Local Life Magazine December 2019

H I LT O N H E A D • B L U F F T O N • B E AU F O RT

Dec 2019

ho l id a y s pir its

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT + FASHION FOR EVERY FESTIVITY + RECIPES FOR YOUR REMNANTS

CRECE UORU O S S L L COACA O L L R R U U YOYO ROHLO FOFROH IDLA ID YASYHSOHPO IN ING PP PG 979 19 SIN SC INEC1E97

4040 YEARS YEARS 19791979 20192019

Hilton Hilton Head: Head: PlazaPlaza at Shelter at Shelter CoveCove Palmetto Palmetto Bluff:Bluff: Wilson Wilson Landing Landing 843-686-6996 843-686-6996 shopoutside.com shopoutside.com

LOWCOUNTRY

PARADISE

158 Victoria Drive | Moss Creek $1 ,0 9 9,0 0 0 An offering like no other in Moss Creek, the gateway community to Hilton Head Island. Sited atop a pristine marsh front lot, the architectural precision in designing this Lowcountry luxury home, is quite evident; with views of the salt marshes of Mackay’s creek found from nearly every room within the home. In addition, the open floor plan offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, all contained within a 3200 sq ft footprint, and is idyllic in size for buyers today.

The outdoor living spaces at 158 Victoria Drive are nothing short of perfect, with both screened and unscreened porch areas, and an outdoor fire pit for those rare cool Lowcountry nights.

CATHERINE DONALDSON Catherine.Donaldson@SothebysRealty.com

celiadunnsir.com

843.338.2069

49 Boundary Street Bluffton, SC 29910

844-836-3900

Each office is independently owned and operated

CAG_Local Life_111519-altC.qxp_Layout 1 11/18/19 5:29 PM Page 2

DESIGN THAT CA P TI VAT E S .

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE • INTERIOR DESIGN | HILTON HEAD ISLAND • BLUFFTON • SAVANNAH

HILTON HEAD AREA

Court Atkins Group and 501 South Studio are winners of four 2019 LightHouse Design Awards including Best Architectural Design for the home featured here.

courtatkins.com | 843.815.2557

Aesthetic & Integrative Dentistry Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique Reconstructive Dentistry & Smile Design BPA Free Composite Fillings Biological Implant Alternatives Laser Dentistry Biocompatible Materials Mouth/Body Connection Gut Health-Nutrition Counseling Red Light & Ozone Therapy

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY DR. RICHARD F. PORCELLI BIOLOGIC RESTORATIVE DENTIST Founder of Biological Center for Dentistry BIOLOGICAL CENTER FOR DENTISTRY 29 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 303 Bluffton, South Carolina 29910 843.593.8123 BiologicalCenterforDentistry.com

HILTON HEAD ISLAND | SAVANNAH

REJUVENATION DENTISTRY New York City & East Hampton, NY 844.735.8863 rejuvdentist.com

NEW YORK CITY | EAST HAMPTON

Located in lovely Sea Pines Center

the team

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE? “A Christmas Story. ‘I triple-dog-dare you!’”

PUBLISHER Lori Goodridge-Cribb (Local since 1986) lori.goodridge@wearelocallife.com

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Uncle Eddie is Randy Quaid’s finest role.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lance Hanlin (Local since 2007) lance.hanlin@wearelocallife.com

- LORI

- LANCE

“Scrooged. A Bill Murray infused revamp of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.” - JEREMY

ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER Jeremy Swartz (Local since 2003) jeremy.swartz@wearelocallife.com

“The Nightmare Before Christmas. Henry Selick redefined stop motion and Tim Burton created a new holiday classic.” - CHARLES

DESIGNER Charles Grace (Local since 1997) charles.grace@wearelocallife.com AUDIENCE & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Ashlan Saeger (Local since 2016) ashlan.saeger@wearelocallife.com

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I could watch it over and over again.” - ASHLAN

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Melissa Page (Local since 2015) melissa.page@wearelocallife.com

“Elf. ‘Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?’”

- MELISSA

PHOTO EDITOR Lisa Staff (Local since 2003) lisa@lisastaffphoto.com

“Home Alone. ‘Keep the change, ya filthy animal.’”

- LISA

DISTRIBUTION & LIST STRATEGIST Bruce Wolff (Local since 2002) info@wearelocallife.com

“Bad Santa. Billy Bob reluctantly discovers the true meaning of Xmas.” - BRUCE

SUBSCRIPTIONS & FINANCE Leah Ortega (Local in spirit) leah.ortega@wearelocallife.com

“The Holiday. I watch it whenever I see it on.”

- LEAH

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Branning + Terry Cermak + Jean-Marie Cote + Arno Dimmling + John Hillin Richard Leo Johnson + Michael Nicastre + Kerri Neiderer + Mike Ritterbeck + Photography by Anne + Kristen Scott Sarah Cramer Shields + Lisa Staff + Lily Strickland + Maddie Terry + W Photography + Lloyd Wainscott WRITERS Lisa Allen + Nicholas Askew + Sandy Benson + Collins Doughtie + Kristin Castner + Denise Friday Eddy Hoyle + Barry Kaufman + Carolyn Males + Michele Roldán-Shaw + Dean Rowland + David Warren CONTRIBUTORS Roxanne Gilleland + Brigitte Haynes Kevin Horton + Amos Hummell + Serena Pitt + Jean Meaney Wheatly

The Shops at Sea Pines Center 71 Lighthouse Road #215 843.671.3677 Hilton Head’s foremost and most fun fashion boutique.

8

BACKDOORHILTONHEAD

LocalLifeSC.com + NOVEMBER 2019

800 Main Street Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926 843-802-2258 + LocalLifeSC.com

VOL. 3, NO. 12

LOCAL Life is published monthly by Momentum Media Group, Inc. All contents are copyrighted by Momentum Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

For back issues or advertising information, call 843-802-2258. Publisher is not responsible for claims and contents of advertisements. Product submissions should be mailed. LOCAL Life is not required to use your submission in any manner and whether anything from your submission is included in our magazine is in our sole discretion.

omentum MEDIA GROUP

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CITY AND REGIONAL MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

“Our approach to food is rich in the desire to create a meaningful experience for our residents and guests.

Our culinary brigade is careful in selecting seasonal ingredients from local artisan vendors to ensure the highest quality. Our recipes are created and inspired by global flavors and we are committed to respecting our craft and delivering a memorable experience every meal.”

— Chef Vignau

Pascal Vignau Executive Chef

Kaylynn Evans, MSM-HC, LTCA, CADDCT Executive Director

We invite you to join our food journey, let’s create the perfect bite together.

Vineyard, cuisine your way.

108 Buckwalter Parkway Suite 2G Bluffton, SC

V I N E YA R D B L U F F T O N 8 4 3 . 5 4 7. 9 9 8 9

V I N E YA R D B LU F F TO N .CO M

features

Dec

The Entertaining Issue

©PHOTO BY LISA STAFF

It’s no secret that we love a good party here in the Lowcountry. This special holiday issue is full of tricks and tips from entertaining professionals to help make your next, and hopefully, all your future parties memorable and fun.

CHEW ON THIS Chef Geist Ussery created this delightful spread with Danish blue cheese, baked brie en croute, sliced baguette and a goat cheese log with raspberry preserve and pecans.

22

Entertaining reads

Books that will inspire you to plan events that impress

64

Party planning

Creative ideas for the holiday hostess — without all the stress

10

LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

78

DIY decorations

Make a magnolia leaf wreath and citrus pomander balls

92

Hosting essentials

Must-have accessories and amazing host/hostess gifts

100

Tips from a pro

SERG Group’s Molly Kennedy shares her catering secrets

104

Holiday leftovers Foods you'll love to eat a second time around

118

Get on board

Steps to build a first-class charcuterie board

120

Christmas cocktails Get into the holiday spirits with these tasty drinks

Ben Ham Gallery B EN H AM

Inspired by Nature

Captured on Film

Ben Ham Galleries 210 Bluffton Road Old Town Bluffton, SC

416 King Street Charleston, SC

843.815.6200

843.410.1495

WWW.BENHAMIMAGES.COM

Dec 12

Publisher

contents

The sweet smell of holiday treats, the pretty lights everywhere you go, the endless holiday parties and gatherings, watching Hallmark movies without anyone judging — December truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

52

14

Contributors

Open Spaces.

Large Rooms.

Meet the locals behind this issue

16

This Palmetto Bluff home started with two simple mandates. It ended with a beautiful example of Lowcountry living.

Links

Special video and bonus content you can find online at locallifesc.com 18

18

42

Blend

Business

Charting the greatest holiday shows on H20

Tips and advice from a proven business leader

25

Mensa Quiz

94

84

48

Wellness

94

Eats

Impress your guests with holiday recipes

124

Outdoors

128

Culture

Jim and Carol Alberto get schooled on Daufuskie

134

Destinations

Challenge your brain with a new set of questions

A message from your body: It’s time to upgrade your fuel

Discover Eagle Crick, a secret spot off the beaten path

Explore Georgia’s Wild Coast on Cumberland Island

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84

126

138

Celebrity

New lecture series bringing Condoleezza Rice to town

12

Style

Outfits perfect for all types of seasonal entertaining

LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

Luxury

Cruise with your guests in style on this dream boat

134

128

Scene

Photos of parties and events happening around town

145

Happenings

Festivals and events happening around the area

160

Porchin'

Relax on the charming porch of the Golson family

JONATHAN GREEN

Marsh Woman

48" x 60" Oil

Celebrating 50 Years of Fine Art in the Lowcountry.

The Red Piano Art Gallery 40 Calhoun Street • Suite 201 • Bluffton, SC 29910 843.842.4433 • redpianoartgallery.com

publisher

We can do it together

d

Incredible things happen when we support each other

©LISA STAFF

December is overflowing with joy and happiness. The sweet smell of holiday treats, the pretty lights everywhere you go, the endless holiday parties and gatherings, watching Hallmark movies without anyone judging — it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

As we put the finishing touches on 2019 and prepare for an exciting year ahead (2020 still sounds so futuristic), our team would like to take a moment to thank our readers and advertisers for the continued support.

Starting a new publication seemed like such a gamble when we began this journey in 2017, but a core group of local businesses and friends believed in us. We are proud to say the overwhelming majority of those early supporters are still with us, and we’ve developed some new friendships along the way.

It takes more than our little team to build a great local brand — it takes loyal readers and followers, which you have proven to be. We can honestly say that LOCAL Life would not be here today if you didn’t keep reading, sharing and shopping. Thank you for supporting our advertisers who really make it all possible.

A recent independent survey showed that 74 percent of LOCAL Life readers frequently purchase from the advertisers they see in LOCAL Life. We are so proud of and thankful for the amazing companies who trust their advertising to LOCAL Life. We support them and MERRY MEN & WOMEN Happy holidays from the LOCAL hope you will too, so next time you visit one of our Life team. Front row (from left): Lori Goodridge-Cribb, advertisers, please tell them “LOCAL Life sent you!”

Dolly the Beach Berner, Jeremy Swartz. Back row: Lance In 2020, we will continue to work hard to be the Hanlin, Melissa Page, Charles Grace and Ashlan Saeger. magazine you proudly display on your coffee table.

We will engage with you even more in social media and with our newsletter. And yes, we will keep wishing you a happy birthday, as long as you sign up for the club. Check out the Links page (page 18) to find other ways to connect with LOCAL Life, our advertisers and each other.

In this special holiday issue, you will meet local party planners and specialists, find home entertaining essentials and learn creative entertaining ideas. You will get catering tips from the masters at SERG and uncover secrets for throwing the ultimate soiree. We hope you will be - LILLY PULITZER entertained! Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

WARM UP THE HOUSE

Mulling spices are probably best known as a seasonal flavor addition for apple cider or mulled wine, but I use them to give my home a wonderful holiday aroma. It’s a must for the day we trim the tree and decorate. Simply simmer the ingredients listed below in a pot of water. It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!

Scent of the Season INGREDIENTS Cinnamons sticks Whole cloves Allspice Orange peel

DIRECTIONS Boil all ingredients in a pot of water and let simmer.

Sniff and repeat.

“That’s what life is all about: Let’s have a party. Let’s have it tonight.”

LORI GOODRIDGE-CRIBB PUBLISHER lori.goodridge@wearelocallife.com

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LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

LUCKY STAR Have you seen the LOCAL Life Jeep around town? This month we rolled up next to Clayton Rollison, owner and chef of Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar and Lucky Rooster Market Street. Be sure to follow @LocalLifeSC on Instagram to see all of the #LocalswithaJeep photos.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. WE GET RESULTS.

contributors

MEET OUR WRITERS + PHOTOGRAPHERS + PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES Brigitte Haynes

Board Certified, Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS has 19 years of experience providing cosmetic plastic surgery and is a member of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Author of Facial Rejuvenation: Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures for a Younger Looking You.

FACE BREAST BODY HAIR R E S T O R AT I O N

Daisy Leiva

Master Hair Stylist and MUA FOR THIS ISSUE: Styled hair for models for the fashion shoot. HOMETOWN: Amarillo , Texas CURRENT HOME: Pooler LOCAL SINCE: 1992 HOBBIES: Reading books, playing soccer, exercise, arts and crafts FAVORITE PARTY FOOD: Cheviche is prepared differently in many Latin American countries. It’s my favorite seafood appetizer party food because every flavor is interesting and you can spice it up like you want it. FAVORITE PARTY DRINK: Sangria FAVORITE PARTY SONG: Bailando by Enrique Iglesias brings so many great memories of being on the dance floor with my best friends. FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY: One year I brought all of my friends and family together at my mom’s house on Christmas Day. We ate till we dropped and enjoyed each other‘s company. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS PRESENT: New purse. A lady can never have too many handbags to add to her collection and to wear with different outfits. FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE: A Christmas Story WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT DECEMBER? The cold weather, the holiday season and bringing family and friends together to celebrate traditional and spiritual events.

Intern OTHER CREDS: Videographer and video editor FOR THIS ISSUE: Videos, research, writing, photography HOBBIES: Traveling to different places and making travel videos. FAVORITE PARTY FOOD: Charcuterie boards FAVORITE PARTY DRINK: Prosecco. Great drink for any festivity. FAVORITE PARTY SONG: My friends and I love to jam out to “On My Way”

by PRETTYMUCH at the current moment.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY: When I was 5, I got my head stuck in a chair during Christmas dinner and 20 people had to pause dinner so my uncle could saw me out of the chair. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS PRESENT: My GoPro. My parents saved it till last, so it was a complete surprise when I got it. FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE: The Grinch because I really resonate with him. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT DECEMBER? Going to lots of Christmas events and getting to see my family over the holidays.

Jean Meaney Wheatly Proofreader

350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200 Bluffton SC

Call Today!

843.757.0123

wenigerplasticsurgery.com 16

LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

OTHER CREDS: MA in Chemistry from Rice U; sales training manager for a pharmaceutical company; teaching director for HHI Day Community Bible Study HOMETOWN: Born in Memphis, but I was an Army brat so I have lived many places. CURRENT HOME: Sea Pines LOCAL SINCE: 1999 (20 years!) Longest time I ever lived anywhere. This is home and there is no place like it. Love the people in this community! HOBBIES: Grandchildren, genealogy and gardening — in that order. FAVORITE PARTY FOOD: Corsicana fruitcake. A Christmas staple in our house (totally aware people make fun of people who like fruitcake, but maybe they have never tried Corsicana?) FAVORITE PARTY DRINK: At Christmas, a really good Southern eggnog — the kind you have to eat with a spoon, y'all. FAVORITE PARTY SONG: I don't have a party song. It wouldn't be Christmas for me without listening to the King's College Choir sing "A Festival of Lessons and Carols.” FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY: Spending time with my family watching my grandchildren unwrap and enjoy their presents. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS PRESENT: My first grandchild. Her middle name is Noelle because of her Christmas Day due date. FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIE: A Christmas Story. Makes me laugh every time. I love Gene Shepherd's writings and Darren McGavin in anything. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT DECEMBER? Family and friends and the preparation — from Advent candles to baking stollen for Christmas morning to finding the right presents. I love to stuff stockings!

FREESINK! LIMITED TIME OFFER ENDING DECEMBER 31

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links

LOCALLIFESC.COM + BONUS CONTENT

Last month's top performers

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Best makeup for your holiday party

Front Row: Gary T. Bezilla, Alan D. Kinney Back Row: Elizabeth S. Cutshall, Jim C. Cuppia, Joan M. Hayes, Katie C. Phifer

MOST PINNED Pomodori Italian Eatery

Depth & Experience

is what we believe distinguishes us from other financial advisors. Our Credentials, Accolades, Planning Based Approach and Fiduciary Responsibility are what makes us an exceptional choice for those interested in responsible investment planning.

Contact us for a comprehensive second opinion review of your retirement and investment strategy.

MOST LIKED Bob Cherichella

MOST POPULAR Faust Island

Sign up for LOCAL Life newsletters

www.bezillakinneywmg.com • WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC.

SAVANNAH 912.921.3422

HILTON HEAD ISLAND 843.681.1400

BEAUFORT 843.982.1506

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED

NO BANK GUARANTEE

MAY LOSE VALUE

The Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. Investment performance is not a criterion. CAR-0719-01448

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LocalLifeSC.com + FEBRUARY 2019

What type of makeup should you wear for your upcoming holiday party? It depends on what you’re wearing, your hairstyle, your skin tone and more. Beauty consultant Cheryl Jennifer Simpkins breaks it down and offers a few “be-you-tiful” tips to have you looking your best this holiday season.

Want more LOCAL Life? Have our three newsletters delivered to your inbox.

• The Nest Home trends and tips • The Dish Local recipes and food news • The Buzz The hottest local topics

About the Cover

Our December cover features three Christmas cocktails to help brighten your holiday season. They were created by spirit specialist Terry Cermak of Rollers Wine & Spirits.

The colorful, fun and spirited drinks are (from left) The Yule Log, The Hogmanay and The Christmas Mule. Find recipes for all three online at LocalLifeSC.com and more holiday cocktail recipes from Cermak on page 120. The image was captured by Whitney Boring of W Photography. Find more of her work online at wphotographyhiltonhead.com. Cue the cozy fire and fuzzy slippers!

Pete Dye Signature Golf Course Hole #18

It’s not fair to keep all this to ourselves.

You don’t have to live in Hampton Hall to experience the exceptional golf membership and everything that comes with it.

The word is out.

Members are already aware of our award-winning Pete Dye Signature Golf Course known for its open design, built around the pristine setting of the Lowcountry.

Members enjoy the welcoming atmosphere provided by our caring staff, the variety of practice areas to hone their game, a user-friendly course that appeals to all skill levels, post-game bragging rights over lunch at Pete’s Grill, and a community of fellow golfers who become lifelong friends.

You don’t have to live here to be a golf member.

843.815.9343 • hamptonhallclubsc.com/discovergolf

Call today about our 60-Day Trial Membership and discover your place within Hampton Hall Club.

local blend

WORD ON THE STREET + COMMUNITY TIDBITS + FAST FACTS + LOCAL LANDMARKS

Ready to Stroll

©ANDREW BRANNING

HARBOUR STROLL: Dec. 21-22 at Windmill Harbour, Hilton Head Island Gaily decorated yachts, sailboats, catamarans and harbourfront homes combine with twinkling lights and lasers to illuminate the perimeter of this spectacular locked harbor, and make the annual Windmill Harbour Stroll Weekend one of the most festive events of the Yuletide season on Hilton Head Island.

Windmill Harbour residents and guests look forward to this delightful event with heightened anticipation. Boat and homeowners host drop-ins along the promenade. Holiday music permeates the scene, and Santa can be seen mingling with his elves. Started by Elaine and Ed King, the Stroll is now in its 25th year.

From sea to shining sea

n

CHARTING THE GREATEST HOLIDAY SHOWS ON H20 Nothing says “happy holidays” in the Coastal South quite like a lighted boat parade. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the waterways around South Carolina and Georgia fill up with festive boats all lit up and decorated. Here’s a look at the best holiday celebrations on water. All aboard!

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LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

Gimme Shelter

HOLIDAY BOAT LIGHTS Dec. 1-31 at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Hilton Head Island Take a stroll through Palmetto Dunes’ version of a winter wonderland as Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina transforms into a colorful affair. Stroll the boardwalk, where the marina and boats will be decorated with holiday lights, and enjoy everything a Lowcountry “winter” has to offer.

PARTIED OUT

Night Lights

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at Waterfront Park, Beaufort Be sure to grab one of the best wooden swings at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to watch Beaufortonians participate in this popular annual parade. The festive event is part of the Night on the Town & Holiday Season Kickoff Weekend along the Beaufort River. Boats make three laps along the seawall, offering plenty of time to pick and cheer for your favorites. Winners are announced at the end of the event and are awarded cash prizes. Boat owners go all out.

Talk of the Town

HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTS Dec. 1-31 at Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Hilton Head Island Start off the Christmas season right by visiting Harbor Town to enjoy the beautiful light display of decorated boats and and illuminated seasonal figures. While you're enjoying the holiday season, you can help Deep Well make a difference in someone else's life, too. Bring a canned good or two, or a new unwrapped child's toy and drop them in the "Well" by the Liberty Oak stage.

Go with the Flow

SAVANNAH BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30 at Savannah River; Savannah, Ga. This spectacular event includes more than 40 vessels decorated in lights parading down both sides of the waterfront. There is also live music, a tree-lighting ceremony and a firework extravaganza. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toy or gift card collected for Greenbriar Children’s Center.

Deck the Halls

CHARLESTON HOLIDAY PARADE OF BOATS 5:30-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 at Charleston Harbor, Charleston View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade.

The display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River, culminating in a brilliant fireworks display over the harbor.

As part of this special entertaining issue, we identify three types of get-togethers you should avoid.

THE DEEP THOUGHTS PARTY Ideal for: The LongWinded Talker, The One-Upper, The Overeducated and Underemployed Problem Solver Acceptable attire: Thick rimmed glasses, scarf, skinny jeans, deep v-neck Menu highlights: Single origin coffee, cauliflower substitutes, conglomerative cakes, small batch liquor Hot topics: Obscure musicians, podcasts, politics, NPR’s No Pledge Drive Pledge Drive, Portlandia The scene: A woman advises you to use Sugar in the Raw brand sweetener because “Splenda will kill ya!” Woman then steps outside and lights up an American Spirit.

THE FRAT PARTY Ideal for: The Party Animal, The Typical Bro, Bathroom Buddies, The Intramural Hero Acceptable attire: Boat shoes, baseball cap (backwards), ironic or inappropriate T-shirt Menu highlights: Bottom shelf liquor, Natty Light, Busch Latte, Two-Buck Chuck, Jell-O (shots) Hot topics: The shampoo effect, After Bars, the cops showing, things that are “lit” The scene: You show up late and spend most of your time standing in the potty line of a dark and unknown house as you bark at people over the obnoxiously loud music.

THE AWKWARD DINNER PARTY Ideal for: The Overly Frantic Host, The Gossiper, The Kitchen Grazer, The Uncomfortable Older Person Acceptable attire: The clothes she picked out for you Menu highlights: Burnt, over-salted and simple homemade fare that could have easily been purchased from the take-out restaurant down the street. Hot topics: Politics, religion, personal finances, inappropriate jokes, family and relationship issues The scene: An overly critical amateur cook shares their secrets and techniques for making the meal “the right way” as you try to navigate through the mob that has congregated in the kitchen to discuss sensitive subjects.

UNCONVENTIONAL CHRISTMAS

Studies have shown too much Christmas music can be bad for your health. If the endless loop of holiday classics has you ready to kick the manger scene across the front lawn, consider blasting these 10 wacky and weird Christmas tunes for an alternative yule. Find this and other LOCAL Life playlists by searching for locallifetunes on Spotify.

“Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” — Fall Out Boy “All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan” — Kenny Chesney “Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk this Christmas)” — Alan Jackson

“Christmastime (O Yeah)” — Barenaked Ladies “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” — Gayla Peevey “Donde Esta Santa Claus?” — Augie Rios “Wit It This Christmas” — Ariana Grande “Zombie Christmas” — Emmy The Great “Christmas In Hollis” — Run D.M.C. “Mary’s Boy Child” — Harry Belafonte DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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blend Calling all songbirds

hot tech

Rise and run

CLOCKY ALARM CLOCK ON WHEELS This alarm clock will be sure to get you up and moving in the mornings faster than coffee. The Clockly Alarm Clock on Wheels moves around the room, forcing the user to catch it to turn off the alarm. Available at toyboxtech.com. $45.

Cool products and accessories to help enhance your local life.

SHOWERHEAD SPEAKER For those of you who love singing in the shower, this gadget has your name all over it. The Kohler shower speaker is perfect for hosting a concert for one. This waterproof speaker lets you listen to your favorite hits in the shower and even lets you take phone calls. Available at Home Depot. $230.

Meat your new grill

IGRILL 3 This app-connected thermometer takes the guessing out of grilling, leaving no guests sick the next day. This gadget is perfect for entertaining, since the app sends you a notification when your meat is ready to be served.

Available at Home Depot. $100.

Secret hide away

The virtual doorman

SKYBELL DOORBELL Your own personal doorman. SkyBell helps you be a better host for the upcoming holiday season with its video-equipped SkyBell Wi-Fi Doorbell.

The doorbell has motion sensors allowing you to see, hear, chat with, and wave in guests from your smartphone. Available on Amazon. $170.

MOVING ART SCREENS Struggling to decide if you want a TV or a painting to cover your accent wall? Why not have both? Custom Audio Video makes this possible with their moving art screens. At a touch of a button, change your elegant art piece into your TV. Available at Custom Audio Video.

Mix it up

VITAMIX PROFESSIONAL 300 BLENDER Not just any blender, The Vitamix Professional 300 Blender is a top-of-the-line expert blender that can prepare everything from your favorite appetizers to hot soups and frozen drinks. Available at Le Cookery. $529.

On the go

LARQ SELF-CLEANING WATERBOTTLE LARQ’s self-cleaning water bottle is ahead of its time.

It activates every two hours keeping the bottle and everything in it clean and cold.

Rechargeable by USB, making it the perfect professional water bottle for on the go.

The polished and sleek design doesn’t hurt the product either.

Available at livelarq.com. $95.

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LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

Sing me to sleep

Turn up the heat

EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED CERAMIC MUG Tired of your hot drinks going cold? Keep you and your drinks warm this winter with this high-tech heated mug. Have your hot drinks never go cold again on your way to work.

Available at Best Buy. $80.

SLEEPPHONES HEADBAND SPEAKER Catch some Zzzs with this advanced headband speaker. Put this over your ears to listen to music on your way to dreamland. This Bluetooth headband is perfect for falling asleep on your side comfortably and with ease. Available at sleepphones.com. $110.

Baby it's cold inside

CORKCIRCLE AIR WINE CHILLER Chill. Aerate. Pour. The Corkcircle Air Wine Chiller uses its unique thermal gel to cool down room-temperature red wine and keep cold white wines. This one-of-a-kind wine chiller is a must-have for any wine enthusiast. Available at Le Cookery. $19.99.

Excite & Delight Let the magic begin with

Hargray Internet Plans starting at

50

$

00

MO. for 12 mos.

Holiday Toy & Food Drive Bring a smile to a local child and spread holiday cheer by donating unwrapped new gifts and canned goods at Hargray retail locations.

November 11 - December 13

Call 843.686.5262 | hargray.com | visit a Hargray store today Beaufort 60 Robert Smalls Pkwy

Bluffton Belfair Towne Village, Unit #65

Hilton Head 862-A William Hilton Pkwy

Limited time offer. Promotion is for new customers only, adding Hargray services for the first time. Promotion of Internet plans starting at $50 per month is good for the first consecutive 12 months. Additional Hargray services are allowed for additional monthly cost per service. Promotional offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offers or Hargray Rewards. Advertised price does not include equipment fees, taxes, surcharges or any other regulatory or governmental charges. “Fastest Internet” claim is based on the download and upload speeds of Hargray’s 1000 Mbps tier compared to the download and upload speeds of the fastest Internet tier offered by competitors as of May 24, 2019. Broadband speeds may not be available in all areas, are not guaranteed, are subject to a number of factors and are measured via direct connection (not via Wi-Fi). ©2019, Hargray Communications Group, Inc.; logos are registered trademarks and as such, protected property of their respective companies; all rights reserved.

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Entertaining books

Tis’ the season for entertaining! From the simple to the extravagant, these ultra-talented authors will inspire you to plan events that impress.

SELECTIONS BY DENISE DOUCETTE FRIDAY BON APPÉTIT, Y’ALL: RECIPES AND STORIES FROM THREE GENERATIONS OF SOUTHERN COOKING Georgia-born Virginia Willis combines recipes from her mother and grandmother with her formal chef training in France. The result is Southern dishes that are born from tradition but are modern and fresh. Among her more than 200 recipes, you will not find Velveeta and pretzels, or what she refers to as ‘trashy’ elements of Southern cooking. Instead, fresh ingredients, careful instructions and smart caterer’s tricks deliver delicious results for any event. From Mama’s SausagePecan Balls to Coq au Vin, Willis blends native Georgia dishes with classical French technique in what she calls “refined Southern cuisine.” Virginia Willis splits her time between her homes in Atlanta and Western Massachusetts.

THE TURQUOISE TABLE: FINDING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION IN YOUR OWN FRONT YARD In an effort to get to know her neighbors, Kristin Schell created a movement by placing a picnic table in her front yard. She observed neighbors walking their dogs, driving by, exercising, etc., and slowly encouraged them to sit for a moment at her turquoise-painted table and have casual conversations. Soon informal coffees, homework groups and Front-Yard Fridays ensued. The concept was simple; connecting face-to-face without the worry of catering, a spotless house or perfect party-planning.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA PARTIES! IDEAS AND RECIPES FOR EASY PARTIES THAT ARE REALLY FUN Ina Garten seems to have been born to entertain. A self-taught cook who used to work for the Office of Management and Budget in Washington, D.C., she took a leap of faith and bought a tiny food store in New York called the Barefoot Contessa and never looked back. This book shares her tried-and-true secrets and recipes for easy entertaining. Whether it is fireside dining for two (vegetable pot pie and double chocolate pudding) an outdoor grill for 6 (her favorite number of guests for dinner) or an afternoon tea for 25, her theme is prepare ahead, make it fresh, simple and fun.

