise. Restaurants from Greenville to Charleston offer up their finest creations for foodies to try. Each region specializes in it’s own unique taste with the Lowcountry featuring some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever find. Within the event, the town of Beaufort hosts the Tides to Table Oyster Festival. The town comes alive with oysters baked, fried, charbroiled, and served on the half shell.Â
What’s Different This Year
Hosted by the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, the event coordinators wanted to ensure that everyone would have a wonderful time while simultaneously staying safe. To do so, the event will be broken up into different micro events that prioritize social distancing and safety standards all while enjoying the tastes of the town.Â
Micro Events at the Festival
More than just eating, the Tides to Tables Oyster Festival includes a wide variety of events. At the Port Royal Sound Foundation, you’ll be able to learn about the ecology and what about these waters makes the oysters taste so decadent. At Lady’s Island Dock, you’ll experience the local fishing culture and gain appreciation for the hard work that goes into every bite. On Port Republic Street you’ll dine on oysters served up every way possible.Â
Activities Between Events
There’s only so many oysters that you can eat. Darn those tiny stomachs! But luckily there’s plenty to do in Beaufort in between dining. Borrow a couple of bikes from the Cuthbert House Inn and peddle around the Spanish Moss Trail. Take a self-guided walking tour of the Gorgeous Antebellum Mansions in Beaufort. Head over to the Highway 21 Drive In Theater to watch some of your all-time favorites underneath the stars. Pack a pair of binoculars and head out for some World-class Birding in the Sea Islands. No matter what you choose to do in your free time, you’ll be sure to have a blast.Â
Where to Stay During the Festival
The Cuthbert House Inn is the perfect place to stay during your time in Beaufort. This waterfront Antebellum mansion is just minutes from downtown Beaufort and numerous restaurants. Innkeepers Ed & Connie are foodies by nature and would love to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurants. Call the Cuthbert House Inn at (843) 521-1315 to make a reservation during Restaurant Week/Oyster Festival and receive a free bottle of wine. Mention Restaurant Week Complimentary Wine Promotion to get this deal.
Reserve your festival tickets early and follow the Official Beaufort Oyster Festival Facebook Page for the latest updates and event tips. Â
