Junk Removal in Beaufort, SC

Construction is underway on Boundary Street in Beaufort, SC and the new Culver’s Restaurant location and the much-anticipated opening is expected to come this summer.

Culver’s has been around since its inception in 1984. The first location opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin, under the name “Culver’s Frozen Custard and ButterBurgers.”

Fast forward to today, and it operates primarily in the Midwestern United States, and has a total of 930 restaurants in 26 states as of October 2023, including 9 locations currently in South Carolina. Among these are Summerville, North Charleston and Ladson. Also, close to Beaufort, there are Culver’s Restaurant locations in Pooler and Savannah, Georgia.

According to its owner, David Page, who recently relocated to Beaufort with his wife, Jana, and three children to open and operate the restaurant, “we couldn’t be more excited to be here, and we’re expecting to be open this summer.”

Referring to itself as a fast-casual restaurant, Culver’s menu offers a variety of lunch and dinner items including its signature ButterBurgers, chicken sandwiches, seafood, salads and more.

“We’re definitely a family restaurant, focusing on fast-casual dining,” David said. “We’re proud to say that our food is grown, not made. Our chicken is antibiotic-free and American Humane Certified, and our beef is 100% U.S. Midwest raised with no additives of any kind, and it’s never even frozen.”

Culver’s also offers sides including fries, onion rings, chili and its popular Wisconsin cheese curds that are provided exclusively to Culver’s by a dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin.

“Our partnership with farmers is a critical part of our day-to-day operations,” David added. “Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project supports local agricultural efforts in the communities that we call home, and we’re big believers and supporters of agricultural sustainability.”

If you were unaware, Culver’s dessert menu is where it’s at, with shakes, sundaes, floats and malts offered using its own line of frozen custard.

After opening in 1994, the Beaufort Applebee’s location closed in 2017 during the Boundary Street construction project, with its owner citing a loss of revenue due to the project. Since then, it was the very short-lived home of Los Gallos Mexican Restaurant. Now it will see a nice new look when the new Culver’s in Beaufort, SC opens.

Page said that rehabbing an older building was a choice. “It will cost us more to rehab an old building versus building a brand new one from the ground up, but we think it’s important to take care of empty buildings and help beautify the community.”

Nice. We couldn’t agree more, and we wish more people would look to take over an existing spot in stead of building new. It’s helps the community and keeps things looking so much better.

Read David’s statement to the community in a post in the local Facebook group, Beaufort Eats.

See more about Lowcountry restaurants and cuisine

BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - A battle over development in one Lowcountry city has made its way to the highest court in South Carolina.

The quiet city of Beaufort claims to be the second oldest in South Carolina. Within it, is a historic district that includes places like the Beaufort Inn.

The Inn has been open since the 1800s, with centuries of charm spiraling through it. Now though a plan to expand it, is bringing controversy.

The parking lot across the street from the existing structure is the site of the proposed new building, that the developer says would bring an additional 72 rooms to a hotel that right now has 46.

Dick Stewart is the Chair of the board for that developer - 303 Associates - and he tells us as people come to this city there’s a problem.

“There have been weddings, there have been corporate meetings, there have been lawyers associations, judges associations, any number of state associations that have wanted to come to Beaufort but they don’t have a place to stay.”

He says expanding the Beaufort Inn would fix that. When we visited the halls and elevators were mostly empty, but the plan would add a full-service restaurant and pool. The developer hopes that brings more people to the hotel and the city.

The Historic Beaufort Foundation is just steps away from where the new building would go up, and they disagree.

They’ve been carrying their efforts to stop this hotel through the judicial system for years, and are now asking the South Carolina Supreme Court to hear their case.

Wayne Vance is on the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He says, “Procedurally we feel like there was some serious lapse in the process and that’s the point of our appeal.”

Vance says his organization is trying to fulfill their mission of protecting the National Historic District, saying the proposed expansion of the Beaufort Inn is not the right project for the area.

“It’s in the very center, the very heart of the historic district. I think it takes a special kind of building and a special kind of architecture that would be appropriate for that area.”

The state supreme court first has to decide if they’ll consider the case, but the developer thinks even that shouldn’t happen.

Stewart tells WTOC about the Supreme Court, “If they make a mistake and don’t dismiss it then we’ll make a decision to deal with that then, but we’re not contemplating that because every court everywhere that’s looked at this has said what we did and what the city did was proper.”

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Hey y’all. Beaufort has one of the best downtowns, and lots of folks seem know it. In fact, downtown Beaufort, SC was just named as one of the 10 Best Downtowns in the United States by World Atlas, a popular website that offers perspectives on the world in the form of original maps and articles, with a dash of travel & tourism.