MUST READ

MARTHA’S ENTERTAINING: A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS Martha Stewart is the gold standard of entertaining. She needs no introduction. In this book, Photographer Frédéric Lagrange captures beautiful images of parties that have transpired largely at her three stunning homes. Her main residence, ‘Cantitoe Corners’ in Bedford, NY, ‘Skylands’ on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and ‘Lily Pond’ in East Hampton, NY. In this intimate view of her homes and guests, no detail is too small and no task too large to host perfect parties every time. The recipes follow at the end of the book, along with several step-by-step how-to’s on more difficult techniques and advice for special gatherings.

WHAT’S A HOSTESS TO DO? Susan Spungen has created a handbook for effortless entertaining. With each recipe, instructions are added on presentation, short-cut tips and best tools to use for the task. The book is divided into sections for setting the scene, the cocktail hour, the buffet, the dinner party, holidays and other celebrations, outdoor parties and when the party's over. She offers sage advice such as a place-setting cheat sheet, presenting a charcuterie, knowing when meat is cooked, shopping for champagne, cooking fruit on a grill and easy uses for leftovers. Even if you never plan on throwing a party, the recipes are worth trying for yourself or your next potluck.

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DAUGHTER OF THE DAWN: A CHILD OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND, 1950-1956 “What in the world were they thinking?” Looking back on the early 1950s on Hilton Head Island, author Avary Hack Doubleday has asked herself this question. Fred and Billie Hack loaded their belongings — and two young children — onto a boat and moved to this South Carolina barrier island in June of 1950. Amenities on the Island did not include electricity, telephones, a doctor, or regularly scheduled ferry service to the mainland. There was only one paved road and children attended a oneroom school — with an outhouse.

Daughter of the Dawn takes you to a remote island — not so long ago — where, as barefoot children, Avary and her brothers played in the creek, searched for deer and alligator eyes reflected in the dark, collected shells on deserted beaches, and watched loggerhead sea turtles as they deposited their rubbery eggs in the dunes. Through a child’s eyes, she describes private hunting clubs on the Island, evacuating for a hurricane, and lessons learned in a one-room school. As Avary paints her memories she reveals the characters of her parents which led them to this adventure and which molded her own character as she grew up at the dawn of modern Island development. Find more at daughterofthedawn.com.

LOCAL ROOTS Avary Hack Doubleday is the daughter of Fred and Billie Hack, two pillars of modern day Hilton Head Island.

She and her husband, Gerry, now split their time living in Highlands and Greenwood.

We’ve honed our skills and developed a real estate concept unlike any other in our market.

From rental, to purchase, to renovation, and (someday) selling, we invite you to join the nest.

It’s amazing up here.

— Beverly Serral Photographed at the new BESTNEST 26 Tupelo Road, Sea Pines

CONSISTENTLY AMAZING VACATION RENTALS

REAL ESTATE | RENTALS | RENOVATIONS 5 Office Way, Hilton Head Island, SC | 80 Madison Avenue, New York, NY

843.341.3600

www.BeverlySerral.com www.BookaBestNest.com

SOPHISTICATED

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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TO SERVE YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

left to right

CHRISTOPHER SPIRES Managing Director, Senior Vice President, Investments DUSTIN WILDER Managing Director, Senior Vice President, Investments CRAIG A. GILMOUR CFP®, Financial Advisor

FINANCIAL PLANNING • RETIREMENT PLANNING INVESTMENT STRATEGY ESTATE AND CHARITABLE PLANNING

LET’S UNCOVER THE POSSIBILITY OF WORKING TOGETHER

VISIT US IN PERSON AT 27 Towne Drive, Suite 102, Bluffton, SC 29910

843.836.3320 OR ONLINE AT raymondjames.com/coastalstateswm Raymond James & Associates. INC., Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC CFP Board owns the CFP® and Certified Financial Planner TM marks in the United States.

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k

©MIKE RITTERBECK

OUR TEAM OF ADVISORS

Adopt this Pet: Betty

LOVABILITY METER

ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF LIFE WITH THIS BEAUTY

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Betty.

Betty who? Betty ya want to know more about this beautiful 1-year-old bulldog mix named Betty. Heyo! All jokes aside, this pretty young lady is temporarily staying at the Hilton Head Humane Association and is in the market for a forever home. She came into town from another rescue organization and HHHA staff thinks she might be deaf. Either that, or she is just a serial ignorer. Either way, noises aren’t a distraction — a real benefit to potential owners interested in a bark-free environment. She is full of energy and is ready for a new life filled with playtime and love.

MORE ABOUT BETTY Color: White with black spots Age: 1 (around 7 human years) Likes: Dog parks, chasing tennis balls and soft beds. “If you’re looking for a speed bump of a dog that sleeps on the floor and minds their own business, strike me clean off your list.” — Betty Dislikes: People that sniff loudly instead of blowing their nose. “While honking into a tissue isn’t exactly cute, nonstop sniffing is infinitely more irritating. Just blow it, Sniffleupagus!” — Betty Adopt her: Hilton Head Humane Association, hhhumane.org, 843-681-8686

Mensa Moment | Official Mensa Mini-Quiz ®

Answers are available on LocalLifeSC.com/Mensa

56. Take the number of squares on a chessboard (this is not a trick answer!), divide by the number of railroads in Monopoly, subtract the number of face cards (jacks, queens and kings) in a standard deck of playing cards, multiply by the number of dice in Classic Yahtzee, and add the point value of the letter E in the U.S. version of the Scrabble word game. What is the final number?

57. If you spell out whole numbers in sequential order starting with one, two, three, etc., how high do you have to go before you reach a number that contains the letter “a”?

58. Fill in the blanks surrounding BAT, according to the clues.

A popular vessel in some urban parks: __ __ __ B __ A T Overstuffed: B __ __ A T __ __

Animal: B __ A __ T

Overt: B __ A __ __ __ T

Playful conversation: B A __ T __ __

Type of court: __ __ __ B A T __

Tiny tub: B A __ __ __ __ __ T

Fighting: __ __ __ B A T Stubborn: __ B __ __ __ __ A T __

59. The following word is a 13-letter word that is an important energy source in the body. In the box on the right, start at the correct letter and move one letter at a time in any direction to find the word. (Hint: Start with an “T.”) 60. The following cryptogram is not very complicated.

GSRH RH MLG EVIB XLNKORXZGVW

S Y L U

C E D G

O R I N

F H T A

[LAST MONTH'S ANSWERS] 51. $40. ($350 – 20% = $280, $280- $80 = $200, $200 - 80% = $40) 52. “Why is your line always busy, Watson?” (A = 26, B = 25, etc.)

53. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. 54. Invisibility 55. Headlamps (Good for you if you found another!)

ARE YOU READY FOR MENSA?

American Mensa is where brilliance belongs – it’s where friendships are forged for life, business connections and opportunities are made, and where brilliant minds find the chance to engage with others in an intellectually stimulating environment. Just for LocalLife readers: Take the Mensa Practice Test for just $5! Visit americanmensa.org/mht and use offer code: Local19. Quiz © 2018 Dr. Abbie F. Salny Mensa provides official tests and answers to LOCAL Life as part of an exclusive license agreement. Answers are available on LocalLifeSC.com/Mensa

Best Technology.

Best Price.

You won’t find better technology — or a better price — in the Lowcountry for cataract surgery than what we offer at Bishop Eye Center. We have the leading expertise to match our advanced technology methods to your individual eye care needs — all framed in an experience you’ll be comfortable with.

Before you proceed with cataract surgery, please call Danielle, our cataract care advisor, at 843-689-0300 to review your cataract options and pricing.

The Leading Center for Cataract Surgery Hilt on Head • Ok a tie • 8 4 3 - 6 8 9 - 0 3 0 0 • Bish o p Eye .co m / Ca tar a c t

DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

excellence O N H I LTO N H E A D

Caring Coins MISSION

DAVID S. REID IV, MD 25-YEAR BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

To make a change in the Lowcountry by awarding donations to local nonprofit organizations using “spare change” donated by Hargray customers who choose to round up their monthly bill.

Exceptional education, expertise and commitment MEDICAL DEGREE

Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University RESIDENCIES

Bethesda Naval Hospital & Walter Reed Army Medical Center SERVICE

Captain, US Navy; Operations Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom

Excellence in cosmetic & reconstructive surgery Specializing in face, body, hand & skin cancer surgery  VIEW ALL SPECIALS

& EVENTS AT MYHHPS.COM 35 BILL FRIES DR. | BLDG. E +1 (843) 252-0608 | MYHHPS.COM

CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE Pictured on the left are Caring Coins board members Dudley King, MaryAnn Peeples, Tim Burke, Paula Harper-Bethea and Gregg Russell. On the far right, Burke hands Kim Likins a present for the Boys & Girls Club during last year’s awards ceremonies.

HISTORY

The Hargray Caring Coins Foundation was established by Hargray in 2003, with the express purpose of providing financial support to qualifying local nonprofit organizations in Beaufort and Jasper counties. The foundation has awarded more than $3 million to organizations since its inception, averaging $100,000 per year. Grants are awarded one time a year in December.

HOW TO HELP

Participants in the program are Hargray customers who voluntarily round up their monthly bill. The “spare change" collected is disbursed annually by an independent Board of Directors and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The most a customer will round up is 99 cents per month, and the least is one cent per month. A year's worth of rounding up can’t exceed more than $11.88 per customer. LL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARING COINS Visit caringcoins.org or call 843-341-2646.

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WARM WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS • MERRY CHRISTMAS

LOWCOUNTRY IN NATIONAL

WHO’S TALKING: Travel + Leisure website DETAILS: Listed Hilton Head Island in its “8 U.S. Beach Towns that are Just as Magical This Fall and Winter.”

THEIR WORDS: “With mild fall and winter weather and plenty to see and do (there’s 24 golf courses and many highly praised restaurants), it’s no wonder Hilton Head was ranked Travel + Leisure’s No. 1 island in the Continental U.S. Go on a Beach Discovery Tour with the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn about when sea turtles nest on the island, or bundle up and go on a dolphin tour to spot bottlenose dolphins.”

Womens Financial Network 15 Hospital Center Common, Suite 200F, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843.681.7526 Office

Elizabeth Loda, MBA

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™

Gigi Maxfield

LPL FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Securities and Advisory Services Offered Through LPL Financial a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

CREATE JOY THROUGH FINANCIAL WELL-BEING…VISIT WOMENSFINANCIALHHI.COM WHO’S TALKING: Food & Wine website DETAILS: Listed Old Oyster Factory and Skull Creek Dockside in its “50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America.”

THEIR WORDS: “Dining out with the whole family isn’t always easy—you might have a picky eater on your hands, and if you have young children, it’s also easy for them to get bored. Enter the 2019 roundup of OpenTable’s most kid-friendly restaurants in America.” Old Oyster Factory was No. 35 on the list while Skull Creek Dockside checked in at No. 40.

WHO’S TALKING: GOLF magazine DETAILS: Listed Sea Pines on its “23 exceptional Top 100 resorts where you can play the same courses as the pros.”

THEIR WORDS: “The lighthouse behind the 18th green at Harbour Town is one of golf’s most recognizable landmarks. It doesn’t hurt that it gets a lot of TV time every year when the RBC Heritage comes around.”

WHO’S TALKING: Travel awaits website DETAILS: Featured Beaufort and Hilton Head Island in its “The Best Day Trips to Take From Charleston.”

THEIR WORDS: “Located on Port Royal Island, another of the Sea Islands, is Beaufort, a historic town known for its antebellum architecture, pretty water views, and historic bed and breakfasts. … Hilton Head is consistently voted one of America’s favorite islands, and it’s easy to see why.

This pretty spot is known for its 12 miles of beaches, 24 golf courses, and more than 300 tennis courts.”

One Size Fits All. Whether they’re a newcomer to the Lowcountry or an oldtimer, everyone on your gift list will love a copy of Nelle and Ora Smith’s book Paradise: Memories of Hilton Head in the Early Days.

Stick a copy in a stocking, delight your Secret Santa, share it with your book club.

And don’t forget to get a copy for yourself!

Call your favorite local store or 843.575.2222 today. Or email oraesmith@centurylink.net.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LOCAL Life asked Sandy Benson to share her thoughts on what it means to be local. Benson is the owner of Custom Audio Video, a home automation company in Bluffton. LOCAL Life welcomes letters to the editor and comments to our website. Write to info@ wearelocallife.com

local What makes it adjective. lo·cal | lō-kəl

1: characterized by or relating to position in space: having a definite spatial form or location 2: of, relating to, or characteristic of a particular place: not general or widespread: of, relating to, or applicable to part of a whole 3: primarily serving the needs of a particular limited district of a public conveyance: making all the stops on a route

b

Real comfort is found at home

LOCAL SINCE 1993 Sandy Benson is shown with her sons, Bryan and James, on the big island in Hawaii. Benson is the owner of Custom Audio Video in Bluffton. In 2017, she was named one of America’s most powerful women in consumer technology by Dearlerscope, a consumer technology publication.

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Born and raised in Erie, Pa., and attending pharmacy school in Ohio, I wasn’t quite sure where life would lead me. I had traveled minimally and mostly where there was sun and fun. After marrying my husband, Rob, in 1989 and having two children, Bryan and James, our family moved to Hilton Head in 1993.

The island was nothing like I had imagined or experienced before.

I had worked 10 years as a pharmacist and when I went to look for a pharmacist position on Hilton Head, it was actually difficult to find. Today, you can’t find enough pharmacists for the many needed positions. I worked three years for Island Medical Pharmacy where I was an infusion pharmacist for Dr. Medenica. Some people who have never heard of Dr. Medenica would be surprised to know that we had some of the most influential people throughout the world coming here for treatments by this brilliant man. As with everything, there’s always a story, and that would be one worth Googling.

In 1996, Rob and I decided to venture into a new business. We started Custom Audio Video, and following some setbacks over the

years, including his untimely passing on Sept.

2, 2001, followed by 9/11 and a few more tossed in over the years, we are still thriving at our 23-year anniversary.

Following Rob’s passing, I never even considered leaving the Lowcountry, which had become home to myself and our boys.

Attending St. Francis Catholic School and Benedictine Military School, the boys were truly immersed in the Southern lifestyle.

While James finished his civil engineering degree in Columbia, where he resides and works, Bryan can’t leave his life in Bluffton and on the water. Boats, boating and fishing are his life. Both boys have spent the majority of their lives in the South and love it.

They love the water, the activities, the people, the food and mostly the weather.

Me, I love the warm weather, blue skies, hot sun, incredible sunsets and a good rainstorm (hurricanes excluded). I’ve met wonderful friends and companions over the years and continue to enjoy spending time with family and friends over great food and wine. The South is truly our home and the beauty and enjoyment it has brought to us is what we will continue to carry in our hearts. LL

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

– Mother Teresa

Have the smile you’ve always wanted!

Dr. Rothwell is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and offers you the skill, compassion and dedication to help you have the smile you’ve always wanted.

Bonnie J. Rothwell, DMD, AAACD 11 Hospital Center Common, Suite 200 Hilton Head Island, SC

843.342.6900

hiltonheadcosmeticdentist.com smilesyoulove.com Bonnie J. Rothwell, DMD, AAACD

Call for your complimentary cosmetic consultation.

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24-Hour Party People MEET A FEW LOCALS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME OF THE LOWCOUNTRY’S GREATEST CELEBRATIONS.

i

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STAFF

It’s no secret that we love a good party here in the Lowcountry. It seems like every weekend on the calendar brings up some festival or another, and when there’s a rare lull in the proceedings, you’ll usually find a gala or a house party to ensure you’re never more than a few days away from living it up. Even our signature athletic event, the RBC Heritage, is widely viewed as a gigantic party that happens to have a golf tournament attached.

The point is, we know how to have a good time. So much so, in fact, there are those who have elevated it to an art form. These are the island’s party people, skilled professionals who have made your unforgettable evening their life’s work. Whether it’s managing every detail, keeping the party going until the wee hours with spectacular lighting or giving you a work of art to commemorate the event, they are a huge part of why there ain’t no party like a Lowcountry party.

Meet our three...

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Chloe Strickland

i

It’s one thing to capture a moment in time with a photograph.

Not to denigrate any photographers out there, but the fact is with their particular art the camera does a lot of the heavy lifting. You recognize the moment, you aim the camera and you press a button, and just like that the moment is memorialized.

But capturing that moment in a painting, setting brush to canvas even as the moment passes and painstakingly recreating it from memory stroke-by-stroke, now that takes a real gift. It’s not a gift that Chloe Strickland was born with, but one that was molded from the clay of her natural talents over time.

Her gift for art in general manifested itself at an early age. She was named “Artist of the Year” in first grade. “At that point, I realized I saw things differently than other kids,” she said. “I just had an understanding of form and color.”

By the time she was 12, she was selling her paintings at a booth inside Gigi’s Bluffton that her father helped her set up. Beyond just helping to put together her ad hoc studio, her father was an enormous influence early on. “My dad’s a cosmetic dentist in Savannah, and I always thought I was going to be a dentist,” she said. “I just thought this would be something I’d do for fun on the side, but my dad encouraged me (to pursue art).”

Perhaps her biggest influence as an artist came from famed area

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©PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLIN

THIS LIVE EVENT PAINTER PRESERVES MEMORIES ON CANVAS

©PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLIN

LOCAL SINCE 2007 Chloe Strickland was born in Zionsville, Ind., and moved here at age 10. Hobbies include biking, yoga and going to the beach. “Really just anything outside. I love being outside!” she said.

architect Doug Corkern, who took Strickland under her wing and pushed her toward a more fast-paced style of art. “He would time me, saying, ‘You have 10 seconds to draw this building. Now you have 30 seconds. Now a minute. He told me how to see what’s important in something before you draw it. You have to put the foundation down.”

Her supernatural talent to not only capture an image beautifully, but to do so in the time most of us take to just assemble the easel, served her well as she made her way from Hilton Head Christian Academy to SCAD. “My teacher, Ms. (LouAnne) Barrett, told me, ‘You’re going to a school where everyone’s as good as you. The only thing that will help you stand out is how fast you are. Don’t be a perfectionist, just do it.’”

Strickland took that advice and ran with it, completing three-week assignments at SCAD in a single class period and distinguishing herself among the art school’s legendarily talented student body. It was then that her boyfriend, Nashville photographer John Hillin, gave her the idea to put her speedy skills to use as a wedding painter. Her first go at it came about when she approached Danielle Seagle, a local wedding planner, to see if she could do one for free – just to see if she could pull it off. As it happened, Seagle was getting married that weekend and was happy to let Strickland give it a shot.

That first painting turned out beautifully, and word of mouth spread. “It was kind of a chain effect that I didn’t even know was possible.”

Strickland would travel nearly every weekend during her time at SCAD, devoting her weekdays to her studies. Having graduated in May, she now enjoys a well-established brand as an in-demand wedding painter.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! At Correll Insurance Group of Hilton Head we take protecting the financial assets of our families and their businesses in the Low Country very seriously. Making sure our clients have the proper protection in the event of a tragedy is our purpose, whether for your business or your personal home, auto, boat, flood or umbrella.

We utilize only the best markets available to protect your most valuable assets. We recommend highly rated insurance companies (AM Best Rated) to make sure at claim time there are no issues with insurance company solvency.

Allow us to use our market strength and our training and experience to build the best insurance coverage package at the very best value.

Contact one of our sales associates for a complete review of your insurance needs and you will “Experience the Difference.”

Angele Bryant, Ext. 23260 Harrison Dolyniuk, Ext. 23264 Member of Correll Insurance Group

21 Locations across South and North Carolina.

Jim Hudson, Ext. 23265 Ernie Hess, Ext. 24240 Locally Owned & Controlled We don’t send our money to a home office, it stays right here in the Lowcountry.

Jeff Halseth, Ext. 23253 Kevin Clegg, Ext. 23258 Education is Key

Keeping current with an ever-changing industry.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE 15 Bow Circle, Suite 101, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 8 Arley Way, Suite 101, Bluffton SC 29910

1.888.668.8082 www.correllhhi.com “Insuring the Carolinas since 1931” DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Robbie Eastland

r

THIS LIGHTING EXPERT KNOWS THE ABCS OF LEDS

Robbie Eastland never set out to be the Lowcountry’s guru of party lighting. But when you’re already in demand as he is for outdoor lighting in general, it’s an easy stretch.

“It’s not something we advertise,” he said. “But if someone requests it, we’ll happily do it.”

Eastland is the owner of NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Hilton Head, a company devoted to creating upscale outdoor lighting schemes that enhance natural beauty and safety for homes and businesses. You’ve probably seen his work at places like Fischcamp on Broad Creek, HUSK Savannah and Skull Creek Dockside.

His illumination setups create ambience while remaining unobtrusive.

“If you ever have to squint or it’s too harsh to the eye, you’re not going to enjoy yourself,” he said. “If you know what you’re doing, you can create a really nice, pleasant setting.”

So how does someone in the residential and commercial outdoor lighting business wind up creating some of the most memorable special occasions in the Lowcountry? In Eastland’s case, it started with a desire to help others.

“I’m a member of the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association, so I’ve gotten to know a lot of different builders. One builder in particular, the owners of Shoreline Construction, approached me about providing some additional lights for their charity event called Dress For Success,”

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LOCAL SINCE 2011 Robbie Eastland was born in Greenville and moved here eight years ago. Hobbies include spending time with his wife and kids, boating and outdoor activities. He recently completed this lighting job at The Avenue of Oaks at Belfair Plantation.

he said. “I like to do charity work and give back to the community where I can, and this was a great cause.”

Originally Eastland planned on just making a monetary contribution and volunteering his time, but then the conversation turned around to lighting and inspiration struck.

They started brainstorming possibilities for string café lighting, tiki torches and step lighting during the event itself. “They gave me a shoutout at the event and I just started getting phone calls after that.”

Those phone calls resulted in NiteLites illuminating stunningly beautiful events from Palmetto Bluff to private homes around the Lowcountry. Each one is a customized lighting strategy that emphasizes the natural beauty of a place, while keeping it safely lit to keep the party going into the wee hours.

Sometimes, the party goes even longer than that.

“A lot of times people end up liking the way it looks and keeping half of what we set up at the event,” he said.

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Kelli Corn THIS EVENT PLANNER IS THE GO-TO FOR UNFORGETTABLE PARTIES

The University of Georgia Redcoat marching band has played at some amazing venues, from the storied field of Sanford Stadium to the famed Rose Parade in Pasadena. To this list you can add Palmetto Bluff during a wedding that marks one of the biggest jaw-dropping surprises that wedding planner Kelli Corn ever pulled off.

“The bride’s family were all Georgia grads – aunts, cousins, grandparents, everyone. The groom called me and told me he wanted to do something cool to surprise them,” she said.

Together, they hit on hiring the Redcoats. Now, rounding up college students in the middle of summer wasn’t easy, but pulling off miracles has sort of become Corn’s stock in trade. “When the family walked out and the band was there playing the Georgia fight song, it was epic. Her dad and all her brothers were crying… The emotion that they created was really cool.”

Over the years, first as Palmetto Bluff’s inhouse wedding planner and then on her own as an independent wedding planner, Corn has created hundreds of moments like these. While she’s made an indelible mark in the wedding and event planning industry locally, it’s miles away from where she began her career.

“I started at Dell right when the dot com bubble burst. It was an odd time to be starting a career in that industry,” she said with a laugh.

When the dust cleared, she landed a job in catering at a Hilton property in Texas. She distinguished herself quickly, and before long was working with ClubCorp, setting up events and celebrations for the golf giant’s membership.

Her move to the Lowcountry brought her to Palmetto Bluff, where she was hired as the resort’s very first dedicated wedding planner.

Under her guidance, Palmetto Bluff rose from an infrequent site for weddings to one of the premier places in the world to tie the knot.

“I worked hard on that,” she said. “When I first started we were just trying to get weddings, so we were booking everything. In 2007 we did 74

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LOCAL SINCE 2006 Kelli Corn has designed and managed more than 400 events since moving here 13 years ago. Her hobbies include cooking, car singing and cheering on the Colorado Buffalos with her husband.

weddings and I just thought, ‘This isn’t smart.’

We started driving exclusivity and it just built the brand throughout the wedding world.”

Running a multi-million dollar wedding program began taking its toll, however, when Corn realized that with the grueling pace she was missing her children’s milestone moments. “I got home from a wedding at 2 a.m. and woke up my husband, saying, 'When did we switch Gracyn from rice cereal to food? When did Will start tying his shoes?

I’m not remembering the little things. I’m not remembering the kids getting older.'"

She made a budget the next morning for going out on her own. If she cashed in everything, she realized, she would have six months to book a wedding. It didn’t take that long.

“I remember my client called and left a voicemail. I’m listening to it and she says, ‘I’m so sorry…’ And my head just dropped. ‘… that it took me so long to make a decision, but we’d love to work with you.’ It was definitely a big win, and it gave me confidence that I’d made the right decision.”

If that didn’t do it, the ensuing six years have definitely backed that up. Beyond glamorous weddings all over the Southeast, Corn has worked with Outside Hilton Head’s Destinations DMC, setting up everything from lavish themed parties to the Coca-Cola hospitality tent at the RBC Heritage.

“The weddings are my baby, if you will.

It’s where I feel most comfortable, but corporate events have really let me push my creativity,” she said.

And it’s a creativity that has made her the Lowcountry’s go-to for unforgettable parties. LL

DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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celebrity

CELEBRITY CONNECTION:

No thought police here

t

NEW LECTURE SERIES INTENTIONALLY COVERS ALL CORNERS STORY BY LISA ALLEN

The first hint that Jim Lamar wants to prompt conversation is it’s all or nothing when it comes to getting the best deal for the inaugural four-part Lowcountry Speaker Series. While individual tickets are available, the four events have been packaged to be most attractive when purchased as a group.

Sure, it makes the most sense from a business sense, but it might also prompt a subscriber to hear a speaker they might not otherwise, said Lamar, a former Navy aviator and now portfolio manager in New York. His family also owns a home in Bluffton.

“My in-laws live with us here in New Jersey and I have both older and young children, so there are four generations under our roof. Our discussions over Sunday dinner are pretty lively,” Lamar said, founder of the Lowcountry Speaker Series.

STRAIGHT TALK Condoleezza Rice will speak Jan. 14 at Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa as part of the Lowcountry Speaker Series.

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ON THE WORLD STAGE Condoleezza Rice speaks to airmen at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan. As Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, she pioneered a policy of transformational diplomacy and heralded the formation of new global governments based on democratic principles.

He wants the same at the lecture series that this year will begins Jan. 14 with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and follows with CNN medical reporter Sanjay Gupta, National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen, and Navy SEAL and author Robert O’Neill.

“I think our perception can change if we’re sharing the room not just with the speaker, but with your neighbors,” Lamar said. “I’m trying to offer an unfiltered perspective that might not be widely known in the community. I’m trying to get a variety of speakers and a diverse audience. I want it to be a forum for community conversation.”

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celebrity

Lowcountry Speaker Series

When: Jan. 14-April 7 Where: Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa Details: One ticket ($350-$600) gets you access to see all four speakers in a live, face-to-face forum. Individual tickets are also available. lowcountryspeakerseries.com, 843-823-4111.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, JAN. 14 ($195-$235) Rice was Secretary of State under President George W. Bush; one of the first women invited to join Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters; member of the college football playoff selection committee; and is a classically trained pianist.

©BILL EVANS

A TRUE PATRIOT Condoleezza Rice and Lt. Gen. Michael Gould salute Cadet Squadron 36 during a pass-in-review in 2010. Rice received the 2009 Thomas D. White Award for her contributions to the defense and security of the United States during her distinguished career.

Lamar said he arrived at the speaker lineup by speaking with other lecture series leaders. He wanted recommendations for speakers whom embraced questions from the audience rather than delivering a speech and departing.

For those who can’t attend all four sessions, Lamar hopes they will give their tickets to someone else who can take the lessons they learn into the community, such as teachers, students, first responders or active military members.

“There is no political agenda here. I’m looking for interesting people,” he said. “Education and conversation are passions of mine.”

Lamar is encouraged by the pace of ticket sales. He’s hopeful he can sell out the 1,800-seat Marriott ballroom.

He said an unexpected aspect of building his business has been negotiating terms with each speaker.

“Booking each person is a negotiation and not just price. It covers how they travel, what they see while they’re here, topics, length, whether there will be a book signing, photos. Everything is a negotiation,” he said. “They all have their own way of doing business.”

Now that they’re all onboard, let the discussions begin. LL

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SANJAY GUPTA, FEB 11 ($110-$130) Gupta has won several Emmy awards as chief medical correspondent for CNN. Gupta also is a practicing neurosurgeon at the Emory Clinic and associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital. He worked in the Clinton White House as a White House Fellow, and served as a White House speech writer.

Gupta also contributes to 60 Minutes on CBS. ROBERT O’NEILL, APRIL 7 ($85-$100) O’Neill is the author of the New York Times best-selling memoir The Operator: Firing the Shots That Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior.

PAUL NICKLEN, MARCH 10 ($70-$85) Paul Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist who has documented the beauty and the plight of our planet for over twenty years, currently as an assignment photographer for National Geographic magazine.

