Hilton Head Dictionary and Common Phrases
Visitors to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina travel from all points abroad. Below are 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 drop us line.A
Alligators- they seem to be everywhere on the island! You'll see adult alligators ten to fourteen feet long, juveniles two to for feet long and babies less than two feet long. Please don't feed them, it's illegal.
Aqua- great seafood restaurant, one of the few on the island with an ocean view.Located at Sea Crest villas
Arts Center- Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, the award winning regional Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is a remarkable showcase for professional performing and visual arts, as well as cultural festivals and educational outreach.
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Beaufort- This historic town listed as a National Landmark is located about 1 hour North of Hilton Head.This year marks the 300th anniversary of Beaufort's charter. Take a horse drawn carriage ride and see beautiful antebellum homes, St. Helena Episcopal Church which served as a hospital during the Civil War and sites where some of the 17 movies hosted by Beaufort were filmed.
Beach Buggy - 1) An over-sized golf cart that is a shuttle on the South End that runs from the hotels and shops to and from the Beach. 2) A manual type tricycle that typical has 3 wheels and a basket on the front. These are rented along with beach bikes. 3) A floating type tricycle with large hollow wheels rented through Shore Services at the beach for cruising in the ocean.
Bless Your Heart - This is a common phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. In the South, we believe in being polite even if it kills us. So, when we just can't fight the urge to say something nasty, we follow it up with a "bless your heart" just to make us feel better. Example: "Look at that poor woman trying to look good for church, but she put on too much make-up and just looks like an overdone doll, bless her heart."
Buggy - Known to Northerners as a shopping cart, this is what Southerners put their groceries in while they are shopping.
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Circle (Traffic Circle) - There are two traffic circles on Hilton Head, Coligny Circle andSea Pines Circle. Both are located on the South End. Four roads connect at Sea Pines Circle- Route 278, Palmetto Bay Road, Green wood Drive and Pope Ave.Coligny Circle is at the end of Pope Ave. and connects with North Forest Beach and South Forest Beach Drives.
Coligny (Coligny Plaza) - Originally the name of a tribe of Indians that lived in the area. Coligny Circle and Coligny Plaza are on the South End. Coligny Plaza is often called Hilton Head's Down town, it is home to many independently owned shops and restuarants. A good place to find souvenirs.
Comedy Club - located at Pineland Station, nationally known comedians appear every Tuesday through Sunday nights.
Cross Island Parkway - expressway that is a short cut that connect the North and South Ends. It cuts about 8 minutes off of travel time, and there are no traffic lights. There is a toll of $1.25.
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Daufuskie Island- is a residential "sea island" between Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina about 2.75 miles (4.43 km) offshore. The total island surface is just 8 square miles (21 km2) within the maximum length of 5 miles (8.0 km) and maximum width of 2.5 miles (4.0 km). Daufuskie is a popular retreat, located away from the typical tourist route. Daufuskie is favored by visitors who prefer a local island lifestyle. This lifestyle drawsmusic lovers and southern bands considered to be 'down-home' style. The full-time population is around 430. There are two resorts, a private residential community, and a large undeveloped tract of lands identified as residential property.
Deep Well- A charity begun in the '80's to assist those less fortunate who needed help to afford water wells on their property. The organization now assists people with payments for rent, utilities and medical bills. Every December the Dove Street Christmas Light Show raises money for Deep Well with a nightly food drive at Coligny Plaza.
Dogs on the beach - animals are not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Labor Day. At all other times, pets must be on a leash or under positive voice control. Pets are still allowed on the beach at Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or under positive voice control. Though it should go without saying, people with animals on any beach are required to clean up after their pets — so don’t forget your plastic bags.
Downtown - The Downtown of Hilton Head Island is considered Coligny Plaza area due to its high traffic area of tourists, shopping, accommodations, and beaches.
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Egret - An egret is the name of the pretty white birds you will see in the lagoons, ponds, creeks around Hilton Head.
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Feeding frenzy - Typical summer (in-season) meal time for visitors is 6pm to 8pm on Hilton Head Island.
Fireworks - Fireworks serve as the centerpiece for HarbourFest every Tuesday from June to August. 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. Remember, personal fireworks are ILLEGAL on Hilton Head Island.
Frogmore Stew- (See 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.
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Geechee - Commonly refers to a person of white descent whose family has long roots in the South Carolina lowcountry, mostly between Beaufort and Georgetown; centered around Charleston. They speak "Geechee" which is a heavily accented dialect of English with Gullah influences.
Gigging - A popular activity in the South, gigging is hunting for fish or frogs with a gig or similar multi-pronged spear. Done at night with a flashlight commonly harvested wildlife include freshwater suckers, saltwater flounder, and frogs.
Goober - Simply put - another word for peanut! BUT, if you're acting silly, we also might have a little fun and call you a goober, too!
