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Downtown Beaufort is set to get a new dining addition this fall with the opening of a sandwich, charcuterie and deli shop, Sister Sister Deli & Market.

Owned by a sister duo, Sami and Dani Mussman, Sister Sister is set to offer deli options, cheeses and sandwiches, all with American-made ingredients and products. Their space is intended to be part neighborhood deli and part gourmet market.

Sister Sister Deli & Market will open its doors at 403 Carteret Street in Beaufort, taking over the space formerly home to Griffin Market, an Italian eatery that closed in 2024.

While a full menu has not yet been set, Sami Mussman shared that their offerings will include Southern-inspired dishes and small boards.

Here are some items to expect at this new deli and market:

Lunch offerings will include:

According to their website, Sister Sister will be focused on sustainability, responsible sourcing, and supporting local and regional producers with their products.

Renovation work began in June and along the way, the team has uncovered some relics from the building’s past. Some of these findings include:

According to Sami Mussman, the building is set to be repainted starting in July.

Though an exact opening date has not yet been announced, Sister Sister Deli & Market is hoping to open their doors by October to bring the perfect lunch break, snack stop or dinner party charcuterie board crafting location to the Lowcountry.

To follow along with their progress, you can visit their Facebook or Instagram.

Update 11:36 a.m.: Sparklight states that repairs have been completed, and services should now be resumed. If you are still experiencing issues, Sparklight recommends rebooting your modem or contacting their 24/7 tech support system at 877-692-2253.

Update 11:27 p.m.: Services have been restored for some affected customers. Local technicians are on-site working to stabilize connections and ensure proper connectivity for everyone.

Update 10:32 p.m.: Services were restored in areas of Beaufort and Jasper Counties, but no further update has been posted by Sparklight.

Update 9:30 p.m.: No reports of restored internet have been posted

Update 9:02 p.m.: Crews are replacing the damaged equipment and will then perform a hardware swap. We know waiting is tough, and we truly appreciate your continued patience while progress with service restoration continues.

Update 7:13 p.m.: The utility company successfully restored power at the affected site housing our equipment following the lightning strike.

Update 6:03 p.m.: Local power company electricians were on site and working on the physical restoration.

4:48 p.m. original report: Sparklight customers in areas of South Carolina and Georgia are currently without internet, video and phone services due to a lightning strike causing a commercial outage on Tuesday.

Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island are among those areas affected, according to a post from Sparklight, formerly known as Hargray, on X.

As of 3:22 p.m., the website Downdetector, which compiles user reports of internet interruptions, had reported the highest amount of outages with 162 reported issues. At 4:22 p.m., reported outages dropped to 66.

Owned by Cable One, Sparklight serves over 1 million customers in 24 states. It’s the phone and internet provider for the majority of residents and businesses in the Beaufort County area.

The last reported interruption was in early April. Back in mid-September, four separate fiber cuts made by a “third party” in Georgia and South Carolina caused a 10-hour shutdown, plunging the workday into chaos for thousands of residents and local businesses.

Sparklight stated at 11:36 a.m. on Wednesday that service was fully restored. 911 services were still active during this outage.

This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM.

It is said that, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get,” and that especially rings true today as word is out that the iconic Chocolate Tree in downtown Beaufort will close its doors permanently at the end of this month.

Opened in 1980 originally as a hobby by Pat Green, the local confectionery has been a staple in town for the past 45 years, has enjoyed nationwide status, and has been known for some of the finest chocolates in the South.

Owners of the store were not available for comment, but we visited the store on Saturday and were told by employees that the last day of business will be Friday, May 30th. Everything in the store is currently selling at 50% off.

Several generations of locals and tens of thousands of tourists have made their way through the doors of the business over the past 45 years, and it’s where Paramount Pictures got the iconic box of chocolates for the movie Forrest Gump.

You would always be able to walk in and see their craft. Over 60 different selections were laid out on their shelves from milk and dark chocolate goodies, to seasonal treats, classic gift varieties, peanut brittle, homemade fudge and so much more.

The store also held a popular all-you-can-eat-chocolate night for several decades, another idea of Pat Green, where you could purchase a ticket and just enjoy everything they had to offer until your belly said “that is enough.”

We never like to see a small, local business close, but this one as synonymous with Beaufort, SC as it has been for decades, is a particular hard pill to swallow.

We can’t believe the Chocolate Tree will close its doors in less than a week.

Be sure to get to the store, located at 507 Carteret Street in downtown before they close. You can purchase whatever they have left in stock, take a few photos for your fond memories, and you can also let that sweet smell hit you one last time as you enter the door.

The Chocolate Tree will be sorely missed in our Beaufort community. For many, many different reasons.

Editor’s note: Rumors are going around that, even though employees told us they are closing permanently, the store will be closing for a month or so, and the original owner will be reopening it with one of her sons, but neither of them have said that themselves. Until they do, they are just rumors. And, if they are, we will report accordingly.

