If you’ve been to Bluffton, you’d know no one drives a traditional vehicle. Mix it up with a Moke from Carolina Rides and turn heads. Channel your inner Brigitte Bardot-meets-Beach Boys in Moke’s iconic open-air cruiser.

Photo: Ian V. Santiago

South present’s our hotly anticipated, annual guide to the Greatest Destinations of 2021. Each year, South produces the definitive list of the best places to stay, play, eat and shop in Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Savannah and Jacksonville. This year, we’ve added some new locations for an exhaustive guide to the Coastal South.

South’s Greatest Destinations serves as an annual guide to the best locations in the coastal South from Charleston through Jacksonville. The list includes the premier places to stay and the hottest spots to play, as well as the best bites and top shops. In the past year, the Southeast saw continuous visitors—despite recent restrictions—proving there is just something inexplicably hospitable about our beautiful region. Without further ado, here is South’s definitive guide to the greatest destinations.

Bluffton, South Carolina

Lowcountry living comes in many forms, from luxury resorts to dockside dining and everything in between. Whatever the agenda, the spirit remains the same: lay back and enjoy the best the Lowcountry has to offer.

Old Town Bluffton Inn

As the area’s only luxury boutique hotel, the family-owned and operated Old Town Bluffton Inn embodies gracious Southern charm. The custom-designed, French-inspired furnishings and ambiance combined with exceptional service create a one-of-a-kind, elegant experience. blufftoninnsc.com

Photos: Blake Crosby

Montage Palmetto Bluff

Montage Palmetto Bluff is nestled along the May River and encompasses 20,000 acres of private land, with an array of accommodation options such as private cottages, comfortable guest rooms and village homes. The Bluff makes for an exceptional, personalized, resort-style getaway. montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

Photo: Montage Palmetto Bluff

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Burnt Church Distillery

Celebrating their grand opening in March 2021, Burnt Church Distillery is a hotly anticipated new addition to Bluffton. Crafting new spirits and telling old tales, the distillery serves as a local communal historian for residents and visitors. Come to church and try selections like Sin Eater, Devil’s Elbow and Sippin’ Saint. Burntchurchdistillery.com

May River Excursions

Enjoy fishing, river and water taxi adventures with May River Excursions. With an eight-boat fleet, the team’s goal is to show the beauty of the May River and all it has to offer to visitors and locals alike. mayriverexcursions.com

Photos: Blake Crosby

Bluffton Farmers Market

The Bluffton Farmers Market is a weekly community event where locals and tourists gather not only to buy excellent produce but also to enjoy delicious food, listen to entertainment, and relax with friends. farmersmarketbluffton.org

FARM Bluffton

FARM is committed to their community and farm-to-table mission, sourcing from local farmers, fisherman and artisan producers. They even recently launched their own non-profit, Rootstock Community Foundation, to make a difference in their industry. Farmbluffton.com

The Craft Kitchen

This cozy establishment boasts a passion for market-fresh ingredients, honest cooking, and an enjoyable atmosphere. The food menu features a selection of dishes, all made in-house and the drink menu is curated to feature independently owned craft breweries and wine. craftkitchen.online

Photos: Ian V. Santiago

The Pearl Kitchen & Bar

This new gem in the heart of Old Town Bluffton offers a bright, fresh and enticing take on seafood and steaks, featuring enticing, contemporary fare with Italian and Asian influences. thepearlbluffton.com

Photos: Blake Crosby

Gigi’s Bluffton

Gigi’s sets the standard for Southern style with personalized, attentive service and excellent fashion sense. Achieve that effortless Lowcountry look at this contemporary boutique. gigisbluffton.com 

Photos: Ian V. Santiago

Ben Ham Gallery

Originally hailing from Georgia and South Carolina, Ben Ham is a fine art, landscape photographer that works exclusively with traditional, black and white film. Ham’s works are housed in a Lowcountry-style building, which offers the perfect backdrop for informed viewing. Benhamimages.com

Bluffton General Store

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Bluffton, Bluffton General Store offers gifts, candles, local art, coastal inspired home decor, a bead studio and snacks. Stop in for a refined, small-town general store experience! blufftongeneralstore.com

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