Beaufort South Carolina: One of the Lowcountry's Most Charming Coastal Towns

A late fall visit to Beaufort (pronounced BYOO-fert) offered the chance to experience the coastal town after the bustle of tourist season had faded and the heat and humidity had eased.

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, between Charleston and Savannah, along South Carolina's southern coast. Surrounded by salt marches and tidal creeks, the city is part of the Sea Islands, a region known for its natural beauty. Although I once wrote for Sea Island Life magazine, I realized--somewhat to my surprise--that this was my first time truly experiencing Sea Island life firsthand.

History Abounds

Beaufort's scenic waterfront.

Founded in 1711, Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina. Its walkable downtown is a designated National Historic Landmark District, with many well-preserved buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike many Southern towns, Beaufort emerged from the Civil War with much of its architecture intact--partially because it was captured early, sparing it from retaliatory destruction.

The scenic waterfront is a favorite among visitors for its park and promenade with sweeping views of the marsh which stretches towards the horizon. Unfortunately, we missed strolling there at sunset when the skies glow with colors of gold and pink and shrimp boats drift quietly by.

We rented a lovely and very old AIRBNB in a residential neighborhood that was just a short drive from  downtown, which served as a comfortable base for our overnight stay.

A lovely old rental was our base camp.

In the afternoon, we explored Bay Street, in the heart of downtown, where boutique shopping, waterfront dining, coffee shops and galleries line the street. Boat excursions and kayaking trips were available, but we opted to save those for another visit, given the short length of our stay.

The John Mark Verdier House built in 1804. It now serves as a house museum.

Old Bay Marketplace, an artisan and specialty market.

Rightside Design, Gallery and Gift Shop

I loved so much in this little shop that sold beautiful glass art.

One shop in particular caught my attention was RightSide Design gallery and gift shop filled with beautiful glass art that made lingering inevitable.

After an afternoon of sightseeing, we relaxed at the Old Bull Tavern, housed in a building that was once a general store in the 1800s before becoming a tavern and eventually the popular restaurant it is today.

The Old Bull Tavern was once a general store in the 1800s.

Following dinner, we continued our stroll along the oft-photographed waterfront. Everything was so quiet in November, which made me consider returning during a lively season to see it at its most animated. 

A candy shop.

Along the way, we passed the Beaufort Candy Shoppe and Superior Coffee showcasing classic Lowcountry architecture with its raised covered porches, wide overhangs, and light-colored siding--design features meant to provide shade and airflow and protect against coastal weather.

The Superior Coffee Shop

A pair of cute rainboots as street art.

Whimsical street art, including a pair of brightly painted rain boots, added a playful touch to the walk. As dusk approached, we passed by Luther's Rare & Well Done, a longtime casual hangout that, during busier months, draws crowds to its patio for sunset views. Nearby, Saltus River Grill's expansive patio hinted at the area's more upscale dining options, particularly known for seafood and steaks.

Luther's Rare and Well Done.

Saltus River Grill patio.

The Beaufort Water Festival is a big draw in the summer.

We also came across signage for The Beaufort Water Festival. Founded in 1956, the 10-day event begins in late July and is one of South Carolina's oldest festivals. It features a boat parade, live concerts, arts and crafts for kids, water races, low-country fare, fireworks and more.

A bust of Thomas Heywood, Jr.

We also passed by a bust of Thomas Heywood, Jr., who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a Revolutionary War officer. Many places throughout South Carolina bear his name.

The Marina Ship's Store at Safe Harbor.

Near the marina, we passed the Ship's Store at Safe Harbor, a stop for boaters and visitors alike. 

By the end of the day it was clear that Beaufort rewards unhurried exploration and we found ourselves already discussing plans to return and discover more of what this town has to offer. 

Champagne, Ceremony and Celebrity

It's not often that one has the opportunity to witness a Naming Ceremony for a brand-new cruise ship, but that's exactly the experience my husband and I enjoyed in November, 2025. As guests of Celebrity Cruises for the naming of its newest vessel, the Celebrity Xcel--the event proved to be quite memorable. 

Getting There

The view from our room at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

We flew from our new home in South Carolina to Fort Lauderdale and spent the night before embarkation at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Comfortable, well appointed, and just steps from the beach, the resort was an ideal place to ease into cruise mode.

The beach at Fort Lauderdale.

The following day we caught an Uber to the port--only to discover that Sunday traffic near the terminals is not for the faint of heart. A four-mile trip stretched into a two-hour crawl, so future cruisers should plan accordingly.

Once on board, however, our travel frustrations quickly faded. After settling into our stateroom--spacious, thoughtfully designed and outfitted with an exceptionally comfortable bed, we set out to explore.

Our stateroom was a nice size and the bed was very comfy.

Life Onboard the Xcel

The Celebrity Xcel offers an impressive range of onboard experiences.  The Attic at the Club is designed for relaxed fun with darts, pool tables and classic arcade games and The Bazaar showcased artisan goods from around the world. We left with hot sauce and candy and I even spotted the captain of Below Deck Sailing Yacht 

The captain of Bravo's Below Deck Sailing Yacht was onboard.

