By JamiLynn Harrington Elrod

The event features local oysters by the bucket, food from Charleston restaurants, live entertainment, a shucking contest and the company of 8,000 other oyster enthusiasts.

Did you know that the world’s largest oyster festival is held right here in South Carolina?The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a winter tradition that takes place annually at Boone Hall Plantation. The event features local oysters by the bucket, food from Charleston restaurants, live entertainment, a shucking contest and the company of 8,000 other oyster enthusiasts. 

As a South Carolina native, and it might be blasphemous to admit this, I had never attended the festival, nor do I really like oysters in the first place. But theCharleston Restaurant Foundationevent presented byToadfish Outfitters,Wicked Weed Brewing,Sweet Grass Vodka,High Rise Beverage Co.,US Foodsand more proved to be so much fun. Here are a few of the things I enjoyed the most. 

The oyster shucking contest for men and women

This speaks for itself! How many oysters can you shuck in 3 minutes?! It was a thrill to watch, but my advice is to watch out for flying shells — they come out of nowhere.

It was a thrill to watch, but my advice is to watch out for flying shells – they come out of nowhere.

The food

The makeshift “food court” offered a variety of small entrees from local Charleston restaurants. Everything I ordered was delicious and exceptionally well-priced. Some notable bites included the “Cereal Milk” Doughnut fromHero Doughnuts and Buns,multiple shrimp cocktails fromOyster House,hushpuppies fromHyman’s Seafoodand the peach tea fromRoyal Cup Coffee & Tea. 

Everything I ordered was delicious and exceptionally well-priced.

The environment

The all-day festival ran from 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. and was jam-packed with entertainment the entire time. Taking it all in, the atmosphere reminded me of a massive tailgating party atWilliams-Brice Stadium.Picture this: everyone eating, drinking, relaxing in chairs, listening to live music and enjoying each other’s company. Family and friends gathered — with and without kids — all enjoying oysters on a beautiful, winter day. I commend the organizers for making this not only a great event but family friendly, too!

I commend the organizers for making this not only a great event but family friendly, too!

Lastly, the oysters

Like I said before, I’ve never been a big fan, but I guess I’ve just been trying the wrong ones because these were AMAZING. Two of the Oyster Shucking Contest winners, Isabella Macbeth and Libby Davis graciously shared one with me in an effort to change my mind. Libby shucked one open, poured someRed Hot Clay Sauceon it and handed me a saltine. I was shocked! I liked it. Just don’t forget to recycle those oyster shells once you’re finished with your bucket at one of the many recycling stations throughout the festival. 

Just don’t forget to recycle those oyster shells once you’re finished with your bucket at one of the many recycling stations throughout the festival.

Overall, it was a memorable time with my parents who happily joined me for this new adventure. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I cannot wait to return next year for more fun and oysters. I’m a changed woman.

Follow along with me onInstagram @jamilynns_jauntsfor my favorite book recommendations, additional footage captured from the 39th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival and to see where I might be off to next.