ISSUE 2 | MARCH 2026

The 2026 festival schedule includes:

• St. Patrick’s Block Party, March 13
• Bluffton Sunset Kickoff Party, April 26
• SunsetPalooza, May 15
• Brews, Blues & BBQ on the Bluff, June 19
• May River Shrimp Festival, July 24
• Blufftemberfest, September 26

Proceeds from the Sunset Festival series also support several area charities. Additional details and tickets are available at blufftonsunsetparty.com. Group discounts are also available.

We are also proud to sponsor the annual Bluffton History Shindig, which took place on February 28, 2026. The event featured food trucks, oysters, music and Bluffton history speakers. The “Bluffton History” Facebook group hosts this event. Proceeds from the event fund two Bluffton History college scholarships totaling $2,500. get you one ste

The Foundation’s mission focuses on protecting the Sound for the environmental, cultural, and economic well‑being of the region.

Located in the renovated former Lemon Island Marina, the Maritime Center stands as a vital resource for environmental education and cultural preservation, providing guests a deeper understanding of the Lowcountry’s most treasured waters. It offers free admission and provides visitors with an accessible, engaging introduction to the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural heritage. People of all ages are connected with the Sound through hands-on exhibits highlighting the biodiversity, history, and environmental significance of the Port Royal Sound. Science-based displays cover local marine life, estuarine ecosystems, and the cultural stories that have shaped the region. Live animals, interactive elements, and rotating exhibits keep the experience fresh and engaging.

The Center hosts paid programs and workshops throughout the year, with schedules available online or by calling (843) 645-7774. Offerings include marine science lessons, naturalist talks, youth programs, and seasonal educational events. The facility also supports community involvement through volunteer opportunities and provides event and meeting rentals.

Foundation Upcoming Events: Marsh Madness, Benefiting research & conservation (March 21, 2026)



12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Free salt marsh conservation expo for all ages. Meet organization partners and learn about marsh conservation efforts in the Port Royal Sound. 

Port Royal Sound Fishing Challenge for REEL Science (Now through Sept. 13, 2026). This year-long challenge asks anglers to record and report EVERY fish caught for a full year. Collected data helps to provide insights into seasonal patterns and behaviors. Monthly prizes will be awarded!

Learn more about theses and other events and programs by visiting the Port Royal Sound Foundation website.

Saigon Cafe, 1304 Fording Island Rd. Ste. E

Despite a steady flow of customers, some for dine-in and some for take-out, there was plenty of available seating in the spacious restaurant. We chose to dine in for lunch at approximately 12:15 p.m. on a Wednesday. We were greeted and seated quickly. The large and varied menu was simplified with a page dedicated to discounted lunch specials, which include an option of hot & sour or wonton soup, and your choice of a crispy eggroll or soft spring roll. 

During this visit we sampled the hot & sour soup and crispy egg roll. Our main courses, each served with a generous portion of white rice, were chicken with mixed vegetables and the spicy beef with lemongrass. Some hot & sour soup recipes bring the heat immediately, but Saigon Cafe’s version provides a subtle sweetness that allows the heat to build slowly and steadily throughout the dish. The crispy eggroll was light and flaky with a delicious, ample filling. These dishes provided a great start to the meal and left us wanting more. The chicken and mixed vegetables were tender and flavorful. The spicy beef with lemongrass was also very tender and delicious, coming in at a 2 on a spiciness scale of 1 to 5. If that’s not spicy enough for you, a variety of sauces are available at each table for diners to dial up the heat to meet their preference. 

We learned of Saigon Cafe by word of mouth, and we’re glad we did. Another trip to savor more of their menu selections is already on the calendar.

100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die

Q. Your book is a great resource for both visitors and locals, but it's not like a novel that needs to be read in order. Do you have any recommended, fun ways for readers to approach and digest the content? 

The format of the book--created by the publisher for their entire 100 Things to Do series--is designed to be an easy page-turning read, with 150-word blurbs for each recommended attraction, activity, dining experience, and more. It’s broken into five categories: Food and Drink; Music and Entertainment; Sports and Recreation; Culture and History; and Shopping and Fashion. So, if you don’t want to peruse all 100 awesome things to do in the Lowcountry, you can simply refer to the activity that interests you the most. There’s even Activities by Season and Suggested Itineraries in the back of the book for inspiration.

