Hilton Head Visitor News & Updates

Beat Rainy Days on Hilton Head

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:43:00 GMT

Okay, it all sounds so great; twelve miles of beach, golf courses and tennis courts around every bend in the road, dolphin watching, alligator safaris, bicycling, historic sights, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, para-sailing, fishing and crabbing, sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, nature tours, dog parks, birding, shelling ... but, all those things are “fair weather” activities. So, what’s left to do if it begins to rain?

First of all, it hardly ever rains for more than an hour or two straight during the “season”. Most rainfall during the summer comes in the form of thunder storms and showers, and you can usually count on the day returning to normal when the storm has moved on. There are, however, occasional days that seem to be one thunder storm after another, when this does happen, it’s a safe bet it will be bright and sunny the next day; but still that does leave visitors with a day to fill. Don’t forget your “souvenir list”—who goes on vacation without a list of people they have to “bring something back" for? The island has dozens of specialty shops that are perfect for your keepsake shopping. Even on a rainy day, Coligny Plaza is a fun place to just tool around. Almost all the walkways are covered and about one-third of the stores are great souvenir shops. If you still haven’t found “just the right thing for Aunt Helen”, almost every shopping center has at least one store that should help, and don’t forget the mall! If you need even more shopping, head on over to Bluffton and the two Tanger Outlets, which offer more than eighty-five factory outlet stores.

Is shopping not your bag? What about the library? Hilton Head has an absolutely wonderful branch of the Beaufort County Public Library system. There are lots of peaceful reading areas, a “bank” of computers ($2.00 fee for non-resident internet use), a little book store and a delightful children’s area, complete with coloring pages and crayons and computers just for the kid’s entertainment. Speaking of kids, if they are getting on your last rainy day nerve, there is an interactive Children’s Museum just off Pope Avenue. McDonalds, near Sea Pines Circle, and Burger King, on the north end, have very nicely equipped (and air-conditioned) playgrounds also. For older kids, Adventure Cove on Folly Field Road offers video games and miniature golf. Don't forget about Island Playground, the area's only indoor inflatable playground.

Still trying to find something? Hey, movies are always an old standby rainy day activity. There are three theaters on the island, as well as one in Bluffton; almost all of which offer matinees. There are also several live theater genres that offer matinees. Many professional, well-known and soon to be well-known artists make their homes on Hilton Head, so it would naturally follow that you should locate some very nice art galleries. The Coastal Discovery Museum, at Honey Horn Plantation, also offers many indoor programs, as well as an eclectic display of local memorabilia and artifacts. Odds are you’ll find so many “rainy day” activities that appeal to you that you will probably give up a good portion of a sunny day just so you can take them all in!

Taste of the Season 2010

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Taste of the Season ‑ So much to see, taste and savor, it's truly a culinary gift to the Lowcountry. Treat yourself to the crème de la crème of the region's restaurants and sample the best of the best from more than 35 of the area's top chefs at the 21st Annual Taste of the Season, presented by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. The sumptuous sampling of gourmet fare will be held at a new venue this year, the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa on Friday, December 3rd.

Showcasing the culinary skills of Lowcountry chefs, this landmark event has long been a holiday favorite, a tradition of excellence and elegance as chefs compete for the honor of “Best Cuisine.” Last season's win went to Eric Seaglund's walnut encrusted sea bass served over sweet potato risotto and finished with a cherry gastrique. A food-lovers' dream come true, Taste of the Season dishes up culinary fare with phenomenal presentation, and on-the-spot preparation.

New this year, a special V.I.P. preview party “Conversation with the Chefs” brings attendees in for a pre-showing an hour before doors officially open, to enjoy tantalizing tastings and preview the dazzling array of fabulous cake designs on display along with a wonderful selection of silent auction items. “The opportunity to meet and converse with the chefs was something the crowd really responds to,” said Cathy Havens, chamber special events manager. “The V.I.P. option offers an intimate approach that showcases the culinary arts in a very special way. And it gives everyone a chance to marvel and admire the stunning cake design showcase!”

PEOPLE’S CHOICE Help choose the winning cake design competition, and vote on your favorite culinary creations for the winning honor of Best Cuisine. This year's new venue at Hilton Head Island Marriott Resort & Spa will offer attendees wider avenues to stroll as they enjoy award-winning cuisine and sample the best of the best served up with creative inspiration.

