The Recruit's Depot
Shopping
The Recruit's Depot is the perfect first stop whether virtually touring Parris Island online in preparation for travel to Family Day and Graduation or in town upon arrival. With unbeatable quality, fantastic prices, the latest information and updates from Parris Island, schedules, maps, area guides, and copies of the Beaufort Gazzette (with your Marine's name in them!) all on hand, you are sure to leave with loads of valuable information and deals!For more fantastic souvenirs and to learn about the history of the Marine Corps and Parris Island, take a trip onto Parris Island to visit the Parris Island Museum.
Spend some time in beautiful, historic Beaufort. Situated on the Beaufort River overlooking a recently renovated waterfront park and playground, Beaufort's Bay Street offers a variety of shops featuring local artists and craftsmen. This is the perfect stop for large groups. Park your car (or van) on downtown's Bay Street and walk to the marina, park, playground, shops, and restaurants.
While Parris Island is a serious place focused on making Marines, the location is also a visual paradise. Located in Beaufort county, the surrounding cities and towns are very small with the limited selections typical of any small town.
Beaufort county is comprised of arguably hundreds of islands (the argument is over how big an island has to be before it counts!) and many small communities. Those closest to Parris Island are the town of Port Royal and the city of Beaufort (Beaufort is a city name and a county name). Further out, there's Yemassee, Ridgeland, St. Helena Island and further still, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Harbor Island, and Fripp Island.
Selecting a location is a difficult decision with each small community offering pros and cons. Those areas close to Parris Island offer significant convenience but are usually higher priced and booked far in advance. Yemassee, Ridgeland, and St. Helena Island are all rural areas with significantly lower prices and better availability. Drive time from these areas to Parris Island is typically about 30 minutes. The Bluffton, Hilton Head, Harbor Island, and Fripp Island areas offer a wide range of choices from very reasonably priced chain hotels to resorts and spas. Travel time can be anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour from these areas to Parris Island, as there is rarely more than one route on and off Beaufort’s islands, which can cause significant and unavoidable travel delays due to traffic.
Here are some of our favorites…
Stay in the heart of Beaufort’s historic district at the Best Western Sea Island Inn. Located just steps from Beaufort’s marina on Bay Street, you’ll be within easy walking distance of shopping, dining, and the waterfront park and playground. Amenities include an exceptional continental breakfast, a seasonal outdoor pool, a workout room, high-speed Internet access, and guest computer, printer, copy, and fax service. 843-522-2090
Beaufort’s newest hotel is the Comfort Suites. Located off of Highway 170 (Robert Smalls Parkway), this hotel opened in 2007. Amenities include hot tub, indoor heated pool, fitness center, business center, wired and wireless Internet access, and complimentary continental breakfast. 843-379-9400
For large groups, or those traveling with small children, nothing is better than a vacation rental home. Having a refrigerator to keep milk and orange juice and a common room to gather makes the group experience more comfortable and complete. There are many private home owners that rent their properties for vacationers and new Marine families travelling to the Beaufort area, and you should find a few that are less expensive than hotels. The Vacation Rentals By Owner website has a complete listing, and to date, we haven’t heard any negative feedback on any of them. www.vrbo.com
Light Fare and Snacks
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to stop at Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor in Old Bay Marketplace on Bay Street (look for the statue of two boys and a payphone that mark the entrance). This shop is a local favorite for both it's terrific ice cream and wonderful atmosphere. 843-575-0798
For those who share our addiction to cappuccino and latte, Common Ground is a wonderful coffee house right off Bay Street overlooking the Beaufort River and waterfront park. To find it, use the entrance to the park marked by the clock tower at the front. 843-524-2326
If bagels are your mainstay, the Palm & Moon Bagel Company on Scott Street is the perfect spot for a short break or to stock up in preparation for the Motivational (Moto) Run. Just a short half block off Bay Street, you can walk over for a break or drive into their parking lot (a rarity in downtown Beaufort!). 843-379-9300
Family Day Take-out
Subway Sandwiches in the BiLo shopping center is just outside the Parris Island gate (opposite Port Royal). From Parris Island, go straight at the island exit/guard gate. 843-525-1551
Papa Vitto's Pizza in the BiLo shopping center is just outside the Parris Island gate (opposite Port Royal). From Parris Island, go straight at the island exit/guard gate. 843-522-3995
Donut Connection in Shell Point Plaza shopping center (home of The Recruit's Depot) has fresh donuts and is open nearly 24 hours a day. Shell Point Plaza is at the intersection of Hwy 802 and Hwy 280 (at the turn for Hilton Head/Bluffton/Savannah) just 1.5 miles from the Parris Island gate. From Parris Island, go straight at the island exit/guard gate. 843-521-3027
BiLo is a large grocery store located in the BiLo shopping center just outside the Parris Island gate (opposite Port Royal). They offer an extensive deli including hot and cold items as well as a super bakery. For price, convenience, and selection, BiLo is a great choice. From Parris Island, go straight at the island exit/guard gate. 843-524-2300
McDonald’s is located right next door to the BiLo shopping center outside the Parris Island gate (opposite Port Royal). From Parris Island, go straight at the island exit/guard gate. 843-524-8500
Regular Dining
11th Street Dockside is a local favorite. Offering the freshest seafood in a casual setting overlooking Battery Creek at the end of 11th Street in historic Port Royal, the restaurant is open every day for dinner at 4:30PM. Seating is available indoors or on the enclosed porch, and the view of the creek and Beaufort’s only public shrimp dock create a wonderful dining atmosphere. We recommend an early arrival, as there is often a line waiting for seating by 7PM. 843-524-7433
Panini’s Café in historic downtown Beaufort is best known for its pizza. The café offers Mediterranean style pizza (never trust a round pizza!) and panini sandwiches for lunch along with steak, pasta, and seafood entrees for dinner. Located on Bay Street with indoor and outdoor seating (overlooking the Beaufort River and waterfront park), this is another local favorite. 843-379-0300
McPhearson’s Serious BBQ offers a variety of pork, beef, chicken, and ribs for those that are serious about good BBQ. The unique interior creates a casual and family friendly atmosphere perfect for including small children. Located in historic Port Royal on Paris Avenue between 10th and 11th streets just 2 miles from Parris Island, this is also a good choice for Family Day take-out. 843-525-9424
Alberto’s Grill Tex Mex is another local favorite. Known for their unique home-style tex mex menu, affordability, making fresh guacamole at your table, and live music on the weekends, the restaurant offers a casual and family friendly atmosphere. Alberto’s is located in downtown Beaufort on Boudary Street (Hwy 21). 843-470-0500
Sea Island Wine & Gourmet Market is a local lunchtime favorite. With indoor and patio seating in the heart of Beaufort’s historic district on Carteret Street, their sandwiches and iced tea are local favorites. Looking for a good bottle to add to your celebration? Ask for help from the owners – they’re very good at matching the right bottle to your personal tastes. 843-524-9463