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business

Four tips

from a successful businessman ADVENTUROUS EXECUTIVE RICHARD KLINGAMAN SHARES TIPS FOR SUCCESS

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STORY BY EDDY HOYLE

Richard Klingaman grew up in the small town of Elkhart, Ind., and said that he “had the good fortune of traveling around the world meeting people of many cultures.” His global involvement started when he joined the Navy during the Vietnam War and served aboard the USS Oklahoma City, the Seventh Fleet Flagship stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Most of his career was with Colgate-Palmolive Company, where he specialized in consumer products marketing, general management, acquisitions and finance. He served as President and General Manager of the Philippines division in Manila and VP of Corporate Development for Riviana Foods in Houston. In 1990 he purchased, then expanded and sold Stinson Seafood Company, a $60 million processed seafood company in Maine. Klingaman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Cornell University and an MBA in finance and marketing from Wharton Graduate School at the University of Pennsylvania. He has served as a trustee of the Maine Maritime Museum, Main State Music Theater, Harbor Technologies and the Bath Water District. In 2009 he decided that the Lowcountry would be where he wanted to retire, and a year ago he became a year-round resident in Moss Creek. Golf is now his passion – only one of several. Road racing in Ferrari and Porsche club events always gave him a thrill. He built a replica Porsche 917K – an 1,800-pound car with a 500 horsepower engine – that flew at 140 mph. “I’ve always admired Paul Newman,” Klingaman said. “He drove competitively till he was in his 70s. Racing is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done…that and scuba diving in the Philippines, especially at night.” Locally, he belongs to the Lowcountry Oyster & Motor Driving Society, enjoys the beach and cooking classes. Here are his tips for success.

Keys to Success

1. Be upfront. “Be honest and fair with everyone: customers, employees and the community,” he stated. “No deception. If you’re not upfront, you won’t last long. Employees’ behavior is set by the example of senior management.”

2. Analysis paralysis. “Never be afraid to make a decision,” Klingaman said. “Too often we look for more validation and more information. All that does is cause procrastination. At some point a decision has to be made. Don’t be afraid to make it.”

3. Listen well. “All of us with education and experience think we know more than others,” Klingaman explained. “But listen to those you work with. If you’re not listening and just make proclamations, everyone shuts up and has nothing to say. Being a good listener gives more interesting options so you can make good decisions.”

LOCAL SINCE 2009 Richard Klingaman is shown clamming with his dog, Cooper, and in the 1970 Porsche 917K replica he built. Also pictured is his 1987 right-hand drive Land Rover Defender with a canoe he built.

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4. What’s luck got to do with it? According to Klingaman, you can have the best information and the smartest people, but you need luck, too. He cautions, however, to never bet the farm. “Generally, entrepreneurs know the risks and know how to calculate risk well. They know and understand their competition, but never gamble it all away,” he said. “The world’s economy will continue to become inter-related, and US companies are often shortsighted about international markets. There are different rules, different strategies, different regulations, and different distribution chains. And with technology, there may be unintended consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. There is no substitute for learning and for training,” he said. LL

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business

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STORY BY BECCA EDWARDS + PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARISSA PAYKOS

Small farm making a big impact

WHIPPOORWILL FARMS IS FOCUSED ON GIVING ITS ANIMALS THEIR BEST LIFE AND LIVING CONDITIONS

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We live in a bigger, faster, technology-driven world. Well, at least most of us. But not Marissa Paykos and James Young, owners of Whippoorwill Farms in Ridgeland. Their take on life: Leave the Earth in better condition than the way you found it. They, along with their four-year-old daughter, Ellie, live on a small farm that is making a big impact not just on their family’s life, but in the lives of others in the Lowcountry. Working with their hands and their hearts, this salt-of-the-Earth family and their soil and soul-enriched farm reminds us all that grit is good.

LEAN INTO SOME

LASTING MEMORIES

OUT TO PASTURE James Young, Marissa Paykos and their daughter, Ellie, are the local faces behind Whippoorwill Farms, a sustainable organic farm located in Ridgeland.

Kid’s Harley-Davidson All-Electric IRONe™ at Savannah Harley-Davidson

Love at first bite Paykos and Young’s first dates were spent picking five gallon buckets of tomatoes that later would be canned. They also began taking camping trips to Georgia, South Carolina and Florida State Parks where they would sit around a campfire on starry nights and talk about the things that made them feel alive, while Whippoorwills called out in the distance. “It didn’t take long for us to realize that the things that made us feel alive, included each other too,” said Paykos.

When Paykos was expecting Ellie, it became even more important to her to leave the Earth a better place. “I was no longer just planning mine and James’ future, but our child’s, too. Raising what goes into our body is much more than just the food aspect. It’s kindness toward animals, to the land, to the Earth, and then to ourselves.”

Paykos and Young bought the land that was to become Whippoorwill Farms one week before Ellie was born in May 2015. Since then, the entire family, especially Paykos and Ellie, have rolled up their sleeves and learned experientially a great deal about what it means to work with your hands and to be a farming family.

“Ellie has things she has to do before we can do anything ‘fun,’” said Paykos, discussing how Ellie’s childhood is different from most children her age and how the farm has given Ellie a sense of purpose and confidence in her ability to do just about anything. “We believe

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business it is really important Ellie is outside and around animals. She notices things and it sparks a lot of curiosity.” The other day, Ellie and Paykos were looking up at a tree when Ellie asked, “How do trees drink water?” “Because she knows we run waterlines to the garden and that animals need water to live, she was connecting the dots and wondering how a tree gets its water,” explained Paykos. “Ellie sees the bigger picture. Also, there is not a minute that goes by that she is not with me and sees where she can help. She knows we can do things that are hard, emotionally and physically, together and once we finish she will say, ‘Good job, team.’”

True farm-to-table

“ You take an active role in keeping yourself healthy when you are not buying processed or chemically treated foods.”

Paykos talked about how by supporting local farmers you are giving people a chance to make a living doing something they are passionate about and to be with their family. “It means a lot to me when people buy from me, whether it’s a carton of eggs or several pounds of meat. In short, buying from farmers is better for the farmers, the community and for yourself.”

And here’s why: First of all, as Paykos pointed out, local business owners like herself shop at the same stores, have children that go to the same schools, drive the same roads and pay the same taxes. By supporting local businesses, you invest in your local economy and therefore fortify your community.

Second of all, farm-raised food is better for your health. “In addition to being better for the environment and leaving less of a carbon footprint, it’s the freshest of the fresh. My meat is higher in vitamin D because of the animal’s sun exposure, and there is rarely a need for antibiotics, and absolutely no need for steroids or appetite increasers, ever,” she said. “You take an active role in keeping yourself healthy when you are not buying processed or chemically treated foods.”

HOG WILD You've probably heard of pasture raised hogs. Whippoorwill Farms offers forested pork. By moving hogs throughout its wooded property, the farm provides a unique foraging environment. With plenty of space to roam, both the hogs and the land are thriving.

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PAY WHAT YOU CAN Whippoorwill Farms offers a unique produce stand at the end of its driveway. "We are a place where the mother of the children who haven’t had a fresh vegetable in days can come and grab something nutritious for herself and her kids, even if it’s just for a snack. If they can pay, great. If they cannot, that’s OK, too," Paykos said.

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Corner the markets Whippoorwill Farms recently purchased a large plot of land in Jasper County to expand operations. To learn more, go to whippoorwillfarmssc.com or visit Paykos on Tuesdays at the Hilton Head Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You also can sign up to get weekly updates on available products that Paykos will deliver to your home free of charge because “Whippoorwill wants to omit any obstacles and make life just plain better”— and not because it is bigger, faster or technology-driven. LL

WHIPPOORWILL FARMS OFFERINGS

PASTURE RAISED CHICKENS: “Our chickens raised for meat are started free range and on grass from 2 weeks of age until harvest. They are 100 percent free ranging, meaning that they are never locked into a coop, even at night.”

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SUSTAINABLY RAISED PORK: “The bulk of their diet is produce. This means that our hogs grow out lean, their meat is a great balance between sweet and savory and the fat content is less than what conventionally raised pork is.”

FREE-RANGE RABBITS: “Our rabbits are as close to the wild as you can get. They cohabitate with our egg-laying chickens in a large forested area and are raised as a colony. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, spinach and lettuce are all among their favorite foods.”

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DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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wellness Kristin Castner is a certified health and lifestyle coach. She teaches women who feel bloated, tired and out of balance how to improve their health and experience more energy, mental clarity and confidence, without adding to their already full plate. She received her certification from Health Coach Institute in June 2018, and she works with clients locally and across the U.S. Learn more at kristincastner.com.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR BODY:

i

It’s time to upgrade your fuel STORY BY KRISTIN CASTNER + PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE

If you are like me, keeping your phone charged and your car fueled are things you don’t even think about. They are so critical to moving through life that they are just a part of your normal routine. Fueling your body is even more critical to your existence, and chances are you often do this on autopilot, too. Maybe you mindlessly grab a meal on the go or reach into a bag of whatever

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snack is on the counter when you get home. Sound familiar?

When it comes to fueling your car and charging your phone, doing it right is important. You don’t put diesel in your gasoline engine car, and you’ve likely invested in several chargers that are compatible with your phone.

I want to get you thinking about compatibility with respect to your food choices. Why? Food

can be poison or it can be medicine. When food is not compatible with your body, you get a message in the form of aches, pains, bloat, extra weight, low energy, brain fog or, the worst message of all, chronic disease.

Thankfully, upgrading the quality of your food and identifying what foods are most compatible with your body can fix each of these things.

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Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where the food is fresh and has a shelf life.

Here a few things you can do immediately to upgrade the quality of the fuel you are putting in your body.

1. Eat real food Most people are consuming processed food – real food that has been altered in some way with additives and preservatives. Whole grains like quinoa are real food. In contrast, white bread is an example of highly processed grains.

It’s very important to understand that processed food often contains little or no nutritional value, but all the taste and calories of real food. Since processed food has little to no nutritional value, it takes more of it to fill us up, which means we eat more. But it gets worse. When we replace real food nutrients with man-made additives and preservatives, our bodies fight back, in the form of inflammation. And inflammation is at the root of chronic disease.

To maximize your intake of real food, remember this: real food doesn’t HAVE ingredients, it IS ingredients. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where the food is fresh and has a shelf life. If you

are buying packaged foods in the aisles, look for products with as few ingredients as possible, and don’t buy something if you don’t know what the ingredients are.

2. Choose organic There is an easy way to minimize your exposure to pesticides — buy organic. I often counsel people not to feel compelled to jump 100 percent into organic products if they are a bit skeptical. A great place to start buying organic is the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen List.

This nonprofit organization does the legwork every year to identify the types of produce that test highest for pesticide residue.

THE DIRTY DOZEN Strawberries rank No. 1 for the fourth year in a row on the Environmental Working Group list. The rest of the list looks similar to years past with one exception: Kale made the top 12 for the first time in a decade.

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DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH Making juices and smoothies with a blender can be an easy way to help provide the daily nutrition you and your family need. Make it part of your morning routine.

Avoid antibiotics in your food The majority of antibiotics prescribed in the U.S. are used for farm animals, not in the treatment of disease in humans. Antibiotics are used with animals, in part, because it causes them to grow faster. When we eat animal products, those antibiotics make their way into our bodies. Why is this an issue?

Well, if consistent use of antibiotics can fatten up farm animals, it can do the same to us. What’s more, we know that antibiotics can have a detrimental effect on the healthy bacteria we need in our body. That’s why doctors often recommend probiotics after a round of antibiotics.

Our lives are more hectic than ever, giving an edge to food manufacturers that make eating convenient, fast and cheap.

Remember, there is a reason those options are cheap – they are inferior. They are highly processed, void of nutrients, full of sugar and other potentially addictive additives, and often times flat out poisonous.

In short, they are not compatible with your body. You have a choice in how you fuel your body. Here in the Lowcountry, there are better choices everywhere we look. LL

Buy local You might be thinking that finding these higher quality products is difficult. Are these things widely available here in the Lowcountry? The answer is YES! Many local grocery stores carry both organic and non-GMO produce. We are also lucky to live in a place that celebrates farmers markets year round. The very best way to know what you are eating is to know where it is coming from. When you buy local, you have a chance to ask the grower directly. When I can, I buy fresh produce and animal products from local farmers using growing practices that are in alignment with the healthy choices I want to be making.

FARM FRESH We are lucky to live in a community that celebrates farmers markets year round. Take advantage!

Healthy alternatives this holiday season For many, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. But for those with high blood pressure, all the cream, salt and massive amounts of butter used in holiday meals and treats can be dangerous. Here are a few foods to help reduce the dangers and can even decrease blood pressure.

Berry good for you

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The pigments that give blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries their rich colors also come with a benefit for your blood vessels: anthocyanin. It’s a natural compound that can help artery walls become wider and more flexible to lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health.

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Udderly fabulous Calcium is a key player for good blood pressure because it helps your blood vessels tighten and relax when they should. Plain, low-fat yogurt is a good way to add calcium to your diet without too much added sugar or fat. Looking for a flavor twist?

Throw some berries in for some natural sweetness and even more blood pressure help.

Turn up the beet A study shows that drinking 2 cups of a mix of three parts beetroot and one part apple juice can make your systolic blood pressure (the top number) go down in just a few hours. Men may see a bigger benefit than women. High systolic pressure can raise your chances of strokes. Cooked beets and beet greens, which pack lots of potassium, are a good alternative.

SOURCE: WEBMD.COM

DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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living

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Open spaces.

Large rooms.

THIS PALMETTO BLUFF HOME STARTED WITH TWO SIMPLE MANDATES. IT ENDED WITH A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF LOWCOUNTRY LIVING.

f

STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LEO JOHNSON

For Bill and DianeHammack, it was love at first sight.

“We had an anniversary coming up, and a friend of mine said you need to go to Palmetto Bluff. After I took her the first time, the next anniversary she wanted to go back,” said Bill. “By the third time I just said, ‘You know what? We’re going to build a house… I need to get serious about this. She really likes it.”

Working with architect Wayne Windham, builder Richard Best and Plantation Interiors’ Dean Huntley, the couple began work on their permanent vacation home amid stunning waterfront views in Palmetto Bluff.

“We took a lot of ideas from the cabins we stayed in,” said Diane. “We liked that Lowcountry look. That’s where we started.”

Along with adopting some of the elements of Lowcountry style, Bill Hammack had one simple rule. “What I told Wayne to start with was, we want open space and large rooms. That was priority one.”

That priority resulted in one of the most jaw-dropping aspects of the home, the towering two-story great room.

Marked by antique hand-hewn alpine beams and a trio of Juliet balconies above, and a wall of glass doors soaking in scenery below, the room stands in marked contrast to the understated living spaces typical in a Palmetto Bluff home.

“They wanted a relaxed place to gather with family and friends,” said Huntley. Filling that space with furnishings challenged Huntley to work outside her normal boundaries. “The sofa in there is probably 100 inches and the chandeliers are around 60 inches,” she said. “When you have that much volume and you put a petite chair in there, it can look ridiculous.”

“ We want open space and large rooms.

That was priority one.”

GREAT WALLS The two-story great room is a majestic statement, with reclaimed beams towering overhead in contrast to stark white shiplap.

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ALL THE SMALL THINGS Exquisite attention to detail fills the house with visual magic, from the coffered ceiling in the kitchen to the bold contrasting orientation of the siding on the walls.

WIDE OPEN SPACES The master suite is a suitably expansive answer to the mandate for larger rooms.

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Get the designer look of this home If you’re looking to recreate a bit of this featured home’s elegance, Dean Huntley of Plantation Interiors suggests incorporating these accessories.

A seat at the bar

CABIN FEVER Having fallen in love with Palmetto Bluff during their visits, the Hammacks based the design of the home on the cabins where they stayed.

The oversized furnishings complement the vastness of the great room perfectly, establishing a sense of scale that only enhances the feeling of spaciousness. And beyond its size, the great room contrasts with typical Lowcountry stylings in another way – rather than the standard open kitchen to one side, a wide bar serves as the main hub for gatherings.

“The great room was going to be the main entertainment point of the house, so I told them I want a bar on one side with wine coolers and a wet bar,” said Bill. Straying away from the standard layout is just one way the Hammacks made this house their own. The other was by incorporating their artwork into the design aspects of the home, building around it.

“They had quite a few treasures, artwork and bronzes they wanted to incorporate into the design scheme,” said Huntley. This includes easier-to-incorporate pieces like the heron that greets you in the foyer, as well as larger works like the oil painting of a grizzly hanging over the mantle. “We had to make sure the fireplace was big enough to accommodate the art.”

Ultimately, this home is a master class in personalization. It’s the best elements of Lowcountry homebuilding, subtly tweaked and altered by the Hammacks and their team to truly make it their own. And that includes, but is certainly not limited to, open spaces and large rooms. LL

The home team Interior Design: Plantation Interiors Architect: Wayne Windham Architect Contractor: Richard Best Custom Homes Cabinetry: Coastal Millworks Countertops: Creative Stone Accessories, Inc. Wood Flooring: Timberstone Antique Flooring Tile and rugs: KPM Flooring Lighting: Visual Comfort, Chaddock Lighting, The Light Post, Low Country Originals

DALTON SWIVEL BARSTOOL These swivel barstools come in counter and bar heights and are available in your choice of finish, fabric or leather. Customization is possible.

Come to light LAMBAY TABLE LAMP This chic ice blue porcelain Lambay Table Lamp from Chapman & Myers features graceful proportions and classic styling.

On the table

MARITIME DRINK TABLE This classic piece deserves a stately setting, perhaps next to a comfortable leather sofa in an elegant, wood-paneled library.

Flower power

DRIED AND PRESERVED FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS Brighten up your home with floral designs that use only materials that were once living.

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Five ideas for your home

MINOR ENHANCEMENTS & UPGRADES THAT MAKE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE. SECRETS TO STEAL FROM OUR FEATURED HOME

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1. DON’T OVERDO IT This is a classic hallmark of Lowcountry décor, but it bears repeating: don’t overdo it.

Employ subtle touches of texture and color to create a subdued atmosphere and let the Lowcountry do the rest. “The natural beauty of the Lowcountry is one of the reasons we are here,” said Huntley. “Don’t compete with that. Let the outdoors come in and work with it.”

2. MAKE IT YOUR OWN Beyond swapping out the traditional open kitchen in the great room for a bar, the Hammacks found other ways to personalize their home’s footprint, like the wood-paneled room designed specifically for tying flies. “It turned out to be everything the owner wanted,” said Huntley.

3. WORK WITH YOUR LOT Building your house to complement your property is a must. “We have a million-dollar view. The view of the water and the marsh is just beautiful,” said Bill. “We don’t have a room in this house that doesn’t capture that.”

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4. EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS One of Diane’s favorite aspects of the home is the bank of doors in the dining room that can be opened up to let in gentle breezes off the water. For the couple, the outdoors are crucial to their lifestyle. “The outdoor kitchen has a wood-burning fireplace that is great this time of year,” said Bill.

5. GET EVERYONE INVOLVED For this 14-month build, the architect, builder and designer worked hand-in-hand with the owners to make it a true group effort. “It makes for a very satisfying experience for everyone involved,” said Huntley.

“Most surprises get talked through before you start hammering and nailing.”

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HOME TECH

How to be a happier holiday host

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Entertaining family and friends can be stressful.

Here are a few suggestions to help ease the burden a bit, so you can enjoy the festivities as much as your guests.

2. Make your tech easy People rarely unplug, even during the holidays, so make it easy for them to enjoy all the conveniences they are used to.

1. Think like a boutique hotel Steal these simple hotel tips for your guest room that will make your guests more comfortable and save you trips up and down the stairs.

• Place clean towels on the end of the bed. For more bonus points, add unopened travelsize shampoo and soap.

• Add an Echo Dot to the room and make a fun little sign that gives some Alexa instructions such as: “Alexa, set the alarm for 7 a.m.”

“Alexa, play songs by The Who” “Alexa, what’s the weather tomorrow?”

“Alexa, who won the Panthers game?”

• Display the Wifi password in a cute frame. Add a pair of readers for bonus points.

• Include a multi-port USB to the guest room so guests can charge their devices

• Put out a bottle of water on each nightstand. Better yet, go green with a fancy carafe and glasses.

• Print out a channel lineup and leave it with your TV remote beside the bed. You can print a list of channels at hargray.com

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3. Set the mood with lighting and shades You can set the right mood for any time of day with one click of a button. Even if you aren’t home, a simple app will let you dim or turn on lights, raise and lower shades and turn on or off music. The professionals at Custom Audio Video recommend systems like Control 4, Crestron or Savant to integrate everything from your phone (or watch).

BE THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS TIPS FOR ENTERTAINMENT • Impress even the most demanding in-laws by creating a custom playlist with their favorite music.

• Create a “favorites list” with Hargray TV and start recording their favorite shows now so there is always something on that your guests will enjoy.

Living Our Best Life At Belfair, we believe there’s no better time than now to create your fullest, most balanced life – and there’s no shortage of opportunities to lead you there. With our Reinvented Sports & Lifestyle Campus, there’s an abundance of activities the whole family can enjoy. From the social halls and bistro to connect with your neighbors, fitness classes and court sports to keep you active, friends that make it fun to reach your personal fitness goals and various wellness solutions for your mind and body, Belfair is the place to find your peak levels of health, connections, and happiness.

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How to style a festive table

WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN FULL SWING, OUR FRIENDS AT J. BANKS DESIGN GROUP HAVE PUT TOGETHER THE ESSENTIALS FOR SETTING A FESTIVE TABLE. ALL ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE J. BANKS RETAIL SHOWROOM.

Footed Soup Bowls This statuesque bowl by Juliska may inspire your best French onion soup or chocolate mousse.

History Stick Candles These candles were cast from a section of developing stalk and sit in Vagabond oak branch holders.

Tartan Napkins A frayed edge ensures this festive napkin by Juliska isn’t too buttoned-up.

Disposable Cutlery Delight your guests with this stylish disposable cutlery from Talking Tables.

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Easy Care Mats These two-tone mats by Bodrum are sure to sure to enhance your table.

Twelve Days of Christmas Plates This dessert/salad plate by Juliska features all 12 characters from the beloved carol together. There are dinner plates as well.

Pine Cones & Cotton Arrangement: Napa Home & Garden These handmade materials add farmhouse style with a touch of glamour.

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Show & Sell

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INSIDE TIPS FROM A HOME STAGER: MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME FOR THE GREATEST SALES POTENTIAL STORY BY KERRI NEIDERER

Did you know the average home buyer spends less than 30 minutes inside a home when looking for a house? And, that’s the average. You can guarantee if your home does not make a good first impression they will move on even quicker without giving your home so much as a second glance.

Home staging is a proven formula for success that can help home sellers identify potential issues and alleviate them before putting their home on the market. A successful and qualified home stager will encourage a seller to spend the least amount of money possible to achieve the greatest result.

We all want the greatest bang for the buck and with home staging you can achieve that. Time is money when selling a home. Keep in mind the objective of home staging is to get a home sold for the greatest amount of money in the least amount of time.

Curb appeal is the real deal First impressions count. Making sure your landscaping is tidy, your home is power washed and you have some new potted plants at the front door … these simple touches can go a long way. A prospective buyer wants to feel good about your home as they drive up for the first time. Getting them in the front door is the first and most important part of the process.

If you can smell it, you can’t sell it!

“The average home buyer spends less than 30 minutes inside a home when looking for a house.”

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Now while some smells are enticing for home sales like a freshly cleaned home or fresh baked cookies, other smells work against you. If your home smells like smoke that could very well be a deal breaker for many people. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke tends to get embedded in upholstered furniture, window treatments and carpet. Home stagers rarely recommend major home changes but if you have a distinct smoke smell you might need to replace carpet, furniture, etc.

There are also commercial odor-eliminating products on the market that have some degree of success.

Clutter, clutter everywhere!

Nothing says a home has not been well cared for like enormous amounts of clutter. Closets that don’t close, linen closets stuffed with old towels, bookshelves full of knick knacks and collectibles … all these are signs of clutter. If you love your collectibles and just can’t part with them, that’s fine. Pack them away now so they will be ready for your next home.

Old isn’t going to get it sold

Faces You Know.

Results You Trust.

It’s amazing how a room can look and feel dated just with outdated furnishings and accessories. While it would never be advisable to do a complete HGTV makeover, there are little things you can do to freshen up a room.

• Add new decorative pillows or a colorful throw to a sofa that might be tired.

• Buy a new “bed in a bag” comforter set and replace the quilt that is faded and thread bare.

• Take down window treatments that are outdated. Better to see the windows than be focused on old draperies.

• Your kitchen might need a complete makeover, but you can still stage it with interesting cookbooks and other accessories to give it a modern, sophisticated look.

Let’s get personal So you love the look of family photos and you have a lot of pride in your family and all their achievements, vacations, graduations, etc. When a potential buyer enters your home, the goal is have them start to “mentally live” in the home. You want them to think about where they would place their furniture and how they would envision living in the home.

When personal photos and other mementos are prominent, a buyer gets swept up in your life; your kids, your moments, etc. instead of thinking about their new life in the home. Take down personal photos and pack them away for safekeeping and remember to be careful not to display items that might be polarizing (political items, etc.). You want people to form opinions about your home, not your lifestyle or beliefs.

What if your home is listed over the holidays?

There are different schools of thought on whether or not to decorate when your home is for sale. One thing is for sure, do not ever use listing photos that show holiday decor. If for some reason your home doesn’t sell quickly, the photos will look odd decked out in jingle bells in April. LL

BECKY HERMAN 843.301.3355 Becky@BeckyHerman.com

MONICA DAVIS 843.384.4473 Monica@MonicaDavis.com

MILLION DOLLAR MARKETING IN ALL PRICE RANGES Consistent producers for over 20 years, Becky and Monica have provided professional customized service and expert advice to countless buyers and sellers in the Hilton Head/Bluffton market.

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Creative ideas for the holiday hostess (without all the stress) PARTY TIPS TO HELP YOU THROW YOUR JOLLIEST BASH YET STORY BY EDDY HOYLE

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The holidays are upon us and entertaining is a huge part of sharing time with family and friends.

Do you find it exhilarating or intimidating? A joy or a frustration? With busy schedules and too little time to shop, bake, wrap gifts, decorate, travel and keep up with day to day obligations, stress can overwhelm us and crush our enthusiasm for what otherwise should be holiday joy.

Perhaps we can reignite holiday magic by changing things up, trying something new, and putting some of our regular traditions aside. We have some creative, no-fuss ideas that can be fun, imaginative, and engaging for you to consider.

International holiday food fest Celebrate diversity with a culinary trip around the world. Ask your guests to bring a traditional holiday dish from another country. A potluck dinner is always easier for the hostess and it gives your guests an opportunity to show off an old family recipe that showcases their heritage.

Each dish will inspire conversations about family traditions and ancestry. And think of the yummy possibilities: figgy pudding or mince pies from England, potato latkes from Israel, Italian roasted lamb, Polish pierogis, caviar or smoked salmon on blinis from Ukraine, Hungarian bejgli (nut and poppy seed rolls), or German Stollen pastries. Just make sure you know what everyone is bringing so you have a complete meal (appetizer, main dish, side dishes and desserts).

Holiday tea party and cookie exchange Easy-peezy! Invite your guests to an afternoon tea party. All you will need is lovely holiday platters and beautiful plates to display each guest’s batch of their favorite holiday cookies. Make sure to let them know to bring their favorite home-baked holiday cookies. Serve tea, hot chocolate, cider or mimosas and settle in for a relaxed afternoon of conversation, holiday music and camaraderie. The bonus is that each guest takes home a dozen cookies of different varieties.

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Fireside roasting and toasting Mild winters in the Lowcountry allow us to take advantage of outdoor activities yearround. Consider a simple barbecue around a firepit to keep entertaining casual and stress free. S’mores and hot chocolate always are welcome treats for kids and adults alike.

Provide adult beverages that give that warm glow like hot chocolate with Kahlua or Baileys.

And for fun, add a theme – a Whoville Grinch theme, Elf hats, a Dickens theme, or a contest for the best Santa costume. Or for those chilly evenings, hold an ugly sweater contest.

Pump up the music Whether you croon in the car, sing in the shower, or hum your way through the holidays, music sets the tone for whatever you do, and wherever you do it.

Everyone’s got a favorite carol and probably even knows the words. How about hosting a Christmas Karaoke party? Simple snacks and beverages will suffice, although a little alcohol goes a long way in getting even the most introverted among us to loosen up enough to croon a tune. Use a clever theme to entice them – something like Sparkles and Spirits, Margaritas and Mistletoe, Martinis and Mistletoe, or Music and Mistletoe.

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Give your home a gift everyone can enjoy

Ooh, the smell of gingerbread Nothing sends your olfactory senses into a Christmas wonderland like the scent of gingerbread. Host a gingerbread house-building party. You can take the easy way out and buy some cookie kits, or you can pre-bake gingerbread house shapes. Stock up on candy canes, sprinkles, icing in tubes, M&Ms, gumdrops and cinnamon hearts. Off to the side, use a slow cooker to keep hot chocolate warm and set up a hot chocolate bar. Serve hot cocoa drinks topped off with Bailey’s Irish Cream, peppermint schnapps, or Kahlua. Set out mugs, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks and candy canes as accoutrements. Guests can take their magnificent productions home with them, or you can donate them all to your favorite charity to be auctioned off (please arrange ahead of time with the charity).

The internet offers a wealth of photos to reproduce to inspire your guests, and it’s a handy place to find good gingerbread recipes and templates for the house shapes. LL

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Create a stunning Lowcountry wreath

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DESIGN EXPERT NICHOLAS ASKEW SHARES HIS SECRETS FOR EASY-TO-MAKE, NATURAL DOOR DECORATIONS

While Christmas is known for many different types of decoration, nothing is warmer or more welcoming than a gorgeous holiday wreath on a front door.

We reached out to celebrated Lowcountry designer Nicholas Askew for tips on how to create a beautiful custom wreath. Askew specializes in garden design and handcrafted Southern arrangements using natural materials grown on his fourth-generation farm. Create your own masterpiece by following these steps:

Decking the halls Give your guests the prettiest welcome by decking your doors with these easy-to-make wreaths. Here is Askew’s simple three-step process. Supplies: Southern magnolia, lemon cypress, cotton, wire, garden pruners, metal wreath ring.

STEP 1: Bundle Southern magnolia, cotton, and lemon cypress together with a zip tie. Make sure you evenly trim the ends of the bundles with garden pruners.

I like to use zip ties to securely hold the bundles in place.

