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| Bluffton |
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he residents of Bluffton have joined together to write a book entitled,
A Decision to Stay,
which includes these notable words
...
“Being a Blufftonian is a rite of passage. Membership requires a unique appreciation for life and community and devotion to kinship, where blood ties are as strong as the currents of the May River, and friendship loyalties are as predictable as her tides.”
The town of Bluffton is situated on a high bluff, overlooking the pristine May River, source of the world-famous Bluffton oysters. This historic riverfront community still welcomes visitors with as much charm and vibrancy as it did in its antebellum heyday.
The town was incorporated in 1852, just in time for the Civil War to take its toll. First it was raided and scavenged by Union forces
occupying nearby Hilton Head Island. Then, it was shelled and burned in 1863.
There were 17 structures that escaped destruction, including the Heyward House and the Church of the Cross.
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obert Jones is Executive Director of the Heyward House, which now serves as the official tourism center, as well as offering a charming example of a Carolina farmhouse design.
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“I love this area,” explains Mr. Jones; “It’s so much fun, so family oriented, and just a wonderful place to live.”
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He continues, “The lifeblood of this area will always be tourism, and preservation of the natural and historical environment is equally important.”
For Mayor Hank Johnson, the protection of the May River is one driving force behind his commitment to the town. “In our annexation efforts and our efforts to protect the river, we have established what the Ocean Coastal Resource Management says are the most stringent standards, setbacks and protection and we intend to keep it that way.” Mr. Johnson relocated to the area from Texas, and now spends more than 30 hours a week working for his community.
One newer community is Palmetto Bluff. Another is Island West, developed by D.R. Horton. For architect Mike Kronimus, it was an excellent choice for his new family. “I’m from New York, and my wife is from New Jersey,” he explains.
“We liked the colonial
farmhouse style, the
community center, golf
course and four-minute
commute.” Recently, his
parents decided to take
the plunge as well, and
have moved down from
Long Island.
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Along the five-mile, $3 million Buckwalter Parkway, new, upscale communities are emerging along with high-quality commercial development, according to developer Tom Zinn.
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One appealing factor is the proximity to the new University of South Carolina Beaufort-New River campus. For younger students, Bluffton High School has plans for an integrated high-tech communications system that will link with the University and Technical College of the Lowcountry.
Savannah is thirty minutes away, with its lively arts scene and culture. Across the bridge, Hilton Head Island beckons with its world-class restaurants and famous harbor.
Back in the old town near the river, the pace slows to a welcome stroll, as visitors and residents enjoy the art and antique galleries, Riverfront Pocket Park and Garden, and the oldest continuous oyster-shucking facility in South Carolina. Whatever you do, don’t forget to sample the famous bivalves with their briny, salty, slurpy flavor.
Have some fun. Get some expert feedback. Post your
Bluffton questions,
comments and experiences on the "Carolinas
Message Board."
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Katherine Pettit has worked as a writer,
magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident
has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing
explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management..
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