One-tank trip: Bluffton, S.C

Situated minutes from modern Hilton Head Island, but seemingly in another time zone, historic Bluffton and nearby Palmetto Bluff make for a truly special one-tank getaway along the South Carolina coast.

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Lynn Seldon / AJC Special

Church of the Cross is more than 150 years old. The Episcopal church was built in the Gothic style on the waterfront in the mid-1800s and is well worth a visit.

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Lynn Seldon / AJC Special

Pepper’s Porch specializes in seafood and steak.

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LYNN SELDON / AJC Special

The Bluffton Oyster Co. is a great spot for seafood lovers. Visitors can buy seafood, including May River oysters when they’re in season, right off the docks from the business that was established in 1899.

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LYNN SELDON / AJC Special

Cottages of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton.

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Founded in the early 1800s on the banks and bluffs of the May River, historic Bluffton is a classic Lowcountry town. Once a summer residence of a local plantation owner, Heyward House Historic Center at 70 Boundary St. is the place to go for insider info on the town.

Don’t miss

• A walking tour of the historic district using a brochure provided by the historic center.

• The stunning waterfront Church of the Cross, a wooden Gothic-style structure that was built between 1854 and 1857.

• Buying fresh seafood right off the docks from the Bluffton Oyster Co., established in 1899 and featuring fresh May River oysters in season.

• Shopping and perusing boutiques and galleries around Calhoun Street. Maye River Gallery (37 Calhoun St.) and Jacob Preston Studio (10 Church St.) are best bets.

• Dining and entertainment at Pepper’s Porch on May River Road. Located in an old drying barn, the popular restaurant’s tagline is “Where Seafood and Culture Come Together.” Locals also swear by the home cooking and friendly service at Squat & Gobble.

Home away from home

Many chain hotels lie along U.S. 278 just outside town. However, those in the know head to Palmetto Bluff as their Bluffton base.

Palmetto Bluff is a Lowcountry sea island that extends into the May River, skirts the islands of Bull and Daufuskie to the east, and gives way to ancient freshwater rice fields on the New River to the west. That is the setting for the residential and resort community Village at Palmetto Bluff.

The 22,000-acre property features a variety of overnight accommodations at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, including house rentals. But for a memorable experience, consider a stay at one of the cottages or cottage suites at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff. With their peaceful water views, vaulted ceilings, pine floors, steam showers, fireplaces, luxury linens and screened-in porches, they’re well worth the nightly rate.

Managed by Auberge Resorts of Napa Valley’s Auberge du Soleil fame, the resort boasts every amenity imaginable, including riding stables, four swimming pools, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, eight tennis courts, a spa, a gym, several restaurants and the complimentary use of canoes, kayaks and fishing poles.

IF YOU GO

How to get there

From Atlanta, take I-75 south to I-16 east to I-95 north to U.S. 278 east toward Bluffton. It’s about 275 miles away. Bluffton is about 30 minutes from Savannah International Airport.

Where to stay

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. Cottages start around $475 per night, cottage suites start at $700 and houses start at $1,000. 476 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton; 843-706-6500, 1-866-706-6565, www.palmettobluffresort.com

Where to eat

Pepper’s Porch. Serves steaks and seafood 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Menu features seafood and steaks. Check out the entertainment at the Back Bar. Dinner entrees $11-$22. 1255 May River Road; 843-757-2295, www.peppersporch.org

Squat & Gobble. Homey food and atmosphere. Entrees $5-$10. 1231 May River Road; 843-757-4242.

Canoe Club Restaurant. Stunning waterfront setting and a tapas-style menu highlighting seafood. 6-9:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. $12-$26. Palmetto Bluff, 476 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton; 843-706-6500, 1-866-706-6565, www.palmettobluffresort.com

Information

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau. 1 Chamber Drive, Hilton Head Island; 843-785-3673, 1-800-523-3373, www.hiltonheadisland.org