Hunting Island State Park Nature Center April naturalist programs
All programs are free with park admission. Call 843-838-7437 for information or reservations.
Tuesday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m., Nature Center. Discover some of the wildlife found around Hunting Island as represented by the animal ambassadors. (all ages); Sea Turtle Discovery – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Four species of sea turtles are found on the S.C. coast, and one is the state reptile. (all ages); Beach Walk – 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse. Walk along the beach with a naturalist to learn more about the treasures from the ocean. (all ages) (not held on Feb. 8).
Wednesday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Turtle Talk – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Learn about the variety of turtles on Hunting Island. (all ages); Walk With a Naturalist – 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Enjoy a 0.7-mile scenic walk that ends at Little Hunting Island, which you can explore on your own. Wear walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. (limited to 15 walkers) Call by noon the previous day for reservations.
Thursday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Gator Gab – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Congregate around our modern-day dinosaurs and watch our vicious hunters eat a delicious meal. (all ages); What a Wharf – 2:30-3 p.m., Nature Center. Walk down the pier and learn how Hunting Island and its ecosystems came to be. (all ages).
Friday: Creature Feature – 10:30-11 a.m.; Serpent Exploration – 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Get a chance to fight your fears and touch a snake or two. (all ages); Beach Walk – 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse.
Saturday: Walk With a Naturalist – 12:30-1:15 p.m., Nature Center.
Beaufort County Library Ongoing Programs
These are the ongoing programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: 2:30 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month, Knitting/Crochet Class; all day during business hours, 1st Thursday each month,
Chess Club; 2:30 p.m., last Tuesday each month, Book to Movie Club; daily during library hours, Escape Quest Games.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes
5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
The Historic Port Royal Museum
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email unionchurch1004@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Fort Fremont History Center, Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Docent-led tours are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday. Travel back in time to the 1800s and the Spanish American War. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort’s history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks manager Stephanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
A War on Two Fronts: African Americans Fight for Victory at Home and Abroad
Through Saturday, Aug. 13, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland. A traveling exhibit adapted from an original exhibition and book developed by the Athenaeum Press at the Horry County Museum. The exhibition and book explore how African Americans in the 92nd and 93rd Army infantry divisions fought for racial equality during wartime, and then went on to be active participants in the Civil Rights Movement. It traces the little-known stories of soldiers on the front lines, and how segregation affected their training, service and recognition. The exhibition draws from the work of Maggi Morehouse, Burroughs Distinguished Professor of Southern History and Culture at Coastal Carolina University and a daughter of a commanding officer in the 92nd infantry division. To learn more about “A War on Two Fronts” and other Athenaeum Press projects, visit www.ccu.press or www.warontwofronts.com. Morris Center is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org or call 843-284-9227.
Lowcountry Made Markets
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., first and third Saturday of each month through December, Buckwalter Place Park, next to Kroger off Buckwalter Place Blvd., Bluffton. Each market includes local vendors, live music, food and drink. The events are free. Participating vendors include: Gullah Express LLC (food truck), Declan’s Delights, Pick N Paint Pottery, Preservation Tree Art, 7th & Palm, Kara Artman Art, Southern Botanica, Hedone (bath & body), Blue Door Boutique, The Herb Room Organic Apothecary, Juke Joint Sweets, BPC Custom Furniture, Back to Eden Self Care Products, LLC, Shutterbug Custom Designs LLC, Pet Wants Hilton Head, Grind Coffee Roasters, LLC, Fabula Collective, The Artsy Girl, KODA Glass Designs, Lowcountry Livin’, Legacy Art Gallery, Cottonwood Soap Company, Marsh View Candles and Crafted With A Purpose.
Lowcountry Made Markets in Port Royal
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., fourth Saturday of the month through May; second and fourth Saturday through November, Live Oaks Park, 904 14th Street, Port Royal. These markets showcase only local artists, artisans and small businesses. The open-air markets are held “farmer’s market” style with new vendors each month. Each market will also include live music, food and drink, and is free to attend. Vendors include Amidst the Alders, Preservation Tree Art, True South, Pet Wants, Meg’s Sweet Treats, Sativa Health Products, Back to Eden Self Care (Tea), Graceful Stitches, Cottonwood Soap Company (Bath & Body), Sweet Carolina’s Clothing Boutique, B&E Rustic Designs, Blue Door Boutique, Clayed by Reena LLC, Kara Artman Art, The Herb Room Organic Apothecary, Bliss Bites Cookies, Kilted Bee Mead (Soap), HandMade Beaufort, Lovin’ My Skin, LLC, Purely, Inc. and KODA Glass, Lovely Olive Designs, Gone Gullah, Tout Sweet Macarons, Moonlight Crow Creations, Fabula Collective, Finch Sign & Design Metalworks LLC and Honey Bunny Boutique.