Enjoy over 150 photos of the 2025 Beaufort Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, from Explore Beaufort & Emma Claire Photography.

Beaufort Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Information

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Past and present come together Memorial Day weekend for the Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina returns to Beaufort.

The 40th edition celebrates the heritage, resilience and cultural traditions of Gullah people.

The three-day festival, held May 23–25 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, will feature a lineup of performances, workshops, tours and educational sessions.

Admission to the festival is free.

From traditional Gullah food, a vibrant arts and crafts market, live storytelling, vendors and music, the Gullah Festival is designed as a welcoming space for families, friends and cultural enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the Gullah history of the Lowcountry.

Here is a rundown of the schedule, vendors and everything visitors should know ahead of the event:

Friday, May 23

Lest We Forget: Times to Remember Exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Workshops: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All White Attire party from 9 p.m. to midnight

Saturday, May 23

Live music and performances will be held throughout the day.

Lest We Forget: Times to Remember Exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Workshops: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Decoration Day Musical at 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 26.

Live music and performances will be held from 2-6 p.m.

Hour of Power Worship Service from 9-10 a.m.

Rededication of Commemorative Marker Honoring Ancestors at 11 a.m.

Unity Circle at 6 p.m.

The Promise Land Band Closing Concert from 7-8:30 p.m.

For more information on the festival schedule, click here.

Over 25 vendors will be available to visit throughout the festival. From traditional Gullah cuisine to historical fashion, there’s something for everyone.

A few vendors you can expect to see include:

To view all participating vendors in this year’s festival, click here.

General festival admission is free and open to the public. The event is held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, located at 1010 Bay Street in Beaufort.

Tickets for workshops, the All White Party and the Decoration Day Musical can be purchased online or at the gate.

Gullah Tours will also be available throughout the festival, tickets are available on site.

According to the festival website, this outdoor event will go on rain or shine, and no refunds will be given due to inclement weather.

Ticket information and additional purchase information can be found at www.originalgullahfestival.org.

Public and paid parking options are available throughout downtown Beaufort, with about 500 spots throughout the city.

For a map of available public parking locations at www.parkbeaufort.com.

Founded in 1986 to commemorate what was once known as Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, the Original Gullah Festival honors African American ancestors and traditions passed down from the Gullah people.

The Gullah Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to focus on education, family, and preserving the history of Gullah culture so visitors can share it with others.

According to the festival’s website, the event now draws more than 35,000 attendees from across the globe and has grown into a nationally recognized cultural celebration.

For more information, you can visit the festival’s website or Facebook page.

Beaufort, SC was just named the Most Charming Small City in South Carolina, and it’s not the first time. Yes, Beaufort is getting more accolades. We couldn’t be happier, and they couldn’t be more correct.

South Carolina is home to some noteworthy small towns, destinations that offer a quiet beauty thanks to the natural scenery, friendly atmosphere and one-of-a-kind attractions that shine bright enough to draw visitors in to experience something they may not find in a bigger city.

Popular travel website, LoveExploring, compiled a list of the “most charming small city” in every state, ranking the destinations that “offer the culture, charm, and character” of big cities but with a more “laid-back” vibe.

According to the site, the top choice for South Carolina is Beaufort.

LoveExploring said this spot has charm in spades — beautiful snapshots of nature, unique attractions, and rich history.

“South Carolina’s second-oldest city after Charleston, Beaufort is known for its classic Southern charm, with beautiful antebellum architecture and moss-draped oak trees,” the website said. “Walking tours and horse-drawn carriages are a popular way to explore, and the Beaufort History Museum offers a fascinating look into the area’s past.”

There’s just something so special about our part of the Lowcountry that it keeps being raved about all over the internet and in nationally published magazines. And yes, Beaufort is definitely the most charming city.

Also of note, Beaufort was ranked number 14 on the entire list. That means there are 36 small city winners in other states that still aren’t as good as Beaufort, SC.

The accolades have been pouring in for Beaufort recently.

We’ve also recently been named one of the Most Laid Back Towns in South Carolina, the Most Charming Small Town in South Carolina; one of the Best Beach Towns, and One of the Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in the South.

Our downtown district has been named one of the Ten Best Downtown’s in the U.S., and Beaufort County has been named the Best County to Live in South Carolina.

In addition to those, Southern Living magazine has named the Old Sheldon Church ruins one of the South’s Most Beautiful Chapels; named Hunting Island State Park one of the Best State Parks in the South; and named downtown Beaufort’s Craven Street one of the South’s Most Beautiful Streets. Also, we’re both the Healthiest County in South Carolina and frequently the Most Patriotic Town, too.

See the full list at LoveExploring.com to read up on more of the most charming small cities around the country.