Hilton Head Vacation Guide Spring 2019

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hhigo.com

Spring/Summer 2019

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All the FUN in o

Palmetto Dunes resort

GOLF

TENNIS & PICKLEBALl

BIKES

ALEXANDER’S

Play three championship golf courses by legendary architects: Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills & George Fazio

Rent a bike to explore 5 miles of scenic paths or take it to the beach!

Junior & adult programs available.

NEW! Pickleball clinics & round robins

Upscale seafood restaurant & wine bar. Open for dinner at 5:00 p.m. daily

KAYAKS

Rent a kayak or canoe and take a ride through a calm 11-mile lagoon

BIG JIM’S

Offers southern favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner

ASK ABOUT GOLF, TENNIS & OUTFITTERS MEMBERSHIPS! Located mid-island, Hwy 278, mile marker 8.

Call 844-237-1109 PalmettoDunes.com

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LAGOoN FISHING

Take a fishing trip & catch Redfish, Trout or Flounder. Catch and release

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S

n one location

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

DINING

SHOPpING

Seven waterfront restaurants offering international & gourmet cuisine

Shops feature apparel, jewerly & accessories, Hilton Head Island gifts, art & more!

WATER SPORTS

FISHING CHARTERS

Choose from one of many options including stand up paddleboarding, sport crabbing dock, waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing!

Board any of our 10 fishing boats & fish inshore or offshore with our experienced & fun captains!

ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy live music nightly at various restaurants & Thursday concert series select Fall evenings

CRUISES

Take in the view on our scenic cruises including nature, sunset, sport crabbing, sailing and more!

RENTALS

AVAILABLE FOR KAYAKS, BIKES, BOATS, FISHING GEAR & RODS

TOURS

Enjoy our two-person power cat, dolphin & kayak tours

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Located mid-Island, adjacent to Palmetto Dunes.

Call 844-237-1108 ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com

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by boat or kayak

paddle or cruise

We deliver!

SEE ALL OF OUR TOURS, CLINICS AND EXCURSIONS AND BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE ONLINE NOW AT OutsideHiltonHead.com

We enrich lives by connecting people to exceptional places, products and experiences.

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CHANGE YOUR LATITUDE IN

TRODUCING

Your New Home in Paradise It’s always been that happy place in your mind, and the spirit of adventure in your soul. It’s the state of mind when it all comes together in one of life’s perfect moments. When your mind wanders to this paradise, why not follow it home?

We have heard your call… Minto Communities and Margaritaville welcome you to Latitude Margaritaville!

Inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, your new home in paradise features exciting recreation, unmatched dining and FINtastic nightlife. With Minto’s 40 years of experience developing award-winning, master-planned communities and building quality homes for over 25,000 families, innovative new homes are a given.

Escape to the place where fun and relaxation meet. Escape to island-inspired living as you grow older, but not up.

Escape to Latitude Margaritaville.

Latitude margaritaville Hilton Head New homes from the mid $200s 9 Model Homes Open Daily!

356 Latitude Blvd., Hardeeville, SC 29927 Mon-Sat: 9:00am-5:00pm | Sun: 11:00am-5:00pm

(844) 235-2889 Visit online for more information LatitudeMargaritaville.com

2018

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL00169 (Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach) and OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head). Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach and Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. The facilities and amenities described and depicted are proposed but not yet constructed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2019. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2019

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The Ultimate Escape Hilton Head Island ➼

by BARRY KAUFMAN

Since the day Charles Fraser landed on Hilton Head Island and envisioned something a little bit more valuable than timber, we’ve been known as one of the world’s ultimate playgrounds. This is true year-round, thanks to the gentle climate of our sub-tropical location, but in spring and summer it becomes even more clear why Hilton Head Island is paradise.

During spring, the mercury rises just high enough to keep you comfortable as you explore the vast richness of our island’s wild spaces. And with the high visitor season of summer; It’s the perfect time of year for enjoying the island’s many treasures.

The move laid-back season of spring means it’s the ideal time to visit our beaches, as you’ll have plenty of space to spread out your blanket and get your prize pick for the best spot on the beach.

The water may yet be a little chilly for swimming, but the sunbathing is superb.

In both spring and summer, the beaches are just a small part of our island’s popularity. After all, you don’t court 2.67 million visitors a year just on sand and surf.

Our golf and tennis facilities are among some of the best in the world, and around

every corner you’ll find a delightful shop or gourmet-caliber restaurant all adding to the perfect itinerary.

all three Grand Slam surfaces, with Hilton Head serving as home to eight of the top 100 in the world.

The storied architects of the game of golf, from Pete Dye to Jack Nicklaus, have put their stamp on the island across 20 spectacular courses. From the iconic lighthouse that anchors Harbour Town Golf Links’ 18th hole to the sweeping ocean views along the Robert Trent Jones course in Palmetto Dunes, this island is a mecca for the golf purist and the amateur hacker alike.

And when you’re not out on the course or the court, you’ll find 100 miles of award winning bike paths and pathways, a thriving arts scene including Broadway-caliber shows at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and a restaurant scene that has drawn the attention of culinary giants.

Hand in hand with our global reputation for golf is our passion for the game of tennis. All across the island, you’ll find courts offering

It’s all part of our island’s dedication to the ultimate vacation, and there’s no time to experience it all quite like the warmer months.

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Town planners grouped development so residential areas remain peaceful. Shopping centers are clustered along U.S. 278; several schools and athletic fields ring McCracken Circle, and a dining and entertainment district keeps the Calhoun Street Promenade hopping.

Still central to the town’s ambiance is Old Town which is Bluffton’s original square mile. It’s sprinkled with artisan shops, art galleries and one-of-kind eateries. There’s nothing quite like the hushed town center nestled among oak trees.

Now a National Historic District, Old Town includes the pre-Civil War Church of the Cross and the antebellum Heyward House, which serves as Bluffton’s visitor center.

Heart of the Lowcountry Bluffton ➼

Not only is Bluffton a great coastal village, a couple of attractions keep Bluffton on many “best town” lists.

by LISA ALLEN

❢CAL

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.”

