Interestingly, the gang headed back off-island Thursday night (something most islanders will never do twice in one year, much less twice in a week).
The Thursday night date brought Rachel and her date to Shuckin' and Shaggin', an event at Bluffton's Oyster Factory Park that is nowhere near as dirty as you're assuming it is right now.
As it happens, both terms reference Lowcountry traditions. The shuckin' refers to the oysters pulled out of the May River. The uniquely brackish waters of the river create some of the world's finest oysters, and the Bluffton Oyster Factory right at the park is where you'll find them fresh out of the water. The shaggin' refers to the official state dance of South Carolina (really), which is basically like doing the twist, but to worse music.
The real star of the evening was the venue, though. Situated along a glittering stretch of the May River's pristine waters, Oyster Shell Park gives visitors a chance to put in a kayak, relax under twisting live oaks and even tour a fully restored freedman's cottage.
The Hilton Head Island/Bluffton episode of The Bachelorette airs May 22.
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