Bonna's Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Bluffton has a southern, beachy, artistic vibe. People here love anything crafted by locals--from food to arts/crafts to furniture!
63 locals recommend
Bluffton
Bluffton has a southern, beachy, artistic vibe. People here love anything crafted by locals--from food to arts/crafts to furniture!
Hilton Head is a fun, beach town. There are so many restaurants (from casual to upscale) and great golf courses.
106 locals recommend
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a fun, beach town. There are so many restaurants (from casual to upscale) and great golf courses.
Beaufort is a really cute, historic town only 30 min from Bluffton. Drive around to see the antebellum homes that Sherman spared. There is a nice park, swings, and restaurants on the river near the marina. If you're a history buff there are plenty of stops that would interest you. A horse drawn carriage tour is a fun way to learn all about Beaufort.
127 locals recommend
Beaufort
Beaufort is a really cute, historic town only 30 min from Bluffton. Drive around to see the antebellum homes that Sherman spared. There is a nice park, swings, and restaurants on the river near the marina. If you're a history buff there are plenty of stops that would interest you. A horse drawn carriage tour is a fun way to learn all about Beaufort.
Historic Savannah, Georgia is only 30 min away from Bluffton. Some of my favorite things to do in Savannah are walking down river street (be sure to stop in the candy shops for samples of the amazing pralines), antebellum home tours (Groupon sometimes have special deals), and trying out the amazing restaurants.
252 locals recommend
Savannah
Historic Savannah, Georgia is only 30 min away from Bluffton. Some of my favorite things to do in Savannah are walking down river street (be sure to stop in the candy shops for samples of the amazing pralines), antebellum home tours (Groupon sometimes have special deals), and trying out the amazing restaurants.
Food Scene Bluffton
if you're dying for some great, old fashioned, southern cookin', look no further than Cahill's!
26 locals recommend
Cahill's Market & Chicken Kitchen
1055 May River Rdif you're dying for some great, old fashioned, southern cookin', look no further than Cahill's!
SAKEHOUSE japanese steakhouse and sushi bar
1017 Fording Island RdHalf priced sushi Monday through Thursday!
FARM Bluffton
1301 May River RdThe Farm is upscale farm to table dining. The food is amazing!
The Cottage Cafe, Bakery & Tea Room
38 Calhoun StDelicious food with a quaint, southern feel.
Squat 'N' Gobble
1231 May River RdLocal favorite
Amazing ribs! Their BBQ nachos are to die for! They also have a location in Hilton Head.
One Hot Mama's Bluffton
104 Buckwalter PkwyAmazing ribs! Their BBQ nachos are to die for! They also have a location in Hilton Head.
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
872 Fording Island RdTheir cheddar biscuits and lemonade are outta this world!
Bluffton Seafood House
27 Dr Mellichamp DrThey have the best and freshest local oysters around!
Sightseeing
The Church of the Cross
110 Calhoun StThe perfect place for taking pics!
Take the walking tour to discover Old Town Bluffton!
15 locals recommend
Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center
70 Boundary StTake the walking tour to discover Old Town Bluffton!
I might lose my "local" status for sharing this, but I'm going to let you in on a little, local favorite, secret beach. It's called Mitchellville Beach Park. Now, this is on the sound side so dont expect waves, but it is a beautiful place to explore and walk. Expect to see lots of wildlife. And if anyone asks, you didnt hear about this place from me. 😉
33 locals recommend
Fish Haul Beach Park
120 Mitchelville RdI might lose my "local" status for sharing this, but I'm going to let you in on a little, local favorite, secret beach. It's called Mitchellville Beach Park. Now, this is on the sound side so dont expect waves, but it is a beautiful place to explore and walk. Expect to see lots of wildlife. And if anyone asks, you didnt hear about this place from me. 😉
There is an amazing new park for kids built in Coligny!! Coligny is definitely where the most tourists so it may be busy, but there are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance making it a worthwhile stop. Beach access at Coligny has changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and a small splash pad for the kiddies.
116 locals recommend
Coligny Beach Park
1 Coligny CircleThere is an amazing new park for kids built in Coligny!! Coligny is definitely where the most tourists so it may be busy, but there are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance making it a worthwhile stop. Beach access at Coligny has changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and a small splash pad for the kiddies.
City advice
Getting around
Beach traffic
Traffic will be heavy going toward the beaches on 278E on Saturday afternoons during the tourist season.
Don't miss
Thursday Farmer's Market
The farmers market on Thursdays on Calhoun St in downtown Bluffton is a fun way to spend the afternoon. In addition to the fresh produce, you can browse local artisan goods. If Hank's is there, you have to try THE BEST she crab soup in the lowcountry!
Customs and culture
Southern Greetings
Do not be offended if you are young and you still get called ma'am. Ma'am and sir are the polite words used for people of ALL ages. Most children here are taught to address adults by Miss First Name (I'm Miss Bonna to the neighborhood kids) or Mr First Name.
Don't miss
Thrift Store Shopping
There are many thrift stores that support wonderful causes. My favorite thrift stores in Bluffton are God's Goods and Off Island Thrift. Some of the thrift stores are closed on Mondays, so be sure to check the times before heading out.
Getting around
Bluffton Traffic Circles
There are 2 traffic circles in Bluffton. Some tourist find them confusing, but they are very easy to navigate if you follow these simple rules. First, yield to BOTH lanes when entering the circles. The right lane allows you to take the first and second exits (in other words, to turn right or go straight). The left lane allows you to take the 2nd and 3rd exits (to go straight or to turn left). Dont forget to use your blinker. That's it!
Don't miss
Food Truck
If you are a guest at the cottage from Friday to Saturday, swing by the pool parking lot (on 7th ave) to look for various food trucks.