<em>Photo above: Taking a walk through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park&nbsp; has charm all its own. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>

<b>By Sally Mahan</b>

As anyone who lives here can tell you, Beaufort is the epitome of a wonderful small town.

Now, the secret is out.

Southern Living magazine has named Beaufort as Best Small Town in the South in it latest edition.

According to the magazine, “No matter where you’re from, where you’ve been or where you’re going, Beaufort feels like home.

“Even the name is pretty: Beaufort. Contrary to the spelling, it's pronounced "BEW-fert," with the lips pursed as though blowing a kiss. Just hearing it, you can picture the quaint little town that’s been racking up accolades in recent years. It just sounds nice. Beww-fert, beckoning you to come hither, and see what all the fuss is about.”

The story goes on to say, “It could be said that Beaufort has it all. Beauty, check; scenery, check; heritage/history, check; charm, check and double-check.&nbsp;

“All well and good, but the question is, what makes Beaufort so special? … One visit to Beaufort and zap — you’re in love. It’s such a great place that you want everyone to know about it. You want to spread the love.”

Blakely Williams, president and CEO of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, said they were thrilled to read the Southern Living story.

“Our Southern charm mixed with our history and values make Beaufort a place that we’re happy to call home,” said Williams. “We are honored to be a part of Southern Living’s list of best small towns in the South and we are excited to share everything we love about Beaufort with its readers.”&nbsp;

As the Southern Living story says, “More than anything else, Beaufort is a way of life. Ask anyone who lives here about the Beaufort state of mind. It messes with your psyche; it spoils you for anyplace else.”

For the full story, visit www.southernliving.com/souths-best/beaufort-south-carolina.