PROMOTING GULLAH CULTURE
HOT POOL TRENDS
PLANT RIVERSIDE
HILTON HEAD 2021
Bridal GUIDE
SHEP ROSE
reality star. Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 1 // $ 4. 9 5
MOnthLY
VOICE of the LOWCOUNTRY
843-842-6988 | hiltonheadmonthly.com MEDIA ENTREPRENEUR
Marc Frey marc@hiltonheadmonthly.com
PUBLISHER
Anuska Frey anuska@hiltonheadmonthly.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Anthony Garzilli anthony@hiltonheadmonthly.com
SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sasha Sweeney sasha@hiltonheadmonthly.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rebecca Cashwell cashwell@hiltonheadmonthly.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Madison Elrod madison@hiltonheadmonthly.com Allyson Venrick allyson@hiltonheadmonthly.com
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Meredith DiMuzio meredith@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-384-4488
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Majka Mochnac majka@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-290-9372 Mary Ann Kent maryann@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-384-9390 Markey McInerney markey@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-949-2591 Kevin Paige kevin@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-298-6168
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Heather Edge heather@yourlocalmarketingteam.com PHOTOGRAPHERS: Madison Elrod, Rob Kaufman, Lloyd Wainscott WRITERS: Amy Bredeson, Melinda Copp, Becca Edwards, Jessica Farthing, Nina Greenplate, Justin Jarrett, Barry Kaufman, Mark E. Lett, Vickie McIntyre, Dean Rowland, Tim Wood
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IIFEBRUARY ISSUEII
“must reads”
28
44 28 E nthusiastic for Culture Sonya Grant opens business to promote Gullah heritage.
44 R eality TV Revealed Island native Shep Rose pens memoir.
74 R oyal Estate
A dazzling Hilton Head home.
50 50 B ridal Guide
Real weddings, bridal trends and more.
PROMOTING GULLAH CULTURE
HOT POOL TRENDS
PLANT RIVERSIDE
HILTON HEAD
SHEP ROSE PENS MEMOIR
HOT POOL TRENDS
PLANT RIVERSIDE
BLUFFTON 2021
Bridal GUIDE
110 T op Talent Basketball stars move to the Lowcountry.
116 D ay Trip Destination Savannah Plant Riverside District a prime spot.
2021
Bridal GUIDE
SHEP ROSE
reality star.
SONYA GRANT
gullah girl. Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 1 // $ 4. 9 5
Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 1 // $ 4. 9 5
ABOUT THE COVERS:
Shep Rose was photographed by Madison Elrod on location in Isle of Palms. Lloyd Wainscott captured the photo of Sonya Grant on Hilton Head Island.
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IIFEBRUARY 2021II
contents
66
34 COMMUNITY
VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE
130 PARENTING
24 : Signs of Progress Historic Gullah Neighborhoods get recognition.
48 : Love is in the Air Find the perfect present.
105 : Storytelling for Kids Audio options that entertain and inform.
26 : Renovations for a Revival Bluffton opens Wright Family Park, Calhoun Dock.
BRIDAL
HEALTH
BUSINESS
34 : Tasty Treat Young culinary artist launches in-home Hilton Head bakery. 38 : Storytelling for Success How professional video can boost your business. 40 : Small Business Savings Tax deductions not to be missed.
52 : Daufuskie Dance Celebrating a Haig Point wedding. 56 : Rustic and Romantic Dream wedding at Honey Horn Plantation. 60 : What’s Trending: A glance at the popular touches of 2021. 62 : Creative and Clever Plan the perfect rehearsal dinner. 64 : Ready to Modify: Changing your plans during a pandemic.
HOME
106 : Managing Mental Health Tips to make it through the pandemic. 108 : Healthy Heart Lower the risks of cardiovascular problems.
GOOD DEEDS
114 : Connecting Women WAHHI celebrates 60th anniversary.
DINING
130 : Selections that Sparkle Bubbly for any price point.
66 : Cool in the Pool: What’s trending in design in 2021.
+ IN
EVERY ISSUE
8 : At The Helm 10 : Opinion 12 : Contributors 14 : News 16 : Pets to Adopt
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18 : Photo of the Month 20 : Social Spotlight 22 : Community Connection 42 : On the Move
86 : Real Estate News 118 : Calendar 128 : Dining Briefs 132 : Restaurant Listings 144 : Last Call
IIAT THE HELMII
dear reader... February is here, and love is in the air. In recognition of this romantic time, we celebrate love with our annual bridal issue. Want to know about this year’s wedding trends? We’ve got you covered with the latest in favors, rehearsal dinner suggestions and advice on how to ensure your day remains special during a pandemic. New love is celebrated in profiles of local couples who were undeterred by the challenges of the coronavirus and instead tied the knot while embracing the unprecedented circumstances. If you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s gift for your significant other, be sure to check out our local gift guide. In our business section, we spotlight a young culinary artist who launched an in-home bakery. Learn about the Plant Riverside District in Savannah, a cornucopia of entertainment on the city’s riverfront, which includes a mix of unique restaurants, themed bars, and an art gallery. It’s a day trip worth taking. If you want to enjoy a fun read, we recommend reality TV star and Hilton Head native Shep Rose’s memoir. His enthusiastic collection of essays reflects on his life spent traveling, dating, and living in the reality television spotlight. His book details his time growing up on Hilton Head Island and his journey to becoming a TV celebrity. February is important because of Black History Month, the annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans. We highlight the history and unique aspects of the Gullah neighborhoods in the Lowcountry. Learn about Sonya Grant, who through her business is emerging as a young voice for the history of the Gullah culture. We’re proud of the hard work that went into this issue, and we wish you health and happiness this month — and always. ANUSKA FREY : Publisher anuska@hiltonheadmonthly.com
SEE OUR
VALENTINE’S GiftGuide PAGE 48
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IIOPINIONII
“letter ” TIME IS RIGHT TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA I’m the sponsor of the medical marijuana bill in the S.C. Statehouse in this new legislative session. My support for medical marijuana came long before my brother, Tom, died of cancer. Tom had squamous cell carcinoma and I vividly watched as the cancer literally consumed a healthy, happy 45-year-old. Medical marijuana was one of the treatments Tom utilized toward the end of his life and I saw two important and irrefutable ways in which it helped him. He was in tremendous pain and couldn’t eat or hold food down. Tom lost his appetite in part due to the cancer and in part due to the medications he was on. Medical marijuana was prescribed to him by an out-of-state doctor and it immediately eased his pain and gave him an appetite. I think he held on for months longer due to the positive effects of medical marijuana. To make a clear distinction, I’m not in favor of wholesale legalization of marijuana; I’ve seen firsthand how it has destroyed lives and mushed brains. I was a child of the 1970s and 80s and still have friends and acquaintances that were “stoners.” They were kids who smoked too much during the brain-formative years and to this day are not exactly right. For some, to their own admittance, it has done tremendous harm. It also seems that the environment for the legalization of medical marijuana has changed over the years I’ve been in the Statehouse. It used to be that some of our older friends were against it, but today’s seniors grew up in the 1950s, 60s and 70s and it’s not as much of an issue.
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The days of “Reefer Madness” were left in the 1970s. I think the support from that demographic is also due in large part to the fact that as people are living longer, they are taking a more natural approach to pain management and personal freedom. Couple that with more acceptance of medical marijuana in the medical field and it seems as though the timing could be right. Legalizing medical marijuana will in no way force anyone to utilize medical marijuana for the array of illnesses it can help, but it does give us as Americans and South Carolinians the freedom to choose what treatments may work best for us. This is especially true in this time of opioid crises; it’s an alternative that we as Americans should be able to utilize if we choose. I take no issue toward those against it or to those that would not utilize it — they need to be part of the conversation. I know there are logistic issues with legalization, but those are hurdles to overcome. The ability to take the best methods from other states will be of great help. I also ask, as I normally do, for guidance from professionals and from the wealth of knowledge my constituents generously share, and I have found that the number of people who comment on medical marijuana are overwhelmingly in favor of it. Dissenting opinions are also welcomed and considered. I look forward to a robust debate and hopefully a good outcome on this important bill. Bill Herbkersman, R-Bluffton, represents District 118 in the S.C. House of Representatives.
IIBEHIND THE SCENESII
meet
MAJKA MOCHNAC
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Lowcountry football standouts earn all-state recognition
“I enjoy getting to know my clients and their businesses and always go above and beyond for them.” Majka has been a key member of our sales team for nine years. She started with Monthly after she graduated from University of South Carolina with a degree in business management. She also finished two years in Comenius University in Europe. Originally from Slovakia, Majka has lived in the Lowcountry for 16 years and loves Hilton Head. Her energetic personality allows her to instantly connect with others. Majka’s husband moved to the area from New Jersey and they opened RMN Construction LLC. They have a young son, Nicolas. In her free time, Majka loves being outdoors with her family, taking long walks, swimming, biking, traveling, and enjoying our beautiful beaches. A former professional dancer and children’s choreographer, dance will always be Majka’s passion. Contact Majka today at majka@hiltonheadmonthly.com.
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The area’s top football players were recognized with all-state honors by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association. May River’s Ahmad Green made the Class 4A first team, as did May River defensive standouts Eli Hall and Steffin Gadson. Bluffton defensive end DJ Aiken and Beaufort’s Tyler Haley were first-team performers. May River’s Will Wilson, Garrett Bonneville and Moxon Zehr earned honorable mentions. For Class A, Whale Branch’s Jaylen Reeves and offensive lineman Aaron Rhode earned spots on the first team. Green, who was also a finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football, completed a decorated career by rushing for a teamhigh 547 yards with 10 touchdowns in five games, according to stats at LowcoSports. com. He also threw for 512 yards and two touchdowns. Hall recorded 66 tackles, including six for a loss. He was also named the LowcoSports. com SCHSL defensive player of the year. Gadson had 26 tackles, including four for a loss. Whale Branch’s Reeves had four interceptions and ran for 607 yards and 13 TDs.
CHECK IT OUT @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
IILOCAL NEWSII
“in the know ” The Town of Hilton Head hired a new town manager, Bluffton was named one of the state’s safest cities and an area city canceled a holiday parade it first held in 1824. Here’s what happened during the previous month.
GARVIN-GARVEY HOUSE
GARVIN-GARVEY HOUSE RENOVATION EARNS FOURTH STATE AWARD
The rehabilitation of the GarvinGarvey House in Bluffton was recognized with a statewide award. The South Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIASC) awarded Charleston historic preservation firm Meadors Inc. a Citation Award for Adaptive Reuse and Preservation for the project, the Town of Bluffton said. The Town contracted Meadors Inc. and its architects and historic preservationists for research and the blueprint for the Garvin-Garvey House’s preservation and rehabilitation. “The Garvin-Garvey House was on the verge of collapse. The rehabilitation represented an intensive and thorough investigation of the remnants to understand the original construction and its details,” members of the AIASC award panel said. “This investigation led to its restoration and the reconstruction of large portions of the house to bring it back to its original form.” The town has been recognized three other times for the renovation project.
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ORLANDO
HILTON HEAD HIRES NEW TOWN MANAGER
Marc Orlando accepted a contract offer from Hilton Head Town Council to be its next town manager. He will begin his new role Feb. 22. The town had been in a search of a new leader after former town manager Steve Riley announced last June his plan to retire. Orlando had been Bluffton town manager since September 2014. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, he was named Bluffton’s deputy town manager in 2009. According to a statement from Hilton Head mayor John McCann, town council determined that Orlando “embodies the characteristics necessary to effectively meet the Town’s needs and is therefore the ideal candidate for Town Manager.” In a statement Orlando said, “I’m honored for the opportunity to serve as the Town Manager for Hilton Head Island and am grateful to the Town Council members for having confidence in my abilities. I look forward to getting started and working alongside the Town Council, the staff and the community.”
SOUTH CAROLINIANS 70 AND OLDER GET OK FOR COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS
Beginning Jan. 13, any South Carolina resident age 70 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, was eligible to schedule an appointment to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The mortality rate from COVID-19 for those 70 and older in South Carolina is approximately 655 deaths per 100,000 people. For those under the age of 70, there are 37 COVID19 deaths per 100,000 people, a news release said. “This is a staggering comparison and illustrates why vaccinating this population next is critically important in our mission to save lives,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Director of Public Health. Those eligible to receive vaccines can call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432. More information is available at scdhec.gov/ covid19/covid-19-vaccine. Hilton Head Regional Healthcare offers a guide to questions about the vaccine on its website at hiltonheadregional.com/healthy-living. It also set up a COVID-19 vaccine information hotline at 843-689-7282.
IILOCAL NEWSII
TOWN OF BLUFFTON NAMES INTERIM MANAGER
MARSHALL
“pets”
OF THE MONTH
Scott Marshall was named the Town of Bluffton’s interim manager. Marshall, who has been deputy town manager since 2015, was appointed after Marc Orlando resigned from the position Jan. 4. According to the town’s website, Marshall began working for Beaufort County in 2009. He was executive director of the Board of Elections and Registration until June 2013 when he was hired as Parks and Leisure Services director.
BLUFFTON NAMED SOUTH CAROLINA’S SAFEST CITY Bluffton has been cited as the safest place to live in South Carolina, according to safety.com. Ranked No. 1 on the list that was revealed in December, Bluffton is recognized for “exceptional” public safety statistics. Safety.com used comprehensive ranking factors that included public safety and financial security metrics to determine a complete view of community safety, it said. Summerville ranked second. Bluffton was also named the second-safest place to live in South Carolina by Money, Inc. last August.
DECALS REQUIRED AT BEAUFORT COUNTY CONVENIENCE CENTERS Beaufort County’s decal program at all convenience centers began in early January. All vehicles are stopped entering the centers and attendants scan decals from residents that have received barcodes. One decal will be issued per property. Each residential property owner will be allowed three visits per week to a convenience center. The Gate Convenience Center and Pritchardville Convenience Center closed Dec. 31 and will be monitored for illegal dumping, Beaufort County said.
JUBILEE Age: 1 Gender: Female Weight: 53 lbs Breed: Shepard/Cattle Dog Mix Temperament: Friendly, but very, very energetic! She is loving, affectionate, and loves to play, but she needs an avid jogger to help her let off all that extra energy.
TESSA Age: 8 Gender: Female Weight: 10 lbs Breed: Domestic Short Hair Temperament: Shy at first, but affectionate, loving, and curious when she gets more comfortable. Absolutely loves people; not so much a fan of dogs.
PARKER’S DONATES $20 MILLION TO SUPPORT SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA Parker’s recently donated $20 million to support charitable initiatives. The Parker’s Community Fund will support a range of charitable causes across the region, a news release said. “We have a strong commitment to the Palmetto State and are incredibly grateful for the support of our customers in Charleston, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Summerville, Walterboro, Hardeeville, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort and Port Royal,” Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker said.
FARMERS CAN APPLY TO GROW HEMP The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for hemp farming permits for the 2021 growing season through Feb. 28. The state’s Hemp Farming Program has grown from 20 farmers in 2018 to 265 farmers in 2020, the SCDA said. Farmers must apply through SCDA’s online portal at agriculture.sc.gov/hemp.
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Adopt them at: Hilton Head Humane Association Adoption by appointment only. Call to schedule. 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island For more information:
843-681-8686 OR HHHUMANE.ORG
S AVA N N A H C A N C E L S S T. PAT R I C K ’ S D AY PA R A D E The City of Savannah has canceled its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade for the second consecutive year because of coronavirus concerns. The event, which draws thousands of revelers, was first held in 1824. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17.
HILTON HEAD TOWN HALL RENAMED IN STEPHEN RILEY’S HONOR In recognition of Hilton Head Town Manager Stephen Riley’s retirement, Town Council voted to rename Town Hall as the Stephen G. Riley Municipal Complex. Riley had been town manager since 1994.
photo by Carrie Hirsch
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY, VISIT US @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 17
IILOCAL CONTESTII
PHOTOS MONTH OF THE
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1. A Great Egret in full breeding plumage at the Rookery at Pinckney Island during mating season as photographed by Mary Alice Tartler. 2. A sunrise looking over Colleton River toward Spring Island from John Metzger’s home in Belfair. 3. The mating dance of Great Egrets at the Rookery at Pinckney Island as captured by Mary Alice Tartler. FO R M A R C H O U R TH E M E I S O U TD O O R A DV E NT U R E. H AV E A N I N C R E D I B LE P H OTO TO S H A R E? W E’D LOV E TO S E E IT. //SUBMIT All YOUR PHOTOS — INCLUDING FROM WHERE MONTHLY HAS TRAVELED — TO EDITOR @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
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Xxxxxx
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 19
IIIN THE SPOTLIGHTII
GET SOCIAL!
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1. The town of Bluffton participated in the ribbon cutting for Hilton Head Christian Academy’s new Bluffton campus. 2/3. The Outside Foundation partnered with the Palmetto Running Company and Lowcountry Trash Heroes and Boys Scout Troop 222 Hilton Head on separate days in January. Volunteers picked up trash at the Coligny Beach and Park area and from the Haigh Landing area. 4. The Hilton Head Island MLK Committee for Justice held a parade to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
TO SUBMIT A PHOTO O F YO U R EVENT, EMAI L EDITOR @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM
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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 21
IIIN THE SPOTLIGHTII
“community connection ”
Don Ryan Center
Aibileen Maelouise Clary
NONPROFITS RECEIVE $159,612 IN COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS
In a fourth round of COVID-19-related grantmaking, three nonprofits received $159,612. The Foundation for Educational Excellence received $61,000 for two projects to offset learning deficiencies resulting from COVID-19 school closures; The Children’s Center was awarded $43,612 for remediation costs, personal protection equipment (PPE) and other safety supplies; and Volunteers in Medicine Hilton Head Island, in collaboration with the Greater Island Council, was awarded $55,000 to provide isolation boxes and/or lodging for low- to moderate-income residents of Hilton Head Island who have tested positive for COVID19 and who live in congregate housing, to prevent the spread of the virus through the household. The money comes from $770,437 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grants the Town of Hilton Head Island received.