LET THEM EAT CAKE Feast your eyes on this year's Cake Design Showcase. Showcasing the extraordinary talents of area confectionary artists, these gorgeous creations will compete for the top holiday honor of “Best Cake.” Unbelievable detail, décor and design are the signature of these sophisticated and awe-inspiring cakes - an absolute must see! “Best Cake 2009” went to the splendid towering cascade of gift-wrapped packages, complete with sweet trimmings, topped with a snowman created by Sheri Davis of Sheri's Edible Designs. Signe Gardo of Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery & Café created a festive tribute to that holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, that placed second.

NEW THIS YEAR... Gingerbread houses will glisten with gumdrops and white frosting trim in the newest addition to the design showcase. Local schoolchildren will put their best talents to the test in this colorful junior division category. Resort chefs will join in the friendly rivalry and may the best gingerbread house win!

BON APPETIT! Once again, our area's top chefs will good-naturedly compete for bragging rights to “Best Cuisine.” What better way to sample upscale southern favorites, international inspired-entrees and fabulous pairings of the Lowcountry's incomparable award-winning cuisine. Savor the extraordinary experience of Taste of the Season – the gourmands’ gift to the Lowcountry. Not to mention all the goodies available in the silent auction, great gift items, luxurious getaways and weekend adventures await, along with dining opportunities and other fabulous offerings.

It's always a sell-out! Taste of the Season will be held on Friday, December 3 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. V.I.P. preview party “Conversation with the Chefs” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Presenting sponsor is South Carolina Electric and Gas. Tickets for the event are $45. V.I.P. “Conversation with the Chefs” preview party tickets are $75 and will be available at Chamber headquarters, the Hilton Head Island Welcome Center, and at the chamber's Bluffton office. For more information call (843) 785-3673.

"From your place to ours", HiltonHeadPlaces.com

Google Maps are here!

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

We're pleased to introduce our latest feature to HiltonHeadPlaces.com, Google Maps! This is a web mapping service application and technology provided by Google. Each listing on HiltonHeadPlaces.com receives a free map which shows a street map view and a terrain view. Considering Hilton Head's small size, but sometimes confusing roadways and traffic circles, Google maps makes it easier than ever before to find that perfect vacation beach rental in Hilton Head. To view a map on a listing, simply click the 'Google Map' tab next to the 'Slideshow' tab as shown here. From here, you can switch between views to see the location of the property. Keep in mind that EXACT pinpoint locations are close, but not always 100% accurate. For instance, if a specific unit is located in a larger rental complex, the address may reflect the general complex rather than the unit. Of course our best advice is to always talk to rental owner when booking for complete details!

Take a Vacation! Your Health Depends on It!

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The surf's calling, but if you're like many, you're feeling guilty about asking your boss for a little time off to relax--even though you desperately need it. Not only do Americans get a meager amount of vacation time, they also tend not to use it all, according to Expedia.com's seventh annual Vacation Deprivation survey, conducted this spring. Unsurprisingly, Americans got the least amount of vacation days per year among the countries surveyed, earning only 14 days vs. 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in Spain and 36 days in France.

Despite reporting an average of 14 vacation days this year, compared with 12 days in 2005, 35% of the more than 4,100 U.S. adults questioned said they will not use all of their time off, leaving an average of three days on the table. "Some people are fearful in this day and age about job security," says Munro Cullum, a professor of psychiatry and neurology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "There's a push for productivity, and that can make people really avoid taking a vacation. Some people just figure they'll relax when they retire." Sound familiar? Your behavior may impress your boss, but medical experts say you're not doing your health any favors. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is calling your name (softly and gentle of course)! > read more at our vacation blog

"From Your Place to Ours", Hilton Head Places.com

Fall Events Keep the Excitement Coming

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

With fall at our doorstep, there comes a whole new list of activities and events that will keep people coming to Hilton Head Island. Events ranging for high class automobile shows to the Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival offer something exciting for everyone this fall on Hilton Head Island. For more details on some of these upcoming events make sure to check out our blog page. And don’t forget to share the fun with your friends, family, and social network.

Feel free to contact us for even more information at www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com or call 800.424.3387.