STEP 2: For this process, I use my wreath clamp machine to simply clamp the bundles down onto the wreath ring. If you do not own a wreath clamp machine, wiring bundles onto a wreath ring works just fine. Repeat this process until you have created your holiday wreath.

SHOW THE DOOR Nicholas Askew creates each of his signature cotton designs using the cotton he hand cuts from White Oak Farm where he grew up. You can create your own beautiful arrangements using materials found in your own backyard.

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STEP 3: Find the perfect door for your Lowcountry holiday wreath. In the picture shown, I used one of my favorite backdrops — a vintage barn door on the family farm. I love its texture.

How to tie a bow Of course no holiday wreath is complete without a festive bow. “I like to use a plaid pattern during the holidays because it makes a statement and provides a nice texture on any wreath,� Askew said. Here are his five steps for making a great one. Supplies: Favorite ribbon, scissors and wire.

STEPS 1 & 2: Tying a bow is just like tying your shoes. Start out by making one loop, twist the loop and repeat this step until you have two loops made. Repeat this step until you have odd numbers on both sides. I like using odd numbers because it evenly creates a bow.

STEP 3: After you have repeated steps 1 and 2, make sure you make a small loop in the middle and attach the bow with wire. By doing this, it will create a barrier between the sides and hide any imperfections.

STEP 4: Cut about 6 inches of ribbon, find the middle, attach the tail you just created to the bow and secure them with wire.

STEP 5: Almost done! Using your scissors, fold the left side of the tail in half (at the bottom) and cut the ribbon up. Repeat the same step on the right side. This will add a nice final touch to your bow. I like to make sure the tails fall almost down to the bottom of the wreath. LL

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The magical worlds of Richard Coyne

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STORY BY CAROLYN MALES + PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN-MARIE COTE

INTRICATE CHRISTMAS VILLAGES ARE A FAMILY TRADITION FOR THIS BLUFFTON ARTIST.

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When the world wearies him and he can’t sleep, Richard Coyne pads down the stairs late at night to contemplate Bethlehem. He settles in, cross-legged on the floor, to meditate on the vast panorama spread out before him. His eye travels over the hilly landscape, the rustic buildings, the ruins in the distance, and the small figures leading flocks of sheep and caravans of camels as they enter the small town. Finally his gaze rests on the manger where the Christ child lies as Mary and Joseph look on.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

WINTER WONDERLANDS Richard Coyne is a New York-born artist, who studied at the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture. Each year he builds a new landscape to celebrate the holiday season.

“It takes me away to a spiritual kind of place. A respite,” says Coyne. “I think about the message of peace and it gives me a little solace for where the world is today.”

But Coyne is not time-traveling in the Middle East. At least, not literally. Instead, he is gazing down on the 96-square-foot installation he’s created in his Bluffton living room. He began building this expansive diorama two Christmases ago and he’s added to it over the years but in truth, this spiritual undertaking has been a lifetime in the making.

Coyne, you see, is a born visual storyteller.

His creative spark was ignited by the Christmas villages his grandfather would set up at his Bronx home. “It was magic,” Coyne declares. His younger brother Joe, (who would later become a playwright) was so enchanted by the display that he began making up stories about the townsfolk as 6-year-old Richard, like a stage director, moved the pieces around.

By the time Coyne was 11, he’d built a diorama of the beaches at Normandy on D-Day. To add a realistic touch, he’d inserted

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plastic hosing beneath the sand and, using a combination of lighter fluid and a cigarette, blew smoke into the landscape of tanks and ruined buildings.

Then as a young adult, wanderlust struck.

He went roaming, getting firsthand looks at all those faraway places. He worked his way through Europe then Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, ending his nomadic journey with a four-month stay in India.

Ironically, he’d never made it to Bethlehem.

When the World Trade Towers fell on 9/11, Coyne, who was living in Manhattan at the time, volunteered on search-andrescue efforts through the wreckage. It was a noble, patriotic deed in a time of national trauma and sorrow. He would, however, pay a heavy price with health issues that have plagued him in the aftermath. Needing fresh air for his damaged lungs, he moved to the Lowcountry in 2006.

It was a move that would change his life.

Today, on some mornings, Coyne wakes up before dawn and packs up his paints and easel to catch sunrises over marshes and waterways. His small gems of Lowcountry landscapes entice viewers to wander into his world, feel the warmth of the sun, watch the light dance on the water and rake across the spartina grasses.

Over the years, he has built large table-top public installations of sheer Americana with model trains coursing through towns and over rivers and hills. And Charles Dickens would feel quite at home in the Victorian English villages the artist has constructed.

The inspiration for his Bethlehem diorama was the annual Neapolitan Baroque crèche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Awed by its exquisite beauty, Coyne had vowed, “one day I’m going to have one of these in my home.” He began by sculpting the rugged terrain and buildings from foam, plaster, and stone. Then he sourced the materials for the olive trees and palms from craft and home stores. For the figures — the Holy family, shepherds, Magi, camels, sheep, donkeys, chickens, goats, and geese –– he scoured second-hand shops and Christmas markets.

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VILLAGE PEOPLE Each of Richard Coyne's holiday dioramas is beautifully crafted. A few have been turned into 750-piece puzzles

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The Gift of

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They all became part of a living history. So we see a camel caravan and its driver coming from the east. A flock of sheep moves in from a distant hill. The Magi walk toward the manger. A woman with a pan of dates heads off to the market.

“I design these things as if I’m doing a painting,” Coyne says. “I look at how the eye moves through the panorama; what colors move you around the piece itself; and how one side of the landscape talks to the other.”

Now he hopes to find a museum, church, or other space to share his vision with the public.

“When people, and especially children, look at this, I hope it will engender that sense of magic and a creative spark for them.”

And for those of us seeking a calm in a turbulent world, it just may give us, as does Coyne, a welcome inner peace. LL

“I think about the message of peace and it gives me a little solace for where the world is today.”

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TAKE A TRIP THROUGH THE MAGICAL, MYSTICAL...

Aluminum Forest STORY BY EDDY HOYLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STAFF

MERRY AND BRIGHT The little duckling ornament on the right is hand-blown Italian glass. The Italians are known for stylized figural blown glass ornaments.

The duckling is nested in a French custard cup with miniature glass balls. Above, McClure is shown in a true vintage custom-made brocade dress she found at The Bargain Box, where she volunteers.

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Imagine a door opens, you step inside, and you suddenly feel like you are inside a rainbow. Shimmering light in gold, silver, pink, and turquoise glistens and engulfs you. Walking (or gawking) through the Aluminum Forest is a magical trip back in time to a Christmas wonderland of yesteryear, and you are invited to experience it at an open house Dec. 5 at the Lowcountry home of Kelly McClure, a collector of vintage aluminum trees and all things Christmas.

McClure’s vision is to share her collection of nearly 40 vintage aluminum trees with the public to benefit the Hilton Head Humane Association. “The Hilton Head Humane Association is an organization I care deeply about,” McClure said. “I adopted two dogs that were taken in with extensive medical and surgical needs. The cost to rehabilitate very ill and neglected animals is very high. I feel called to open my display to raise money for medical care provided by the Humane Association.”

“A walk through the Aluminum Forest wraps you in a warm feeling of nostalgia and wonder.”

O'CHRISTMAS TREES! Don’t miss the chance to visit the Aluminum Forest from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. The cost to attend is a donation to the Humane Society (cash or checks only). RSVP to thealuminumforest@gmail.com to register and secure a gate pass. For those unable to attend Dec. 5, McClure will accommodate small group tours on a limited basis. Contact her via email or The Aluminum Forest Facebook page.

“Kelly is a true supporter of our organization,” said Franny Gerthoffer, executive director of Hilton Head Humane Association. “We are honored to have her donate her time and beautiful Christmas display to help raise money for the medical needs of the animals. Kelly is devoted to the mission of rescue. She not only is hosting this fabulous event, but she has rescued medically challenged dogs from us over the years. She is the true meaning of giving.”

A walk through the “Aluminum Forest” wraps you in a warm feeling of nostalgia and wonder. And it’s not just the shimmering lights and sparkling trees. Remember when you were a kid spinning and sliding down a snow-covered hill on a round saucer? She even has one of those.

Her display is nothing short of a spectacular blast from the past.

There are vintage signs and textiles, primitive art, municipal decorations and collections of various ornaments. Every nook and cranny of Mc-

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living Clure’s home is filled with such decorations as ornaments from around the world, motorized color wheels, lighted signs and displays, Nativity scenes, elves, a Santa collection, antique Italian carolers, wooden toys from World War II and department store banners. There is a mid-century motorized display of Santa’s elves that will charm you. In one corner, tiny flocked mice and kittens wear cloth outfits.

These German Kunstlerschatz ornaments are playfully arranged on a goose feather tree.

This year McClure is honoring the 50th anniversary of the Apollo landing and man’s first step on the moon. “The relevance of this anniversary is because the space race, the atomic age, economic prosperity and the dawn of futuristic designs all coincided with the production of aluminum Christmas trees that embody all of those aspects of that era.” So McClure has included a display with a patriotic theme: Santa sitting on a rocket with red, white and blue ornaments and silk flags. 2019 is also the 60th anniversary of the debut of the first aluminum tree at the New York City Toy Show in 1959. McClure’s collection includes a 1st edition of this 1959 model tree.

Another rare tree in her collection is a vintage tree made for the Carnation Company. “It has flocked tips made to look like powdered milk, and to the best of my knowledge it’s the only one that has ever surfaced.”

Her aluminum forest boasts three Snow Puff Trees made of spun glass, a Visca tree with antique bubble lights, an Evergleam plastic tree that is one of the first green artificial trees, a 7-foot Revlis blue aluminum tree, and a Canadian Fairyland blue tip. But the holy grail of her collection is a rare 7-foot pink aluminum tree. McClure has been collecting aluminum trees for nine years. “I have examples of every known major brand of aluminum trees. Collectors like myself consider them modern art.”

Other rarities in McClure’s collection include a star-shaped aluminum wreath made by Star-Band in Portsmouth, Va. She also owns a Mirro brand silver tree that boasts aluminum caps shaped like poinsettias on every branch.

A one-of-a-kind, hand-painted wall hanging graces her dining room. It is a 5’x7’ depiction of the first day of Christmas – a partridge in

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ABSOLUTE JOY McClure is shown with Buddy, one of her two rescues from the Hilton Head Humane Association. The cost of admission to the Aluminum Forest is a donation to the organization.

843.308.1282 | a r l e n e w i l l i a m s k i t c h e n d e s i g n . c o m 65 ARROW ROAD 6 5 AR R OW R OA D | HI LT ON HE A D I SL AN D SC 29928 HILTON HEAD ISLAND

DECK THE HALLS McClure's holiday collection includes (from top left) a motionette Santa on a rocket, a shelf vignette with bottle brush trees, sequin elves from Japan, a "First Day of Christmas" painting and NOEL ceramic letter candle-holders made in Japan.

The Japanese exported countless Christmas novelties.

They are known for their endearing whimsical designs.

a pear tree. There were 12 separate paintings auctioned off, all from one seller.

“I’d love to find others, but I am very lucky to own the ‘first day of Christmas’ painting,” she said.

Evergleam was the premier producer of aluminum trees. Theron Georges, an Evergleam scholar, recently published the first reference book for the aluminum tree collector called “The Wonderful World of Evergleam.” Autographed copies of this book will be available at the Aluminum Forest open house with 25 percent of each sale going to the Humane Association. LL

Budget Blinds of Hilton Head Island 880 Fording Island Rd #8 Bluffton, SC 29910 Locally owned & operated

Call now for your FREE in-home consultation!

843-837-4060 BudgetBlinds.com

Blinds • Shutters • Shades • Home Automation • Rugs ©2019 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

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THE GENTLE GARDENER

Noel y’all!

The holidays are upon us, and if you’re like most, there is an almost primeval urge to decorate every nook and cranny of your home with holiday decor. Having witnessed my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother all succumb to this frenzy, I am now patently certain that it is brought on by a genetic trait of all Lowcountry women. And while this can prove to be tremendously rewarding, it also can prove to be tremendously expensive. That is all fine and well if you married a local who is well acquainted and resigned to this condition. I, however, married a Yankee who firmly believes that money is for counting and stacking. Needless to say, his peculiar attitude can wreak havoc on my holiday bliss.

Determined not to let his miserly budget dampen my enthusiasm or thwart my attempts at holiday cheer, I resorted to adorning our home with what was on hand and free, outside. Here are a few of my favorites, which are easy and attractive (and oh yes – for the most part they’re free!).

Magnolia Leaf Wreath Usually reviled for its messy behavior, this tree quickly advances to our good graces at the holidays.

[1] Soak a 15-inch florist foam wreath in water. [2] Set the florist foam on top of an empty 3-gallon nursery pot (free at most nurseries). The groove on the bottom of the form fits perfectly on the pot, which helps keep it stable. [3] Insert individual leaves directly into the foam so they are perpendicular to the form. No need for wire or glue. Four concentric rings of leaves will usually cover the wreath. [4] To hang your wreath, tie twine or fishing line to the form and loop the line over a nail or hook. Use ribbon to hide the line and nail. Finish with a festive bow. [5] Hang your wreath in the shade and it should last for several weeks before drying out. You can lightly mist it to extend its life. Clemson Cooperative Extension has a fact sheet for numerous methods of preserving the leaves indefinitely (HGIC 1151).

Oyster Shell Christmas Tree The most attractive trees are made from farmed oyster shells. Just be sure to boil them before using to avoid a pluff mud aroma quelling your holiday atmosphere.

Citrus Pomander Balls Decorate a citrus fruit with whole cloves.

[1] Start with a whole orange or lemon – leave the peel on. [2] If you wish, you can wrap and pin a thin ribbon to the fruit (creating four ‘sections’) before covering it with the cloves. [3] Cover the citrus entirely with cloves by pushing each clove stem into the skin. [4] Pile them high in an attractive container or on a serving tray. They nicely mask the smell of my burnt dinner.

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[1] Purchase a styrofoam tree form (3 different sizes look wonderful together) [2] Sort your shells by size. [3] Starting with the largest shells, hot glue a row of them to the bottom of the form.

[4] Gradually decrease the size of the shells and continue to glue them in concentric circles until you’ve completely covered your form. [5] Add a small star fish to the top of the tree. [6] Glue a small fake pearl to the tip of each shell. Stand back and admire.

Yule Tide Log [1] Find an attractive piece of driftwood. [2] Have someone drill holes to allow for tapered candles in it (usually 2 or 3 holes at most). [3] Collect and wire together pinecones, dried gumballs and magnolia seedpods. [4] Wire or hot glue your dried arrangements onto either end of your yule log.

[5] Spray with varnish if desired. [6] Insert dripless candles into the holes. [7] Light the candles and dazzle your company (maybe they’ll overlook the burnt dinner).

A GA L L E RY O F HANDCRAFTED GI FTS Monday thru Saturday 10 until 6 . Sunday 11 until 3 8 43.757.7300 1127 Fording island Road . Suite 103 . Bluffton Near Hobby Lobby . Made in America

There are so many possibilities with the beautiful bounty of nature here in the Lowcountry, I hope you’ll go outside and be inspired. LL

DEAR GENTLE GARDENER, I love the way Spanish moss looks in silk flower arrangements. Is it OK to gather some from the ground to use in some arrangements I’m planning to make?

— Misty Eyed inn Moss Creek

©2019 American Wood Reface. All rights reserved.

Ask & Answer

The Secret to a fast, easy and Affordable New Kitchen

DEAR MISTY EYED, Using Spanish moss from the ground is fine, only if you’re planning to give the arrangement to your arch nemesis. Spanish moss on the ground is a breeding ground for chiggers, which you do not under any circumstances want to invite into your home. If you must use Spanish moss from the ground, be sure to boil it or microwave small handfuls of it for 1 to 2 minutes to kill any unwanted visitors.

Got a question for the Gentle Gardener?

Email info@wearelocallife.com

P remium S olid Wood C abinet r efaCing free in-home consultation

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SOPHISTICATED STYLE This horizontal oval 19th century micromosaic depicts St. Peter’s Square and is paired with a malachite bead necklace.

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Elizabeth Locke, the person behind wearable history

©SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS

STORY BY LISA ALLEN

e

Elizabeth Locke didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer for a national magazine, or a world-renown jeweler, a manytimes-over world traveler or a skilled historian.

She didn’t imagine herself having an iconic house in a small South Carolina coastal town or hosting 1,000 visitors on Halloween night. She didn’t dream of owning a Virginia farm and raising Angus cattle.

Nor did it occur to her that she QUEEN OF THE CASTLE would be wildly successful in Locke's fascination with the business. exquisite and the unusual led her and her husband, John But, alas, all those notStaelin, to “the Castle,” their dreams came true. Today, 19th century home in Beaufort.

Elizabeth Locke is a nationally known jewelry brand.

The brand, Elizabeth Locke Jewels, rates museum collections, exclusive billing at Neiman Marcus, requests from the finest jewelry stores in the country and a constant stream of national accolades and media attention. The line specializes in handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces so exquisite the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts wrote a book about her collection of antique micromosaics.

Her stores in Boyce, Va., and Manhattan earn rave reviews for atmosphere and design.

Locke, the person, grew up in Staunton, Va., the daughter of an English professor at Mary Baldwin College. Her father wrote a

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style textbook that went into 15 editions, generating royalties that enabled the family to tour ancient ruins around the world each summer.

It was on those travels that Elizabeth first saw 18th and 19th century micromosaics, miniature scenes created by juxtaposing tiny glass tiles on a prepared adhesive surface.

She earned an English degree at Duke University “like everyone else,” she said, then studied at the University of Florence, earning a master’s degree in Italian literature.

She lived in Italy for six years and started a home décor business. “It’s very hard to have a business in Italy. It’s very bureaucratic.” A recession was the business’s death knell.

She returned to the US. It was her fluent Italian that led her to working for an Italian business magazine that wanted to expand to the US, which led to an exclusive party in New York at which she met Frank Zachary, then-editor of Town & Country magazine.

She pitched story idea after story idea, to no avail. “I don’t give up easily,” she said. Then an English translation of an Italian article arrived nearly illegible and Town & Country asked Elizabeth to fix it. She did and she was in.

“I didn’t have a plan for my life, I just went with the flow,” she said.

On to the next step of her life’s evolution.

Town & Country sent her to Bangkok for a story about shopping and having jewelry custom made. As she toured the workshops, she appreciated the craft, but didn’t care for the designs the goldsmiths were creating.

“I thought, ‘how hard can it be?’ That’s a phrase that will always get you in trouble,” she said.

Not one for partial measures, she returned to New York and studied gemology. She concluded that 19 karat, not 18 or 24, created a softer, more flattering shade of gold for jewelry. She borrowed money from her father-inlaw and returned to Bangkok, overseeing the production of her designs that to this day are completely handmade.

“I thought the jewelry would be just some added income, a sideline for my work as a writer,” she said.

She brought back to New York a tray of pendants, rings, brooches, bracelets and charms, catching the eye of a publicist. Two months later, her work was on the cover of W magazine. That was 1989. Her jewelry would be anything but a sideline.

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CROWN JEWELS Elizabeth Locke Jewels flagship store, “The Other Elizabeth,” is tucked away in rural Boyce, Virginia.

Her jewelry is also available in her Manhattan store, through Neiman Marcus and at select independent boutiques across the country.

Early on, her husband, John Staelin, watched her at breakfast counting stacks of checks at the dining table. “Are you keeping records?” he asked. “No,” she answered. John, a business consultant, nearly choked on his toast and immediately took over the business side.

She opened a store in Manhattan, but missed Virginia. She saw the general store in Boyce, Va., and transformed it, adding a second store.

Soon, both John and Elizabeth were traveling constantly for their respective businesses.

“Both of us couldn’t travel like that and still have a life together,” she said. They decided it was a good time for John to retire. That was 20 years ago. “He handles the business side, the spreadsheets, and I handle the design,” she said.

Some of her most unique designs utilize antique micromosaics that she finds on her travels.

Where to find Elizabeth Locke jewelry For sale: Croghan's Jewel Box of Charleston Online: Neiman Marcus To view: Gibbes Museum in Charleston, Jan. 17-May 3 as part of the exhibit “A Return to the Grand Tour: Micromosaic Jewels from the Collection of Elizabeth Locke”

Micromosaics were sold to travelers on their Grand Tour through Italy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Made into jewelry, boxes, and paper weights and sold as easily carried mementoes, micromosaics passed out of fashion toward the end of the 19th century. The Gibbes Museum in Charleston is exhibiting a collection of 92 pieces from Elizabeth’s private collection.

The unforgettable Lowcountry When asked how they ended up in Beaufort, Elizabeth said, “By accident.”

She and John had driven down the East Coast on their honeymoon in 1979 and stopped in Beaufort. They never forgot it.

Then, John saw an ad in the Wall Street Journal in 2012 showing a house in Beaufort known as “The Castle” that was for sale. He told Elizabeth about it.

“I was in Bangkok, so I told him if it was still for sale when I got back, we’d go look at it. We never intended to buy it,” she said. “Really, ask (realtor) Edward Dukes. We didn’t intend to buy it,” she insists.

But the renovations previous owners the Rauchs and the Bealls had done were stunning, particularly the ground floor. Once a root cellar with dirt floors, the level now has guest suites, a caterer’s kitchen and office space. The infrastructure also was brought up to date.

“We didn’t have to do a thing to the house — even the paint colors were perfect” Elizabeth said. “We loved it at first sight.”

Owning a historic house didn’t faze them. Their farm in Virginia dates to 1816. The Castle is “newer,” having been built in 1859.

They’ve hired a historian to research the house, its name derived from the rampart-style roof and the marsh in the side yard that looks like a moat.

“We’re attempting to separate the truth from rumors,” she said.

The historian, digging through records at the Library of Congress, confirmed that the house was used as a hospital during the Civil War. More than 700 Union soldiers, most of them formerly enslaved, were treated there.

Further study has found many accounts of the ghost that lives on the ground floor, making himself known only to children.

“Allegedly, he was part of the Ribaut expedition and haunted the marshes for hundreds of years until this house was built in 1859. I guess he was just waiting for it,” she said.

Because of those stories, the house has always been part of the annual Beaufort Ghost Tours. John and Elizabeth embraced that history, inviting the Beaufort High drama club to populate the house for Halloween performing scary vignettes. Thus, the 1,000 visitors through the house each Halloween.

Elizabeth and John also are updating the gardens that incorporate the original 19th century box parterres. “We’ll plant almost anything that will grow here but I especially admire camellias,” she said.

“We love Beaufort. Our farm in Virginia is pretty isolated, so we weren’t used to having neighbors. We’ve met so many great friends. We enjoy running into people we know at restaurants, on the street, in the grocery store. Everyone is so nice and friendly. Beaufort is so beautiful. It’s a magical place.” LL

“ I didn’t have a plan for my life, I just went with the flow.”

make eyewear your new favorite fashion accessory

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Michael Campbell and Associates Hilton Head North End 10 Hospital Center Commons, Suite 100 | 843.681.6682 Hilton Head Mid-Island 50 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite G | 843.785.8008 Bluffton 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive, Suite 100 | 843.706.0607

2019 + LocalLifeSC.com 85 D R M I C H A EDECEMBER LCAM PBELL.COM

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YOUR TIME TO DAZZLE Tis the season for holiday parties and gatherings. LOCAL Life stylist Roxanne Gilleland selected a variety of stylish outfits, perfect for all types of seasonal entertaining and celebrations. Gilleland also discovered the perfect location for the festive photo shoot — the luxurious Colleton River Club home of Jill and Gary Dee. The Lighthouse Award-winning home was designed by Court Atkins Group and built by the late Nathan Cameron of Cameron & Cameron Custom Homes (now Element Construction) in 2015. “We were interested in a golfing community but were also attracted to the river,” Jill said. “The house offers the best of both worlds.”

Just a few hundred families live at Colleton River Club, a 1,500-acre private peninsula set amidst Lowcountry tidal marshes and moss-draped live oaks. Special thanks to Colleton River Club for the use of its clubhouse for hair, makeup and styling, and to the Dees for welcoming our team into their beautiful home.

sty l e

Festive & flawless

Available at SHOP! (hers) and ANDREWS JEWELERS (hers) Available at PALMETTOES (his)

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Finishing touches

It’s often the accessories that bring an ensemble together, and these eye-catching clutches are no exception.

Beaded Evening Clutch Available at Cocoon

Silver Crystal Kitsch Clutch Available at Shop!

Suede Clutch with Bow Available at The Back Door

Touch of Style Clutch Available at Pyramids

(left to right) Available at THE BACKDOOR + PALMETTOES + COCOON + ISLAND CHILD (kids)

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style ↓(left to right) Available at OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD + THE BACKDOOR + GIGI'S BOUTIQUE + ISLAND CHILD + SHOP!

(left to right) Available at KNICKERS & OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD (his) + OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD (hers)→

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style (left to right) Available at COCOON + GIGIS BOUTIQUE + PALMETTOES

Credits

PHOTOGRAPHY Lisa Staff + STYLIST Roxanne Gilleland + MODELS Grace Lawton, Andresa Mueller, Rachel Stratton, Martin Lesch, Harper Zehms HAIR Josephine Bredice, Bredice Beauty + MAKEUP Daisy Leiva + LOCATION Private home of Jill and Gary Dee, Colleton River

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A World of Connections is Just the Beginning Your membership story at Colleton River Club includes an unrivaled sense of connection to the land, the water, your neighbors and the world. Located on a 1,500-acre peninsula surrounded by the Colleton and Chechessee Rivers, this private community offers a gracious list of homes and homesites for sale and embraces everything you love about Lowcountry living. Connect with the water through fishing and kayaking. Connect to the land through golfing, bird watching and trail riding. Connect with your neighbors while dining at the Clubhouses and enjoying a variety of Club events. And stay connected to the world through a full schedule of lifelong learning opportunities. Begin your Colleton story by contacting Larry Ross at 843.836.4466 to participate in a Member Experience.

LEAR N MOR E BY VISITING DISCOVERCOLLETON.COM

843.836.4466

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A gift now, an heirloom later

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This Christmas, show your love and appreciation for the special people in your life.

Whether it’s your fiancé, wife, mom or best friend, a beautiful piece makes for an unforgettable gift.

Rather than something they’ll forget in a year, it will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Here are a few exquisite pieces available at local jewelers.

Up your jewelry game TIPS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR BLING Is your jewelry losing its shine too quickly?

You might not be washing it enough.

There are many home remedies out there, but beware. Some tricks can damage your precious metals and gems.

Available at Selina King 1. MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANING SOLUTION Use household products to clean your jewelry in the comfort of your own home. Simply grab a small bowl and line it with aluminum foil.

Then add 1 tablespoon of salt and baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish detergent and 1 cup of hot water. Let your jewelry soak for 10-20 minutes and then take a new toothbrush and gently brush your jewelry. Rinse each piece with water and your jewelry will be looking brand new!

Available at Spartina 449

Available at Sonja Griffin Evans Studio

Available at Pretty Papers

2. POLISH YOUR GOLD JEWELRY Cover jewelry with a light coat of baking soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it and rinse clean.

Keep in mind that gold is a soft metal, so be gentle during the brushing and drying process.

3. STORING PEARLS You should always store your pearls separately so that other jewelry does not damage the surface, or you can wrap the pearls in a soft cloth or pouch.

Pearls are organic and need moisture to preserve.

To avoid cracking, keep pearls away from air-tight environments, since it will cause the pearls to become brittle and can damage the luster.

Available at Pyramids

Available at Forsythe Jewelers

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4. KNOW WHEN TO TAKE IT OFF A way to make sure your jewelry lasts as long as it should is by knowing when to remove it.

Always remove your jewelry when you are showering, gardening, in swimming pools or hot tubs, and before applying sunscreen or bug spray.

OYSTERS

& their pearls Gathering in waterways of our coastal shores, these iconic oyster shells and their pearls are Daufuskie Island’s natural treasure.

Lu s t ro u s M a t t e 1 8 k t Go l d P l a t i n g

Hilton Head, SC

S H E L T E R CO V E T O W NE C EN T R E

November Local Life Magazine_Full Pg.indd 1

SPARTINA449.COM

10/30/19 10:05 AM

shopping HOT CHOCOLATE Kilwin’s hot chocolate is the perfect way to stay warm this December. Made with 62 percent dark chocolate, whole milk and original marshmallows, there’s no better way to end a night.

hosting essentials

Available at Kilwin’s.

DIE-CUT PLACE CARDS Reserve seats for your special gues ts with these decorative table pla ce cards by Caspari .

Available at Prett y Papers.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PLATE Twelve guests? No problem. Le Cookery’s 12-plate set is about as Christmas as it gets. Each features a unique design.

Available at Le Cookery.

COLORFUL WINE GLASSES

OYSTER TREES

Color up your Christmas with these gorgeous glasses. They will help brighten up the room and will be the talk of the dinner table.

Give your holiday decorating a sprinkle of Lowcountry flavor with these stunning metallic oyster trees.

Available at Pyramids.

Available at Gifted.

COCKTAIL GLASS Fix your guest an Old Fashioned and watch their eyes light up when they notice the beautiful Palmetto glass it’s served in.

Available at The Spirited Hand.

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CHOCOLATE REINDEER Gift something sweet for someone sweet. Pass this delicious Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer chocolate treat along to any gracious host to earn “favorite guest” status.

Available at Chocolate Canopy.

hostess gifts

LAVENDER COOKBOOK The appeal of lavender extends beyond its fragrance. Pass along this lavender cookbook to say a big thank you to a lavenderloving host or hostess.

Available at Island Lavender.

CHRISTMAS HAND TOWELS Gifting these hand-crafted Christmas towels are the perfect way to say Happy Holidays to your dinner party host.

Available at Lowcountry Mercantile.

BOURBON BALLS

HEIRLOOM MARTINI GLASS

Everything’s better with chocolate.

Bring your host/hostess these delicious chocolates laced with bourbon and topped with pecans to guarantee you’re invited back next time.