Book Nook
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY UNVEILS NEW CAMPUS
GFWC WOMAN’S LEAGUE HELPS CREATE ‘BOOK NOOK’
HILTON HEAD HOSPITAL WELCOMES FIRST BABY OF 2021
BLUFFTON TEACHER NAMED EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATOR
The new Hilton Head Christian Academy campus in Bluffton made its debut last month. Officials held a ribbon cutting Jan. 15 for the 70,000-square-foot, $23 million campus, which is designed to fit the student, according to school leaders and campus designers. HHCA, which opened on Hilton Head in 1979, has nearly 500 students from around the Lowcountry in its K-12 program. The ground was broken for the new campus in May 2019.
Hilton Head Hospital celebrated the birth of Aibileen Maelouise Clary, the first baby born at the hospital in the new year. She was born at 4:12 a.m. Jan. 1, the hospital said. Aibileen is Taylor Clary of Bluffton’s first child.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HILTON HEAD RECEIVES PILLOWS, EDUCATIONAL ITEMS
To assist Hilton Head Island residents who qualify for its services, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers will host free online and limited in-person clinics to help residents address housing issues caused by the pandemic and the payment of rent and mortgages. In-person limited to 10 people. Pre-registration required. To learn more, call 843-815-1570 or email Icela Chapa Bowers at icela@lclv.org.
Patricia and Cary Levitt donated more than 100 new pillows and 250 pillowcases to the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Pat Levitt is a speech pathologist who also had an Amazon shop dedicated to creative educational items for children. She closed her shop and decided to donate her inventory to the Club. The pillowcases have practice problems on them based on the Common Core Standards and are designed to improve social interaction, vocabulary growth, spelling practice, and math concept practice and offer other learning tools.
DON RYAN CENTER EXPANDS WITH HARDEEVILLE PROGRAM
SEA PINES CC RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S HEALTHIEST CLUBS
CLINICS FOR COVID-19 HOUSING ISSUES
The Don Ryan Center for Innovation announced an expansion of the organization’s business-building programs and services into the City of Hardeeville. The DRCI will work with Hardeeville businesses to provide resources, programs and one-on-one business consulting. The DRCI is offering free membership to all local Hardeeville businesses, a news release said.
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Boys & Girls Club
Sea Pines Country Club was named one of “America’s Healthiest Clubs” for the third consecutive year, according Prevo Health Solutions. Sea Pines Country Club scored over 90% in five of the seven rating categories, according to a news release. Sea Pines Country Club opened a $3 million fitness center in 2019.
The Arts and Culture Community Service Program of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Woman’s League of the Lowcountry and Piggly Wiggly Store has teamed up to create a Mr. Pig’s Book Nook inside the Ridgeland store. Members and friends of GFWC have donated more than 1,000 books for children between the grades of pre-K-8. The GFWC Woman’s League of the Lowcountry serve non-profits in Jasper and Beaufort counties. Membership is open to all women of the Lowcountry.
Ashley Powell Schneider, a fifth-grade teacher at Pritchardville Elementary School in Bluffton, has been named an Extraordinary Educator by Curriculum Associates, a news release said. Schneider is among 44 teachers from 26 states and Washington, D.C., chosen for the national honor.
HILTON HEAD ROTARY ANNOUNCES 2021 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island is offering academic scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Awardees are eligible to receive scholarship funding of $4,000 per year for a maximum of four years. Applicants must reside on Hilton Head Island and/or attend a Hilton Head Island school (public or private). The scholarship application and additional information are available on the Club’s website at hiltonheadrotary.org. Application deadline is March 14.
FINANCIAL LEARNING CENTER FOR KIDS OPENS IN BLUFFTON
Smart Company Kids Zone, “where learning and fun come together,” is open on Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. It is an all-in-one financial intelligence and family entertainment center, with the entertainment center themed after the stock market. The Zone hosts parties and field trips.
IICOMMUNITYII
THE ISLAND’S HISTORIC GULLAH NEIGHBORHOODS GET DESERVED RECOGNITION
signs of progress STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTO BY MADISON ELROD
Over the last decade or so, native islanders have made huge strides in making their story a part of the narrative told about the history of Hilton Head Island. The century between the retreat of the plantation owners and the invasion of the golf course designers, we now know, represents a singularly unique era in the island’s history. This was the age of the native Gullah. Freed from bondage, they carved out their own world on Hilton Head Island, with communities built on a foundation of family. Each formed around its own nucleus — you’d find a praise house, markets, restaurants, and eventually nightclubs that hosted some of music’s biggest names. The neighborhoods — Stoney, Jonesville, Spanish Wells, Gardner Marshland, Simmons Fishing Camp,
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Chaplin, Union Cemetery, Queen Chapel AME Church, First African Baptist Church, and Squire Pope, according to Gullah Heritage Trail Tours — were a wonder of self-sufficiency, and each was historic. And they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve. But it didn’t come until recently, with the erection of signs dotting the islands marking where these historic communities once thrived. “These neighborhoods represent Hilton Head Island after the Civil War,” said Murray Christopher, who was instrumental in getting the signs built. “These were the communities that remained viable, so it’s equally important that they be part of the history of Hilton Head.” Especially now, at a time when the constant march of change threatens to wipe away the memories of what
these communities once meant. Born in 1948, Mary Stuart lived in Stoney, a neighborhood built around a cluster of grocery stores and a small schoolhouse on Squire Pope Road. She remembers watching logging trucks rumble by her home, carrying away trees grown on land now destined for golf courses. And Stoney was her world. Her family would work the waters to pull up shrimp and oysters. She would work in the tomato fields of what is now Hilton Head Plantation, picking vegetables for a few dimes a day. And except when the school bus came to pick her up, she never ventured beyond Stoney. “There was a lot of the island we never saw,” she said. She lived in a period of extraordinary change for her neighborhood, as Stoney’s status as the “downtown of Hilton Head Island” greeted more and more visitors with each passing year. Growing up in Chaplin in the 1970s and 1980s, native Carolyn Grant saw the same. “We kind of knew things were changing,” she said. “We saw the highway being widened, we noticed more cars coming back and forth. So, we sensed that there were more people coming to the island. But… we were too young to understand what exactly does this mean.” The island of her youth was one where the divisions between isolated neighborhoods were blurring. Her family would travel between them on any given Sunday when church services rotated among the various neighborhoods. She went to elementary school with kids across the island, a far cry from the single room her father had attended in Chaplin. And on weekends, everyone came to Chaplin. “Chaplin was the destination for a lot of African Americans coming to the island, because people wanted to go to the beach,” she said. “We knew Easter Sunday was the opening of the beach season. Literally every Sunday that beach packed with people going to Singleton Beach.” It’s a sentiment shared by Christopher, who also grew up in Chaplin. He describes it as quiet, “except on weekends when the beaches were in full swing. Other than that, it was a quiet neighborhood. It was a great place to be.” Directing attention to the boundaries of historic Gullah neighborhoods is about more than just getting this underexplored era into the history books. It comes as cultural tourism comes to the forefront of the island’s overall economic dynamic, giving the Gullah a chance to welcome visitors drawn by their stories.
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 25
IICOMMUNITYII
renovated. BLUFFTON OPENS WRIGHT FAMILY PARK, CALHOUN DOCK
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STORY BY ANTHONY GARZILLI | PHOTOS BY MADISON ELROD
After much anticipation, in December the Town of Bluffton opened Wright Family Park, the town’s second public park offering access to the May River. The park opened after about three years of renovation and construction. Wright Family Park, across the street from the historic Church of the Cross, offers a boardwalk, a large central lawn, walkways, parking, landscaping, site furnishing, lighting, fencing, public restrooms and views of the May River. The Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County purchased the property for $1.5 million in 2017. It joins Oyster Factory Park in giving the public river access. Wright Family park will eventually include a rehabilitated Squire Pope Carriage House, an antebellum structure which survived the “Burning of
Bluffton” in 1863. According to the town, it is currently under design and will be the final project on the property. It is scheduled to be complete in approximately two years. The town also completed the Calhoun Street Regional Dock project. The project included removal of the existing public dock and building a larger, more accessible regional dock. The project also includes a new bulkhead, a 10-foot by 130-foot boardwalk, a 20foot by 20-foot covered pier head and a 12-foot by 120-foot-long floating dock capable of accommodating up to six boats and fishing activities. The public dock has been located at the end of Calhoun Street since the early 1800s and has been central to the town’s commerce and economic health, the town said.
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IICOMMUNITYII
Culture ENTHUSIAST SONYA GRANT OPENS BUSINESS TO PROMOTE GULLAH HERITAGE FOR YOUNGER GENERATION STORY BY ANTHONY GARZILLI | PHOTOS BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT Sonya Grant didn’t plan on emerging as a younger voice for the spirited and rich history of the Gullah culture. The Hilton Head resident launched Gullah Ts N’ Tings on June 2 — her 32nd birthday — seeking to sell her collection of Gullah-inspired T-shirts, sweatshirts and custom accessories. Her goal was to quietly grow her business. But she quickly realized the public had an appetite for information. They enjoyed the products but were also interested in the history and stories behind Grant’s work. “They wanted to know,” Grant said. Grant, a “culture enthusiast,” was enamored with the response and became dedicated to continuing to educate herself and her customers about Gullah traditions. She became invigorated by the interactions and realized she can do more than just sell her products. She can be a voice for the culture. “I’ve seen the older generation do so much work for the culture and when we had the (Black Lives Matter) rallies on Hilton Head and I was looking at all of these young faces march, I wondered, ‘Who’s next to carry the torch to make sure the culture stays vibrant, stays alive and stays interesting?” Grant said. “Who from my generation is going to teach the younger generations about the culture?” Grant said her designs are popular with a younger generation that is active on social media, posting pictures of what they wear. They like to display the latest styles. “I knew that would be a way to grab their attention,” she said. The signature upper case, bold GULLAH design on most products is simple, but fashionable. Grant said she’s didn’t want flash or tackiness, but quality.
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MY CHILDHOOD DREAM IS COMING TRUE AT 32.
“It lets people know who I am right away,” said Grant, who graduated from Hilton Head High School and Spelman College. “It’s eye-catching.” Grant said she chose fabric that feels good on the skin and is durable. Crewneck sweatshirts are a top seller. The merchandise also includes mugs, bags and hats and a shirt that features historic communities. Her collection of items has made an impact. Grant said a young lady who reached out to her said she had just learned about her own Gullah heritage and said Grant’s merchandise made her want to learn more about the culture.
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“That’s what this is all about to me,” Grant said. Grant has respect for history. Born and raised on Hilton Head Island, she is a direct descendant of freed slaves who lived in Mitchelville in the Civil War era. She is the granddaughter of Abraham and Charliemae Grant, retired owners of Abe’s Native Shrimp House on Hilton Head, which was a popular eatery for decades. Her aunt, Carolyn Grant, co-authored “Gullah Days: Hilton Head Islanders Before the Bridge: 1861-1956” with Emory Campbell and Thomas Barnwell Jr. When thinking about the designs for her products —
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seeking something classic and timeless — she consulted elders in the community to ensure authenticity. Grant is optimistic she can balance her day job at Lancôme at Belk with her thriving startup, which she promotes online through Etsy and outdoor markets. She’s responsive through email and social media and hopes to be in stores soon. The goal is to eventually open her own store. In many ways Grant is living a dream she envisioned when she was a child. She’s wanted to be a fashion designer since she was 8 years old. In the third grade,
Grant and her friend filled notebooks with designs. She received her first sewing machine when she was in eighth grade and taught herself how to sew. Grant experimented by taking apart jeans and sewing them back together as skirts. Her path since childhood took her to acting (she appeared in two episodes of “Underground” which ran for two seasons) and eight years as a flight attendant, but she never relinquished her passion for fashion. “My childhood dream is coming true at 32,” Grant said.
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I WA N T T O R E C E I V E
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2021
LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS & FINANCIAL JOURNAL
BUSINESS FINANCE
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR: KATIE DEVRIES HOW PRO VIDEO CAN BOOST BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS SAVINGS: TAX DEDUCTIONS NOT TO BE MISSED ON THE MOVE
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tasty
treats STORY BY NINA GREENPLATE | PHOTOS BY MADISON ELROD
Italian-meringue buttercream cakes, sweet cinnamon rolls, key-limepie cupcakes, triple-chocolate chunk cookies, delicate brioche, and more scrumptious treats are made-to-order and ready for delivery or pick up from Sea Pines’ new Hearthwood Hull Bakery. Katie DeVries, chef and 23-year-old owner, has been creating toothsome standards and delicious surprises from her home-based kitchen since August of 2020. “I absolutely love the English muffins and breads,” DeVries said. “But the sweets are always more popular.” A 2019 Johnson & Wales University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, DeVries’ career took a detour when her original plan to work the kitchens of New York City led her back to her home on Hilton Head Island. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, DeVries was deep into interview preparation and apartment hunting across the Big Apple. “Corona hit, and hit restaurants and hotels especially hard,” she says. “I was grateful to have finished college, but now needed a safe environment to work in.” DeVries spent months researching all options, including state and local food laws, and concluded it was best to remain on the island. “I knew it would be hard, but I decided to start my own business,” she said. Hearthwood Hull Bakery is DeVries’ working vision of an upscale, in-home bakery, with the quality of a storefront. Chef DeVries adheres to strict state and local safety guidelines and governance. She is fully certified in advanced food security and takes seriously all guidelines on kitchen purity. Using high-quality ingredients and being meticulous in her creative process, the young chef aims to set herself apart from the mundane. DeVries works to accommodate unique requests and dietary restrictions such as gluten free, eggless and vegan. Social media has been instrumental to Hearthwood Hull, and her web page is user-friendly and intuitive.
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YOUNG CULINARY ARTIST LAUNCHES IN-HOME HILTON HEAD BAKERY
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE ENGLISH MUFFINS AND BREADS. Katie DeVries
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“Locals have been really, really helpful,” she said. “People here understand that small business needs support, and fortunately the island is big enough to meet different people, yet not so big as to get lost.” DeVries’ most supportive kitchen mentor continues to be her mother, a former student of the culinary arts. “My mom brought me into the cooking world,” she says. “I definitely got the bug from her.” From a young age, DeVries had the support of her mother who was intent on helping her daughter become comfortable and confident in the kitchen. When friends came over to cook, it was DeVries who became the organizer-in-charge. “I have always liked things done a certain way in the kitchen,” she smiles. Growing up, Saturday mornings were special for the duo. Their regular cookie-making routine blossomed into a hunger for studying international food traditions. They learned about other countries and tried to replicate the foods, DeVries said. Sometimes they’d visit the country just for a taste. Mom and daughter worked their personal cuisine-tour across the globe, stopping to sample regional fare in some of the tastiest places: Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland, England, China and France. Italy was a four-time-visit favorite. “We took hardcore cooking classes in Italy,” said DeVries. They were twice trained in a professionally equipped kitchen along the cliffside village of Positano, off the Amalfi Coast. When abroad, DeVries enjoys walking the grocery aisles in search of strange and wonderful items not typical to an American pantry.
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HOW PRO VIDEO CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS STORY BY TREVOR HARDEN
It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that’s the case, then a good cinematic video is worth 1,440,000 words a minute. Twenty-four frames per second means more communication, more storytelling and a more complete picture of what you and your business have to offer.
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INVEST IN PRODUCTION These days, content is king and nearly every business is posting photos and videos to their social media channels and website. But how do you stand apart from your competition? Clever ideas can certainly make a difference, but you must also remember that your audience is inundated with high-gloss, Hollywood-produced video content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Shooting videos for your business on your cell phone is certainly possible (and in some cases preferred) but speaking your audience’s language is crucial. In years past, Hollywood-level commercial video production was only available in certain large cities, but now smaller and medium-sized studios are becoming more prevalent. Finding a local video production company to give your ads the same look, feel, and sound as a nationally televised ad and showing your customers that you’re playing on a “pro” level might be the difference you need to elevate your brand and stand apart from the mom-and-pop competition. THE “WHY” When businesses first start to produce their own video content, they often fill their ads with loads of information about their services and offerings. This is usually the same list of details that customers can find on your website and social media presence. Consider that type of information the “What” of your business. I believe that focusing on the types of details that customers can ascertain by reading your website or menu is not making the most of your video investment. Instead, I believe that what people want from a marketing video is to “feel” something — and that comes from describing the “Why.” Why do you do what you do? What gets you out of bed in the morning? Why do you love your business or products so much? How does your product make your customer feel? Connect with your audience emotionally and they’ll be more inclined to buy into what you are selling. SCRIPTED VS. NON-SCRIPTED There are two main ways to categorize commercial videos: scripted and non-scripted. Scripted videos are written in advance and executed according to a vision and plan. They require quite a bit of pre-production, writing, and possibly even hired talent (actors and extras). Non-scripted (or documentary-style) ads may have an outline or set of questions planned in advance but the final narrative is put together from a series of staff or customer interviews, usually responded to without pre-planned answers. How often have you returned to a store or made a purchase once you got to know the owners or staff? A personal connection can be very powerful for customer retention. Utilize video production to put a face on your company. When you share who you are and why you do what you do, you’re no longer offering a cold, lifeless product. Your face, your story — and most importantly — your passion can be communicated through your commercial video ads.
