The boundaries are vague, but most seem to agree that Beaufort's Uptown stretches the half mile from Bellamy Curve to up to the city tennis courts at Bladen Street.

Contained within that area are amenities almost as robust (and sometimes more so) than what downtown Beaufort proper offers: restaurants, bakeries, clothing stores, a yoga studio, designers, professional services, a salon, printing services, open space with a view, historical attractions, and — perhaps most importantly — oodles and oodles of potential. (In fact, just recently two old buildings were knocked down in the district and there are no construction plans for the now empty lots.)

Uptown started off the 21st century taking more identity from the four lane Boundary Street, but the table is turning.Ask a local where Uptown is and you'll get a pretty consistent answer. Ask a local what Uptown is and what it offers and you'll get a consistently more vague reply.

It's with that premise in mind that I headed out to Uptown to chat with a few merchants to get a feel for who's there and what Uptown is.

There's a lot more to explore about Uptown, where it could grow, and what's coming in its near future, but first let's all make sure we're introduced. So take a gander at the video up top, and then drop by for a visit.

Here's a list of as many Uptown businesses as I can think of and that seem prudent draws to the area (those interviewed are listed first, added info where appropriate) and a map of the area:

The district has several dining options, including Shoofly Kitchen.Food

SuZara's Kitchen: Bakery, lunch, and upcoming neighborhood market. Newcastle Square.

Uptown Grill. Newcastle Square. 379-3332.

Bricks on Boundary: Neighborhood bar, restaurant, hangout. 1422 Boundary Street. 379-5232. 

Shoofly Kitchen: Breakfast, lunch, to-go items, and catering. 1209 Boundary Street.

Yes! Thai Indeed: Thai food. 911 Boundary Street. 986-1185.

Magnolia Bakery and Cafe (arguably on the outside of Uptown proper.) 703 Congress Street. 524-1961.

Sprout Asian Grocery. 1209 Boundary Street. 379-9933.

Services and wellness

Salon Indigo. 1109 Boundary Street. 470-1442.

Dancing Dogs Yoga. Newcastle Square. 263-5864.

Beaufort Dog: Dog daycare, training, grooming, and more. 1307 Boundary Street. 812-5394.

Organika Salon. Newcastle Square. 322-0200.

Murr Printing. 1012 Boundary Street. 525-6603.

Buf's Plaques Trophies and Engraving: For all your trophy, Boy Scout, and other needs. 1111 Boundary Street. 524-3600.

Andy's Secrets Alterations & Design. 1117 Boundary Street. 986-0507.

Distinctive Designs In Cabinetry. Newcastle Square. 770-9910.

Merchants

Grace and Glory Uptown: Gifts and clothing. Newcastle Square. 521-4050.

Talbot's. Newcastle Square. 322-8040.

Bitty's Flower Shop & Market. 1202 Boundary Street. 524-4547.

Merle Norman Cosmetics. 902 Boundary Street. 522-8868.

Misc

You'll also find a number of other banking, real estate, and related services in the area. Curious? Just head out for a visit.