Apartment Homes Beaufort SC Blog

Beaufort Gullah Festival

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:19:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC then you get to enjoy the Gullah Festival in ten days. Celebrate the history, customs, cultures, and language of the African Americans of the Lowcountry.

On the weekend leading up to Memorial Day, Beaufort get to enjoy this festival which begins on Friday, and runs through Sunday. The 2013 festival is the 27th year and again will be held at Waterfront Park. There will be additional Gullah fest celebrations all over Beaufort. This is a celebration of the historical significant sea island heritage. This is a way for all generations to enjoy the disappearing Gullah culture which is so important to South Carolina.

The festival will have live entertainment every day. Friday night is Jazz Night. The live entertainment also includes African Dancers, and live bands with jazz, reggae, gospel, and rock. You can also enjoy delicious food, arts and crafts and the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters.

The Gullah Festival is a fun, family oriented festival for everyone. Gullah heritage is more than the language and name of a people; it is the essence of struggle, spirituality, perseverance and tradition. Have fun and enjoy.

Need more information? http://www.gullahfestival.org/

Beaufort Mother’s Day Ideas

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:51:00 GMT

Mother’s Day is this weekend and if you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC, and you are wondering what to do for the mother in your life, here are a few ideas. Luckily Beaufort and the surrounding area offers a variety of wonderful options to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day weekend.

Here are a few suggestions to help with your decision process for activities this weekend:

CHOCOLATE! Give her the gift of chocolate from The Chocolate Tree.
PACK A PICNIC! Pack a picnic basket full of wonderful prepared foods & goodies from Lowcountry Produce, then take Mom to your favorite picnic spot for a special Mother’s Day picnic! A picnic at Hunitington State Beach offers a pristine sandy beach, natural setting, the warm Atlantic Ocean… a perfect Mother’s Day getaway.
BUY MOM SOME LOCAL ART Visit some of Beaufort’s fabulous Art Galleries! Greenfish Gallery, ArtLofts, Bay St. Gallery, Beaufort Art Association, Charles St. Gallery, The Gallery, Indigo Gallery, I. Pinckney Simon’s Gallery, Ly Benson’s Gallery & Studio, Rhett Gallery.
CHAMPAGNE & BLOODY MARY BRUNCH - Mother’s Day Brunch at The Southern Graces Bistro in The Beaufort Inn. The food is amazing and a truly indulgent experience!
SPA TREATMENTS - Spoil her with a Spa treatment from Studio Fitness & Nutrition. They are offering Mother’s Day specials.
TAKE HER SHOPPING! Go Shopping on Bay Street! Bay Street offers world class shopping for everyone in the family. Support local business.
TREAT HER TO LUNCH - Have lunch at one of Beaufort’s favorite local restaurants: Blackstone’s, Luther’s Rare & Well Done, Nippy’s,Panini’s on the Waterfront, Plum’s, Wren, Yes Thai Indeed!
GO GOLFING! Beaufort county boasts over 75 golf courses! Here are some of our favorite public courses: The Sanctuary on Cat Island, The Legends on Parris Island, Lady’s Island Country Club
BUY HER SOME LOCAL PRODUCE & GOODIES - Visit the Farmer’s Market! Several local farmer’s markets are open this weekend including: Habersham, Port Royal, Pick-Pocket Plantation, Hardeeville & Jasper County
PICK SOME BERRIES! Pick Strawberries at Dempsey Farms. It’s strawberry pickin’ time at Dempsey Farms. Take the whole family out to Dempsey Farms and pick your own strawberries on Friday from 10 am – 6 pm or Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.
GET CREATIVE! Sign Mom up for Art Classes at ArtWorks! It’s a great way to let her creativity shine! Call (843) 379-2787 for more information.
YOGA!!! Sign Mom up for a Yoga Class or the Mommy & Me class at Dancing Dogs Yoga Studio! Call (843) 263-5864 for more information.
COOL OFF WITH ICE CREAM - It’s going to be warm this weekend so we think you should take her out for Ice Cream at Kooky Mooky’s, Southern Sweets, Brusters, Marketplace News or Beaufort’s award-winning Berry Island Cafe. A real treat!
KAYAKING - Take Mom on a fabulous Kayak Tour. Explore natures finest by Kayak! Our friends at Beaufort Kayak Tours offer several tours and all the gear you need! Call (843) 525-0810 for more information.
COOK UP SOME LOCAL SEAFOOD - What better for lunch or dinner that some good local seafood!??! Fresh seafood available from Sea Eagle Market.
TAKE A TOUR OF BEAUFORT - Whether you live here or are just visiting, learn more about Beaufort’s history from the experts.
CUPCAKES!!! - Grab a Cupcake…. or a Dozen! Go see the folks at Crave Cupcake Boutique. They’ll satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with awesome cupcakes!!!
TAKE HER TO THE DRIVE-IN! Take in a double-feature at the Highway 21 Drive-in Movie Theater! Harken memories of yester-year and take in a couple of movies from the comfort of your family wagon at the Highway Drive-In!