“Pull Yourself Up” Group Exercise Class for women
9:30 a.m., select Saturdays, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. This multi-generational women’s group training is a 5-week program taught by Kelly Blackston. It is designed for females who wish to be stronger especially using back muscle shoulders and arms plus build camaraderie and make new friends. Free for ages 13-19; $10 per class for YMCA members; $20 per class for adult non-member. Questions should be directed to Denice Davis, YMCA Healthy Living Program Director at 843-521-1904 or beaufort-jasperymca.org.
League of Women Voters Beaufort monthly meeting
6 p.m., Thursday, April 14, meeting room, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive. The meeting will discuss the LWVB project REV it up: Registration, education and voter access. You do not have to be a member to attend. All are welcome. For more information go to lwvbeaufort.org.
Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club’s April meeting
7 p.m., Thursday, April 14, Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, Lady’s Island, Meridian Road. Social begins at 6:30 p.m. The April meeting will be a three-part program on Mahi-Mahi aka Dolphin Fish. Economist and Fishery Manager. Coordinator John Hadley from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will present the following: An overview of Dolphin biology, foraging behavior, and migration patterns; recent changes to management of the Dolphin fishery; potential upcoming changes to management of the Dolphin fishery currently being considered by the Council; and a short discussion will follow on utilizing sea surface temperature charts providing satellite imagery to locate the best opportunities to locate Dolphins. Well known Bluffton Captain and sports writer Collins Doughtie will then present on how to tease, catch, and land large Dolphins. Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply, Butler Marine, and Adams Marine Seminars again are our drawing sponsors. Remember to weigh in your favorite catch at the Port Royal Landing Marina – Safe Harbor – during regular hours. Winners must be present at the next month’s meeting to receive the cash award. Guests are welcome. Reservations are not needed. For additional information, please contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122 or fgibson@islc.net.
Soft Shell Crab Festival
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 16, Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Free and open to all ages. It will feature the Lowcountry’s soft shell crabs prepared in a variety of styles by area chefs in addition to street festival favorites such as burgers, funnel cakes and more. There will be a kids’ zone for children, a craft/artisan fair and a car show by Beaufort’s Classic Car & Truck Club. Two live acts will be featured during the event – Campfire Tyler will perform on the main stage from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Guitar man Chris Jones will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. Two ATMs will be on site for those who do not bring cash with them. No pets permitted; only service dogs are allowed. The event is organized by the Old Village Association of Port Royal. To have a booth or sponsor the Soft Shell Crab festival, contact OVA by visiting www.portroyalova.com.
National Garden Clubs (NGC) flower show
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, Tabby Place, 913 Port Republic Street, Beaufort. The event is free to the public. The horticulture exhibit will include trees, shrubs, flowers and container plants. The show will also include a variety of beautiful floral designs, educational exhibits and photography. Hosted by the Beaufort Council of Garden Clubs, which includes seven local garden clubs: The Beaufort Garden Club, Camelia Garden Club, Dataw Garden Club, Lady’s Island Garden Club, Palmetto Garden Club, Royal Pines Garden Club and Sea Islands Garden Club. The Lowcountry Master Gardeners Association will also participate. Interested parties are encouraged to submit entries either through their garden clubs or by reaching out to victoriabergesen@gmail.com.
Christian Women’s Connection
Wednesday, April 20. Celebrate the Lowcountry with a traditional South Carolina meal and program. Learn the Shag, the state’s world-renowned dance, and meet Kae Harper Childs explaining “Life is a Dance, but who’s leading?” Prepaid reservations – $28 payable to “CWC Bluffton” care of Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton S.C. 29909. For more information, call Julie at 602-750-5465 or email Julie.ott.az@gmail.com.
Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands guided tours
Sunset walk from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 22; Sunset walk at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 14; 9 a.m., Friday, May 27. The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands (501c3) offers free tours with Master Naturalist Jill Moore, from Moore2Life, as guide. Learn about the different types of wildlife, birds, and plants that inhabit this special place. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and limited to 12 participants. To sign up for a tour please email Kat Bray at info@foprcw.org. For more information, visit www.foprcw.org..
Full 30-hour lifeguard training
April 22-25 & May 1; May 13-16 & 22, location TBD. Cost is $170. Schedule: Thursday 4 p.m. – swim test; Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday 8-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net.. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page. See Frank Hamilton for lifeguard recertification dates and times.
