100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die

There’s excitement in the fall air of the Lowcountry as we anticipate a new book out soon by Cele and Lynn Seldon called 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die. Published by Reedy Press, it will complete a Seldon Ink “trilogy” of sorts for Reedy’s popular series, which now boasts more than 100 titles—including Cele and Lynn’s bestselling 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die and 100 Things to Do in Savannah Before You Die.

I spoke with the Seldons earlier this month about their new book, which they’re calling, “A love letter to the Lowcountry.”

  Margaret Evans: What was the process for writing this book?
Cele Seldon: We moved to Beaufort seven years ago and have drunk the Lowcountry Kool-Aid. This is our love letter to our adopted home. After the success of our Charleston and Savannah “100 Things” bestsellers, it was only natural to write this book. And, the process was indeed natural—the book pretty much wrote itself and it was more a matter of getting the entries down to 100.

ME: Who is the target audience for the book?
  Lynn Seldon: Locals from Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the many small communities and islands that make up the Lowcountry, along with first-time and veteran visitors. The book will also be very popular with those travelling between Charleston and Savannah (having used our books there as well, we hope).

  ME: Any tips for exploring the Lowcountry?
CS: Get off the beaten path. Explore the cities of Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, naturally. But don’t miss the smaller towns, like Walterboro, Ridgeland, and Hardeeville. Take the drive (or ferry, for Daufuskie Island) out to the islands—Edisto Island, Lady’s Island, St. Helena Island, Hunting Island, and Daufuskie—to see the hidden gems and treasures that make up the Lowcountry.

  ME: The Lowcountry has something for every visitor, doesn’t it?
LS: Yeap. History buffs will love the Civil War, Gullah, and Reconstruction history throughout the region. The outdoorsy set can get on the water in kayaks, canoes, or boats, head to the beach, set up camp at one of several South Carolina state parks, or pedal miles of trails. Art and performing arts lovers should take in a show at one of several venues, listen to some jazz at The Jazz Corner, catch live music every day at The Tiki Hut, rub elbows with the stars at the Beaufort International Film Festival, or get to know “The Prince of Tides” at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Families will enjoy a carriage ride through Beaufort’s historic district, making kazoos at the Kazoobie Kazoo Museum & Factory, and playing around at the Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Island. And food and beverage lovers will find plenty to taste and sip everywhere they turn.

  ME: What are some of the hidden gems in the Lowcountry?
CS: The Lowcountry has many hidden—or somewhat hidden—gems in the cities, small towns, resort

Lynn & Cele Seldon

communities, and its many islands. Some of our favorites from the book include: Harold’s Country Club restaurant; Lowcountry farmer’s markets; Rizer’s Pork & Produce; Kazoobie Kazoo Museum & Factory; Sergeant Jasper Park; Edisto Island Serpentarium; Mitchelville; Daufuskie Island; and the South Carolina Artisan Center; among many.

ME: As our long-time DISH columnists, can you share some of your favorite destinations for foodies in the Lowcountry?
LS: No one will ever leave the Lowcountry hungry or thirsty because there is something tasty for every palette and budget. Some of our favorites include: Lowcountry Produce; Ribaut Social Club; Saltus River Grill; Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks; Blacksheep X Sabbatical; FARM Bluffton; Harold’s Country Club; and barbecue at one of many South Carolina Barbecue Trail hotspots.

ME: What are some of your local Lowcountry favorites from the book?
CS: Oh, come on, Margaret, that’s like asking “Who’s your favorite niece or nephew?” In our case, we are lucky to have 10. We easily have more than 100 favorites. But if you insist, these are some varied ones that come to mind: Pat Conroy Literary Center; Kazoobie Kazoo Museum & Factory; Jazz Corner; Beaufort International Film Festival; South Carolina’s state parks in the Lowcountry; Daufuskie Island; Botany Bay Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area; Port Royal Cypress Wetlands and Rookery; Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center; Old Sheldon Church Ruins; Oyster Cay Collection; Bluffton General Store; and Grayco.

Upcoming Events to Meet the Authors and Purchase a Copy of 100 Things to Do in the South Carolina Lowcountry Before You Die 

September

September 26 – Panel Discussion and Book Signing, Lowcountry Book Club Convention, Beaufort Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen St., 5:00-7:00pm, Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-lowcountry-book-club-convention-tickets-1553198020089?aff=oddtdtcreator

 October

October 1 – Beaufort Launch Celebration, The Beaufort Arsenal, 713 Craven St., 5:00-7:00pm, Register at Seldon Ink on Facebook.

October 2 – Bluffton/HHI Launch Celebration, TCL Culinary Institute of the South, 1 Venture Dr, Bluffton, 4:00-6:00pm, Register at Seldon Ink on Facebook.

October 3 – Book Signing, First Friday at Sassafras on Carteret, 206 Carteret St., 5:00-7:00pm.

October 9 – Book Talk and Signing, The Beaufort Bookstore, 2127 Boundary St., 5:00-7:00pm.

October 15 – Panel Discussion, Philanthropic Educational Organization Writer’s Symposium, The Park House at Habersham, 2 Habersham Park, 4:30-6:30pm, email Chapterampeosc@gmail.com for ticket information.

October 16 – Book Signing, Harold’s Country Club, 97 Low Country Highway, Yemassee, 5:00-8:00pm.

October 25 – Taste of the Lowcountry Crawl, Pat Conroy Literary Festival, 11:00am-1:00pm, www.patconroyliterarycenter.org/festival.

November

November 6 – Book Signing, Grayco Holiday Open House, 136 Sea Island Parkway, 5:00-8:00pm.

November 7 – Book Signing, First Friday at Nevermore Books, 910 Port Republic St., 5:00-7:00pm.

November 17 – Book Talk and Signing, Libraries for Kids International, The Roasting Room, 1297 May River Rd., Bluffton, 10:30-11:30am, 843-683-4100 or tamela.maxim@libraries4kids.org for reservations.

November 22 – Book Signing, Tacaron, 6983 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, 2:30-4:30pm.

November 29 – Book Signing, Edisto Museum Open House, 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, Edisto Island, 11:00am-1:00pm.

December

December 5 – Book Signing, Night on the Town at Oyster Cay Collection, 917 Bay St., 5:00-7:00pm.