Roughly two hours or so from Charleston down Hwy 17 gets you to Palmetto Bluff, or “The Bluff ” as it’s affectionately known. Charlestonians have their getaway places. In the summer it’s often to the mountains of North Carolina and in the fall there is simply no better place to be than The Bluff, located in Bluffton SC. This lowcountry getaway, drips old southern charm, offering up hospitality at the highest level and catering to a crowd that appreciates an outdoor-centric, sporting lifestyle. In Palmetto Bluff, this resort getaway designed for relaxation, time has the uncanny ability to actually feel like it is slowing down.
The South Carolina Lowcountry
Palmetto Bluff is 20,000 or so acres of old southern woodland stand, deer hunting tracks and timberland turned in to a resort and a surrounding planned community. The whole place is on a physical bluff some 20 feet above the May River almost guaranteeing a steady pleasant breeze, even in mid-summer. Like many of the exclusive resort communities along the coastal Carolinas it has its mix of permanent residents, returning vacation home owners and travelers in search of a unique (but still upscale) vacation experience, in a similar manner to many of the other Barrier Island communities. Kiawah without the opulence or the traffic, Defuski but with more polish. While it has its own resort within the development providing a superb range of amenities, the true appeal to the majority of vacationers is a stay in one of the luxury vacation rentals dotted throughout the resort and the chance to experience the lowcountry like a local.
A Love for the Outdoors
So just what does a vacation look like at Palmetto Bluff? A typical day might look something like this. Sleep late, enjoy quiet mornings with coffee on the porch, play with the children, and bicycle everywhere. Eat breakfast late, swim, read, converse and contemplate. Take the kids to explore an adventure-filled treehouse. Palmetto Bluff has two magical treehouse creations that would make even the Swiss Family Robinson envious.
The first is tucked away in the live oaks in Moreland Village, alongside the May River, With 55 steps, and unlimited views at the top, this 5-story tree house was designed to blend in with the surrounding Palmetto Bluff landscape. The second is 3-stories of climbing fun, featuring a spiral staircase, a slide, a wooden boardwalk, and a rope ladder. Fish from the Moreland Dock, or just about everywhere, or watch enormous Blue Herons fishing for themselves or Egret colonies roosting at dusk.
Wilson Village
The idyllic town square, Wilson Village, includes quaint shops, and restaurants, from Melt ice cream shop, dishing up twelve signature southern ice creams, to Octagon or The River House serving up exceptional lowcountry cuisine. There are old ruins to explore, nature trails, guided tours, golf courses, shooting classes, gyms and conservancy lessons. You can cruise the river into Bluffton proper or Savannah a little further off, or even kayak the river and its surrounding tidal creeks joined by the occasional frolicking dolphin.
You can roast s’mores at sunset and listen to live music play until bedtime, gaze at the stars and listen to the frogs. Crisp fall evenings call for cocktails around the fire pit, or a crackling fireplace on the porch.
All of this with a backdrop of just incredible lowcountry beauty. Shady tree-lined streets with ancient live oaks heavy with Spanish moss. Scenic views of the May River include the Grace, a perfectly restored 1913 motor yacht, tied up to the dock at Wilson Village waiting for afternoon excursions that include drinks at sunset, or the meandering Inland Waterway that makes a journey through many of Palmetto Bluffs neighborhoods. Marshes and tidal creeks teeming with trout, redfish, crabs and shrimp that beckon for exploration and a day spent fishing.
Plan your Palmetto Bluff Getaway this Fall
You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered in our Luxury Simplified Retreats – Palmetto Bluff vacation homes. Our collection of rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle. But why not experience a vintage voyage in a 1930’s Bentley, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market? With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.
