Browsing Hilton Head
One of the hidden treasures of Hilton Head, Alder Lane Beach, beckons locals to its less-crowded shores during the warmer summer months when many other area beaches are teeming with people. Alder Lane is hidden away--it can even be a bit hard to find--which makes it a great secluded spot to get away from the crowds. It's located just south of one of the more popular beaches on the island, Coligny Beach, and is accessible by a simple walkway that leads to the clean shores. The beach also offers vending machines, restrooms, and mats that make it wheelchair accessible.
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The Arts Center is a creative venue that showcases a variety of entertainment performances, from concerts to musicals, throughout the year. They not only place a strong emphasis on presenting quality artistic performances, but also strive to educate the public with community programs, performance workshops, Artist in Education residencies, and lectures. The building houses a 350-seat main stage auditorium and also two smaller performance areas for youth programs and experimental theater. In addition, the Center is home to the Walter Greer Gallery, which hosts both national and local artists' exhibits that showcase a wide variety of mediums, styles, and themes.
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Want to learn about the flora and fauna of Hilton Head and other coastal islands? The Coastal Discovery Museum is the place to go. There is plenty to see and do here; make sure to stop by the Sea Island Classroom and explore the Biodiversity exhibit that educates visitors about the importance of preserving the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit the islands. You can also create your own map of Hilton Head to take home as a souvenir or watch a video of the museum's award-winning Sea Turtle Protection Project. After exploring the interior of the museum, take a walk outside on the marsh walkway and stroll around the Perennial and Butterfly gardens to get a breath of fresh air, or test your crabbing or shrimping skills in nearby Jarvis Creek. The museum also offers over a dozen different cruises and tours; you can even explore the area's salt marshes by kayak if you sign up for the Kayak Nature Trip.
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Known as one of the most popular beaches in the area, Coligny is packed with amenities: volleyball nets, water fountains, changing rooms, sand showers, umbrellas, and (on most warm days) people. The beach is located right across from Coligny Plaza, one of the island's best shopping areas. This is a great beach for entertaining the whole family, as activities abound. If you get tired of swimming and lounging, rent a Hobie Cat or recumbent bike from the lifeguards for hours of fun riding along the beach. There is even a full-service outdoor bar located just down the beach. And, like some other beaches in the area, Coligny has mats to make it more wheelchair accessible.
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The Coligny Theatre, originally known as The Island Theater was opened in 1972 and held the distinction of being Hilton Head's only theater for years. The Island Theater slowly declined until it shut down in the late 90s, but in a spark of rejuvenation the venue was reopened as the Coligny Theatre in 2002. The one-screen theater today shows primarily "art shows" and independent films throughout the year. Shows are offered twice a day to the public.
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Daufuskie Island is located between Savannah, GA, and Hilton Head Island. It is easily accessible by ferry from either Savannah or Hilton Head and is home to two resorts and less than 1,000 permanent residents. Recreational activities abound, as the island boasts two championship golf courses and lots of great fishing and swimming areas. There are two historic lighthouses located on the island: Bloody Point (built in 1883) and Haig Point (built in 1873). Both are accessible only by a tour from Hilton Head or if you are a guest at Haig Point. The island is eight square miles in area, so the best way to get around is by bicycle or golf cart, although a few cars and trucks can be seen driving the roads (many of which are dirt or gravel).
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Daufuskie Island Resort is the place to go for secluded relaxation. Located on a private island that's only accessible by ferry from Hilton Head, the resort is loaded with amenities, including a personal grocery valet service, marina, general store, pools, and fitness center. The facility features a handful of restaurants and bars to choose from, some with beautiful verandas that are perfect for warm weather dining. Guests can also take advantage of the full-service Equestrian center and take riding lessons or carriage tours around the property. When you're tired of touring and playing, stop by the on-site Breathe Spa for a relaxing massage or sea mud body wrap.