More information and ideas at eatsleepplaybeaufort.com

Beaufort Should Be Named 'Happiest Seaside Town'

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:21:00 GMT

Will Beaufort, SC be voted the Happiest Seaside Town in America? In January Coastal Living Magazine began a voting competition allowing 10 seaside towns to compete for this coveted award. The results are in and will soon be announced in the June 2013 Coastal Living Magazine issue. The New York Times already named Beaufort, South Carolina a Best Small Town to Live.

Here are reasons why everyone should want to live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC and why our seaside town should win this honor:

ADVENTURE - With more time on Baby Boomer’s hands at retirement, finding things to do outdoors won’t require much effort in Beaufort. Kayaking is easy and has become the most popular water sport in the Low Country. Kayak around thousands of acres and waterways weaving between Lady’s Island and Saint Helena Island to see Bottlenose dolphin, bird wildlife, fish habitats and oyster beds at low tide.

CUISINE: When it comes to Beaufort, SC neighborhoods, think of an endless supply of fresh seafood. Shrimping and crabbing are part of everyday life in the Low Country. Half backers from Florida and northeastern Foodies are accustomed to chic restaurants and delicious food and they won’t be disappointed.

ROMANCE: Waterfront Park is a public community lawn where outdoor concerts are held with rows of public swings designed for two, overlooking the river. The swings face the Woods Memorial Bridge which leads to Hunting Island State Park - named one of America’s Top 10 Beaches. Antebellum mansions dating back over 200 years are now Romantic Bed & Breakfast Inns overlooking the Beaufort River.

ART: Author John Villani named Beaufort South Carolina as one of the Top 100 Art Towns in America. There are 10 art galleries in downtown Beaufort.

PATRIOTISM: Parris Island Recruit Depot and Marine Corps Air Station are both located in Beaufort South Carolina. It’s common to hear fighter jets flying overhead. Locals call it ‘the sound of freedom’. Businesses continually honor the military in Beaufort. Veterans have convenient access to the Naval Hospital in Beaufort.

BEST BEACHES: Hunting Island State Park is just to the east of downtown and is located on Saint Helena Island. Trip Advisor named Hunting Island State Park as a Top 10 Beach because of the miles of unspoiled beaches. The Hunting Island Lighthouse is fun to climb to capture the views of the Low Country.

ORGANIC: Local farms still decorate the landscape on Lady’s Island, Saint Helena Island and the more rural areas of Beaufort. U-Pick farms and Farmer’s Markets are popular places to find seasonal produce and homemade products. Strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, watermelons and pumpkins, to name a few.

FESTIVALS: How could folks ever be bored with all the authentic Beaufort SC festivals? The Irish Festival, Soft Shell Crab Festival and Taste of Beaufort take place in the spring. The Beaufort Water Festival and Shrimp Festival take place in the summer. The Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens take place in October.

SIMPLICITY: As the world spins faster and faster, it's a pleasure to discover places offering the simple pleasures in life. The southern charm exudes from the people in Beaufort, making it easy to meet new friends. Without all the noise and dense traffic common in highly populated cities, folks can breathe easier in Beaufort and make each moment in nature's paradise.

For more information on living in Beaufort, contact Ashton Pointe.

Virtual Strategy Magazine

Taste of Beaufort Coming Soon

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:57:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC you can enjoy the taste of Beaufort coming up on Friday, May 3rd & Saturday, May 4th.

