1. Old Town Bluffton is a great destination for visitors.
Situated along a natural bluff overlooking the May River, Old Town Bluffton features historic homes converted into chic boutiques, treasure-filled antique shops, caffeine-rich cafés and colorful art galleries. Wander through Bluffton’s shady streets, play cornhole, sample happy hour specials and discover beautiful works of art by Lowcountry artists.
2. History lives on Bluffton’s streets.
Although some of Bluffton’s homes were burned in 1863 during the Civil War, the historic structures that remain offer insight into the mercantile society of river traders who once occupied them. Today, Calhoun Street has the community’s densest concentration of historic homes and art galleries.
3. Southern hospitality is always in style.
The Heyward House, located at 70 Boundary St., is the Official Welcome Center for the Town of Bluffton, offering free maps, information and more. This historic home, built in 1841 and inspired by planters’ homes in the British West Indies, is open for guided tours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4. Bluffton offers memorable architecture.
Bluffton’s Church of the Cross, located at 110 Calhoun St., sites along the scenic shores of the May River. This unusual Carpenter Gothic structure was built in 1857 and was added to the National Register in 1975. Today, the church is open to the public for tours and worship services.
5. Festivals abound throughout the year.
Popular annual events in Bluffton include Mayfest, which originally started in 1978 and unites local artisans and musicians to celebrate local culture, and the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, which features original art, kayak tours, a 5K run and plenty of fresh, local seafood.