Real Estate News, South Carolina

Have a Nutty Fun Time at 2016 Bluffton Peanut Festival

Bluffton SC Peanut Festival
Published on August 22, 2016

It’s not caviar or foie gras or even escargot, but to South Carolinians it is a delicacy worthy to be the main attraction at one of the top festivals in South Carolina. What is it? It is boiled peanuts. Whether eaten whole or pealed apart and the juice shucked out of it, some folks cannot get enough of those salty, chewy boiled peanuts. Just ask residents of Bluffton SC communities.

Those who can’t live without this southern favorite can be found at this year’s Bluffton Boiled Peanut Festival. In its 5th year, this event is promising to be bigger and better than years past. What was once a one-day event now includes three days of family fun activities starting Thursday, September 8th through Saturday, September 10th.

Thursday, Sept. 8th 

  • “Cracking of the Nut”
  • Lil Miss Peanut and Lil Goober

Friday, Sept 9th

  • Peanut Pub Crawl

Saturday, Sept. 10th

  • Boiled Peanut Cook-Off
  • Peanut Eating Competition
  • Native Performs

It all gets underway on Thursday with the official “Cracking of the Nut” at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market. Thursday night is also when this year’s Lil Miss Peanut and Lil Goober will be crowned. Friday is for the adults with the Peanut Pub Crawl. And Saturday is the big day at Bluffton Village from 12pm-5pm. There will be several contests featuring tradition and non-traditional ways to cook boiled peanuts, including the boiled peanut cook-off. And all eyes will be glued to the stage when local favorite band, Native, takes the stage. Add games, festival foods and some good ole fun to the mix and it’s clear why festivals in South Carolina are so popular.

The Bluffton Peanut Festival is a far cry from its humble beginnings. It was Almeda Lambert who helped bring the southern tradition of boiling unsold peanuts to the masses. Her cookbook, “The Guide for Nut Cookery” published in 1899 exposed others beyond South Carolina about the various ways to cook and enjoy peanuts. From there, two Bluffton locals, Jared Jester and Hannah Parrish, are credited with sparking the idea to hold a boiled peanut cook-off at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market. And today it remains a favorite event among Bluffton SC communities. 

Located in the heart of low-country, Bluffton is just minutes away from Hilton Head Island. Bluffton is a coastal town of less than 15,000 people. Its old southern charm, historical sites, architecture, quaint shops and restaurants make this a great location to live or vacation. It is no coincidence that it’s also a popular tourist destination. And with its close proximity to Hilton Head, new homes in Bluffton SC couldn't be more perfectly located.

While there are many affordable new homes in Bluffton SC, nearby Hilton Head Island offers some wonder options too. The beautiful 2145 square feet gated golf community of Hilton Head Lakes is one of them. This is lakefront living at its best. Top-notch amenities is what makes this planned community a stand out. The open floor plan features three-bedrooms, two baths and screened porches. Those who enjoy cooking will appreciate the gourmet, energy efficient kitchen with granite countertops and vaulted ceiling in the breakfast nook.

Those who are fond of entertaining guests will love the amenities at Hilton Head Lakes. It has a 155-acre private fresh water lake with community docks and lakefront clubhouse. Avid golfers will find Hilton Head Lakes a golfer’s haven with its 18-hole Tommy Fazio design championship course. Active residents don’t have to worry about staying in shape thanks to the development’s superb fitness center and beach entry swimming pool overlooking the lake. It's common to see residents taking in a stroll along the 12-miles of walking nature trials. What a perfect way to end the day. That along with noshing on some boiled peanuts from the festival.

Festivals in South Carolina run all year round, but the Bluffton Boiled Peanut Festival is one worth experiencing. Don’t pass up an opportunity to explore the new homes in Bluffton SC and see why Bluffton SC communities are ideal for retirees and baby-boomers.  If you're exploring Bluffton for the first time, ask for our complimentary Bluffton relocation information