LO E ADVIC

Despite its vastly expanded dimensions, Bluffton remains a small town. Because the warm weather makes outdoor activities possible year-round, the town’s parks host a plethora of festivals, events and public gatherings in every season.

Bluffton offers an ideal blend for its residents: a small-town feel with cosmopolitan sophistication. But if you really want to know what makes Bluffton unique, head to the May River. After all, Bluffton’s elevated view of that waterway gave it its name. Look up and you’re certain to see a fish hawk catching thermals in the sky.

Not sure what to do first? We’ve picked a few of our favorites to get you going.

Go for a ride Cast your worries in the breeze and experience the island on a whim. Your wish is your command. see page 22

PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING

Bluffton remained rustic for decades until interest in Hilton Head flowed over the bridge to the mainland — a little at first, then Bluffton’s population surged with communities of retirees and young families alike.

Geographically, Bluffton mushroomed through vigorous annexation from 1 square mile to 53 square miles in the 1990s. Within that perimeter, development exploded, creating a critical mass of young families that have given Bluffton its own flavor.

One is the iconic Bluffton Oyster Co., one of the last operating oyster factories on the East Coast. Another is Palmetto Bluff, a coveted community that boasts the five-star Inn at Palmetto Bluff and protected wilderness overlooking the May River.

Get Lost Lose your sense of time among the oaks of Sea Pines Forest Preserve. see page 8

What’s going on?

There is always something happening, check out the schedule of events. see page 12

Take a Day Trip Blufffton and Daufuskie Island are two places that need to be on your to-do list. see page 46 hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 7

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Explore by Car

➼ From the Harbour Town Lighthouse to

Bluffton, and everything in between.

by MARCO FREY

Hilton Head has a lot to offer beyond the crowds and resorts. This driving tour captures the essence of our cherished Lowcountry. At the break of dawn, savor a bite for breakfast and then pack the car to make a day of it. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of time left in your stay for napping under an umbrella. This trip involves only about an hour of driving, but has miles of fun.

Start in Harbour Town, nestled in Sea Pines Resort, one of the island’s first developments. There you can begin the morning climbing the steps of the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. Once at the top, take a moment to smell the salty Atlantic breeze and watch boats pass lazily near the horizon. Before you leave, take a moment to let kids play in the tree house fort just beyond the shops. Speaking of treehouses, take a drive along Deer Island Rd, located behind the shops. There, you’ll see the curious octagonal villas that embody developer Charles Fraser’s vision for the island.

After Harbour Town and Deer Island, head to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, the island’s greenest patch, located across from Lawton Stables. Here, you’ll walk among moss-draped oaks with a good chance of

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PHOTO BY LEXI LAPOINT

or stop at Stacks for breakfast or lunch. At the traffic circle, take Palmetto Bay Road and continue over the Cross Island Bridge for that postcard view, well worth the $1.25 toll.

spotting an alligator sunbathing along a pond. Look closely between the trees to spot an enormous banana spider. Take the boardwalk over the vanishing swamp and end your stroll at the Indian Shell Ring, a 4,000-year-old remnant of the island’s first oyster lovers.

Next, pack in the car and head out of Sea Pines, back to U.S, 278, and grab a quick lunch at The Sea Shack for some casual fare,

Take the Gum Tree Road exit and you will find yourself on the “north island,” where you can head to the Coastal Discovery Museum. The museum is set amid 68 acres of the old Honey Horn plantation. Explore exhibits about the region’s storied history as well as paths that highlight the local flora and fauna. There are kid-oriented events as well as a lovely butterfly habitat. To learn about the Gullah culture, be sure to call ahead and set up an appoint with the the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head. There you can learn about Gullah customs, traditions, language, stories, songs and structures on Hilton Head.

Post museum, drive to Beach City Road to find the remnants of historic Mitchelville,

the first self-governing community of freed slaves. Wander through the hallowed open grounds and imagine life under the oaks that still stand from that time. From the parking area, follow the path to a platform on the marsh, perfect for spotting a heron. Then, continue along the forest paths that lead to an uncrowded stroll along Mitchelville Beach. Take your shoes off and let the sand between your toes remind you that you’ve arrived. Watch the seagulls dip into the ocean and let your eyes peer deep into the Atlantic horizon.

Time for one last destination. Head off island and cross over Broad Creek towards Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton. Walk the Old Town and Promenade, end your day with dinner at one of the many restaurants and stroll down to watch the sun set on the vast marshland of the May River. Look up and let the osprey remind you there’s no place like the Lowcountry. hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 9

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➼

Local Hot Spots

Don't leave the Lowcountry without checking out these restaurants, shops and businesses.

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will open its 35th season on Oct. 10 at First Presbyterian Church. For more information on the upcoming season, call 843-8422055 or go to www.hhso.org.

ISLAND BAGEL With authentic New York-style bagels made from scratch every morning, Island Bagel makes a great breakfast or lunch stop on your way to the beach. 843-686-3353, islandbagelanddeli.com

ADVENTURE CRUISES With dolphin cruises, sport crabbing, public tours and private charters, you can experience life on the water — step onboard the Holiday for dolphin watching by calling 843-785-4558; for crabbing on the Crabber J II, call 843-422-5110. hiltonheadisland.com/adventure ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA A multi-part venue that hosts remarkable showcases, visual and performing arts, and cultural festivals. Enjoy some entertainment after a fun day in the sun to truly experience all that Hilton Head Island has to offer. 843-686-3945, artshhi.com BICYCLE BILLY’S Bike rentals with delivery and pickup to make life easy during your vacation. You can even rent bikes before arriving to check one more item off of your to-do list.

843-785-7851, bicyclebilly.com OLD TOWN BIKE BARN AND ADVENTURES Single speed and multi-speed bikes available for rental. Pickup and delivery options available. We service all brands of bicycles.