This event lets you experience the essence of beautiful Beaufort! Free admission, you can purchase food and drink tickets for $1 each to use at restaurant, beer & wine, and soda booths.

On Friday, May 3rd there will be 4-90 minute Gullah-N-Geechie Mahn Tours where you can get your ‘Taste’ of the Gullah Culture! For a ‘Taste’ of the Arts enjoy the local artists exhibition located in the Contemplative Garden.

(behind the Pavilion Stage) in Waterfront Park. At noon the arts & craft market opens. The food and beverage booths are available from 6-10om and you can also enjoy entertainment by Carolina Soul Band.

On Saturday, May 4th is the 5K Bridge Run/Walk and the Children’s Popcorn Run. Have fun in the run and stay for the ”Taste!”. On Saturday, the food and beverage booths are open from 11am – 5pm and the Children’s Area is open all day as well. All day you can enjoy live entertainment on the pavilion stage.

Additionally, Downtown Beaufort has over 80 independently owned shops & boutiques, 31 restaurants, several art galleries, and bus/walking/carriage tours. Please support small businesses in Downtown Beaufort.

More informationdowntownbeaufort.com/taste-of-beaufort

2013 Earth Day in Beaufort

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:33:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC, don’t forget to come and celebrate Earth Day at Market Street in Habersham. This will be Beaufort’s 4th Earth Day celebration and promises to be a very special event on Friday, April 19th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In addition to the wonderful Friday Market Street vendors, there will also be in attendance exhibitors who have "green" products or services and several non-profit green organizations.

Enjoy live music and three local restaurants will be providing food and drink. The local shops will be open for business.

Once again, you can also enjoy the Upcycled Art Show which will have a new environmental twist this year. The art show will feature art created from recycled materials displayed in their natural environment. This year's theme is, "How Does Your Garden Grow?"

The SADD club will also provide various activities for children focused on recycling and preserving the environment.

More information - habershamgreencommittee.org/2013earthday.html

Buy or Rent Your Next Home

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:37:00 GMT

Many people consider owning your own home the American dream, but no dream is one-size-fits-all. The American Dream is changing for many. Many want more time, more freedom and more flexibility.

While owning a home can increase your net worth, there are potential downsides as well -- additional labor, hassle and cost, to name a few. In many cases, renting an apartment in Beaufort, SC makes sense.

How can you know which is best? Here's what you need to consider:

The minuses of homeownership: Owning a home is a huge time commitment. When you rent, maintenance is someone elses problem and repairs are solved with a phone call. When you own a home, you take on the rolls of maintenance and gardener. When something breaks, you need to fix it.

Homeownership also limits flexibility. When you buy, you should plan to keep the house at least five years, because transaction costs -- agent commissions and other sales expenses -- are high. Sell too soon and you won't recoup those costs.

The pluses: One of the joys of homeownership is investing time to make it yours and make it worth more. What you can do to customize a home you own is limited only by your imagination, budget and local zoning restrictions.

The bottom line: If you want to stay mobile, if you don't enjoy home improvement projects, rent. If you're staying put and watch a lot of HGTV, buy.

Money

The minuses: If you rent, you'll pay the first month's rent, a security deposit, and maybe a pet deposit. Buying means a down payment, closing costs, and other major expenses, not to mention regular and continuous repair and maintenance costs.

In 2010 the average annual homeowners’ insurance premium was $909. Property taxes vary widely depending on where you live, but run from hundreds a year to thousands.

The bottom line: If you don't have the money and/or credit score necessary to buy a home, the question is moot. But if you can afford to own a home in a desirable area with an expanding population, you'll probably be rewarded financially. If you like freedom and extra time, renting might be a better option.

One way to run the numbers is to use buy vs. rent calculators. But, while those are certainly helpful, the answer you get from a calculator will depend on the information you provide -- some of which you can't possibly know.

For example, among other variables, most calculators will ask how much the house you're buying will appreciate annually, as well as how much equivalent rent will increase over time. These are questions you cannot answer.