“Big cities often hog the spotlight, yet the pulse of American life thrives in the smaller corners—the places where neighbors still greet each other by name on the sidewalk, and a single main street can tell centuries of stories,” World Atlas said.

“In 2025, these 10 towns prove that bigger isn’t always better. Their downtowns aren’t polished clones of corporate franchise rows; instead, they showcase vibrant local histories, enduring traditions, and the sort of community pride that’s hard to manufacture.”

That’s Beaufort for sure!

Coming in at #7 on the list, World Atlas said of Beaufort, “It is renowned for its well-preserved antebellum architecture and history as a prominent center during both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Beaufort’s downtown area, with its historic district, has been designated a National Historic Landmark and features homes that predate the Civil War, reflecting the city’s rich cultural past and its significance in American history.”

Chosen for its antebellum architecture, historic district, and rich cultural past, World Atlas also cited Beaufort’s thriving food scene, historic museums, and outdoor areas. In addition, our downtown shops were another draw for tourists, the website said.

This isn’t really that much of a surprise if you’ve ever visited Beaufort, SC.

Beaufort is in some good company on the list, too. Also named are Sedona, AZ, Lake Placid, NY, Traverse City, MI, Staunton, VA, Galena, IL, and several more.

World Atlas seems to have a particular love for our little Lowcountry town.

Recently, World Atlas has named Beaufort on several other lists including the #1 Cutest Town in the South, the Most Laid Back Town in South Carolina, and one of the Prettiest Towns in the U.S. It also named the town of Port Royal one of the Top Bike-Friendly Towns in South Carolina….all in the past year or so!

Also, recent accolades for Beaufort, SC include Southern Living magazine naming the Old Sheldon Church ruins one of the South’s Most Beautiful Chapels; Hunting Island State Park one of the Best State Parks in the South; downtown Beaufort’s Craven Street one of the South’s Most Beautiful Streets.

Check out the full World Atlas article here.

Not only is Beaufort one of the prettiest small towns in South Carolina, but it’s also one of the best college communities in the Southeastern region of the United States. Deservedly dubbed Low Country’s “Southern Belle,” Beaufort was founded in 1711 and is the state’s second oldest town after Charleston, 70 miles to the north.

Originally a focal point of trade thanks to its harbor, which provided access to the Sea Islands along the Atlantic coast, it was the arrival of Beaufort Academy 84 years later that cemented the town’s reputation as a place of learning. Fast forward to today and the presence of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (part of the larger University of South Carolina System) has guaranteed the town continues to flourish.

More in SCExplore the best-kept secrets of South Carolina's Lowcountry.

USC Beaufort’s History and Highlights

The roots of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) can be traced to a charter granted to Beaufort College in 1795, making it one of the oldest centers of learning in the South. Classes began in the early 1800s, spearheaded by local leaders who recognized how important higher education would be for the plantation economies and maritime industries of the time. Why Beaufort? The choice had much to do with its coastal position and its growing reputation as an intellectual hub, making it a fitting location to nurture an institution dedicated to broad-based learning.

Over time, Beaufort College faced challenges that closely mirrored the region’s own struggles, in particular, the Civil War, during which the institute was forced to close. During this period, it was used as a hospital by occupying Union forces, and the college had to adapt and rebuild during the Reconstruction period that followed the cessation of hostilities. Post-war uses for the college included serving as the headquarters of the Freedmen’s Bureau, an organization providing education and healthcare to former slaves, as well as a 50-year stint as an elementary school.

It was in 1959 that it officially became part of the University of South Carolina System headquartered out of Columbia. Today, USCB is recognized among the top regional public colleges in the Southeastern United States. It offers 50 graduate and undergraduate programs in subjects including liberal arts, hospitality management, business, and marine sciences.

From its initial low student count, USCB now claims an annual enrolment of 2,200. While small compared to many other universities in the country, its graduates continue to have a very positive impact in the fields in which they specialize, including everything from entrepreneurs to educators and civic leaders.

USC Beaufort’s Impact On The Town

From its earliest days as Beaufort College to its present status as a campus of the University of South Carolina, USCB has had a significant influence on the town’s character. As the college grew, it positively impacted the local economy.

Today, USCB along with its students, faculty, and staff, contribute an estimated $141 million to the local economy, in the process creating in excess of 1,230 jobs. In addition to direct employment, jobs are also created in dining, retail, and local services, as well as in hospitality and real estate.

