BUDGET
Getting there
The drive from Atlanta is 288 miles, about 4.5 hours.
Stay
The Best Western Sea Island Inn is located in the heart of Beaufort’s National Landmark Historic District, a quaint downtown area lined with boutiques, bistros, cafes, galleries and gift shops. Rooms from $104-$140, including continental breakfast; www.bestwestern.com, 1015 Bay St., 843-522-2090.
Eat
Low country’s the place for barbecue and Sgt. White’s is the hands-down regional favorite. Southern favorites such as pulled pork, ribs, butter beans and sweet potatoes are displayed buffet style. Choose a meat, two sides, cornbread and iced tea or lemonade for $7.99; 1908 Boundary St., 843-522-2029.
Experience
Explore the charming shops along Bay and Carteret streets and make a stop inside St. Helena’s Episcopal Church (501 Church St.), established in 1712. Graves in the old church yard cemetery date back to the Revolutionary War; www.sthelenas1712.org. For a day out, visit Hunting Island State Park (16 miles from Beaufort); park admission is $4 adults; $1.50 ages 6-15; www.huntingisland.com.
MODERATE
Getting there
Beaufort is a 45-minute drive from Savannah. Economy class round-trip rates of $250 require a 21-day advance notice and a weekend stay.
Stay
The 1898 Old Point Inn features five guest bedrooms and wrap-around verandas to take in river and lush garden views. Guest rooms are decorated with objets d’art which the innkeepers have collected from around the world. Rooms from $125-$175 (lower now-Feb. 28); www.oldpointinn.com, 212 New St., 843-524-3177.
Eat
Wren, a combination bistro, bar, bakery and wine and cheese market, is housed inside a renovated industrial space. This chic spot serves freshly prepared soups, salads and sandwiches during lunch and fancier dinners (entrees $15-$25); 210 Carteret St., 843-524-9463.
Experience
Get out on the water aboard the Prince of Tides with Capt. Dick’s River Tours. Watch for playful and curious dolphins along the 80-minute tour as a guide informs about the region’s wildlife, sea life and ecology. Adults $18; $12 children 12 and under. Call 843-524-4422 to reserve; www.beaufortrivertours.com.
SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way, walk-up economy class rates to Savannah start from $328; Delta, nonstop.
Stay
The romantic AAA Four-Diamond Rhett House Inn is a plantation home a block from the Intracoastal Waterway and a short stroll to the historic district. Rates for the deluxe cottage room start from $239; www.rhetthouseinn.com, 1009 Craven St., 843-524-9030.
Eat
Revved-up Southern cuisine at Breakwater is prepared with sustainable seafood and produce from local farmers and growers; entrees $16.50-$33; www.breakwatersc.com, 203 Carteret St., 843-379-0052.
Experience
An evening lecture and cocktail reception with literary great Pat Conroy, a local resident, will be held Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in historic downtown Beaufort; $150 tickets include an original essay by Conroy; www.openlandtrust.com. On Saturdays from April 10-Nov. 20, take a full-day guided kayak adventure through the ACE Basin, the heart of the state’s rice growing region; $120 per person; www.beaufortkayaktours.com.
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