"From Your Place to Ours", Hilton Head Places.com

Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival

It’s what’s brewing on Hilton Head Island in September! The 4th annual Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival showcases the premium attributes of beer while at the same time offering every pleasure the island has to offer. Attendees can relax and relish the sounds of jazz, enjoy beer and food pairings, taste some undeniably fabulous brew and indulge in the best seafood the island has to offer September 13-18, 2010. Raise a stein and celebrate the world of craft brews for the week-long Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival. Key events include beer tastings, beer and food pairings, and jazz performances. For more information, contact www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com or call 800.424.3387.

Informed Visitors

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Alright, you’ve been planning your trip to the island for months. You’re all packed, you’ve made sure you’ve got all the beach toys ready to go, the bathing suits are packed, and you’ve spent hours on the Internet hunting for things you want to do, printed them all and stacked them neatly in a business size envelope; everything is ready to go. Finally the big day is here; you filled the car and checked all the fluids and the tires, everything is perfect! You’ve been about a hundred miles; just long enough for the kids to start asking, “are we there yet?” The pressure is starting to set in, that’s when you remember all the Internet work you did is sitting on the corner of your desk; right where you put it to keep from forgetting it!

Now, here you are, the kids are getting cranky, you’ve gone way to far to go back and the folks that are suppose to take care of the mail, the paper and the Gold Fish can’t do one thing except confirm that the envelope is exactly where you thought it was. What was it you wanted to see? Which Restaurant was it you were dying to try? Which store was it you wanted to shop at?

Where was that place the kids wanted to go to? Well, of course, it’s all neatly stacked away and destined for the trash can as soon as you get home. Not to fear! Chances are everything you printed and stacked away are all available right on the island, and more besides! Books and pamphlets and just about anything you can imagine, has not to mention, many are also filled with coupons and colorful stories and ideas about things you never gave a thought to!

Many restaurants have stacks of informative pamphlets in their lobbies. Better still, “Hilton Head Guest Services” has kiosk thoughtfully placed all over the island. Not only are the employees who man the kiosk well trained about where things are, the best way to find them, and they are fully stocked with maps and well supplied with a the pamphlets and books you were hoping to find! A few things you want to be sure to pick up are “The Big Fat Coupon Book”, “Hilton Head Island Restaurants”, If you’re a Golfer, there’s an entire book just for you, which will tell you about every course on the Island or even close to it! “Island Events” is another must have, as well as “Where To Go” and be sure to grab a copy of the “Hilton Head 360 Map”, and incidentally the centerfold of “Hilton Head Island Restaurants” book has a great map! So don’t worry, Surfing the net was fun, but you’ll find just bout everything you were looking for right here, now if you could just get the kids to stop asking if you’re there yet! Of course, you can always count on our HiltonHeadPlaces.com Concierge staff to get you informed for your next vacation rental in Hilton Head.

Our Hilton Head Dictionary

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Visitors to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina travel from all points abroad so before you arrive, get caught on some common phrases. Our dictionary (which is still growing) contains some phrases and definitions to help you along the way during your stay. We're always open to suggestions, so if you want to share something with us, please just let us know. Here's a quick peek at one of our favorite Hilton Head meals.

Frogmore Stew- (aka Low Country Boil) much like a Louisiana boil, usually involving shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and red potatoes and is considered part of Lowcountry cuisine. Known variously as Frogmore Stew, Beaufort Stew, a Beaufort boil, a Lowcountry boil, or a tidewater boil, they tend be a bit milder than their Louisiana Cajun and Creole cousins.

Lowcountry Boil- a mixture of fresh shrimp, yellow corn, sausage and potatoes. Also known as Frogmore stew, named after the Frogmore community of St. Helena Island near Beaufort. Just to be clear, there are no frogs in frogmore stew.

See the Hilton Head Dictionary Here!

Independence Day Celebration!

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Hilton Head Island 4th of July Fireworks

Independence Day HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour. Fireworks displays will be held on Sunday, July 4th at the Harbour Town Marina in The Sea Pines Resort, Shelter Cove Marina, and Skull Creek. Fireworks shows start around 9pm. At Shelter Cove: Arts and crafts, food, family activities and live entertainment with a fireworks display at dusk. Free parking and admission.

Fireworks Tuesdays!

