Beaufort's
small, quaint historic district seems to enjoy the visits
from motorcyclists. Shop owners and others have always
been very happy to see us even on those cool days when
we're dressed in our chaps, boots and jackets. Parking
is sometimes at a premium but I've not ever been worried
about the safety of my bike or belongings...Beaufort has
a reputation as being safe.
Along
the way there are two restaurants that shouldn't be missed;
- Sgt.
Whites Diner is BBQ and soul food in a very relaxed
setting, served up from a buffet, meat and 2 style with
the world's best cornbread...lunch only on weekdays. (Yes,
he's a real sergeant, retired from the USMC.) Read the
NY
Times article.
- The Blackstone
cafe is breakfast & lunch 7 days each week. Breakfast
is Low Country style with shrimp and grits, eggs Benedict
with piles of crabmeat and huge muffins and cinnamon rolls.
One
of America's finest national cemeteries is located
in Beaufort. A South Carolina Medal of Honor winner, Civil
War heroes, The Great Santini and many more of America's
finest are laid to rest here under sprawling old oak trees.
If you know a Marine, he's likely to remember Beaufort
as Parris Island, a basic training post for the USMC is
located here. A Marine Corps Air Station often is host
to air shows and other displays. The Beaufort National
Cemetery was designed by and authorized by President Abraham
Lincoln. The layout is a half-wheel configuration with
"spokes" leading out to grave sites. The cemetery is the
resting place for heroes such as Medal of Honor winner
Ralph H Johnson, The Great Santini, Union Soldiers of
the all Black Massachusetts 55th Infantry, more than 7,500
Civil War soldiers and others up to and including modern
day conflicts such as the current war. During events like
Veterans Day, motorcycles are guided by uniformed Marines
from nearby Parris Island to reserved parking spots for
the convenience of the riders. It isn't often you'll get
that sort of service and respect and although those special
ceremonies can be a bit crowded, it's worth arriving a
bit early to watch the color guards and listen to local
dignitaries and members of our military as they honor
those fallen.
Hunting
Island State Park is our frequent destination. A small
fee gets you in to a primitive park that has an extensive
network of well paved roads, picnic facilities, restrooms,
plenty of places to fish and a wide expanse of beach to
enjoy. It's motorcycle friendly and safe with regular
patrols by rangers who are always happy to stop and talk.
Cabins are available to rent, there's a large camping
facility and as part of the park, a pier is available
for fishing or just relaxing and taking in the view. Along
the way as you ride to Hunting
Island are a nature walk...a raised boardwalk with
great views and picture opportunities as well as a popular
small photo-op stop .