Q. While researching the 100 things featured in your book, what was the most surprising item you stumbled upon that you weren't actually looking for?

Although we knew the area was rich in history, we were really blown away by just how much history there is to be explored. From antebellum history to the Civil War and subsequent Reconstruction, as well as being the true heart of Gullah heritage, there is a treasure trove of how our country evolved in the Lowcountry. And the many historical sites from Edisto Island to Daufuskie Island give visitors a deep dive into our American history.

Q. Now that the book is in print, is there one experience you’ve discovered recently that makes you think, "I wish I could go back and make it 101 things to do"?

We’re uncovering new things to do and see every day that would be a perfect fit for our book. Things like the remains of the Spanish-American war military installation at Fort Fremont on St. Helena that now features a free history center and guided tours of this important piece of the Lowcountry’s history. Or Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace, a terrific new art and furniture gallery and wine shop in Port Royal featuring local art, handcrafted furniture, wines, and artisanal goodies. Or even grabbing a classic Lowcountry meal at Hilton Head Island’s A Lowcountry Backyard restaurant.

Q. Which of these 100 entries took the most time to research and write, either because the history was so deep or because you wanted to make sure you conveyed things perfectly?

Honestly, what took the most time was getting to all the 100 things that we include in the book. We felt strongly that we wanted to have done pretty much everything that we recommend, as we also did with our Charleston and Savannah books. But with a geography from Edisto Island to Walterboro, Beaufort, St. Helena Island, Hunting Island, Fripp Island, Parris Island, Yemassee, Hardeeville, Ridgeland, Okatie, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Daufuskie Island, we put some miles on our car. But it also exposed us to the rich history and stunning landscape of the place that we are lucky enough to call home

Q. What's your personal favorite thing to do from the book?

Well, that’s sort of like asking which is your favorite child. For Lynn, it would be the delicious country cookin’ (and ultimate dive experience) at Harold’s Country Club in Yemassee or listening to the smooth sounds of jazz at The Jazz Corner on Hilton Head Island. For Cele, spending time outdoors kayaking the marshes and waterways throughout the Lowcountry with Coastal Expeditions or biking the Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort and Port Royal. Or maybe spending a relaxing day exploring the Gullah history and laid back coastal vibe of Daufuskie Island. It’s just so hard to choose.

Q. This is your third "100 Things to Do" book for our region. Is there a fourth in the works and can you give us a sneak peak at the topic?

I think we may have scratched our 100 Things to Do itch with our trifecta of Charleston, Savannah, and the Lowcountry. However, Lynn is hard at work on a new book for Arcadia Publishing that is due out this coming fall entitled, Pat Conroy’s South Carolina Lowcountry, where he takes readers on a deep dive into the life and works of Pat Conroy and his love affair with the Lowcountry, including ways for travelers today to experience it today.

Visit our YouTube channel to view an extended video interview with the Seldons!

Things To Do: Upcoming Events of Interest

MARCH 2026

Sunset Festival, Bluffton

➔ Monthly, March - September, 2026. A Bluffton tradition featuring live music, food, beverages, and other family-friendly activities.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Charleston

➔ March 4–8, 2026. One of Charleston’s signature events featuring culinary talent, tasting tents, and special dinners.

Taste of Black Charleston, Charleston

➔ March 13, 2026. Celebration of Black‑owned restaurants and culinary traditions.

The Charleston Festival (Historic Charleston Foundation), Charleston

➔ March 18 – April 11, 2026. Historic home tours, lectures, and cultural programs; a major annual heritage event.

Hilton Head Wingfest, Lowcountry Celebration Park

➔ March 21, 2026. 20–25 local restaurants serve up 8,000+ pounds of wings, plus contests, live music, and kids’ activities.

Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, Hilton Head Island

➔ March 22 – 28, 2026. A 40‑year tradition featuring hundreds of wines, gourmet tastings, and the Public Tasting on March 28.

