9 Reasons we can't wait for spring to arrive in the Lowcountry

Photo bySouth Carolina Living

Spring is nearly here in Beaufort and soon we’ll be starting to see temperatures warm up, flowers sprouting up, and the pollen starting to stick to our cars and just about everything else in sight.

This is the time of year in the Lowcountry that we start to get excited about everything that leaving winter in our rear view mirrors brings: outdoor festivals, shorts, flip flops, walks at the beach and the sun on our faces. There are just so many things to look forward to.

So many, that we put together 9 reasons we can’t wait until spring arrives in Beaufort.

A much more colorful Beaufort
The marsh grass starts to turn from brown to a nice green and the Confederate jasmine, azaleas and other flowers start to show off their colors.

Warmer weather means less clothing (and more flip flops)
We get rid of our hoodies and shove them back into the closet until November rolls around, and replace them with flip flops, shorts and t-shirts….the usual Beaufort-attire.

Sea Turtle Season
Later in the spring, Mama sea turtles visit Beaufort’s local beaches to build their nests. Fripp, Hunting, St. Helena and Pritchard’s Islands each have turtle teams that walk the beaches every morning to help a mama out. A 300 pound loggerhead sea turtle emerging from the ocean and slogging its way through the sand to dig a hole….what a sight to see.

Beaufort’s wildlife comes alive
Spring brings more active wildlife in Beaufort. The great egrets come to nest and mate in the Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal, gators are on the move all over the area and dolphins are more frequently seen frolicking in the warmer local waters. Beaufort comes alive in the springtime.

Outdoor dining
Beaufort has so many options for outdoor dining…many with fantastic waterfront views. And, while you an dine outdoors all year round in Beaufort, the spring season is one of the best times to enjoy your lunch or dinner outside.

The wave of tourists in the area
You can’t beat warm weather and sidewalks filled with tourists mingling with locals. Taking a walk just about anywhere in the area and seeing everyone in the sun (in flip flops?) is always a welcome sight after the weather warms up.

Festivals, festivals…and festivals
Springtime brings Beaufort’s outdoor festival season with several held in Port Royal starting in mid-February and leading up to May’s Taste of Beaufort Festival at the downtown Waterfront. With so much history, culture and tradition here in Beaufort, we have lots of reasons to celebrate.

Strawberry season
One of our favorite local pastimes returns along with the upcoming spring season. The strawberry patches at our local farms are the stuff of legend and visiting them is a part of our lives. A visit to Dempsey or Barefoot Farms to pick a bucket of fresh local strawberries is a springtime tradition here in Beaufort.

We’re closer to spending days in the sun at Hunting Island
Spring’s impending arrival means that we aren’t far away from being able to enjoy a lazy afternoon strolling the beach, looking for shells or sitting in the sand and relaxing with a good book. Spending our warm-weather days at Hunting Island is one of the most popular pastimes here in Beaufort. Simply put…it’s what we do.

Spring is indeed one of the best times of the year in the Lowcountry.