Iām not going to lie, I love the āwalkableā areas and perks of cities. Coffee shops, local restaurants, boutique stores, art galleries, farmers markets, live music, and parks, just to name a few. Anything that I can walk to and donāt have to fold, lift, and unfold the stroller for is amazing. But, I donāt feel so fondly about true city life. The noise, the crowds, the unpredictability, and the disconnectedness you can feel while living in the heart of a city is just not for me. Luckily, we have Old Town Bluffton! I can just park, put the baby in the stroller, and visit all of the unique shops, restaurants, and parks we have to offer. By walking!
2. Grandparents want to come visit!
Maybe it gets easier as kids get older, but it is so much work packing up a baby to go visit the grandparents. Even traveling just three hours away takes a ton of effort and planning. Luckily, both sets of grandparents love the Lowcountry (and the grandpas love the golf, especially) and are more than happy to visit us here! It is great to live in a desirable destination for visitors!
3. Unique restaurants
I love food. But, I donāt love to cook. See how this could pose a problem? However, in the Beaufort-Bluffton-Hilton Head area, there are tons of great, independent restaurants. We have amazing local places that serve things from traditional southern fare, to amazing seafood and great barbecue, to filling, family-friendly breakfasts.
4. Very generous and giving community members
The Lowcountry is home to businesses, families, and individuals who go above and beyond to support their fellow residents. From community-wide disasters like Hurricane Matthew, to individual tragedies like the loss of a spouse or family home, the wonderful people who call our area āhomeā are generous and willing to extend a helping hand in times of need.
5. There is a drive-in movie theater in Beaufort!
Okay, really. How cool is it that we have a drive-in movie theater in our area? According to Quartz Media, there are only 348 drive-in movie theaters in operation in the United States as of March, 2014. In Beaufort, we have one of only three drive-ins in all of South Carolina! You can bring your family to watch movies that are currently running in āregularā movie theaters from the comfort of your own car or lawn chair! Oh, and I forgot one of the best perks: kids under 4 are free!
6. Friends become family.
In our area, so many people (like us!) are transplants from other areas of the country. It is common for people not to have extended family nearby, so friends very easily become like family. If your relatives live hundreds of miles away, youāre not likely going to be alone for holidays down here!
What are your favorite things about the Lowcountry? I'm sure I have missed tons. Let me know in the comments below!
