Culture // 1 min Read

The Farm / Part 2

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Bluff

A history of eating well

Southern food, perhaps more than any other regional cuisine in America, has long been recognized for its diversity and history and for the stew pot of cultural influences which that history has brought to it. Its primary influence has undoubtedly been African. From the early Colonial period, beginning with the rum and sugarcane plantations of the West Indies and the Creole French and Spanish inhabitants of the Deep South, food was interpreted through African hands.

They harvested the fields, cleaned the game, ground the spices, and cooked the meals. They brought with them staples such as peanuts and okra and immediately adapted to the Native American’s predilection to corn.

Thus, a tradition of food selection and preparation evolved that has withstood 400 years of cultural assault. Moreover, though it has clung tenaciously to the underpinnings of its heritage, Southern food has adapted gracefully to new and creative interpretations of its time-tested methods and ingredients.

A quick review of the history of Palmetto Bluff shows that people have eaten well here for a very long time. The earliest Native Americans, the Altamaha and Yemassee, found sustenance in the remarkable bounty of fish and game. Their shell middens on the high bluffs are a testament to the first oyster roasts—a social and culinary tradition still carried on with great relish here today.

Club Life
5 Reasons for the Season: Why We Love Fall in the Lowcountry

The golden glow of the marshes, the crisp air, and the sense of calm after a busy summer season all make this time of year unforgettable. Whether you’re enjoying the Bluff or exploring the wider coastal region, here are 5 reasons why fall is when the Lowcountr...

Oct 2025

Conservation
Watching Birds, Supporting Science: FeederWatch at Palmetto Bluff

Here in the Lowcountry, the Conservancy brings FeederWatch to life with guided sessions at the Conservancy’s bird feeders. Education and Outreach Manager Aaron Palmieri leads these gatherings, teaching attendees how to identify wintering species, choose the ri...

Sep 2025

Culture
Chef Beth’s Lowcountry 7 Layer Dip with Pimento Cheese

Ingredients 2 cups cooked sea island red peas, crushed with a fork 1 recipe of pimiento cheese dip (recipe below), room temperature 2 cups crème fraiche 1 cup fire-roasted bell peppers, sliced into strips 1.5 cups grilled corn, husked an...

Sep 2025

Real Estate
The Benefits Of Buying A Newly-Built Home In Palmetto Bluff

At Palmetto Bluff, newly built homes are more than residences—they are carefully crafted retreats offering the best of Lowcountry living. Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Co. Agent, Amanda Cutrer, shares the benefits of buying “new” in the Bluff. Builder Support ...

Sep 2025

Conservation
Lowcountry Canvas

Visionary land planner Mark Permar reflects on Palmetto Bluff's rich history and its enduring connection to the land. With Anson on the horizon, the legacy of designing with nature lives on.How did you first get involved with Palmetto Bluff?  I believe it was ...

Sep 2025

Architecture & Design
Palmetto Bluff Homes with Guest Homes and Casitas

Explore Available Listings with Room For the Whole Family At Palmetto Bluff, life moves at the pace of the tides; slow enough to savor, yet rich with moments worth sharing. And when it comes to welcoming the people you love most, the right home makes all the ...

Aug 2025
2025 bluffton real estate

Real Estate
Real Estate Sales Report: Palmetto Bluff’s 2025 Midyear Update

Real Estate in Bluffton, SC: Trends, Updates, and Insights The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable for Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Company, with sales volume, transaction count, and market share setting a strong pace for the year ahead. As ...

Aug 2025

Architecture & Design
Your Complete Guide to Lowcountry Landscaping

Enhancing Coastal Living With Lowcountry Landscaping Trends The Lowcountry lies along the southeastern coast of the United States, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. From the charming streets of Charleston to the...

Aug 2025

Conservation
Loyalties Divided

By Katie Epps, Palmetto Bluff Archaeologist Standing on the bluff that rises above the May River, gaze across the vast expanse of marsh and sky. This is a landscape virtually untouched by time. Imagine this vista in the eighteenth century, in the throes ...

Aug 2025

Club Life
Back to School at the Bluff

The school year has officially begun, and the sound of school buses can be heard throughout the Lowcountry. As is true for much of South Carolina, Bluffton and the surrounding areas have experienced exceptional growth over the past 10 years, and so have the op...

Aug 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us