Grits- A corn porridge that is a popular Lowcountry side dish often served with shrimp
Gullah- A culture and language developed along the Carolina coast by slaves brought over from Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries. This creole language is described as a combination of Elizabethan English and West African dialects.This culture includes unique art, music, storytelling,food and religious traditions. There is an annual month-long Gullah Celebration on Hilton Head in February.
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Harbourfest- An annual summer tradition begins June 22nd at Shelter Cove Harbour and continues every Tuesday night through August. A summer fair that includes music by Shannon Tanner begins at 6PM, booths and ends with Fireworks.
Harbour Town - This area of the Island is located in Sea Pines Plantation and is home to Hilton Head's world famous red and white striped lighthouse.
Heritage - Informal name for PGA Golf tournament held each April at Harbour Town Golf Club in Sea Pines.
Hoecake - A small delicious cake made of cornmeal, usually served with a Lowcountry dinner such as collard greens and macaroni and cheese.
Hush Puppies - Small, round balls of cornbread and spices that are deep fried and often served with fish. These were originally fed to dogs to quiet their begging at the table, hence the name!
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Ice Cream- Hilton Head Ice Cream located on New Orleans Road, voted best ice cream on island
Indian Shell Ring -located in Sea Pines plantation,a 4,ooo year old, circular mound of oyster shells sicarded by Indians; this ring was built as a memorial to honor the dead
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Jazz Corner- located in Wexford Village, offers nightly performances of many types of Jazz including Swing, hard bob, Dixieland and smooth as well as gourmet dining.
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Karaoke- At Casey's Sports Bar & Grill on New Orleans Road on Tuesdays and Fridays;at Wild Wings on Friday nights
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Lighthouse- located in Harbour Town in Sea Pines plantation, offers a great view of the ocean, beautiful marina with luxurious yachts and fun shops.You can make the climb to the top of the 60 foot, 114 step structure. At the top youwill be rewarded with the museum featuring a valuable collection of 19th century and Civil War-era photographs,artifacts and displays featuring the Yamesse Indians.
Lights out for Turtles - Every summer on Hilton Head Island's beaches, an ancient mariner, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle,emerges from the ocean and crawls ashore to lay her eggs in a sand nest. She excavates a nest with her rear flippers. Then the mother turtle who weighs several hundred pounds lays about 100 ping-pong size eggs into the nest,covers them with sand and returns to the sea. At night about 60 days later,hundreds of baby turtles emerge from the sand and head toward the brighest horizon. To assure that the ocean is the brighest horizon,all exterior house lights along the ocean must be turned off and drapes should cover all windows on the beach side after 10PM from May 1 to October 31.
Local - Someone who makes the island their primary residence, who lives, works or is retired here.
Lowcountry- the coastal region of South Carolina commonly including the area from Charleston to the Georgia border.
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.
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Mainland - Area on the West Side of the Intercoastal Waterway. When you cross over the bridge you leave "the mainland" for the island.
Marsh Tacky- also known as the Carolina Marsh Tacky, a rare breed of horse,native to South Carolina. Its ancestry can be traced back approximately 400 years to the conquistadors. Each year during the Gullah Celebration in February, there is a horse race on the beach known as the Running of the Marsh Tacky.
Mid-Island- Area of the island between North and South Ends. It includes Port Royal Plantation, Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Mall.
Mitchelville- area of Hilton Head first settled by newly freed slaves in 1862 led by General Mitchel. Located at the end of Beach City Road.
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Native - Someone who was born and raised here.
Neptune Statue - is located at Shelter Cove Harbour. Look closely, the statue is actually a huge sundial!
North End - section of the island just over the bridge. Windmill Harbour, Hilton Head Plantation,Palmetto Hall, Indigo Run and Spanish Wells Plantations are all located on the North End. This area is mostly residential, these plantations do not permit short term rentals.
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Old Town Trolley- Tours of Savannah by trolley. A great way to see all of the historic sites in the shortest time. There are 15 stops on the trolley. A trolley car comes to each stop at least once every 20 minutes and you can get off and on the trolley as often as you like. They also provide free parking.
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Palmetto Bug - The "palmetto bug" is just a Southern euphemism for the humidity-loving, allergen-carrying pests more universally known as cockroaches.
Palmetto Dunes (PD) - A plantation located mid island. It is home to several villacomplexes, a separate gated section of
upscale private homes, 3 golf courses and the Marriott and Hilton Oceanfront Hotels.
People - Otherwise known as relatives or kinfolk to Southerners. "Alex went to see her people on vacation in Hilton Head."
Pinckney Island- A national wildlife refuge located just over the bridge from Hilton Head on the North side of 278. The island has 14 miles of trails for biking and hiking that run through forest, salt marshes and beach. In this semi-tropical paradise, you will see many varieties of wild life and plant life.
