Day Trip it to Beaufort’s 13th Annual Soft Shell Crab Festival

Saturday, April 16

Looking at getting out of town this April? Look no further!

Located just a little more than two hours south of the Midlands, you’ll find “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” – Beaufort, S.C. This historic seaside town celebrates its 13^th annual Soft Shell Crab Festival on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each year, this festival is a hit for all ages and with it being just a couple of hours from the Midlands, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway or daytrip.

This year’s festival will feature live music from local bands including The Bull Grapes, Shark Rodeo Band and Bootless. There will also be an artisan craft market with local handmade souvenirs to take home from your trip. For the children there will be a kids’ fun zone that will offer an assortment of exciting activities.

“The annual Soft Shell Crab Festival is a community favorite year after year,” said Robb Wells, tourism division vice president for the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The festival brings visitors from across the Southeast to our beautiful community for an unforgettable time of delicious food, family fun and, of course, to see our beautiful town.”

Beaufort’s Classic Car & Truck Company will be featuring its display of classic cars and the Rotary Club of Beaufort will be hosting its annual Crab Race down Battery Creek, with up to $5,000 in cash prices. For more information on the Crab Race, visit www.portroyalcrabrace.com.

Admission to the festival is complimentary, and food and drink are available for purchase.

Where to Stay

• Cuthbert House Inn – a beautiful antebellum mansion that has been hosting guests to the Lowcountry for over 200 years
• The Rhett House Inn – a romantic, AAA 4 Diamond inn boasting wide porches and Southern hospitality at its finest
• Beaufort Inn – experience the charm and beauty of the Lowcountry in this historic inn offering both room accommodations and cozy cottage stays
• Anchorage 1770 – enjoy brilliant river views, Lowcountry luxury and award-winning service at Beaufort’s newest inn
• CityLoft – this boutique hotel in the heart of downtown features a modern twist, an in-house espresso bar and provides easy walking access to historic downtown 

Where to Dine

• Lowcountry Produce – hearty delicious favorites, fresh local produce and shelves of locally canned preserves and vegetables make this a great place for a meal and shopping local
• Saltus River Grill – Southern seafood done right with a sophisticated touch on the beautiful Beaufort waterfront
• Southern Graces – situated inside of The Beaufort Inn, enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or Sunday brunch in this classic local bistro
• Shrimp Shack – venture out of downtown toward Hunting Island and try one of its famous Shrimpburgers among a variety of other seafood favorites

Other Points of Interest

• Hunting Island – climb to the tip top of its light house, walk along its pristine beach and explore the island, known as South Carolina’s most visited state park
• Penn Center – one of the most significant African American historical and cultural sites in the heart of the Lowcountry, Penn Center was the area’s first school for freed slaves
• Highway 21 Drive in Movie Theater – enjoy a double feature under the stars in one of the state’s only classic drive in theatres
• Parris Island Museum – explore the history of the Depot that over a million men and women have come through to complete their transition into the United States Marine Corps

Photos provided by SK Signs & Designs