This trip is a Lowcountry 3 day/2 night winter getaway to Beaufort SC. Beaufort is more than a hidden Lowcountry gem—it's a transformative destination that has charmed visitors since 1512. How is that possible you may think? We begin to unravel that question with a visit to the Santa Elena History Center for "America's Untold Story" of a 16th century exploration and settlement. This is just the first of several stories featured during this trip. Native son and author, Pat Conroy believed “Tell Me A Story” to be the most powerful English words. A visit to Beaufort includes stories of Pat’s life, tours of the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, a historic tour and a film location tour for many movies (The Big Chill, Forrest Gump and Prince of Tides). A highlight is also the “Journey from Slavery to Freedom” Gullah tour including storytelling/dance and a visit to a Folk Art center. The signature "curated free time" offered on a Trips by Patty trip also includes optional time to shop (there is an amazing lavender shop here!), tour America's only remaining Kazoo Factory or visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center. As you can see, this little town offers a lot!
Motorcoach transportation
Best Western Sea Island Inn - newly renovated and located in the Historic District
Welcome reception
Daily deluxe continental breakfast
Dinner on Night One in Beaufort's Historic District
Lunch on Day Two in Beaufort's Historic District
Lunch on Day Three at the Gullah Heritage Center
Admission and self-guided tour of Santa Elena History Center
Guided driving tour of the History and Film Locations of Beaufort
Journey from Slavery to Freedom Gullah Tour including Gullah storytelling and dance
Self-guided tour of the Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Luggage handling
All taxes & gratuities
Bottled water & snacks on the coach
Day One
Morning departures from Wilmington, Leland and St. James. Pick-up locations and times to be announced once all are registered.
Lunch stop in Florence SC
Afternoon stop just outside of Beaufort in Yemassee SC for a self-guided tour of the Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Approx. 4pm - Check-in at the hotel, Welcome Reception followed by a group dinner in the Historic District
Day Two
Morning tour and Welcome Orientation at Santa Elena History Center
Mini-bus tours by Historic Beaufort Tours featuring stories of native author, Pat Conroy, the history of Beaufort and film locations. There will be one tour offered in the morning and one in the afternoon to accommodation all of us!
Group lunch in the Historic district
Free time in the afternoon for shopping, visiting the Pat Conroy Literary Center, touring the Kazoo Factory or exploring the scenic Riverfront and Spanish Moss Trail.
Dinner on own at any number of great choices in the Historic District. Options provided in advance.
Day Three
9am - "Journey from Slavery to Freedom" tour along with Gullah storytelling, dance and a catered lunch in the Gullah Heritage Center.
Shopping in the Red Piano Too Art Gallery - featuring Folk Art by Sea Island Artisans
2:30pm - Departure for Leland and Wilmington