Cheers! These festive martini glasses will help spread the holiday spirit.

Available at Forsythe Jewelers.

Available at Scout Southern Market.

MARIPOSA CARDINAL PLATTERS Coastal Treasures has a variety of cardinal accessories this month. Check out these festive mariposa cardinal platters offered in two sizes.

Available at Coastal Treasures.

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A healthy holiday meal with Amanda Walton

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STORY BY DAVID WARREN PHOTOS BY W PHOTOGRAPHY

There are certain words that traditionally don't go together well; an enjoyable trip to the dentist and healthy holiday fare. Well, things change. The dentist has much less painful tools and now there is Amanda Walton who says that holiday recipes don't have to start with two sticks of butter and half a cup of sugar.

Walton is a triathlete who realized that training is only as good as your diet.

She has brought her athletic training to the health field as a health and nutrition coach. She believes that a diet is not the answer to good health. Walton teaches a lifestyle change that combines food and exercise. As she says,“You can't exercise away a bad diet.“ Amanda attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and started Well Fed to train people how to live a happier and healthier life. She assists not only athletes but everyone in eating and being well. She does not feel that specific diet changes are as significant as lifestyle changes.

MAKE IT? WE'LL TAKE IT! Recreate these three dishes (recipes on page 96) then send a photo to info@wearelocallife.com. We'll pick a winner and share the winner.

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CUT AND RUN Amanda Walton has been a resident of Hilton Head Island for 16 years, but is originally from upstate New York. When she's not running her small catering business, she enjoys traveling and training for triathlons.

It’s easy to get caught up in the holidays. The celebrations that come with the season can be the ruin of any diet and add the pounds and inches that could take months or years to lose. When looking at the holidays, we need to focus on the spirit of the season and not the cakes and cookies, which are but a byproduct. By making a few conscious decisions regarding holiday eating, we can get through to New Year’s Day without letting our pants out or making draconian resolutions that surely will be broken by February.

When it comes to holidays, Walton is not a proponent of strict rules or impossible restrictions. “Holidays are a special time, and one of the wonderful parts of the holidays is dining together with friends and family. You can indulge, but remember that the people around the table are really what matters.” Amanda feels that by changing some of the ingredients in the traditional favorites, you can still enjoy a delicious holiday treat without the fat and calories. She thinks that combining the holidays with exercise, and by limiting yourself to a few indulgences, you can survive the season without substantial weight gain.

The following dishes (turn the page) can be served anytime but make for excellent holiday treats that are delicious and won’t add additional calories and resulting weight gain that has become an unwanted part of the American holiday tradition. LL

Cheers to the 2019 Holiday season with Vietri.

We are proud to show three beautiful patterns at LeCookery: the NEW Ucello Rosso, the BELOVED Old St Nick and the CLASSIC Lastra Holiday — all handpainted in Italy.

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Perfectly Roasted Chicken INGREDIENTS 1 whole roaster chicken (if possible purchase organic, no hormones/antibiotics) Kitchen twine 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon pepper 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon olive oil DIRECTIONS [1] Pre-heat your oven to 425. While the oven is preheating, use the kitchen twine to tie the legs together. Use the olive oil to mildly coat the bird so the seasoning sticks and rub with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder mixture. [2] Roast for 15 minutes per pound (make sure this is exact- a 4.3-pound bird should cook for 64.5 minutes). When finished roasting, cover with foil and let sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. Carve and enjoy!

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Your lunch or dinner check of $75 or more.

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January 6th-15th for Renovations

Excludes the following date s:

November 25th-30th, 2019 December 26th-31st, 2019 February 14, 2020 Valid 11/01/19-02/29/20

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad INGREDIENTS 2 cups cooked quinoa 1 butternut squash, cubed and roasted One bunch arugula 1/2 red onion, diced 1 cup pecans, chopped 1 cup dried cranberries DIRECTIONS Toss all ingredients and cover with balsamic dressing (recipe below).

INGREDIENTS (balsamic dressing) 3 tablespoons of dijon mustard 3 tablespoons honey Salt and pepper Cayenne pepper, to taste 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3/4 cup olive oil DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients and enjoy.

Almond Meal and Dark Chocolate Chips Cookies INGREDIENTS (makes about 20 cookies) 1 1/2 cups almond meal 1/4 cup small dark chocolate chips 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 egg 3 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS [1] In a large bowl, mix the almond meal, dark chocolate chips, coconut, baking powder, salt and sugar. [2] Add the egg, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Put the bowl in the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight). [3] Preheat oven to 375. Roll the balls into 1 inch balls (I use a scoop) and place on a baking sheet with an inch of space between each. Gently press down the tops to flatten. Bake until the edges are brown, 7-10 minutes, remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

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Tips from a pro: Holiday entertaining SERG GROUP’S MOLLY KENNEDY IS HERE TO REMIND YOU THAT PARTIES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FUN.

HALL OF FAME SERVICE Molly Kennedy has catered countless Lowcountry events.

She started Catering Concepts, helped start Celebrations Catering and now works for SERG. She has worked with Andy Borgmeier through all three operations, a total of 22 years. In 2013, the two were inducted into The Knot Hall of Fame.

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STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN + PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STAFF

Sure, the radio might be constantly reminding us of the joy and cheer of the holiday season, the tranquility of winter and the heartwarming bliss of drawing friends and family together. But those of us hosting this year’s festivities know that all of that joy and cheer and tranquility go right out the window the second you have to start planning. There are guest lists to manage, party supplies to stock up on, food to prepare, a house to decorate and a million little last-minute fires to put out that go along with every party.

In times like this, everyone throwing a get-together should recall these words of wisdom from SERG Catering Group’s Molly Kennedy. “The whole point of the party is to enjoy time

“ T he whole point of the party is to enjoy time with your family and friends.”

SEE [ S h o p. E a t. E x p e r i e n c e . ] The Best of the holidays THE GINGERBREAD TRAIL

December 14th, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Holiday family fun offering a Gingerbread Trail of treats, photos, music, stories and cocoa with Santa

SANTA WILL BE HERE EVERY SATURDAY Through December 21st, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

A COLLECTION OF 37 FABULOUS, AWARDWINNING, LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS, SHOPS & BOUTIQUE SERVICES

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

SERG Takeout Kitchen makes it easy for busy families and professionals on the go. Find frozen entrees, hot meals to go, takeaway catering and more online at serggroup.com/serg-takeout.

with your family and friends,” she said. “I feel like life is so busy these days, people don’t know how to slow down. That’s why this is my favorite time of year, personally and professionally.”

Growing up in “a huge family,” who loved to entertain, Kennedy has hospitality running through her veins. From her time with celebrity chef Jimmy Schmidt to her legendary catering career on Hilton Head Island — one that earned her a spot on The Knot Hall of Fame — she’s fed guests at countless unforgettable parties.

And since so many of us are getting ready to brave the gauntlet that is hosting a holiday party, we thought we’d pick her brain on a few tips for a smooth party.

December 11th, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Join us for a Festive Evening of Wine, Music & Shopping! Enjoy tastings and/or refreshments at participating merchants, special promotions, sales, and in-store demos. $10/ticket, proceeds to benefit Hilton Head Heroes, a 501(c)(3) organization bringing families with children suffering from life threatening illness to Hilton Head Island for cost free week long vacations.

To learn more, visit villageatwexford.com DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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eats Put a twist on comfort food It would be very easy to overwhelm yourself by stepping outside of your comfort zone for a party. Why overdo it when you can make simple yet subtle seasonal changes to party standbys? “It doesn’t have to be over the top, but you can put your own personal spin on classic comfort foods,” she said.

For appetizers, look for ways to introduce the flavors of the season into classic party staples, like a warm brie with cranberry apricot compote or butternut squash shooters. For your main course, take the classic smoked turkey but serve it with cranberry infused mayo or roast a pork loin and serve it with fig pan gravy.

Some of Kennedy’s favorite desserts include a classic New York-style cheesecake with a peppermint Oreo crust. “It’s all about taking something comfortable and adding a twist.”

Include the kids Too often during holiday gatherings, children are relegated to a back room or confined to the den while the adults monopolize the party. And yes, there are several reasons why, but that doesn’t mean the party can’t at least throw a few bones to its younger guests.

“My mom used to bring out this big glass punchbowl and fill it with something like Sprite with grenadine,” said Kennedy. “It’s fun for the kids because they’re not just getting Sprite straight out of a plastic bottle. They’re dressed up and excited for the party just as much as the adults, so it’s nice to make them feel like they’re part of it.”

FAKE IT OR MAKE IT? If you don't have the time or the patience to whip up a batch of Holly Jolly Punch, simply empty a few cartons of grocery store juice into a fancy punch bowl. Your guests will never be the wiser. Just don't forget to hide the empty cartons!

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TRUE ARTISAN BAKERY

Don’t forget to breathe “Keeping it simple is huge for any party,” said Kennedy. “People want to go over the top and do something that is going to take a lot of their time. But you don’t want to spend the whole time in the kitchen.”

To combat this, Kennedy recommends a few time-saving methods. The first is to do every bit of prep work in advance that you can. A simple dish like crab balls, for example, can be made well in advance of the party, then you just pop them out of the fridge and into the oven just before everyone arrives. A charcuterie board is another great time-saver, giving your guests plenty of effort-free finger foods. And feel free to get out the Crock Pot and the hot plate for dishes that you can plan ahead and keep warm and ready to go.

Naturally, the easiest way to feed your guests is to simple hire a caterer. “We do everything ahead of time. We’ve even had people bring in their own platter and have us do the display for them,” she said. Which brings us back to her sage advice to just enjoy your party.

“Set it up so that you have an opportunity to step back and take a breather,” she said.

“Time passes too quickly. Don’t miss your own party.” LL

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING UP! LETS US HELP! SPROUT MOMMA CUSTOM HOLIDAY MENUS 21 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC SPROUTMOMMA.COM | 843.715.2649

‘Tis the Season!

1 North Forest Beach Drive • Unit I-3 Hilton Head Island, SC

843.802.4411 • thegfreespot.com

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Easy, elegant holiday recipes MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING WITH THESE DISHES FROM LOCAL CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS

EAT MORE CHICKEN If you’re into chicken thighs, consider this French favorite from the good folks at Charlie's L'Etoile Verte. Coq au vin might sound fancy but it is really just a simple, great-tasting chicken dish that anyone can master.

CHARLIE'S L'ETOILE VERTE

Chicken Coq au vin

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 7 ounces pancetta, small dice 2 large carrots 1/2 Stock Celery, large batons 1 medium onion, diced 6 chicken thighs 1/4 ounce thyme sprigs 10 large mushrooms, halved 2 cups red wine 4 garlic cloves, sliced 4 cups chicken stock Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mix with water) 3 tablespoons water DIRECTIONS [1] Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Start with a Dutch oven over medium heat with extra virgin olive oil. Cook pancetta until golden brown, 8-12 minutes. [2] Once the pancetta is cooked, pull out of the pot and set aside. [3] Now salt and pepper the chicken thighs and start to sear them, skin side down. Cook for 5-8 minutes on each side. Set chicken to the side. [4] Take out 1/3 of the oil in the pot and add vegetables along with herbs. SautĂŠ until vegetables start to brown and tenderize about 6-10 minutes. [5] Add wine and deglaze the pot. Cook for 2 minutes then add chicken stock and chicken. Bring to a boil and cover the pot, place in oven 45-60 minutes. [6] Using tongs, remove chicken from the pot. Place pot back on stove and bring back to a boil over medium-high heat. [7] Add cornstarch slurry and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.

[8] Add chicken back to pot to warm. Serve.

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PASTA LA VISTA There’s nothing like the smell of lasagna in the oven to make the holidays come alive.

Best off all, this recipe from the team at Sprout Momma is easy, delicious, protein-packed, and vegan friendly. Make it a part of your family tradition.

SPROUT MOMMA

Spinach, Mushroom and Pesto Lasagna INGREDIENTS 4 cups torn spinach 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup commercial pesto 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese 1 15-ounce carton fat-free ricotta cheese 1 large egg, lightly beaten 3/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided 1 25.5-ounce bottle fat-free tomato-basil pasta sauce 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce Cooking spray 1 8-ounce package precooked lasagna noodles (12 noodles)

DIRECTIONS [1] Arrange the spinach in a vegetable steamer; steam, covered, 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Drain, squeeze dry, and coarsely chop. Combine spinach, mushrooms, and pesto in a medium bowl, stirring to combine; set aside. [2] Combine mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and beaten egg in a medium bowl, stirring well to combine. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan, and set aside. Combine the pasta sauce and the tomato sauce in a medium bowl. [3] Spread 1 cup pasta sauce mixture in the bottom of a 6-quart oval electric slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over pasta sauce mixture; top with 1 cup cheese mixture and 1 cup spinach mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with spinach mixture. Arrange 3 noodles over spinach mixture; top with remaining 1 cup cheese mixture and 1 cup pasta sauce mixture. Place remaining 3 noodles over sauce mixture; spread remaining sauce mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover with lid; cook on low 5 hours or until done. — Recipe by Kim Tavino

Park Plaza | 33 Office Park Road, Suite 224 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843-686-4442 | www.TrattoriaDivina.com

GREAT FOOD GREAT WINE GREAT FRIENDS DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Island Lavender Market 707 Bay Street Downtown

“We hand make wonderful lavender specialties …delectable edibles, beauty delights and home pleasures.”

www.islandlavender.com 920-737-1531 Island_Lavender_Ad_LowCountryNews_4.75x4.75.indd 1

1/5/19 1:29 PM

feed your soul!

An experience to savor tempting soul food with full bar service, premium sports, and musical entertainment featuring local and regional artists.

FEATURING IN DECEMBER

Whitley Deputy Band | Target the Band | The Headliners The Soulful Sounds of Kevin Jeter | Gwen Yvette & TC Soul

DINNER SERVED 5PM UNTIL 10PM

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MOSS CREEK

Peach Chutney INGREDIENTS

Group 1 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups diced multi-color peppers 3/4 cup diced yellow onion 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper Group 2 1 cup apple juice 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon curry powder Pinch of ground clove 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger puree 1 teaspoon kosher salt Group 3 2 1/2 pounds frozen sliced peaches 1/2 pounds raisins or dried currants .33 cup rice wine vinegar 3/4 cups sugar Group 4 1/2 cup corn starch 1/2 cup apple juice DIRECTIONS [1] Sauté first group of ingredients together until onions are translucent. [2] Add second group of ingredients and mix well. [3] Add third group and mix. [4] Bring to boil and then simmer on low, 8-10 minutes. [5] Make a slurry of the apple juice and corn starch. [6] Bring mixture briefly back to boil and incorporate the slurry, stirring constantly to avoid lumping. [7] Cook 2-3 minutes while stirring. [8] Set aside and serve warm or chilled.

S O U T H 19 Dunnagans Alley Hilton Head 843.785.7825 rubyleessouth.com

JUST PEACHY For a vegan/gluten-free alternative to gravy, Moss Creek executive chef Lenny Giarratano offers up this tangy peach chutney. Cover all of your favorite holiday foods with it, or brush it on your meats in the last few minutes of cooking.

19F Dunnagans Alley 843.785.7825

— Recipe by Lenny Giarratano, executive chef at Moss Creek

Hilton Head’s Finest Confections Since 1982

TAKE THE CAKE Impress the rum lovers at your dinner party with this boozy cake from the team at Hilton Head Distillery. The recipe calls for HHD’s Mountain Peak Espresso Rum, which was voted the top spirit in the 2019 Crafted in the Lowcountry Awards.

HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY

Mountain Peak Rum Cake

INGREDIENTS (cake) 4 cups of Swans Down cake flour 3 cups of sugar 6 eggs 4 sticks of butter 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup and one tablespoon Mountain Peak Espresso Rum 1 tablespoon vanilla INGREDIENTS (rum glaze) 8 ounces butter 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 cup Mountain Peak Espresso Rum DIRECTIONS [1] Blend butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and then add 2 cups of flour.

Then add milk and Mountain Peak Espresso Rum, and then two more cups of flour. [2] Pour mixture into a greased bundt pan and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, 25 minutes. [3] Use a long wooden skewer to poke holes in the cake and pour the rum glaze over the holes. When the cake is completely cooled, flip over onto serving dish.

GOOD GRAVY! If you’re looking for a delicious brown mushroom gravy to smother all of your holiday favorites in, look no further, This vegan recipe from Sprout Momma looks and tastes great on nearly everything, plus, it’s the perfect hot lava for your mashed potato volcanoes.

SPROUT MOMMA

Mushroom Gravy

INGREDIENTS 4 cups water 1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms (1/2 cup) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup chopped shallots 8 ounces assorted mushrooms (white button, shiitake or cremini), trimmed and sliced 1/2 cup dry white wine 3 tablespoons cornstarch Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS [1] Bring water to a boil. Transfer dried mushrooms to a medium bowl. Cover with water and let stand 30 minutes, until mushrooms are softened. Drain liquid (and reserve) through a sieve, and slice mushrooms. Set aside. [2] Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Add fresh mushrooms and cook until soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Deglaze pan with wine and reduce liquid by half, about 3 minutes. [3] Meanwhile, slowly whisk cornstarch into 1 cup of mushroom liquid until smooth; set aside. Add remaining 3 cups mushroom liquid and chopped rehydrated mushrooms to gravy. Bring to a boil. Stir in cornstarch mixture and simmer until mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

— Recipe by Kim Tavino

Happy Holidays!

Our quality chocolates and confections are created by hand using the finest ingredients.

55 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head

843.842.4567

Order online at ChocolateCanopy.com

Don’t forget we ship nationwide!

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Holiday leftover recipes

It’s the same problem every year — the big dinner is over, but the leftovers are still with you. Your fridge is overflowing with half-filled storage containers of scraps you just can’t bring yourself to throw out. What to do with all of that food? Rather than putting your microwave through its paces, bring new life to your holiday favorites with these leftover recipes from local chefs.

GO COLD TURKEY FRITTER DONE This fritter recipe from Spout Momma uses leftover Brussels sprouts and cooked greens. Packed with cheese, garlic and spices, they have a magical way of making you forget that you’re actually eating vegetables.

SPROUT MOMMA

Green Veggie Fritters INGREDIENTS 1 cup leftover cooked Brussels sprouts 2 handfuls of leftover cooked greens 1/2 clove garlic 1 lemon A few sprigs of dill 1/4 cup leftover cheese 3 large free-range eggs Oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS [1] Shred the leftover cooked sprouts and greens. Peel and finely chop the garlic, and finely grate the lemon zest. Pick and finely chop the dill. [2] Put the shredded sprouts and greens into a bowl. Crumble in the cheese and add the garlic, dill and lemon zest. Add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then mix well. [3] Crack in the eggs and mix to combine. [4] Place a large frying pan over a medium heat and add a generous lug of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully lower in heaped tablespoons of the mixture and flatten them out into little patties. [5] Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the egg is beginning to set, then carefully flip and fry on the other side for 2 more minutes, until the egg is completely cooked. [6] Halve and serve the lemon on the side for squeezing over.

— Recipe by Kim Tavino

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Make a whole new meal with this leftover turkey recipe from Lenny Giarratano. This easy-to-make pecan-cranberry turkey salad is great for sandwiches, putting on crackers or simply served over a bed of lettuce.

MOSS CREEK

Pecan-Cranberry Turkey Salad INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds leftover roasted turkey, cubed 1 1/2 cups cranberries, dried 3/4 cup roasted pecans, rough chopped 2 cups mayonnaise, more or less to taste 1/4 cup honey 3 stalks celery, diced 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper

DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients and chill well before serving.

— Recipe by Lenny Giarratano, executive chef at Moss Creek

Simple uses for leftover cranberry sauce

• Mix it with your favorite plain yogurt • Warm it up as a sauce for sweets • Mix it with whipped cream as dessert topping • Use it as a glaze for poultry and meats • Add it to your favorite barbecue sauce • Make cranberry oatmeal bars • Serve on top of fine cheeses • Mix with mustard for a unique pretzel dip - Cranberry sauce smoothies

Ants on a Log

SOMETHING FOR SANTA AND HIS REINDEER

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Many of us remember to leave a little something special for the big guy to snack on. But what about those poor reindeer patiently waiting on the roof? Make it a Merry Christmas for all by having the little ones make snacks for the fourlegged animals while you focus on the cookies.

While Ants on a Log can be made using a variety of recipes, one of the most common ones involves celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins. This is such an easy recipe that even young children can help with the preparations. If someone has a peanut allergy, the recipe can be modified using cream cheese or marshmallow cream in place of the peanut butter. You can also substitute dried cranberries for the raisins for the tasty bugs on your logs if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS Celery sticks, Peanut butter, rasins DIRECTIONS [1] After the celery is washed, cut each stalk into 3-inch pieces. [2] Fill each celery piece with peanut butter and top with raisins.

Peanut cookies

INGREDIENTS 8 tablespoons softened butter 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup shelled salted peanuts 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled

DIRECTIONS [1] Preheat the oven to 350. Butter a baking sheet. [2] In a bowl, cream the butter and sugars with an electric mixer until the mixture is light. Add the vanilla extract and egg.

Beat well. Add the flour, baking powder, and peanuts. Blend well. [3] Drop rounded tablespoons of batter, 2 inches apart, onto the baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are light brown. Cool. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Store in a cool, dry place.

Š '89 RAG

South Beach Village • Hilton Head Island

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eats Pulling the trigger on triggers

WHAT’S FRESH IN DECEMBER?

Triggerfish

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STORY + PHOTOS BY COLLINS DOUGHTIE

Folks often ask me, “What’s your favorite fish to eat?” Depending on where I am when asked this question, the answer varies. If I am bottom fishing offshore, I lie like a dog and say “wahoo and grouper.”

Reading that last line, it’s really only a half lie because wahoo is my second favorite eating fish. Sashimi style, I’ll take wahoo over tuna any day.

So why lie when I am bottom fishing? For those onboard that are not all that experienced on the multitude of species we usually catch like vermillion snapper, black sea bass, scamp and gag grouper, red snapper and king mackerel, there is one fish we catch regularly that makes me drool like Pavlov’s dog whenever I see one come over the side. The gray triggerfish. Usually in the three to 10-pound range with a hide so tough you could make shoes out of it that would last a lifetime.

But under that thick hide are some of the most delicious filets in the entire ocean. That’s why I fib, so when I get in and start cleaning fish, I rave about the excellent table fare of grouper, snappers and black sea bass in hopes that they take the bait, leaving me with nothing but trigger fillets. Sneaky huh?

TRIGGER MAN Pre-beard Collins Doughtie with a good-looking gray triggerfish.

Many of my friends scowl if I suggest we go bottom fishing.

Not as visual as trolling the Gulf Stream for mahi and such, plus it almost always leaves the boat smelly and messy from squid juice, blood and scales all over. But it is one of the very few types of fishing where I actually will reel a fish in. Bottom fishing off our shores is fantastic with the coolest part being on each drop to the bottom, you never know what will take your bait and that bite usually comes within seconds. It’s fast and furious if you get on top of a pile of fish. But knowing what type of fish hang right on the bottom and what types of fish are up higher in the water column takes years of watching your sonar screen. Grouper and sea bass are usually right on the bottom but when I see fish hovering 20 or more feet off the bottom, they are most likely triggers, vermillion snapper or red snapper.

When, where and how I wish I could tell you that triggerfish are within reach of small single engine boats but I usually get them at least 30 miles out anywhere from 90 feet deep on out to the Gulf Stream. On super calm days I do see small single engine boats out there but it’s risky. My suggestion to these brave souls is always, and I mean always, tell someone where you are going so if something should happen rescuers have a clue where to look. With that THERE’S A CATCH Tommy Parrot said, triggerfish have very small with a nice triggerfish. mouths, extremely sharp teeth and, like a piranha, can clean the bait off a hook in seconds. Using a two-hook rig made with either 30 or 40 lb. test mono and Mustad 3/0 Demon Circle hooks with an 8-10 oz. bank sinker on the bottom, small chunks of squid or small pieces of cut fish won’t last long when triggers are around. But watch out for those teeth after you land one. Trigger fish play possum just waiting on a chance for payback. One did this to me not long ago grabbing the soft flesh in the palm of my hand. Once they grab hold, they don’t let go. Tears were streaming down my cheeks and if I moved even the slightest bit, it only bit harder. Vicious critters they are.

Cooking triggerfish You can’t go wrong with trigger fillets.

Fried, broiled or pan seared they are fantastic. Anyone that has ever bottom fished with me will chuckle when I tell you my favorite recipe because I have probably said it a thousand times. So, what’s one more time? LL

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POP QUIZ WHY ARE THEY CALLED TRIGGERFISH? Answer: A defense mechanism, the erect dorsal fin is impossible to push down flat unless you push down on the "trigger.”

T H E

COLLINS DOUGHTIE

Swallow Your Tongue Triggerfish Fillets INGREDIENTS Triggerfish fillets 1 can black beans 1 stick butter Paul Prudhomme’s Redfish Magic spice Yellow saffron rice Sour cream

DIRECTIONS [1] Melt a stick of butter. Mix in a healthy dose of Redfish Magic and liberally baste the fillets, broiling them on low until they begin to get a slight tinge of crisping on top. [2] Plate up a pile of yellow saffron rice. [3] Lay the cooked filets on top then top that with a spoonful of black beans and a dollop of sour cream. Salad or fresh fruit on the side is the perfect accompaniment. I swear it’s so good, you’ll swallow your tongue!

F I N E S T

I T A L I A N

C U I S I N E

17 YEARS

RESTAURANT

CO OKING SCHO OL

THE MARKET

Acknowledged by food and wine enthusiasts and critics alike, the restaurant presents a fine-dining experience combining an awardwinning wine list, exquisite food, and attentive service.

Classes are held several days each week in our Tuscan inspired state-ofthe-art culinary center designed to provide the environment for learning skills and techniques for both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts.

In addition to our Pomodoro Sauce and Bolognese Sauce, our shelves are stocked with over 25 different olive oils, 18 balsamic vinegars, 45 varieties of dried pastas in all shapes and flavors.

Orleans Plaza | 37 New Orleans Road | Suite L Hilton Head Island 843.785.6272 | michael-anthonys.com

The LocalLife Cookbook The perfect Christmas gift!

Scan the QR Code to order Local Life’s cookbook, filled with recipes from local chefs.

Beer pairing

DON’T BE MEAN TO PEOPLE Ponysaurus is a brewery based in Durham, N.C. It is a self-proclaimed "forward thinking, backward tasting" brewery using a state of the art chemistry lab and technician to create clean, classic beers that taste like beer should taste. With it being the holiday season, Stephanie Stawski, a wine and beer buyer, manager and certified sommelier at Rollers Wine and Spirits, picked this as her beer of the month. “Not only will it pair beautifully with your meal, it's also good advice during a holiday season often spent with family who may not be your first choice in company,” she wrote.

Pick up a few cans at Rollers Wine and Spirits.

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$15.⁰⁰

A Lowcountry Cookbook compiled by LocalLife Magazine.

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news RESTAURANT

F RE SH FOOD + AWA R DS + NOW OPE N

Chef Geist Ussery partners with the SERG Restaurant Group Fans of sought-after private chef Geist Ussery and SERG Restaurant Group will be happy to know the two have joined forces. Ussery has 25 years of experience in high-end catering, hospitality and event management. He has long been the go-to guy for locals in the know.

Brunch with Santa at Alexander’s

You might have seen him working miracles on 34th Street. He has appeared on rooftops all over the world. You may have even witnessed your mother kissing him! He’s fat! He’s jolly! He’s Santa! And he’s coming to town from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 22, for a Brunch with Santa event at Alexander’s Restaurant and Wine Bar. Take a photo of him next to the fireplace and then choose holiday items from a special buffet. alexandersrestaurant.com or 866-921-6639.

Behind-the-scenes tour at Hilton Head Distillery Have you tried Hilton Head Distillery’s new Bananas Foster Rum yet? If not, treat yourself to an early Christmas gift. Pick up a bottle at Roller’s Wine & Spirits or at HHD headquarters, where you also can take an interactive tour and see how the magic juice was made. For $15, you get one of four options — 6 neat samples; 4 neat samples and 1 cocktail; 2 neat samples and 2 cocktails or 3 cocktails. You can’t go wrong with any of those options.

The best part is, you get to keep the shot glass at the end to memorialize your best day of the week. hiltonheaddistillery.com.

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“My clients trust me and know that they can hand me the reins from start to finish and actually enjoy their event with their guests,” Ussery said.

Ussery is Bluffton native with a Caribbean family background. His heritage shaped not only his sophisticated palate, but his affinity for experimenting with Latin elements while infusing local Southern ingredients and modern techniques.

Alan Wolf, SERG’s director of operations, has high hopes for the partnership.

“Molly Kennedy and Andy Borgmeier have represented the dream team of event catering in the Lowcountry for over 25 successful years, and welcoming Geist to the team will allow SERG Catering to grow and become the premier catering company in the Lowcountry,” he said.

SERG Catering & Special Events offers a variety of creative options for events of all sizes. Learn more at sergcatering.com.

CELEBRATE

Private dining and catering at Michael Anthony’s If you’re on the hook for hosting a sophisticated holiday gathering (and would rather not have your guest know where you live), Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana has you covered with three beautiful and private options. The upstairs private event room can entertain up to 55 people. For more intimate gatherings, the Italian Specialty Market offers a unique and rustic setting for as many as 20 guests. For even smaller groups, the Chef’s Table is a cozy setting for a group of up to 10.

The restaurant also offers meal packages that can be dropped off or picked up. Meals include Pasta Night, Traditional Dinner, Italian Classic and Dinner at Nonna’s. You also can get hors d’oeuvres, dessert and wine packages or in-home catering service. michael-anthonys.com.

Brunch with Santa

DECEMBER 22 • 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. $32++ PER PERSON • $15++ CHILDREN 5 - 12 YRS COMPLIMENTARY PHOTOS WITH SANTA IN FRONT OF OUR FIREPLACE!

