5 Nostalgic Spots to Rediscover in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort
Lowcountry throwbacks
Story by Alea Wilkins
Vintage is having a comeback, and the Lowcountry might just be the best stage for it. Think crackling vinyl spinning on a turntable, comic book heroes leaping off yellowed pages, funnel cakes under the stars and antique shops where every corner has a story. These are not dusty relics; they are time machines that bring people together. Maybe you will wow the grandkids with the way music sounded before streaming, or maybe you will simply feed your own craving for a little nostalgia. Either way, these five local spots prove the past is not gone. It is waiting for you to rediscover it.
Spin the black circle
MoJo’s Island Records
As Hilton Head Island’s only record store, MoJo’s keeps the music alive and spinning. Flip through crates of vintage vinyl from Prince and Nirvana, or pick up the latest releases from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. A cozy listening lounge, complete with turntables and headphones, invites you to test-drive your finds, whether it’s an underground gem or a forgotten favorite. Owner and vinyl devotee Josh Duvall is always ready with a recommendation and his passion makes browsing feel more like a guided tour through music history. Beyond the albums, collectors will find cassette tapes, soundtracks and other rarities. Stop by on Saturdays for discounts that make crate-digging even sweeter.
Hot pick: The Top 40 changes, but an album that never gets old? “Rumors” by Fleetwood Mac, says Duvall. The shop aims to always have a copy on hand for new vinyl enthusiasts or longtime collectors, if they don’t have it already.
Cinema under the stars
Hwy 21 Drive-In
Silver screen nostalgia shines bright at Beaufort’s Hwy 21 Drive-In, one of only three drive-ins left in South Carolina. Open since 1978, this Lowcountry landmark features three giant outdoor screens, giving moviegoers plenty of choices for their night under the stars. Owner Jake Higgins is carrying on the tradition and welcoming new generations to experience the magic. Pull up, tune in and enjoy a weekend double feature from the comfort of your car. The classic marquee still announces what is playing, and the concession stand serves burgers, fries and nachos and the buckets of fresh popcorn that taste just the way you remember.
Hot pick: Don’t leave without the funnel cake. Made from the original recipe of longtime owner Bonnie Barth, it’s fried to golden perfection, dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes served à la mode.
Bound to please
NeverMore Books
The tell-tale heart of Beaufort’s book scene beats inside NeverMore, a bookstore with a gothic edge inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Its name nods to “The Raven” while also hinting at the rare finds that, as owner Lorrie Anderson says, “you may never see again.” New titles appear here and there, but most of the shelves lean vintage, filled with everything from signed first editions to antique vinyl. The setting adds to the mood: dim lighting, a resident skeleton and raven motifs around every corner. NeverMore marked its 10th anniversary in September.
Hot picks: Along with honoring classic authors, NeverMore welcomes contemporary books for signings and special events. New York Times bestselling author Jason Mott visited in September to share “People Like Us,” and Grady Hendrix will be on hand Oct. 26 with his slasher-mystery “The Final Girl Support Group.”
Heroes & hotcakes
Captain Jax
Nostalgia comes alive at Captain Jax, Hilton Head Island’s one-stop shop for vintage comic books, sweet treats and the tiniest pirate chihuahua you’ll ever meet. Step inside and it feels like a pop-culture museum, with shelves stacked high with superhero memorabilia, trading cards, vintage toys and action figures. The air is just as tempting, filled with the scent of house-made mini pancakes and ice cream. The fun extends beyond the counter with game nights and Hilton Head Youth Pokémon Club meet-ups that make this spot a community favorite. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a rare comic, sipping a boba tea or answering the bat signal, Captain Jax is a time machine to golden youth and the magical worlds that shaped it.
Hot pick: A stack of mini pancakes topped with fresh berries and a scoop of ice cream. It’s Saturday morning, all over again.
Antique chic
Collectors Antique Mall
Since 1999 Collectors Antique Mall has been a treasure trove for anyone who loves a good find. Inside its 6,000 square feet, about 30 vendors showcase everything from ornate glassware and period art prints to furniture with stories built into the grain. The clothing racks tempt with genuine fur coats, strings of pearls and decades of retro style that never really went out of fashion. Steeped in Beaufort’s history and part of the South Carolina Antique Trail, this stop offers something for every kind of treasure hunter, whether you’re after a quirky gift or a rare heirloom.
Hot pick: Business manager Nancy Vista says the current must-haves are “anything woven or anything feline.” You’ll spot picnic baskets and hampers ready for the next outing, along with whimsical cat-shaped oddities, including a vintage stuffed animal and a cutting board.