Trevor Harden is the owner and creative director of Harden Creative, a video production company based in Bluffton and Hilton Head. For more information, visit hardencreative.com.
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small business savings
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DEDUCTIONS THAT TAKE THE STING OUT OF TAX SEASON STORY BY SCORE SC LOWCOUNTRY
WHEN YOU FIRST START A BUSINESS, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW. This can be especially true when tax time rolls around. Many business owners aren’t aware of the abundant number of small business tax deductions out there that can take the sting out of tax season. Like most tax laws, the rules around deductions change all the time. The most recent business tax deduction act, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, took effect in 2018 and started impacting tax returns filed in 2019. Use this as a guide as you prepare your 2020 return and always consult the IRS guidelines on small business tax deductions for the latest information. HERE IS A LIST OF 10 DEDUCTIONS THAT SMALL BUSINESSES TEND TO OVERLOOK. Startup Costs Many entrepreneurs don’t realize they can claim business expenses on a tax return for expenses that hit prior to the business’ launch. Most small businesses can deduct up to $5,000 on their first year’s return. Taxes, Interest, Fees & Charitable Contributions If your business pays tax to any state or local jurisdiction, you may be able to deduct those taxes as a business expense on your federal return. If you pay for business expenses with credit cards, you can deduct any interest and late fees you incur. You can also deduct banking fees such as card-processing fees, fees when making payments, and any others you incur on your business banking accounts. Just like with startup costs, any money you borrow to start the business can be recorded as business liability and the interest can be expensed accordingly. Charitable contributions may be deductible as well.
Wages and Payroll Taxes Being an employee in your own business has a lot of benefits at tax time for your personal tax return. By paying yourself a wage or salary rather than a distribution or dividend, you’ll avoid paying a self-employment tax on your personal return. You should also claim all other employee wages and payroll taxes as deductions for the business. Retirement Plan Contributions Retirement planning and tax planning go together. The tax benefits you’ll receive depend on the retirement plan you have — IRA, 401(k), or one of many others. Businesses can establish inexpensive 401(k) plans with higher contributions for owners. Other retirement account options are available for small businesses.
SCORE SC Lowcountry is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals. 40 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
Bad Debt Most small business owners will have to deal with bad debt at some point. Bad debt accrues when your business is owed for amounts that have not been paid. This could include loans to clients or suppliers, goods sold but not paid or the sale of a mortgaged property, just to name a few. The IRS allows businesses to claim bad debt as a deduction if the amount owed is included in your gross income or lent out as cash. You’ll need to prove that the debt is worthless. Home Office If you run your business out of your home, there’s a long list of home-related expenses that you can consider deducting. These can include, but are not limited to, homeowner’s insurance; utilities; property taxes; and home repairs and maintenance. To deduct home office expenses, you need to have a physical office in your home. Working on your laptop from the kitchen table does not count as an office in the eyes of the IRS. Your home office should be a dedicated space for running your business and it needs to be your principal place of operation. Health Insurance Depending on the type of business entity you own, you may be eligible to take advantage of a self-employed health insurance deduction on your personal return. This is often a significant deduction as it includes the insurance you paid not just to your plan but also to your entire family’s insurance costs. Of all the frequently missed deductions on this list, this one tends to stand out as the most often overlooked. Education and Training Investing in employee education is an important part of many business growth plans and these expenses are fully deductible. You can also deduct entry fees or other similar costs like attending workshops, conferences, tradeshows, and other expenses that allow employees to expand on their knowledge of a subject directly related to the business. Marketing Marketing, advertising and other promotional costs that bring in new customers and retain current ones are deductible expenses. Some of the expenses that qualify include advertising; public relations; website development; and email marketing. Travel and Entertainment Some business travel and entertaining expenses are deductible and others are not. To get started, look at the article, “What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Travel & Entertaining Deductions” at score.org. The money a business can save by maximizing potential tax deductions to reduce their tax liability can end up saving significant dollars that can be invested back into the business.
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“on the move ”
1. SECOND HELPINGS NAMES NEW OFFICERS, ADDS NEW BOARD MEMBER
New officers and a new board member assumed leadership roles for nonprofit Second Helpings. Margaret (Peg) Marty, a retired consumer banking executive who lives on Dataw Island, is board president. The officers for 2021 are Mary Ann Bell, Vice President (Indigo Run); Anthony Berkant, CFO (Port Royal Plantation); Ted Stevenson, Treasurer (Sun City); Jo Pender, Secretary and Past President (Sea Pines); and Margaret (Peg) Marty, President. Audrey H. Williams, an Estill resident, is a new board member. Hampton County is one of the three counties served by Second Helpings. Other board members are Larry Landry, Hilton Head; Charles Russ, Bluffton; Latoya Robinson, Varnville (Hampton County); Joe O’Hayer, Sun City; and John Franklin, Bluffton.
3. SEA PINES COUNTRY CLUB NAMES DIRECTOR OF GOLF
2. OSBORNE
4. COASTAL CARE PARTNERS ADDS RN CARE MANAGER
3. SWIFT
2. LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK NAMES PRESIDENT AND CEO
Nick Osborne has been hired as the Lowcountry Food Bank’s new president and CEO. He has 30 years of experience as a leader in international development and humanitarian operations within the nonprofit sector. The LCFB’s mission is to lead the fight against hunger in the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. “I am honored and excited to join the dedicated team at the Lowcountry Food Bank at such a critical time, when so many people across the coastal communities of South Carolina continue to go hungry every day,” said Osborne. “I look forward to working with the Lowcountry Food Bank’s many partners who, together, remain committed to the equitable access of healthy food for all.”
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James Swift has been named director of golf at Sea Pines Country Club. Originally from West Palm Beach, Fla., Swift has had a 25-year golf career spanning three states and a handful of prestigious clubs. He joins Sea Pines Country Club from Belfair in Bluffton, where he was the director of golf for nearly a decade. Swift graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. Prior to his time at Belfair, he was the director of golf at The Santaluz Club in San Diego for seven years and the Club at Longview in Charlotte for four years.
Anna Dove has joined Coastal Care Partners as RN Care Manager. She has 23 years of nursing experience and will focus on her patients’ care and creating a smooth transition between different treatments and stages of care. Coastal Care Partners serves Savannah, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
5. BLUFFTON GOLF PRO NAMED AMONG COUNTRY’S BEST
4. DOVE
David La Pour, golf pro at Colleton River Club in Bluffton, was named a 2020 Top 50 Golf Coach by Operation 36, a golf player development program. The Operation 36 Top 50 Golf Coach uses quantitative measures to determine who is making the biggest impact on golf through their program.
6. VIRTUAL PET SHOP OPENS IN LOWCOUNTRY
9. MONTENEGRO
Sun Dog, a virtual Lowcountry pet boutique that caters to pets, opened in January. Owned by Tina and Dave Kelsey,
Sun Dog features unique custom collars, leashes and hand-dyed cotton rope leashes for pets. Custom jewelry sets, earrings, key charms, pastel-patterned keychain wristlets and acrylic pawprint keychains are available.
7. BLUESTONE APARTMENTS ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY MANAGER PROMOTION
Abby White was promoted to community manager of The Bluestone Apartments in Bluffton. Continental Realty Corporation, a Baltimore-based real estate investment and management company, made the announcement. The Bluestone Apartments is a 360unit multifamily community. White will lead leasing and property management operations.
8. HILTON HEAD HOTEL EARNS HIGH DESIGNATION Palmera Inn and Suites on Hilton Head Island was designated a Three Diamond property by AAA. A Three Diamond designation means the hotel has comprehensive amenities, style and comfort level, according to a news release.
9. HARDEEVILLE HIRES REC CENTER MANAGER
Hugo Montenegro has been named the city of Hardeeville’s recreation center manager. Hardeeville expects to open its new recreation center later this year. Montenegro has 21 years of experience in park and recreation community services. He earned a degree from Georgia Southern University in 1999 with an emphasis in recreation administration. The $8.5 million recreation center is planned to open in the spring or winter.
10. CONSERVATION VOTERS APPOINT THREE TO ITS BOARD
Bruce Cole, Willie Morgan and Mark Robertson were appointed to the Conservation Voters of South Carolina’s board of directors. Cole is managing director of Palmetto Realty Advisors; Morgan is the South Carolina state manager for the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project; and Robertson recently retired from conservation work, having worked for The Nature Conservancy for 34 years as the founding director of the Florida Keys Initiative and 21 years as South Carolina state director.
VISIT US @ HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM FOR MORE HAPPENINGS
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IILOCAL READII
REALITY TV STAR
SHEP ROSE PENS MEMOIR
life of the
PARTY BY MELINDA COPP | PHOTOS BY MADISON ELROD
Southern Charm star Shep Rose has a successful reality television gig where life always seems to be a party, he was raised in Sea Pines and he comes from a supportive upper-class family. On the surface, he’s the kind of guy internet fingerwaggers love to hate. But the real story is a little deeper, and definitely more fun. Rose was a kid in the 1980s and 90s who attended Hilton Head Prep, scored for the varsity basketball team, and hung out at the beach. He had a gang of friends who rode BMX bikes through the neighborhood, looking for trouble and finding it often enough. One of the greatest luxuries of that life was the safety. Sea Pines — with smooth paths and a canopy of live oaks — was a place where almost nothing bad could happen to you. “Hilton Head is a very special place, and we were lucky,” Rose said in a phone interview. This has always been Rose’s world — a fun place with a big cushion shielding him from most falls, a world he fleshes out in his new book, “Average Expectations: Lessons in Lowering the Bar.” The memoir, to be released March 16 from Gallery Books, is a wild and fun collection of essays reflecting on a life spent traveling, getting drunk, dating, and living in the reality television spotlight. Shepland, as he calls it in the book, is hedonistic, leisure-filled, and not to be taken seriously. But it’s no kiddie pool either. Rose is well-educated and bookish. His mother is a big reader, and she inspired his love of literature. (John Irving is their shared favorite, and he’s currently reading Colin Jost’s memoir.) Rose keeps a journal. He’s witty, easy going, humble, and, like every southern gentleman, dedicated to showing people a good time. He loves his dog. And he readily admits he has a lot to learn. Overall, he’s undeniably a likable guy, and all of Rose’s most affable qualities come out in his essays.
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I JUST WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH. 46 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
The book delves into his family history, which has large personalities and great successes on both sides. But despite coming from a long line of overachievers, Rose never aspired to fame or anything above average. After getting kicked out of boarding school for having too good a time, he landed at University of Georgia, where the party continued. After graduating, he worked in real estate development and eventually went back to school for his MBA. He did an internship at a company in Dubai and secured a job with a great salary for after graduation. Rose was ready to step into a career in international business, when the 2008 recession hit and all that fell through. His contacts at the company stopped answering his calls, and he was back to zero. With his prospects gone, he returned to Hilton Head to regroup. Rose looked into franchising a restaurant. He said he was in Atlanta, cutting onions in the kitchen, learning the food and beverage ropes, when that failed to materialize. After a few years of not finding the next right thing, Rose was at a party in Charleston when mutual friend Thomas Ravenel introduced him to Whitney Sudler-Smith, who was putting together the pitch for Southern Charm. In true Shep Rose fashion, he threw a party to show off what he could bring to the show, and the powers that be liked it. The show recently completed its seventh season on Bravo. When it comes to the show, Rose aims to be the good guy. But it hasn’t always been fun. Season 6, when the episodes were filmed, painted him as the villain. And like anyone in the spotlight, he’s taken some social media heat as well. “Sometimes you forget that so many people are watching,” Rose said. “There are a lot of eyeballs, and I don’t live my life carefully, on purpose.” The book, in a way, gave Rose the freedom to reflect and say what he wanted to say. He spent his pandemic shutdown writing, dutifully leaving out anything he couldn’t stand for his parents to read. Rose’s goal is, always, to entertain. He wants to make people laugh, and maybe redeem himself a little too. Average Expectations will appeal to Southern Charm fans, as well as celebrity memoir readers, and anyone who appreciates a harmless troublemaker. There’s a reason Rose became famous for being the life of the party. “I hope it can reach beyond the typical celebrity memoir,” Rose said. “I just want to make people laugh.”
This witty and engaging collection of essays from the charismatic star of Southern Charm offers rip-roaring stories and tongue-in-cheek advice on everything from relationships to travel to “woke” culture and beyond. Simon & Schuster
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STORY BY JESSICA FARTHING | PHOTOS BY BRIANA TUCKER, TUCKER PHOTO & FILM
The coronavirus pandemic brought changes to Kristen Kopanda and Morgan Crutchley’s wedding plans. What started as an event for more than 100 guests was quickly altered as venues and providers shut down in response to COVID-19. There was a silver lining to the upheaval, however. The couple was able to marry on Daufuskie Island in an intimate ceremony, ending the night with live music by the ocean. Kristen and Morgan met in Asheville, N.C., at a vacation gathering for a friend’s birthday. Despite hitting it off, the couple didn’t exchange numbers, both preferring to play a little hard to get. Friends encouraged them to get in touch on social media and they did, texting and communicating constantly from the moment they contacted each other. Morgan was working his way back to Hilton Head. “I’d been doing jobs all over the state and living in Asia for a couple of years. My goal was to come back home,” he said. He brought Kristen to visit the area, stopping at an oyster roast to eat with family. She instantly fell in love with the area. After a year of long-distance dating, he planned a romantic visit to Daufuskie to propose. The island reminded him of the remoteness of visiting other countries. “You’re stepping off the grid,” he said. “You’re leaving the world behind and it becomes an adventure once you get there.”
Kristen packed and drove into town, not knowing what was in store for her during the weekend. They rented the Hinson White cottage, a Gullah home nestled in view of the marsh. Morgan proposed in the backyard surrounded by Daufuskie’s natural beauty. The couple loved Daufuskie and tried to hold their wedding on the island, but logistically it was too difficult to move their guests back and forth. They then planned to pivot to Belfair in Bluffton, but when they realized they needed to host a smaller wedding because of the pandemic, they decided to go back to Daufuskie Island and hold a wedding for 19 guests at Haig Point. Kristen and Morgan set a date for Oct. 16, 2020, and with the help of wedding planner Sarah Wright at Everlasting Memories, everyone began to work toward making the perfect wedding. Music was changed from a large band to Jason LaPorte playing for the ceremony and other events and Josh Kirk joining in on the reception. Flowers were simple white-and-green arrangements by The Flower Shop Bluffton; just two bouquets for Kristen and her bridesmaid and sprays on the cross that was displayed by their water view. The event was timed to give guests a glimpse of the beautiful sunset and photographer Briana Tucker from Tucker Photo & Film a chance to record that special aspect of the Lowcountry.
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IIBRIDALII “It was perfect,” Kristen said. “We had the view looking out over the sound and Harbour Town. It was absolutely gorgeous.” The bride’s hair stylists, Vanessa Thompson, Jamie Lidie and Destiny Brantley, gave Kristen beautiful makeup and a casual updo with beachy waves, deceptive, as much hairspray was used to make sure the Lowcountry breezes didn’t destroy the style. The groom used JHilburn stylist James Barger for a custom navy suit. Morgan’s preparation needed less styling. He had a fresh haircut from Paddy Myers at Barbers of the Lowcountry. Kristen had tried on many dresses at Ivory & Beau in Savannah, but when she put on the dress she chose, everyone agreed. “I had no idea what I wanted to wear. It was the fourth dress I tried on and seeing everyone’s faces, I immediately knew,” she said. Alterations were made by Trish B Stylin’ Design & Alterations. The day of the wedding brought perfect weather: 75 degrees and sunny. The ceremony, officiated by the couple’s pastor from Church of the Cross, Kevin Cook, was flawless. The couple appreciated their small group. Morgan said: “We were just most thankful that we were happy and healthy in one place at the same time, with everything going on in the world. Time just stopped.” Adjusting around younger family members, the ceremony led into dinner at the Calibogue Club at Haig Point. Afterward, the adults headed to the beach to an area reserved just for their group. There was a fire pit, a bar and a two-person band playing oldies. They ended their day of celebration dancing in the sand.
VENDORS: PHOTOGRAPHER: Briana Tucker, Tucker Photo & Film // WEDDING VENUE: Haig Point, Daufuskie Island // FLORIST: Lauri Leber, The Flower Shop Bluffton WEDDING PLANNER: Sarah Wright, Everlasting Memories // MUSIC: Jason LaPorte (ceremony and reception), Josh Kirk (reception) HAIR & MAKE-UP: Bride: Vanessa Thompson and Jamie Lidie, Destiny Brantley, Heritage Dental Spa & Salon HAIR: Groom: Paddy Myers, Barbers of the Lowcountry // GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: James Barger, local stylist for JHilburn BRIDES ATTIRE: Ivory & Beau, Savannah, alterations by Trish B Stylin’ Design & Alterations
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STORY BY AMY COYNE BREDESON | PHOTOS BY CHRISTI CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Both competitive golfers, Colleen Cully and Justin Imel met on a golf course in Jupiter, Fla., in May 2019. Originally from Indiana, Justin had moved to Florida to play professional golf. Colleen was working for a golf club at the time. The two hit it off immediately. Later that year, Colleen and Justin moved to the Lowcountry, where Colleen had grown up. The couple wanted to be closer to family. At that time, Justin was working for Cintas, and he was able to easily transfer to a local position. Shortly after moving to the area, Colleen and Justin decided to have their photos taken in front of the chapel at Palmetto Bluff for a Christmas card. Colleen hired Christi Clark Photography to do the photo shoot. Little did Colleen know, Justin had planned a big surprise. While the two were posing for photos, Colleen turned around to find Justin down on one knee. Of course, Colleen said yes, and the couple began planning their big day. They were to be married May 30, 2020, at Long Cove Club on Hilton Head Island.
Then came COVID-19, and everything changed. Long Cove Club canceled all weddings and was not booking any new events due to the pandemic. The couple had to find a new venue. “I joke now that the only thing that stayed the same was my dress and my husband,” Colleen said. “I planned the wedding multiple times.” Thankfully, the couple was able to book Honey Horn Plantation for their wedding, which was pushed to Sept. 6, 2020. They also decided to scale down their number of guests from 200 to 75. While it was a bit of a roller coaster planning a wedding during a pandemic, Colleen remained calm and relied on her trusty wedding planner, Ashley Rhodes. COVID-19 ended up changing much more than the date and venue of the Cully-Imel wedding. “We made it as COVID-friendly as possible,” Colleen said. “My mom has an autoimmune disease so we were very cautious about what needed to be done.” The couple changed the way they planned to serve food, spaced out the tables, and made sure plenty of masks and hand sanitizer were available for their guests.
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As an interior designer, Colleen knew what she wanted. She wanted the wedding to have an earthy, rustic farm — yet romantic – feel to it. Because Honey Horn is such a beautiful setting, it didn’t need a lot of extra flair. The colors were sage and blush. The wedding planner incorporated a lot of greenery, such as eucalyptus and olive leaves, rather than flowers. Guests sat at wooden farm tables, which were adorned with handcrafted wooden basket centerpieces from the Imel family’s company called Union Farm Goods. The flower girl also carried a basket made by Union Farm Goods. The bride’s bouquet included roses and succulents. Bridesmaids carried bouquets of baby’s breath. A violinist entertained guests during the ceremony and the cocktail hour. The Hot Sauce Band from Charlotte, N.C., played classic rock and fun 90s songs at the reception.
Since there was nowhere for the bride to hide before making her grand entrance, a friend of her father volunteered his vintage car. The friend, Bob Gregory, drove Colleen and her father to the ceremony in his 1930s Packard limousine, which they exited just prior to walking down the aisle. “The benefit of COVID was I got to make it a more personal experience with each of my guests,” Colleen said. “I get nervous with public speaking and things like that, so being the center of attention in front of a huge crowd wasn’t really ideal to me.” While the couple were disappointed their grandparents and Colleen’s brother couldn’t be there, and they had to postpone their honeymoon to Hawaii, they still got the wedding of their dreams. “It was exactly how I imagined it,” the bride said.
VENDORS: EVENT PLANNER: Ashley Rhodes // CEREMONY/RECEPTION VENUE: Honey Horn Plantation, Robin Swift // PHOTOGRAPHER: Christi Clark Photography FLORAL DESIGNER: The Flower Shop Bluffton, Lauri Leber // CATERING: Downtown Catering // HAIR AND MAKEUP: May River Made Up, Kim Harrison/ Embellished Salon RENTALS: Amazing Event Rentals, Devin Van Bortel/ / VINTAGE CAR: Bob Gregory, Private Collection // VENDORS: CENTERPIECES: Union Farm Goods // CEREMONY ENTERTAINMENT: Seth G (East Coast Entertainment) // RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Hot Sauce Band (East Coast Entertainment) OFFICIANT: Bill Hughes // CAKE: Jessica Kent with Bloom Custom Cakes // CHOCOLATE FAVORS: The Chocolate Canopy, Nancy Paris // BRIDAL DRESS: WToo Bridal from White Magnolia Bridal Salon, Savannah // GROOMS SUIT: Berlin’s Men’s Clothing, Charleston // RINGS: Forsythe Jewelers
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{
{ BY VICKIE MCINTYRE
As the saying goes: Necessity is the mother of invention. Bridal trends for 2021 are no exception. Everything from crowd size to fashion choices reflects the aftermath of COVID-19’s appearance. Nevertheless, hope and flexibility have prevailed. While virtual weddings and live-stream parties are popular, in-person events are still an option, though some traditions have a new look. “Think like a local,” sums up the number one suggestion at harpersbazar.com. With an emphasis on sustainability, locally sourced food, vendors and locations are on the rise. Add to that smaller crowds and the result is more intimate and personal celebrations. Think dinner party under the stars versus formal gala. Micro weddings (usually no more than 50 guests) are trending. Individualized touches are the new “wow” factor as quality trumps quantity. While some opt to splurge on bold centerpieces, others might emphasize atmosphere, choosing to string sparkling lights inside a large tent or hire a strolling violinist instead of a six-piece band. 60 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
Adding splashes of color and staging big photo ops is also trending. According to theknot.com, long speeches are out, while multiple “tiny toasts” are in. Pre-plated appetizers or individual bento boxes have replaced self-serve hors d’oeuvre trays and the traditional multi-layered cake has dissolved into bite-size confections. Casual is the new formal, so look for mismatched seating, living room décor, and individual decorative boxes with essentials like hand sanitizer, masks, and programs. Cassandra Gamble, owner of Blush Bridal & Formal Wear in Bluffton, says some of those trends are certainly evident here in the Lowcountry, but the South always has a few unique standards of its own. Although bling is on the wane, traditional veils and trains are still in style. “Brides are loving train details like older lace patterns or bold floral lace,” says Gamble. “And many are going to ivory- or champagne-colored dresses, though not too dark.”
While the bride always takes center stage, grooms are making fashion statements of their own. “I can’t get enough shades of blue in here,” Gamble laughs, adding that gray menswear is also popular. She reminisces about one groom who added a fulllength wool vest underneath his blue tux to add some texture and pattern. “Honestly,” she muses, “I think they’re trying to show up the brides, but it’s kind of fun to let them have at it.” Stilettos? “On the way out,” she sighs. Although the wedge is still a popular option, custom sneakers are all the rage. “I carry a pair that have fun ribbons on them,” says Gamble. “Everyone wants comfort.” Personal touches like adding leather or jean jackets are encouraged. “We just worked with a local painter to get a custom hat made,” says Gamble. “It was a BOHO-style (Bohemian) hat with hand-painted flowers on it. Definitely on trend with that.” Although the bridal industry needed to do a major pivot last spring, Gamble feels confident things will pick up this year. “We’re starting to get a lot of calls about the fall,” she said.
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// PLANNING A PERFECT REHEARSAL DINNER // BY BECCA EDWARDS
In 2020 many engaged couples said “I do” to postponing their nuptials until 2021. Now that couples are revisiting their wedding plans, celebratory events like the rehearsal dinner are getting a COVID-friendly makeover. “Now, venues that are doing events have had to start thinking outside of the box as to how they can safely host while protecting the guests and their staff,” said Beth Anderson, Director of Events for Sea Pines Country Club. “One such option is to have the event outside.” Some outdoor venues trending in 2021 are golf and miniature golf courses, parks and nature preserves, and the beach. “A couple of details to keep in mind when using an open-air venue are weather, lighting and temperature,” Anderson said. “If you select a location that doesn’t offer
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coverage, you might want to keep a tent on hold in case of inclement weather.” If your location does not offer ample lighting in the space, Anderson recommends hiring a professional to install lights so your guests can see, and to add ambiance to the setting. Lastly, Anderson suggests having heating or cooling sources for your guests and “to inform your guests of attire so they are not too hot or cold.” Kristen Benoit, Director of Private Dining & Events for the SERG Group, says that “November in Hilton Head is an ideal time to have a wedding because you have the benefits of summer without the oppressive heat” and that February through March is when she receives the bulk of her calls to book venues.
ANDERSON AND BENOIT SHARED THEIR TOP TIPS FOR REHEARSAL DINNERS IN 2021: TIME : When picking a timeframe, you will want a time that accommodates guests traveling from out of town and does not run too late. “A non-traditional but fun idea is to have a rehearsal brunch so that you and your guests will have the rest of the day to enjoy,” said Benoit. FOOD : “Stations have been and remain to be popular for rehearsal dinners. With COVID, you have to take extra precautions as to avoid multiple touch points. If you are doing a presentation, you will need to make sure that the stations are manned and each person is wearing the appropriate PPE such as masks and gloves,” said Anderson. As far as food presentation, Benoit says this is where you can get clever and creative. “Instead of our beautiful sushi display, we now use disposable bamboo boats with bite-sized portions, wasabi and soy sauce all presented together. There are so many ways to garnish to make the food fun and colorful.” DECOR : “Invest in some lighting, linen and floral to add to your set up. Nobody says you have to break the budget, but these items will add a visual enhancement to any location,” said Anderson. ENTERTAINMENT AND FAVORS : “We are seeing roast-style toasts versus the traditional father and mother of the groom or best man toasts. For favors people are offering masks with the couple’s monogram or wedding colors,” said Benoit. As to why so many people choose the Lowcountry as their wedding destination, Anderson said, “People come to celebrate their most memorable day in a location that has supplied them with so many in the past.”
RECENTLY
OR SOON TO BE STEP 1: Make the guest list (including the officiant). STEP 2: Pick and book the rehearsal venue. STEP 3: Set up a budget and theme.
To have your engagement or wedding announcement included in next month’s Monthly, register online by February 15.
STEP 4: Design menu and decor. STEP 5: Send out invitations.
HILTONHEADMONTHLY.COM/WEDDINGS
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// REVAMPING YOUR PLANS DURING A PANDEMIC // BY VICKIE MCINTYRE
What do you do when you’ve paid $60,000 for a wedding that’s supposed to take place in five days and a pandemic threatens to bring everything to a halt? Aimee Fennessey, local wedding planner and owner of Amanda Rose Weddings, says, “Modify!” That nightmare scenario unfolded last March just as a year’s worth of work with an out-of-town couple who wanted a destination wedding on Hilton Head Island came face-to-face with newly imposed travel restrictions, health requirements and sanitation demands. Fennessey suggested options that remain relevant in 2021: having the wedding on the beach and scaling back the guest list. The couple decided to have a wedding that would include their parents. Snagging the last marriage license before the office closed on a Thursday, the couple successfully wed on Friday. Every flower ordered was used and the photographer captured every perfect moment. “Everything was absolutely gorgeous,” Fennessey said, adding that it’s all about modifying and prioritizing needs. Scaling back the guest list of more than 100 people to
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a manageable 20 has become the norm. “Everyone needs to be flexible,” Fennessey suggests, as locations and dates are still on a revolving timetable. Hannah Bozard, Senior Catering and Sales Executive at The Westin on Hilton Head, and Steve French, Director of Sales and Marketing, also emphasize “collaboration.” “All of this is new to every single person in the world, so just collaborating with each other and working as partners is essential,” French said. Sometimes that means postponing until a later date or revamping the layout of the reception. “We’ve tried to take the response of being extremely pro-active with each event and communicating upfront about current restrictions,” French said. “The whole effort is to create a safe and secure environment that provides good flow.” Bozard said meal style is one way in which the resort has upgraded its services. Instead of food stations, plated sit-down dinners are encouraged. Plexi-glass dividers allow for cookie stations or an appetizer display to be an option, though servers are used to limited food contact. Software was also purchased to make visual diagrams of options for staging tables and seating with proper social distancing.
Other revised wedding options, according to bizjournals.com, include individual nibbling boards and ready-to-drink cocktails. The Knot says “shift weddings” are a way to have more guests, but not all at the same time. Instead, the guest’s times are staggered to witness certain aspects of the wedding. One group might experience the ceremony, and another group arrives for the reception. Mismatched seating is also popular. Instead of standard seating options, The Knot says mismatched tables (seating for four; others for six) are being invoked for safety. A sequel wedding, as outlined at weddingpro.com, is also an option. The couple has multiple ceremonies, with the first wedding being more intimate, followed by, at a later date, a larger celebration. Typically, couples initially have a micro wedding and then gather with an expanded group of family and friends for the sequel wedding. Challenges still lie ahead as mandates and restrictions keep evolving, but Bozard promises that her team is committed to finding solutions. “There’s a lot of emotion and money involved,” she says, “so we want to be as big a partner as we can be — and so far, so good.”
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BE COOL IN
FUN IN THE SUN
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TOP TRENDS FOR 2021 BY T I M W O O D Pour in some concrete, add some water and chemicals, and voila! You have a pool. Even before a pandemic completely upended the industry, pool design had already evolved far beyond simple shells and a handful of core materials used. Local companies like Aqua Blue Pools, Diamond Pools and Year Round Pool were consistently busy but never enough to create a yearlong waitlist. Enter 2020. With families quarantining and looking for more home-based outside fun, the demand for pools in the Lowcountry exploded exponentially. Jeff Fotia and his staff at Year Round Pool perfected their production formula over decades of innovative installations: Eight weeks from a customer signing a contract to wading in their
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new water oasis. The crew could juggle both large-scale buildouts like the pool amenities at Spring Lake and Margaritaville and the new lazy river at the Hilton Head RV Resort while equally servicing residential clients. Today, despite his veteran management team scaling up staff, the turnaround is 12 to 14 months with close to 100 paid clients on their install list. “I’ve seen a lot in this industry, but nothing like this,” said the company vice president. “We’re in the dream-making business, but this has been more about managing people’s timeline expectations to get that dream. That’s always been part of the process. It was an awkward conversation pre-COVID, but now, folks get it. The whole world is backed up right now.”
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Whereas clients typically would come to Fotia and his crew with a design in mind, now it’s more about expediency. “They have families who just want and need to have an outlet for safe fun,” he said. With so much work in the queue, one upside is it’s easy to identify trends.
SMALL POOLS
As more tract neighborhoods have sprung up, backyards have gotten smaller over the past decade. Consumers had already started inching toward smaller buildouts. Now, with a lot of community pools closed and families concerned about passing germs in larger groups, small is the norm. “Access becomes an issue with smaller lots, just having the means to get in a backyard without disrupting neighbors’ land, but we find a way to make it happen,” Fotia said.
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The company is currently developing a smaller pre-fab shell to meet the growing need. Cocktail pools are trending, according to Backyard Pool Specialists. Known as “spools,” they are usually about 400 square feet, with a depth of 4 feet.
UV LIGHT AND OZONE-BASED FILTRATION
There has been a decade-long shift from chlorine-based filtration to saltwater filtration systems. Fewer chemicals, right? Not quite. “When you break down the salt atom, the end result is chlorine,” Fotia said. According to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, the answer for folks looking for less chemical exposure is UV light and an ozone-based filtration system. The method reduces chemical usage up to 80 percent and minimizes both exposure to contaminants and the resulting skin irritation, red eyes
and bacteria-borne illness. “It has become the new norm during COVID, and I expect that trend to stay,” Fotia said.
BYE, BYE BORING
Gone are the days of staid blue tile for the waterline and white for the interior of the pool. Today, clients are using a variety of tile colors to more closely match the colors of their home. And alternate finishes like pebble aggregate are being used to personalize each design. Tile inlays and LED interior lights have also become go-to options for creating a modern look. “We now have to stock a larger variety of materials, but we love the challenge of a heightened design. ‘Cookie cutter’ is definitely not the trend,” Fotia said. Backyard Pool Specialists said LED lights will “dominate” the market in 2021, with colored LED lighting becoming popular.
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WHAT TO KNOW AHEAD OF YOUR POOL PURCHASE. Here are a few insider tips to help you become a savvy shopper before talking to a pool design specialist.
KNOW YOUR IMPACT: Fotia said the more informed clients are about the land around their pool, the quicker work can progress. “How will the (pool) design impact landscaping, removal of irrigation, electrical and restoration of the land? Helping us collectively understand the impact to the site is a big key,” he said. Sitemaps are included in most property closings. Bring that to your initial pool design meeting. WHAT’S THE USE? Know how you will use your space. And know
you don’t need an Olympic-sized pool to focus on exercise. Underwater treadmills, aquabikes and endless pools can make even the smallest spaces a full-scale workout.
UNDERSTAND THE INVESTMENT: The PHTA’s biggest tip is to be aware of the ongoing costs before embarking on pool ownership. Concrete pools, for example, need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years at an average cost of $10,000. Vinyl replacements are less expensive ($4,000 every 5-10 years) while fiberglass never needs resurfacing. Shady locations could end up costing more in both heating and cleaning. “When you know and maximize your space, you’re going to maximize your investment,” Fotia said. 72 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
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HILTON HEAD HOME DAZZLES WITH ITS SWEEPING BEAUTY
A ROYAL
ESTATE
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STATELY &
SUBTLE BY D E A N R O W L A N D | P H OTO S S U P P L I E D
It’s a majestic home with grand, sweeping views of Port Royal Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the golf course at Dolphin Head in Hilton Head Plantation. “We’re tucked away in a corner with a horseshoe driveway,” said Brandon Schaffner, son of homeowners Walter and Linda. “The first thing you notice is the house,” said Brandon, who owns a design company on the island. “It’s so big and massive. It’s a very stately house, especially when all the lights are on. It’s very regal, almost like a statement, but it’s also very subtle. “When you pull up, you don’t see the garden, the pool and the ocean — you see the house.” The multi-million-dollar contemporary home at 16 Oyster Shell Lane, designed by Jake Lee, now retired, features water views from every room in the wide-open interior. It’s as stately and subtle as a main house can be with 9,300 square feet of living space, five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It was built in 1988. The two-story, four-door garage Lowcountry estate, which is for sale,
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sits on 1.26 acres covering two adjoining lots. There’s a pool, a pool house and a wondrous expansive garden with a plethora of earthly delights of fruits and herbs. The centerpiece of the open floor plan tracks to the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, where Walter does the cooking. He basically designed it for his culinary and convenient pleasures and to entertain friends and guests. Two Sub-Zero refrigerators stock what needs to be on the menu. “My dad built the kitchen around cooking and entertaining,” he said. Stunning cypress ceilings with rosewood inlay and a two-story stone and copper fireplace command attention for its detail and craftsmanship. The layout of the home is sectionalized. “The house has wings, sections,” Brandon said. “One is the living quarters with all the bedrooms. Another is the formal wing, and another is the kitchen and living room where most of the average everyday foot traffic is.” Another wing is dedicated for entertainment with a pool table, media room and wine room that opens to the outside pool and spa and pool house.
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I PUT MY MARK ON THE PROPERTY FROM ALL THE PLANTS WE’VE PUT IN HERE; FRUIT TREES AND A LOT OF HERBS. BRANDON SCHAFFNER
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Then there’s the “overly done” formal room for entertaining and parties. “The house is really well balanced,” he said. “Every area offers something different. There’s always something to keep you entertained…a lot of things make this home special to me.” Walk outside to the backyard and there’s a 180-degree panoramic view of deep water, much to the delight of fishermen and naturalists. Broad Creek flows nearby. The home sits on a point, which adds to the visual impact with its unique angles. Ironically, even though 38 trees, including two massive live oaks, were felled during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, their natural destruction made the waterfront views less obstructed and even more dramatic. Catching an aromatic whiff from the backyard garden shouldn’t be surprising. Schaffner is a long-time gardener. “I’m really into gardening,” he said. “This property is really good for that. I put my mark on the property from all the plants we’ve put in here; fruit trees and a lot of herbs.”
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Let’s start with the lemons: ponderosa for Jello and Meyer for cooking. Add a couple of avocado trees and a few persimmon trees. Don’t forget the banana trees that are “very good and very sweet.” Top that with some bay leaves, oregano, sage, thyme and arrange some perennials too for color. Front to back and from side to side, this property dazzles with its natural and man-made beauty.
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STYLE &
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IIREAL ESTATE NEWSII
Martel
Turner
Tracy
Galbreath-Gonzalez
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY WELCOMES 3 AGENTS, NAMES BROKER-IN-CHARGE
WEICHERT REALTORS WELCOMES 3 NEW AGENTS, SALES MANAGER
Piper Martel, Noel Turner and Roseann Tracy
Willy Fanning, Emily McCarthy and Nailah Marie
in business and marketing with a minor in
have joined the Berkshire Hathaway
Ellis have been added to the Weichert Realtors
mathematics. He has also worked as a
HomeServices Hilton Head Bluffton Realty
team as agents.
professional photographer and videographer.
real estate network.
Martel, a Hilton Head native, specializes
office. He began his Lowcountry real estate
in working with first-time home buyers. She
career in 1995. Fanning is also active at the
serves clients throughout the Hilton Head
Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors, having
COLLINS GROUP REALTY OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR 200TH HOME SALE FOR CHARITY
Island and Bluffton area.
been a trustee and served as its Vice President.
Nominations are being accepted for Collins
McCarthy will work out of the Bluffton
Group Realty’s second annual 200th Home
active real estate licenses in Virginia, South
office. She grew up on Long Island, N.Y., and
Sale for Charity. In 2020, more than 3,600
Carolina and North Carolina. She’s a
worked in digital advertising in New York for 10
nominations were submitted for more than
specialist in short sales and foreclosures.
years. After relocating to Charleston in 2018,
100 Lowcountry local 501(c)3 organizations.
McCarthy has been working in real estate. She
The real estate company donated $10,000 to
eight years after moving here from Ohio. She
moved to Hilton Head in August.
two winning charities when it reached its 200th
has an MBA in business and a background in
Ellis, who will work out of the Savannah
sale for the year. The real estate group is
mortgage banking.
office, is a native of Chicago, Ill. After graduating
requesting nominations for Hilton Head-
Christina Galbreath-Gonzalez, an
from high school, she graduated with an
Bluffton area charities through March 31, via
experienced Realtor, has been named
associate’s degree in culinary arts in 2012 from
i t s w e b s i te at C o l l i n s G ro u p Re a l t y.
broker-in-charge for Berkshire Hathaway
the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
com/200thHomeSale. Ten finalists will be
HomeServices Hilton Head Bluffton Realty.
In 2017, Ellis was accepted into the ProFarmer
announced April 2. Final voting will be April
Training Program at the Hudson Valley Farm Hub.
through July.
Turner, originally from Virginia, has
Tracy has lived in the area more than
Fanning will work out of the Sun City-Okatie
generation native of Beaufort. Ward has a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus
Josh Ward has been promoted to sales
manager of the Beaufort office. He is a third-
Ellis
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Creamer
McCarthy
Fanning
IIREAL ESTATE NEWSII
Ward
SCHEMBRA REAL ESTATE GROUP ADDS AGENT
Lyles company’s data for customers’ 2020 state-tostate migration patterns, South Carolina’s
Shanti Bringas has joined Schembra Real
inbound migration (64%) among states
Estate Group as real estate agent. Bringas
experiencing more than 250 moves with United
is a lifelong Hilton Head Island resident with
Van Lines was second to Idaho (70%). States
more than 22 years of experience in a variety
people are leaving include New Jersey (70%),
of customer service roles, six of which have
New York (67%) and Illinois (67%).
been spent as a local Realtor.
For retirement reasons, Montana and Delaware
experienced more inbound moves than any other
SOUTH CAROLINA REALTORS INSTALLS LEADERSHIP TEAM Morris Lyles was recently installed as 2021
state at 41%, followed by Florida (39%) and South Carolina (38.5%), according to the study.
president of South Carolina Realtors. Lyles was
NAR: HOME PRICES UP
SCR’s 2020 president-elect and 2019 treasurer.
Existing-home sales fell in November,
He has been a Realtor since 1996 and is currently
according to the National Association of
with ERA Wilder Realty in Columbia.
Realtors. Total existing-home sales, completed
Cindy Creamer is the president-elect. She
transactions that include single-family homes,
has been a Realtor since 2006 with Dunes Real
townhomes, condominiums and co-ops,
Estate on Hilton Head Island.
decreased 2.5% from October to a seasonally
Rob Woodul is the association’s 2021
adjusted annual rate of 6.69 million in
treasurer. He’s broker-in-charge of Carolina One
November, the NAR said. However, sales in
Real Estate’s Charleston Central office.
total rose year-over-year, up 25.8% from 2019
Reah Smith is SCR’s 2021 secretary. Smith
(5.32 million in November 2019). The median
has been a Realtor since 2010 and resort and
existing-home price was $310,800, 14.6%
second-home property specialist at Lake Keowee
more than in November 2019.
Real Estate since 2013. president. Tyler is a graduate of Clemson
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY BAY STREET ADDS AN AGENT
University with a background in accounting. He
Brandyn B. Reagan has joined the Berkshire
has been in real estate since 2001.
Hathaway HomeServices Bay Street Realty
Owen Tyler is SCR’s immediate past
Group and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
STUDY: SOUTH CAROLINA POPULAR SPOT TO MOVE TO IN 2020
Cora Bett Thomas Realty team as a real estate agent. She will assist buyers and sellers in the
South Carolina was the No. 2 state in the country
home buying and selling process.
were people moved to in 2020, according to
United Van Lines’ 44th annual National Migration
attendant for Jet Blue, based out of New York
Study. According to the study, which tracks the
City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Reagan most recently served as a flight
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IIPARENTINGII
There are many podcasts and websites that offer audio stories that are entertaining and informative. Here are some kid-friendly online resources for (free) stories and top podcasts.
POPULAR PODCASTS STORYNORY: The site offers a collection of free stories, from originals to fairy tales to classic authors. There are educational and Bible stories and poems. Kids can listen to Alice in Wonderland or hear stories about Greek mythology. Founded in 2005, StoryNory has been featured in the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S LIBRARY:
MRS. P’S MAGIC LIBRARY: Classic children’s stories are read by actress Kathy Kinney (Mrs. P). From Snow White to The Ugly Duckling, the site offers a variety of streaming stories. The site also offers activity guides and online learning options.
STORYONLINE:An award-winning website, it features well-known actors reading children’s books. Readers have included Oprah Winfrey, Kristen Bell, Kevin Costner, Viola Davis, and Betty White. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, according to the website. Winner of the 2016 Parents’ Choice Award.
THE PAST AND THE CURIOUS: History is at the heart of these episodes, which are published monthly with an emphasis on those who might have been underrepresented in the history books. From tales about Jackie Mitchell, a woman who is believed to have struck out famed baseball stars Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, to Beaufort-born Robert Smalls, who escaped from slavery and served in the S.C. House and Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, the enlightening programs are about 30 minutes long and include original music.
The site’s mission is to offer free books from around the world. Books are categorized by country, age groups, characters and other options.
BUT WHY: A PODCAST FOR KIDS : The NPR show is all about the curiosity of kids. Kids submit questions, and the show’s host, Jane Lindholm, finds the answers. Want to know why baby teeth fall out or whether llamas are ticklish? Tune in. CHOMPERS: Getting kids to brush their teeth can be a challenge, but this podcast makes it fun. To make the daily ritual a little more exciting, kids will hear jokes, stories, fun facts and silly songs. The episodes are each about two minutes long — just the right amount of time for a dentist-recommend brushing session. BRAINS ON!: A show for kids and families with more than 100 episodes, Brains on! answers questions about the world. Host Molly Bloom has a child as a guest each week and explores a variety of subjects, including the coronavirus, lost ancient cities and how elevators work. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 105
I I H E A LT H I I
THROUGH
A CRISIS.
MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING A PANDEMIC BY ASHTON SULLIVAN
There’s a crisis occurring, and it’s not just the virus that threatens our physical health. As a mental health provider, I’m on the frontlines of what some are declaring the “secondary pandemic,” or the “mental health pandemic.” While there still exists a stigma around the topic of mental health, it must be addressed. Millions of people are suffering from the emotional effects of COVID-19. Before COVID, approximately 1 in 5 Americans suffered from a mental illness. A study by the CDC conducted last June reported a significant rise in adverse mental health conditions, substance use, and suicidal ideation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that help is available, and there are things we can do to make it through this crisis. Individuals have a wide range of responses to the pandemic. While some continue their day-to-day lives
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as normally as possible, others have become increasingly anxious. Some find themselves obsessing over the news, washing their hands compulsively, or getting angry at others who are not “following the rules.” Others may be experiencing loneliness or loss. Some have lost their jobs, their businesses, or a loved one whom they weren’t even able to see one last time due to COVID restrictions. Others have missed out on life events such as graduations, family reunions, and social gatherings. Kids may struggle to understand why they can’t go to school or play with their friends at the park. Disruptions in their routine may cause them to forget homework assignments, lose motivation, or become anxious or depressed. Here are some mental health tips:
STAY CONNECTED Be intentional about connecting with loved ones. Humans are wired for connection and lacking in this area can result in adverse effects on our mental health. Share your struggles and offer support to others. Don’t rely on social media. GET CREATIVE Do something you enjoy. Start a new project, pick up a new hobby, or keep a journal. Creativity gives our brains a boost of feel-good chemicals and a sense of accomplishment. GO OUTDOORS AND EXERCISE Just like social connection and enjoyment, humans require physical activity and sunlight in order to maintain balance. Exercise doesn’t have to be dreadful- pick; something you don’t hate. Gardening, walking the dog, or virtual fitness classes are a few of many ways you can get moving. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE While children are incredibly resilient, they thrive on consistency and routine. Knowing the rules, what to expect, and who they can turn to for help provides them with a sense of safety and security. Adults with established (but flexible) routines also tend to perform better. RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF DISTRESS AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO SEEK HELP Signs that may indicate help is needed
include significant changes in mood (e.g., irritability, negativity, sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed, constant worry or panic episodes, feeling on edge) or significant changes in behavior (sleeping more or less than usual, appetite changes, withdrawal from others, frequent conflict, anger outbursts, crying spells, and loss of motivation). Most mental health providers offer virtual Telehealth sessions over secure video calls that you can do from almost anywhere while using any device. Telehealth is simple, easy to use, and just as effective as in-person sessions. Check with your insurance company by calling the number on the back of your card to find an innetwork provider near you, or search therapists in your area at psychologytoday.com.
Ashton Sullivan, a licensed counselor and art therapist, is owner of Emerge Counseling & Art Therapy.
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EAT FOR A HEALTHY HEART Focusing on fresh, whole foods helps lower your chances of developing two major heart disease risk factors — being overweight and having high blood pressure. “The best daily diet for a healthy heart includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean sources of protein like beans, fish and poultry, whole grains, and healthy, unsaturated fats,” Fedec said. “Avoid sodium, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.” Fedec recommends the Mediterranean diet — which includes vegetables, fish and poultry — to all of his patients. “It’s the only diet that’s proven to reduce risk of stroke and heart attack,” he said. MOVE MORE Exercise may be the “magic pill” that keeps your heart healthy — it helps keep cholesterol and blood pressure in healthy ranges, and it lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you need some ideas, start by walking, then add some variety with activities such as running, biking, dancing, kickboxing, water aerobics and swimming — anything that keeps you engaged and moving. “The best exercise is one you enjoy and will do for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week,” said Fedec. GET YOUR ‘SUNSHINE VITAMIN’ Research hasn’t found a lot of support for the idea that vitamins prevent heart disease. However, according to the American Heart Association, there is some evidence that vitamin D might help lower the risk of heart failure. Vitamin D is a nutrient your body makes from sunlight but one you can also get from foods, including eggs and fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines. But many people aren’t able to meet their needs through food and sunlight alone. “If you’re concerned about heart failure, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement,” said Fedec. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Symptoms of heart disease are not always apparent. They may not reveal themselves at all until you have a heart attack. While most people are aware that signs could include chest and arm pain and shortness of breath, they can also be indigestion, nausea, fatigue and dizziness. “All too frequently people feel they are slowing down just because they are getting older, said Fedec. “That might very well be the case, but often it is also a manifestation or symptom of heart disease.” So, if you have a family history, other risk factors, or have any of the above symptoms, see your provider to address these issues. “We have many treatment options that weren’t available before,” Dr. Fedec says. “While it’s best to prevent heart disease from setting in, when that’s impossible, we can help manage it so people can return to life.”
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JJ HAYES IS A STANDOUT BASKETBALL PLAYER FOR HILTON HEAD PREP.
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INFLUX OF
TALENT
BASKETBALL STANDOUTS MAKE MOVE TO THE LOWCOUNTRY STORY AND PHOTOS BY JUSTIN JARRETT
During a time when the sports scene in the Lowcountry was quieter than usual, the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring also brought an influx of next-level basketball talent to the area. As families from urban centers throughout the country began to look for less populated areas where outdoor recreation could provide a respite from the quarantine life, the South Carolina coast became an attractive destination for long-term renters and second-home owners and those looking to make the move full-time. What started as the former for one family turned into a permanent move, in large part because of basketball. Susan and Jason Hayes decided to leave Atlanta and spend some extended time holing up on Hilton Head last March, which led to the idea of sticking around a little longer. By June, the Hayes family decided to make it official, and much of that had to do with the relationships their son, JJ, had developed with his fellow ballers on the island — as well as his future coaches. “When the coronavirus hit, we decided to quarantine here, and I got the chance to meet Coach (Jerry) Faulkner and Coach Les Fertig and look more into going to Hilton Head Prep. I realized what a great fit it would be for me,” said JJ Hayes, a junior who was a standout at Pinecrest Academy and with the Atlanta All-Stars AAU program before transferring to Hilton Head Prep. “Who wouldn’t want to live at the beach? It’s a great opportunity to be here.” Hayes immediately burst onto the scene. He averaged a team-best 20.6 points to go with 9.1 rebounds, three assists and 1.7 blocks through the Dolphins’ first seven games.
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IISPORTSII
WE ALL JUST WANT TO WIN, AND WE ALL PRACTICE HARD AND WE’RE GETTING CLOSER. WE’RE ALL HAVING A GOOD TIME
PLAYING TOGETHER. WILL MCCRACKEN
WILL MCCRACKEN HAS ADDED FIREPOWER TO HILTON HEAD HIGH’S BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM.
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With HHP moving up to SCISA Class 3A this season and competing against Charleston powers such as Porter-Gaud and Pinewood Prep, Hayes has been impressed with the level of competition, even compared to what he saw in Atlanta. He’s even more impressed with the vast basketball knowledge walking the halls at HHP, where legendary coaches Rich Basirico (the current athletics director) and Bob Sulek (a teacher at the school) are still around the field house along with coaches Faulkner and assistant Fertig, who was on Bobby Knight’s staff at Texas Tech. “It’s crazy the opportunity you get to be around four guys who are probably Hall of Fame high school coaches,” Hayes said. “Dr. Bob Sulek is my advisory teacher, and I didn’t even realize he was a basketball coach. He talked to me about the game, and his knowledge of the game is so immense. And Coach Basirico is a legendary coach. It’s crazy how many people can be at one small school and you have no idea how much basketball knowledge they have.” But the avalanche of incoming talent didn’t stop with Hayes. In September, a buzz started to build that Hilton Head High’s boys basketball team would have a little extra firepower for their second season under coach Chane Brown. Sure enough, Brown and the Seahawks benefited from a homecoming of sorts when Will McCracken, a senior guard who was already committed to play at UNC Wilmington next season, returned to the area after moving away with his family in 2013. McCracken already had bonds with a handful of his new teammates, including big man Sam Summa and football phenom Jaylen Sneed, so the Seahawks were able to jell quickly. “It’s been a lot of fun to play with everyone,” said McCracken, who noted coronavirus concerns were a reason his family moved back to the area. “We all just want to win, and we all practice hard and we’re getting closer. We’re all having a good time playing together.” That has a lot to do with McCracken, who was averaging a team-high 18.1 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks through the Seahawks’ first seven games. He has quickly emerged as one of the area’s best players and enjoys playing in Brown’s system, especially when the Seahawks are able to get out and run. “It’s more fast-paced, and defense is a really big deal for Coach Brown,” McCracken said. “I love that because I love playing defense. The way he coaches, it’s more up-and-down, don’t sit on the ball at halfcourt; get the ball and go score.” F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 113
IIGOOD DEEDSII
connecting women to women WAHHI CELEBRATES 60 YEARS
BY ROBYN ZIMMERMAN | WAHHI PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
For 60 years, the Women’s Association of Hilton Head has been connecting women throughout the Lowcountry. In preparation for the 60th anniversary celebration, there’s a lot to learn about WAHHI’s history and, more importantly, the association’s future plans. In January 1961, a group of 23 determined women formed the Hilton Head Garden Club to beautify Coligny Circle. In 1965, the name changed to the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island. Since then, the membership has grown to a community of more than 600 diverse women of all ages with a wide array of backgrounds and talents. Over time, the boundaries expanded beyond Hilton Head Island to include Bluffton and Daufuskie Island. Though much has changed over the years, WAHHI’s mission has remained the same — to promote the area’s natural and cultural beauty, to encourage projects which benefit the community, and to facilitate communication among women. “What a journey it has been for me,” said Betty Hambleton, a member of WAHHI for 21 years and incoming president for 2021-2022. “We are all about connecting women to women, growing, learning, and creating unique and new opportunities. We deeply care about each other and our community.” WAHHI’s commitment to the community is unwavering. The Difference Makers provide members the opportunity to contribute in many ways throughout the year. Their unique “difference-in-a-day” projects impact community life by collecting toys for children for the holidays, providing winter coats to the Children’s Center, baking cookies for first responders, collecting books for little libraries, providing welcome home bags for the military and others.
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For the past 40 years, WAHHI has given cash awards to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding community service through the Youth Community Service Awards. The WAHHI Charitable Fund has contributed thousands of dollars in grants to eligible non-profits for programs which support the WAHHI is celebrating WAHHI mission. its 60th anniversary During the coronavirus pandemic, WAHHI’s leadership took on the challenge to rethink how the association could remain relevant to members and provide opportunities to stay connected. Drawing on tech-savvy members, they were able to quickly pivot live events to Zoom, converting many meetings and events to virtual or outside venues. The popular Author Series and Chef Series continue in 2021. There will be a new Environmental and Cultural Speaker series. New interests such as pickleball and golf have started this year, while other small groups have been on hiatus due to the pandemic. “Our WAHHI women have not only survived this year but have thrived,” Hambleton said. Recognition of the 60th anniversary begins with a virtual event on Feb. 17 via Zoom, featuring three speakers: Barbara Catenaci, Executive Director of The Heritage Library, Dr. Carolyn Grant, “Growing Up Local,” and Joni Vanderslice, CEO of J. Banks Design. They will share their experiences on WAHHI’s history, the Lowcountry community, and WAHHI’s heritage. On April 8, the celebration continues with an outdoor luncheon at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Learn more about WAHHI by attending a virtual informational event for prospective members via Zoom scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8 or Friday, March 5 at 10 a.m. Go to wahhi.com to register.
“where to worship”
Grace Coastal Church Come. Experience Grace.
Saturday Night “Come As You Are” Service Online at 7pm Sunday Morning Schedule Worship Services 9am and 11am 15 WILLIAMS DRIVE OKATIE SC 29909
843 379 5520 GCCOFFICE16 GMAIL.COM
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IIDAY TRIPII
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Wonder WELCOME TO
LAND
S AVA N N A H ’ S P L A N T R I V E R S I D E D I ST R I C T B E C O M I N G A P R I M E D E ST I N AT I O N BY MARK E. LETT | PHOTOS SUPPLIED
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IIDAY TRIPII
I WANTED TO GIVE BACK TO MY HOMETOWN,” SAID SAVANNAH-BORN RICHARD KESSLER. “I WANTED TO SEE PEOPLE ENJOYING THEMSELVES.
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After spending eight years and $375 million to transform an abandoned power plant into an eclectic entertainment district on Savannah’s River Street, Richard C. Kessler was eager to learn how his project would be received. The answer came emphatically from a young mother and her daughter, gleefully enjoying a colorful children’s play fountain that sent bursts of water more than 10 feet into the air. A delighted Kessler asked the smiling mom for her opinion. “It’s the fourth day we’ve come here,” Kessler recalls her saying. “When my daughter wakes up, she says she wants to go to the fountain again.” For Kessler, that was the endorsement he’d hoped for in creating the Plant Riverside District on Savannah’s riverfront. “I wanted to give back to my hometown,” said Savannah-born Kessler, 74. “I wanted to see people enjoying themselves.” Walk along the still-evolving Plant Riverside District and there’s plenty of evidence that visitors — young and old — are enjoying the 4.5-acre wonderland. And why not? There’s nothing quite like it. Opened last July, the District is an eye-popping mix of unique restaurants, themed bars, an art gallery, music, spectacular rooftop views, hundreds of upscale hotel rooms and a Riverwalk with shopping, food, children’s activities and a park honoring Martin Luther King Jr. There are massive geodes and oversized gemstones from Brazil to Morocco, artifacts from Africa, a pre-historic tortoise shell, pizza ovens from Italy, educational video displays, an immense copper nugget, an Ice Age bear, Mammoth tusks from Russia and meteorites from who knows where. Rising above the lobby of the inviting JW Marriott Hotel is a gleaming, 135-foot chrome-dipped replica of one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. It’s all presented in an artful blend of contemporary technology and reclaimed brick and wood from the city’s first power plant, a landmark hulk built in 1912 and decommissioned in 2005. Visitors from South Carolina’s Lowcountry arriving via the Talmadge Memorial Bridge will spot the west end District beneath the plant’s stillstanding, black-tipped, twin stacks. The District is the handiwork of Kessler, whose passion and painstaking oversight guided the ambitious project. Many of the one-of-a-kind displays were selected by the worldtraveled Kessler. Some were taken from his own collection (“I began collecting rocks at age 5,” he says.) “You see all this, and it makes you think and wonder what it takes to do something like this,” said Joel Gonzalez, general manager of the District’s JW Marriott. What it takes, Kessler can attest, is a dedication to tackling big, detail-oriented projects and businesses. A former chairman of Days Inn of America, the Georgia Tech graduate spent decades as an entrepreneur and developer of luxury hotels. His Kessler Collection Hotels has included boutique properties in lush getaways in Florida, North Carolina, Alabama and Colorado. The Plant Riverside District offers more than a dozen diverse restaurants and lounges, including an African-savanna-inspired cocktail lounge, a Sushi restaurant and a German-style biergarten. More is in store. This spring and summer, the District intends to open a Mexican restaurant and a third hotel — the Atlantic — increasing the number of rooms in the District to nearly 420. The District also promises a concert venue to attract nationally known acts. Kessler said he intends the district as a multi-faceted destination for tourists and locals to visit and return, again and again.
Monthly asked Richard C. Kessler to pick five “must see” vantage points in the Plant Riverside District.
HE CITED:
M A I N L O B B Y O F J W M A R R I O T T Guests entering through massive, restored wooden doors are greeted by splashes of color, sparkling glass and lighting, and – above – the giant dinosaur replica. “You can draw a 10foot circle in the lobby, and that’s about where most people stop to take it all in,” Kessler said. “They look up and say, ‘What is this place?’” MLK PARK A riverfront greenspace between the JW Marriott and the Atlantic Hotel already offers an up-close view of the river and the passing parade of giant, ocean-going vessels. As the hotel is completed, the park will double in size. R I V E R W A L K The District’s 1,100-foot walk along the river provides one of the best views in all of Savannah, Kessler said. The multicolor lights after sundown also provide an experience that is, well, as different as night and day. E L E C T R I C M O O N Atop the Power Plant Building is the Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, offering river views, signature cocktails and a nighttime vibe for adults. “It’s a place for people 25 to 85 to have a good time,” Kessler said. T H R E E M U S E S : M Y RT L E & R O S E R O O F T O P G A R D E N The rooftop garden above the luxurious Three Muses hotel features fig trees, lemon trees and a contemplative, romantic setting. “It’s a place to take someone dear to you and totally relax,” Kessler said.
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I I F E B R U A R Y 2 0 // 2 1 E V E N T G U I D E I I
25TH ANNUAL GULLAH CELEBRATION Feb. 1-28
FUN EVENTS FOR EVERYONE!
CALENDAR
FEB. 1-28 25TH ANNUAL GULLAH CELEBRATION: A celebration of Gullah art, food, music and people. This year’s events include the Arts Ob We People Art Exhibition and Sale, A Taste of Gullah, Soul Food and Friends Cooking Series, Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast and Freedom Day. Event dates, times, locations and ticket prices vary. gullahcelebration.com.
FEB. 2 VIRTUAL LECTURE: “FACE JUGS OF THE SOUTH”: A lecture by Dr. John Burrison on face jugs at the Museum of International Folk Art, followed by a discussion on how face jugs fit into the South Carolina story. Free. 5 p.m. Pre-register to attend in-person or watch Live virtually on the Morris Center Facebook page @MorrisHeritageCenter. Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
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FEB. 2-28 NOISES OFF: A play-within-a-play about an ambitious director and his troupe of mediocre actors. $50 for adults, $37 for children. Times vary. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2787 or artshhi.com.
FEB. 6
COLIGNY SOUPERBOWL OF CARING: A fundraiser to benefit Second Helpings. This year’s event will feature a safe outdoor walking event with soup samples at each participating Coligny restaurant. Cost is $25. 1-4 p.m., Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6050 or colignyplaza.com.
FEB. 5 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL: Join political entrepreneur Steven Olikara for a virtual presentation on how the rise of millennials and Gen Z will shape American Foreign Policy. Free for members, $10 for non-members. 10-11:30 a.m. Register online for Zoom link. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.
FEB. 5-6 JOE GRANSDEN AT THE JAZZ CORNER: With pianist and composer Kenny Banks. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com
FEB. 6 THE GREAT MASK-QUERADE: A DaddyDaughter dance hosted by the Island Rec Center. Light refreshments will be served. Poseidon will offer a 15% discount to dads and daughters for dinner downstairs after the event. Cost is $25 per dad and daughter, $10 per additional child. 4:30-6 p.m., 6:30-8 p.m., Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.
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FEB. 6 VIRTUAL LECTURE: “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN”: A documentary screening and discussion of “The Other Side of the Coin: Race, Generations & Reconciliation.” Free. 1 p.m. Pre-register to attend in-person or watch live virtually on the Morris Center Facebook page @MorrisHeritageCenter. Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
FEB. 8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL SPEAKER SERIES: Captain Chip Michalove will present “There’s (Great White) Sharks in our Waters,” at this month’s Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island’s virtual event. Free for members. 5 p.m. Register for Zoom link. wahhi.org.
JUDE FRANCIS TRUNK SHOW FEB. 8 ORCHESTRA SERIES CONCERT 6: “THE BIRTH OF SWING”: Live stream this SoundWaves concert series from the comfort of your own home. Featuring conductor John Morris Russell and members of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $25 each. 7:30 p.m. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org.
on-trend shapes and styles. View the new Spring Collection and enjoy a complimentary gift with your Jude Frances purchase. Please RSVP. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Forsythe Jewelers, The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 311, Hilton Head Island. 843-671-7070 or forsythejewelers.biz.
FEB. 9 EVENING SPEAKER SERIES: Dr. Colin Moseley, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, will present the benefits and shortcomings of Universal Health Care and healthcare in the United States. Cost is $10. 7-8:15 p.m. Register online for Zoom link. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.
FEB. 11-12 JUDE FRANCES TRUNK SHOW: Jude Frances Jewelry offers something for women of all ages, combining classic elegance with
FEB. 11-14 MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR: A virtual showcase of the culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring short documentary films curated from the annual Mountainfilm festival held in Telluride, Colorado. Presented by the Island Academy of Hilton Head. Cost is $20 for individual tickets, $35 for families of two to four people, $50 for groups of five or more. 843-342-9826 or hhiacademy.com.
FEB. 12-13 A CELEBRATION OF NAT KING COLE AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Featuring The Martin Lesch Band and Reggie Deas. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.
FEB. 13 FAREWELL TO THE QUARTERDECK: Enjoy one last soiree before The Quarterdeck in Sea Pines undergoes major renovations. Featuring appetizers, cocktails and a sneak peek of plans for the new Quarterdeck restaurant and rooftop oyster bar. Tickets are $60. 5-8 p.m., The Quarterdeck, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1999 or quarterdeckhhi.com.
FEB. 16
HONEY HILL
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VIRTUAL LECTURE: “HONEY HILL ARCHAEOLOGY”: Mike Yianopoulos will present details of the archaeological work done at Honey Hill Battle site. Free. 5 p.m. Pre-register to attend inperson or watch Live virtually on the Morris Center Facebook page @MorrisHeritageCenter. Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
FEB. 18
FEB. 20
USCB LUNCH WITH AUTHOR: Emergency medicine doctor-turned novelist Kimmery Martin is the featured author for February’s luncheon. Cost is $45. Noon. Country Club of Hilton Head, 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-521-4145 or uscbcenterforthearts.com.
FOURTH ANNUAL ANTIQUES APPRAISAL AND SILENT AUCTION: Join the Kiwanis Club of Bluffton for its annual fundraiser, featuring on-site authorized and registered appraisers and a silent auction. Support local children and fundraising for the various service projects that Kiwanis does in the local community. Appraisal cost is $10 per item appraised, $25 for three items. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Seaquins Ballroom, 1300 Fording Island Road, Bluffton. blufftonkiwanis.org.
FEB. 18 WAHHI VIRTUAL AUTHOR SERIES: Susan Meissner, author of “The Nature of Fragile Things,” will be the featured speaker at this month’s Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island’s Author Series. Free for members. 5 p.m. Register for Zoom link. wahhi.org.
FEB. 19 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL: Ambassador Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, will virtually present what’s next for North Korea. Cost is free for members, $10 for non-members. 10-11:30 a.m. Register online for Zoom link. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.
FEB. 20-27 CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK: The Chamber’s 13th annual Restaurant Week features more than 70 Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants offering specially-priced menus for participants. Visit hiltonheadchamber. org for a list of participating restaurants.
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FEB. 22 ORCHESTRA SERIES CONCERT 7: “HAYDN-FEST”: Live stream this SoundWaves concert series from the comfort of your own home. Featuring Conductor John Morris Russell, Cellist Raymond Tsai, and members of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $25 each. 7:30 p.m. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org.
FEB. 26 LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER ROAST: All-you-can-eat steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder and chili. Drinks sold separately. Admission is $50 for adults, $40 for ages 17 and under. 5-8 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or hiltonheadoysterfestival.com.
FEB. 26-27 THE JEREMY WOLF GROUP AT THE JAZZ CORNER: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.
FEB. 27 LOWCOUNTRY GLASS MOSAICS: Glass artist Pat Stone leads this four-hour workshop where attendees will create a luminous mosaic suncatcher. Learn how to safely cut glass, follow mosaic patterns and grout pieces. Cost is $50. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
FEB. 27 SPRING OYSTER ROAST: Enjoy a toasty fire pit and buckets of fresh, local oysters. Featuring live music and waterfront family fun. Free entry. 4 p.m., The Salty Dog, South Beach, Hilton Head Island. 843-671-2233 or saltydog. com.Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
THROUGH FEB. 28 SAVOR SEA PINES: The Lowcountry’s newest epicurean festival brings some of the finest chefs in the world to Hilton Head Island for a month-long celebration of food, wine and spirits. Dates, times, locations and ticket prices vary. savorseapines.com.
THROUGH FEB. 28 TREASURES OF OUR COASTAL STATE: A juried and curated exhibit of art by the members of the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Women Artists. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays. Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
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THROUGH MARCH 19 ART LEAGUE SEEKS ARTISTS: The Art League of Hilton Head invites artists to enter their 27th National Juried Exhibit, featuring over $5,000 in cash prizes. All works of art selected by jurors will be on display at Art League Gallery. The application deadline is March 19. The fee to enter is $35, then $10 per additional entry (limit three). 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org.
MARCH 14 HILTON HEAD IRELAND ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: The oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Carolina is back for its 37th year. Free. 3 p.m., Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. hiltonheadireland.org.
RIBBON CUTTING Feb. 3 HERITAGE ACADEMY RIBBON CUTTING: Celebrate the ribbon cutting for new Heritage Academy owner and Head of School Amanda Williams-O’Nan. Her vision for the school is to support students in small classes and to provide a state-of-the-art college preparatory education. 10-11 a.m. 11 New Orleans Rd., Hilton Head Island.
MARCH 18 LOWCOUNTRY SPEAKER SERIES: Tickets are on sale now for the next Lowcountry Speaker Series in March. This rescheduled live lecture will feature Robert O’Neill, one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time. Cost is $85-$150. 4 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-823-4111 or lowcountryspeakerseries.com.
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MONDAYS VIRTUAL KIDS STORY TIME: Listen to Rebecca read family favorites about the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural history on the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Facebook page. Watch on Facebook Live at @ coastaldiscoverymuseum. 843- 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org. MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS MEMORY MATTERS: “VIRTUAL COMPASS CLASSES”: An online program designed for adults experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Compass provides curriculum-based activities, physical exercise, relaxation techniques, life-long learning, small group discussions and socialization. Free. 10 a.m., 1 p.m. 843-842-6688 or mymemorymatters.org. TUESDAYS HILTON HEAD ISLAND FARMERS MARKET: Support our local farmers and producers and take home fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, free range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, sausage, cookies, bread, she crab soup and more. Entrance and parking are free. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum. 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-473-5231 or hhifarmersmarket.com. OPEN MIC NIGHT AT CORKS: Show up and show off your talent during this open mic night, every Tuesday night at Corks Bluffton. 7-10 p.m., Corks Wine Bar and Restaurant, 14 Promenade Street, Bluffton. 843-815-5168 or corkswinecobluffton.com.
ALLIGATOR TOUR SIT AND STITCH IN THE EVENING: Enjoy knitting, crochet, needlepoint, rug hook practice as Needlepoint Junction stays open late. All levels welcome. Outside food and drink permitted. Free. 5-8 p.m., Needlepoint Junction, Suite J-7-E, Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or needlepointjunctionhhi.com. ZION CEMETERY AND BAYNARD MAUSOLEUM COSTUMED CEMETERY TOUR: Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and learn about the blood skirmish fought just a few steps away. $15 Adult/$10 Child, 11 a.m., Corner of U.S. 278 & Matthews Dr, Hilton Head Island. Reservations required- 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org. TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS MARINA MORNINGS: OUTDOOR YOGA: Practice yoga on the pavilion at Shelter Cove, with draft kombucha to follow. All levels welcome. Cost is $20. 9:30 a.m., Pure Salt Studios, 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-707-7027 or puresaltstudios.com. WEDNESDAYS HAUNTED HISTORY TALES: : Listen to graveside storytelling in the eerie setting of Hilton Head Island’s oldest burial ground and hear spine-tingling tales of the Island’s shadowy past. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for children ages 8-16. 9 p.m., Zion Cemetery, 574 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.
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THURSDAYS CIVIL WAR ERA: Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Join this presentation featuring maps and historic photos of this time on Hilton Head from 18611865. Reservations required. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223. or coastaldiscovery.org. DUELING PIANOS SHOW: The only Dueling Pianos Show on Hilton Head Island takes place each Thursday night on the Rooftop Bar. Cost is $5. 8-11 p.m., Rooftop Bar at Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3838 or therooftophhi.com. FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Calhoun Street. Buy a fresh assortment of strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more. Also, hear local, live entertainment and see Chef demonstrations. Noon-3 p.m., Calhoun Street, Bluffton. 843-415-2447 or farmersmarketbluffton.org. PAINT ’N PARTY ONLINE: A fun evening of painting online. Any number of people can join, plus no need to pay for a babysitter or an expensive dinner out. Cost is $15 per household. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 843-342-5439 or scartstudio.com.
FRIDAYS SIT AND STITCH: Practice needlepoint every Friday during this casual sit and stitch event. All levels welcome. Free. 10 a.m., Needlepoint Junction, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 6134, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or shopneedlepointjunction.com.
TRAIL RIDES THROUGH THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE WITH LAWTON STABLES Trail Rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables. Meander through the preserve on horseback for the true feel of the untouched Lowcountry. Trail riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservations are required. 843-671-2586 lawtonstables.com.
SATURDAYS ALLIGATOR AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR Alligator & Wildlife Boat Tour with H2O Sports in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get an up-close view of indigenous plant and animal life, including the American alligator, on a one-hour guided boat tour. Reservations are required, 843-671-4386 or h2osports.com.
PICKLEBALL AT PALMETTO DUNES Learn how to play Pickleball with daily clinics and round robins at the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Courts and equipment are available to rent. Reservations recommended. palmettodunes.com.
CURBSIDE CRAFTS TO-GO Children and adults can order a variety of craft activities pre-assembled and ready to enjoy at your home or villa. Book online. Cost is $12-$20. Sea Pines Resort Fitness and Recreation Department, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 122, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.
THE HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM Explore Hilton Head Island’s rich history and learn the story behind its famous lighthouse in a unique, museum-like setting. Admission is $4.25/person, complimentary for children ages 5 and younger. 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-671-2810 or harbourtownlighthouse.com.
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IIHAPPENINGSII
RESTAURANT
NEWS
Side Hustle Beer Co.
The Quarterdeck
SEA PINES ANNOUNCES REDEVELOPED RESTAURANT
The Quarterdeck restaurant at the Sea Pines Resort will be redeveloped to include a new rooftop oyster bar offering 270-degree views of Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound, according to a news release. Design and engineering are in the final stages, with demolition and construction set to start this spring. The new vision, created by design firm Hart Howerton, will feature a two-story restaurant with a bar and dining area on the first floor and the rooftop oyster bar where guests can enjoy views of Harbour Town and the 18th hole of the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links. A casual, walk-up market on the ground level will serve as a place to grab a quick bite to go or to stock up on provisions for the day. The addition of a boardwalk will direct pedestrian flow to the
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Tio's
market and pier, creating a gathering spot in the waterfront setting. “This new restaurant will serve as the cornerstone of Harbour Town and is destined to become the most desirable dining venue on Hilton Head Island,” said Steve Birdwell, president of The Sea Pines Resort. The Sea Pines Resort will host Savor Sea Pines, a month-long celebration of food, wine, and spirits, featuring some of the finest chefs in the culinary world, during February. The series of socially distant events—including dinners, tastings, demonstrations, and classes—will use venues throughout The Sea Pines Resort: Fraser’s Tavern, Links – an American Grill, Coast, and Harbour Town Clubhouse, a news release said.
BREWERY OPENS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Side Hustle Beer Co. recently made its debut. The craft brewery at Arrowhead Road on Hilton Head Island offers beer “to-go,” according to its website. It is open Thursday-Saturday.
TIO’S OPENING A SECOND LOCATION
Tio’s Latin American Kitchen is opening a location in Bluffton. The Shelter Cove Towne Centre eatery plans an additional spot in Buckwalter Place. According to its Facebook page, Tio’s said, “Bluffton has always kept a piece of our hearts.” The eatery said it offers dishes from several Latino countries, made from scratch and served fresh daily.
MOSS CREEK CULINARY TEAM RECOGNIZED AS TOP INNOVATORS
The December 2020 issue of Club + Resort Business features the 2020 Innovation Awards and Moss Creek Golf Club on Hilton Head Island was recognized for introducing meal kits, a “Home Cooking with Lenny” video series, and a “Sunday Sauce Menu.”
CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK IN FEBRUARY
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s 13th annual Restaurant Week is Feb. 20-27. Modeled after restaurant weeks in New York and other cities, more than 70 of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants offer specially priced or prix-fixe menus, signature dishes, new entrées and old favorites. For more information, visit hiltonheadisland.org/restaurantweek.
TASTE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY SILENT AUCTION
In tandem with Restaurant Week, the Hilton Head IslandBluffton Chamber of Commerce is holding a Lowcountry silent auction that will showcase cooking lessons, wine dinners, private parties, and more. For more information email chavens@ hiltonheadisland.org.
TACKLE HUNGER WITH SOUPERBOWL OF CARING
Chefs at Coligny Plaza restaurants on Hilton Head are pulling out their best soup recipes to benefit Second Helpings food rescue. It’s in preparation for the third annual SouperBowl of Caring event on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 1-4 p.m. at Coligny Plaza. This year will offer a safe dine-around outdoor walking event hosted by Coligny restaurants with soup samples at each location. In addition to soup, there will be live music. Beverages will be available from Coligny restaurants. Tickets are $25 per person with all proceeds benefitting Second Helpings. Volunteers from Second Helpings will be available to accept donations and to talk about the need for additional volunteers to rescue food and distribute it to 55 agencies in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties.
RESTAURANTS OPEN IN DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH
Savannah is welcoming two restaurants with the re-opening of The Public Kitchen & Bar and the debut, next door, of Franklin's. On the corner of Liberty and Bull streets, The Public Kitchen & Bar was shut down after a kitchen fire last year. It was expected to open Jan. 25. Franklin's, which opened mid-January, offers all-day brunch. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 129
BUBBLY FOR EVERY PRICE POINT
Sparkling Selections
“I could not live without Champagne. In victory I deserve it, in defeat I need it.” WINSTON CHURCHILL
This is the best quote I could find to sum up 2021 thus far. We all got through 2020, and we are not looking for a repeat. I would like to share some of my favorite sparkling selections in every price point to calm your nerves, or to add to your upcoming Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day celebration.
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Photo by Alexander Naglestad
by Stephanie Skager
UNDER $20
UNDER $20 SELECTIONS
Cuvee Vaux: This sparkling wine from
Germany checks all the boxes for quality. It is made from biodynamically farmed-estate fruit from a winery that dates back to the 1880s. It is made in the traditional Champagne Method by a committed cellar master, a young woman named Maike Maria Münster. The Cuvee gets its creaminess from Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, while maintaining crispness from Riesling and Chardonnay.
Bertolani Lambrusco Rose:The Bertolani
Photo by Alexander Naglestad
winery is more than a century old and continues to win awards for this DRY Rose Lambrusco that pairs with an entire meal from appetizer to dessert. Also, wildly enjoyable on its own. It is a sparkling wine every wine lover should experience for themselves.
$20$50
OVER $50
$20-$50 SELECTIONS
OVER $50 SELECTIONS
Phaunus Pet Nat: Interest in natural and low-
Hidden Bench 2013 Natur: I have tasted few dry wines from Canada, but this is one of them. I was pleasantly surprised. This wine exhibits notes of toasted brioche, dried almond and hints of citrus. The generous midpalate, body, intensity and structure lead to flavors of fresh orange and an autolytic character.
sugar wines is increasing; this is a wine that exceeds those expectations. A rose sparkling wine made from the Portuguese grapes Alvarelhao and Vinhao with no added yeast, sugar, or sulfites, and unfiltered with no forced stabilization, makes this wine vegan and as healthy as wine can be.
Villa Crespia Franciacorta Brut: If you are in the
market for something with a little complexity, I suggest Fanciacorta (Italy’s method traditional sparkling wine). The Muratori family has always been deeply rooted in the Franciacorta territory and Tenuta Villa Crespia cements this bond and passion of the family to their homeland. Since its birth, Villa Crespia has always been focused on the exclusive production of Franciacorta, with grapes from the family-owned vineyards.
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs: Schramsberg,
Napa’s sparkling winery, dates back to the 19th century, when German immigrant Jacob Schram first made his home and started his winery on Diamond Mountain. Jack and Jamie Davies restored the Schramsberg estate in 1965 and set out to produce America’s most prestigious sparkling wine.
Champagne Mousse Fils L’or D’Eugene:
Not including a true Champagne in this column would simply be unheard of. This Champagne is unique because it is made from mostly Pinot Munier, which is made using perpetual reserve. Imagine two barrels, one full and one empty. You transfer half of the full barrel to the empty one so both are at 50 percent. Then you add half of the new harvest in each barrel. You’ll bottle one of the tanks and keep the other to start again next year. Winemaker Cedric uses this method to strike a masterful balance between the freshness of the new vintage with the complexity and depth only “old wines” can bring.
Stephanie Skager is a certified sommelier who has been on the Rollers Wine and Spirits team for more than eight years. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 131
IIDINE OUTII
OUR FAVORITES
restaurants BROUGHT TO YOU BY MONTHLY, FORK & FUN AND VACATION GUIDE
"let's go out to eat." THE LOWCOUNTRY HAS MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES.
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HILTON HEAD // NORTH END:
Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek
Hwy. 278 | 843.681.5021 | thecrazycrab.com A Hilton Head tradition for over 30 years, enjoy genuine service and fresh seafood. Menu feature crab clusters, local oysters, seafood “your way,” fresh local shrimp.
Healthy Habit
33 Office Park Road | 843.686.5600 | healthyhabithhi.com A quick service style restaurant with a focus on chopped salads and other plant based items utilizing the freshest ingredients possible with hand crafted dressings.
Il Carpaccio
200A Museum St. (Across from Walmart) | 843.342.9949 Authentic Italian cuisine, ranging from cuisine of Northern Italy to crispy, thin-crust, Italian-style pizza. Casual restaurant, with a genuine brick pizza oven (imported from Italy).
Old Fort Pub
65 Skull Creek Drive | 843.681.2386 | OldFortPub.com Enjoy beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant on Hilton Head. (Won 11 times!) Reservations Recommended.
Reilley’s North End Pub
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Street Meet: The American Tavern
The French Bakery & Courtyard Café
95 Mathews Dr. | 843.681.4153 | reilleysnorth.com An island institution, Reilley’s has been serving up steaks, seafood, pasta & sandwiches for more than 35 years. Kids eat free Tuesdays with an adult entrée. Port Royal Plaza | 843.842.2570 | streetmeethhi.com Street Meet specializes in homemade versions of regional American bar food. Best Wings, Fish & Chips, Homemade Soups, Salads, Vegetarian Menu, Seafood.
HILTON HEAD // MID-ISLAND:
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
11 Simmons Road | 843.842.2267 | fishcamphhi.com Fishcamp’s menu consists of seafood and American cuisine, including steak and lobster. They have an outdoor bar and open patio. Family friendly. 28 Shelter Cove Ln. | 843.342.5420 | frenchbakeryhiltonhead.com Breakfast or lunch inside or outdoors in this bakery/café. Enjoy crepes, breads, baguette & panini sandwiches, salads, soups, quiches & pastries. Traditional French recipes.
Giuseppi's Pizza & Pasta
76 Queens Folly Rd. | 843.785.4999 | alexandersrestaurant.com Menu uses seasonal ingredients with a strong emphasis on seafood while paying homage to Alexander’s original favorites. Dinner from 5–10pm daily.
50 Shelter Cove Lane | 843.785.4144 | giuseppispizza.com They take pride in serving excellent, award-winning pizza (since 1984), plus a broad variety of well-prepared pastas, sandwiches, wings, garden fresh salads and more.
Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza
890 William Hilton Parkway | 843.842.9111 grubysnydeli.com Bringing Authentic New York Sandwiches to the South. A New York-style deli offering classic sandwiches, soups & breakfast dishes in a casual setting offering breakfast and lunch. >>
7 Trent Jones Ln. | 855.878.1966 | palmettodunes.com/big-jims Big Jim’s offers signature Southern dishes, gourmet burgers, pizzas, soups, salads, seafood, steaks and ribs. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Gruby's New York Deli
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street
meet.
THE AMERICAN TAVERN BY ANTHONY DAVID If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home style experience, stop in to Street Meet for lunch, dinner, or late night. Featuring “Sidewalk Sandwiches from America’s Favorite Street Corners™” Street Meet specializes in homemade versions of regional American bar food. They were voted: People’s Choice Awards Best Bar 2015, Island’s Best Hot Dog. It’s the place to go for the best wings, fish & chips, homemade soups, salads, and seafood. They also offer a vegetarian menu, power bowls, a $8 lunch menu, and happy hour & early bird specials. A tasteful selection of American whiskey and Bourbon sits on their liquor shelves and American craft-brews are at the forefront of the beer they serve. As a small business owned and operated by a sister-brother (and his wife) team, Street Meet feels there’s nothing more American than their vision. They take pride in their connection with the veterans-assistance foundation, Honor our Heroes, and consistent 134 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
charitable donations to the community in which we live. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, owner Carey Basciano welcomes football fans and ex-patriots from Ohio to the home of the Cleveland Brown Backers. The NFL team issued a charter and the certificate hangs behind the bar. And with the help of a Backer Tracker app, fans looking for a great place to watch the Browns play find old and new friends at Street Meet. They expanded into the adjacent space in spring of 2016 and commissioned a colorful graffiti mural by well-known artist Blake Shockley. Street Meet offers live music and fund raising opportunities that give back to the community. Looking to take a bit of Street Meet home with you? Take-out is available and they also offer local and Browns Backer apparel and online ordering beginning March 2020. Street Meet also caters. There are daily specials and a full bar. Continuous service from 11:30 a.m. Kitchen open late. Port Royal Plaza (behind McDonalds), North end, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-2570, www.streetmeethhi.com.
Island Bagel & Deli
S. Island Square | 843.686.3353 | islandbagelanddeli.com The island's only New York style boiled bagels made daily. 16 flavors of bagels and 12 home-made cream cheeses. For lunch: specialty hoagies, classic sandwiches & salads.
Jane Bistro & Bar
28 Shelter Cove Lane | 843.686.5696 | janehhi.com Classic bistro fare with Lowcountry influences. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, pecan cranberry chicken salad, crispy flounder and petit filet mignon. Open daily.
Old Oyster Factory
101 Marshland Rd. | 843.681.6040 | OldOysterFactory.com Panoramic marsh and water views. Specializes in fresh seafood and some of the best steaks on Hilton Head. Featured in The Wall Street Journal's “Off the Beaten Track.”
San Miguel’s
9 Harbourside Ln. | 843.842.4555 | sanmiguels.com Located directly on the harbour at Shelter Cove and provides good food and fun. Extensive California/Mexican menu. Lunch and dinner served daily.
Santa Fe Cafe
807 William Hilton Pkwy | 843.785.3838 | santafecafeofhiltonhead.com Casually elegant dining that captures the spirit of New Mexico. Signature items include Parmesan Chipotle Grouper, 24-oz bone-in ribeye steak, fajitas, & Painted Desert Soup.
Sea Grass Grille
807 William Hilton Pkwy | 843.785.9990 | seagrassgrille.com American and Lowcountry Continental cuisine. Chef Chad brings 38 years of hands-on culinary expertise. More than 50 wines by the glass. Winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.