Certified bicycle mechanics. We can pickup and deliver your bike. 843-837-2276, blufftonbybike.com COCONUT BIKE RENTALS Bike rentals with delivery and pickup, as well as rentals of cribs, roll-away beds, joggers, high chairs, beach chairs and umbrellas; combined with Island Cruisers Bike Rentals. 843-686-5055, islandcruisersbikerentals.com

DAUFUSKIE DIFFERENCE Take a dolphin-watching cruise or head over to Daufuskie Island, where you can take a self-guided golf cart tour or a guided bus tour to see the historic district and learn about Gullah history. 843-342-8687, daufuskiefreeport.com GIFTED HILTON HEAD A selection of Uno de 50, Ronaldo Designer Jewelry, John Medeiros Jewelry, Alex and Ani, Katie Loxton, Nora Fleming, Spartina 449, Baggallini, Beatriz Ball, Dune Jewelry, Moonglow Jewelry, S’well, high-quality gifts, custom Hilton Head items, scarves and more. 843-842-8787, giftedhiltonhead.com BACKWATER-CAT ADVENTURE On this 2.5 hour boat tour, you drive your own two seater boat and take in the wildlife and natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.

The guides are well trained and know the waters like the back of their hand. Don’t hesitate to book an andventure today! 843753-7631, backwatercatadventure.com HILTON HEAD BY BOAT Book a half or full day charter, take a trip to Savannah or Daufuskie, or take a dolphin watching trip or a sunset cruise, all with Hilton Head By Boat. 843-304-3847, hiltonheadbyboat.com HILTON HEAD BICYCLE COMPANY Providing residents and visitors with rental bicycles, new bicycles, accessories, parts and service since 1992. Delivery and pickup, free locks and baskets with bicycles.

843-686-6888, hiltonheadbicycle.com

LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE It’s always been that happy place in your mind, the spirit of adventure in your soul.

It’s the state of mind when it all comes together in one of life’s perfect moments.

When your mind wanders to this paradise, why not follow it home? 844-235-2889 OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD Programs include guided kayak tours, kayak fishing, boat-based dolphin tours, charter fishing, tours of historic Bluffton and Daufuskie, camps for kids and teens, stand-up paddle boarding programs, boat rentals, surf lessons and more.

800-686-6996, outsidehiltonhead.com PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT Named one of the top 25 on Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the World’s Best Family Resorts, Palmetto Dunes provides a world-class golf experience alongside vacations that are sure to please the whole family. There’s something to do and see for everyone, no matter the age, no matter the interest. 844-237-1109, palmettodunes.com PAULA TRAVER CHARTER ONE REAL ESTATE Specializing in your first home or forever home. Paula has listed and sold over $100 million in properties. When Paula isn’t hard at work as an agent, she is spending time with her family or playing tennis.

843-247-3728, realestateonhiltonheadislandsc.com PEDALS Whether you need one bike or a whole pack of them, Pedals has beach cruisers, mountain bikes, kiddie karts, and even an extra-tall bike for those with long legs. They also provide delivery and pickup to make

your life just that little bit easier.

843-842-5522, pedalsbicycles.com PHILLY’S CAFÉ & DELI Open for lunch every day, featuring classic hoagies, cheese steaks, pita wraps, chicken sandwiches, and a variety of snacks and sides Philly’s is a must-do lunch spot with something for everyone. 843-785-9966, phillyscafe.com SPORTS ADDICTION If you’re looking to try a new sport or fitness routine, Sports Addiction carries whatever you need. You’ll find everything you need for cycling, tennis, racquetball, and more.

843-815-8281, sportsaddiction.us SMITH STEARNS TENNIS ACADEMY Led by Stan Smith, former number-one player in the world, Smith Sterns Tennis Academy focuses on individual junior player development. 843-363-4789, smithstearns.com STACK’S PANCAKES Enjoy traditional breakfast items or try some of Stack’s more unique menu items such as the Crème Brulee French Toast or the Bananas Foster French Toast. Truly an all around family-friendly restaurant with something for everyone. 843-341-3347, stackshh.com STATION 300 If you take the kids to Station 300, they’ll be begging you to go back for the rest of the trip. The facility features 24 bowling lanes, a wide variety of arcade games and a laser maze. For the adult crowd, grab a beer at Zeppelin’s Bar and Grill and check out Galactic Bowling starting at 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. 843-815-2695, station300.com THE SEA SHACK This hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves up good down-home Southern Lowcountry food – all things seafood, fried, grilled or blackened. 843-785-2464, seashackhhi.com VINEYARD VINES A company best known for its whimiscal neckties and smiling pink whale logo. From Breaker Shorts to polos to pullovers they have everything you need no matter where the day takes you. Located in the Tanger 1 Outlet Suite 280. 843-815-5393, tangeroutlet.com/vineyardvines.com

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BEACHES

Sands. Surfing. Swimming. Sunning. Shores. Sailing. Sanctuary. Whatever your vision of the “beach life” may entail, the sun-splashed 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.

SOUTH Beach

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Coligny Beach

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. Though the marina area is one of the more popular island destinations for visitors, with its dining, shopping and inventive water sports experiences, the Calibogue Beach itself 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 $6 per vehicle to enter the resort. ACCESS: Near Sea Pines South Beach Marina, best accessed by bike or foot.

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COLIGNY BEACH BEST FOR: If the crowds are any indication, 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 and scores of beach rentals and free parking — just not at the popular 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.

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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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driessen beach DRIESSEN 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.

BEST FOR: Day trips, swimming, sunning, locals and in-the-know. 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. hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 17

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North forest

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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, it is one of the places to be on Hilton Head. 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.

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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.

➼ GO ONLINE

hhigo.com/features/beaches

Singles (South Forest Beach)

With Pets (Burkes Beach) hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 19

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Military Might

➼ Hilton Head was a vital base during the Civil War

By TIM WATSON

Company E, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry, were part of the defending forces of Washington, D.C. Photo shows two rows of African Americans holding rifles at Fort Lincoln in 1864.

Hilton Head Island is known for its great beaches, golf, tennis and food scene. But did you know it was once the site of the largest landing of U.S. military force to date, or that pirates actually roamed Skull Creek? When you stroll along the shores, can you picture antisubmarine guns lined up on the beach?

