Please tell the guard at the Riverbend guard station that you are attending the Mutchler / Alt Wedding and proceed straight to RIverbend Lodge. Please enter through the gate on the right side of the Lodge for refreshments and the ceremony.
There are four main areas/locations for activities and eating while you are here: Bluffton (10-
20 minutes, depending on your hotel location), Beaufort (~30 minutes, depending on your
hotel location), Hilton Head Island (~25 minutes, depending on your hotel location), and
Savannah Georgia (~35 minutes depending on your hotel location).
Bluffton, South Carolina, also known as the "Heart of the Lowcountry", is a charming and
historic town located in Beaufort County. It is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and
close-knit community, often described as having a unique "State of Mind". Bluffton is experiencing significant growth, attracting new residents and businesses while also working to preserve its unique character and cultural heritage.
Old Town Bluffton is a historic district with well-preserved buildings, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Wander around the shops in Old Town Bluffton on Calhoun Street for a fun afternoon activity. A few places we like to eat in Old Town Bluffton include: the Cottage (lunch) and Bricco (dinner - Italian). Fine dining ($$$$) includes the Bluffton Room and the Pearl. A few other places near downtown Bluffton include Flatbreads (Italian), Joelle (Italian), and Casablanca (Mediterranean).
Beaufort, South Carolina, is a historic city known for its well-preserved antebellum
architecture, scenic waterfront, and rich cultural heritage. Located on Port Royal Island, it's the
second-oldest city in South Carolina, founded in 1711. Beaufort boasts a thriving downtown
area, numerous historical sites, and a strong connection to the Lowcountry's past. Restaurants
in downtown Beaufort include Wren, Saltus River Grill, Hearth Wood Fired Pizza, and Fish Camp
(seafood in Port Royal).
There is a great farmers market in Port Royal (near Beaufort) from 9am-12 noon on Saturday
mornings. Fun place to check out local vendors selling lots of cool food, flowers, and gifts.
There is a great to walking path to visit in Port Royal called Cypress Wetlands. It is a beautiful
walk on the elevated boardwalk which give you incredible views of the hundreds of native birds
nesting in the trees. Look below to the water as well because there are some alligators
swimming just below the surface.
The downtown area along Bay Street in Beaufort is good for an afternoon/evening stroll with
lots of good restaurants for lunch and dinner. There are also very educational historical tours
of Beaufort (walking, horse carriage, or a small tour vehicle) for anyone wanting to learning
more about southern history. Some famous movies have been shot in Beaufort (The Big Chill,
Forrest Gump, and The Great Santani) and the historical homes along Bay Street are just
beautiful.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is famous for its twelve-mile stretch of glistening sandy
coastline that is perfect for sunbathing, jogging, and bike riding. Hilton Head also has lots of
nice golf courses. It is a casual beach town with lush vegetation and natural beauty. A favorite
place of ours to eat lunch is Hudson’s (outside on their porch), or the adjacent restaurant (Skull
Creek Dockside). There are lots of places to eat along the beaches on Hilton Head. Check out
Tripadvisor for specifics.
Savannah, Georgia is a quintessential Southern city located on Georgia’s coast, approximately
35 minutes from Bluffton. With breathtaking architecture, a world-renowned art scene, some
of the region’s best restaurants and history that dates back for centuries, the Hostess City of the South is truly enchanting. Lots of historical tours and fine dining. Check out Tripadvisor for
things to do and dining recommendations. For fine dining in Savannah, we like Chive Sea Bar
and Lounge (seafood) for lunch or dinner, Elizabeth on 37 th (American) and Circa 1875 (French).
There is a drop off/on bus tour that is an efficient way to see all of Savannah in a day. There are
lots of walking and carriage tours on historic Savannah.