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

HarbourFest has earned the distinction of being Shelter Cove Harbour's signature summer event. From April through September, Shelter Cove features live entertainment seven nights a week, plus unforgettable food, arts and crafts, fireworks and a flurry of activity. All events at HarbourFest are free and open to the public.

Shannon Tanner, a fixture at HarbourFest since 1988, blends the sounds of the ‘60s with sing-a-longs and his own original ballads. An audience favorite, Shannon returns to Shelter Cove to kick off his 22nd anniversary season on Hilton Head Island, much to delight of children and families who return, year after year, to enjoy his high-energy performances. Shannon will continue one show per night, Wednesday thru Saturday at 6:30, thru Memorial Day Weekend. From June 1 thru September 5, Shannon will offer two one-hour shows each night at 6:30 and 8:00pm, Monday thru Friday. Download Shannon's Schedule here.

Fireworks serve as the centerpiece for HarbourFest every Tuesday from June 22 to August 10, 2010. This breathtaking display lights up the sky just after dusk. Don't miss the special Fourth of July fireworks show, which offers a vibrant extravaganza of light over the Shelter Cove harbor.

> Click here to download the 2010 HarbourFest Schedule

Father's Day is June 20th

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

They say the older you get, the smarter your father seems to get. Father's Day is Sunday, June 20th. We want to recognize all of the visiting Hilton Head fathers on this special day. On this day, Bill Cosby tells us, "If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right." Remember, a father is always making his baby into a little woman, and when she is a woman, he turns her back again.

Modern version of Father's Day celebration originated in United States of America and thereafter the tradition spread in countries around the world. The world owes thanks to Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd a loving daughter from Spokane, Washington as it is because of her struggle that Father's Day saw the light of the day.

The idea of Father's Day celebration originated in Sonora's mind when she per chance listened to Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Fairly mature at the age 27, Sonora pondered if there is a day to honor mother then why not for father? Sonora felt strongly for fathers because of the affection she received from her own father Mr William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. Sonora's mother died while childbirth when she was just 16. Mr Smart raised the newborn and five other children with love and care.

Inspired by Ms Anna Jarvis's struggle to promote Mother's Day, Ms Dodd began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father's Day in US. The Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) supported Sonora's cause. As a result Spokane celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910. Though there was initial hesitation the idea gained gradual popularity all over US and Fathers Day came to be celebrated in cities across the country.

Looking at the heightened popularity of Father's Day in US, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge too supported the idea of a national Father's Day in 1924 to, "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations". After a protracted struggle of over four decades, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. Sonora Smart Dodd was honored for her contribution at the World's Fair in Spokane in 1974. Mrs. Dodd died in 1978 at age 96.

Flag Day and July 4th Are Soon Upon us.

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. flag should be displayed often, especially on these national holidays. However, displaying everyday often causes wear and tear on the flag. Is your flag fit to serve as a symbol of our country? If not, in keeping with the tradition of Flag Day (June 14), the Hilton Head Island Elks, Lodge 2773, will be accepting worn, torn and faded American flags for proper retirement through June 13. The traditonal ceremony to dispose of the American symbol of freedom with dignity and respect will be held June 14 at the lodge. Flags can be dropped off in a labeled container at the front door of the lodge, located at 173 Marshland Road. You can call 843-681-3518.

Guest Requests Galore!

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Guests, it's great to have so many inquires and booking requests! You're on the right track - Hilton Head Island is an awesome vacation place, and our owners are presenting a tremendous assortment of places for your stay. Owners, please respond to your guests in a timely fashion. It's our number one goal to have you connect.

Share Your Thoughts with Us

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Join the conversation on with us on Facebook! Come meet other vacation rental owners (and valued guests) to share great information on your personal Hilton Head experiences. We're also happy to share your vacation rental photos or specific HHI questions here. http://www.facebook.com/hiltonheadrentals

Hilton Head's Web-Foot Friends

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:53:00 GMT

Alligators in Hilton Head Island Alligators are perhaps our best known wildlife. For the most part they live in the many lagoons throughout Hilton Head. Alligators are cold-blooded (they have no mechanism to regulate body temperature) so they rely on their environment to survive. During colder weather alligators will come out of their lagoons and lie on the banks in the sun to raise their body temperature. In warmer weather they stay in the water to stay relatively cool. This means the best time to see alligators is in the spring and fall, but exceptions are common. If a lot of rain has lowered the water temperature in the lagoons, the alligators will come out to sun themselves. It also seems sometimes they come out of the water just because they feel like it, for example, on a cloudy day. In Winter (October to March) alligators hibernate, so are rarely seen.