During the Civil War, Union troops stormed ashore in the area between The Westin Resort Hilton Head Island at the tip of the island and Skull Creek Boathouse. While most have heard of Fort Sumter and the South’s victory there that started the Civil War, many don’t know that not long after, on Nov. 7, 1861, the North seized Hilton Head Island in the Battle of Port Royal and successfully used it to blockade the larger Southern-held ports of Savannah and Charleston. Perfectly situated between the two cities, Port Royal Sound was instrumental in the disruption of the South’s naval operation. Hilton Head became a transfer point for wounded soldiers, Union troops and tons of supplies.

After the Union took control of the island, many Hilton Head plantation owners fled to the mainland — leaving behind their enslaved.

Many freed and escaped slaves made their way to Hilton Head, where many were pressed into service for the North, becoming the first black troops for the Union. The North employed these former enslaved people in the building and staffing of hospitals, piers and housing for the Northern troops stationed on the island. In exchange, these soldiers were given property, leading to creation of Mitchelville and many other Gullah communities that continue to this day.

The strategic location of Hilton Head Island and Lowcountry waters have benefitted those with local knowledge since the time of the pirate Blackbeard. Our Lowcountry rivers and creeks by some accounts add up to more coastline than the entire East Coast. Jean Laffite and his brothers used nearby Barataria Island (in between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton) as a home

base for their pirate raids around 1780.

In the 1930s, Germany rose to military might, largely because of its U-boats — first real military use of submarines in warfare. As the United States entered World War II in 1941, the threat of a German invasion was so prevalent that anti-submarine guns were permanently affixed up and down the East Coast. The guns were mounted on 40-foot wide, 15-foot tall concrete gun mounts that as late as 1990 were still visible along the beach in Palmetto Dunes. Legend says that some German U-boats actually landed in North Carolina and South Carolina and conducted Battle of the Bulge-style espionage raids and reconnaissance missions.

So as you roam the beaches, hit your bunker shots, or ace your tennis serve, know that you are not the first to place your foot in that spot and maybe you are standing on a historically significant spot that helped win us the freedom that we all enjoy today.

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Bike Paths Paved with Gold ➼ Let your award-winning pathways give you a new

way to ride.

by BARRY KAUFMAN

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.

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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

’’

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.

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.

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.

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 under-

neath 278 at Shelter Cove, and allowing full freedom of movement from point A to point B in a fun, eco-friendly way.

“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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A Golf Paradise

➼ If you are looking

to hit the green with a sea breeze at your back, look no further.

by TIM WATSON

Since 1969 when the PGA Tour first visited the island, it has been hard to utter Hilton Head in a sentence without golf.

The annual RBC Heritage Tournament has been a veritable who’s who of golfing immortals. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, Davis Love III and many other golf luminaries have had their names etched on the champion’s trophy and received the now famous plaid jacket of victory. The world-renowned Harbour Town Golf Links is open to the public and with a little advance planning you too can play the course of your heroes.

Not quite ready for the PGA Tour? That’s not a problem. With over 20 public courses on Hilton Head and immediately offisland in Bluffton, there’s a track that will fit you like a glove. Forgot your clubs? All of the local courses offer great rental and demo programs. Don’t forget to ask for demo clubs; sometimes they are the latest and greatest but beware — you might shoot the round of your life and feel like taking them home with you. Winter, spring, summer or fall; Hilton Head Island golf is world class and you will have a great day on the links.

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v 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 Shelter Cove Towne Centre

Go Shopping ➼ Whatever you are

looking for, we are bound to have it.

by JOHANNA JACKSON photo by LEXI LAPOINTE

Searching for a unique Lowcountry treasure?

It can be found at one of the many unique and eclectic shops of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Shopping is a favorite activity here, with more than 200 outlet shops, six marina villages, numerous boutiques and many popular retail chains. Spend some time exploring and you will find something special. We truly have something for everyone.

(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.

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

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

MID-ISLAND 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 Coligny Plaza Dunes Resort and offers specialty stores, a salon, art galleries and many popular restaurants with awesome views of Broad Creek.

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.

(232 South Sea Pines Drive):

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Activities abound for everybody in the Lowcountry

by SLOAN KELLY

Blessed with natural beauty, sandy beaches and a temperate climate, it’s no wonder that Hilton Head Island has earned a reputation as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. The island and nearby Bluffton offer many opportunities for all ages to make fun vacation memories.

Here are a few of the area’s “don’t miss” activities: • 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.

• Bike the island’s paved leisure trails.

Rated as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the American League of Bicyclists, Hilton Head is the ideal place to

spin your wheels thanks to more than 60 miles of multi-use trails stretching from one end of the island to the other.

• Play volleyball at Coligny Beach or kick back and sip a drink embellished with a tiny umbrella at one of the island’s most popular beaches. The vibe is energetic, and the drinks are ice cold thanks to the nearby Tiki Hut, while nearby Pool Bar Jim’s has achieved world-famous status thanks to its delectable frozen drinks.

And just up the beach at Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, don’t miss the libations at Jamaica Joe’z.

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• Play golf or tennis. Hit the links on Hilton Head’s famed golf courses, renowned the world over for their majestic scenery and expert craftsmanship. Tennis players also will be delighted by the island’s variety of courses—clay, grass, Har-Tru, whatever your game you’ll find it among our internationally acclaimed courts.

• Get to know the local scene by enjoying our many festivals, which take place almost every weekend and feature live entertainment, bounce houses arts and crafts and, of course, food and drink.

ON THE WATER

• Take a guided kayak or stand-up paddle board tour through salt marsh estuaries, where if you’re lucky you’ll spot bald eagles, hawks and osprey.

