At the heart of this charming riverside village lies Old Town Bluffton, the one-square-mile downtown whose grid of streets hold a wealth of restaurants, shops, parks and charming vintage homes. Stroll the sidewalks that have greeted visitors since the turn of the century, and you’ll quickly discover what has made Bluffton one of the most popular small towns in the South.
But head out as the sun begins to slip beneath the tree line, and you’ll discover how quickly this charming village turns into a thriving nightlife destination. Join us as we run down a few highlights of this small town’s massive appeal.
Start on Calhoun Street, the cultural heart of the town and sight of its most exciting street festivals and annual events. Here an array of options greets you from fine dining to live music all within a short walk of one another. To one side of the street, the wide-plank front porch of The Pearl beckons you inside for some of the most inspired cuisine in town, with an elevated menu that spans steak and seafood amid an atmosphere of rustic refinement. To the other side of the street, The Old Town Dispensary’s spacious gravel courtyard serves as the social hotspot in town. Here under the stars you can enjoy drinks and live music with the who’s who of Bluffton. For a morning affair the best brunch and mimosas in town can be found next door at The Cottage.
At the end of Calhoun Street, the gateway to the Promenade serves up a few more choice options. Upstairs from Corner Perk, the Roasting Room has garnered a reputation for its robust bourbon selection and lineup of amazing local and regional music acts. Just up the block, FARM has set a new culinary standard for the Lowcountry, with locally sourced ingredients and a masterful menu of seasonal delights.
And here we find ourselves at the very center of Bluffton’s dining and entertainment experience, the Old Town Bluffton Promenade. Enjoy a cold drink and live entertainment at Calhoun Street Tavern or Captain Woody’s. Soak in the scenery from the rooftop bar at The Bluffton Room. Or just enjoy the goods of “restaurant row”: mouth-watering Mexican at Agave, authentic pizza at Local Pie or pitmaster-perfect pork at Bluffton BBQ.
Old Town Bluffton holds far more to experience than any one trip to Calhoun Street or The Promenade can provide. Stroll through Old Town and you’ll discover local favorites like the inspired cuisine at May River Grill, the local fare at Nectar, the live entertainment and cigar-friendly atmosphere of Peaceful Henry’s or the stellar beer selection at Craft Kitchen. A trip to Bluffton isn’t complete without a visit to the Burnt Church Distillery for authentic spirits and live music and the Downtown Deli – the most treasured lunch spot in town. Just off the Promenade, Dr. Mellichamp Drive hosts a trio of exquisite restaurants with fresh-from-the-dock fare at Bluffton Oyster House, dazzlingly authentic Italian at Bricco and Old-World Mexican favorites from Mi Tierra.
Every block holds a fresh adventure worth exploring in Old Town Bluffton. Whether you’re heading out in search of a world-class meal, an evening of live entertainment, or simply a cold drink with that special someone, there is no shortage of places for falling in love with this sleepy river town’s endless charms.