Adaptive Golf Experience Clinic
9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 23, The Legends at Parris Island. Register at https://adaptivegolfexperience.org/monthly-clinic/ by April 10 to get on base. Free and open to civilians, veterans and active military. Led by golf professionals and physical therapists. Clinics target veterans and civilians with physical disabilities or challenges. As a participant, you’ll receive complimentary instruction on both the full golf swing and putting, taught by experienced professional golf instructors, fellow adaptive athletes who are already golfers and volunteers. No prior experience with golf is necessary – just a desire to learn or to help others. Our goal is to help those with disabilities learn new abilities through adaptive golf.
Open Land Trust Brunch on the Bluff
11 a.m., Saturday, April 23, The Bluff on Bay, 1806 Bay Street, Beaufort. Catering by Susan Mason – complete with her famous crab cakes. Open bar. Entertainment. Scenic views. Parking available street-side and at Beaufort Elementary School. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3ub8gT4.
Bessie Bates in Concert
5 p.m., Saturday April 23, United Church, 1801 Duke Street. Doors open at 4 p.m. Also featuring The Glover Sisters, Trinity One Sound, Bam Robinson, Bountiful Word Choir.
Junior Service League of Beaufort 17th annual Spring Fundraiser
6 to 10 pm., Saturday, April 23, Historic Beaufort Arsenal. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar featuring wine and beer. Tickets can be purchased through a JSLB member or online at www.jslbeaufort.com. Event proceeds will be distributed back into the Beaufort community through a formal request-for-funds process.
The event will feature live music, dancing, food, an open bar, a silent auction, and specialty raffle. For information about sponsoring or attending the event, contact Communications Director Meredith Birch at communication.jslb@gmail.com or visit www.jslbeaufort.com.
Rooted Beaufort Yoga Jam
4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 24, Naval Heritage Park. No yoga experience required. Family-friendly event. Tickets are $25. Proceeds to be donated locally. Event planned to create movement, enjoy music and build community. The 12th Street Band will be playing and Gullah Express and Diced Pineapple Food trucks will be there.
Beaufort County Library Special Programs
These are the special programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: 4:30 p.m., April 26, Pat Conroy’s Love of Poetry; 2:30 p.m., May 4, May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Celebration; 2:30 p.m., June 14, Hurricane Preparedness; 2:30 p.m., July 12, Comic Con; 2:30 p.m., Aug. 16, Local Art Display; 2:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Civic Awareness; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 20, Friends of the Library Celebration; 2:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Beekeeping; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Gingerbread House Contest.
Beaufort Digital Corridor Startup Weekend
April 29 to May 1, South Coast Cyber Center (old Bridges Prep Building), 1100 Boundary Street. Tickets are now available for purchase and include options for both participants and observers as well as student discounted tickets. Sign-up today at https://event.techstars.com/event/goX1RLOnho .
Taste of Beaufort
Friday and Saturday, May 6-7, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort.
Maye River Quilters
10 a.m., Saturday, May 7, Church of the Palms, 1419 Okatie Highway. The wearing of masks is encouraged. For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-530-1244. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com.
Aviation Careers Expo
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 4, Beaufort Executive Airport. Sponsored by the Beaufort Aviation Association. Learn about the many great careers available in aviation – maintenance and repair; design and engineering; management; avionics design; installation and repair; piloting; airline in-flight cabin service; space exploration; air traffic control; flight instruction; university and college opportunities; airline ticketing; cargo and ground servicing; and military aviation. Participants include American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Beaufort County Airports Department, the Beaufort County School District, the Civil Air Patrol, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the Society of Women Engineers, Technical College of the Lowcountry, and Women in Aviation International. For more information, text 843-812-9909.
Broadway Bound Summer Camp
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 20 through July 1, USC Beaufort Center For The Arts. Campers will engage in all aspects of musical theatre, while gaining self-confidence and the ability to express themselves as they learn basic acting skills, vocal instruction and choreography. The highlight of the camp will be the children’s creation of their own show. Tuition is $275. Register and pay at https://www.uscbcenterforthearts.com/summer-camp.
Creative Arts Camp
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 11 to July 16, USC Beaufort’s Center For the Arts. Cost is $130. Camp is for ages 7 to 11. Subjects include Drawing and Clay, Mixed Media and Trash to Treasures – Focusing on Recycled Art. To register or for more information, go to www.USCBCenterForTheArts.com.
THIS WEEK’S MOVIES AT HWY 21 DRIVE-IN
The movies scheduled for this week (Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, April 17) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Fantastic Feasts: Secrets of Dumbledore (PG-13, 8:15 p.m.) and Morbius (PG-13, 10:15 p.m.) on Screen 1 and Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG, 8:15 p.m.) and The Lost City (PG-13, 10:15 p.m.) on Screen 2.
Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein.com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Management would appreciate the wearing of masks while in the concession stand.
“Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”
A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.
Upcoming movies include Memory (April 29) and The Bad Guys (April 22)
– Staff reports