• Learn to surf. Palmetto Dunes Outfitters, Sunny Daze Surfboards and Forest Beach Surf & Cycle are eager to teach you or rent you a board. Hilton Head isn’t known for Head Island. Anglers can catch a variety of giant waves, but when there’s a swell surfers species throughout the year, including redZipLine Head head for Burkes Beach and North Forest fish,Hilton cobia, speckled sea trout, flounder and Beach near Herron Street. sharks. Tarpon, a majestic trophy game fish, show up in the waters off Hilton Head in the • Watch bottlenose dolphins play in early summer. the Atlantic Ocean or in the Intracoastal Waterway during sightseeing tours on • Go parasailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, motorized boats of all sizes. Pontoon boats, banana boating or tubing in Broad Creek, catamarans, center consoles and even saila wide, flat waterway. Excursions leave from boats offer excursions, and while they don’t the island’s marinas. guarantee you’ll see dolphins, the odds are in your favor.

ON HORSEBACK • At Lawton Stables, mount a well-trained • Kids will love Hilton Head’s pirate horse for a ride through the scenic Sea adventure tours. The history of the island Pines Forest Preserve. Lawton Stables also is peppered with real pirates, so it’s fun to offers pony rides, a small animal farm and a dress up, use pirate props and take to the horse-themed gift store. open waters. Three different ships set sail from different areas of the island.

IN THE AIR • Glide through the trees on ZipLine • Catch (and maybe release) a big one.

Hilton Head’s canopy tour adventure. The Local charters specialize on inshore, neareight zip lines on the course offer a beautiful shore and offshore fishing around Hilton view of Hilton Head, including some planta-

tion views that the public can’t easily access from land. Aerial Adventures is also onsite, featuring sky bridges and tree-top obstacles.

THE NATURAL WORLD

• Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum, one of the most memorable destinations on Hilton Head Island. Explore natural history and cultural heritage on the 68-acre Honey Horn property. The museum’s trails, gardens, live oaks, butterfly enclosure and horses are just a few of the fun experiences you will encounter during your visit.

• Hike and birdwatch on Pinckney Island.

Located between the bridges onto Hilton Head Island, Pinckney Island is a national wildlife refuge. Travel down its wide, wellmaintained pathways to watch blue crabs skitter across coastal mud flats in between tides. Observe blue herons, snowy egrets and other birds as they soar and roost in the trees in and around a secluded pond. hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 41

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v HISTORY AND CULTURE

• Visit the historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, a group of escaped slaves, considered “contraband of war” by the occupying Union Army, were granted a plot of land where they created their own town. The Mitchelville Preservation Project is dedicated to preserving and sharing the triumphant story of the first self-governed settlement of freedmen in the U.S. and the site is amazing lesson in our nation’s 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.

ART

• 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 channel your inner artist with a few classes at the Art League of Hilton Head Academy, working with talented local artists in all media and all skill levels. There are also day-long and multi-day courses at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina that run the gamut from visual arts to performing and dance. For a fun souvenir, head over to the Art Cafe, located across the street from Coligny Plaza and paint your own pottery.

INDOOR FUN

• 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 and the owners bring their dogs to work. Coligny is a single-screen theater that shows mostly art house movies. With 12 screens, Cinemark Bluffton is the largest theater in the area.

PHOTO BY LEXI LAPOINT

• 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.

FOR YOUNGER KIDS

• 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.

• 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.

FOR OLDER KIDS

• 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.

FOR THE ADULTS

• Try local spirits. Head over to Hilton Head Distillery for some adult fun. Take a tour and taste the locally distilled white, dark and spiced rum. If rum isn’t your drink of choice, be sure to try the distillery’s smooth vodka.

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Summer Reads These books by local authors are perfect for reading under a beach umbrella near the ocean or pool.

“STILL A RISING TIDE”

By David Bruce Grim

Growing up in the city of Salisbury, NC, in the 1950s and 1960s, David Bruce Grim has long been aware of racial inequality.

His experiences in the segregated South inspired him to get involved in civil rights. He ended up working for the government in civil rights-related enforcement for more than 30 years.

After retiring, Grim moved to Lady’s Island and began researching the history of slavery in the Lowcountry.

He knew there were plenty of books about the Civil War but hadn’t seen much about the actual experience of going from slavery to freedom. So, he set out to write his first novel.

Grim’s first book, “Swift Currents” is told from the perspective of a fictional family of slaves who were freed when the Union Navy attacked Port Royal Sound in 1861.

Grim recently released the sequel to that book. Set in 1893, “Still A Rising Tide” picks up the story of that family decades later.

“It’s about the rising racism that was occurring in the end of the Reconstruction Era,” Grim said. “But it’s also, of course, about this terrible hurricane. My second book ends with the storm and how the family copes.

It’s sort of a comparison with how they’ve been coping with the racial history they’ve been living as well.”

“Still a Rising Tide” can be found on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, at various local bookstores and at the Penn Center. For more information, visit www.davidbrucegrim.com.

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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. As the weather cools in October, it’s the perfect time for a day trip to the island.

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 modernday life.

Or at least one half of it is.

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. You’ll disembark from the public ferry at Freeport Marina and, depending on the time of the year, you might walk right into a party. 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

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The Daufuskie Community Farm and Artisan Village provides opportunities for residents to grow sustainable and organic food and to showcase their art.

marina is something of a town center, with a general store, a few cottages for rent, and a handful of shops.

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.”

Freeport is the place to be on weekends in nice weather, as visitors to the island gather to enjoy food, drink and live music.

GET ON THE BOAT

Ferry services from Hilton Head Island to Daufuskie Island: • Haig Point Ferry: Private service runs 16 times per day for residents and guests of the private Haig Point community. haigpoint.com • Daufuskie Island Ferry Service: Public ferry departs from Buckingham Landing and Melrose Landing for four round-trips a day — five on Friday — and allows passengers to bring bicycles.

Cost is $35, children younger than 6 ride free. daufuskieislandferry.com • Daufuskie Difference: Departs from Broad Creek Marina and Freeport Marina for four round-trips a day. Cost is $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 12 and younger. daufuskiedifference.com

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Heritage Trail TAKE A STROLL THROUGH BLUFFTON’S HISTORY

by MIKE SAMPOGNA | photos by LEXI LAPOINT

Bluffton is the last remaining example of a Lowcountry antebellum planters summer colony. And since cultural tourism is a growing trend and studies show those who are interested in history spend more money on their vacations than traditional tourists, local leaders are happy to woo them.

But it wouldn’t hurt locals to learn about where they live, either.

“It’s not just for tourists,” said Carolyn Coppola, executive director of Celebrate Bluffton. “There are so many people who live here who don’t know these stories.”

So

Bob Newbert, the nonprofit group’s chairman, said the idea for the app rose out of a desire to preserve and promote the town’s interesting history, offering the perfect way to marry heritage and technology.

Money for the app’s production came in part from the town of Bluffton, which donated a small portion of its accommodations tax money, as well as donations from Celebrate Bluffton members.

Other ways to get an earful about Bluffton’s History include Garfield Moss’ “Old and New Bluffton” tours by golf cart. Cruise around town like a local on a stretch golf cart during a one-hour history and heritage tour led

by Moss, who is knowledgable about the area, funny and friendly. And the many stories he shares provide plenty of Bluffton lore.

don’t be surpised if you spot folks standing on the corner of May River Road and Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton, listening intently to earbuds. They’re not lost. They’re just going back in time.

Heyward House, Bluffton’s official visitor’s center, offers walking tours that begin with a guided tour of the house and grounds, and then continue with a walk through Bluffton’s historic district. Guided 75- to 90-minute-long walking tours are available Monday through Friday by appointment, and reservations are required. Or, of course, visitors are welcome to take a stroll through Old Town Bluffton at their own pace — Heyward House’s virtual docent walking tour is compatible with smartphones and tablets and available online. Stop by Heyward House and pick up a set of walking tour cards, and when you get to one of the historic sites, scan the corresponding card with the free Zappar app. Your virtual guide will appear on your screen, dressed in period clothing.

Celebrate Bluffton’s Bluffton Buddy is a free mobile app for iPhones and Androids that offers a narrated walking and driving tour through the history of Bluffton, highlighting landmarks and historical details dating back to before the Civil War.

Some of the sites in Bluffton included on the self-guided tour include the Graves House, Campbell Chapel AME Church, The Church of the Cross, Seven Oaks, Bluffton Oyster Co. and the Garvin-Garvey House.

Seven Oaks

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Bluffton Oyster Company

Campbell Chapel AME Church

The Church of the Cross

SAVING A PIECE OF THE PAST

One of Bluffton’s oldest structures is getting a facelift thanks to a partnership between the town and Beaufort County.

The two recently bought a 1.3-acre parcel on Calhoun Street in Old Town that is home to the Squire Pope Carriage House.

The structure, which overlooks the May River, was built around 1850 and served as part of a summer home for “Squire” William Pope, a Hilton Head Island plantation owner and state lawmaker, according to Bluffton Historical Preservation Society documents. The main home — along with most of the other buildings in town — was burned during the Civil War, but the carriage house remained intact.

The town plans to stabilize the carriage house and rehabilitate the interior and exterior. The town and county also plan to add a new public park with access to the May River to the property.

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Lowcountry After Dark

by JEVON DALY Are you in town for a girls weekend? Hilton Head has got you covered. Are you golfing with the guys and don’t know where to go after hole 18? Then this is the right article for you. Let us help save you some trouble by giving you an insider look into nightlife on Hilton Head and point out some things you may have missed if this is not your first trip to our little island.

DRINK

DANCE

If you just got in and you’re looking for something to do tonight on Hilton Head, you should start off on the South End of the island at Coligny Beach. The world famous Tiki Hut beachfront is the go-to spot for sand, tunes and late night eats. Enjoy music and drinks on the beach! If you are 22 or 62 this is the spot for flip floppin’ and beat droppin’ to start your evening off right.

The Big Bamboo is a stone’s throw away in Coligny Plaza, where a huge new outdoor deck awaits you. Music is always happening at Bamboo, so pop in and experience a big Monday night throwdown with musical acts like GTA, a local band that throws down some serious 90’s grooves. There is no need to dress up, because the Boo’s crowd is usually in shorts and casual wear. A nearby restaurant, Fish, is a new spot in Coligny Plaza featuring live outdoor music, an extensive seafood menu and plenty of TVs to watch the game on.

In the mood for a burger? Head over to Park Plaza by the entrance to Sea Pines Plantation. Char Bar always satisfies that burger craving and entertains with music on the deck outside. Would you prefer Mexican? Holy Tequila has you covered and is conveniently located in the same plaza.

The Jazz Corner, located in Wexford Plaza, features local jazz and R&B on weeknights. Make a reservation and say hi to Marvin on a Monday night! Big Jazz Cats play on the weekend, so wear something spiffy. Porter and Pig is a neat little place close to the Jazz Corner if you just want to watch some sports and chill, with music a few nights a week. At Porter and Pig you can hear anything from acoustic solos to full-on bands in a cozy space that can get a bit tipsy after sundown on the weekends.

Continuing on the Southend of the island, visit Ruby Lees -- a great spot for live R&B music. Slick dress is a must!

JAM

Mid-Island features some spots you won’t want to miss. Fish Camp on Broad Creek is a fairly new spot just a hop and a skip off the cross island bridge, with music and beautiful creekside views. Comedy Music Magic is the place for those with a ticklish funny bone. Black Marlin, an outdoor spot with music and frozen

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LOCAL NIGHTLIFE SPOTS Hilton Head Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe Seasonal live music.

See website for details.

69 Pope Ave. 843-785-7700 facebook.com/ auntchiladashhi Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza Seasonal live entertainment Thursdays and Saturdays, 5-8 p.m.

7 Trent Jones Lane 888-322-9095 palmettodunes.com The Boardroom 5 p.m.-late nightly.

Happy hour 5-8 p.m.

7 Greenwood Drive, Reilley’s Plaza 843-363-6636 theboardroomlive.com Captain Woody’s 6 Target Road 843-785-2400 captainwoodys.com Carolina Crab Company Live entertainment on the outdoor patio.

86 Helmsman Way 843-842-2016 facebook.com/carolinacrabco CocoNutz Sportz Bar Live music Fridays, 10 p.m.-late 40 Folly Field Road 843-842-0043 hhibeachandtennis.com ELA’s On the Water Thurs: John Wasem 7-10 Fri: John Wasem 7-10 Sat: Reid Richmond 7-10 Sun Brunch: Bill Peterson 11-2 Sun Eve: Dean St. Hillaire 7-10.

1 Shelter Cove Lane 843-785-3030 elasgrille.com Fishcamp on Broad Creek Live entertainment on the waterfront patio 11 Simmons Road 843-842-2267 facebook.com/fishcamphhi

Frosty Frog Cafe Call for schedule 1 N. Forest Beach Drive in Coligny Plaza 843-686-3764 Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill Live entertainment by local artists suppertime on the deck (in season)and late night inside. No cover.

70 Pope Ave. in Circle Center 843-686-5959 hincheys.com The Jazz Corner Sun: Deas Guys R&B and Motown Mon: The Marvin Lesch Band Tues: Fat Tuesdays’ A Swingin’ Celebration of New Orleans & Beyond Wed: The Earl Williams Quartet Thurs: Lavon Stevens presents “Jazz in the Key of Life” 1000 William Hilton Parkway in The Village At Wexford 843-842-8620 thejazzcorner.com Local Pie Live music on select nights.

55 New Orleans Road 843-842-7437 localpie.com Mediterranean Harbour Bar & Grill Call for schedule 13 Harbourside Lane, Unit B 843-842-9991 mediterraneanharbour.com Red Fish John Brackett trio performs Wednesdays at 7:30pm.

8 Archer Road 843-686-3388 redfishofhiltonhead.com Reilley’s North End Pub Tuesday Night Trivia at 7:30pm.

95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza 843-681-4153 reilleysnorth.com

Rooftop at Poseidon’s 38 Shelter Cove Ln., Suite 121 843-341-3838 poseidonhhi.com Rockfish Seafood and Steak at Bomboras Call for details, 5 Lagoon Rd. 843-689-2662 San Miguel’s Live entertainment in season.

9 Harbourside Lane 843-842-4555 sanmiguels.com Santa Fe Cafe Fun, relaxing guitar and song every Tues-Sat on their recently remodeled rooftop cantina. 7-10 p.m., Tues-Sat. 807 William Hilton Parkway #700 843-785-3838 santafehhi.com The Studio Tuesdays: Mike Wilson Singer/Songwriter Acoustic Guitar Thursdays: Glenn Jacobs Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar Fridays & Saturdays Armand DeMille Vocalist with Guitar and background track 20 Executive Park Rd 843-785-6000 Tiki Hut 17 musicians throughout April.

1 p.m. Saturdays: House band Jojo Squirrel & the Home Pickles 1 S. Forest Beach Drive in Coligny Plaza 843-785-5126 tikihuthhi.com

Bluffton Calhoun Street Tavern Live music 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, and noon-3 p.m. Sundays 9 Promenade St., Suite. 1201 843-757-4334 calhounstreettavern.com Corks Wine Company Live music every Tuesday and Friday 14 Promenade St., Ste. 306 843-815-5168 corkswinecobluffton.com The Pearl Kitchen + Bar Celebrate Easter Sunday April 1st. 5-10 p.m.

6-9 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays: Reid Richmond 6-9 p.m. Saturdays: John Wasem Red Fish Bluffton Easter Sunday brunch April 1 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m 32 Bruin Road 843-837-8888 redfishofbluffton.com Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room Over a dozen talented musicians in April.

Ticket prices vary.

1297 May River Road 843-368-4464 roastingroomlounge.com

Up the Creek Pub & Grill Live music at 7 p.m.

Friday nights.

843-681-3625 18 Simmons Road upthecreekpubandgrill.com

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v drinks in Palmetto Bay Marina, is where families can hang out -or mix it up and hear fishing stories from local salt bros. Dress up a little and hit Santa Fe to enjoy their rooftop bar. Stop in at Shelter Cove Towne Center and get a drink at Poseidon, where big regional music acts are always coming through so make sure to check their Facebook page.

On the north end you won’t want to miss Hudson’s. They have great local seafood on the docks with seasonal music. Catch the sunset and some entertainment on the Boathouse’s outside deck.

A new seafood spot, Dockside, is right between Hudson’s and the Boathouse and offers seasonal outdoor music. Try them all whether you’re wearing searsucker or sandals.

Looking for something to do after 10 p.m.? You need to head over to “The Barmuda Triangle” -- a nightlife hotspot consisting of five bars. Munch on great food at One Hot Mama’s, chug local brews at The Hilton Head Brewing Co., or hang with the locals at Reilley’s.

All three have regular entertainment. The Boardroom has become a favorite late night music destination featuring local and not-solocal solos and bands that play on way past 11. I’ve heard the Lodge next door gets exciting, too. There is always lots of things happening at the Triangle. When the clock strikes midnight, shoot over to

Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill (located in Circle Center off of Pope Avenue) for some late-night fun.

If music isn’t really your thing, Callahan’s has been here forever with pool tables and yokels gabbin’ about games. Maybe you’re looking for some healthy snacks and just want to bike over to Whole Foods and grab some sushi and a 6 pack. Don’t worry, they’re open till 9. We’ve also got a few theatres here on the island if you want to take it easy in Park Plaza or Coligny on the south end.

Coligny Theatre is also starting live concerts so be sure to check their facebook page for updates!

My last little piece of advice? Head over the bridge to Bluffton at least one night while you’re here. Be sure to check out places like the Roasting Room Lounge -- a listening room in Bluffton that brings in big acts and serves you fine bourbon simultaneously.

There are many great food spots and music is everywhere in the Promenade area. Check out the Calhoun Street art galleries and the Farmer’s Market while you’re there. Bluffton is not a place you want to miss.

Have fun and be safe in the Lowcountry!

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Remember When?

➼ The local landmarks that define the island

By TIM WATSON

“Is Fat Baby’s at Remy’s?” “No, Fat Baby’s is the old Ruby Tuesday’s; its parking lot is Remy’s.”

This sound like a bizarre conversation, but it is not uncommon on Hilton Head Island.

On Hilton Head, we love our former landmarks. It’s a badge of honor to know what somethings was in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s — and even the ’90s and 2000s. For those newcomers who want to immediately sound like locals, knowing their Hilton Head history is a road map to instant credibility.

Local Pie used to be Jim’s Paradise for those who could successfully do the Hustle and the Electric Slide. McCarthur’s Park was melting right about at the same spot where the Local Pie pizza oven cooks up Deaz Knots and Little Bear pizzas.

The Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto Dunes was the Hyatt — most GPS systems still call the traffic circle out front Hyatt Circle). Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island was once the Crowne Plaza Resort, and before that it was a Marriott.

The evolution of the island and its ability to sustain businesses — especially national chains — is a phenomenon. Places like Outback (now vacant), Cracker Barrel (now gone; its building is home to offices for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s aOffice), Applebee’s (now Il Carpaccio), Arby’s (now Dairy Queen) and KFC (now Cook Out) plan on 12 months of normalized business and just don’t seem to be able to weather the winter. And latenight revelers are still mourning the loss of Huddle House, now Compass Rose Park.

They say that those who remember Hilton Head Island in the 1970s weren’t here. Those who remember Hilton Head in the 1980s remember The Old Post Office Emporium, where the Romantics, Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws and even a young Jeff Foxworthy blew crowds away, along with The Mundahs, ITAL, and the amazing Jason D. Williams. The building was later used

Do you remember when this was the Huddle House?

If so, you’re a real old time local.

by Time Warner Cable and is now sadly a vacant area near CVS. What is now Red Fish on Palmetto Bay Road was Frank’s Oasis, a pool hall and scene of the great cigarette robbery of 1991 (more on that story another time). Tucked behind Frank’s was a two-story building: Stagger Lee’s was upstairs; downstairs was the appropriately named Billy’s — the names come from an old blues song about the murder of a man named Billy by, of course, Stagger Lee. The Sea Crest Resort has always been The Sea Crest, but at one point it was an old beachfront motel. The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes used to be a Hilton, and before that it was Mariners Inn. Marriott’s Grande Ocean on South Forest Beach Drive was the Hilton Head Inn; the Marriott’s Crow’s Nest community room is a poor cousin to the old Crow’s Nest — think the Tiki Hut, but 30 feet in the air.

If you’ve shopped at the Piggly Wiggly in Coligny — still the best tongue twister out there — you might remember the days when it was the Red & White. And if you want to really sound like a local, call all of the Circle Ks, Parker’s and Kangaroos by their original name: The Pantry.

But if you really want to sound like a born-and-bred local, just casually mention that you remember the days of the old swing bridge and when the only lighthouse on the island was in Leamington.

Have any old photos of your favorite Hilton Head spots? Email them to us at editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com. hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 57

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Restaurants Our Favorite

Nick’s Steak & Seafood . . . . . . 843-686-2920 Old Oyster Factory. . . . . . . . . . 843-681-6040 San Miguel’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-842-4555 Santa Fe Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-3838 Sea Grass Grille. . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-9990 Stack’s Pancakes Family owned & operated Stack’s serves a full breakfast & lunch menu from 7:00am-2:00pm daily, including pancakes, waffles, house made fruit sauces, eggs, crepes and Stacks original crème brûlée French toast, shrimp & grits using SC shrimp & chorizo sausage, crab benedict with lump crab, light and fluffy omelets including a lump crab, shrimp omelet topped with lobster cream sauce. Quality ingredients and SC sourced items when possible. Early Bird Special until 8:30am. Children’s menu, gluten free items and takeout orders. 2 Regency Pkwy. and Hwy. 278, 843-341-3347 Up the Creek Pub & Grill. . . . . . 843-681-3625

Hilton Head Island South End Aunt Chilada’s Cafe. . . . . . . . . 843-785-7700 British Open Pub. . . . . . . . . . . 843-686-6736 Carolina Crab Company. . . . . . 843-842-2016 Catch 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-6261 Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte . . . . . . . 843-785-9277 Chow Daddy’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-842-CHOW Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse. . 843-715-3565 CQ’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-671-2779 Crane’s Tavern. . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-341-2333 Crazy Crab (Harbour Town). . . . 843-363-2722 DelisheeeYo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-3633 Dough Boys Pizza . . . . . . . . . . 843-686-2697 FlatBread Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-341-2225 Frosty Frog Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . 843-686-3764 60 Spring/Summer 2019 | hhigo.com

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Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill. . 843-686-5959 Hinoki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-9800 It’s Greek To Me. . . . . . . . . . . . 843-842-4033 Kenny B’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-3315 Michael Anthony’s. . . . . . . . . . 843-785-6272 Ombra Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . 843-842-5505 Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café. . . . 843-686-3232 Philly’s Café and Deli Locally owned and operated for more than 25 years, Phillys is a favorite lunchtime spot for locals and visitors. Philly’s 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.

Dine in or take out. One kid eats free for every paying adult on Saturdays. $7 cheesesteak Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. Open 11am-5pm.

Monday - Saturday. 55 New Orleans Rd., Ste. 102, South end, 843-785-9966, phillyscafe.com.

Order @ orderphillyscafe.com Red Fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-686-3388 Reilley’s Grill and Bar. . . . . . . . 843-842-4414 Rockfish @ Bomboras. . . . . . . 843-689-2662 Sea Shack Sea Shack serves up one of the island’s most extensive menus of seafood served lots of ways, including grilled, blackened, fried, & more. Very reasonable prices. Locals love it.

Family friendly. Take-out, kids menu available.

Separate checks are no problem. Sea Shack was voted one of South Carolina’s best seafood spots by Coastal Living magazine in June 2011. Voted “One of South Caolina’s Best Seafood Spots” Southern Living Sept 2012. Open Mon.-Sat. for lunch (11am-3 pm) & dinner (5-9 p.m.) 6 Executive Park (off Pope Avenue), South end, 843-785-2464. www.seashackhhi.com Stellini. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-7006 The Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-785-6000 Truffles Cafe (Sea Pines). . . . . . 843-671-6136 Vine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 843-686-3900 hhigo.com | Spring/Summer 2019 61

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