Buying? Don't get in over your head, keep these thoughts in mind:

To lower the risk of homeownership, buy only what you need, not the most expensive house you qualify for. The average house in 1950 was less than 1,000 square feet. Today it's more than twice that. Remember that whatever you buy, you're going to have to furnish, heat, cool, insure, clean and maintain it.
If you have bad credit and only qualify for a high-interest mortgage, it will cost you tens of thousands of extra dollars over the life of your loan.
The more you put down, the less you borrow and the less risk you take.
Finally, if you decide it's time to buy, hope for appreciation, but don't count on it. However, if the community you're living in has both expanding employment opportunities and population, prices are likely to rise over time.

For more information on renting in Beaufort SC contact Ashton Pointe Apartments.

MSN Money

Big 'Story Telling Fest' in Beaufort

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:40:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC you have probably been to The BIG Story Fest & Liars Competition. If you haven’t, you need to save the date, April 11-14.

Storytellers & story-listeners unite! This is one of the zaniest, most fun, and unique festivals you could ever attend. The BIG Story Fest honors the deeply fun tradition of storytelling and story-listening with performances, family activities, workshops, and diverse voices including headliners: Bill Lepp, Doug Elliot, Judy Sima, and Natalie Daise.

These four tale-spinners will be joined by tellers of all ages, styles and genres, as well as performing visual artists and a show of Modern quilts in ARTworks' gallery. The stage will be surrounded by artists working in their studios, galleries, and workshops. Of course, you can also stroll in Beaufort Town Center, a leisure and shopping area with plenty of free parking and a shady marshfront for strolling.

Bil Lepp, a 5 time champ of the Liars Contest, will judge and MC the Liars Competition.

Make plans to attend April 11-14.

More information on beaufortcountyarts.com/bigstoryfest.htm

Charity Yard Sale Beaufort

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Friends of Callawassie Island are holding a charity yard sale in Beaufort! Don't miss it, April 6th, from 8-2pm (rain date, April 13th). On the grounds of BJWSA, the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority, route 170 and snake Road.

If you are looking for some furniture or decorations for your apartment in Beaufort, SC, this is a great opportunity to grab some bargains and help out a worthy cause. You will be able to buy Furniture, housewares, sporting goods, electronics, appliances, tools, luggage, fine china and crystal, collectibles, lighting, siver, holiday decorations, art and more.

Sponsored by the Friends of Callawassie Island, supporting Lowcountry charities since 2001.

The Biggest 8K and Oyster Roast in the Lowcountry

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:26:00 GMT

The Beaufort Twilight Run is a running festival for all ages which has a competitive 8K Run and 5K Run, a 5K Fun Walk and a 1/4 mile Kid’s Fun Run. The evening is capped off by a traditional Lowcountry Oyster Roast. If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC, you can enjoy this festival this weekend.

The event is located in the village of Habersham and benefits Riverview Charter School in Beaufort. This is a fun, competitive and memorable annual event for Beaufort.

Following the race is the annual Oyster Roast, which will begin at 6:00pm and go till 10:30pm. Kids Meals will be available starting at 5:00pm. An oyster roast ticket is good for unlimited oysters plus one plate of food including grilled chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, iced tea and banana pudding. The event will be held rain or shine.

Participate in the run or cheer on the runners and enjoy all you can eat oysters.

Information on http://beauforttwilightrun.com/

A St. Patty’s App

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:26:00 GMT

St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, are you having a “luck of the Irish” party in your apartment in Beaufort, SC? If so, your St. Patrick’s Day menu needs to be easy so you can entertain and enjoy, and it needs to be totally Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to have a party, here is a great appetizer idea. Best yet, you get to cook it in a slow cooker which gives you more time to get ready to party!

First go out and get the (green) beer, green beads and some fun leprechaun hats. Download some Irish music, and grab some gold foil covered chocolate coins to toss around your apartment home.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Corned Beef

8oz thinly sliced deli corned beef, finely chopped
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 can (8 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
Rye bread or crackers

Directions
In a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker, combine the first five ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or until cheese is melted; stir until blended. Serve warm with bread or crackers. Yield: about 4 cups.

For an extra fun Irish touch, use a shamrock cookie cutter and cut shamrocks shapes out of bread. Lightly brush with olive oil and broil lightly for Shamrock shaped toast points to serve with this delicious dip.

Recipe - Taste of Home

A Low Country Pow Wow in Beaufort

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:12:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC, you can enjoy the Low Country Pow Wow and Cultural Festival this weekend. This is a different type of festival celebrating the native American history of the Low Country.