Alligators in Hilton Head can grow to about 12 feet in length. Those larger than that are generally "removed" because they scare people. We locals have an arrangement with the alligators: we leave them alone and they leave us alone. You would be wise to honor that arrangement. Alligators are not normally aggressive toward humans but they are dangerous. An alligator can outrun a horse for a limited distance. Human adults are too big to be alligator prey, but small children and pets are vulnerable, and an angry alligator knows no fear and will go after anything that bothers it. Here are some rules to keep you out of harm's way:

A mother alligator protecting its nest is about the only circumstance an alligator will attack without provocation. This could occur in wooded or brushy areas near lagoons. Nesting is typically May through August, and the mother protects the hatchlings for one to three years.

Feeding alligators is illegal for a good reason. If an alligator sees humans as a source of food, it stands to reason it will approach humans. Alligators lack social skills so they won't ask nicely for a handout. Never let small children or pets play in lagoons or on the banks of lagoons. Alligators are so fast a pet can vanish before its owner can take a deep breath. If you catch a fish in a lagoon and an alligator wants it, give it up. Reeling in the fish close to you is a very bad idea, as the alligator will see you as competition for food. There have been very rare instances of alligators at the beaches in Hilton Head. Alligators can stand salt water but prefer fresh or brackish, so an alligator at the beach is out of its normal environment and probably lost. Just keep away from it - if possible report it.

http://www.hiltonheadplaces.com

Ask an Owner

Mon, 24 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Guests, it's okay to ask owners questions about their places before making a decision to book. In fact, owners expect your questions! Use the search box to find places that fit your needs. To ask questions about a particular place, use the "Inquire or Book" button to access the contact window. Use the "message to owner" field for your questions. It's that simple. Start asking and make your vacation dreams come true.

Be Our Guests!

Mon, 10 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Hello from Hilton Head Island. You gotta' get here! It's just beautiful this time of year, and we want you to visit this lovely slice of Paradise. It's summer and vacation time for the entire family. Currently, the site is featuring 1, 2, and 3 bedroom oceanfront villas, as well as 3 and 4 bedroom private homes with walk-to-beach locations and private pools. It's easy and FREE to search for places and connect with owners to inquire or make a booking request. Take action today to make your vacation a reality!

Exclusively Hilton Head Island

Mon, 10 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

By offering for-rent-by-owner services exclusive to Hilton Head Island, your vacation property becomes part of the island's destination marketing efforts — not just another listing in a database of international rentals. There are no geographic locations to compete with. We're all about the Island. Click here to learn more about creating a listing!

The Yankee and the Gullah

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:46:00 GMT

On November 7, 1861 the waters off Hilton Head Island became the sight of the largest naval battle ever fought in American waters. As the “War of Northern Aggression” began to escalate, Hilton Head was invaded by over 12,000 federal troops who, in less than five hours, captured Fort Walker and forced the populace of Hilton Head to evacuate the island. Eventually more than 40,000 union troops would be quartered on the island; making the number of full time inhabitants more than today’s.

Federal Troops continued to occupy the island until well after the wars end, overseeing the beginning of the “Reconstruction” and the founding of “Mitchellville”, which was not only the first community built by freed slaves, but also the sight of the first mandatory education system in the United States. Many of the ancestors of the original Mitchellville founders still call Hilton Head home today. Eventually becoming known as “Gullahs”, these freed slaves developed their own culture and language; mixing their African heritage and religion with new world customs, the English language and Christianity. Today the Gullah culture is a special part of low country society, with many groups, businesses and organizations devoted to preserving this special heritage.

In The Mall at Shelter Cove, a specialty shop sells Gullah Art, handmade “sweet grass’ baskets, books and a plethora of other items related to the culture. During the summer, Coligny Plaza’s outdoor stage is the sight of a weekly performance; called “The Gullah Experience”, the show is entertaining and educational, teaching visitors about the Gullah people, with music, song, dance and story telling. The Gullah heritage tour escorts the curious to Mitchellville and other historic sites around the island, important to the Gullah people and their customs and history. A fleet of passenger ferries depart from practically almost every port on Hilton Head, to transport locals and visitors to nearby Daufuskie Island; where the Gullah dialect is still very much in use and visitors can tour cemeteries, the “First African Church”, and the “Gullah Heritage Museum”, learning first hand, from native tour guides and Daufuskie residents.

