Best Moving Company in Bluffton

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV) – An empty plot of land filled with trees could soon become a state-of-the-art hospital. Novant Health is working on bringing a brand-new medical facility to Bluffton, aiming to serve the area’s growing population.

“We’re really excited about the chance to invest in our community in different ways,” said Ryan Lee, president of Novant Health Coastal Carolina Hospital.

Their investment started almost a year ago when Novant Health first moved into South Carolina’s Lowcountry by acquiring Hilton Head Medical Center and Coastal Carolina Hospital. Now, they’re setting their sights on Bluffton with plans for a $320 million, full-service community hospital.

Joel Taylor, market president of Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center said, “It’s really planning for the future and also understanding the dynamics in the environment of where patients, our patients moving to… And so, we’ve looked at it. Novant Health, in particular with their data and analytics has looked at it, and said, Bluffton is the place to start.”

With Bluffton’s population growing, the need for health care services is clear, and Novant Health is stepping in to help meet that demand.

The new hospital will be a 194,000-square-foot facility, spread out over four floors, located near Buckwalter Parkway and Lake Point Drive. It will start with 50 beds but has plenty of space to expand as the community grows.

“We’re going to build it to rapidly expand as the community does. We know that this is a growing community, and we want to continue to meet that need,” said Lee.

Bluffton residents will get quicker access to health care, and it doesn’t end there.

“We’re talking about a thousand new jobs that Novant Health, with its investment, will create over the span of five plus years,” said Taylor. These jobs will benefit not just southern Beaufort County but the entire region, helping the local economy grow.

Novant Health also has plans for outpatient clinics, specialists, a freestanding Emergency Department, surgery centers, urgent care, primary care and imaging services, all to accommodate that major growth.

“The initial focus will be on a freestanding emergency department that we’ve announced. Adjacent to that freestanding emergency department will be a medical office building of 40,000 square feet to bring in new providers to the area,” said Taylor. “We’re focused on building that great space, and that should open probably Q2 of 2026.”

If you want to learn more about the new hospital, the South Carolina Department of Public Health is hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Bluffton Public Library. It starts at 10 a.m.

Christmas is right around the corner.

If you still haven’t figured out dinner plans, here are some locations throughout Beaufort County to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Community Christmas Day Dinner at Panini’s and Hemingway’s:

Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro is hosting their annual Orphans & Strays Christmas Dinner all afternoon on Christmas Day. The Community Christmas Dinner is available to everyone starting at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day and the full bar will be available until 1:30 a.m.

The annual Orphans & Strays free Christmas Dinner is a potluck where Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro donate their time and money to prepare main courses and sides, including ham, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, salads and veggies. These dishes are added to the food that guests bring to share at the event. Hemingway’s Bistro is located at 920 Bay Street and Panini’s is located at 926 Bay Street, just next door.

For more information, visit their website.

Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge - 26 Discovery Drive, Bluffton

You can also place an order to pick up Christmas entrees at Frankie Bones Bluffton locations. These meals include your choice of turkey, prime rib or ham and include sides like potatoes, green beans, asparagus, cornbread and cranberry sauce. These meals also come with a soup or salad option and dessert. Orders must be placed by December 20 and picked up on December 24 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information, visit their holiday dining page.

Crazy Crab Harbour Town - 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

Fishcamp on Broad Creek - 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island

The Old Oyster Factory - 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island

Poseidon - 38 Shelter Cove Lane Suite 121, Hilton Head Island

Skull Creek Dockside - 2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island

WiseGuys - 1513 Main Street, Hilton Head Island

Nick’s Steak & Seafood - 9 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island

Nectar - 207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton

Road House Ribs - 7 Topper Lane, Port Royal

The Hilton Head Diner - 6 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head Island

OKKO Hilton Head - 95 Matthews Drive, Hilton Head Island

Sea Pines Resort Christmas Prix Fixe Dinner at Links - 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island

Beach House Hilton Head Island - 1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island

Chin Dynasty - 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - 30 Plantation Business Park Suite 208, Bluffton

Waffle House - various locations

Every holiday season, streets and homes across the country come alive with Christmas lights, each neighborhood offering its twist on the age-old tradition.

From grand displays that span entire lawns to simple wreaths glowing on front doors, the tradition of decorating with Christmas lights brings a new kind of holiday cheer.

Here is a guide to some of the best light displays across the Lowcountry this Christmas.