Easter Eggstravaganza, City of Hardeeville

➔ Saturday, March 28, 2026. This free event includes an easter egg hunt for children up to age 12, inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, food trucks, and more.

APRIL 2026

Taste of Bluffton: Food Truck Edition, Bluffton 

➔ April 3, 2026. Free event features food truck cuisine, music, bounce houses, and more.

Charleston Jazz Festival, Charleston

➔ April 13–19, 2026. International artists, local musicians, and multi‑venue jazz programming across the city.

North Charleston Smooth & Gullah Jazz Music Festival, North Charleston

➔ April 11, 2026. Debut festival celebrating Gullah culture and jazz traditions.

Fork & Flow Festival, Charleston

➔ April 12, 2026. Food‑forward cultural event blending cuisine, music, and community experiences.

Lowcountry Cajun Festival, James Island County Park, Charleston

➔ April 18, 2026. A beloved annual celebration of Louisiana food, music, and culture.

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, Mount Pleasant

➔ April 26, 2026. Historic shrimping‑fleet blessing, seafood vendors, live music, and waterfront activities.

MAY 2026

MayFest, Downtown Bluffton

➔ May 9, 2026. Bluffton’s signature spring festival features dozens of arts & crafts vendors, local food booths and Lowcountry specialties, live music, and family activities.

Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston

➔ May 22 – June 7, 2026. One of America’s premier performing arts festivals — opera, theater, dance, classical music, and more.

Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, Beaufort, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

➔ May 22–24, 2026. This annual celebration of Gullah heritage is Beaufort’s signature cultural event. It features music and dance performances, storytelling and educational programs, arts & crafts vendors, and Gullah cuisine and local food traditions.

Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island

➔ May 22-24. This juried art show features regional and national artists, live music, and dining opportunities along the Shelter Cove waterfront.

JUNE 2026

High Tide Festival, Charleston

➔ June 5–6, 2026. A waterfront music and lifestyle festival known for high‑energy DJ sets and beach‑party vibes.

Summer Jams and HarbourFest, Shelter Cove, Hilton head Island

➔ Weekly throughout June. HarbourFest is a family‑friendly event that offers fireworks, live entertainment, and children’s activities. Summer Jams offers evening concerts with food trucks, kids’ zones, and fireworks to kick off summer.

Beaufort Summer Kick‑Offs, Beaufort

➔ Various Dates. Events traditionally offer concerts at Waterfront Park, family festivals and art shows leading up to July’s Beaufort Water Festival.

Please note this is not a comprehensive list of all of the wonderful events happening around town. Be sure to check these and other online calendars for current and future events happening in the Lowcountry!

• https://events.charlestoncitypaper.com/calendars/all-events
• https://www.hiltonhead.com/event-calendar/
• https://calendar.locallifesc.com/
• https://www.visitbluffton.org/events
• https://www.beaufortsc.org/events/
• https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/events-calendar/

The Lowcountry Lifestyles Team redefines real estate with a unique blend of Southern hospitality and modern sophistication. For us, real estate is about more than just buying and selling properties—it’s about building relationships and creating exceptional experiences.

Amy Miller, Realtor | David H. Simcox, Associate Broker | Mackenzie Morris, Realtor

Call us today if you would like to buy or sell a home! (843) 683-2165

Lowcountry Lifestyles Highlights


• Discover Daufuskie Island’s Hidden Gullah Heritage
• What Living In Bluffton SC Is REALLY Like!
• Big Lots, Low HOA & No STR?! Hidden Hilton Head Gem
• Moore2LifeSC - Lowcountry SC Nature Tour!
• Why So Many Are Leaving New York For South Carolina
• Gleason Farm by Mungo Homes: Inside the Lowcountry’s Hottest New Home Community!
• Don’t Move to the SC Lowcountry Without Watching This First

Don’t forget to check out our newest videos at

youtube.com/@lowcountrylifestyles

Thank you for staying 'til the end of the newsletter. Have a great Spring and watch for the next issue in June!

Sincerely, 



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