The Lowcountry has been lucky enough to have many feature films produced here.
Beaufort, especially, has been the location of many of these movies. If you are a movie buff, it’s well worth the 30 minute drive from Bluffton to see these silver-screen locales in person. Below is a guide on how to do it.
Catch a Movie Tour of Beaufort:
This one-hour tour by van will cover the historic district of downtown and the history of Beaufort. Tours will give you a look into movie locations and the landmarks from such movies such as “Forrest Gump” (1994), “The Great Santini” (1979), “Something to Talk About“(1995), Legend of Bagger Vance” (2000), “Forces of Nature” (1999) and more.
View the Historic Homes:
The Lowcountry is home to many antebellum homes that have stood the test of time since the Civil War days and before. Some of these homes were locations for films and some of the biggest movie stars stayed at these locations while in Beaufort. Tidalholm, located at 1 Laurens St. was famously used in “The Big Chill” (1983) and “The Great Santini.” “Forces of Nature,” starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock had scenes set shot at “The Castle,” a private residence at 411 Craven St. in downtown Beaufort.
Visit Hunting Island State Park:
Hunting Island State Park is over 5,000 acres and was once used by hunters in the 19th and 20th centuries as hunting preserves. This was also the filming location of most Vietnam scenes from “Forrest Gump,” “Rules of Engagement” (2000) and “G.I. Jane” (1997). While here, check out the wildlife, the lighthouse and the nature center.
Take a Tour of Pat Conroy’s Beaufort:
This is a tour that will take you to the home place of the late Pat Conroy, author of “The Great Santini” and “The Prince of Tides.” It also takes you to the school site where Pat attended and taught. These novels also became movies, about which you will learn more.
Stay at an Historic Inn:
The Beaufort Inn, located at 809 Port Republic St., was built in 1897 and helped shape the history of the United States and Beaufort. Another cool part of The Beaufort Inn is the stars who stayed here over the years. Those include Julia Roberts, Robert Duval, Sharon Stone and Blythe Danner, to name a few. The Rhett House Inn, located at 1009 Craven St., hosted Barbara Streisand, while she directed the “Prince of Tides.”