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Descendants of African slaves, the "Gullah" people generally live in communities on the islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. They work hard to uphold many aspects of their rich heritage, including the customs, art, language, stories, and songs of their ancestors. The De Gullah Creations Gallery provides a place where Gullah artisans and craftspeople can display and sell their art, and bring a share of the profits back into their community. Some highlights of the gallery include paintings, sweetgrass baskets, and clothing. In addition to selling art, the gallery is also a great resource for information about the unique Gullah culture and tradition.
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Go Tri Sports is the store to check out for everything triathlon. They not only have a fully-stocked shop with anything you would ever need for the three-sport race, but also sponsor many runs, camps, clinics, biathlons, and of course, triathlons. The friendly staff is happy to answer any questions or dole out advice about the sport, whether you're an experienced athlete or just want to try a race for the first time. Need shoe or bike tips? The store also offers great shoe and bike fits so you're sure to find the perfect gear for you.
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Teaching all about Gullah culture, the Gullah Tours snake through family-based communities that have been successful in preserving their unique culture in the midst of the resort community of Hilton Head. The tours are led by fourth generation Gullah family members who are well-versed in traditional stories, language, beliefs, and other cultural aspects of Gullah life. These people have a unique post-slavery history based in the sea islands of South Carolina and Georgia; one that they are currently trying to preserve in the face of the pressures of modern development.
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The Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Pines Resort holds a special place in every purist golfer's heart. You don't come here to haphazardly practice your backswing while on vacation--you come here to play in the footprints of legends, surrounded by luxury. Since 1957, Harbour Town Golf Links have hosted some of the greatest names in the game, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, and many others, who have cemented their names in history. The course has been ranked the number one golf course in all of South Carolina because of the beautifully manicured lawns, plethora of par-threes, and frequent PGA tournaments. The long fairways are just the practice you need for the ferociously famed 18th hole, which offers challenge, beauty, and, depending on how many strokes it takes to get the ball home, a true sense of accomplishment.
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Before you start exploring Hilton Head, visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse at The Sea Pines Resort for an aerial view of the city. The lighthouse was completed in 1970, which is unique considering constructing lighthouses has been an uncommon private endeavor since the 1800s. This lighthouse, however, was built for visitors, and showcases some of the best panoramic views over the island. After you've climbed to the top (91 feet up to be exact), spend some time in the Shop At The Top, where you can purchase charms, jewelry, local artwork, and Hilton Head memorabilia, while also stealing glimpses of life below.
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Just across the way from Hilton Head is another alluring historic town called Bluffton. Your visit here will bring you to old buildings displaying character and charm. The residents are experts in southern hospitality and will offer a wave to anyone. Your day can start with a quick breakfast at the Squat & Gobble or Sippin' Cow Cafe & Grill and end with dinner at a BBQ, Deli, or Italian restaurant. There are small boutique shops where you can find one of a kind items, and there are flower shops to pick up a bouquet to spice up your vacation home. Bluffton also has a few historic sights, for those who would like to learn the history of the town. The Heyward House and the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society will be able to answer any questions you or your family might have.
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A visit to the Honey Horn Plantation is a must if you are looking for local art and events hosted in the sole remaining plantation house on Hilton Head. When the island's main economic endeavor was cotton farming and hunting, the Honey Horn house and property was used as a home, place to hunt, and storage facility. This 68-acre site has been in use since 1805, and today is a preserved site used to showcase local artist's work, and host annual events and galas. It is managed by the Coastal Discovery Museum, which is also located in Honey Horn and open to the public.
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The Island Winery, owned and operated by Dr. Georgene and husband Loren Mortimer, has vino to purchase for every occasion. You can buy wine that perfectly pairs with pepperoni pizza and a late night movie, or wine to toast at special parties featuring a flamboyant feast. The Mortimers share their passion for wine making, and offer an extensive collection of white, red, and specialty wines. The winery is open for tastings and also host special events, including happy hours, cheese and wine pairings, and holiday festivals.
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It's a beautiful day on the island and you're looking for a place to have a picnic, throw a Frisbee, and read a book, while your kids play on jungle gyms and slides. The Jarvis Creek Park, built in 2003, is a new facility that has paved trails, open spaces, picnic areas, and a lake. Spending a day here will rejuvenate and relax you, so the rest of your vacation can be packed with adventure and exploration. The park was built with sustainability in mind--sediment from water runoff is separated and settled by the wetlands before returning to Jarvis Creek, and the park was paid for by selling the dirt that was dug out to make the lake. Today, the park offers barbeque pits, shelters for parties, and a large playground for kids. It is the perfect solution for having a day with no agenda or time constraints.