Enjoy storytelling, native arts and crafts, circle dances, American Indians in full ceremonial regalia, singing, drumming, a flautist, a 19th-century Cherokee campsite and all types of foods for two days, March 8-10 at 55 Millstone Landing, on the Savannah River in Hardeeville.

Come celebrate the exciting cultures and traditions of the Yemassee Indians and other natives who inhabited the area at various times in history. This two-day event will also feature Comanche Scalp Dancers, Eagle Dancers, and many other specific tribal dances.

For more information see discoversouthcarolina.com/products/27531

Water Conservation Tips for Apartment Living

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:48:00 GMT

There are a a lot of reason to conserve water. As water rates rise nationally, everyone should put in an effort to conserve water.

As an HHHunt apartment Community, we strive to exceed government standards for energy efficiency and water conservation during the development process and beyond.

You can you conserve water and live a little greener in your apartment in Beaufort, SC. Of course. Even if you are living in an apartment you can conserve water, here are a few tips.

First, and easiest solution is to take shorter showers.

Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden for cleaning around your home.

Call Ashton Pointe Apartments maintenance if you have a dripping faucet in order to have it repaired. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second you can actually use 2,700 gallons of water/year.

Use a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts. An easy and free solution, fill a soda bottle with water and put it in your toilet tank.

Don’t run the dishwasher or the washing machine without being sure it is full. Running these appliances when they are half empty is a waste.

Bands Brews & BBQ Near Beaufort

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:58:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC, head to the Town of Port Royal this weekend for beer and BBQ. This weekend, Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd, is the Bands Brews & BBQ. This is a South Carolina Barbeque Association Cook-Off event.

Bands, Brews & BBQ will take place in downtown Port Royal, SC and proceeds will benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice, a charity that has provided loving care to Beaufort for over 30 years.

Friday from 6pm until 9 pm is the Wing Throw Down Party, featuring live music and samplings of Wings from participating cookers. The Saturday event will run from 12-4pm and includes a SC BBQ Association cook off in Ribs & Butts as well as live music from four local bands and entertainment for kids.

Don’t miss Bands Brews & BBQ and you will get to sample all you can eat of the best BBQ in South Carolina.

More information on friendsofcarolinehospice.com/BB_BBQ.php

Looking for an Apartment

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:35:00 GMT

You can have a lot of fun looking for apartments in Beaufort, SC. It is always fun looking for a new home. But, before you start the process, be sure to consider a few things and do a bit of research.

Make a list of features you really need

Different apartment communities come with different apartment amenities. What do you need and what do you want from your new apartment home. Decide what you cannot live without, and what would be considered beneficial extras. It is not easy to find a place that has everything you are looking for within your budget, but you can find apartment communities that offer all of what you need and most of what you want.

Look at the neighborhood

What do you want and need from your neighborhood. Before you commit check out your daily commute to work. How close are you to shops and grocery stores? If you have kids, check out the school system and the area activities. If you are single and hoping to make friends, what kinds of nightlife or extracurricular activities are nearby? Remember that you can find a new home with space, amenities and location.

Tour the apartment community

Always take a tour of the apartment community that you are considering. The management team can give you a great impression of you potential new home. By personally touring the apartments you can feel the atmosphere, talk to residents and talk with the management staff. Take a look at the pool, fitness center and the clubhouse. Take your time and open closets and consider your belongings in the space.

For more information on renting apartments in Beaufort, contact Ashton Point.

Beaufort International Film Festival

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:19:00 GMT

If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC, you can again enjoy the Beaufort International Film Festival which returns to our historic waterfront city for its seventh year between February 13 and 17. The film festival will feature approximately 30 independent films and screenplays at Beaufort's Center for the Performing Arts. The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony on February 17. The schedule will be available at www.beaufortfilmfestival.com.

Tickets will be available for advance purchase through the Beaufort International Film Festival website and in person at the Beaufort Film Society or the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the door prior to screenings.

About the Beaufort International Film Festival

The Beaufort Film Festival's mission is to enliven the community by fostering and developing a rich appreciation for the art of film making. In 2007, the Beaufort Regional Film Commission presented the inaugural Beaufort Film Festival. The purpose of the festival is to recognize aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features, documentaries and screenwriting. For more information, visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com.

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