The local people of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort are a vibrant and diverse bunch. They come from all walks of life and bring a variety of experiences to the area. Whether they have lived there for generations or have recently moved to the area, local people bring a sense of community and belonging to the Lowcountry. There are families, retirees, and young adults who have come to take advantage of the beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and laid–back lifestyle. The area also attracts artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are looking to make a new home. The locals are passionate about their community and take pride in preserving the area’s history and culture. From local festivals and celebrations to volunteer opportunities, people from the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort areas are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Dressed in black and known for his mysterious courtroom presence, Dr. Buzzard became one of the Lowcountry’s most famous root doctors. Nearly 80 years after his death, the story of Stepney Robinson still blurs the line between history, rootwork and Sea Islands folklore.
What began with a hand-drawn mural has grown into a new canvas for Lowcountry artist Leli Holmes. Her custom wallpapers turn familiar landmarks, wildlife and landscapes into patterns designed to make a home feel personal.
From established galleries to emerging creative spaces, discover where to find original artwork, local talent and fresh perspectives throughout Old Town Bluffton.
For generations, shrimping has been part of life along the Lowcountry coast. Today, local shrimpers are carrying on family traditions and keeping the region’s working waterfront alive.
Andrew Carmines of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks shares his lifelong connection to Hilton Head Island, what makes Lowcountry shrimp so special and why protecting the waters that sustain local seafood matters.
Third-generation fishmonger Charles Russo III of Russo’s Fresh Seafood in Bluffton explains what makes local shrimp special, when they’re in season, what shrimp sizes mean and how to keep your catch fresh.
Step inside Lowcountry GT, Steve Menzies’ new Bluffton automotive gallery showcasing rare Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, heritage vehicles and historically significant collector cars with stories all their own.
A newly discovered species of deep-sea black coral now bears the name of USCB marine biologist Dr. Mercer Brugler, honoring more than two decades of research into the genetics and evolution of some of the ocean’s oldest animals.
South Carolina’s shrimping fleet is shrinking as local fishermen face foreign competition, rising fuel and insurance costs and disappearing dock space. Can positioning wild-caught local shrimp as a premium product help save this Lowcountry tradition?
Beverly Bowers Jennings’ Shrimp Tales: Small Bites of History preserves the people, boats and working waterfronts behind the Southeast’s commercial shrimping heritage through hundreds of photographs and years of research.