America's Happiest Seaside Town Set to Host 59th Beaufort Water Festival
Historic Beaufort, South Carolina, named Happiest Seaside Town by Coastal Living magazine, occupies Port Royal Island on the Atlantic coast. For the 59th year, hundreds of resident volunteers in this hospitable South Carolina Coastal community will put on a joyous, two-week celebration known as the Water Festival in locations throughout Beaufort. Opening festivities start off with a bang, featuring the Parris Island Marine Band and early evening fireworks at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, 1010 Bay Street, just 10 minutes from Coosaw Point, Community Finder’s 2013 Happiest Community of the Year.
The Festival runs from July 12-27, with the Festival Arts & Crafts Market open daily at the Promenade at Waterfront Park. Considered by many to be one of the best small southern towns, it’s no wonder Beaufort South Carolina is so happy with days and nights of music, food, art, tournaments, boating events and plenty of family friendly fun! Here is the upcoming schedule for the Happiest Seaside Town’s Water Festival, 2014:
July 12 and 13 (Saturday & Sunday)Sailing Regatta: Sailors can register July 12th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Spectators are welcome at the Club for the event.
July 18 (Friday) – Official Opening DayFestival Arts & Craft Market, open from noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Promenade at the Waterfront Park. Water Festival Opening Ceremony gates open at 6:00 p.m., ceremony at 7:00. Take the free Shuttle Service from Beaufort County Government Center, or walk from several downtown Beaufort hotels.
July 19 (Saturday) – Something for EVERYBODY!Raft Race along the Waterfront Park sea wall from 8:00 to11:00 a.m. Applications and entry fees ($185 Commercial, $145 Military or Non-profit) for 11-person teams due by July 5.
Bocce Tournament from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Waterfront Park. Register your two-person team ($40 entry fee) by July 11.
Badminton Tournament at Waterfront Park, 9:00 a.m. Registration is limited to the first 20 entries, so get your two-person team’s $30 entry fee in by July 11.
Croquet Tournament (Golf Croquet) at Dataw Island Croquet Lawns at 9:00 a.m. Individual players can register for one tournament ($25) or two rounds ($35) by July 11.
Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament for kids 12 and under from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Bring your own rod & reel and tackle to this FREE EVENT. Bait provided.
Sponsors Expo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Waterfront Park Pavilion. Visit the folks who are giving generously to keep this wonderful tradition going year after year.
Coastal Education Expo, a free exhibition open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Contemplative Garden.
Air Show from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park. The River will be closed during this time. Don’t miss this crowd pleaser of a show featuring feats of aerial daring and finesse!
Shrimp Boat Tours, from noon to 4:00 pm at Waterfront Park.
Concert in the Park at Waterfront Park. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. and the Davisson Brothers Band opens the show at 8:00, followed by headliner Craig Morgan. The perfect end to a perfect day. Admission is $25.
Croquet Tournament (Golf Croquet) at 9:00 a.m. at Dataw Island Croquet Lawns. Registration and entry fees due by July 11.
River Rally from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Local Waters
Shrimp Boat Tours from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park.
Children’s Day! Bring the kiddies to this FREE EVENT packed with games, activities, bounce houses, shows, and prizes from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park.
Teen Dance sponsored by John 3:16 Project, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park for ages 13-17 (ID required). Entertainment by D.J. Donna; admission is $15 and gates open 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
July 20 (Monday)Motown Monday, entertainment by Deas-Guyz at Waterfront Park, $10 admission. Gates open at 7:00, show starts at 8:00 p.m.
July 22 (Tuesday)Salsa Tuesday, entertainment by Son Del Coqui at Waterfront Park. Admission is $10, FREE for Active Duty Military with valid Military I.D. Gates open at 7:00, show starts at 8:00 p.m.
July 23 (Wednesday)Croquet Tournament (9 Wicket) at 9:00 a.m. in Waterfront Park. Individual players can register for one tournament ($25) or two rounds ($35) by July 11.
Talent Show hosted by the Preceptor Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority at 7:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park (gates open at 6:00 p.m.).Admission is $10 or FREE if you’re sporting the Official 2014 59th Annual Water Festival t-shirt!
July 24 (Thursday)Croquet Tournament (9 Wicket) at 9:00 a.m. in Waterfront Park. Register for one tournament ($25) or two rounds ($35) by July 11.
Lowcountry Supper – supper is served from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park with musical entertainment to boot! The Blue Dots featuring The Whistlers open, followed by On the Border. Admission is $15.
July 25 (Friday)Bed Race, check in at the Corner of Bay Street & Harrington Street at 4:30 p.m. for a 5:00 p.m. start time. Don’t miss the fun and hilarity! The entry fee is $25.00 per team, with same-day registration based on space availability.
River Dance at Waterfront Park. Gates will open at 7:00 p.m. for those 18 and older with valid ID. Admission is $15 and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Enjoy the music of country singer-songwriter Eric Paslay, with opening entertainment by The Phoenix Drive Band and Marjory Lee.
July 26 (Friday)DragonBoat Race Day 2014; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring the whole family to cheer on 36 teams in three heats competing in colorful Dragonboat races on the Beaufort waterfront, as they raise funds to benefit DragonBoat Beaufort’s outreach programs for cancer-survivor support, grants, and counseling.