Island Attire- What to Wear?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:38:00 GMT

One of the most frequently asked questions, to Hilton Head Island Concierges is; “do we have to dress”. The obvious answer is simple and always the same, of course you have to dress; there are ordinances against nudity on Hilton Head! Chris Katon, co-owner of Aqua Grill and Lounge, one of the island’s premier eateries, is fond of saying (with his “hand in the cookie jar” grin), “shoes and shirts required – pants optional”. Callahan’s, a popular New Orleans Road watering hole, proudly posts a sign reading; “men without shirts will not be served, women without shirts will not be charged”.

All joking aside, “dressing for the occasion”, on Hilton Head, is pretty much governed by the common thread of thought that people on vacation (especially vacation on a resort island) rarely pack suitcases with evening gowns, suits and ties and a practically never bring tuxedos. There are those, in fact, who have reportedly sought to introduce legislation which would permanently out-law the wearing of neckties or bow ties within the town limits! “Island Attire” has become not only a new term to describe a code of dress, but also, acceptable apparel at just about any Hilton Head venue. In fact, dress codes are more stringent on the golf courses than they are at the overwhelming majority of island restaurants: All golf courses require players to wear shirts with collars, whereas most restaurants are happy to see patrons wearing any kind of shirt at all; especially clean ones that aren’t covering wet bathing suit tops!

“Island Attire” is basically relaxed golf course attire. A dry T-shirt (preferably a clean one, void of logos, pictures of demons or foul language) is, more often than not, acceptable. When in doubt, throw on a polo or golf shirt or, the islands most popular: Hawaiian (or tropical) print, button front, short sleeve shirt – tails out! For the fairer sex, practically any top on the conservative side of lewd is perfectible acceptable. Short pants are fine for anyone, just about anywhere, and shoes, as might be expected, are always required; with sandals being the most popular footwear on the island. If you should find yourself in doubt of what appropriate dress may be just remember; you are on vacation and everyone here knows it. Don’t you remember “Tacky tourist Day” in high school?

The Island "Hospitality" Epidemic

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:36:00 GMT

Although Hilton Head is the second largest Atlantic Coast Island in the United States, there is still only forty-two square miles of dry land here. On the busiest summer weekends Hilton Head Island often hosts well over 100,000 visitors, equating to over 2,000 people per square mile! Even with all that, it never seems to really be crowded, and everyone gets along, acting like old friends; all part of the same group! So many people, from so many different places, all thrown together on one little island and everyone is happy? What could possibly be the reason for this phenomenon? Recent studies, by some of the country’s top scholars, have proven that South Carolina hospitality is contagious, and has reached epidemic proportions on Hilton Head Island! It is not unusual to find the most arrogant slob from the worst part of any city suddenly become a model of courteousness and consideration: Eager to help perfect strangers with packages, bags, children and doors, and full to the brim with “ma’ams”, “Sirs”, and “please, after you”!

The symptoms of this epidemic are all over the island, for example: Everyone who comes here suddenly adjusts to Hilton Head time! When on “Hilton Head time”, people have a natural tendency to slow down. Suddenly folks really aren’t concerned with how long the line is at the restaurant; the food is well worth the wait and undoubtedly they will find some truly interesting character to talk to while they wait. For some strange reason, it is no longer such an inconvenience when a store or shop is a few minutes late opening; it’s just a good reason to have a cup of coffee or browse through the store next door! The strangest symptom of all, of this epidemic of courtesy, is that no one really seems to care how long it takes you to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal, when the light turns green; unless you’ve slipped into a coma, its doubtful anyone behind will blow the horn at you. Other symptoms include; folks keeping their dogs on a leash wherever appropriate, and picking up their little messes; and politely alerting people on the bicycle paths that they are about to be passed from behind.

There are few things more relaxing than a Hilton Head weekend or vacation, and little does more to add to that pleasure than this mysterious plague of consideration.