Holiday Nights & Lights

Take a mesmerizing drive through the fourth annual Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Holiday Nights & Lights event, 40 Harriet Tubman Way. This drive-through lights show is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The display is open nightly from Saturday, Dec. 7 through Monday, Dec. 9 from 6-8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Holiday Lights at Fire Station 3

Visit the annual Holiday Lights at Fire Station 3, 534 William Hilton Pkwy, for a fun and festive display. In the spirit of the season, Fire Rescue will be collecting non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys for Deep Well. New unwrapped toys should be for ages 1-12 and can be dropped off until Dec. 15. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off through January.

Hilton Head Island Christmas Tree Lighting

The Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, will be aglow this Saturday, Dec. 7, for the lighting of the 30-foot-tall Christmas Tree. Watch a magical laser light show, enjoy local music, food trucks and more. The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the Christmas tree lighting is set for 6:30 p.m.

Town of Bluffton Tree Lighting Ceremony

Kick off the holiday season with The Town of Bluffton during the 53rd tree lighting ceremony, this Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary St. A miniature train will be available at the tree lighting from 6-8 p.m. to ride around Martin and DuBois Parks. Following the ceremony, you can enjoy the movie “Polar Express” and explore Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park’s Pavilion.

To keep the festivities going, the Bluffton Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District.

The Town is also hosting its second annual Menorah Lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. All of these events are free and open to the public.

Aquarium Aglow

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, 100 Aquarium Wharf, to enjoy an incredible light display with larger-than-life installations, festive photo ops and the most unique visit with Santa. The event is held on select evenings from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 and tickets are $21.95-$29.95 and available to purchase on their website.

Celebrate the Season

Pack the whole family in the car and turn on your favorite Christmas songs to enjoy the dazzling path through Moncks Corner Holiday Lights Driving Tour, 1 Riverwood Dr. This festive light display is open Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 6-9:00 p.m. It costs $10 per vehicle and all proceeds benefit local charities.

Holiday Festival of Lights

Don’t miss the 32nd annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. Enjoy over 750 light displays on a three-mile driving tour that includes the newly rebuilt Cooper River Bridge display. This event also includes train rides, marshmallow roasting, gift shops and more. It is open until December 31 and tickets start at $15 per vehicle.

College of Charleston Light Show

From Dec. 14 through Jan. 1, transport yourself into a winter wonderland at College of Charleston’s historic Cistern Yard and Randolph Hall, 66 George St. The lights string across the campus’ famed live oaks and the event includes a hot chocolate stand on weekends. The light show is free and starts hourly from 6-9 p.m.

The Lights around Park Circle and Christmas Tree Lighting

Watch the 40-foot Christmas Tree light up with Mayor Burgess on Friday, Dec. 6, 6-7 p.m. at Park Circle Community Building grounds, 4800 Park Circle. This event will have live music and free hot cocoa. After the lighting, be sure to enjoy the beautiful lights and displays around the park. This event is free and the lights will be available to tour until New Year’s Day.

Mount Pleasant Towne Center

Visit the Mount Pleasant Shopping Center this Christmas season to check off your holiday shopping and enjoy the sparkling chandeliers, giant lighted reindeer, canopies of lights and a 40-foot tree. The decorations are ongoing through the holidays, 1218 Belk Drive.

Bee City Zoo

If you’re looking for an all-day Christmas adventure, visit the Bee City Zoo and enjoy the zoo at night with dazzling lights. The lights will be available until Dec. 30 and tickets are $14 per person. Children under two are free, 1066 Holly Ridge Ln. Cottageville, SC.

3241 Morningdale Drive, Ivy Hall, Mount Pleasant

Homeowner Kelli Frazier Miller is known for her amazing and elaborate holiday decorations in the Ivy Hall neighborhood. Her Christmas display runs 24/7 in December then switches over to a Winter Wonderland in January. Its a must-see in North Mount Pleasant.

Park Crossing Drive & Sailmaker Street, Daniel Island

For some fun home holiday cheer, visit these two streets for festive decorations. One home even has a mailbox for letters to Santa, so make sure your kids bring their wish lists with them.

Walking in a Woodlands Wonderland, Morrow Lane, North Charleston

Visit this charming Christmas light show every Sunday through Thursday until the New Year. The show begins nightly at 6:00 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for more details or tune in on 93.9 FM.