Cooking class at Charlie's L'Etoile Verte Learn how to break down poultry like a pro. Join Chef Josh and Chef Joe at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte for their last cooking class of 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 7 at the restaurant. They’re going out with a bang, planning duck a l’orange (fa rah rah rah rah!) and crème brûlée, two different ways. Double your pleasure, double your fun! The class size is 10-13 participants so you’ll need to act quickly if this is up your alley. The cost is $100 and includes a three-course meal with a glass of wine in the dining room, after you learn a few new kitchen tricks from the two culinary ninjas. Wine lovers should also note a $125 all-inclusive Sommelier Smackdown coming up at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at the restaurant. charliesgreenstar.com.

New Year’s Eve Dinner

DECEMBER 31 • 5:00 - 9:00 P.M. $60++ PER PERSON • $25++ WINE PAIRING THREE COURSE PRIX FIXE, CHAMPAGNE TOAST PLUS LIVE MUSIC!

Reservations recommended, call 844.627.1665 after noon daily or visit: AlexandersRestaurant.com Open 7 nights a week Dinner 5 - 9 pm, • Early Dining 5 - 5:45 pm Located in Palmetto Dunes 76 Queens Folly Rd, Hilton Head Island 113 DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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©MICHAEL HRIZUK

Unique beer spot opens in Bluffton

Lucky Rooster adds seasonal flavors to its menu Tis the season to eat poached tilefish, pan-fried pork cutlets and other fine dining favorites. The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar made a seasonal switch to its sophisticated menu, adding all of those winterfriendly items and more. “Seasonal sourcing is really ingrained in everything we do at Lucky Rooster,” chef/ owner Clayton Rollison said. Rollison also is bringing back his famous shrimp and grits, but this time with a seasonal twist. For fans of his cooking, it’s the most wonderful (and cost-saving) time of the year.

Through the holidays, you can get a free entree with the purchase of a $100 gift card. There is also a dinein special, where if you purchase two entrees, you receive a free entree on your next visit. Specials at Lucky Rooster Market Street in Coligny Plaza include free soft-serve for locals and free snacks with the purchase of a sandwich or bowl. luckyroosterhhi.com.

The old Scott’s Market location in Bluffton is now home to a unique destination for beer lovers. The Bluffton Trading Post is a gourmet market, casual cafe and beer emporium offering great beer, fine wines, specialty foods, unique gifts and more. They have 12 rotating beers on tap and an amazing selection in their beer boutique. Have a pint on site or bring a bottle, case or keg home with you. They are the home of the Bluffton Bold Beer Society.

Their wine selection is a varied and eclectic mix of wines from around the world not found in your average wine store. Have it your way - by the glass, by the bottle, take it home, or give it as a gift in one of their logoed wine totes. The menu is fast casual with dishes that pair well with beer and wine. blufftontradingpost.com.

Vegan chef opens new business Tracy Owens has opened a new business called Pure Tracy 2.0. Owens is a private vegan chef who also offers cold press juice delivery, catering and vegan cooking classes.

Reach her at 843-415-5854 or tracyispure@gmail.com.

New brewery opening in Bluffton

Healthy meal prep company opens in Bluffton Sara Stowers is a natural therapy practitioner who, with the help of her husband, has begun an orderbased meal prep business called Naturally Nourished Meals in Bluffton. All meals are prepared from scratch and are completely gluten free using real, whole-food ingredients that are well sourced (grass-fed, free range, wild caught meats and organic produce).

They also offer healthy desserts that are naturally sweetened. getnaturallynourished.com

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A new brewery is opening in Bluffton, officially making the Lowcountry a beer destination.

This operation is going to be called Lot 9 and hopes to open its doors in January on Red Cedar Street near Old Town Bluffton. The founders of this new spot for suds are Dana Briggs and Walter Trifari. The two met during Hurricane Matthew and formed the perfect partnership. Briggs is the owner of a local storm protection company and loves beer.

Trifari is a local brewmaster and was looking for a location to open a brewery. The two will open the brewery at Briggs’ Armour Building Solutions. Local contractors call it Lot 9, the inspiration for the name. Briggs and Trifari hope their brewery will bring good people together over the love of good beer. We’ll drink to that! lot9brew.com.

Learn to cook like Nunzio Patruno Fans of Nunzio Restaurant + Bar can learn to cook like head chef Nunzio Patruno through a series of 10 a.m. cooking classes at the restaurant.

Classes cost $50 per person and include a farmers market tour, class instructions, recipes and a luncheon. Classes must be reserved and paid for in advance. For dates or more information, email nunzios. restaurant@verizon.net.

Wine and ice cream? Wine not!

A new ice cream shop has opened in Old Town Bluffton. Joe’s Ice Cream & Beverage Co. is located on Bruin Road. The pet and kid-friendly business is owned by Joe O’Rourke, who moved to the Lowcountry four years ago from central New York. He offers a variety of traditional and seasonal flavors as well as four wine-based ice cream options. Customers can choose from Cherry Merlot; Peach White Zinfandel; Chocolate Cabernet and Spice (a red mulled wine with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove). Each boozy flavors contain up to 5% alcohol (about the same as a light beer), meaning you must be 21 or older to try a taste. joesicecreambeverage.com.

843.815.3315 COCOONBLUFFTON.COM 6 PROMENADE STREET, UNIT 1008 | PROMENADE | DOWNTOWN BLUFFTON

TINY BITES Beat the breakfast blues

If you love good breakfast, be sure to follow Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe on Facebook to see their daily blue plate specials. They’ve been killing it lately with pumpkin spiced pancakes, blueberry and cream cheese stuffed toast and more. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for their upcoming New Year’s Day Pajama Party, which has become somewhat of a local tradition.

Delicious daiquiris

Wet Willies on Boundary Street in Beaufort has reopened and is now serving beer in addition to its colorful selection of 20 frozen daiquiris. Bottoms up!

Party with a view

ELA’s on the Water is now booking holiday parties. The three stories of dining rooms and breathtaking water views of Broad Creek make for the perfect island location for your event for eight to 168 people. elasgrille.com.

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restaurants SELECT

LOCAL E AT E R IE S YOU DON ' T WA N T TO MISS .

HILTON HEAD NORTH END HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS Seafood: The Carmines family owns a fishing fleet and oyster farm. As a result, much of their seafood originates from local waters. $$ hudsonsonthedocks.com 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island 843-681-2772 RUBY LEE’S Southern: A hotspot for sports, blues and soul food. Great Southern-style food at an affordable price. $$ rubylees.com 46 Old Wild Horse Road, 843-681-7829 19 Dunnagans Alley, HHI 843-785-7825 SPROUT MOMMA Bakery: Sprout Momma's flavorful and healthy artisan bread is a farmers market favorite in the Lowcountry. They recently opened a production bakery on Cardinal Road, offering breakfast and lunch items using their artisan breads. $$ sproutmomma.com 21 Cardinal Road, HHI 843-715-2649 SKULL CREEK BOATHOUSE Seafood: Nestled on the banks of Skull Creek, this spot offers amazing views, fresh local seafood and hand rolled sushi. $$ skullcreekboathouse.com 397 Squire Pope Road, HHI 843-681-3663

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SKULL CREEK DOCKSIDE Seafood: Neighboring Skull Creek Boathouse, similar breathtaking views can be enjoyed from this oldstyle riverhouse-themed spot. $$ docksidehhi.com 2 Hudson Rd, HHI 843-785-3625 WISEGUYS Small Plates, Steaks: A contemporary and sophisticated spot that transports you off the island and into a chic urban eatery.

You’ll want to step up your island casual dress for a more luxurious meal out. $$$ wiseguyshhi.com 1513 Main Street, HHI 843-842-8866

HILTON HEAD MID ISLAND ALEXANDER’S Seafood: One of the island’s most beloved restaurants, now operated

by Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. It is an upscale seafood restaurant and wine bar, featuring seasonally-inspired cuisine and locally caught seafood. $$$ alexandersrestaurant.com 76 Queens Folly Road, HHI 843-785-4999 BIG JIM’S BBQ, Burgers, Pizza: A lively, casual American eatery at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes offering pizza, drinks and more. Open seven days a week. $$ palmettodunes.com 7 Trent Jones Lane, HHI 843-785-1165

THE DUNES HOUSE American: An eatery for Palmetto Dunes resort guests with American fare, live music and a beachfront patio. The Dunes House features an entirely outdoor kitchen offering fresh grilled hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, fish tacos and other fabulous dishes. $$ palmettodunes.com 14 Dunes House Lane, Hilton Head Island 888-348-9300 ELA’S ON THE WATER Fresh fish: Exceptional water views, fresh catch seafood, prime cut steaks and a sophisticated atmosphere. Family­owned and operated. $$$ elasgrille.com 1 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI 843-785-3030 GIUSEPPI’S PIZZA & PASTA Italian: A family spot for pizza made with hand-tossed dough and zesty homemade secret sauce along with plenty of pasta dishes.

If you like to dip your za, make sure to ask for a generous side of their homemade ranch. $ giuseppispizza.com 71 Lighthouse Rd Unit 210, HHI 50 Shelter Cove Ln, HHI 843-785-4144 25 Bluffton Road #601, Bluffton 843-815-9200 POSEIDON Seafood: Named after the god of the sea, this casual waterfront destination is known for coastal cuisine and fun. They have an outdoor. $$ poseidonhhi.com 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121

Shelter Cove Towne Center, Hilton Head Island 843-341-3838

HILTON HEAD SOUTH END THE BLACK MARLIN American: This bayside grille offers fresh local seafood, but if fish is not for you, tackle the Smash Burger and fries if you dare. $$ blackmarlinhhi.com 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island 843-785-4950 CHARBAR CO. Burgers: A great spot for mouthwatering specialty burgers and truffle fries. Make sure to ask about the secret whiskey room when you’re inside. $$ charbarhhi.com 33 Office Park Rd #213, Hilton Head Island 843-785-2427 CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE Seafood, American: A family owned and operated restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood, lamb and steak. The menu is written by hand each day. $$$ charliesgreenstar.com 8 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island 843-785-9277 THE G-FREE SPOT Bakery: A Coligny Plaza gluten-free restaurant specializing in breakfast treats, sandwiches, anytime snacks, desserts, specialty items, coffee and cold drinks. Cupcakes, scones, bread — they make it all without gluten. $$

thegfreespot.com Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Dr., HHI 843-802-4411 HOLY TEQUILA Mexican: Executive chef Jorge Covarrubias was born and raised in Mexico and offers a modern take on authentic Mexican cuisine. $$ holytequila.com 33 Office Park Rd, HHI 843-681-8226 THE LODGE Craft beer, burgers: Kick back and enjoy brews, burgers and barbecue in this hunting lodge-themed casual watering hole. $$ hiltonheadlodge.com 7B Greenwood Drive, HHI 843-842-8966 MARLEYS ISLAND GRILL Caribbean: Enjoy the great atmosphere and live music while you soak up the island feel. Every day they fire up their mesquite wood-fired grill for seafood and steaks. $$ marleyshhi.com 35 Office Park Rd, HHI 843- 686-5800 MICHAEL ANTHONY’S CUCINA ITALIANA Italian: An island favorite for over 15 years. An authentic Italian eatery similar to ones found in the Italian neighborhoods around Philadelphia, where the Fazzini family moved from. $$$ michael-anthonys.com 37 New Orleans Road, HHI 843-785-6272 NUNZIO RESTAURANT + BAR Italian: Nunzio’s classic and contemporary Italian dishes perfectly portray the harmony between South Carolina and Italy. $$$. nunziohhi.com 18 New Orleans Road, HHI 843-715-2172 ONE HOT MAMA’S Barbecue: Executive chef and Food Network star Orchid Paulmeier serves up some amazing barbecue.

Her brisket and chargrilled baby back ribs are fan favorites. $$ onehotmamas.com 7A-1 Greenwood Drive, HHI 843-682-6262 PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE Breakfast, American: Serving the island’s most popular breakfast all day long. Benedicts, omelets, quiche and baked dishes are out of this world. $$ palmettobaysunrisecafe.com 86 Helmsman Way, HHI 843-686-3232 RED FISH Seafood, American: A blend of housemade spices, tropical fruits and vegetables are combined with Lowcountry specialties at this local favorite. $$$ redfishofhiltonhead.com 8 Archer Road, HHI 843-686-3388 SALTY DOG CAFE Seafood: Hilton Head’s most famous restaurant. Serving seafood, salads and sandwiches at an incredible waterfront spot. $$ saltydog.com 232 S. Sea Pines Drive, HHI 843-671-2233 1414 Fording Island Road, Bluffton 843-837-3344 TRATTORIA DIVINA Italian: Enjoy farm to table the Italian way with house-made pasta and ravioli in unique combinations.

Try the Lobster Pot Pie served tableside. Each meal comes with complementary Prosecco. $$$ trattoriadivina.com 33 Office Park Road, Ste. 224, HHI 843-686-4442

BLUFFTON THE PEARL KITCHEN & BAR Fresh fish, Steakhouse: This romantic, boutique-style eatery fits in perfectly with its Old Town surroundings. Everything is bright, fresh and interesting. $$$ thepearlbluffton.com 55 Calhoun St., Bluffton 843-757-5511

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Bring out the cute in charcuterie Take your holiday charcuterie tray over the top with these tips and suggestions from Geist Ussery of SERG Catering & Events. Because charcuterie is ready-to-eat, making an impressive plate is easy.

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It all starts with the tray Most of your tray will be covered so focus on an interesting edge or shape. This vintage serving tray is festive and elegant. A large frond or banana leaves provide a natural lining and cover any imperfections your trays may have.

It’s mainly about the meat The meaning of the word charcuterie

by Merriam-Webster is a delicatessen specializing in dressed meats and meat dishes. In other words, mix up your meats and mustards, and after that, fill in with pickles, olives and nuts.

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Leave no space uncovered We love how every space on this tray is filled in with edibles. Great fillers include nuts, sprouts and pickles.

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Crackers aren’t lonely Your breads and crackers shouldn’t be relegated to another tray. Put them right in your charcuterie.

Dense breads and toasts hold up best.

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The devil is in the details Little things like taking the tails off shrimp make all the difference. Otherwise, you need a tail bowl, and guests need two hands to eat them. Check out the interesting skewers and random placement of items (confession: none of it is random).

PRO TIP

Need some help?

If you want the perfect charcuterie, SERG Catering & Events is only a call away.

Charcuterie checklist

Toasts and dense crispy crackers + Meats: Salami, prosciutto, capicola + French grain mustard + Sliced French bread Spanish olives (pitted and with pimentos) + Homemade spicy pickles + Poached shrimp (tails removed) + Almonds Walnuts + Fresh spring onions + Multi-colored cherry tomatoes + Sprouts + Mozzarella and salami skewers

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Feb. 24–Mar. 1, 2020 CELEBRATING SOUTHERN HERITAGE AND CULTURE WITH FOOD + DRINK

HILTONHEADSEAFOODFESTIVAL.COM

All proceeds benefit the nonprofit 501(c)(3) David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation

libations

Christmas cocktails (IN CASE YOU WANT SOMETHING STRONGER THAN EGGNOG)

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RECIPES BY TERRY CERMAK + PHOTOS BY W PHOTOGRAPHY

Baby, it's cold outside! What better way to warm up than with a few Christmas cocktails? Local spirit specialist Terry Cermak crafted these merry libations, perfect for washing down cookies or spicing up your holiday party. Everyone will be feeling jolly after sipping on these festive concoctions.

The Christmas Mule INGREDIENTS 2 ounces Bulrush Gin 10 mint leaves 1/2 ounce St. Germain 3â „4 ounce lime juice 2 ounces ginger beer

DIRECTIONS Muddle mint leaves, simple syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add gin and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice; top with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig.

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The Nutcracker

INGREDIENTS 2 ounces Rivulet Pecan Liqueur 1 1/2 ounces Solera Blood Orange Liqueur DIRECTIONS Add ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into a chilled Collins glass.

MON THRU FRI 10 – 6 SAT 10 – 5 • CLOSED SUN

The Hogmanay For nearly 400 years, the celebration of Christmas as we know it was banned in Scotland.

In its stead, the Scottish New Year's festival, Hogmanay, always has been a day’s long party.

INGREDIENTS 2 ounces Stroma 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 2-4 drops spiced cherry bitters DIRECTIONS Add Stroma to a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Add the cherry bitters.

Stir vigorously for 30 seconds and top with club soda (or champagne).

Eat, Drink, Shop, & Be Merry!

From Food, to Fashion, to Function and Everything in between.

95 Mathews Drive | HHI, SC

portroyalplaza.com

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libations

Local Cocktail

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LOCAL COCKTAIL

The Chaplin Community Park

INGREDIENTS 1 ounce Bulrush Gin 3/4 ounce Applejack 3/4 ounce Cocchi Torino 1/2 ounce Koval Chrysanthemum & Honey Liqueur 1 bar spoon St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 1 dash Orange Bitters 3/4 ounce egg whites DIRECTIONS Combine the ingredients into a mixing glass with fresh ice and shake very well for 30 seconds. Pour into a Nick and Nora glass and garnish with Luxardo cherries.

ŠLLOYD WAINSCOTT

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New Yorkers love their alcohol, so much so that many cocktails have been named in their honor (The Manhattan, Long Island Iced Tea, The Brooklyn, to mention a few).

Many Lowcountry residents love a great cocktail as well. With that in mind, spirit specialist and writer-at-large Terry Cermak created a series of cocktails that celebrate local landmarks, events and founding fathers.

This month’s featured libation is The Chaplin Community Park.

This awesome local park (with its tennis and basketball courts, playground, dog park and beach access) has something for everyone, not unlike this distinctively local cocktail. LL

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“One of the Best Breakfasts on Hilton Head” SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE

It’s bananas!

Hilton Head Distillery’s long awaited Bananas Foster Rum is finally here. Peter Thompson and Michael Usina recently dropped off a bottle of this liquid gold for our sipping pleasure and we were absolutely blown away. Those guys are not monkeying around! With light banana and vanilla on the nose, and hints of brown sugar and cinnamon, you can justify drinking this in just about every social situation. If you’re looking to gift a rum lover something uniquely awesome and local, consider picking up a bottle at HHD headquarters, Bill’s Liquor in Bluffton or Roller’s Wine & Spirits. Online shipping will soon be available. Once you get your hands on a bottle, here are two great recipes to get you started.

HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY

Who Put Banana in my Peanut Butter

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces HHD Bananas Foster Rum 3/4 ounce peanut butter syrup 1/4 ounce Hershey’s chocolate syrup DIRECTIONS Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Home of the Daily Blue Plate Special!

6am-2pm Mon-Fri • 6am-3pm Sat -Sun • Palmetto Bay Marina

843.686.3232 • PalmettoBaySunRiseCafe.com

QUALITY USED FURNITURE

Buy & Sell Custom Furniture Painting Delivery & Pick Up

HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY

Caramel Salted Banana

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces HHD Bananas Foster Rum 3/4 ounce caramel salted syrup 1 cinnamon stick DIRECTIONS Pour the rum and caramel syrup into a shaker with ice, then shake until cold. Pour into a glass with ice and swirl with a cinnamon stick to add a seasonal essence.

142 Burnt Church Road, Unit 57B

by Appointment Only 917.545.5920

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outdoors

SECRET SPOT OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE ROLDÁN-SHAW

Eagle Crick How to get there Location: New River, Bluffton Mode of transport: Jon boat Directions: Put in at New River Bridge on Highway 46/170.

Take a right and go downstream until you reach the first sizable creek to the right off the main channel. If you hit Cooks Landing, you’ve gone too far.

Travel tip: Check the tides — high water is needed to get back up in the creek, and if it falls while you linger, you’ll be stuck.

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Far from the party boats and strings of docks on more glamorous waterways, the New River snakes its quiet course through wild country. You might have crossed it many times on the New River Bridge without even knowing as you drove the back way from Bluffton to Savannah. From hidden headwaters in the swamps behind Sun City to its mouth in the Calibogue Sound at Daufuskie, the New goes from blackwater to brackish to salt: from snakes and tarantulas, to alligators and flopping fish, to dolphins and crabs, respectively. But according to Capitan — the preferred title of my old friend and expedition mate when piloting his spray-painted, camo Jon boat in the Outback — there was a spot along it with more bald eagles than he’d ever seen in his life. A spot he called Eagle Crick.

A trip down the New is a voyage through history, as there’s little on the way to give it a visual update since former glory days as rice

W I S H I N G Y ’A L L A M E R RY C H R I S T M A S

country. With nary a home for miles, all you see is unbuildable. Here and there dredged canals off the main channel cut straight back into the marsh, part of the old Carolina Gold rice cultivation system built by enslaved people during the plantation era.

But Eagle Crick is a natural branch, winding by coils into a no-man’s land of mud and densely tangled vegetation. There’s not a single proper landing spot along it.

The reeds teem with redwing blackbirds and an occasional racket denotes nearby gators. If you like human habitation, do not come to this place. Stepping off the boat and attempting overland travel would be frustrating if not fatal. We do not matter to the New River.

“Yeah, I guess that last hurricane took out the eagle’s nest,” announced our ever-inventive Capitan when we had traversed most of the creek without seeing any national birds. A snag in the distance was their former homesite, he claimed, but all I saw were a few buzzards. No matter — it was a beautiful day and we had shrimp salad sandwiches prepared by the ship’s cook (his sister) plus the joyful company of our skipper (his dog.) I am still first mate, even though he tried to demote me to swabbie following a tactical error (I improperly parked the boat trailer), but he’s already done that so many times I don’t sweat it anymore. He’ll never find a replacement — who else would understand Eagle Crick? Turning sweet gum leaves flared red in distant tree lines while late-blooming goldenrod glowed in the foreground; the perfectly still blackwater reflected a more profound blue than the sky. That’s pretty much all there was to it.

Places like this don’t mean much to most people, but to not have them would be a real loss — I need to know there’s still somewhere in the Lowcountry where we don’t matter. LL

“ T he reeds teem with redwing blackbirds and an occasional racket denotes nearby gators”

ADVENTURE AWAITS Few have experienced the natural wonders of Eagle Crick, a no-man's land of mud and densely tangled vegetation along the New River.

In the Shadow of the Lighthouse

HARBOUR TOWN 843.671.2291

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Try Waterfront Living

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Created in response to the high demand of customers wanting more space for entertaining and more power, the Talaria 55 MKII by Hinckley Yachts is ideal for cruising local waters with friends and loved ones. Its spacious design provides guests with privacy and many interior rooms.

Its top-of-the-line technology allows you to safely cruise with your guests in style. Step aboard.

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SWEET DREAMS Two staterooms give overnight guests a sense of both roominess and privacy, ideal for those friends and family members who love the notion of feeling completely at home on the water.

SITTING PRETTY With an elevated fly bridge, this yacht offers additional seating for six passengers, plus the helmsman.

Talaria 55 MKII

WaterWalkHHI.com | 843-258-4436 47 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

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LET’S PARTY The Talaria 55 MKII makes entertaining easy. An enclosure between the cockpit and salon offers open air, single level entertaining while open and a protected, secure, and temperature-controlled interior when closed.

Manufacturer: Hinckley Yachts Length overall: 55’11” Beam: 17’19” Draft: 2’11” Engines: Twin Caterpillar C-18 1,000 HP diesels Fuel capacity: 1,200 US gallons Water capacity: 200 US gallons Cruise speed: 35 knots with optional power Top speed: 39 knots with optional power Base price: $2,950,000 More information: hinckleyyachts.com

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Cool camper

ROCKWOOD SIGNATURE ULTRA LITE 8299BS

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NOW WE’RE COOKING There is plenty of space to work, plus the kitchen island features a double sink and extra counter space.

LIVE IT UP Relax in the living area that features a hide-a-bed sofa and a corner entertainment center with a fireplace.

Hit the road without having to leave the comforts of home in this luxurious fifth wheel by Forest River. The Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite combines style and function and is big enough to sleep the whole family. Once you step inside you will find beautiful Slatewood interior, solid wood cabinet doors and drawers, plus LED lighting throughout.

Outside there are two awnings which offer plenty of shade, and at night you can turn on the LED lights, grab your lawn chairs, and fire up the outside gas grill for hot dogs. Take a look around.

29B Dune Lane North Forest Beach

Since 1988, we’ve been providing first-class customer service to homeowners looking to rent their properties easily and efficiently. We try to understand all your wants and needs so we can create the best experience possible.

Share your home with us and we’ll work hard for you.

Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8299BS Manufacturer: Forest River Weight: 9,505 pounds Hitch weight: 1,581 pounds Length overall: 34’1” Width: 8 feet Height: 13 feet Slides: 3 Base price: $50,995 More information: forestriverinc.com SLEEP WELL The front bedroom features a Serta queen bed, a dresser, a closet and a spot for a washer and dryer.

800.545.3303 | VacationCompany.com info@vacationcompany.com 42 New Orleans Road, Suite 102 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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culture Smells. I remember smells even though it has been almost thirty years since I left. The pluff mud at low tide and dying spartina grass rafting out to sea, the blue clay that appeared mysteriously on the beach after storms — prehistoric sea marsh. All the creek smells.

New grass, old grass, dead fish, oyster flats. The wood-stove smells in our classrooms.

- JIM ALBERTO, DAUFUSKIE DAZE

Daufuskie Daze STORY BY CAROLYN MALES

JIM AND CAROL ALBERTO GET SCHOOLED ON DAUFUSKIE

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IN GOOD FAITH First Union African Bapitst Church was built in 1884 and is the only active church on Daufuskie Island today.

LIVING, LEARNING AND TEACHING In 1974, newlyweds Jim and Carol Alberto started teaching students in a small wooden schoolhouse on Daufuskie Island.

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Right now it was the brackish smell and feel of spray from the Calibogue Sound that had our attention. Jim Alberto stood at the helm of his small open motorboat as his wife, Carol, and I sat back watching Daufuskie Island’s wooded shoreline loom closer into view. On this trip here, one of the hundreds the Albertos had made over the years, we were traveling back in time as well as into the present.

The Albertos had first crossed the Calibogue in 1974 as starry-eyed college grads who’d been hired to teach on an island (without a bridge or grocery store) in a tworoom school led by a school board that supervised by neglect. Electricity, it should be noted, had arrived only twenty-three years earlier.

PAL ME TTO RUN N IN G C O M PA N Y OFFE RS THE . . .

While Carol finished up her master’s degree in Columbia that September, Jim had hunkered down in a county-provided shack that resembled a glorified deer stand.

It did have running water, albeit rusty, as well as a shower. But the latter came with a corroded bottom forcing Jim to straddle the edges lest he go tumbling through to the pit beneath the rotted floorboards. After Carol arrived, they eventually got their promised trailer. Happily it was new; not so happily, its utilities were powered by hundred-pound propane tanks. Where to get refills? In Bluffton, naturally, so hauling the empties onto a boat at the public dock, traveling to the mainland and bringing back full ones be-

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came yet another Harry Homeowner chore along with weekly hour-long boat runs to the mainland for food and other necessities.

Indeed, Daufuskie and its then 85 residents had been mostly forgotten by the world until Pat Conroy penned a fictionalized account of his abbreviated teaching career there. The resulting book, The Water is Wide, was published in 1972

HILTON HEAD 28 Shelter Cove Lane | BLUFFTON 30 Plantation Park Drive 843-815-1718 | palmettorunningcompany.com DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com 129

culture

DAUFUSKIE READS Daufuskie Daze. Join teachers Carol and Jim Alberto as they embark on a nine-year adventure living and working on an island with no bridge, few services, and a school board that governed by neglect.

Daufuskie Island. (Images of America series). A 1935 proposal for a bridge and causeways? A Spanish-American War quarantine detention camp? Island residents Jenny Hersch and Sallie Ann Robinson’s outstanding pictorial history offers fascinating, and often little known insights into the Daufuskie story.

Daufuskie Island. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe’s blank-and-white photographs capture a moment in time for the island’s Gullah community in 1982 before developers moved in.

Sallie Ann Robinson’s Kitchen: Food and Family Lore From The Lowcountry and Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way. Native Islander Sallie Ann Robinson spices Gullah-influenced home-style dishes like Ol’ Fuskie Fried Crab Rice and Broken Blue Crab Stew with her memories, making these great books to browse and savor as well as cook from.

An Island Named Daufuskie. Postmaster/school bus driver/author, Billie Burn interviewed fellow islanders and collected stories about Daufuskie’s rapidly disappearing folkways and way of life in this 1984 book.

The Right Side of the River: Romance, Rage, and Wonder. Roger Pinckney, the island’s most original voice, offers entertaining anecdotes of his adventures.

Check out his novel Reefer Moon for a lively tale of a dope deal gone wrong, complete with hungry developers and dashes of voodoo mixed in.

The Water is Wide. Pat Conroy based his iconic novel on his stint as a teacher at the Mary Fields School in 1969-70.

Two years after release of the book in 1972, it was adapted into the film Conrack, starring Jon Voigt.

Dead Low Water. This novel by Roger Pinckney is a work of fiction based on real events. When the owners of the Harbour Town marina turn up missing, two cops go rogue trying to find them and uncover a vast and seething criminal conspiracy with embezzlement, smuggling and murder. Pinckney is the author of 15 books about the Lowcountry.

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and two years later Hollywood turned it into the movie Conrack starring Jon Voigt. Conroy’s teaching stint had lasted about nine months.

The Albertos would hang on for nine adventure-packed years.

Recently Jim, buoyed by Carol’s memories, had decided to write a memoir of their island sojourn titled Daufuskie Daze and over the past three years I’d had the good fortune of being entertained by their rollicking tales as we pulled the book together.

Now as we were tying up to the dock at Freeport Marina, I’m setting foot in their world. Here we pick up water at the General Store and rent a golf cart, the main means of transportation on the island.

Fifteen minutes later we’re rolling past the Marsh Tacky horse stables and then onto Haig Point Road where we glide by the entrance to Haig Point’s private residential enclave and then that of Melrose, a pretty waterside community with a resort that’s been on a financial rollercoaster ride. Both developments, along with Bloody Point on the south end, were started in the mid-eighties just as the Albertos, infant Zach in tow, were decamping for Hilton Head Island living.