Dining options were plentiful, with more than 30 venues across the ship. We chose to dine at Blu both nights of our two-night stay and were rewarded with impeccable service and beautifully executed dishes. The filet was delicious and was followed by desserts that were elegant and indulgent.

A filet served at Blu on the Celebrity XCel.

Dessert at Blu.

A casino onboard allowed us to have a fun time while dropping a few bucks. Let's just say I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon.

The casino on the Celebrity XCel.

For those interested in a bit of pampering, the spa on the Celebrity XCel has been described as an "expansive wellness retreat." With 30 treatment rooms, guests can take part in  facials, massages, state-of-the-art Dome Beds and more.

And for those who enjoy a cocktail or two, 12 lounges were located across the ship and staff didn't seem to have a problem juggling both passengers and barware, ala Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail.

With more than 1,400 crew members from 66 different nationalities, the passenger-to-staff ratio was noticeable--in the best possible way.

The Naming Ceremony 

The highlight of the voyage was the naming ceremony.  Celebrity chose Chef Janaina Torres as godmother of the ship, honoring her commitment to connecting travelers with destinations through regional recipes, local sourcing and elevated hospitality.

Chef Janaina Torres

Torres led the procession, which included a pipe and drum corps performance, blessings led by Bishop Delton Fernander and Rabbi Lawrence Schuval, a cast performance, addresses by Celebrity Cruise President Laura Hodges Bethge and Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. The ceremony concluded with the U.S. National Anthem, performed by Celebrity Xcel Guest Guitarist Jeff Arnold and the bottle break--a time-honored tradition for maiden voyages.

Two Fully Booked Days

Beyond the ceremony, the schedule was packed: art, architecture and design tours, professional photo sessions, a runway show, a golf and sports simulator open house, a vintage Louis Vuitton and designer watch showcase, Texas Hold 'Em tournaments, an art scavenger hunt and so much more. There was far more offered than time allowed, which is a good complaint.

Before we knew it, it was time to disembark. There was truly a special experience and one I won't soon forget. 

A Holiday Invitation to History: Inside Greenville's Kilgore-Lewis House

If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina, region and have yet to visit The Kilgore-Lewis House, the holiday season offers an especially inviting reason to go. Built in 1838, the stately home is dressed in its winter finery this time of year, thanks to the dedicated members of the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, which has maintained the property as its headquarters since 1974.

The Kilgore-Lewis House was built in 1938.

One of the earliest surviving structures in Greenville County, the Kilgore-Lewis House originally stood near the intersection of College, Academy and Buncombe Streets in downtown Greenville. In 1974, it was carefully relocated to its current location on North Academy Street, where it overlooks a tranquil expanse of gardens and woodland.

The Gardens

A spring on the property dates to 1765.

Nestled among tall trees on a gently sloping landscape, the property includes a restored spring that dates to 1765.  Both the house and spring are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Long before the home was built, the spring served as a water source for native Americans and early settlers. 

Today, the five-acre wooded grounds provide a meeting place for the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, including its Board of Directors and committees and its 14 member clubs. The gardens are certified as both an arboretum and a backyard wildlife habitat.

During the school year, children often visit to explore the sensory and butterfly gardens and view the many wildflowers that are scattered throughout the property. Arbor Day is a particularly special day at the Kilgore-Lewis House and is celebrated in partnership with the public schools, the City of Greenville, TreesUpstate and sponsoring industries.

Wildlife often spotted on the grounds include hawks, owls, songbirds, squirrels and chipmunks. Ducks and Great Blue Herons are sometimes seen as well. 

Holiday Open House

Visitors are especially encouraged to experience the house during the holiday season, when the Garden Clubs transform the interior with tasteful seasonal decor. Period furnishings and decorations offer a glimpse into the rhythms of 19th-century life.

The side entrance where guests are welcomed. 

Originally associated with Josiah Kilgore, who purchased the property in 1838, the house later passed to Kilgore's daughter and her husband in 1855. It remained in the Kilgore/Stokes/Gaines/Lewis families for about 130 years. The house is notable for its Classical-Revival style, which was uncommon for upcountry farmhouses at that time. 

The first room guests see when entering the house.

Square grand pianos were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A cozy room perfect for curling up with a good book.

This beautiful piece of history may not have lasted were it not for an intervention. After the last family members left, it was used briefly by the Buncombe Street Methodist Church and later slated for demolition until the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs saved the historic home. 

Today the Kilgore-Lewis House stands as a link to Greenville's past. It remains free to tour and also serves as an event space for weddings, receptions, family celebrations and small business meetings.

Contributions are gladly accepted to grow the endowment and secure the property as the Garden Clubs' headquarters in perpetuity.

If you go:

The Kilgore-Lewis House is located at 560 North Academy Street in McPherson Park.