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There are several music venues on Hilton Head, but the Jazz Corner strives the hardest to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The owners, Charles Swift and Bob Masteller, opened the club in 1999, and pride themselves on offering superb live jazz, played in a traditional American style, by locally, nationally, and internationally known jazz artists. Masteller, a world-famous musician, and Swift, a connoisseur of fine jazz, have created a club that aims to educate the public about the art of jazz while offering high-class entertainment. The club's artist profiles include Duncan Sheik, a Grammy nominated artist who wrote “Barely Breathing,” Hotlanta, a New Orleans based Dixieland jazz group, and Jazzanova--another southern influenced jazz group. They aim to please you at the Jazz Corner, and do so successfully, as the club is known on the island for offering a unique and captivating experience.
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If you want to learn more about the history and wildlife on Hilton Head, Kayak Hilton Head is the company to visit. Here, you can rent kayaks to solo around the island's waterways and ocean front, or you can book a two hour tour, and guides will paddle with you while teaching about the indigenous wildlife and surrounding landscapes. The company claims to be the best on the island because they put in where the dolphins come to feed, so sightings and up close encounters with the mammal are more frequent. Kayak Hilton Head has a private dock, so your tour won't be bombarded with other tourists and loud splashing, allowing you to have a better chance of sighting otters, minks, jumping shrimp, and crabs.
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For a unique adventure tour through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, sign up for horseback riding at Lawton Stables. Visitors, age eight and older, can ride on western saddles--built for comfortable, relaxed rides, while enjoying the trails covered in Spanish moss and Palmettos. The Sea Pines offer eight miles of trails and 600 acres of preserved land. Your horse will meander by natural wildlife, including gators, deer, and a variety of birds. After the ride, head out to the small animal farm for more pictures and petting. If you have kids younger than eight, they might enjoy the pony rides at basecamp.
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The Main Street Youth Theatre performances offer entertainment for the entire family and showcases talented youth that reside on the island. The theater offers educational classes, one day workshops, and full Broadway style productions for Hilton Head locals and visitors. If your stay on Hilton Head is longer than a week, check out a workshop offered on assigned Thursdays. If your stay is brief, take the family out for the evening to see a play. Past productions have included
Peter Pan, High School Musical, Scrooge, and
Cinderella.
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After a fun-filled day of playing in the ocean or touring the island, hang out at Marina Village on the South Beach. If you've ever been to Providence, Rhode Island or Long Beach, California, you know the laid back feeling that the Marina Village strives to provide. Here you can put your name in for dinner at one of the restaurants, then visit the local shops while you wait. The restaurants feature waterfront dining, fresh seafood made to order, and tasty cocktails to enjoy while watching the sun set. If you're looking for souvenirs to take home, choose from the tackles shop, jewelry shop, or Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory.
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The Old Fort Pub is a Hilton Head favorite, offering a high-class dining experience every time you visit. The restaurant opened in 1973, but it may look a bit more historical than that as it was designed to blend in with the neighboring Fort Mitchell, built in the 1800s. The place is special, not only because it serves savory steaks and delectable desserts, but because your server knows how to tow your car to the road if impending weather sweeps in while dining. When the restaurant opened, the owner required the staff to know how to operate a tractor, helping to ease the fears of customers when heavy bogs rolled in and they were still working on appetizers.
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At the Old South Golf Links, golfers can practice their back swing, playing on long fairways lined with ancient oaks and the whistling sounds of South Carolina's light breezes. The Links promises an old fashioned good time on greens that blend in with the natural surroundings. Hilton Head's picturesque landscape of salt marshes, sloping hills, and natural waterways were designed to be the main feature of the golf course. Every hole showcases a different, but equally amazing, view of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. After you've played the game, enjoy a meal and a cold brew at the clubhouse, open daily and always serving great food.
