Historic Bluffton.

Whilst staying in Hilton Head last month we were delighted to discover that the 8th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival was taking place and that the highlight of the event, the Streetfest was happening on our 33rd wedding anniversary!

"Located just across the bridge from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is a quaint, charming town. Antebellum homes, historic churches and unique shops line the moss-shaded streets of Bluffton's downtown historic district, offering a taste of Lowcountry living. Bluffton, a town whose name refers to its location atop a scenic bluff along the May River.
source: Visit Bluffton.

Calhoun Street in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, is lined with beautiful old homes and antique emporiums, it leads down to the May River and was the place to be on this beautiful, sunny day.

We had an enjoyable time browsing the booths of over 100 hundred local and regional artists and saw some wonderful pottery, ceramics, water colours and photography.

Many local restaurants were also there serving wonderful low country cuisine and seafood specialty dishes.

The Church of the Cross, at the foot of Calhoun Street was consecrated in 1857, the rose coloured glass in the windows came from England.
When Federal troops marched into Bluffton in 1863 they burned most of the town but spared the church, services resumed in 1870.
Since 1975 The Church if the Cross has been listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

Later, we took a one hour guided cruise along the May River.

Sadly, no dolphins came out to see us, but we enjoyed learning about the Bluffton Oyster Factory, seeing some of the nearby islands and learning a little of the area's history from our very informative Outside Hilton Head guide.

Joining Smiling Sally for Blue Monday.

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