Wonderland of Temuco Lane, 104 Temuco Lane, Plum Creek Neighborhood, Summerville

Come enjoy the lights and sounds of Christmas in this beautiful home display. The family is partnering up with Lowcountry Orphan Relief, so don’t forget to bring items on their donation wish list to leave in the donation box at the end of the driveway. The show will run until Jan. 1, Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

Santa on Santino, 105 Santino Court, Goose Creek

For twinkling lights, blow-ups and a lighted arch over the driveway visit this house on Santino Court. The arch features 334 feet of PVC pipe, 250 zip ties, 72 feet of rebar and 1,800 lights. This display is ongoing through the holiday season.

Cadd Family Christmas Lights, 66 Springfield Road

David and Amanda Cadd brighten the neighborhood cul-de-sac with their dazzling display of lights. Their display includes synchronized lights and music, a snow machine and a Santa sleigh. Their display is guaranteed to make your season merry and bright.

Other popular neighborhoods to visit for holiday lights include:

Hardeeville city officials recently approved first reading of ordinances to allow Buc-ee's to locate new store in Hardeeville, city officials said

Bluffton Today

Beaver nuggets, brisket and a host of other souvenirs and snacks are tentatively scheduled to be arriving in Hardeeville in about four years as Buc-ee's plans to locate a store in the city.

The Hardeeville City Council, during its Nov. 7 regular meeting, approved first reading of an ordinance to approve the planned development district, the initial master plan for the development, and a development agreement which will bring Buc-ee's to the city. Second reading of all three ordinances will be held Nov. 21, City of Hardeevlle Mayor Harry Williams said.

"Even though Buc-ee’s representatives are working closely with the city and its development processes, the project is only at the beginning stages of development and its progression will coincide with the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s I-95 Widening and Exit 8 Redevelopment Project," a city spokesperson said.

The current schedule for the SCDOT projects to be completed would be in 2028, the projected timeline which would also be the projected year for the ribbon cutting for Buc-ee's, Williams said during the Nov. 7 Hardeeville City Council meeting.

Buc-ee's will be located adjacent to Interstate 95 at the Exit 8 intersection with U.S. Highway 17, city officials said. The Hardeeville location is scheduled to include Buc-ee's signature offerings, including a large selection of regionally themed merchandise and gifts.

This exciting development, city officials said, is set to become a significant economic driver for the region, enhancing the city's reputation as a thriving hub for commerce and travel in South Carolina.

Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate and Development at Bucee's, LTD., met with the Hardeeville City Council during its Oct. 24 workshop about the proposed location, informed council the store would be 74,000 square feet, the largest store the company builds to date.

"This location, by far, requires a 74,000 square foot store," Beard said. "The traffic created is no different between a 74,000 and a 53,000 square foot store. The reason we went bigger were our out-of-state stores (out of the state of Texas), were thank goodness, so crazily successful, that they started getting a little too busy."

In a Nov. 8 news release Beard said the city's leadership and staff have been supportive and responsible stewards of their community and believes they will make great partners.

"Hardeeville is a perfect location for us to continue our growth along the southeast coast," he said. "We love South Carolina and look forward to bringing the Buc-ee’s brand of road trip fun to the Lowcountry.”

During the Oct, 24 workshop with council, Beard also said hotels and sit-down restaurants had been drawn to the areas where other Buc-ee's were located.

"The store will contribute to the city's financial health through increased sales and property tax revenues along with increased revenue through the City’s hospitality tax and business license fees, which will, in turn, support public services, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives," a city news release said.

The new location in Hardeeville is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the area, ranging from entry-level positions to managerial roles, providing a boost to the local job market and offering stable, competitive wages, city officials said.

"The City of Hardeeville is proud to welcome Buc-ee’s; an elite brand name that has become a destination stop along I-95," City of Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said. "We all have been very impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of the Buc-ee’s team in planning for a quality facility that provides safe access for their customers and our residents."

Williams said Buc-ee’s will bring great paying jobs for Hardeeville and Jasper County residents that will not require long commutes.

"Buc-ee’s and Hardeeville promise to be a long and successful marriage,” he said.

Newly appointed Hardeeville City Manager Josh Gruber said the arrival of Buc-ee's in Hardeeville 'is a testament to the city's potential as a key destination in the region.'

"This project not only highlights Hardeeville's strategic importance along the I-95 corridor, it also underscores our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts and supports business growth," Gruber said. "We are excited about the opportunities Buc-ee's will bring to our community, from job creation to increased tourism, and we look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on local businesses and residents alike."