While I have presented many special things about Bluffton over the years, the evolution of this amazing small town has magically appeared. It is still charming, artsy, and quaint, but recently even the locals are aware of a new vibe.
Restaurants are popping up with some regularity offering diners an exceptionally and wide array of culinary experiences. The Dispensary is ideal for a beer and burger, especially when large groups assemble outdoors to enjoy a fun evening with music, greeting friends and neighbors as they pass by.
While there is everything in the middle range of dining styles as well, The Bluffton Room offers upscale dining for those in the mood for a celebration evening. The front of the restaurant opens completely to the outdoors, extending the bar to the outside seating to create a casual setting along with the more formal dining tables found inside.
Recently, our triplet granddaughters were visiting and we took them to Vineyard 55 on Calhoun for dinner. We sat outside, enjoyed the music and ordered a light supper. After, we took them to the Corner Perk for dessert. We shared salted caramel cheesecake, crème burlee and cupcakes with multi-layers of sweet surprises, topped off with a crème brulee cappuccino. Wow! The rest of the visit was spent scheming on ways to drive by the Corner Perk so we could just “happen to stop by…” as they put it.
As if this wouldn’t be enough to encourage you to put old town on your “must do” list during your next visit, Money Magazine just gave Bluffton top billing for “Best Places to Retire 2015: Waterfront Living”. They also praised its “quirky charm and artsy, close-knit community” but Bluffton received additional credit for low property taxes, lack of Social Security taxes and 47 miles of waterfront.
While the median home price was higher than other areas at 230,000, Bluffton edged out its closest competitors including Sarasota, FL; Loveland, CO; Cape Coral, FL; and Traverse City, MI, among a number of others.
Hilton Head is an exceptional place to visit and live, without a doubt. Looking to the future, it is fantastic to see Bluffton coming into its own as a gathering place and center of activity. I always recommend expanding your search before narrowing it – now I hope you see why. Be sure to check out some Bluffton communities during your search.
On another note, want to meet for some salted caramel cheesecake? Yummm…