Through the dense tangle of pines, magnolias, and palmettos along the main road we catch glimpses of dirt tracks with trailers and cottages with traces of haint blue paint (traditionally made from indigo and guaranteed to ward off bad spirits) around windows, on shutters and doors. We pass hand-lettered signs announcing firewood for sale and offering repair services. “This road was just packed dirt and there weren’t any street signs when we lived here,” Jim observes. Back then the young couple had traveled around the five-mile-long island in a succession of battered vehicles–– some brakeless (requiring tricky maneuvering, especially around water), others without reverse gear –– bumping along rutted lanes alongside islanders’ oxcarts, roving cattle, and wayward dogs.

As we glide along, I consider that much of this verdant growth we’re passing might, in fact, be a more recent feature. An 1862 map shows the island divvied up among ten plantations growing indigo, fruit and vegetables, tobacco, and Sea Island cotton. While enslaved Gullah families worked the fields and tended the big houses, planters would live much of the year in

ISLAND OF INEQUALITY While Beaufort County had seen fit to build the single-room White School (above) in 1913, they’d ignored black children.

Left: Carol teaching fourth grade class at Mary Field Elementary School in the 1970s.

Savannah and beyond. After the Civil War, the freed slaves became sharecroppers or hired hands. Then around 1920 boll weevils smacked King Cotton with the kiss of death.

By the early 20th century, timbering along with oyster shucking houses and a cannery boosted the island economy as fisherman plied the waters in their hand-built bateaux. Disaster struck again when industrial pollution in the Savannah River shut harvesting down. Jobs disappeared and most of the working population moved off island. Grandparents were left to raise children, a situation that had greeted the Albertos forty years ago.

Now turning onto Church Road we come to the First Union African Baptist Church, a white wooden structure built in 1884. As we walk up, we hear a woman from inside the sanctuary singing, “Jesus on the mainline, tell him what you want…” The voice, it turns out, belongs to Sallie Anne Robinson, tour guide and celebrated cookbook author who is showing her visitors Daufuskie’s only active church. The sixth generation islander, a former Conroy student and a classroom aide for Carol, exchanges hugs with the Albertos before we all hop into our golf carts to continue our respective journeys.

A quarter of a mile down the road we reach the Mary Fields School where we pull into the same spot where Billie Burn used to drop off and pick up students in her rattletrap mayonnaise-colored school bus. As we approach the steps, Jim smiles. The small palmetto that he’d planted by the front door in 1978

now shades the roof. Then swatches of blue on a clothesline against the white low-slung building catch our eye. The patterned fabric is a preview of what we’ll find inside.

But first Jim offers a history lesson. While Beaufort County had seen fit to build the single-room White School in 1913, they’d ignored black children. In the 1930s the Union African Baptist Church had raised funds to remedy this inequality. One hundred and four African-American students, grades one through eight, were soon packed into the two classrooms in shifts with few supplies and little support from the county. It would be 1950 before they’d get indoor restrooms and a kitchen with a wood-burning stove.

Meanwhile in 1962, the white Daufuskie School shut its doors, its only student having graduated. As for high school, the teens were boated over to the mainland on Monday where they lived in a boarding house or with relatives until being sent home on Friday. By the time the Albertos arrived fourteen years later, only twenty-two students were left. However, integration didn’t arrive until the late ‘70s when four white children moved to the island. Mary Fields’ last students would put down their pencils in 1997 when the new school opened.

Lesson over, we enter. Here draped along Carol’s

old grade one-through-four classroom blackboard are swaths of blue scarves, dyed from indigo plants the artisans at Daufuskie Blues have gathered from around the island. Now where kids once hunched over scarred wooden desks, sit vats of water and dyes, cutting tables, and an ironing board. Jim wanders into the adjoining classrooms where he taught older kids. Today it’s an all-purpose meeting room.

Jim notes that the odor of creosote that had filtered through from the old wood-burning stove in the kitchen is long gone.

It was in these old rooms that kids learned about island wildlife from the glass beehive and the snake skins Jim tacked up on the wall. Before heading back, we grab a look at the public dock where oystermen and steamers from Savannah once docked.

From here, the Albertos had made runs to the mainland in a series of sometimes leaky, much-abused watercraft on which they wove through marshes, oyster beds, and rivers, sometimes braving icy winds and pea soup fog.

Transportation has improved since the 1970s. Our golf cart will easily get us back to the marina and the bow of the Alberto’s boat will soon be pointing us toward the lights of Hilton Head as this slow-paced, ever-interesting island fades into the mists. LL

435 William Hilton Parkway • Suite K • Hilton Head, SC

A DIFFERENT WORLD From navigating weekly boat rides to the mainland for groceries to learning to avoid dangerously close encounters with local wildlife, these teachers had no idea how much they would learn from the island and the people who call it home.

843.785.2425

A few doors down from Home Goods!

VISIT DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com LOWCOUNTRYLINENS.COM

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Two of a kind

culture

Lace and Light by Stephen Scott Young (Red Piano)

Stephen Scott Young is an American artist best known for his watercolor paintings and etchings that depict everyday life on the East Coast and the Out Islands of The Bahamas. Often painting genre scenes of quotidian life, his work is noted for his strikingly realistic use of watercolor and eloquent simplicity of subject matter done in the American realist tradition. His only two large-scale, dry-brush masterworks are currently on display at Red Piano Art Gallery in Bluffton.

Lace and Light (dry brush, 52” x 30 1/2”) and Young Butterfly Lace (dry brush, 40" x 60”) both showcase Young’s attention to detail and intricacy.

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Butterfly Lace by Stephen Scott Young (Red Piano)

Lace and Light (Detail)

Linda Raih, Nancy Apy, Carol Romano Geraghty and Caroline Alderman

Opening Reception Wednesday, November 6 • 5-7pm Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist Free and open to the public Reindeer by Amos Hummell

Holiday Herds

December 3-31

Artist Reception

Meet & Greet

Mon-Sat • 10am-4pm; Sun • 12-4pm and 90 minutes before all Arts Center performances

Wed, Dec 11 • 5-7pm Enjoy refreshments Free and open to the public

Tues, Dec 3, 10 & 17 10am-12pm

Over 150 pieces of member artwork also on exhibit and for sale Presented by Art League of Hilton Head a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization Inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 14 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI www.ArtLeagueHHI.org 843.681.5060

Reindeer have descended with the dark.

They stand on shelves, cluster on the dining room table,

LEAN ENSEMBLE THEATER

pose in white silhouettes before green flood lights, and leap through pine forests on napkins and towels.

Every Brilliant Thing

by Duncan MacMillan & Jonny Donahoe Directed by Maegan Azar

One loaned his antlers to our mailbox.

Another gave his to a red VW Beetle driven by a bright-eyed woman with short white hair and a broad, broad smile.

December 12th-14th, 19th-21st 7:30 pm December 15th & 22nd 2 pm

Our lawns have gone to sleep.

The trees have shed their leaves.

But the deer hang around in darkness, dawn and midday, unafraid of dogs or hunters, never asking for food or drink, just reminding us of days on the farm where we never lived and delivery myths before FedEx. — Bill Newby

7 lagoon road, HHI evenings & matinees $40 • students & active military $15

at

843.715.6676 LEANENSEMBLE.ORG DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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destinations

ROAD TRIP Hilton Head Island to Cumberland Island Duration: 155 miles (2 hours, 31 minutes)

Cumberland Island: Georgia’s Wild Coast

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BY CAROLYN MALES

We know we’re about to step into a wilder world when Rachel, a staff member from the Greyfield Inn, greets us at the ferry dock on Georgia’s Cumberland Island.

In her hand she holds a pelvic bone of an as-yet-unidentified animal she’d just found. It will be the first of many bones we’ll see as we wander about an island that has escaped the clutches of development and embraced Mother Nature.

During our short stay here we’ll explore the history and ecology of this 36,000acre sparsely populated barrier island, always returning to the comforts of the inn. In short, this brief interlude would be a

perfect respite from everyday obligations and the incessant blare of cable news and social media.

On our first morning, a path that looks straight out of a fairy tale beckons us to walk beneath its canopy of gnarled Spanish moss-bearded live oaks down to the Atlantic. A few paces in, a feral horse, the first of many we’ll see, crosses the sandy lane and ambles off into the brush.

Meanwhile, it feels as if a nor’easter is kicking up. Yet we press on, braving the winds. A surprise awaits when we reach the dunes. A crew from a glossy magazine stands poised in front of a red Land Rover

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to photograph a young model in a filmy dress that puffs up and swirls in the gusts. While she attempts to wrestle it into submission, a camera man is trying to coax Fisher, the inn’s personable golden retriever, to pose alongside her but he’s clearly spooked by the flying fabric.

Leaving them to their seemingly impossible task, we step out onto the white sand and head down to the water’s edge where whitecaps dance on the gray sea.

As I walk down the sandy driveway to Gogo Ferguson’s studio, I’m greeted by deer and horse skulls and the suspended skeleton of one of the island’s feral equines, a carpet of shells and sun bleached bones spread beneath. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, cufflinks dazzle in display cases amid shells, bits of antlers, and other natural artifacts. Votive candle holders, their delicate design cast from sea kelp, shimmer with light while sea urchin napkin rings and jacaranda seed serving spoons entice with dreams of setting an elegant table. Gogo, a fifth-generation Carnegie, inherited her special connection to wildlife from grandmother

Greyfield Inn

At the risk of being sandblasted, I pause to marvel at the wide pristine stretch of oceanfront real estate. There isn’t a building or vendor in sight, only a few other intrepid souls on this blustering late morning. I can’t help thinking about what is, what was, and what might have been. Especially the latter.

More than fifty years ago, Charles Fraser stood on this bridgeless, untamed island, his head full of dreams. Amid the mudflats, salt marshes, creeks, forests, and sand dunes, he contemplated building a Hilton Head resort-type development linked by aerial gondolas to the mainland.

Bubbling over with enthusiasm, he unfurled his maps and plats for a gated community (with golf course, shopping, and marina situated amid environmentally protected land) onto a table during the wedding reception of one of his Sea Pines employees to a Carnegie heir.

Lucy R. Ferguson (the same Lucy in the portrait at the Greyfield Inn) who took her on island nature walks and nighttime turtle watches as a child. Her designs have garnered fans such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Carly Simon while Atlanta’s High Museum has celebrated her talents with a major exhibition of her work.

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Historic Highlights DUNGENESS These magnificent ruins seem to echo with the sounds of partygoers and well, money. Ironically, its origins began in debt, one the fledging nation owed to Revolutionary War hero Nathaniel Greene who was given 11,000 acres here as payback. His widow Catherine would build a four-story tabby mansion with her second husband, Phineas Miller, and oversee a cotton plantation and orchards.

Thomas Carnegie, the next owner, went on a spending spree in the 1880s, transforming the vast property into a family resort with a 59-room Queen Anne mansion flanked by gardens, pools, golf course, and outbuildings. Alas, he would fall victim to the Carnegie Curse (males dying young) before the estate’s completion.

His widow, Lucy, in turn, expanded her brood’s island footprint, building Greyfield for her daughter, Margaret, and Plum Orchid for her son, George. But with the family fortune dwindling (imagine the upkeep!), the Carnegies eventually abandoned this sprawling pile which later burned in 1959. Arson, it’s rumored. Even so, they would return to picnic in the picturesque ruins.

STAFFORD PLANTATION The manor house, built on the labor of 348 enslaved people with profits from Sea Island cotton, that once stood on this site, belonged to Robert Stafford, a plantation owner who weathered the Civil War in place. Stafford, who had a complex history with slavery, fathered six children with the enslaved Zabette Bernardey and sent them all north to Connecticut for schooling and safety during the war years. He then began a second family with Juda, a second enslaved woman with whom he had two daughters. The house went up in flames in 1900 and a newer, more fire-proof house was built in its place. (private) FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH After the Civil War, free-born and formerly enslaved African Americans established The Settlement, a small community on the north end of the island. A log cabin first served as the church, which was established in 1893, until this tiny wooden house of worship was built in 1937.

PLUM ORCHARD

Not being ones to cart our own tents, we’d opted for the Greyfield with its package of private ferry service to and from the mainland, lodging, meals, island tours, bikes, fishing gear, kayaks, and more. Staying in one of the inn’s fifteen rooms has been compared to vacationing at a friend’s country estate. A refrigerator of box lunches in the mansion’s kitchen means guests can pick them up to picnic on the beach, tuck them into a bike basket, or take them to an indoor or outdoor spot to dine. On the main floor, a selfservice honor bar features a booklet of favorite recipes for creating your own cocktails.

With dinner time approaching, a casual formality takes hold as men, now wearing jackets, and women in dressy attire mingle in the antique-filled drawing room as a portrait of the red bandana-wearing, dagger-toting Lucy R. Ferguson looks on. On the wide window sills sit skulls of a gator and sea turtle, both indicative of the artifacts that Lucy, an avid naturalist, might have collected during her lifetime.

Among the folks we chat with are a group of California winery owners, a Google employee and her mother, a couple from Savannah celebrating an anniversary, young honeymooners, and our host Mitty Ferguson, the Carnegie heir who with wife Mary operates the inn. While some visitors come to see the island’s wilderness and historic sites, others bliss out (there is no television or Wi-Fi) luxuriating in solitude as they read, bird watch, fish, or roam the 200-acre estate.

At 7:30 the dinner bell rings and we all head to the dining room and the veranda where the conversation continues over

Wild Reads

First African Baptist Church

Some newlyweds get silver or china as a wedding present. Lucy Carnegie, however, gifted her son, George, and his wife, Margaret Thaw, with money to build this Georgian Revival mansion on the Brickhill River in 1898. The 22,000-square-foot house with its Tiffany lamps, hand-painted wall coverings, intricate woodwork, plus an indoor swimming pool and squash-tennis court epitomizes Gilded Age opulence. Tours daily.

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If that didn’t doom his proposition, environmentalists and more Cumberland families rallied to the anti-development cause. Fraser rolled up his plans when the National Park Service bought the 3,000 acres he’d already acquired. Then, having struck deals with the big estate owners, the NPS established the country’s largest and most biologically diverse national seashore in 1972.

Today, there are two options for overnighting on this 17½-mile-long barrier island: rustic camping at the National Park Service sites or the simple elegance of the Greyfield Inn. The latter, a 1900 winter retreat for Margaret Ricketson, heir to the Carnegie steel fortune, was turned into an inn by her daughter Lucy R. Ferguson in the 1960s. Over the years the two-story white frame building has served as a secluded escape for well-heeled nature lovers. In September 1996, the inn scored national headlines when it hosted festivities for the John F. Kennedy Jr.-Carolyn Bessette wedding, an event so swathed in secrecy that even the storied couple’s guests didn’t know where they were going until they set foot here.

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UNTAMED; THE WILDEST WOMAN IN AMERICA AND THE FIGHT FOR CUMBERLAND ISLAND BY WILL HARLAN

Environmentalist, grass-root activist, survivalist, renegade or hero, whatever you want to call this road kill-eating, sea turtle-riding rabble-rouser, Carol Ruckdeschel is not afraid to voice her strong opinions even when they clash with fellow conservationists. The outspoken islander would banish the horses along with the tourists from Cumberland.

Along with this fascinating portrait, Harlan offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifecycle of sea turtles, encompassing their decades-long journey from here to Africa and back along with the incredible obstacles they must overcome to lay eggs on our shores.

CHLOE GOES HOME Island Footnotes

Feral horse with no name.

a gourmet meal of sugar snap pea salad with king trumpet mushrooms and a line-caught sheepshead fish followed by a Meyer lemon pudding cake –– all sourced from the inn’s garden and the surrounding water.

The next day, as we travel the island’s unpaved roads through maritime forests of loblolly pines, palmettos, cedar, and live oaks, our guides offer commentary on the ecological system and environmental concerns. Along with alligators, armadillos, butterflies and birds, we spot several of the feral horses, their gene pool said to be a combined legacy of those brought over by Spanish settlers mated with the Carnegie’s Kentucky thoroughbred stock. No matter their provenance or their appeal, we learn that the creatures, not in the best of health, are a topic of controversy as they munch on cord grass and sea oats, destabilizing marshes and dunes.

Too soon, it’s time to leave. The ferry ride back on the Amelia River allows for a gradual re-entry as we cruise past the narrowing tip of the island and head into Fernandina Beach where we’ll disembark. But just before we get to that charming little town, a strange Rube Goldberg-esque configuration of pipes and smoke stacks looms into view—a paper mill now revved up to manufacture packaging for internet shipping.

And so, we are back in the real world.

Note: A few months later I catch sight of the cover of that glossy magazine and see the model standing atop the red Land Rover, straw hat in hand, her skirt artistically blown to one side against the gray palette of the day. Fisher the dog is nowhere in sight. LL

■ P re-Civil War, the island had around thirteen plantations growing rice, indigo, and the lucrative cash crop – Sea Island cotton. Over the years, timber from Cumberland was harvested for use in shipbuilding, and making turpentine, telephone poles, and wood pulp.

■ L egend has it that Eli Whitney’s cotton gin owed much to Dungeness’s Charlotte Greene Miller whom, upon seeing his rough draft of the invention, handed him her hairbrush, suggesting he modify his design to include a comb-like mechanism to more efficiently remove seeds. Her second husband,

Phineas, formed a company with Whitney, but farmers pirated the invention and Whitney earned little from his patent. In the meantime, the invention, meant to reduce production labor, ended up boosting slavery as plantation owners expanded the crop’s cultivation.

■ When the Union Army took over the island during the Civil War, plantation owners fled.

Afterwards, freed and free-born African-Americans formed small communities in the High PointHalf Moon Bluff Area where they lived and farmed.

■ I n the late 1800s, donkey-drawn trolleys would pick up guests arriving on steamers at the Cumberland dock and transport them via metal tracks to the High Point Hotel on the north end of the island. But in the 1920s as Florida’s new resorts began drawing the moneyed crowd, the hotel became a hunt club. Eventually the Candler family of Coca-Cola fame bought the property and converted it into a family compound.

■ Cumberland is a major transatlantic flyway for more than 300 bird species. Its salt marshes, dunes and forest offer protected breeding sites for many endangered species as well. This year loggerhead and green sea turtles built a record number of 885 nests on the beach here.

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E V E R Y DAY

a wonderful and healthy animal is ready to enrich your life as a beautiful new family member.

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www.hhhumane.org DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Trash-to-treasure ideas TRANSFORM ITEMS FROM YOUR DONATION BOX INTO SOMETHING CREATIVE AND NEW

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry recently hosted its Thrift Store Flip event, a take on the HGTV show Flea Market Flip. Individuals were asked to pick up an item at one of the many local thrift stores and transform it into something creative and new. The stylish recreations were on display for a silent auction Nov. 7 at LOCAL Life headquarters. A panel of judges picked its favorites and awarded cash prizes. The event featured 51 items and raised more than $13,000.

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The Winners!

PHOTOS BY ARNO DIMMLING 1ST PLACE:

A bright idea

This lamp by Cathy Olivetti found new life by putting good use to those colorful tins you feel bad about throwing away.

2ND PLACE:

Turning the tables

A combination of shutters, picture frame, and a drawer can go a long way. All you need is a little creativity, a paint brush, and maybe some glue.

Lynne Hummell transformed the items into a stunning bright blue table with a drink shelf below.

3RD PLACE:

In pour taste

Heather Cherichella transformed this massive piece of furniture into an elegant lighted wine rack. We’ll drink to that!

HONORABLE MENTION:

Seeing green

Karen Geiger made a beautiful centerpiece planter out of two old candlesticks and a compact disk rack.

Meet the publisher

What: Indigo Run Women's Club publisher lunch When it took place: Nov. 6 Where: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Highlights: LOCAL Life publisher Lori GoodridgeCribb spoke to more than 90 members of the Indigo Run Women's Club about all things Lowcountry and LOCAL Life. The club provides an opportunity for women moving into Indigo Run to find new friends who share common interests, easing the transition into a new home and location.

A FEW OF OUR OTHER FAVORITES:

Sleep tight

This “Sweet Dreams” wooden sign used to be a world map. Amazing what a quick paint job and a few letters can do.

Dream big

Dreams did come true for the winning bidder of this old bookcase, which was transformed into a decorative candle holder.

Orange you glad?

This cute orange patio set was once three ordinary dining room chairs.

Booked up

Many women raced across 278 to LOCAL Life headquarters to get Local Life’s cookbook after Lori Goodridge Cribb left them wanting more.

Purchase your copy at LocalLifeSC.com.

DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Beefed up

What: Dickie Brennan Big Easy Beef Steak Pop-up Dinner When it took place: Nov. 13 Where: Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar Photographer: Estes Public Relations Highlights: New Orleans legend Dickie Brennan made a stop on Hilton Head Island for a special beefy, bourbony bonanza. Brennan is a thirdgeneration restaurateur of the famed Brennan family who grew up just two blocks from his family's Commander's Palace. He worked under the tutelage of chef Paul Prudhomme and helped open Palace Cafe in 1991. He now operates several popular restaurants in the New Orleans area. Food was served family style and included starters, mains, sides, dessert and house-made cocktails. Here is a recipe for one that was served.

LUCKY ROOSTER

You're Not Pre-Peared INGREDIENTS 2 ounces Redemption Whiskey 1/2 ounce cardamominfused honey 1/2 ounce pear puree 2 dashes barrel-aged bitters DIRECTIONS Shake all ingredients together and doublestrain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a thyme sprig.

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Joy rides

What: Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival When it took place: Nov. 2-3 Where: Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head Island Highlights: The 2019 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival drew collectors, enthusiasts and visitors who appreciate the design, technology and beauty of memorable automobiles, boats and motorcycles. It is one of the fastest growing automotive lifestyle events in the country. Best of Show was awarded to a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet owned by Robert S. Jepson Jr. of Savannah. Attendees at the event chose a 1929 Ford Station Wagon as the People’s Choice winner.

We Believe

I N C H R I S T M A S! At HHCA we celebrate the birth of our Saviour 12 months of the year. His amazing love pours into everything we do.

Several classes are nearing capacity and excitement is building for the 2020/2021 school year.

Now is the time to schedule a tour!

Connect with Dona Wood, Director of Admissions, at dwood@hhca.org.

Celebrate the season as HHCA’s award-winning

theatre department presents the timeless production of

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL Various showtimes December 5-7 at Seahawk Cultural Center. Tickets available at hhcadrama.eventbrite.com.

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Celebrating all things Italian

A sensory experience

What: Italian Heritage Festival When it took place: Oct. 26 Where: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Highlights: Despite the threat of rain, it turned out to be a beautiful, cool day and the rain held off after until the festival was over. The popular local event was filled with delicious food, music, games and fun.

What: Michael Ross artists reception at Mystic Osprey Fine Art Gallery When it took place: Nov. 1 Where: Habersham Marketplace, Beaufort Highlights: More than 80 people attended the artists reception for Michael Ross at Mystic Osprey Fine Art Gallery. Ross has shown his work in galleries around the country, and is featured in the permanent collections of the University of Georgia, the Washington, DC, Department of Transportation, and in numerous private collections in the United States and in Europe.

Healthy living

What: The Mediterranean Lifestyle Adapted to the Southern Atlantic When it took place: Nov. 11 Where it took place: Sea Pines Country Club Highlights: Kim Baretta, a pioneer in healthy, gourmet nutrition, spoke about the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle to a packed house at Sea Pines Country Club.

Members and guests were treated to a delicious, compliant dinner prepared by executive chef Brian Coseo. Baretta gave an overview of the five elements of the Mediterranean lifestyle (diet, exercise, rest, learning and socialization) tying each to existing programming and activities at the club. Coming off the opening of its brand new and expanded fitness center, Sea Pines Country Club was named one of “America’s Healthiest Clubs.”

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Hit parade

What: Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade When it took place: Nov. 9 Where: South Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island Photographer: TR Media World Highlights: Hundreds of locals illuminated the night with lanterns to celebrate the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island. The unique event was created by and featured artist Chantelle Rytter. The after-party took place at the Tiki Hut and featured local band, Pretty Darn.

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DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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GIVE

LOCAL FLAVOR COOKBOOK Warning — do not eat the pages! Do enjoy favorite recipes by local chefs, chef priveé and inspiring cooks. Beautiful full-page photos, tips and how-to’s make this not only the most beautiful but also the most helpful cookbook in the Lowcountry. $15.

THE

GIFT

DOCK CLEAT MATTEO WOOD TRAY Logo on one side only. The perfect catch-all for change on the dresser or keys by the front door. How about napkins on the table or guest towels in the bathroom? The Dock Cleat Matteo is finished in weathered oak stain. 10% of the proceeds will go to the Deep Well Project. $25.

OF

LOCAL LIFE ROPE TOTE Show your stripes with this sturdy nautical tote. Made of 16 oz., 100% natural cotton.

The LOCAL Life Rope Tote features a spacious open main compartment and soft cotton rope handles. Perfect for stylish shopping, poolside items, a day at the beach, boat rides, daily gym visits and so much more. $15.

TO N HIL

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THE COOLEST CAP IN THE LOWCOUNTRY Perfect for the golf course, beach, garden or boat. Heck, it’s so nice, you can wear it when you go out to dinner! Lightweight cotton keeps your head covered but cool and there is a “pony tail” hole to adjust the size. It is uni-sex so get one for everyone in the family. $9.

COVER AND ARTICLE PLAQUES Order framed copies of your favorite LOCAL Life pages from mounted archival plaques to cover and article spreads with acrylic standoff.

If you like the way LOCAL Life looks on your coffee table, consider displaying it on your walls. $100-$250.

LA N D & B L HEAD IS UFF

TO N

w. L o c a lL i f e S C. c o m

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calendar DECEMBER

SUNDAY

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Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Beaufort Night on the Town Ruby Lee’s: The Headliners

MONDAY

Gotham Awards Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Cyber Monday

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Mitchelville Tree Lighting Winter Shorebirds on Harbor Island Roasting Room: Christmas with Chloe Agnew

Brownie Day

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IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS BY STAYING INFORMED. KEEP THIS HANDY FOR QUICK REFERENCE.

USCB Chamber Music: Tessa Lark Palmetto Bluff Buffalo Run Bill of Rights Day

16 Chocolate-Covered Anything Day

22 Date Nut Bread Day Jazz Corner: Deas Guyz

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Tick Tock Day

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23 Hanukkah Gregg Russell Christmas Concert

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Bacon Day

TUESDAY

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USCB: Civil War Generals Tabby Place: Festival of Trees National Day of Giving

WEDNESDAY

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Rooftop Bar: Coastal Country Night Cookie Day

10 Country Club of HH: Cassandra King Conroy Sea Pines Center: Farmer’s Market Ruby Lee’s: Whitley Deputy Band

17 Jazz Corner: Fat Tuesday Wright Brothers Day

24 Christmas Eve Jingle Jingle Run

31 New Year’s Eve Sea Pines: Polar Bear Swim Rooftop Bar: The Great Gatsby Bash

THURSDAY

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When it comes to festive activities, no month is more packed than December.

Here are our top picks for fun, along with other days of national and international interest.

Cut this page out and stick it on your fridge!

FRIDAY

18 Jazz Corner: Earl Williams Answer the Telephone like Buddy the Elf Day

25 Christmas Day

Hudson’s: Lowcountry TEDxHiltonHeadWomen 2019 Food and Traditions Coastal Discovery: Shelter Cove: Artisan Market Winter Wonderland Festival Jazz Corner: WAHHI: Michael Shifter A Rat Pack Holiday Marriott: Taste of the Season Bluffton Christmas Parade Beaufort Holiday Weekend Sea Pines Resort: Palmetto Bluff Chapel Beaufort: Gullah A Christmas Story Concert Series Kinfolk Christmas Holiday Joy Show Ruby Lee’s: Target The Band

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Outside: Shop for Good Hilton Head Choral Society Roasting Room: Jazz Corner: A Motown Matt Nakoa Band Holiday Spectacular The Westin: Sip Shop Spa National Guard Birthday Poinsettia Day

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Wreaths Across America Bluffton Coffee & Chocolate Festival Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade Sea Pines: Little Elf Workshop Village at Wexford: Gingerbread Trail

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Stand up: Danny Johnson Rooftop Bar: Deas Guyz Sea Pines: Polar Pines Jazz Corner: Farmers Market of Bluffton Express Holiday Wagon Ride Christmas with Champian Re-Gifting Day Winter Solstice

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Kwanzaa Mikki’s Café: Open Mic Jazz Corner: Rene’ Marie Big Bamboo: The Daly Planet Fruitcake Day

Tiki Hut: JoJo Squirrel & The Home Pickles Pledge of Allegiance Day

THINGS TO DO NEARBY

Savannah The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa: Savannah Holiday Market (Dec. 14) River Street: Holiday Magic (Dec. 20) Savannah Riverboat Cruises: New Year’s Eve Gala Cruise (Dec. 31) Tybee Beach Pier: New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Dec. 31)

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Harbour Town Golf Links:

12 Village at Wexford: Wine Down Wednesday Jazz Corner: Bobby Ryder App Day

SATURDAY

Charleston Disney’s The Lion King (Dec. 4) Daniel Island Holiday Festival (Dec. 7) Charleston Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair (Dec. 7) The Charleston Christmas Special 2019 (Dec. 13-23) USS Yorktown CV-10 NYE 2020 (Dec. 31)

Columbia Ariana Grande (Dec. 3) Prince Experience Band (Dec. 13) Holiday of Parade of Lights (Dec. 14) Christmas Celebration Concert – Jim Brockman Music (Dec. 19) Lights Before Christmas (Dec. 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-30)

ONGOING SoundWaves: Lean Ensemble’s Every Brilliant Thing (Dec. 12-22) Arts Center: Kiss Me Kate (Dec. 4-29) Salty Dog: South Beach Christmas Village (Dec. 1-22nd) Sea Pines Resort: Shelter Cove Town Centre: Santa Visits (Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21)

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happenings DECEMBER

Art showings, plays & performances

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine STORY BY CAROLYN MALES PHOTO BY ERIKA KRAMER

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y

You’re 7 years old. You’re waiting for your mother to take you home from school. But the other kids have all left and it’s dark.