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Outside Hilton Head provides rentals and guided trips for the outdoor enthusiasts in your family. The outfitter operates 365 days a year, offering kayaking, fishing, boat charters, boat rentals, and camping excursions. The staff are experienced and know the area like the back of their hands. If you're looking for a guided tour, try the Full Moon Paddle (if there's a full moon on your trip). Outside takes you on the the river where the glow of the moon provides enough light for quick glimpses of nocturnal wildlife. If you're visiting in the summer, sign up for the Fireworks tour, where you get to paddle over red, white, and blue illuminated water. If kayaking isn't your forte, register for a guided dolphin tour, or ride the charter to Daufuskie Island, a historically preserved island only accessible by boat.
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After exploring Hilton Head, travel inland to explore the quieter and more relaxing Palmetto Bluff area. The town strives to blend in with the environment by choosing not to develop large shopping malls and corporate coffee shops on every corner. Instead, Palmetto Bluff showcases the good life in a sustainable way as a community built into the wetlands, marshes, river edges, and forest. The locals offer smiles and waves when you pass by, and often walk and bike to their destinations. The atmosphere is laid back and simple, you can visit the small village shops or take a stroll through the River Road Preserve, a 120-acre refuge for plants and wildlife.
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Don't forget to bring your clubs on vacation, because you don't want to miss the three famous golf courses at the Palmetto Dunes Resort. Designed and named after the pros, there is a course for everyone to try--novice or pro. The Robert Trent Jones course, a short course, offers over 2,000 acres of playable, beach front property. The 10th hole is said to be the best here, but watch out--you don't want the sounds of the crashing waves and energizing salt water breeze to make you bogey! The George Fazio golf course is perfect for golfers who enjoy challenges and obstacles. The course often hosts championship games and beckons golfers who look for adventure on the green. The final golf course is an island favorite--the Arthur Hills course. Hills highlighted the natural layout of the land by building a course into the dunes and gently sloping hills that previously existed on Hilton Head. With three courses to play, each offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic, the Palmetto Dunes Resort is sure to be above par.
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There are several islands that surround Hilton Head: Little and Big Harry Island, Corn Island, and Buzzard Island. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, however, is the best island to visit if you desire hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, or photographing while on vacation. With 14 miles of trails winding through a diverse landscape that includes salt marshes, tidal creeks, forests, and freshwater ponds, Pinckney Island offers the perfect day trip, filled with adventure and beauty. If you get tired of walking around, take a quick nap in one of the hammocks hanging around the island. Hunters and anglers are also in for a treat--deer can be hunted during the annual season, and fishing is popular here because of the freshwater ponds and easy access to the ocean.
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Hilton Head is a great place to visit if your vacation requirements include wildlife viewing and hiking in nature. One of the best places to do this on the island is at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. There is a superabundance of birds--both inland and ocean varieties--reptiles, and mammals to keep your camera clicking. Pick up a bird guide before you head out to this destination and look for Egrets, Brown Pelicans, the Wood Stork, and the Ibis (to name only a few). As you hike around eight miles of trails that wind over wetlands and observation decks, look out for alligators, snakes, and turtles. Don't worry, they won't hurt you! Take your family down to the fishing docks and try catching dinner while conversing over everyone's favorite part of the trip. Or, sit on the boardwalk by yourself and watch the sun go down over the water.
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You're supposed to eat seafood while at the seashore, but where can you get it without donning fancy evening wear and dealing with pretentious waiters? The Sea Shack offers fresh, delicious, inexpensive seafood, and the only dress code they require is to wear what's comfortable. After spending a day at the beach or exploring the island, appease your appetite with the famed Shack Attack meal, a sample platter that includes crab cakes, scallops, shrimp, and other tasty fish of the sea. Have it grilled, fried, blackened, or grilled, but hurry up and decide--the locals are lined up behind you and know exactly what they want.
