One of the best breakfasts I’ve had anywhere in the world was a humble two-egg plate for five bucks at Beaufort’s most popular morning hangout,
Blackstone’s Café (205 Scott St., 843/524-4330, Mon.–Sat. 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Sun. 7:30 am.–2 p.m., under $10), complete with tasty hash browns, a comparative rarity in this part of the country where grits rule as the breakfast starch of choice. Many come from miles around just for Blackstone’s large-portion shrimp and grits entrée and “shrimpburger” specials.

Tucked on a side street just off busy Bay Street, Blackstone’s roomy but inviting interior—festooned with various collegiate, nautical, and military motifs and a checkerboard floor—has more than enough room for you to spread out and relax before continuing on with your travels (there’s even free Wi-Fi).

The friendly, chipper waitstaff are on a first-name basis with the many regulars, but don’t worry—in true Lowcountry fashion, they’ll treat you like a regular, too.