As you drive towards Bluffton on Robert Smalls Parkway (S.C. 170), you may noticed a sign that says “MANCAVE,” located in the Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery complex, on the left, just north of the Broad River Bridge. No doubt, the sign conjures up a dark, stone cave … why would anyone shop there? If you stop in, however, you’ll find a store filled with plenty of great stuff to outfit your own mancave.
Now first, let’s clarify the name. Wikipedia defines mancave as “a male sanctuary, such as a specially equipped garage, spare bedroom, den or basement.” It’s not an actual cave, but rather “a place where guys can do as they please without fear of upsetting any female sensibility about house décor or design.”
The Craft family, Dan and his son, Rob, started their first Mancave of the Lowcountry store in the Charleston area (Mt. Pleasant) and have seen sales go through the roof. Developing a new, larger Mancave of the Lowcountry for the Beaufort-Bluffton area made perfect sense to them. The new store, at 745 Robert Smalls Parkway, is now open for all to visit. There is sports-related memorabilia, everything from signs to sofas (and recliners), as well as pictures (framed and unframed), banners, and furniture that reflect not only local and national sports teams, but the Lowcountry as well. Other manly themes include NASCAR, antique cars, hunting and fishing. The store also has autographed collectables and has unique gift ideas for the military as well.
The Crafts have hired Beaufort resident Si Grondin as store manager. Grondin emphasizes that the company’s philosophy is to provide whatever the customer wants for his space. He says ,“if you see something you like but the team is not your favorite, tell us — we can order just about anything.” Grondin also stresses that the store is very female-friendly. “We take pride in having many, unique gifts for the men in their lives”, he says.
MANCAVE of the Lowcountry is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day except Sunday. Call 843-379-0666.
