Bluffton Landmarks

Explore the actual locations in Bluffton that were used in the book.

SPOILER ALERT: For the best experience and to avoid spoilers, we recommend reading the full book before exploring the "Behind the Scenes" content.

Overview Map

Main Characters' Homes

Amanda's House

As I was doing research for the book, I found an ideal place for Amanda to live, and it was actually on the market at the time. It even has the pond descibed in the book, a community pool, and a playground. Here's what I found:

Address: 406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,625 Sq Ft

This stunning maintenance free end unit townhome offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and convenience. Step inside to discover a beautifully renovated interior boasting an open floor plan, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Main level, you'll find the primary suite, providing a serene retreat with its own private space. Enjoy abundant natural light throughout the home, tinted windows not only keep the interior cool but provide an added layer of privacy. Unwind outside on the screened-in porch. This meticulously updated townhome offers the perfect combination of style and comfort.

Facade

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Kari's House

As I was doing research for the book, I also found a home for Kari and her family that was on the market at the time. It was surrounded by trees and had a lake in the community just like described in the book. Here's what I found:

Address: 61 Fording Court, Bluffton, South Carolina 29910

LISTING ID445538

Price $679,000

Status Active

Bedrooms 3

Total Baths 2

Full Baths 2

SqFt 1,975

Acres 0.230

Listing courtesy of Realty One Group - Lowcountry

Discover Hampton Lake, “America’s Best” Community, located in Bluffton, SC. Enjoy resort-style pools, dining, a 227-acre freshwater lake, pickle-ball, a private swimming lake, a high-end fitness center, a spa, social club and a full events calendar. With median home prices near $1.5 million, this $679k home is an affordable entry into this sought-after neighborhood. Featuring a large screened lanai, a private backyard, and nearly $70k in upgrades, this "Hidden Gem" home is a must-see! Primary bedroom on the main floor overlooking the park-like back yard. Gourmet kitchen and open floor plan.

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Activities in Bluffton

What to do in Bluffton

I also did some research and found activities that families with young children might enjoy in the Bluffton area. This list is what I used when Kari and Amanda first met and Kari was giving her suggestions of what do to in the area:

Exploring Bluffton, South Carolina with a young child on their first day can be an exciting adventure! Here are some fun activities to consider:

Visit a Local Park: Bluffton has several beautiful parks with playgrounds where children can run, climb, and play. Oscar Frazier Park and DuBois Park are popular options.

Splash Pad Fun: If it's a warm day, head to a splash pad for some refreshing water play. Buckwalter Place Splash Pad is a great choice for young kids.

Nature Walk or Hike: Take a leisurely stroll or short hike along one of Bluffton's scenic trails. The New River Linear Trail or Buckwalter Greenway Trail offer easy paths suitable for families.

Explore Historic Old Town Bluffton: Wander around the charming streets of Old Town Bluffton, where you'll find art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. The Heyward House Historic Center offers guided tours and exhibits about Bluffton's history.

Visit a Farmers' Market: Check out one of Bluffton's farmers' markets to sample local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. The Bluffton Farmers' Market, held on Thursdays, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Take a Boat Tour: Experience Bluffton's natural beauty from the water with a boat tour. Choose from options like dolphin-watching tours or eco-tours to learn about the area's wildlife and ecosystems.

Family-Friendly Dining: Enjoy a meal at one of Bluffton's family-friendly restaurants. Many eateries offer outdoor seating and kid-friendly menus. Don't forget to try some classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits or Lowcountry boil.

Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary: Take a trip to the nearby Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and scenic views. Keep an eye out for egrets, herons, and even alligators!

Arts and Crafts: Get creative with your little one by visiting a local art studio or participating in a crafting session. Some studios offer pottery painting, canvas painting, or other hands-on activities suitable for children.

Wine & Design - https://www.wineanddesign.com/bluffton-sc/art-buzz/
- 15 minutes from their home

Family-Friendly Beach Time: Head to nearby Hilton Head Island for a day of sun, sand, and surf. Coligny Beach Park is a popular spot with amenities like restrooms, showers, and playgrounds.

Relative Locations

Amanda and Kari Live 6 minutes from each other

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ 61 Fording Court, Bluffton, South Carolina 29910
Bluffton Parkway is the road where the police officer drives past Kari when she is rushing to get to Amanda's house.

Amanda Lives about 12 minutes from Oscar Frazier Park

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ Oscar Frazier Park, Bluffton, SC 29910

The train playset that is descibed in the book is an actual thing.

Amanda Lives about 12 minutes from Wine & Design

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ Wine & Design Bluffton/ HHI, SC, 1536 Fording Island Rd #102, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

An actual art studio in Bluffton

https://www.wineanddesign.com/bluffton-sc/

Amanda Lives about 10 minutes from Chow Daddy's

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ Chow Daddy's, 15 Towne Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910

An actual restaurant in the Bluffton area

https://www.chowdaddys.com/bluffton

Amanda Lives about 10 minutes from the Yoga Studio

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ Move Fitness & Yoga, 23 Johnston Way unit a, Bluffton, SC 29910
The Description doesn't quite match the studio in the book, but I liked the downtown location of this studio.

https://movefitnessbluffton.com/

Amanda Lives about 27 minutes from Coligny Beach Park

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ Coligny Beach Park, 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Amanda Lives about 21 minutes from Palmetto Bluff

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ 41 Boat House St. Bluffton, SC 29910

This is where Margarette was taking Logan for the Beach combing excursion.

https://www.outsidepb.com/tours/boating/private-beachcombing-cruises/

Amanda Lives about 21 minutes from where they go to Church

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2800 Meeting St, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so I thought it would be fun to have them attend one of their buildings in the Bluffton area.

Amanda Lives about 11 minutes from Tidewatch Free Standing Emergency Department

406 SOUTH ST, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 ------ Tidewatch Free Standing Emergency Department, 349 Tidewatch Dr West, Bluffton, SC 29910

This is the hospital where I imagine Amanda going in Chapter 10. I was hoping to have her go to St. Joseph's/Candler Bluffton Campus (which is shown on this map very close to her house). But as I did research, it seemed that Tidewatch Free Standing Emergency Department was a better choice for her condition.

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