Welcome to today's walking tour episode, where we explore the stunning, moss-draped streets of Beaufort, South Carolina! Because downtown Beaufort is a National Historic Landmark District, its layout is an absolute dream for walkers.

In this episode, we guide you through a scenic, 2-mile circular route that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. We kick things off at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park with panoramic views of the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge—famous for its appearance in the movie Forrest Gump.

As we stroll through the city, we'll guide you to some of Beaufort's most iconic historical and cultural sites, including:

• The John Mark Verdier House: An 1804 Federal-style mansion on Bay Street, and the only historic house in the city open to the public as a museum.
• Beth Israel Congregation: One of the oldest wooden synagogues in continuous use in the South, featuring a porch ceiling painted in traditional Gullah "Haint Blue" to ward off spirits.
• The Beaufort Arsenal: A 1798 fortress built from local "tabby" (a concrete mix of oyster shells, lime, and sand) that now houses the Beaufort History Museum.
• The Castle (Joseph Johnson House): A massive brick mansion with a legendary haunted garden that served as a Union hospital during the Civil War.
• Tidalholm: Enjoy the sweeping lawns of this home, famous as the primary filming location for the classics The Big Chill and The Prince of Tides.
• The Old Point Neighborhood: A beautiful residential section where you can view the National Historic Landmark "Marshlands" and take in breathtaking views of the salt marshes.
• The Parish Church of St. Helena: Established in 1712, featuring a historic cemetery where early settlers, British officers, and Confederate generals are laid to rest.

Tour Tips for Listeners: Beaufort can get "Lowcountry hot," so be sure to stay hydrated! You'll find water fountains and several ice cream shops along Bay Street. Be mindful of uneven historic brick or slate sidewalks and large oak roots, and please remember to respect the privacy of the residents whose mansions we admire from the street.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort,_South_Carolina)

This podcast is for entertainment purposes only, please double check directions and take precautions if going on a walking tour. Remember to look before crossing the road! This episode was produced with the use of AI.

Copyrighted 2026. Licensed for use under Creative Commons Share Alike Attribution.