For information on planning your visit during the holidays or at other times during the year, visit the website at https://kilgore-lewis.org/, or email kilgorlewishouse@gmail.com.

Spas, Slopes and More Winter Fun in Northeastern Pennsylvania

As the weather cools, Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) gears up for the ski season, where the region’s resorts take center stage offering everything from family-friendly bunny hills to black diamond thrills. But winter fun here isn’t just about skiing.  Those who would rather stay warm can retreat to cozy inns, luxury spaces and resorts that provide pampering, pools and plenty of relaxation.

Hitting the Slopes

Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For five decades the resort has offered fun for all ages and ability levels. Guests can enjoy 23 trails, two terrain parks and snow tubing. Shawnee is also known for having one of the best children’s programs in the region, according to Rachel Wyckoff, Marketing Director. “Our Snowsports School and other dedicated learning areas are designed to create confidence and a lifelong love of winter sports,” she said.

High in the sky at Shawnee Mountain

Big Boulder in Lake Harmony and Jack Frost in Blakeslee (JFBB) are sister resorts which also offer winter fun. Big Bolder is the perfect launchpad for beginners with a dedicated learning hill and gentle slopes designed to build confidence, while Jack Frost offers a natural progression for more advanced runs. “We’re not just teaching people how to ski, we’re helping them fall in love with winter,” said Tony Santora, JFBB General Manager.

Camelback Resort in Tannersville touts 166 skiable acres, 56 snowtubing lanes and a hotel and waterpark, making it a year-round destination. Jason Bays, the new Vice President and General Manager at Camelback, said, “With new automated snowmaking on key trails and the modernization of the Stevenson Express chair lift, guests can look forward to more time enjoying the slopes and less time waiting.” And it isn’t often that skiers have a choice to spend all day on the mountain and later splash away at an on-site water park.

Enjoying a cozy evening at Camelback.

Palmerton’s Blue Mountain Resort, with 171 skiable acres across 40 trails, recently implemented cutting-edge snowmaking and has brightened some of the favorite runs for an enhanced skiing experience. “Three hundred and eighty lights have been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDS, brightening Challenge, Razor’s Edge, Main Street, Chute, Midway, Nightmare, Dreamweaver and Switchback,” said Marketing Director Ashley Seier.

There’s so much to do at Blue Mountain, both on and off the slopes. After hitting the trails, guests can kick back at Last Run Lounge with trivia nights or live music, or grab a bite at Slopeside Pub & Grill and take in the incredible mountain views from the Summit Lodge. “Swap your skis for tubes and check out the country’s largest Snow Tubing Park – and after 5 p.m., it lights up with music and magic for guests of all ages,” said Seier.

Winter Pampering

If skiing isn’t your idea of fun, NEPA offers other indulgent winter activities. Consider a luxury escape in the heart of the Pocono Mountains at The Swiftwater, where guests can frolic year-round in a heated indoor/outdoor saltwater pool. “It lets guests swim through the stream as snow falls around them and is one of our most loved experiences,” said Julian Beltran, Creative Director, Marketing.

Guests can also enjoy fine dining at The Olivet. “Our on-site fine-dining restaurant adds to the cozy indulgence with seasonal menus, an exceptional wine list and fireside ambiance,” said Beltran, adding that their private plunge pool suites are popular for an elevated winter escape.

Then there’s The French Manor Inn & Spa—a four-diamond winner for lodging and dining. The serene retreat perched atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland is a family-owned business run by the Reese family, with Genni Reese and Bridget Weber as second-generation owners. “It works out well as a destination for couples and girlfriend getaways for those looking to escape the city,” said Reese. Guests can enjoy stunning 28 -mile views from their balconies and in November and December can enjoy wine tastings.

The French Manor Inn and Spa is a four-diamond winner for lodging and dining.

For an all-inclusive experience, Woodloch Resort in Hawley spans three distinct properties. Woodloch Pines caters to families--there are go-carts, bumper cars, indoor climbing areas, a splash zone and water slide, along with a kids’ club supervised by staff.

The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa for ages 16+, refreshes its facilities annually. “This year there’s new tilework, new flooring and an upgraded locker room,” said Erica Bloch, Associate Director of Communications. Guest who need a bit of a refresh can book a post-Christmas appointment when the spa re-opens. Treatments include Ayurvedic therapies, hot stone massages, customized facials, deep tissue massages and more.

The Spa at Woodloch offers many services to help guests feel pampered.

For the golf enthusiast who wants to work on his or her game, Woodloch Springs is located across the street from the spa. The golf community is comprised of 400 guest homes--70 of which are managed by Woodloch.

Winter Wrap Up

Whether you’re sailing down the slopes, bumping over tubing hills, or unwinding at a spa retreat, Northeastern Pennsylvania offers countless ways to celebrate the season. With activities that get the blood pumping, it’s the perfect place to emerge from hibernation.

 Credits: Thanks to Poconomountains.com and Woodloch for photos.