It's not just the local economy that benefits from the university’s presence. The cultural ties between Beaufort and USCB are evident in shared traditions and events, most notably its soring Homecoming celebrations including a very popular oyster roast. The campus also organizes academic conferences, art exhibitions, and musical performances that are open to the public.

Campus Attractions and Landmarks

For visitors eager to get a better sense of USCB’s beautiful setting, there are a few must-see spots on campus to include on your Beaufort travel itinerary. The historic Beaufort College building still stands and is worth seeing during a campus stroll. Look out for the plaque recounting the college’s origins and the story of how it overcame the challenges of the Civil War and Reconstruction (it’s located near the main entrance and affixed to the building’s well-preserved façade).

The USCB Center for the Arts is another campus highlight and regularly features cultural happenings, including theatrical performances to film screenings. Local artists and touring acts also make use of the facility, drawing audiences from across the region.

Interested in learning more about Low Country history? The USCB Library features a collection of rare books and regional archives that spotlight the region’s rich past, including its Gullah heritage, Civil War engagements, and environmental development. Outside, a landscaped courtyard offers benches under moss-laden oaks and is an ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere.

Other Attractions in Beaufort

Downtown Beaufort is an easy 10-minute walk from campus and is lined with antebellum homes and boutique shops. A stroll along Bay Street is a must-do, while the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park provides a scenic promenade along the picturesque Beaufort River. It’s especially pleasant when local festivals like January’s Beaufort Oyster Festival are held here.

A few miles from town, Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s most-visited attractions. Consisting of over 5,000 acres of natural beauty, here you’ll find over five miles of beautiful beaches to explore. Be sure to also check out the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which offers guided tours and stunning views of the coastline.

For those fascinated by military history, a visit to Parris Island Museum is well worthwhile. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island has a long and storied legacy, and the museum displays artifacts from the depot’s founding as well as the evolution of the Marine Corps, including local ties to Beaufort (guided tours are available).

Given Beaufort’s status as a popular destination for friends and families of students, as well as for tourists exploring the Lowcountry region, there are plenty of lodging options. The City Loft Hotel is a great choice and is located in the downtown area. Featuring modern rooms, it also blends in well with its historic surroundings. A short walk away, the 4-star Rhett House Inn is set in a converted antebellum featuring plush common areas and a porch that overlooks garden paths.

For dining, both locals and visitors appreciate spots like Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe on Carteret Street. A reasonable stroll from USCB, it serves sandwiches, salads, and homemade sweet treats and is popular with students. Another option is Blackstone’s Café, which offers a laid-back atmosphere and filling breakfasts. Establishments such as Plums Restaurant and Saltus River Grill along Bay Street are also great for those seeking fresh seafood and regional dishes.

The Final Word

Beaufort stands out as South Carolina’s best college town due to the synergy between this historically significant waterfront community and the university that has developed alongside it. From economic infusions to cultural events, USCB’s contributions are evident in every corner of the town. Whether you’re considering higher education, planning a visit, or are looking for a welcoming place to call home, Beaufort’s college-town energy can be felt the moment you arrive.

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Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down; it just means you’ve got to find new ways to keep up the fun.

Luckily, Beaufort County Government offers a variety of programs designed to help seniors live their best lives.

Whether that means staying active, socializing or just getting the support you need, Beaufort County offers a handful of services and activities to help fill your calendar and enhance your well-being.

Of course, all county services can be utilized by people of all ages, but here is a rundown of all the senior-focused content and events.

If you’re looking to add some pep to your step or maybe a game of bingo to your weekly routine, Beaufort County has you covered. This program provides fun senior activities at eight recreational locations across the county in partnership with the Lowcountry Council of Governments and Sprenger Health Care.

These include a wide variety of rotating daily, weekly, monthly and annual programs and events such as:

Activities are held on weekdays, excluding holidays. For more information, you can call 843-986-8171 or email marisa.freeman@bcgov.net.

The Beaufort County Department of Human Services partners with many local providers and nonprofits that provide services to seniors.

This service, called the Community Services Grant Program, aims to support local non-profit organizations that specialize in enhancing residents’ quality of life.

For 2025, grant awardees included:

All of these grantees provide services ranging from healthcare support and activities to simply giving back to the community. For more information about services offered, you can click on the grantee name listed above to be directed to their webpage.

The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs office provides services and access to the veteran population and the older population.

This program helps the veterans and their families obtain their full benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the state of South Carolina.

Some services this program offers help with include:

To learn more about these programs or other services that Beaufort County offers, you can visit their webpage here.

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM.