VACATIONS
SPRING 2020
FREE GUIDE
Hilton Head Island & Bluffton
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All the FUN in o
Palmetto Dunes resort
GOLF
Play three championship golf courses by legendary architects: Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills & George Fazio
TENNIS
Junior & adult programs available. Exhibition & Happy Hour: Monday, 5:30 p.m. Demo Days: Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.
ALEXANDER’S
Upscale seafood restaurant & wine bar Open 2 for dinner at 5:00 p.m. daily
BIKES
KAYAKS
Rent a bike at Hilton Head Outfitters to explore 5 miles of scenic paths or take it to the beach!
Rent a kayak or canoe at Hilton Head Outfitters & take a ride through a calm 11-mile salt water lagoon
PICKLEBALl
LAGOoN FISHING
Adult clinics & round robins daily. Take a private lesson with Pickleball Touring Pro Sarah Ansboury!
BIG JIM’S
Offers southern favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner (Catering also available)
Take a fishing trip & catch Redfish, Trout or Flounder. Catch and release
Located mid-island, Hwy 278, mile marker 8. Call 844-237-1109 PalmettoDunes.com www.forkandfun.com
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Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Memorial Day Weekend to August 30 waterfront restaurants Mon,Seven Tue, Wed & Fri 6:30 & 8:00 p.m. offering international & gourmet cuisine
DINING
Shops feature apparel, jewerly & accessories, Hilton Head Island gifts, art & more!
SHOPpING
ENTERTAINMENT
WATER SPORTS
FISHING CHARTERS
CRUISES & TOURS
Choose from one of many options including SUP, sport crabbing dock, waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Try driving a two person cat boat!
Board any of our 10 fishing boats & fish inshore or offshore with our experienced & fun captains!
Enjoy live music nightly at various restaurants & spring concert series select Thursday evenings
Take in the view on our scenic cruises & tours including nature, sunset, dolphin, sport crabbing, sailing & kayaks
NOW OPEN!
Located mid-Island, adjacent to Palmetto Dunes. Call 844-237-1108 ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com www.forkandfun.com
BOAT RENTALS
Luxury pontoon boats for families & center console fishing boats for anglers
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Welcome
Welcome to the Lowcountry ANUSKA FREY Publisher anuska@hiltonheadmonthly.com
We’re glad you’ve made it. You earned this vacation, so kick off your shoes, grab a cold drink from the fridge and relax while you flip through this guide to find out about all the great things Hilton Head Island and Bluffton have to offer. Whether you are here for a family vacation, golf or tennis, a business trip, a weekend getaway or just a day of fun in the sun, you will soon discover what attracts so many visitors to our corner of the world. After the beach and lots of outdoor activity during the day, you’ll enjoy exceptional cultural, dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities that will keep you engaged past sunset. Navigating Hilton Head can be difficult. Founding visionary and developer Charles Fraser made beauty a high priority, putting nature first and limiting light pollution in our community. We are proud to be different, but it can sometimes make finding things difficult for visitors. Virtually everything is hidden behind a tree or two, but with this guide and GPS, you should be good to go. Inside, you will find information on our most popular activities — swimming, golf, tennis, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, eating out and much more. We also touch on our local history, the laid-back lifestyle and indoor activities for when you’ve had too much sun. You will soon notice the pace of life is much slower here. So slide on your flip-flops, take a deep breath and soak in the beauty that surrounds you. Leave your stress behind; you are now in the “Slowcountry!”
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND
BLUFFTON SC
Published by Media and Marketing Team LLC 14 Westbury Park Way, Suite 200 Bluffton, SC 29910 843-681-3800 | www.forkandfun.com Hilton Head Island & Bluffton and Lowcountry Restaurants The Hilton Head Menu Guide Vacation Guide | Visitor Map Explore & Enjoy | Locate & Go
Publisher Anuska Frey anuska@forkandfun.com
CEO Marc Frey CTO Marjan Jaklin Senior Creative Director Sasha Sweeney Art Director Mike Lupi Account Manager Markey McInerney 843-681-3800 markey@forkandfun.com
Contributing Writer Lisa Allen, Barry Kaufman, Marco Frey, Justin Jarret Dean Rowland, Zach Van Hart Photography Rob Kaufman, Lexi LaPointe DISTRIBUTION Express Delivery & Distribution 843-290-3278
The Hilton Head Vacation Guide is published with the intent of helping its readers make the most of Hilton Head. Information included herein was obtained from sources believed to be accurate. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and neither responsibility nor liability is assumed for the results of the incorrect or incomplete information that may be published.
And if you’re like us, you might decide you like it so much here that you want to become full-time members of our community. After all, many of the Lowcountry’s locals once were tourists who decided to stick around.
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Event Calendar
What’s Happening This Spring Morris Center Museum Guided Tours
Date: Daily. 11 a.m. Get an in-depth look at the exhibitions on view from Lowcountry plantations to the Battle of Honey Hill. Free. Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, 10782 South Jacob Smart Blvd., Ridgeland
Savannah Port Tour
Date: Daily. 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. The Port of Savannah, the nation’s largest port in volume, contains over 50 piers, wharves and docks. Experience a working port from the water on this 90-minute tour. $55 for adults, $35 for children ages 3-13, free for children younger than 2. Savannah Harbour, Savannah. 843-686-6996 or outsidehiltonhead.com.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Tour
Date: Daily. 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. A naturalist’s dream come true. This three-hour boat tour provides views of the Savannah Riverfront and an in-depth tour of the Georgia Ports Authority. $75 for adults, $60 for children ages 3-13, free for children younger than 2. Savannah Harbour, Savannah. 843-686-6996 or outsidehiltonhead. com.
“Uncovering the Roots of Reconstruction”
Date: Every other Friday. 9:30 a.m. Meet at Mitchelville Preservation for a unique tour of two historic sites connected to the Civil War and Reconstruction eras on Hilton Head Island. Attendees will caravan in their own personal vehicles to the sites. Reservations required. $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Mitchelville Preservation, 539 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223.
Wednesday Tastings at Le Cookery
Date: Wednesdays. 1-3 p.m. Tastings, where you can sample chef’s choice and see a demo of the “Gadget of the Week.” Free. Le Cookery, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-7171 or lecookeryusa.com.
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52nd RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing Date: April 13-19 Hosted annually on The Sea Pines Resort’s famed Harbour Town Golf Links, the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event and one of golf’s most renowned tournaments. Considered a favorite among TOUR players, the RBC Heritage regularly draws more than 100,000 spectators. Defending champion C.T. Pan scheduled to compete. rbcheritage.com. 11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Farmers Market
Date: Tuesdays. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Take home fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, free-range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, fresh sausage, cookies, breads, she-crab soup and much more. Shopping at the Hilton Head Farmers Market is about more than getting great food. It is also about meeting friends, strengthening community, and rebuilding the local food economy. Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 226, or coastaldiscovery.org.
Farmers Market of Bluffton
Date: Thursdays. 2-6 p.m. Fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs abound at the Farmers Market of Bluffton, a weekly community event where locals and tourists gather not only to buy excellent produce but also to enjoy delicious food, listen to entertainment, and relax with friends. 40 Calhoun St., Bluffton. 843-415-2447.
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Event Calendar
Garvin-Garvey House Tours
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment. Visit the newly restored Garvin-Garvey House for a guided tour. Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf St., Bluffton. townofbluffton.sc.gov.
Bike Tours Through Hilton Head History
Music & Taste on the Harbour at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Begins March 26. 6-9 p.m. Music & Taste is back for its 13th season. This spectacular event features live entertainment from a few of Hilton Head’s favorite local bands. Two featured Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants will set up around the Neptune statue and offer a variety of specially-priced light appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails. Limited seating will be provided so you are encouraged to bring your own chairs. All events are weather permitting. No coolers. Admission is free and open to the public, but a canned good donation for the Deep Well Project welcomed. sheltercovehiltonhead.com/music-andtaste. 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island. SPRING ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE (weather permitting): March 26, The Headliners April 2, Stee & the Ear Candy April 9, Deas Guyz April 16, The Headliners April 23, Target the Band April 30, Deas Guyz May 7, The Headliners May 14, Deas Guyz
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Date: Wednesdays. 10 a.m. A casual 3-mile, safe and fun bike tour through some of the island’s most captivating historic sites. See the fishing co-op where native islanders once farmed, feasted and fended off the chemical company BASF, the hallowed ground of a Gullah cemetery, an Indian Shell Enclosure, the tabby ruins located on a former plantation and visit with volunteers from the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. $15-$25. Leaving from 137 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island. heritagelib.org.
Tea Time at Rose Hill Mansion
Date: Tuesdays. 2 p.m. Experience afternoon tea at a beautiful plantation house in the Lowcountry. Selections include custom crafted teas, elegant finger sandwiches and heavenly desserts. Small groups or large groups welcome; reservations are required. Rose Hill Mansion, 199 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton. 843-757-6046.
Adult Paint and Play
Date: Thursdays. Paint and Play is an adult wine and paint night of fun entertainment for all skill levels — no experience needed. Relax, unwind and let out your inner creativity as artist Kristin Griffis helps you create your own finished piece of artwork. Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-5738 or artleaguehhi.org.
Fishing & Crabbing Lessons
Date: Saturdays. 4 p.m. Ben Green with Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Squire Pope Road will offer a free missionary program that teaches children fishing and crabbing skills. Rowing & Sailing Center, 137 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-8160172. Guided Tours of Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center Date: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. The museum offers guided tours of the four-room Carolina farmhouse and
two outbuildings, which are filled with interesting artifacts and furnishings from the late 1800s into the 1920s. Tours last approximately 45 minutes to an hour and are offered as visitors arrive unless previously scheduled. $10; reservations are not required except for groups of 10 or more. Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center, 70 Boundary St., Bluffton. heywardhouse.org.
Deas-Guyz at The Jazz Corner
Date: Sundays. 7:30-11 p.m. $10. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620.
Classic Jazz and Blues at The Jazz Corner
Date: Wednesdays. 7:30-11 p.m. $10. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620.
“Jazz By the Sea”
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays. 7-9 p.m. Modern and classic jazz by the Mike Barbara Trio, featuring pianist Bill Peterson. Ocean Lounge, Sea Pines Beach Club, Hilton Head Island. 842-843-1888.
“Crabby Encounters”
Date: Tuesdays to Thursdays. Spend your morning trying the art of cast netting and learn about the crabs of Hilton Head Island and other marine creatures that live along the shore. Supplies provided; catch and release. $19 for adults; $14 for children ages 12 and younger. Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.
Nighttime Shore Explore
Date: Mondays. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Join us for a beach walk after dark. Discover the personality of our nocturnal sea life and learn about the stars and constellations. $17 for adults; $14 for children ages 12 and younger. Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.
Haunted History Tours
Date: Wednesdays. 8:30 p.m. Graveside storytelling adventure. After dark, in the eerie setting of the island’s oldest burial ground, come and hear spine-tingling tales of Hilton Head’s shadowy past. $25 for adults; $20 for children ages 8 to 16. Zion Cemetery, 574 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843686-6560 or heritagelib.org.
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Fort Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation
Date: Mondays. 10 a.m. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the site contains the remains of a coastal defense battery erected in 1862 to protect Port Royal Sound by way of Skull Creek from incursions by Confederate gunboats. Costumed characters and an expert tour guide. $15 for adults; $10 for children. Fort Mitchel, Hilton Head Plantation, 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.
Zion Cemetery Tour
Date: Thursdays. 10 a.m. Costumed tour guides share fascinating stories of Hilton Head Island’s past. Visit the grave sites of four Revolutionary War heroes and find out about the bloody skirmish that was fought just steps away. Explore the island’s oldest structure and learn about the planters who built it. $15 for adults; $10 for children. Zion Cemetery, 574 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. heritagelib.org.
Free Golf Class & Exhibition
Date: Mondays. 4-4:50 p.m. A golf clinic and demonstration at Palmetto Dunes’ Robert Trent Jones course. Ask questions to former PGA Tour player Doug Weaver and staff. The class is hands-on, interactive and all skill levels will benefit. Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, 7 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island. 855-293-5838 or palmettodunes.com.
Butterfly Discovery
Date: 3 p.m. Tuesdays; 11 a.m. Fridays. Learn the different stages of a butterfly’s life cycle. $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 4-12. Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head. 843-689-6767, ext. 223.
Gregg Russell Spring Concerts Dates: March 30-April 3, April 6-10, April 13-15. 7:30-9 p.m. Over the years, Gregg Russell has become a Sea Pines classic. Russell has been writing and performing great music for more than 40 years and his credits include hundreds of children’s songs, writing and performing original music for TV specials and more. Find him under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town where he entertains adults and children alike. His concerts are not to be missed. Complimentary. Harbour Town 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. seapines.com/ events.
Family Magic Show
Date: Mondays. 8 p.m. For families with kids younger than 12. Free for children ages 3 and younger; $16 for general admission; $20 VIP and raised booths. Comedy Magic Cabaret, 843 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7757.
Sarah Ansboury Pickleball Clinic
Date: Tuesdays. 6-7:30 p.m. Skills and game play to help improve your pickleball game. $35. Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center, 6 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island. palmettodunes.com.
Friday Social Dancing: Hilton Head Island Shag Club
Wingfest Date: March 21. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Wingfest is a family fun event. Twenty to 25 local restaurants will cook their best wings to compete for the 2020 Best Wing of Hilton Head. Activities such as a kid’s zone, rock climbing wall and bungee jump. Catch a March Madness game on the big screen provided by Custom Audio Video. Vote for your favorite wing at the Hargray People’s Choice Booth. Participate in the wing-eating competition or the kids bobbing contest. Live music will be provided by Bobby Lee and The Magpies, Deas Guyz and The Naked Karate Girls. $8 with children 10 and under free. No pets. hiltonheadwingfest.com. Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island.
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Date: Fridays. 6-9:30 p.m. Anyone who loves to dance is invited to attend — ballroom, swing, country, line, singles and out of towners are welcome. $5. 6-9:30 p.m. Fridays, Dolphin Head Golf Club, 59 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head Island. 757-375-5953 or hiltonheadshagclub.com.
Open Mic Night
Date: Last Thursday of the month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring something short to share, or just come to listen, dine and enjoy music by the Hilton Head Jammers. Mikki’s Café, 70 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island. islandwritersnetworkhhi.org.
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Beaches
Beaches of Hilton Head Island FIND YOUR PERFECT BEACH Sands. Surfing. Swimming. Sunning. Shores. Sailing. Sanctuary. Whatever your vision of the “beach life” may entail, the sunsplashed beaches of Hilton Head Island offer as many experiences as there are shells on their sandy shores. From its heel to its toe, here’s an overview of some of the island’s popular beaches and hidden gems.
1. SOUTH BEACH
Best For: Unique water sports opportunities (kayaking, sport fishing, parasailing, etc.), sightseeing and walking. Located in Sea Pines at the “toe” of the island near the South Beach Marina. Calibogue Beach is relatively quiet, nearly secluded, and is great for just watching the dolphins or a relaxing walk. If you are not a Sea Pines resident or registered guest, you must pay $8 per vehicle to enter the resort. Access: Near Sea Pines South Beach Marina, best accessed by bike or foot. $8 per vehicle to enter the resort.
2. SOUTH FOREST BEACH
Best For: Swimming, fishing, biking and walking. Part of Hilton Head’s “Ocean Community,” South Forest Beach is on a one-mile stretch of beachfront between the Coligny Circle and Sea Pines Plantation gate. It is the largest of the island’s public beaches, and draws more crowds than North Forest Beach. Wide, comfortable and spacious, and buffered somewhat from nearby development, it’s a great all-purpose spot. Venture a little further away from the public access point that divides the north and south beaches, and you’ll find even more room to spread out. Access: Public access on Alder Lane and Seaside Villas, off South Forest Beach Road.
3. COLIGNY BEACH
Best For: Everybody. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, biking, an early-morning jog or a romantic date night. At Hilton Head’s busiest beach you’ll find soft sand and wonderful clean water. Even better, it’s close to the island’s unofficial downtown area. The beach is protected by security cameras and visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi, volleyball nets, scores of 10
beach rentals and free parking — park at the beach parking, not Coligny Plaza. The beach and the shopping plaza do get a little crowded, but if you like an active and lively beach experience, this is your spot. Access: At Coligny Circle, at the intersection of Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach Drive.
4. NORTH FOREST BEACH
Best For: Swimming, walking and surfing Located near over 100 dining and shopping options in one of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. For surfers, the beach area at Jacana Street is known to offer some of the best waves at high tide on the island. Locals swear by the shoreline as the best on Hilton Head, and the quaint mix of older beach cottages with modern ocean compounds makes for a compelling community feel. Access: The one-mile stretch of beach starts at Coligny Circle and runs north to the Sonesta Resort located in Shipyard Plantation.
5. BURKES BEACH
Best For: Surfing, boarding, walking and pets. Located to the northern side of Chaplin Community Park, Burke’s Beach is adjacent
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6 1 to Singleton Beach, divided by the natural folly field. The beach offers seasonal lifeguards and limited parking, but boasts some of the best waves for surfing and boarding. The dog park at Chaplin Park is a nice touch and makes it a great destination for a bark-and-beach day with man’s best friend. Access: Just south of Palmetto Dunes at the end of Burkes Beach Road.
6. DRIESSEN BEACH
Best For: Day trips, swimming, sunning, locals and in-theknow. A long boardwalk connects the maritime forest to the white-sand beach. A long, wide shoreline leaves ample room to spread out, and the flat ocean floor and small waves make it kid-friendly and great for body boarding or just wading. Tucked in a heavily shaded and wooded area, it’s a bit hard to find, but with tons of amenities like parking and restrooms. Access: Off William Hilton Parkway, at the end of Bradley Beach Road.
7. FOLLY FIELD BEACH
Best for: Surfers, walking and biking. A bit off the beaten path from the plantations and resorts, Folly Field has more of a locals’ beach feel. With a shorter walk to the beach than nearby Driessen Beach, it is both convenient and quiet. Take a long walk and grab a pit stop and a drink at the outdoor bar at the nearby The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Access: Located on Starfish Road, a right turn off Folly Field Road.
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8. ISLANDER’S BEACH
Best for: Locals and swimming. A favorite of locals, Islander’s Beach recently earned a high ranking in Coastal Living magazine’s Top 21 Beaches on the East Coast. It’s less crowded than most Hilton Head spots and swimmer-friendly, thanks to its gentle underwater slope. Parking is at a premium and is mostly reserved for residents and year-round pass holders. Access: Located at 94 Folly Field Road, at Sparkleberry Ln.
9. FISH HAUL CREEK BEACH PARK
Best For: Privacy, fishing, walking. Many locals consider this beach Hilton Head’s best-kept secret. Adjacent to Barker’s Field, this beach park (formerly Mitchelville Beach Park) was recently renamed. It’s not for swimming, but is great for beach-combing, hunting for sharks’ teeth and digging for clams. Access: Near the end of Beach City Road, on Mitchelville Road.
10. HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE FREEDOM PARK
Best for: Walking, birdwatching, clamming & fishing.The public beach access at this historic site is located on the “heel” of the island. It boasts 31 acres of mostly untouched nature, feels like your own private beach and is arguably the scene for the best bird watching in all of Hilton Head. The beach itself is a generous walk from the park. Access: Near the end of Beach City Road.
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Biking
Bike Paths Paved with Gold LET YOUR AWARD-WINNING PATHWAYS GIVE YOU A NEW WAY TO RIDE. by BARRY KAUFMAN
Bluffton began as a native american enclave where tribes would fish and collect oysters, trading them along the May River. Later, it became a retreat for wealthy cotton, indigo and rice plantation owners who enjoyed the river breezes from the town’s bluff. Hence its name, Bluffton. That life revolving around gentle breezes continues today, earning the town the designation of “one of the last true Southern coastal villages.” There are few things more rewarding then saddling up on your bike, pointing your tire down a new pathway, and letting exploration unfold all around you. And there are few better places to enjoy a blissful bike ride than Hilton Head Island. It’s not just in the gentle climate or the pathways that wind in and out of dense forests, beach parks and tranquil lagoon areas, it’s in the dedication that Hilton Head Island has demonstrated in creating the ultimate cycling experience. Just look at the numbers when it comes to our pathways: We enjoy 6 miles of bike lanes, 117 miles of shared-use pathways, 108 miles of paved shared-use paths. 14 miles of planned pathways and one mile of single track. All told, 24 percent of our arterial streets have bike lanes or paved shoulders. And the community has embraced the role these pathways play, with the Town of Hilton Head Island offering a help line so riders can report unsafe conditions and the Hilton Head Island Rotary Club dotting them with signage highlighting interesting facts about the community. And the places these paths can take you simply dazzle. While the many private communities around the the island are closed to public cycling, the arteries of our path system lead to many of our island’s most dazzling spaces.
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PRIVATE DOLPHIN & SUNSET CRUISES
DAY TRIPS & TRANSPORTATION TO DAUFUSKIE Vanishing Island & Shark Teeth Excursions
These pathways, and the community support behind them, are part of why our island was granted Gold Level Status by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly Town. Our pathways run in and out of our many natural outdoor wonders, taking you from the bridges to the beach, crossing underneath 278 at Shelter Cove, and allowing full freedom of movement from point A to point B in a fun, eco-friendly way.
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Our bike paths can also guide you on a trip through time, as they stretch along some of our awe-inspiring historical treasures. At the corner of Matthews and 278, you can park your bike at the Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery, where some of the island’s earliest families are interred. This spot has played a key role in the island’s history dating back to the War for Independence, and the Heritage Library has taken the utmost care in preserving this space and making it a fascinating spot to take in history. But to really turn back the hands of time, you can bike over to Greens Shell Community Park, right off of the bike path. Here, an elevated platform takes you out over an archaeological wonder: a four-foot tall, 30-foot wide shell ring enclosure dating back to 1335 A.D. But Hilton Head Island’s pathways aren’t just for those seeing a relaxing pace as they tour the island’s sights and attractions. Serious cyclists are taking notice of the island’s pathways, as evidence by our role as host for the Southeast Biking Symposium and the popularity of our Pedal Hilton Head event. If you’re up for the challenge, you can retrace the Metric Century Route from Pedal Hilton Head, which takes you up and over our island’s three bridges. Think you can’t get a change in elevation in the Southeast? Try climbing up the Cross Island Bridge.
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When riding on the north end, be sure to cycle over to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park on Beach City Road, where you can pedal right up to a stunning observation boardwalk and bask in views of Port Royal Sound in a place whose history stretches back thousands of years. There is another observation deck not far off, at Mitchelville Road’s Barker Field. Here you can enjoy a panorama of water views where the Sound meets the Atlantic.
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“We are the only Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community in South Carolina and it has meant so much to us as a community, both in terms of a better lifestyle for islanders as well as a more enjoyable experience for visitors,” said Hilton Head Island Mayor David Bennett. And the best part? Visitors don’t even need to worry about bringing their own bike. Some 20,000 bikes are rented each year from the multitude of bike shops all over the island. From beach cruisers to more serious cycles, you’re going to find your ideal ride for taking in our famed and award-winning pathways system
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Biking
Best Bike Rides on Hilton Head Island AS SELECTED BY LOCAL CYCLE EXPERTS RON KNIGHT AND FRANK BABEL
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1 Most scenic rides The boardwalk at Barker Field overlooking the marsh is simply amazing. If you’re on the south end, visit the “toe” of the island on the beach looking at the entrance to South Beach Marina. You’ll see Harbour Town in the distance, Daufuskie Island dead ahead and the Atlantic to the left.
2 Best nature trail The rice dike trail in Sea Pines to the horse stables and into the Sea Pines Forest Preserve is incredibly rich in natural beauty, and it’s often almost empty.
3 Best picnic spot Jarvis Park, Chaplin Park and Coligny are great spots to picnic — as is, you know, the beach.
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4 Best beach to cycle Start at Palmetto Dunes, hit the beach and travel south to the tip of the island at South Beach — preferably with the wind at your back. Assuming cooperation from the tides and tourists, this is as good as it gets.
5 Best family ride Start at Coligny Circle and take the pathway west along Pope Avenue to New Orleans Road. Then turn right along the pathway and follow Arrow Road across the William Hilton Parkway to the Palmetto Bay Marina and back; you’ll stay off the main drags and discover a lengthy hidden ribbon of trail behind the shops and restaurants. For an alternate route, turn onto the William Hilton Parkway from New Orleans Road, follow the pathways to the Shelter Cove Marina and back.
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Kayaking
Get Out on the Water
THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO MAKE A SPLASH by DEAN ROWLAND AND ZACH VAN HART
Yes, “water, water everywhere… nor any drop to drink” as Coleridge wrote 215 years ago in the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” We don’t need to drink sea water as long as we can also enjoy it by boating, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, charter boating and more. Kayaking on calm water that surrounds Hilton Head Island is not only relaxing, it can be a great adventure, too. And the best part? Kayaking is a sport for everyone. “Ability is not a concern,” said Mike Overton, president of Outside Hilton Head, which rents kayaks and other water sports equipment. “If you can walk around the block, you can kayak. This is taking a nature walk through the marsh.” With the abundance of accessible inlets, rivers and lagoons in the area, kayaking is an exotic yet practical exercise. But it remains uncharted territory for many locals and tourists. For those willing to try, here are some basic expectations and recommendations. Whether starting with a lesson or tour, or for those who prefer trying solo, the necessities are safety precautions, knowing how to enter and exit the kayak and some paddling basics. Important safety rules include wearing a personal flotation device, keeping safe distances from larger water vessels such as boats, maintaining balance and simply staying in a comfort zone. Kayak paddles, unlike canoe prototypes, have blades on both ends. Once in the water, grip the paddle with your arms slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Then alternate strokes from side to side, forming an imaginary figure eight. From there, one can kayak for leisure, or turn an afternoon into vigorous exercise. It’s much like deciding whether to walk, jog or run intervals, only on the water. The harder you paddle, the more strenuous the workout. Depending on the location, expect to encounter marine wildlife. In this area, dolphins are aplenty and may come within feet of your kayak. Manatees, river otters and various fish reside here, too. Many local companies that rent kayaks also have guided eco-tours and dolphin tours. 18
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Kayaking
Paddle Safely
A FEW PRECAUTIONS CAN MAKE A DIFFERECE BRING A LIFE JACKET AND A WHISTLE. Coast Guard regulations require that all kayaks have them on board. Always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle. RESEARCH PROPER PADDLING TECHNIQUES, WATER SAFETY AND FIRST AID. Start by taking a guided kayak tour to get a feel for the area’s unique setting.
STAY HYDRATED. Always bring plenty of water and food. BE AWARE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WATER TEMPERATURE. Watch out for offshore winds that make it difficult to return to shore.
TELL SOMEONE YOUR PADDLE PLAN. Where you’re going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party. Then, stick to your plan. 20
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Fishing
Go Fish
THERE’S PLENTY OF FISH IN THE SEA by JOHANNA JACKSON
Fishing is a year-round activity on Hilton Head Island. For those that want to keep their feet on the land, lagoon and surf fishing are popular choices. For those looking for a bit more adventure, inshore and offshore fishing may be the ticket. LAGOON FISHING Most of the lagoons on Hilton Head are brackish, meaning they are both fresh and salt water. Don’t let the calm waters fool you; fish can grow to enormous sizes (red drum can weigh more than 50 pounds). Other fish caught in the lagoons include tarpon, striped bass, black drum and the occasional blue fish. Live bait such as shrimp and finger mullet are your best bets, but they are usually hard to come by unless you catch your own or are fishing off of a private charter boat. Spinning and top water lures fished with a lightweight spin rod are another popular option.
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SURF FISHING There are a lot of junk fish (skates, rays, small sharks) in the Carolina surf, which can be thrilling to catch, but frustrating for those in pursuit of game fish. Red drum, kingfish, and flounder are some of the more prized fish that can be caught. Squid strips, minnows and bunker chunks are the most common types of bait used in the surf. They can be purchased at any tackle shop along with 2- to 3-ounce sinkers to combat the rough water. Don’t feel like you have to cast halfway to the horizon to catch fish, some of the biggest can be taken right out of the breaking waves. The best times to surf fish are early mornings and evenings, when the beach crowds have subsided and the fish are most active.
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INSHORE & OFFSHORE FISHING If you are feeling particularly adventurous, and willing to spend a majority of the day surrounded by water, inshore and offshore fishing can provide some real thrills. Party boats accommodate large numbers of passengers, but private charters are also available (usually for groups less than 6). Half and full day trips are typical. These trips generally target fish that are specific to the season, and can include marlin, tuna and cobia. Most offer specialized shark fishing trips all year. Your vessel may travel many miles out to sea, or stick to the inshore waterways. LICENSES AND REGULATIONS Fishing Hilton Head Island South Carolina law requires that all anglers over the age of 16 have a state fishing license to fish from the surf or water banks. A 14 day license is $5 for residents and $11 for non-residents. Commercial fishing boats provide all their passengers with licenses. Private plantations and resorts usually restrict fishing to owners and guests, and each is subject to its own set of rules. For more information, go to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources homepage, www.dnr.sc.gov.
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Tennis ANYONE?
PUBLIC COURTS Hilton Head The Island Recreation Association maintains the Town of Hilton Head’s public tennis courts. Play is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no fee. In the event that courts are being used for team play and/ or lessons, signs are posted directing players to other locations. Call 843-681-7273 for more information. Court Locations: • Chaplin Community Park, Singleton Beach Road 4 courts, lighted • C ordillo Courts, Cordillo Parkway: 4 courts, lighted. • F airfield Square, Adrianna Lane: 2 courts • H ilton Head High School, School Road: 6 courts • H ilton Head Middle School, Wilborn Road: 4 courts Bluffton Bobcat Public Tennis Center The Bobcat Public Tennis Center is located at 12 McCracken Circle in Bluffton. It has four outdoor courts that are not lighted.
Shipyard Racquet Club Shipyard Plantation, 843-686-8804; Adjacent to Sonesta Resort. Full complement of facilities and instruction. Call about their free weekly pro exhibitions much of the year. 14 clay, 6 hard courts, 8 lighted
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South Beach Racquet Club Sea Pines Resort, 843-671-2215; Located near South Beach Village. 11 clay courts, 2 lighted Van Der Meer Tennis Center 19 DeAllyon Road, 843-785-8388; Hilton Head’s largest facility. Full complement of facilities, instruction. 21 hard, 11 clay courts, 8 lighted
Bluffton Recreation Center The Bluffton Recreation Center is located at 61 Ulmer Road in Bluffton. There are two hard surface courts that are located in the park. For more information, call 843-757-1503. Tennisclub of the Lowcountry Conveniently located in the heart of Bluffton, Tennisclub of the Low Country at Rose Hill provides the latest in tennis instruction, as well as tennis programs with a personal touch you just won’t find anywhere else. 843 271-6401 25
Tennis
GAME SET MATCH by SLOAN KELLY
TENNIS CLUBS Tennis, like golf, is a year-round activity on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton. One of the top 50 tennis destinations in the United States, the Lowcountry has the courts and the competition to satisfy the most discriminating player. Oh, and Stan Smith calls this home. The area’s 20-plus tennis clubs offer more than 300 courts. All three Grand Slam courts can be found here: Clay, grass and a variety of hard surfaces. Players may access facilities on private plantations if they make arrangements. Ask for details when reserving your court time.
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Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, 843-785-1152; 26 (six courts are lighted for night play) clay tennis courts, 5 of which are junior/ POP Tennis specific and 8 pickleball courts. Port Royal Racquet Club Port Royal Plantation, 843-686-8803; Racquet club, pro shop, 10 clay, 4 hard, 2 grass courts, 4 lighted Sea Pines Racquet Club Sea Pines Resort, 843-363-4495; Tennis facility located in Harbour Town in Sea Pines. It offers a complete pro shop and instruction. 24 Har-Tru, 5 hard courts, 5 lighted
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Golf Tennis
Tee Time
THE LOWCOUNTRY IS GOLF COUNTRY
Heron Point By Pete Dye 100 N. Sea Pines Dr., Hilton Head seapinesgolf.com 843-842-1477 Hilton Head Lakes 2005 Wiregrass Way, Hardeeville hiltonheadlakesgolf.com 843-208-5353 Island West Golf Club 40 Island West Drive, Bluffton islandwestgolf.net 843-815-6660 Harbour Town Golf Links, Sea Pines Resort
Atlantic Dunes 100 N. Sea Pines Dr., Hilton Head seapinesgolf.com 843-842-1477
Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club 1 Eagle’s Pointe, Bluffton eaglespointegolf.com 843-757-5900
Country Club of Hilton Head 70 Skull Creek Dr., Hilton Head hiltonheadclub.com 843-681-4653
Golden Bear at Indigo Run 100 Indigo Run Dr., Hilton Head clubcorp.com/Clubs/Golden-Bear-GolfClub-at-Indigo-Run 843-689-2200
Crescent Pointe Golf Club 1 Crescent Pointe, Bluffton crescentpointegolf.com 843-706-2600
Harbour Town Golf Links 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head seapinesgolf.com 843-363-8385
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Old South Golf Links 50 Buckingham Plantation Dr., Bluffton oldsouthgolf.com 843-785-5353
Argent Lakes, Sun City
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IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO HIT THE GREEN WITH A SEA BREEZE AT YOUR BACK, LOOK NO FURTHER.
George Fazio Course, Palmetto Dunes
Palmetto Dunes Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course 7 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138
Port Royal Planter’s Row 10 Clubhouse Dr., Hilton Head portroyalgolfclub.com 843-681-1700
Hilton Head Lakes
Port Royal Barony 10 Clubhouse Dr., Hilton Head portroyalgolfclub.com 843-681-1700 Port Royal Robber’s Row 10 Clubhouse Dr., Hilton Head portroyalgolfclub.com 843-681-1700 Rose Hill Golf Club 4 Clubhouse Drive, Bluffton golfrosehill.com 843-757-9030 Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Plantation
Oyster Reef Golf Club 155 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head oysterreefgolfclub.com 843-681-1764
Palmetto Hall Arthur Hills 108 Fort Howell Dr., Hilton Head palmettohallgolf.com 843-342-2582
Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills 2 Leamington Lane, Hilton Head palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138
Palmetto Hall Robert Cup 108 Fort Howell Dr., Hilton Head palmettohallgolf.com 843-342-2582
Palmetto Dunes George Fazio 2 Carnoustie, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138
Pinecrest Golf Club 1 Pinecrest Way, Bluffton pinecrestsc.com 843-757-8960
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Shipyard Golf Club 45 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island shipyardgolfclub.com 843-686-8802 Sun City - Argent Lakes 1291 Sergeant William Jasper Blvd. 843-645-0507 Sun City - Hidden Cypress 672 Cypress Hills Drive, Bluffton 843-705-4999 Sun City - Okatie Creek 60 Sun City Club Lane, Bluffton 843-705-4653 27
Shopping
Go Shopping
WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, WE ARE BOUND TO HAVE IT. by JOHANNA JACKSON photos by LEXI LAPOINTE Shelter Cove Towne Centre
THE SOUTH END Coligny Plaza (One North Forest Beach Drive): The south end of the island is the heart of the vacation area. The very first shopping center on the island and a perennial favorite is Coligny Plaza. Considered Hilton Head’s “downtown” there are more than 60 stores, 15 restaurants, a unique movie theatre and even a store specializing in kites, Coligny Kite. Candy, T-shirts, and great apparel are there along with groceries, restaurants and a hardware store. Several new stores and restaurants have opened recently including The Sandbar Beach Eats, FISH Seafood & Raw Bar, Traveling Chic Boutique and the The Pelican’s Pouch. Harbour Town Shops (149 Lighthouse Road): At the landmark destination of Harbour Town, the scenery is picture-perfect; the backdrop vividly stunning yet, in addition to the incredible views at every turn, Harbour Town is also an incredible shopping destination, with over 20 boutiques, galleries and gift shops. Shaded red rocking chairs along the harbour encourage you to rest and recharge, perhaps with an ice cream cone or your favorite beverage. 28
The Shops at Sea Pines Center (71 Lighthouse Road): An interesting variety of customized retail shops and boutiques with a mix of top-quality jewelry, resort casual men’s and women’s clothing, decorative accessories, antiques as well as a full-service day spa. Sea Pines’ only gas station is located at the east entrance and a post office is nestled within the promenade. South Beach Marina Village (232 South Sea Pines Drive): Located at the southern tip of Hilton Head Island, this unique shopping center has a quaint New England feel to it. It is home to shops, and restaurants, on most days you can also enjoy live entertainment. The Village at Wexford (1000 William Hilton Parkway, Mile Marker 10.5) “The Heart of Shopping Local” comprised of over 30 award-winning, locally-owned restaurants, shops and boutique services. Be sure to stop by Gifted for the perfect gift or keepsake. villageatwexford.com
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HHSO 2020-21 | HHSO.ORG ALAN JORDAN President & CEO
Please join us for some musical months of March, April & May with the HHSO!
H I LT O N H E A D S Y M P H O N Y ORCHESTRA PRESENTS
SY MPHON Y UNDER T HE S TA RS
Hilton Head Live! Sunday, March 15, 2020, 7:30 pm Let the historic Savannah Theatre cast entertain you with their high energy musical variety show specially customized for SoundWaves! Lowcountry Originals – Singer Songwriter Nick Poulin and Kyle Wareham Saturday, March 21, 2020, 7:30 pm Kyle Wareham and Nick Poulin have been writing and performing their own music for many years. Now we will hear both talented musicians share some of their music and stories with series curator Kenny Munshaw. The Jackson Trio Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 7:30 pm Jackson Evans is an in-demand bandleader, composer, arranger, and accompanist. Tours with his own group have included appearances at The Bar Next Door in New York City and two residencies at jazz clubs on Mainland China. Hilton Head Live Sunday, April 5th @ 7:30 pm Let the historic Savannah Theatre guys and gals entertain you with their high energy musical variety show specially customized for SoundWaves! This highly popular show will feature different artists from the Savannah Theatre at each event! Soundwaves Jazz Series Presented by Martin Lesch Wednesday, April 29th @ 7:30 pm With host, Martin Lesch, this will be an evening destine to inspire. LowCountry Originals Presents by Kenny Munshaw Friday, May 1st @ 7:30 pm Kenny has performed around the world and shared the stage with such musical legends as Gene Simmons of KISS, Shania Twain, Beverly Mahood, Tim McGraw, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Go to hhso.org for further information.
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DRE A M A LIT TLE DRE A M T UESDAY, APR 7, 2020 • 6P M WE D N ESDAY, APR 8 , 2020 • 6P M C OAS TA L DISC OV ERY M USEUM H O NE Y H O R N PL A N TAT I O N John Morris Russell, Conductor Kimberly Hawkey, Soprano In a large festive tent under the baton of John Morris Russell, patrons can enjoy the music and dinner with friends. A sultry evening of scintillating classics, chanteuse and song revivalist Kimberly Hawkey makes her eagerly awaited return to mix an intoxicating cocktail of Jazz, Americana, and Broadway. You may provide your own refreshments, but wine, beer, soft drinks and water are available for sale by the League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. SPONSORED BY
Tickets for table seating are $85 and $75. Additional seating options are priced at $50 for concert seating and the popular outside lawn seating is $25. Tickets available by calling the office at 843-842-2055.
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Shopping
Old Town Bluffton Promenade Area
MID-ISLAND
NORTH END
Shelter Cove Harbour (Shelter Cove Lane): With a beautiful Mediterranean waterfront village setting, this is one of Hilton Head’s most popular spots. It is located directly across from the entrance to Palmetto Dunes Resort and offers specialty stores, a salon, art galleries and many popular restaurants with awesome views of Broad Creek.
Sea Turtle Marketplace (formerly Pineland Station) (430 William Hilton Parkway): Located at the intersection of William Hilton Parkway and Mathews Drive, this new shopping center includes Steinmart, West Marine, Petsmart, Jersey Mike’s and Orange Theory.
The Plaza at Shelter Cove (50 Shelter Cove Lane): This shopping center is home to many locally-owned landmarks, including Outside Hilton Head. It is also home to medical and real estate professionals, a nail salon, a liquor store and features popular national chains such as TJ Maxx and Whole Foods. Shelter Cove Towne Centre (40 Shelter Cove Lane): The former Mall at Shelter Cove has been transformed into this new shopping center overlooking Broad Creek. The village features 290,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space surrounded by natural amenities and luxury residences. 30
Main Street Village (1500 Main Street): Each building has a different style and this very walkable area is reminiscent of Main Street in a small town. Here you can find great restaurants, handmade crafts, gift items, salon services, and more. Festival Center (145 Pembroke Drive): Here you can find big stores like Walmart, Publix and Barnes & Noble with some smaller offerings like Wildbirds Unlimited, Row Fitness, Walgreens and Pier One Imports.
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HAPPINESS STARTS HERE BREAKFAST | LUNCH | MORE
BLUFFTON
HILTON HEAD South Island Square ½ Mile South of Palmetto Dunes Open Daily 7AM-2PM 843.686.3353
BLUFFTON Sheridan Park Off of Hwy. 278 near the DMV Open Daily 7AM-2PM 843.815.5300
Berkeley Place (106 Buckwalter Parkway): This popular mixed-use development includes a movie theatre, shops, restaurants and more.
More at IslandBagelandDeli.com
Buckwalter Place This booming commercial area includes a bowling alley, a huge new Kroger supermarket, the Town of Bluffton’s Don Ryan Center for Innovation, and the future site of the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute.
Best sandwiches on the Island...period!
Kittie’s Crossing (25 Bluffton Road): Home to many popular national chains, including Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
PROUDLY SERVING
Tanger Outlets (1270 and 1414 Fording Island Road): Because you are making your purchases directly from the manufacturer and avoiding the middleman, brand name merchandise can be purchased at up to 70 percent below retail prices. Old Town Bluffton (Calhoun and Promenade streets): Comprised of one-square mile, Old Town Bluffton includes Calhoun Street, which is home on Thursday afternoons to the Bluffton Farmer’s Market, where you can find beautiful produce and locally made goods. Just to the west, Calhoun Street Promenade is a popular shopping and nightlife district. During the day, visit the Heyward House historic center for a walking map of the Old Town.
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55 New Orleans Rd. Hilton Head, SC 29928
843-785-9966
SERVING LUNCH 11am until 5pm • Monday-Saturday phillyscafe.com • orderphillyscafe.com Catering Available 31
Things to Do
Rainy Day Fun
WHEN THE WEATHER DRIVES YOU INDOORS by SLOAN KELLY • Climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse in Harbour Town for spectacular views of Harbour Town Golf Links, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound. Need to catch your breath as you climb? Displays lining the stairs document the island’s rich natural history. • Reserve a tour at the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head. Since 2003, the nonprofit museum has been committed to maintaining Gullah customs, traditions, language, stories, songs and structures in the Lowcountry. The preserved Little House is a quiet, haint-blue cottage just off Gumtree Road, built in the early 1950s before a bridge connected the island to the mainland. The museum also hosts oyster roasts and educational seminars throughout the year. • Hilton Head Island is renowned for its arts scene. See a professional performance at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, where musicals, plays, dances and national comedy acts take the stage regularly. Or for a fun souvenir, head over to the Art Cafe, located across the street from Coligny Plaza and paint your own pottery. • See a movie. The two largest movie theaters are Northridge Cinema 10 on Hilton Head and Cinemark Bluffton. Northridge offers 10 screens, all with reclining seats. Hilton Head also is home to Park Plaza Cinema and Coligny Theatre. Park Plaza is an independent theater with a bar. Coligny is a single-screen theater that shows mostly art house movies. With 12 screens, Cine32
mark Bluffton is the largest theater in the area. • Lace up your bowling shoes for a day at Station 300 in Bluffton, which offers 33,000 square feet of bowling, arcade games and food. The bumpers can pop up to protect less experienced players from gutter balls, and then go back down when the family champion is up. In-house restaurant Zepplin’s is available if you work up an appetite. • Play some arcade games. Adventure Cove Mini Golf & Arcade on Hilton Head features air hockey, video games and a creative and well-maintained mini golf course. Before you leave, be sure to trade your tickets in for some fun swag. • Solve mysteries at an escape room. Are you a secret sleuth? Do you love solving puzzles? If so, try out one of the three escape rooms in the area. Work to solve the puzzles before time runs out. The puzzles may prove to be difficult for the little ones, so this activity is suggested for ages 12 and older. • Listen to a story. If you crave a little quiet, check out Hilton Head library. It offers programs almost every day — story hour with Mr. Greg is a favorite. Offerings change daily but might include Lego robotics, drop-in craft time, shadow puppets, and Wee Reads story hour. • Play at The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum. Kids can sit in a real airplane cockpit, climb on a ship, explore the builder’s section, or create a masterpiece in the art room. Located
off Pope Avenue, The Sandbox is the perfect stop for toddlers and preschoolers. • Bounce, bounce, bounce. Just across the bridges in Bluffton, Island Playground offers a slew of bounce houses and inflatables — including a maze and a slide — and is the perfect place to let your kids run wild. This air-conditioned facility also has a concession stand and comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi for mom and dad. • Relax at a spa. Don’t miss this opportunity for a pampering session. There are many spas on the island offering everything from hot stone massages to couples’ massage. Relax and rejuvenate • Learn about local sea life. Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center has more than 20 exhibits that highlight the ecological, historical, cultural, artistic and recreational aspects of Port Royal Sound. The main exhibit hall showcases animals that call the sound home: sharks, dolphins, marine turtles and countless types of fish. A 3,000-gallon touch tank displays some of the creatures found in the waters just outside the center. Several exhibits are dedicated to the area’s bread and butter: shrimp and oysters. • Go kazoo crazy. If you’re up for a drive, grab the kids for a trip to Beaufort’s Kazoo Museum & Factory. You’ll enjoy interactive exhibits, learn about the history of the kazoo, see how they’re made and have the chance to make your own to take home with you.
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YOUR TICKET TO
NON-STOP ENTERTAINMENT! ONE NIGHT ONLY
DAZZLING & POWERFUL!
From ballet to bold, this breathaking dance company astounds audiences with cutting-edge dance.
MAR 26 NAMED THE UNITED STATES’ HIGHESTRATED TOURING COMPANY BY THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.
See this mesmerizing display of talent and creativity at the Arts Center on March 26 at 8pm.
“Lavish Entertainment!” – The Times
APR 29 – MAY 24
13 nominations 6 tony wins!
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including best musical and best score
THE SHOW WITH HIGH SPIRITS AND EVEN HIGHER HEELS! This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Charlie Price who inherits a shoe factory. He forms an unlikely partnership with drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots with hopes of saving the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover they are not so different after all.
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Daufuskie
Daufuskie Time GET AWAY FOR A DAY ACROSS THE WATER by JUSTIN JARRETT photos courtesy of HAIG POINT Just a couple miles across Calibogue Sound from Harbour Town lies Daufuskie Island, a small, largely undeveloped barrier island begging to be explored. A 45-minute ferry ride up the Intracoastal Waterway whisks visitors back in time when, depositing them on Daufuskie — accessible only by boat — and a world away from from the trappings of modern-day life. Daufuskie, steeped in history and drenched in natural beauty, is divided into two distinct worlds — the private Haig Point community, where cars are prohibited and residents access top-notch amenities by golf cart or bicycle, and the rest of the island, virtually undisturbed for decades. Native American artifacts are frequently unearthed on the island’s beaches, including arrowheads and pieces of centuries-old pottery. Haig Point is mostly for members only, but the club does rent rooms in the historic Strachan Mansion and the Haig Point Lighthouse (rumored to be “eternally occupied” by Maggie, the former keeper’s daughter). Visitors have two other options if they want a look behind the gates: Booking a horseback ride via Daufuskie Island Trail Rides, one of the few places in the country where you can still ride horses on the beach, or snatching up one of the limited number of public tee times available on the club’s renowned Rees Jones signature golf course. If private clubs aren’t your speed, fear not. The rest of Daufuskie is another world entirely. On weekends during the summer, Freeport is the place to be: It’s where visitors hop off the ferry and gather to eat and drink at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company, dance the day away to live music, play cornhole, and hit the public beach that looks across Calibogue Sound toward Hilton Head. The area near the marina is something of a town center, with a general store, a few cottages for rent, and a handful of shops. 34
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a golf cart or bike — or bring your own bike on the ferry — and explore more of the island. And there’s plenty to explore along Daufuskie’s dirt roads. A number of unique galleries dot the island. Most notable among them is the Iron Fish Gallery, where 17-year Daufuskie Island resident Chase Allen — who has sold more than $1 million worth of art — produces metalworks in an open-air studio and accepts payments on the honor system when he isn’t present at the gallery. Another must-see for art lovers is Daufuskie Blues — located in the famed Mary Fields School, where author Pat Conroy taught in the 1960s — where organic indigo harvested on the island is used to create stunning and unique fashions. The school is also home to School Grounds Coffee, but those looking for something a little stronger won’t leave the island disappointed. Stop by Silver Dew Winery for a tasting and check out the museum inside the old Bloody Point Lighthouse, or slip over to Daufuskie Island Rum Company, where its locally distilled spirits have been served to visitors from every U.S. state and 64 countries. The distillery is located next to a quaint pond, where visitors sometimes enjoy a picnic lunch. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, you can book one of a number of tours, including one led by Daufuskie native Sallie Ann Robinson, who was Conroy’s star pupil in “The Water Is Wide.” After a day on Daufuskie, you’ll either be left yearning for more or convinced you never need to go back. Life on Daufuskie isn’t for everyone, and its full-time residents have a saying: “We’re all here because we’re not all there.”
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Relocate
Relocate to Our Paradise
7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MAKING THIS YOUR NEW HOME by MARCO FREY
1. Peace of mind As the world around us seems to get more turbulent, there is something very reassuring about living in the Lowcountry. Our world in the Lowcountry seems pretty darn normal, and for once, that is a really good thing. 2. Natural beauty There are only a few places in North America that can rival the beautiful surroundings we live in. We’re blessed us with incredible beaches, pristine tidal creeks, calming marshes, pluff mud and Spanish moss. Great vision and planning allows us to live in harmony with all the natural beauty. 3. Climate Though the winter here is unpredictable; it can be 80 degrees one day and 40 degrees the next. Compared to the road-blocking snowstorms just a few hours to the north though, we’ve got it pretty good. Conditions greatly improve 36
in March and stay really nice through the end of October. We also have many nice and sunny days November through February. 4. Location and accessibility Direct flights from SAV now include 13 major destinations including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, NYC, Philadelphia and Washington. Within driving distance we can access three growing metropolitan areas — Atlanta, Charlotte and Jacksonville or we can escape to the charms of the mountains of North Carolina. 5. Economic diversity We still heavily depend on the two main drivers of our economy — tourism and retirement. But new trends are emerging. Young people and families in their prime choose the Lowcountry as their nesting grounds.
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6. Cultural, recreational and educational choices It was only 10 years ago when our choices were very fairly limited when it came to active sports, cultural and educational choices. No longer so. Regardless of what you want to learn or do or experience, chances are you can find an event, a place or club, a class or a teacher to make it happen. 7. 10,000 people a Day Retire Yes, these are the official statistics and it will continue at this pace for almost two decades. The profile of the typical retiree however has changed. Not only will they live longer, they are vibrant, still wanting to change the world and become an important part of our community. They bring with them experience, connections and often attract the next generation to move here as well.
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