Gullah Roots in Bluffton: A Day of Culture, Cuisine & Community
By Hilton Head Insider
Ideal for: Cultural travelers, food lovers, history buffs, educators
Morning:
- Start your morning at Campbell Chapel AME Church, a cornerstone of Bluffton’s spiritual and cultural landscape, this historic church has served the African American community since the 19th century.
- Continue to the Garvin-Garvey House & Oyster Factory Park to tour the preserved Freedmen’s cottage and imagine life in post-Civil War Bluffton. The views of the May River reflect centuries of oyster harvesting and self-sufficient Gullah living.
Afternoon:
- It’s hard to choose between Chef B’s or Backus Bakery within Ma Daisy’s Porch. Dive into beloved Gullah dishes like shrimp and grits, red rice, and fried fish—seasoned with storytelling and Southern hospitality.
- You can’t leave without experiencing the Bluffton Gullah Heritage Center to learn about the rich history, traditions, and contributions of the Gullah people through interactive exhibits, tours, cultural programs, and events.
- Explore Maye River Gallery or Red Piano Art Gallery. Discover local works inspired by Gullah heritage, Lowcountry landscapes, and West African motifs.
- Stroll through Old Town Bluffton Historic District. Pause at the Boundary Street Mural and visit the Heyward House Museum for a glimpse into Bluffton’s antebellum and post-Emancipation history.
- Optional: Bluffton Farmers Market (Thursdays, seasonal). A stroll through the market offers a deeper look into Bluffton’s foodways and local Gullah producers.
Evening:
- Reserve your dinner at Okan by Chef Bernard Bennett. This celebrated culinary destination reinterprets ancestral West African and Gullah cuisine through a contemporary lens. Dishes like okra stew, jollof rice, and whole roasted fish are paired with craft cocktails, warm hospitality, and a sense of purpose.
- Return to your room at the Old Town Bluffton Inn offers a charming and elegant retreat just outside Hilton Head Island, nestled in the heart of historic Bluffton.
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