Water Festival Grand Parade, organized by The Beaufort Lions Club, meanders through Downtown Beaufort from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Because who doesn’t love a parade?
Non Profit Expo from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park Pavilion.
The Commodore’s Ball at Waterfront Park. Entertainment by the North Tower Band; gates open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $10.
July 27 (Sunday)Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats, sponsored by the Past Commodores of the Water Festival. From beautiful to whimsical to (dare we say it) tacky, the decorated flotilla signals the close of another wonderful Water Festival. Boats must be registered (free) to be in the running for prizes. Come wave to the boaters and cheer for your favorites from noon to 2:00 p.m. along the Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park.
The Sea Islands on the south coast of South Carolina can seem like a step back in time – romantic, historic, mysterious, and full of hometown traditions. Here, on Port Royal Island, Beaufort, South Carolina, puts on several wonderful festivals throughout the year, including the Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens, A Taste of Beaufort Music, Art and Seafood Festival, and many cultural events throughout the year in addition to the Beaufort Water Festival extravaganza. The happy South Carolina coastal community is over 300 years old; only Charleston in older in the Palmetto State. Beaufort is known for its antebellum architecture and scenic land and river scapes, as well as for the nearby U.S. Marine Corps installation at Parris Island and the U.S. Naval Hospital. Much of the Beaufort Downtown Historical District is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Neighborly, gracious, and never in a hurry, Beaufort’s Lowcountry hospitality is palpable, earning it the “Best Small Southern Town” designation more than once from Southern Living magazine, and also a U.S. “Top 100 Small Art Town.” National Geographic Adventure named Beaufort South Carolina a “Top 50 Adventure Town” and it’s not hard to understand why, with its beautiful beaches, fishing charters, kayaking, hunting, excursions to nearby Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia.
So it follows that Coosaw Point would be named the 2013 Happiest Community of the Year, as a Bliss Award Winner, by Community Finder. With beautiful cottages and Charleston-style homes in a variety of welcoming neighborhoods, lawns, porches and green spaces, this master planned South Carolina coastal community surrounded by the Beaufort River and the Intracoastal Waterway is a hidden jewel. Families of all sizes and ages call Coosaw Point home, and the warm sense of community came out as we read over 70 property owner reviews. Neighbors develop true friendships and extended families in this Lowcountry haven. Although the well run community is debt free and enjoys low HOA fees (no expensive golf course upkeep), it still delivers a high quality of life with amenities such as the River Club on the Saint Helena Sound, community dock, parks and a resort-style swimming pool.
Take a peek at Coosaw Point homes
Whether you come to Beaufort, South Carolina, to check out the lifestyle, visit Coosaw Point, enjoy one of the many festivals, or all of the above, the Happiest Seaside Town has plenty of lodging in convenient locations. Here is a sampling of the best Beaufort hotel accommodations:
City Loft Hotel, 301 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902This upscale boutique hotel with an urban design offers heavenly, comfortable memory foam beds, soaking tubs, free WiFi, the City Java & News coffee shop, and City Fit fitness center. Rooms are distinctly crisp and modern in appointment, but the hospitality is definitely old-style gracious – starting with freshly baked cookies and plush bathrobes. City Loft is in historic downtown Beaufort, only a block from Bay Street, which leads to St. Helena Island, Lady’s Island and the beaches. (843) 379-5638
The Rhett House Inn, 1009 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902You’ll love this quaint and comfy inn located within walking distance to downtown restaurants, shops, and the Beaufort waterfront. This award winning AAA 4-Diamond Bed & Breakfast drips with Southern charm and hospitality. Enjoy croquet and badminton in the lush gardens. Sip evening cocktails without a care, indulge in a slab of homemade pie before turning in for the night. Lollygag on the porch over a freshly prepared breakfast. The service is impeccable. The Rhett House Inn is in Beaufort’s Historic Landmark District, and it’s a hotel experience you’re not soon to forget. (888) 480-9530
The Beaufort Inn, 809 Port Republic Street, Beaufort, SC 29902This collection of cottages, rooms and suites in multiple buildings with beautiful courtyards is also in the heart of the Landmark Historic District. Part B&B, part luxury boutique hotel, it covers a city block, only a block from the Waterfront, and offers parking. Rooms are in period décor, taking you back to old Beaufort. The hotel’s Southern Graces bistro, reminiscent of a dining room at an historic inn, serves up contemporary Southern cuisine featuring the best of local seafood and farm to table menu items. Prepare to be spoiled at The Beaufort Day Spa, an onsite refuge located in one of the gorgeous, restored homes. Ask to stay in the Main House when you make reservations, although comfort and exceptional service is standard in every cottage and room. (843) 379-4667
Best Western Sea Island Inn, 1015 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902Family friendly and within walking distance of art galleries, shops, restaurants, carriage rides and the Beaufort waterfront, this modern hotel offers a great location and onsite parking. The rooms are warm and traditional, and the staff is friendly and attentive. There is also a swimming pool. For a great blend of local charm and national chain amenities, the Sea Island Inn is a sure bet when you visit Beaufort South Carolina, one of the best small southern towns in the U.S. (800) 568-8520
If you're searching for the best coastal towns along the sea, ask us for free Beaufort SC Relocation Information to learn more about this Lowcountry charmer.