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Shelter Cove Community Park is the place to take a blanket, a Frisbee, and a bottle of wine to enjoy while relaxing with your loved ones or appreciating a moment of solitude. The park, a town favorite, has walking trails, boardwalks along the waterfront, picnic areas, and a marina. Recently, the town expanded the park and added a Veterans Memorial to honor our fallen heroes. Shelter Cove Community Park makes a great visit if you're looking to take it easy and enjoy the heavenly scenery.
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If you're a nature lover or bird watcher, and also enjoy peaceful, unhurried cruising on the water, the SS Pelican and Island Queen Dolphin tours are the perfect choice. The Island Queen, a 40 passenger vessel, prides itself on offering up close encounters with dolphins that are so friendly with the captain, they have names. The captain of the SS Pelican, a 21 passenger vessel, has narrated tours of this serene environment for over 20 years and welcomes any questions from the crowd. On this tour, you are likely to see dolphins and otters, but it is also common to see Osprey, Sea Turtles, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and other amazing wildlife that is indigenous to this area. When your tour is complete, the captain always invites families to stick around and fish from the docks or jet ski around the marina. The SS Pelican and Island Queen Dolphin tours are affordable, personable, and family oriented, so you're guaranteed to have a great time.
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Hilton Head became a popular destination after establishing and operating cotton plantations before the Revolutionary War. One resident, Captain John “Saucy Jack” Stoney, built the Braddock's Point Plantation in 1793 to produce and store cotton. He paid for the construction of it with money taken from imprisoned British soldiers, who regularly harassed citizens on the island. After Stoney declared bankruptcy years later, William Eddings Baynard became the owner--some say Baynard won the house in a poker game--and cared for it until his death. Only the foundation and shell of the house remain, but the Stoney-Baynard Ruins provide visitors with a historical look at tabby architecture (tabby is a mix of oyster shells, salt water, and sand) that was commonly used on the coast in the 18th century.
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Hang Loose dudes and dudettes--spend a day in the surf pulling moves like the El Rollo and Aerials until the sun sets. If you love to surf, or think you would love surfing, Sunny Daze Surf Factory has the gear, clothes, and lessons for you. The staff are passionate about catching waves and welcome surfers of any level to take classes, hang out in the shop, or exchange stories about the thrilling sport. Not up for surfing? No problem, the shop also rents skim and skate boards to enjoy on the shoreline. A relaxing day at the beach is fun for everyone, but surfing adds a little more excitement in your vacation memories.
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The little ones in the family need vacation time too! At the Sandbox, an interactive museum for kids, your children are able to explore and play all day in a safe environment. Kids can learn about foreign cultures at the International Bazaar, be inspired by music and art in the Rhythm and Hues area, or burn energy and discover the thrill of rock climbing on the T-Rex wall. The Sandbox also hosts special event nights, including Mommy and Me, a class for mothers and younger kids, Children's Yoga, and Move to Music--popular classes designed to keep your child healthy and active. Nothing is off limits at this family oriented museum where kids have fun with hands-on exhibits while learning.
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For those who love boat fishing, but are also looking for thrills at speeds up to 75 mph, Triple Threat Sport Fishing is the charter service for you. Voted the best charter value on Hilton Head, Triple Threat promises to provide a first-class deep sea fishing experience for tourist and locals on the island. The captains are United States Coast Guard licensed and have over 30 years of experience on the open ocean. There are several tours to choose from, the minimum being a three-hour trip where snapper and grouper are the main catch, and the longest tour is a 12-hour trip where Dolphin, Tuna, and Shark are the popular catch. Don't forget the sunscreen and a hat! Spending all day in the sun can be hard on your eyes, but it is well worth it--you'll have fresh fish for dinner and an experience to remember.
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Worried about not getting court time while on vacation? Don't let your backhand skills go by the wayside, enhance them at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. Both Dennis and Pat Van Der Meer are world-renowned tennis professionals dedicated to helping tennis players, from novice to pro, improve their game. Dennis and Pat's credentials include an honorary doctorate from the University of Greenwich, South Carolina Pro of the Year Award, and Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year Award. Choose from a three to five day program if your staying on Hilton Head for a while, or request court time without a class and play to your hearts content. Either way, a quick game of tennis is the perfect solution to playing in the sun while working off any extra calories consumed on vacation.
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