Conservation // 3 min Read

Local Character: Boo Harrell

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Take a guided tour on the May River, stop for a spell in the Ship’s Store, or bump into Boo Harrell on a bike, and you’ll discover a fast friend. Boo, whose formal name is Andrew, is a master storyteller. Just ask him about his name, there is indeed a story. In fact, there is no island, creature, historical figure, or Lowcountry tidbit that Boo can’t weave into a tale, in a way that excites anyone aged five to 85.

Born in Savannah, his father’s career in the Army took the family from Hawaii to Germany, returning regularly to the Lowcountry for visits with his grandparents who had settled on Myrtle Island (Bluffton) in the 1940s. Upon retiring from the military in the seventies, Boo’s father made Myrtle Island their homestead as well. And Boo has fond memories reminiscent of a Conroy novel, of a childhood spent exploring the May, from sunup to sundown, on his jon boat.

For a brief while during his college years, Boo again ventured back to Hawaii and gained certification as a wind-surfing instructor but was ultimately lured back to Bluffton, the tides of the May River calling. After graduation from USC with his degree in tourism, he became a wind-surfing instructor with Outside Hilton Head. Over the years he shifted his focus to real estate, but always kept one foot in the water, literally.

When the opportunity arose for Outside Hilton Head to provide services at Palmetto Bluff, Boo enthusiastically stepped up to the plate. At the time, he was living on Myrtle Island and would make the seven-minute commute via kayak. His enthusiasm and joy for life are contagious; it is clear that he found his passion and followed it, and now we are all the benefactors of this gift.%GALLERY%We asked Boo a few questions, and while his tales tend to be grand and detailed, he was surprisingly succinct when asked about himself. Read on …

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to wear flip-flops every day and when the river is above 80 degrees.

What goes through your mind as you drive to work each morning?

I feel blessed every day to work at such a beautiful property. Driving in, I am always imagining what the river is going to look like and hoping it is going to be a perfect day with just the right amount of cloud coverage and a slight breeze. I also try to figure out what I am going to do to exceed the expectations of the group that is going out on the river with me.

And, on the way home?

After a long day, I find it nice to just zone out, relax and listen to NPR.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Stopping at RT’s Market and picking up a delicious pastry!

Is there a movie that you’d recommend to friends?

Senna. It is a documentary about Ayrton Senna, the Brazilian F1 driver. I feel anyone who has raced anything will truly appreciate this movie.

If there were a movie about your life, what would it be called? And, which actor would play you?

Huck Finn on the May… and Kevin Costner would play me because I think of Waterworld and the cool catamaran he sailed.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Easy question: my daughters Sydney Leigh, 16 and Drew Covington, 11.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Generosity. I always want to help others in need.

What is the last book you read?

Comeback by Dennis Conner. He lost The America’s Cup in 1983 to the Australians and tells his story of winning it back in 1987.

If you could have one “super power,” what would it be? And, how would you use it at work?

I would like to be able to control the weather. Every day would be 85 degrees with nice breeze in the afternoon.

When you’re not here, what are you doing?

I enjoy windsurfing, however, I haven’t been out much.

What word do you use most?

Aloha!

What makes you laugh?

Any Will Ferrell movie …

Top five songs on your playlist?

Talking Heads – Naïve Melody; Beautiful Day – U2; Jet Airliner – Steve Miller Band; Pride (in the name of love) – U2; Every song on the CD Tropical Update by The Mundahs.

Favorite spot on the Bluff?

The tree house at Moreland. I never get tired of scanning the marsh and creeks from above.

Best Palmetto Bluff Moment?

One evening I was out on the river at sunset, and we could hear the Hallelujah Singers performing on the porch at Canoe Club. Priceless.

Photography by Rob Kaufman

Club Life
Relax and Unwind: Top Spas and Wellness Activities at Palmetto Bluff

Your Guide to Relaxation and Rejuvenation at Palmetto Bluff Perfectly positioned along the serene May River in South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff is more than just a beautiful locale—it's a sanctuary for those seeking ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. This Lo...

Aug 2024
south carolina architecture

Architecture & Design
Your Complete Guide to South Carolina’s Architectural Styles

A Glimpse into South Carolina Architecture  Positioned between the tranquil waters of the May River and the lush landscapes of South Carolina's Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff stands as a sanctuary where natural beauty seamlessly intertwines with architectural bri...

Aug 2024

Real Estate
Top 2 Luxury Homes in Palmetto Bluff with Breathtaking Views

Explore 15 Hernando and 30 Flicker Street at Palmetto Bluff Located in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff offers a blend of natural beauty, architectural excellence, and a lifestyle that epitomizes luxury living. Among the myriad of st...

Aug 2024

Club Life
Celebrate Labor Day On The May

Palmetto Bluff loves to celebrate as a community, and Labor Day is no exception. Wilson Landing Lawn & Racquet Club is set to host the popular members-only 2024 Labor Day Pickleball Mixer on August 30th. It’s sure to be a weekend of community and competiti...

Aug 2024

An Inside Look at Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods

Explore Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods and Their Unique Amenities   Palmetto Bluff is a desirable community that seamlessly blends together the natural Lowcountry landscape with luxury living. Here, residents enjoy a number of recreational activities and ...

Aug 2024

Conservation
Nature Unveiled | Montage Palmetto Bluff

Story by Meghan Lamb Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff beckons both avid nature enthusiasts and inquisitive travelers to embark on an array of unforgettable experiences. At the core of the resort’s ...

Aug 2024
palmetto bluff shooting club

Sporting Life
Behind the Bluff with Shooting Club Director: Andrew Harris

Leading the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club to New Heights Welcome to another captivating edition of Behind the Bluff, where we delve into the lives of remarkable individuals who contribute to making Palmetto Bluff an exceptional community. In this feature, we s...

Jul 2024

Architecture & Design
6 Popular Property Types at Palmetto Bluff

Discover the Different Types of Homes Available at The Bluff In the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff offers a stunning array of homes catering to various lifestyles. From retirees seeking tranquility to young families desiring a vibrant co...

Jul 2024
summer bucket list

Culture
Summer Activities to Check Off Your List Before the Fall

10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...

Jul 2024

Culture
Dogs of Palmetto Bluff

​​Photography by Summer Pagatpatan Bentley || Chocolate Labrador || Male || 9 Years Old Bentley is always happy to see anyone. He’s the fan favorite in our neighborhood and might bust down the door to see you! Bentley loves to go on a treat walk in Wilson ...

Jul 2024

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