Finally, your father pulls up.

“Mum’s in the hospital,” he tells you. “Your mother’s done something stupid.”

What do you do when you’re a little kid and you feel as if a trap door has opened up beneath you?

If you’re the narrator in Lean Ensemble Theater’s new production of Every Brilliant Thing, you begin making lists of favorite things, things worth living for. And if you’re a young child you start with “ice cream” and include items like “water fights” and “staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV.” Then you leave the list on Mum’s pillow to find when she finally comes home.

How could she not be delighted? And how

EVERY BRILLIANT THING When: Dec. 12-22 Where: Soundwaves, Hilton Head Island Details: The show runs 70 minutes. Join the talkback afterwards for questions and discussion with Matt Mundy and representatives from NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

More information: leanensemble.org, 843-715-6676 or info@leanensemble.org

could she not want to live another day?

This list of “things to be grateful for” may be a child’s version of a cure for a depressed suicidal parent yet it turns out to be an effective lifelong coping strategy, a way to dodge and bounce back from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune (to go all-Hamlet-y on things) that fate hurls our narrator’s way.

Yet Every Brilliant Thing is hardly a tragedy. Indeed, says Lean Artistic Director Blake White, “It’s the funniest play about depression you’ll ever see.” Ensemble actor Matt Mundy turns this short one-man show into an evening that’s part standup comedy, part improv, and part group therapy. And we’re all on the recovery team as the narrator takes us along on his bumpy journey, laughing all the way.

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS

Mundy bounces around a theaterin-the-round setting where we the audience become part of the show. As you walk through the door, the actor might hand you a notecard with a favorite “brilliant thing” on it. Each card has a number and during the show, as Mundy calls each one out, you read the corresponding “favorite” aloud: “Hammocks” “The Smell of Old Books” “The possibility of dressing up like a Mexican wrestler,” and so on.

The list, you see, has grown over the years with some eccentric entries—kind of like a male Julie Andrews cuing you up to participate in an offbeat version of a “My Favorite Things” as he recounts life experiences.

A few audience members however, will be tapped “to play” his school counselor, father, girlfriend, and yes, even his veterinarian. If chosen, never fear. Mundy will feed you the lines. However, for those who prefer to sit back and watch, no problem. Participation is totally voluntary.

Director Maegen McNerney Azar points out that “Every Brilliant Thing” balances the scary things in life with the coping mechanism of humor.

Why humor? “The purging of distressing emotions can happen in many different ways. It may be through tears but often times it’s through laughter. Laughing at ourselves, at situations, expectations. And sometimes it means finding joy in places we didn’t know were possible.”

Oh, and about that list…

Just in case you’re wondering, did the narrator’s mother read the list he left on her pillow? You betcha. How did he know she did? She corrected his spelling. LL

Kiss Me, Kate!

Currently being revived on Broadway this year, “Kiss Me, Kate” sizzles with musical comedy magic. Featuring the music of Cole Porter, spectacular song meets dazzling dance in a “Too Darn Hot” blockbuster. This romantic comedy-musical is a play-within-a-play about a show’s director and its leading lady, his high-spirited ex-wife, igniting a fiery chemistry onstage and off. Get ready to fall in love with this perfect holiday hit.

KISS ME, KATE When: Dec. 4-29 Where: The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Details: artshhi.com or 843-842-ARTS

WHITE CHRISTMAS When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5-7; 2 p.m., Dec. 7 Where: Seahawk Cultural Center, Hilton Head Island Details: Tickets are $12 seniors/students and $18 adults. hhcadrama.eventbrite.com, mmcelroy@hhca.org

“Fresh Haiku” abstract art

by Missy Gentile

Missy Gentile leads art classes referencing a quote from artist Helen Frankenthaler, “There are no rules.

That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen.

Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about.” Gentile’s abstract art exhibit, “Fresh Haiku,” evokes a sensation, an emotion through the use of color on canvas. Gentile draws inspiration from her life experiences and her core values of service and human connection.

©GUSTAVO RATTIA

A Laughing Matter

Hilton Head Christian Academy’s theater department presents the timeless production of Irving Berlin's “White Christmas, The Musical” Dec. 5-7 at Seahawk Cultural Center on Hilton Head Island. Based on the beloved film and book, the heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs including Blue Skies, I Love a Piano and White Christmas. Veterans Bob Wallace, played by senior Daniel Harrington, and Phil Davis, played by senior Rashad Gadson, have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters, Betty and Judy Hanes, played by senior Kaleigh Montgomery and sophomore Harper Krimm, en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander, played by senior Ben Jones. Directed by Michelle McElory and choreographed by Jamal Edwards, the cast includes more than 20 HHCA students, accompanied by a 20+ piece live orchestra under the musical direction of James Berry, HHCA Director of Fine Arts.

FRESH HAIKU When: Dec. 2-Jan. 5, meet the artist during an opening reception from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 8 Where: The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) gallery, Old Town Bluffton Details: sobagallery.com or 843-757-6586

Joyful mixed media by Christy Kinard

Christy Kinard, a Southern mixed media artist, creates rich floral compositions and impressions of Southern life and its cultural traditions. Red Piano Art Gallery is hosting an open house to introduce her to collectors of the Lowcountry. Kinard will be available to meet and talk art from 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9. Christmas treats will be available.

CHRISTY KINARD INTRODUCTION When: 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9 Where: The Red Piano Art Gallery, Bluffton Details: redpianoartgallery.com, 843-247-2049 DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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Festivals and Fun

December at Outside Details at outsidehiltonhead.com

HILTON HEAD CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS “THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS”

Celebrate the Christmas season at the Hilton Head Choral Society’s annual holiday concert, featuring the 85-voice chorus with orchestra, capturing the joy, magic, and effervescence of the holiday. Popular holiday favorites, including “Sleigh Ride” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” will have you singing along and tapping your feet. The music of celebrated British composer John Rutter with his sparkling “Star Carol” and other traditional carol arrangements, and time-honored classics such as Cacinni’s “Ave Maria” and Mendelssohn’s “There Shall a Star Come Out of Jacob” will round out the concert repertoire.

THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS When: 7 p.m., Dec. 13 Where: First Presbyterian Church Notes: Tickets are $25-$40 for adults and $10 - $15 for children Details: www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or 843-341-3818

Live music at Ruby Lee’s South

Dance the night away to live music at Ruby Lee’s South. December’s lineup consists of The Headliners on Sundays, the Whitley Deputy Band on Tuesdays, Target the Band on Thursdays and a rotating band on Saturdays.

MUSIC AT RUBY LEE’S When: 7:30 p.m., Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays Where: Ruby Lee’s South, Hilton Head Island Details: rubyleessouth.com, 843-785-7825

A Visit from St. Nicholas

A holiday spectacular with John Morris Russell featuring festive holiday favorites with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Hilton Head Dance Theater and a brilliant new setting of Clement Moore’s classic poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas.

A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS When: 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1; 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2 Where: First Presbyterian Church Details: hhso.org, 843-842-2055

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Savannah National Wildlife Refuge The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a gem of the Southeast and the lifeblood of the Savannah River. This three-hour boat tour provides views of the Savannah Riverfront and an in-depth tour of the Georgia Ports Authority. It’s a naturalist’s dream come true.

Daufuskie Island History and Artisans Tour This Daufuskie Island trip provides a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of Lowcountry history on the undeveloped side of the island. Visit several one-of-akind places, including the First African Baptist Church, the Praise House, Mary Fields School (memorialized in Pat Conroy’s ‘The Water is Wide’), and the site of the Bloody Point Lighthouse. Tour studios and meet local artisans at Silver Dew Pottery and The Iron Fish, home to Martha Stewart American Made winner Chase Allen.

Smartwool Sale The Smartwool story started with the belief that feet should be comfortable no matter the adventure. For 25 years, they’ve been pushing the boundaries of Merino to create smarter, more capable products from head to toe.

Hello, stocking stuffers. #gofarfeelgood. When: Dec. 1-15.

Shop for Good DAVIS

Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson at SoundWaves

SoundBites by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson of The Fabulous Equinox Jazz Orchestra.

JEREMY DAVIS & CLAY JOHNSON When: 6-8 p.m., Dec. 6 Where: SoundWaves, Hilton Head Details: hhso.org, 843-842-2055

Outside will host its annual Shop for Good event at the Outside Flagship Store in The Plaza at Shelter Cove.

Bring your holiday gifting list and get 20 percent off. All in-store sales go directly to Volunteers in Medicine. Other highlights include a Barbour trunk show, snacks, wine, beer and great champagne. 4:30-6:30 p.m., Dec. 12.

Gift Card Holiday Bonus Buy a gift card for them, get a freebie for you. Spend $100 on Outside gift cards and get a free $20 gift card.

Shop the best in clothing, gear, jewelry and paddle sports; as well as tours, excursions, clinics and family adventures. Sale starts Black Friday. There's something for everyone with brands such as YETI, Patagonia, Prana, Fish Hippie, Hydroflask, Hobie, Barbour, Olukai and more. Black Friday through Dec. 31.

N OT S U R E W H AT TO D O W I T H YO UR A N N UAL I RA DI S TRI BUTIO N? Did you know that if you’re age 70 ½ or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 annually from your IRA to a qualified charity, tax free?

Yes, tax free.

If you’re charitably-minded, give us a call. We’re happy to talk with you about how your IRA charitable rollover can be used at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to set up a charitable fund in your name or for other causes you care about. Contact Emmy Rooney at 843.681.9100.

USE YOUR IRA DISTRIBUTION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

843.681.9100 • cf-lowcountry.org

happenings

Festivals and Fun

Holiday fun at the Village at Wexford

Beaufort Holiday Weekend

Every Saturday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21, the Village at Wexford offers a festive holiday atmosphere for family fun. Activities include the Gingerbread Trail of Treats, visits and photos with Santa, cookie decorating and an opportunity for kids to write and mail a letter to Santa. Santa will be at the shopping village every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Follow a special Gingerbread Trail of treats, photos, music, stories and cocoa with Santa from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 14.

HOLIDAY FUN When: Saturdays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21 Where: The Village at Wexford Details: Village at Wexford Facebook

A family friendly weekend celebrating the holiday season.

The weekend of holiday cheer features local choirs, dance groups, community organizations, parades and the annual Christmas tree lighting. Night on the Town is 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6. The Light Up The Night Holiday Boat Parade is 5:30 p.m., Dec. 7. The Christmas parade is 3 p.m., Dec. 8 on Bay Street.

BEAUFORT HOLIDAY WEEKEND When: Dec. 6-8 Where: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort Details: cityofbeaufort.org

Santa visits at Shelter Cove Towne Centre

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Shelter Cove Towne Centre for visits beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving, including the Humane Society’s Pet Visit Event on Dec. 14. Be sure to bring your camera for a lasting memory.

SANTA VISIT Details: sheltercovetownecentre.com

Historic Holidays on Hilton Head Island

The Heritage Library has partnered with Coastal Discovery Museum, Gullah Museum, Hilton Head Island Trust, Mitchellville and Town of Hilton Head Island Office of Cultural Affairs to grow History Day into a weekend event. Visitors can enjoy special rates at the Westin Resort and Spa. Events include Lowcountry food and traditions, an artisan market, a special Christmas story reading and carols at Queen Chapel, the Lighting of the Big Oak Tree and more.

HISTORIC HOLIDAYS When: Dec. 6-9 Details: heritagelib.org

Bluffton Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony and Parade

The tree-lighting ceremony is Friday, Dec. 6, at DuBois Park located at 67 Lawrence Street in Bluffton’s Historic District. At 5:30 p.m. Mayor Lisa Sulka will announce the grand marshal of the Bluffton Christmas Parade, the Michael C. Riley Elementary school chorus will sing and town leaders will light the Bluffton Christmas Tree. Cookies and refreshments will be served under the Pavilion where Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a pre-Christmas visit.

BLUFFTON CHRISTMAS When: Tree Lighting 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Parade 10 a.m. Dec. 7 Where: Dubois Park Details: townofbluffton.sc.gov

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TASTE OF THE SEASON

Sample signature dishes and new recipes from more than 40 local restaurants at one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events of the year. Indulge in epicurean delicacies from the very best eateries on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, and shop the silent auction for unique and local holiday gifts or a get-away to the highest-rated hotels.

Elevate the experience with a VIP ticket and enjoy the open bar, exclusive food samplings and valet parking.

TASTE OF THE SEASON When: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6 Where: Marriott Hilton Head Resort and Spa Details: hiltonheadchamber.org

Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish… Freedom Comin’

VILLAGE AT WEXFORD 843.686.KIDS

Experience the spirit of the holiday season in historic Beaufort with a celebration of Gullah-Geechee feasts, live music, original art, drama and storytelling. Festivities begin with Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk, who will perform a soul-stirring, foot-tapping musical extravaganza, telling an original story of Christmas, 1862, just before the start of the Civil War. The show is set in the “quarters” and “big house” of a Sea Island plantation where the hope of freedom among the Gullah people is expressed through storytelling and song.

GULLAH KINFOLK CHRISTMAS When: 7 p.m., Dec. 6 Where: USCB Performing Arts Center, Beaufort Details: bcbcc.org

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Festivals and Fun CHRISTMAS TASTE OF GULLAH & RICE COOK-OFF

The Gullah celebration continues at Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park with live entertainment and vendors selling a variety of gourmet Gullah foods. Admission to the park is free. In addition, “Just fo' da' Chillun” school shows are available for students, giving them the chance to enjoy live theater while learning about the rich Gullah-Geechee heritage and the history of Reconstruction.

CHRISTMAS TASTE OF GULLAH When: Noon-5 p.m., Dec. 7 Where: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort Details: bcbcc.org

SoBA Holiday Art Boutique

This boutique offers the community a unique place to shop for the holidays from local artists with a variety of creative items from which to choose — including Santa Clauses, jewelry, cards, holiday decorations, small paintings, floral arrangements, and fiber art.

HOLIDAY ART BOUTIQUE When: Dec. 7-21 Where: Center for Creative Arts Details: sobagallery.com or 843-757-6586

Holiday Open House at Forsythe

Browse from a large selection of top brand jewelry designers, MacKenzieChilds kitchenware and housewares and more. Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping with any purchase.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE When: 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4 Where: Forsythe Jewelers Details: forsythejewelers.biz, 843-671-7070

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Selina King Jewelry Trunk Show

Check out the latest Southern-inspired jewelry line from popular local resident Selina King. Her jewelry is created with vintage, ethically sourced stones. She works with a combination of metals, including 14-karat gold, sterling silver and brass, as well as natural gemstones, such as moonstone, clear quartz and turquoise. Characterized by a spare, graphic elegance, King’s pieces are both contemporary and evocative of artifacts unearthed from ancient times.

JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW When: 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12 Where: Palmettoes, Hilton Head Island Details: 843-363-6800

Wine Down Wednesday

Follow the “tasting map” around the Village at Wexford to enjoy a variety of wine selections and tastings from participating merchants, as well as enjoy refreshments, special promotions, sales and in-store demos at participating merchants. Proceeds from the event will benefit Hilton Head Heroes, a nonprofit bringing families with children suffering from life-threatening illness to Hilton Head Island for costfree vacations. Limited tickets are available.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY When: 5- 8 p.m., Dec. 11 Where: The Village at Wexford Details: villageatwexford.com or Facebook

Spa Month launches on Hilton Head Island

For the first time, four of the top resort spas have joined together to offer special packages that cater to locals as well as visitors.

SPA MONTH HILTON HEAD ISLAND When: January 2020 Where: Arum Spa, Heavenly Spa by Westin, Ocean Tides Spa, Spa Soleil Details: HiltonHeadSpaMonth.com

POP, FIZZ, CLINK NYE BASH

Ring in the New Year at The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon with champagne specials flowing all night. Watch the ball drop on Hilton Head Island’s largest video wall, and boogie into 2020 with the sounds of Stee and the Ear Candy Band and DJ Kaos. Complimentary champagne at midnight.

NEW YEAR BASH When: Doors open at 7 p.m., Dec. 31 Where: The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon Details: therooftophhi.com

Happy Holidays •

FRO M •

843-706-2296 7 Plantation Park Dr, Unit 4, Bluffton, SC | www.hospicecarelc.org Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, Inc. is a registered 501-C(3) nonprofit organization. Serving Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties since 1982.

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happenings

December at the Coastal Discovery Museum Details at coastaldiscovery.org or 843-689-6767

The Many Benefits of Sharks People tend to think of sharks as dangerous, indiscriminate predators. Dr. Kim Ritchie aims to make you think differently about sharks and their benefits to humans, our ecosystems and our planet.

She also will discuss some of our local sharks and their antibiotic-producing microbial partners.

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 2 Details: Cost is $7 per person and reservations are required

An introduction to the Biology and Ecology of Whales of the North Atlantic Ocean Associate Professor Michael Williamson will discuss different types of whales that inhabit the North Atlantic, their biology, and basic research techniques used to learn more about their natural history. Some hands-on specimens will be used. Williamson founded WhaleNet in 1993 to excite students about math, science, the environment, and technology (STEM). He is vice president of the Mingan Island Cetacean Study, which has conducted the longest continuous research program on blue whales in the world, since 1979.

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 18 Notes: Cost is $7 per person and reservations are required

Osprey Watch

M I ST L E TO E f ro m

Kristen Mattson, environmental educator for the LowCountry Institute and Spring Island Trust, will discuss the status of osprey in the Lowcountry.

During the presentation you will learn why ospreys are important sentinels of environmental health and better understand their life history including nesting, migration, and feeding. Summary data from 10 years of local osprey breeding observations will be presented as well.

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 4 Details: Cost is $7 per person and reservations are required

Overwintering Hummingbirds in the Lowcountry Doreen Cubie, master bird bander, will talk about her research with ruby-throated hummingbirds, focusing on her banding study of wintering hummingbirds near Charleston. She also will discuss her research with ruby throats from Manitoba to British Columbia, where she learned about the northern and western limits of their breeding range and investigated whether South Carolina’s wintering population migrate to Canada for the summer.

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 11 Notes: Cost is $7 per person and reservations are required

“Our Lifelong Friendship” with Bernie Schein Migratory Ducks at Savannah Wildlife Refuge

The Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island

843.341.5116

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Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for approximately 22 species of migratory waterfowl that winter in coastal South Carolina. Threethousand acres of former plantation rice fields now are actively managed by a series of water control structures, effectively serving as impoundments to provide feeding areas and sanctuary for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and other wildlife. Refuge Manager Russ Webb, who has spent 29 years managing coastal resources, will be the speaker.

When: 2 p.m. Dec. 16 Notes: Cost is $7 per person and reservations are required

Join the Coastal Discovery Museum for stories shared by Bernie Schein, Pat Conroy’s best friend. Conroy was beloved by millions of readers, but Schein was his best friend from the time they met in a high school pickup basketball game in Beaufort until Conroy’s death in 2016.

Both were popular athletes, but also outsiders as a Jew and a Catholic military brat in the small-town Bible-Belt South.

A love letter and homage, and a way to share the Pat that Bernie knew, this book collects Bernie’s cherished memories about the gregarious, welcoming, larger-than-life man who remained his best friend, even during the years they didn’t speak. It offers a trove of insights and anecdotes that will be treasured by Pat Conroy’s devoted fans.

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 9 Notes: Cost is $7 per person for the program and reservations are required

Meetings & gatherings

TEDx Hilton Head Women Bold + Brilliant

TEDxHiltonHeadWomen 2019 is shining a spotlight on dazzling ideas from some of the world’s most extraordinary risk-takers and innovators. The event is celebrating pioneers making power moves, brilliant people who are just getting started, and those who tirelessly show up as allies and advocates. Speakers include Dr. Bahby Banks, Victoria Baylor, Tiffany Reed Briley, Loren Brill, Fran Capo, Amanda Cifaldi, Whitaker Gannon, Lee-Anne Gilchrist, Katie Girardi, Kweighbaye Kotee, Erika Kramer, Michelle Meissen, Anya Sarre, Mel Savage and Rebeka Smyth.

TEDX BOLD + BRILLIANT When: 8:30 a.m., Dec. 7 Where: Harbour Town Clubhouse, Sea Pines Resort Details: tedxhiltonhead.com, tedxhhi@gmail.com

Michael Shifter to unravel the chaos in Venezuela

Venezuelans are inured to chaos, but not at this level.

Years of hyperinflation, power outages, and shortages of food and medicine have spawned a new concern: exactly who is the nation’s president? Michael Shifter, president of the InterAmerican Dialogue, will help area residents see what, if any, paths exist to rebuild the once strong ties between the United States and Venezuela. Presented by the World Affairs Council of Hilton Head Island.

CHAOS IN VENEZUELA When: 10 a.m., Dec. 5 Where: First Presbyterian Church Details: wachh.org or 843-384-6758

Hilton Head Preparatory School

2020 Niche Rankings #1 College Prep Private High School in South Carolina #2 K-12 Private School in South Carolina #1 Boarding School in South Carolina #1 K-12 Private School in Beaufort County Top 13% of all K-12 Private Schools in America Inspiring Students to Be Exceptional Hilton Head Preparatory School

Please Call for a Personal Tour | www.HHPrep.org 8 Fox Grape Road | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Mrs. Bobbie Somerville, Director of Admissions bsomerville@hhprep.org | 843.671.2286 A private, independent school serving students in preschool through twelfth grade

TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

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marketplace REAL ESTATE

Looking to live in luxury? LOCAL Life is offering readers an exclusive passport to the most exquisite and unique real estate listings available in the Lowcountry. Here are four homes you are sure to love.

We feel these luxury properties — located in Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island — are the epitome of opulence. We’re calling this section the Real Estate Marketplace.

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If you are looking to purchase an amazing Lowcountry home, these five properties should be at the top of your list.

Million dollar dream homes

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Real Estate Marketplace

15 Lighthouse Court

15 Front Light Walk

Prepared to be wowed by the fantastic new kitchen, only to be outdone by the 180 degree views of the signature 5th hole and the Calibogue Sound. With a dramatic custom solarium perched over the green, this home offers drama, views and quality.

Featuring both a first and second floor master, wonderful guest spaces and upstairs and downstairs screened porches capturing the view. As a Haig Point Member, enjoy 24/7 transportation to and from the mainland from your idyllic island home. $1,250,000

Dream home on the Sound with panoramic views of Harbour Town & the Atlantic Ocean. Welcome home to 15 Front Light Walk, a Charleston inspired colonial with expansive ceilings, detailed mill work, gorgeous flooring and quality construction.

Located in the Haig Point Club on Daufuskie Island, amenities like world class golf, tennis & fishing are at your back door along with the security of a bridge-less island location with 24/7 transportation to the mainland. $2,195,000

Susan Taylor 302.528.4855 Tammy Nelson Silvia 843.846.2678 Hansell 515.554.4979

Susan Taylor 302.528.4855 Tammy Nelson Silvia 843.846.2678 Hansell 515.554.4979

www.charteronerealty.com/agent/susan-taylor HorizonRealty.com

22 Bee Tree Drive

312 Bamberg Drive, Belfair Plantation

This 4 bed/4 bath cottage-style home sits on 2.09 acres with beautiful live oaks and views of the 12th fairway. Authentic cedar shake siding, porches, metal roof, tabby walkways and native landscaping set the tone for the unique lifestyle that this home affords by combining turn-of-the-century touches with modern technology and quality construction. Ideally located to all of the Island’s amenities, especially the art facility and 6-acre community farm. $1,200,000

The offering of 312 Bamberg Drive to the market could arguably be considered one of the best values currently available within any gated golf-centric community in the Lowcountry. While the quality found throughout the home is unparalleled, the views across the 3 holes of Tom Fazio's East Course are backdropped with sweeping vistas of the Colleton River in the distance; resulting in a setting that is every bit as idyllic as the home. $1,299,000

Spring Island Realty 843.987.2200

Catherine Donaldson 843.338.2069

www.SpringIsland.com

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www.charteronerealty.com/agent/susan-taylor HorizonRealty.com

LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

www.celiadunnsir.com

advertiser index

Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar. . . . . . . . . 113 American Wood Reface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Arlene Williams Kitchen Design . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Art League of Hilton Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Belfair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Ben Ham Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Beverly Serral Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Bezilla Kinney Wealth Management Group . . . . 18 Biological Center for Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Billy Wood Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Bishop Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Budget Blinds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. . . . . . 2 Charlie's L'etoile Verte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Chocolate Canopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Clark & Stevens Attorneys at Law. . . . . . . . . . 41 Coastal Exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Coastal States Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Coastal States Wealth Management . . . . . . . . 26 Coastal Treasures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Cocoon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Colleton River Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. . . . 149 Correll Insurance Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Court Atkins Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Custom Audio Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Distinctive Granite and Marble. . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Dividend Assets Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Dr. Bonnie Rothwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 ELA's on the Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Floors To Go by High Tide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Forsythe Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Fraum Center for Restorative Health . . . . . . . . 43 Gifted Hilton Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Gigi’s Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Hampton Hall Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Hargray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Hilton Head Christian Academy . . . . . . . . . . 141 Hilton Head Dermatology - Dr. Bundy . . . . . . . 51 Hilton Head Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Hilton Head Humane Association. . . . . . . . . 137 Hilton Head Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Hilton Head Plastic Surgery and MedSpa . . . . . 28 Hilton Head Preparatory School. . . . . . . . . . 155 Hilton Head Properties Realty & Rentals . . . . . . 47 Hilton Head Seafood Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Hilton Head Spa Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Herman & Davis Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. . . . . . . . . . 153 Island Child. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Island Lavender Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Kilwins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Kinghorn Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Knickers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 KPM Flooring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Le Cookery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Lean Ensemble Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Lowcountry Mercantile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Lowcountry Pick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Lowcountry Real Estate - Edward Dukes. . . . . 156 Lucky Rooster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 LUX ~ A Medical Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Merrill Lynch - A. Kevin Roberson . . . . . . . . . . 48 Michael Anthony's Cucina Italiana. . . . . . . . . 111 Oak Advisors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Optical Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Optim Orthopedics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Outside Hilton Head. . . . . . . Inside Front Cover, 1 Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Palmettoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115, 150 Palmetto Running Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Paradise: Memories of Hilton Head Book. . . . . . 29 Plantation Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Pinnacle Plastic Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Polaris Capital Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Port Royal Plaza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Pretty Papers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Pyramids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Red Fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Ruby Lee’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . 143 Savannah Harley-Davidson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Scout Southern Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 SERG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7 Shop!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Signature Closets of the Low Country . . . . . . . 71 Sprout Momma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Susan Ochsner Sea Pines Real Estate at the Beach Club. . . . . . 33 Spartina 449. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 The Back Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The G-Free Spot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 The Indigo Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 The Red Piano Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Salty Dog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 The Spirited Hand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Trattoria Divina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Vacation Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Village at Wexford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Vineyard Assisted Living and Memory Care . . . . . 9 WaterWalk at Shelter Cove Towne Centre. . . . . 126 Weniger Plastic Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Women’s Financial Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE LOWCOUNTRY! Family and friends, too, can live like a Local.

Just fill out a card or go online.

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LOCALLIFESC.COM Won’t they be surprised?

DECEMBER 2019 + LocalLifeSC.com

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porchin'

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Eat, drink & be merry PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA STAFF

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL A few Blufftonians enjoy conversation and cocktails on the Golson porch. Pictured from left are Mary Vaux Bell, Nancy Golson (seated), Geist Ussery, Patsy Hodge and Andrea Crews.

Find more photos from this porch party online at LocalLifeSC.com.

HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST

1. Place your favorite ice bucket on a beautiful stand.

2. Fill said bucket with crushed ice and add your bottle.

3. Collect bounds of holly and a few leaves from your yard.

4. Strategically place the holly sprigs and leaves around your stand and bucket. Plant one in the bucket for good measure.

5. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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LocalLifeSC.com + DECEMBER 2019

Nancy Golson has a favorite saying each time she finds herself sipping on something wonderful while relaxing on her beautiful porch: The tide she come in, the tide she go out. It’s one of many catchy expressions the longtime Bluffton resident has collected over the years.

“If sitting on the porch sipping a drink counts, then yes, you can call me outdoorsy,” Golson quipped. She got that one off of a magnet her grandson gifted her. “It sums up why Bluffton is a state of mind.”

That popular saying is another favorite. Golson traces it back to an old Bluffton gathering spot — a broken-down car with a tree growing out of it.

“What kind of place would allow such a thing?” a typical out-of-towner would ask.

“Bluffton isn’t a place,” a typical local would respond. “It’s a state of mind.”

While the sleepy little river town has transformed dramatically over the years, its casual and quirky vibes remain. Bluffton is still a place where you can see a full-sized kayak poking out of a two-door convertible or a person horseback riding through downtown during a hurricane evacuation. It’s artsy, it’s eccentric, it’s free-spirited — a true reflection of the colorful characters that call it home.

The Golson family is absolutely Bluffton.

Their historic Myrtle Island home was built for entertaining in 1919 by a wealthy shipper from Savannah. It is made up of three separate structures, all connected by the stunning 150-foot porch which has hosted more than its share of soirees. “(The porch) is my happy place,” Golson said.

“Just sitting and sipping, whether alone or with family or friends.”

A few friends recently dropped by for a special holiday-themed porch party. Guests sipped on French martinis served in antique coupe glasses and munched on pate and smoked salmon from Charlie's L'Etoile Verte, the popular restaurant Nancy and her husband, Charlie, opened in 1982. They also own Eggs N Tricities, a longtime fashion accessories shop in Old Town. We close this special entertaining issue with their slick way for dressing up an ice bucket. LL

HILTON HEAD

freshest T HE

CUISINE AND

THE ISLAND’S SELECTION! (OVER

1300 wines)

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843-686 -33 88

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R E D F I S H O F H I LTO N H E A D.CO M

8 ARCHER RD, HILTON HEAD ISL AND

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

THE SHOPS AT SEA PINES CENTER | 71 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD | 843.671.7070