Tucked into winding, historic streets framed by natural foliage and centuries-old, moss-draped live oak trees, Beaufort is more than a hidden Lowcountry gem – it’s a transformative destination that has charmed visitors since 1512.

Even the name is pretty: Beaufort. Unlike the North Carolina “Boe-Fort” annunciation, it’s pronounced “BEW-fert,” with the lips pursed as though blowing a kiss. Just hearing it, you can picture the quaint little town that’s been racking up accolades in recent years. It just sounds nice. Beww-fert, beckoning you to visit and we were ready to come and see what all the fuss is about.

Claudia booked us a golf cart guided tour of Beaufort where we visited Beaufort’s historic district and sites and homes where many Hollywood stars stayed in downtown Beaufort when they were filming movies like “Forrest Gump”, “The Big Chill”, “The Prince of Tides”, “The Great Santini” & “G.I. Jane”. We passed by home of the famous author Pat Conroy and many splendid mansions framed by moss-hung oaks; stunning views of rivers and marshes before ending the tour by the waterfront park.

We walked down Bay Street, with the Beaufort River on our left and a row of historic houses on the right, took a seat on one of the swinging benches, lulled by sweet salt breezes as we watched the tourists walk by.

This place definitely lives up to its billing. Everything about Beaufort is flat-out charming. As a matter of fact, you can’t turn a corner without swooning. Enchantment is in the air, along with the intoxicating perfume of jasmine by the sea. We ended our evening dining at the Hearth Italian restaurant enjoying brick oven pizza, live music and entertained by chefs showcasing their skills by tossing pizza doughs 10 feet in the air.