By Stephanie Hunt for Southern Living
Photo by Peter Frank Edwards
Imagine Bedford Falls but draped in Spanish moss instead of snow. That’s Christmas in Beaufort, South Carolina. Like the fictional town in the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, Beaufort is a place where the bustling historic district is relatively compact yet stuffed full as Santa’s sack with character. During the season, residents spread cheer with abandon and the true spirit of the holidays prevails, even for a bewildered George Bailey. You can almost picture James Stewart, as Bailey, ambling down Beaufort’s Bay Street, perhaps ducking into Kilwins candy shop, where a sugary praline is sure to set things right. In both Bedford Falls and Beaufort, miracles seem at the ready.