Hilton Head’s Stonehenge

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Ancient man left his mark, clues to his cultures and societies, in different forms all over the world. We find, and study, the clues left by our ancestors; from the cave paintings in France, to the statues of Easter Island, the Pyramids of the Mayans and the Egyptians, and Stonehenge; trying to unlock their secrets and solve their mysteries. Hilton Head Island is also home to one of the mysteries left by a prehistoric civilization: Circular mounds of shells and bone, some as large as 240 feet in diameter and nine feet high! Perhaps these shell rings are not the architectural achievements of the great pyramids, but they are just as mysterious and just as old; most scholars believe the “newest” these “Shell Rings” to date back to around 1450 B.C.!

Constructed of every type of sea shell and animal bone imaginable, and native to the area, no one really knows exactly why they were built. The most plausible theory is that the ancients, for lack of a better idea, simply piled their garbage around their homes and camps; thus creating a circular trash heap, around a common area; thus recycling their refuse into a fence and boundary marker that could have also served as protection from wild animals, strong winds and other tribes. Today the remains of only twenty shell rings still exist; protected by law and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; there is evidence to support the theory that some may be as old as 10,000 years.

There were originally believed to have been four of these mysterious rings on Hilton Head; however two of them were destroyed years ago, when material was harvested from them to make “tabby”. Perhaps some of the remnants of these two rings are still visible in the Stoney-Baynard ruins in Sea Pines Plantation; this is actually plausible, as one of the two remaining shell rings is located near the east entrance to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The Sea Pines ring, believed to date approximately 4,000 years, is about one hundred-fifty feet in diameter. The other remaining Hilton Head ring can be viewed at the “Green Shell Enclosure”, on the north end of the island, off Squire Pope Road.

Hilton Head On Two Wheels

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:26:00 GMT

What is twelve miles long, five miles wide, looks like an old tennis shoe, and has ten-thousand bicycles? Answer: Hilton Head Island South Carolina! Its funny how island residents tell how many tourists are on the island: They don’t check hotel registers, restaurant parking lots or the beach; they just look at the bicycle rental shops to see how many bikes they have left! During times it’s hard to see the front doors of the bike shops through the rows and rows of beach cruisers waiting to be rented. During busy times on Hilton Head, most bike rental shops look like they just finished their “lost our lease” sale!

It’s no wonder biking is so popular on Hilton Head Island: There are over fifty miles (no one knows exactly how many) of paved bicycle trails on the island. In fact, there are over fifteen miles of bicycle trails in Sea Pines alone! Add to all these miles of trails, the fact that Hilton head is a very flat island and bicycling becomes appealing to folks that haven’t tried to pedal in years. Then, there’s also the opportunity to ride on the beach! After all, why do you think they call them beach cruisers? Hilton Head beaches are set apart from a lot of other Atlantic beaches by one thing: they are easy to ride bicycles on! The sand, between the high and low water marks is incredibly hard, for beach sand. Even though it is still plenty soft and cool to enjoy with bare feet, it’s also firm enough to support bicycle, and rider, without hardly leaving a mark. Even better, there is twelve miles of this remarkable white stuff to ride on, with lots of “watering holes” along the way.

Visitors don’t get bored by the selection available at Hilton Head bicycle shops either! The single speed, wide tired, twenty-six inch, single seat beach cruiser is, hands down, the most popular bicycle on the island. Gears are just not necessary when everything is flat and everyone is just out for a leisurely pedal, so multi speed bikes and racing bikes are seldom seen on Hilton Head. There are any number of attachments available for the cruisers as well, including: attachments that add an extra seat, pedals, wheel and handlebars; giving the bicycle the appearance of being a tandem bike with the back seat built for a child. There are little trailers available for toddlers, dogs and cargo, as well as the usual baskets, luggage racks and child carriers. Tandem bikes, toddler bikes (with or without training wheels), adult tricycles and even those crazy “Flintstone Mobile” looking things with two sets of pedals and seating for four passengers! A quick glance through the yellow pages reveals twenty-eight businesses advertising bicycles for rent. Aside from those twenty-eight there are numerous resorts that also have their own bike rental concessions and dozens of rental condos, cottages and villas, which come complete with two wheeled transportation. The “best guest” estimate of the number of rental bikes available on Hilton Head Island is slightly over ten-thousand!