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catch
22
HAND CUT STEAKS & FRESH “CATCH” DAILY BY ANTHONY DAVID Catch 22 opened in 2001 and is locally owned and operated by Gary and Penny Duren. They have created a comfortable culture for their customers and staff. A TripAdvisor reviewer said Catch 22 is a longtime favorite “because of the service and efficiency of the staff, including the owner who is always on hand.” All of their beef is aged 28 days, Brasstown beef, hand selected and cut in house. They also fillet in house, their fresh “off the boat” local Catch of the Day. Catch 22 exceeds expectations for its excellent service, delicious food, innovative menu, eclectic ambiance and superb dining experience. The menu includes dishes like their 3 Onion Encrusted Pork Chop, Fried Seafood Plate, Char Braised Short Rib, Pan Seared Scallops & Ravioli and Crispy Roasted Half Duck. Another TripAdvisor reviewer said the restaurant has been a favorite for years. “Once you’ve discovered it, though, you will feel like you have found one of Hilton Head’s special treasures,” the review said.
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Catch 22 can cater in your home, office or a location of your choice. They also enjoy hosting special parties of up to 50 in their back dining room. Enjoy your special occasion and let them do the work. Dinner is served Monday – Saturday from 5:00 p.m.– until. Reservations are suggested and available through Resy or by calling 843-785-6261. Early dining menu has a choice of eight entrees with a salad choice and soft drink from 5-6 p.m. Happy hour at the bar is from 5-6:30 p.m. Take out, children’s menu and catering available. Menu items and pricing change seasonally. Artwork available for sale by Local artist, L. Robert Stanfield. Gift certificates available. 37 New Orleans Rd., Orleans Plaza near Sea Pines Circle, Hilton Head Island, 843-785-6261. Please visit them online at Catch22hhi.com for promotions.
IIDINE OUTII
HILTON HEAD // SOUTH END: Amigos Cafe y Cantina
70 Pope Ave. | 843-785-8226 | amigoscafehhi.com Quick, Casual, Healthy. Serving Authentic Mexican Food. food is prepared fresh daily using the finest ingredients possible and served by friendly, helpful people, in a clean comfortable atmosphere.
Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café
69 Pope Avenue | 843.785.7700 | auntchiladashhi.com Excellent Tex-Mex and American fare. Enjoy the crab legs, sizzling fajitas, & margaritas. Reservations & large parties welcome. Private dining/event area. Seasonal live entertainment.
Big Bamboo
1 N. Forest Beach Dr. | 843.686.3443 | bigbamboocafe.com The South Pacific meets the Carolina Coast just steps from the beach. A casual hangout serving burgers, seafood and festive libations. Come for the food, stay for the live entertainment!
British Open Pub
Village at Wexford | 843.686.6736 | thebritishopenpub.com Family-friendly pub style restaurant with authentic English food with American favorites and certified Angus beef. Try the signature fish and chips or their shepherd’s pie.
Captain Woody's
6 Target Rd | 843.785.2400 | captainwoodys.com Grab a seat at the outside deck, inside, or just belly up to the bar and enjoy a casual awesome meal. Offering a full lunch and dinner menu day and evening, happy hour daily, live music seasonally, and brunch on Sundays.
Carolina Crab Company
86 Helmsman Way | 843.842.2016 | carolinacrabco.com Enjoy water views and fresh seafood at an affordable price in a family-friendly atmosphere. Pet-friendly outside bar & patio.
Catch 22
37 New Orleans Rd. | 843.785.6261 | catch22hhi.com Catch 22 is locally owned. Dinner is served nightly from 5 p.m. Early Dining Menu from 5:00– 6:00 p.m. All their beef is aged 28 days, U.S.D.A prime, hand selected and cut in house. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 137
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Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte
8 New Orleans Road | 843.785.9277 | charliesgreenstar.com Open since 1982, Charlie’s writes its menu daily based on the freshest seafood available. Dinner offers 14 fresh fish, rack of lamb, filet mignon and more. An extensive wine list.
Chez Georges
37 New Orleans Rd | 843-785-3200 | chezgeorgeshhi.com. Chez Georges serves traditional bistro staples such as steak frites and mussels mariniere, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
ChowDaddy’s
14b Executive Park Rd. | 843.757.CHOW | chowdaddys.com Offering a wide variety of menu items focusing on buns, bowls, and tacos and great libations. Lunch & dinner daily.
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
1000 William Hilton Parkway, B-6 843.715.3565 | cowboybraziliansteakhouse.com A unique, all-you-can eat “Churrascaria.” Enjoy a 30 item salad bar, 6 Brazilian hot dishes and a “parade” of 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork carved tableside.
CQ’s Restaurant
140 Lighthouse Rd. | 843.671.2779 | CQsRestaurant.com Fine dining, an intimate atmosphere and a bit of Hilton Head history. Signature dishes include fresh seafood, beef & game.“Bistro” menu offers smaller portions.
Crane’s Tavern Steakhouse & Seafood
26 New Orleans Rd. | 843.341.2333 | cranestavern.com Perfect for steak and seafood lovers, serving cuts of only USDA Prime grade beef, their Famous Prime Rib. Excellent selection of fresh fish, seafood & pasta dishes. 138 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
IIDINE OUTII
Crazy Crab Harbour Town
Harbour Town | 843.363.2722 | thecrazycrab.com Genuine service and fresh seafood; a Hilton Head tradition for over 30 years! Menus feature crab clusters, local oysters, seafood “your way,” local shrimp and more.
Delisheeyo
32 Palmetto Bay Road | 843.785.3633 | delisheeeyo.com Vegetarian. Smoothies, Buddha Bowls and more. They provide meals that you can trust, that are real, and healthy.
Healthy Habit
33 Office Park Rd. | 843-686-5600 | healthyhabithhi.com Quick service style restaurant with a focus on chopped salads, superfood bowls, fresh bottled juices, smoothies, breakfast and organic coffee & teas and other plant based items.
Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill
70 Pope Avenue | 843.686.5959 | hincheys.com Hinchey’s has much in common with a sports bar, but is very much a restaurant, too. It is casual, with beach-goers invited to stop by for lunch, or for drinks or dinner. Dine inside or out.
Hinoki Restaurant & Sushi Bar
37 New Orleans Rd. | 843.785.9800 | hinokihhi.com Serving traditional Japanese dishes including grilled fish, chicken and steak, sukiyaki, noodle dishes, tempura, and daily specials, plus sushi and sashimi. Reservations recommended.
It’s Greek To Me
11 Lagoon Rd. | 843.842.4033 | itsgreektomehhi.com Genuine Greek cuisine, from gyros to fried calamari to souvlaki to baklava for dessert. Food is prepared with authentic Greek recipes and they have the only gyro machines on the island.
Kenny B’s Cajun/Creole Seafood
70-A Pope Ave. | 843.785.3315 New Orleans traditions such as jambalaya, red beans and rice, and authentic gumbos. Home of the Island’s best po’ boys and fried seafood. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 139
IIDINE OUTII
Michael Anthony’s
37 New Orleans Rd. | 843.785.6272 | michael-anthonys.com Offering upscale classic Italian fine dining featuring innovative preparations and farm fresh ingredients. Open Table rates them as one of the country's Top 50 Italian Restaurants.
Nick’s Steak & Seafood
9 Park Lane | 843.686.2920 | nickssteakandseafood.com Nick’s Steak & Seafood offers steaks, seafood, barbecue, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, soups, burgers, pasta and a kids’s menu. Reservations accepted. Large parties welcome.
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
18 New Orleans Road | 843.715.2172 | nunziohhi.com Nunzio Restaurant + Bar specializes in fresh seafood and homemade pasta. Beautiful 1,300-square-foot restaurant with a large bar area and two outdoor seating areas.
Ombra Cucina Italiana
1000 William Hilton Pkwy | 843.842.5505 | ombrahhi.com Chef Michael Cirafesi promotes the foods & wines of Italy. He prepares all pastas, homemade gnocchi, desserts and breads daily. A European-style bar & lounge with Italian cocktails.
One Hot Mama's
Reilleys Plaza | 843.682.6262 | onehotmamas.com One Hot mama’s is a family-friendly restaurant. Try their delicious Meat & 3 combo platters, authentic BBQ platters, hand-cut steaks, burgers, char-grilled chicken and “the world’s best” wings.
Palmetto Bay Sun Rise Café
Palmetto Bay Marina | 843.686.3232 | palmettobaysunrisecafe.com Breakfast fare starting from 6 a.m. Breakfast and lunch items are available continuously. The cafe offers to-go lunches for charter boats, the beach or any occasion. Open 7 days a week.
Phillys Cafe & Deli
55 New Orleans Rd. | 843.785.9966 | phillyscafe.com Phillys’ motto is “Best sandwiches on the island...Period!” Custom sandwiches with bread baked fresh daily. The pita wraps and salads are both imaginative and health-conscious. 140 // H I LT O N H E A D M O N T H LY. C O M
Red Fish
8 Archer Rd. | 843-686-3388 | redfishofhiltonhead.com Red Fish specializes in beautifully prepared seafood and steaks. Choose from a 1,000-plus bottle selection of wines from around the world. Private dining room for large parties.
Reilley’s Grill & Bar
7D Greenwood Dr. | 843.842.4414 | reilleyshiltonhead.com Reilley’s has been serving up steaks, seafood, pasta & sandwiches for more than 35 years. Lunch & dinner daily, & Sunday brunch. The bar is open late.
Rockfish Seafood & Steaks at Bomboras
5 Lagoon Road | 843.689.2662 | rockfishhhi.com A family seafood restaurant and bar near the beach. Offering fresh and local lowcounty ingredients paired with craft beers and wines. Kids menu. Lunches to Go for the beach.
Salty Dog Cafe
South Beach Marina Village | 843.671.7327 | saltydog.com One of Hilton Head’s favorite outdoor cafes for more than 20 years. Fresh seafood. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Live music & children’s entertainment nightly seasonally.
Sea Shack
6 Executive Park Rd. | 843.785.2464 | seashackhhi.com One of the island’s most extensive menus of seafood & more. Voted one of "South Carolina’s best seafood spots" by Coastal Living and Southern Living.
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IIDINE OUTII
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS... GRAZIE!!!
Slapfish
1024 William Hilton Pwy (by Sea Pines Circle) | 843.521.5830 | Slapfishrestaurant.com Slapfish, the nation’s fastest growing seafood restaurants is locally owned and operated by the Lomasney family serving honest flippin’ seafood infused with lots of flavor!
Stack’s Pancakes & More
2 Regency Pkwy. & Hwy. 278 | 843.341.3347 Enjoy pancakes, waffles, house-made fruit sauces, crepes, Crème Brûlée French Toast, shrimp & grits, crab benedict, shrimp omelet with lobster cream sauce. Gluten free items.
Stellini
15 Executive Park Rd. | 843.785.7006 | stellinihhi.com Family owned & operated since 1989! Popular Italian appetizers and entrees from NY & Northern NJ. Delicious pasta, poultry, veal, seafood, beef and lamb all expertly prepared.
RISTORANTE ITALIANO MONDAY-SATURDAY LUNCH 11:30-2PM • DINNER 5:30-UNTIL
We are taking all necessary precautions for your safe dining experience!
843-342-9949 • ilcarpaccioofhh.com 200A Museum Street, Hilton Head Island
The Studio
20 Executive Park Road | 843.785.6000 | studiodining.com Dine while enjoying watching artists paint in the elegant studio. The menu uses the finest regional, natural & organic ingredients. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menu offerings.
Truffles
Sea Pines Center | 843.671.6136 | trufflescafe.com Local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, soups, sandwiches, and salads. Specialties include glazed grouper, mango salmon, crab cakes, meatloaf and fried shrimp.
Vine
1 N Forest Beach Drive | 843.686.3900 From marinated octopus to field greens from nearby St. George, the offerings at this intimate bistro are a treat for all. Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of Asian fusion. Reservations.
BLUFFTON:
H I LT O N H E A D I S L A N D
AND BLUFFTON SOUTH CAROLINA
Amigos, Bluffton
133 Belfair Town Village | 843.815.8226 Authentic Mexican taqueria, serving delicious food “inspired by Mexican cuisine from Baja, Mexico, to Santa Barbara, California.” Owner Andrew Farbman created Amigos’ famous BBQ Chicken Salad. Amigos uses the finest ingredients.
British Open Pub YOUR FREE
G uide FOR THE
BEST VACATIONS & RESTAURANTS VISIT US @ FORK&FUN.COM
Sheridan Park | 843.815.6736 | britishopenpub.net Pub-style restaurant featuring authentic English food. Excellent signature fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, steak and mushroom pie, and bangers and mash. Also wide selection of American appetizers and entrées. Lunch & dinner daily.
Captain Woody's
17 State Of Mind St | 843.757.6222 | captainwoodys.com Grab a seat at the rooftop deck, inside, or just belly up to the bar and enjoy a casual awesome meal. Offering a full lunch and dinner menu day and evening, happy hour daily, live music seasonally, and brunch on Sundays.
ChowDaddy’s
15 Towne Dr. | 843.757.CHOW(2469) | chowdaddys.com Focusing on buns, bowls, and tacos and great libations. Enjoy salads, sliders, a house ground rib eye burger, or their famous smoked fried chicken. Serving lunch & dinner daily.
Cinco Mexican Grill
102 Buckwalter Pkwy | 843.815.2233 | cincomexgrill.com Authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch using traditional and modern recipes. Popular dishes include Cinco Bowl, Piña Fajitas, Carnitas, Enchiladas, Chimichangas, Flautas & flan.
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Corner Perk Brunch Cafe & Coffee Roasters
1297 May River Road | 843.816.5674 | cornerperk.com Corner Perk is a locally owned Brunch Cafe and coffeehouse that takes great pride in it’s house roasted coffee, homemade syrups, and high quality service. Enjoy Breakfast Wraps, Sandwiches and Lunch Wraps, Sandwiches, and Salads.
Giuseppi's Pizza & Pasta
25 Bluffton Rd | 843.815.9200 | giuseppispizza.com They take pride in serving excellent, award-winning pizza (since 1984), plus a broad variety of well-prepared pastas, sandwiches, wings, garden fresh salads and more.
Island Bagel & Deli
17 Sherington Dr. | 843.815.5300 | islandbagelanddeli.com The island's only New York style boiled bagels made from scratch daily. Choose from 16 flavors of bagels, 12 home-made cream cheeses, pastries & breakfast sandwiches. For lunch: specialty hoagies, classic sandwiches & salads.
Nonna Lucia
5 Godfrey Place | 843.707.4281 | blufftonnonnalucia.com Bluffton's only BYOB! Nonna Lucia is a casual award winning Italian Restaurant, Early dining daily, live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Opens 4pm. Closed Mondays.
Olive & Fig
1533 Fording Island Road | 843.707.1934 Olive & Fig provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features Lebanese and Greek dishes alongside traditional Mediterranean fare, and gluten free and vegetarian options.
Truffles
Belfair Towne Village | 843.815.5551 | trufflescafe.com Casual cafe featuring the “freshest and finest of everything!” Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups and garden salads. Covered patio. Lunch, dinner daily. Full cocktail bar. Happy hour from 4-6.
VISIT US @ HILTON HEADMONTHLY.COM F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // 143
IIMARCO’S PERSPECTIVEII
MP
chess LIFE
LESSONS & THE GAME OF
Quarantine-weary amid a pandemic raging outside, millions of Americans curled up in their pajamas last November to watch “The Queen’s Gambit,” a Netflix miniseries that took the airwaves by storm. Fiercely feminine in her 1960s style and radically independent, we watched Beth Harmon’s obsessive talent for chess pull her from a Kentucky orphanage to the hushed halls of the greatest tournament of her time, battling drug addiction along the way. Besides its magnetic draw for just about anyone, “The Queen’s Gambit” also manages the impossible—making chess cool again. The newly obsessed flocked to toy stores and the timeless game began a sea-change to digital. Chess.com saw its membership double in a month. With their tournaments cancelled, grandmasters took to streaming live before millions of fans. The game couldn’t have asked for better timing. We were stuck inside, yet we discovered a world of possibility under our fingers. For some, it was a needed escape from within four walls. For others, it was a renaissance of the mind. For introverts, the pandemic was the perfect excuse they had been waiting for as they relished quiet mornings over the board. The meditative act of chewing on a particular position, or taming their mind of worry, did wonders for their mental health. Extroverts blitzed out moves in online speed chess “rooms” or simply tuned into “streamers” on Twitch, dancing circles around their opponents while responding to the chat with quick-witted banter. For some, this became a bona fide profession.
And a new kind of tournament debuted, surpassing all expectation: “PogChamps” became a crossover hit that featured streamers popular from other video games. These internet personalities, learning chess from scratch under the tutelage of grandmasters, were pitted against one another to comic effect. New lingo did away with stodgy terminology as chess won a fresh rebrand. “PogChamps” granted chess arguably the widest audience in history. Chess brought down language barriers, too. It was a special feeling that, united in the same tragic struggle of the pandemic, you could face an opponent from Mumbai, or Moscow, or Berlin. We also gleaned lessons from the game itself. We learned that things aren’t always what they seem; that rigid rules could be bent. We discovered the best move isn’t always most apparent. We learned to lean on intuition when logic failed us, and to value checkmate over material gain. Most of all? We learned that sometimes you have to give up a little to gain a lot. Over the chess board, as in life, Beth Harmon fights one pawn down. Surviving her mother’s suicide by car and raised in an orphanage, she learns to turn weakness into strength. During these times, we’re all playing one pawn down. We have all had to give up something dear to us, whether it’s a cherished social life or a way of making a living. I’ll even say this—some of us are living without their knight, or worse, their queen. But maybe, just maybe, we’ll learn to ensnare our foes in the best played gambit of our lives.
BESIDES ITS MAGNETIC DRAW FOR JUST ABOUT ANYONE, “THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT” ALSO MANAGES THE IMPOSSIBLE... MAKING CHESS COOL AGAIN.
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MARCO FREY : marcofreythinks@gmail.com