Piggly Wiggly - A local Southern grocery store chain that visitors seem to think has the funniest name they have heard! Often tourists on the Island get such a kick out of it, they actually go to the Piggly Wiggly and buy t-shirts with "The Pig's" logo to take home to show their friends and family! (seriously!)
Plantations - On Hilton Head, modern day plantations are not historic homes like those found in Charleston; however, some plantations on the Island once contained plantation homes, working farms, and played a huge role in the local enconomy. Currently there are 11 plantations (gated neighborhoods) on the island including Hilton Head Plantation,Indigo run, Leamington, Long Cove, Palmetto Dunes, Palmetto Hall, Sea Pines, Ship Yard, Spanish Wells, Wexford, and Windmill Harbour.
Pluff Mud - is a lowcountry term to describe the dark soft soil in the marshes. Pluff mud typically has a distinct odor that is the result of some combination of bacteria, water content and climate.
Q
Questions-commonly asked:
How big is Hilton Head? The island is 42 square miles, 12 miles long and 5 miles wide.
How many people live on Hilton Head? About 38,000 people live here year-round.
How many people visit each year? Approximately 2.5 million
How many ways can you get/off the island? Only one main bridge connects Hilton Head to the mainland.
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Gregg Russell- popular musician who performs under the Oak Tree in Harbour Town in Sea Pines Plantation most evenings in the summer.
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Sand Box- great interactive children's museum located on Pope AVe. behind St. Andrews by-the-sea Methodist Church.
Sandals - Official footwear of Hilton Head Island. Sandals without socks = summer shoes. Sandals with socks = winter shoes.
Savannah, Georgia-The first capitol of Georgia located about 1 hour South of Hilton Head Island.You will see beautiful Live Oak trees draped with Spanish Moss, historic public squares,restored homes nearly 300 years old. Also,be sure to visit the Birth place of Juliet Low,founder of the Girl Scouts,the Pirates House, Forsyth Park and Lady & Sons restaurant, owned by Paula Dean.
Sea Shack- a very popular restaurant located on Executive Park Road. It really looks like a shack,but they have a wide variety of seafood and they even serve alligator.
Shag Dancing - Slow dance for couples created in the late '50s. Myrtle Beach is generally considered the birthplace of the Shag but there are many variations.
South End -most vacxationers come to the South End because most of the villas and homes rented by the week are located here. Includes Sea Pines Plantation, Shipyard and Wexford Planatations and North and South Forest Beaches.
Spanish Moss- often described as long silvery threadlike"stuff" found hanging on trees in the South, most often Live Oaks. It is not moss nor is it Spanish. Spanish Moss can absorb ten times its dry weight in water, enough to break a tree's branches.
Sweet Grass- also known as Holy grass or buffalo grass. It is a fragrant herb that grows in moist soil. It is often used in the Lowcountry to make beautiful woven coiled baskets.
Sweet Tea - Known as the "house wine" of the South, it just doesn't get any better than good Southern Sweet Iced Tea. Maybe it's how we do it, maybe it is the water in the South, or maybe it's just that a Southern Belle has put a lot of TLC into making the tea. Who knows for sure...all we know is that it's GOOD STUFF!!
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Tabby -mixture of sand, crushed oyster shells and lime that was used to make concrete beginning in the late 1500s.
Shannon Tanner - great family entertainer, performs evenings in the summer at Shelter Cove, just to the left of Neptune Statue.
Tiki Hut - outdoor bar at Holiday Inn Oceanfront, very popular meeting spot with great drink specials
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Up the Creek - (Pub) This is a great place that locals love where you can enjoy a cold beverage, great food, great live music and watch the sunset over the water! Located at the Broad Creek Marina.
Uppity - This word is used to describe folks who think of themselves as high class or who appear conceited.
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Vacation rental - generally refers to villa or home rental for short periods and different from Vacation Ownership which refers to time share properties
Vagabond Cruise- Embark on an exciting Ocean Cruise to see dolphins.
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Where to Go -Free monthly magazine with a great calendar of events, available at many hotels and welcome centers
WineFest- Largest outdoor wine festival in the South East held every March.
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Xanadu - Condos available for vacation rentals located on the South end of Hilton Head Island.
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Y'all - Southern contraction of "you all". (Y'all doing ok? Y'all come back now.)
Yankee - Anyone who hails from above the Mason Dixon Line!
Yes Ma'am, No Ma'am - Southerns use as a term of respect for women of a certain age but many transplanted ladies from "Up North" say it makes them feel old.
Yonder - Reference to a place that is usually within sight. "Look at that lighthouse over yonder."
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Zodiac - The Commander Zodiac offers dolphin and nature excursions on Hilton Head Island. Commander Zodiac has been offering fun excursions on the Island for over 20 years. They also offer sailing lessons and sail boat rentals and have a Kids Water Fun Day.