There aren’t many rules affecting bicyclers on Hilton Head, but there are a few “guidelines” everyone should keep in mind. First of all, please obey those little stop signs on the bicycle paths; it is incredibly difficult for motorist, trying to turn off or onto busy roads, to pay attention to the traffic signals and the other vehicles, as well as bicyclers and pedestrians! Bicycles don’t necessarily have the right-of-way: they are expected to obey signs and signals just like automobiles do; please don’t become “road kill” while your on vacation! Please be aware of other bicyclers and pedestrians on the pathways; Few bikes, and even fewer people are equipped with rear view mirrors; it’s common courtesy to call out, “passing on your right” or “passing on your left”; to let someone know you’re coming and keep them from stepping out in front of you.

What is Co – lig –nee?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the town of Hilton Head; which really isn’t a town at all. Sure, there’s a Main Street, but there isn’t much “main” about it; other than that it’s on the “main” part of the island. Oh, it has a few stores, shops and restaurants, and even a theatre and a bowling alley, but it’s not near anything that one would usually expect to find near (or on) a “Main Street”.   The “town” of Hilton Head really doesn’t have a “Town Hall” either, but it does have a “government center” that’s really not near anything; especially “Main Street” or “Down Town”. In fact, if you were to go “Downtown” you would find that there really anything “Downtown”, but that’s mostly because there really isn’t any “Downtown”. The closest thing Hilton Head has to a “Downtown” is a little spot, at the end of Pope Avenue, called “Coligny Plaza”.

Although Coligny Plaza isn’t really “Downtown”, most islanders and tourist agree it is pretty much the center attraction on the island, partly because of the sixty-four shops and restaurants there and partly because it is a stones throw from the island’s most popular beach. (Although most folks call that “Coligny Beach” it’s not really Coligny Beach at all; at least no more so than Coligny Plaza is downtown, but that’s a whole different subject.) The thing is that, whether your on Hilton Head (Or is it “in” Hilton Head?) for a day, a week or a month; you will undoubtedly, at some point in your visit, find yourself at (or “in”) Coligny Plaza. Even if you’re not headed for the beach, you’ll find yourself at Coligny; just because there are so many different and unique things to do, see, eat, and buy.

The plaza itself covers several acres, on which sits several buildings, with quaint covered sidewalks, a large common area and a lovely little duck pond, which actually hasn’t had any ducks in it for years, but we still call it the “duck pond”, likely for lack of a better name. The duck pond does, however, have a charming fountain, a stainless sculpture of the only nude you’ll see on Hilton Head and a quaint little footbridge; that leads to more shops and eateries on the other side. All of this is dissected by a scattering of parking lots; which offers tourist more entertainment, in the way of watching other tourist try and remember where they parked their cars.   There is also a mysterious looking, dark, covered alley, that helps divide the shopping area and leads to a delightful, one screen, “art house” theatre (there are free family movies there every Saturday morning during “the season”).

Coligny Plaza really is a fun place. It has free puppet shows, a magic show a, live “Mermaid Review”, a Calypso Band, a Gullah Show and even Elvis, all on various nights of the week. It has several unique restaurants where you can eat anything from Pasta (in fact one is called: “Just Pasta”), to Rueben Sandwiches, to a good old fashioned burger and fries, steamed shrimp and raw oysters; there is even one restaurant that will serve you a “kitchen sink”, in a porcelain “skillet”. You can eat inside or outside, near the music or in a quiet corner. If your hot or thirsty you can get an Italian Ice, hand dipped or soft serve ice cream, or even Daiquiris; by the gallon or five gallon container.   Coligny has a hardware store where you can by anything from Hermit Crabs to Nails and a Salon where you can have nails clipped and painted. It has a pet shop (with gourmet dog treats), a rock shop, a shell shop, a surf shop, a sunglass shop, a kite shop, a nature store and clothing galore! At Coligny Plaza you can have your hair cut, styled, “permed”, dyed, twisted, curled, braided or even corn-rowed or “fro’ed”. You can buy a pair of flip flops, a bottle of suntan lotion, an air brush tattoo, or rent a bicycle; built for one or two!   You can find rubber rafts and rings and dinosaurs to float on, beach chairs to sit in and umbrellas to shade you from the sun. You can even tool around in one of those neat little four passenger, four wheel bikes that reminds you of a Flintstone Mobile. You can…………………well, it is “Downtown”! You can get information at HiltonHeadPlaces.com.