traveling with my bwuhs

Beaufort Day Two: Sun, Seafood, and Spontaneity
Saturday marked the second day of our Beaufort adventure, and it was another fun-filled, easygoing day—with just the right balance of activity and downtime (yes, there was a glorious mid-day nap).

We started the morning slow, savoring a leisurely wake-up before heading downstairs to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. The dining area at the Hilton Garden Inn blends right into the lobby, making it feel more like a casual extension than a standalone restaurant. Our breakfast buffet was included with the room, though it normally costs $15 per person for walk-ins. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have paid full price for it—while the food was good, the selection was fairly basic: eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, grits, cereal, oatmeal, and a small assortment of pastries. They did offer made-to-order items like pancakes, waffles, and French toast on a separate menu, and I’d likely go that route next time if breakfast isn’t included. That said, everything we tried was tasty, and our server was incredibly kind and helpful.

More Than Just a Detour
Saturday morning brought a festive start to the Beaufort Water Festival with a lively parade winding through town. While the event led to road closures and unexpected traffic that disrupted our route to Hunting Island, we didn’t let it derail our day. Instead, we made a meaningful detour to the Beaufort National Cemetery. Walking among the rows of white marble headstones beneath towering live oaks was a humbling experience. Many of the graves belong to brave service members, some of whom gave their lives in war. We even came across markers for Unknown Soldiers, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made. The quiet beauty of the cemetery—its symmetry, history, and reverence—left a lasting impression.

Morning Adventure: Hunting Island State Park
When the parade cleared, we set out for Hunting Island State Park. Instead of paying the daily entrance fee, we opted for the $99 annual South Carolina State Parks pass, hoping it will inspire us to explore more parks, especially as the weather cools.

Hunting Island is stunning—lush forest trails give way to pristine beaches, making it a nature-lover’s dream. We originally planned just to stroll the beach and hunt for shells (the park is known for its seashells and shark teeth), but quickly realized the July heat wasn’t going to let us off easy. The beach was packed, and with a heat index over 100 degrees, not swimming was definitely a rookie mistake. We still managed to explore some of the park’s highlights, like the boardwalk, lighthouse, and shaded trails, but we’ll definitely plan better next time—like maybe not skipping the swimsuits!

Despite the red flag warning, the water looked calm, and we noticed potential tide pools, which seemed perfect for kids. Lesson learned: bring the beach gear, especially in summer.

Lunch with a View: Fishcamp on 11th Street
Back in Port Royal, we tried to stop at Dockside Restaurant for lunch, but they weren’t open until 4 p.m.—so that one got bumped to the “next trip” list. (Shoutout to Kourtney, our awesome server from Panini’s the day before, for the recommendation!) Instead, we headed to Fishcamp on 11th Street, located right on Battery Creek near the Port Royal Boardwalk.

This place was a gem. We opted for outdoor seating at the bar area since there was no wait and we were hungry. The view was beautiful, the service was fantastic, and the food? Incredible. We shared Calamari & Pickles (a family favorite) and the Prince Edward Island Mussels—which might honestly be the best mussels I’ve ever had. The boys devoured the calamari while Hubs and I polished off the mussels in record time.

For mains, I had the Mahi Fish Tacos, Hubs enjoyed the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, and the kids had Fried Shrimp with fries. Every dish was a hit. The only downside was the heat—and the noisy party that rolled in via boat and brought a bit too much energy to the outdoor area. Next time, we’ll opt for indoor seating for a more relaxed vibe.

Birds, Ice Cream, and a Nap
After lunch, we swung by the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands, which had caught our eye the day before. We snapped a few photos and got a kick out of the quirky birds doing their thing. One bird had its long beak pointed straight down into the water—fishing, perhaps? Nature’s comedians.

We couldn’t resist a sweet stop at Maynard’s Ice Cream & Café on our way out. The staff let us sample a few flavors before we each settled on a scoop. Honestly, I don’t know how we made room after lunch, but as the saying goes: there’s always room for dessert.

Back at the hotel, we rested, rehydrated, and hit the reset button. The boys played games, we read, and everyone got a much-needed break from the heat.

Evening Stroll and BBQ
Later that evening, we returned to downtown Beaufort for a walk and some light shopping. Most of the stores were closed by then, but we did get to check out Carolina Me Crazy before heading to Q on Bay for a late dinner.

Hubs had been hoping for barbecue, and this spot did not disappoint. We started with the Pork Belly Burnt Ends (a special that night), which were tender and full of flavor. For mains, Hubs went all-in with The Barnyard, I had the Shrimp and Grits, and the boys enjoyed their kid-friendly choices—Grilled Cheese and Chicken Nuggets. We loved every bite and ended the night with full bellies and full hearts.

Final Thoughts
It was one of those days where everything felt just right. We didn’t follow a strict plan—just a loose list of ideas—and somehow it all came together perfectly. The right mix of adventure, spontaneity, and rest. A true vacation vibe.

Stay tuned for highlights from our final day in Beaufort!

❤ Jen