®
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Hilton Head Island the Lowcountry Savannah
Photo courtesy of Sea Monkeys Watersports
A view worth climbing for ~ And treasures on the ground floor.
Key Photos by Jeff Keefer
The Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum is a must-see during your stay on Hilton Head Island. Travel through time as you view real artifacts and learn about the different eras of the Island’s history. This year the Lighthouse became an Official Coast Guard Museum and features a 16-foot hand-built scale model of the “Eagle”, a historic 295-foot cutter that serves as a seagoing classroom for Coast Guard cadets. Also see the new “Daufuskie Island Landing” with traces from Daufuskie’s storied past. Climb to the top to take in the best panoramic view of the 18th green at Harbour Town Golf Links and the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Join us for the Lowcountry’s most spectacular sunsets. Wave to friends and family on our live webcam. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the “Shoppe At The Top,” offering an extensive collection of Lighthouse memorabilia, children’s toys, Lighthouse apparel, handcrafted Christmas ornaments, and fine jewelry including Spartina and Oliver Weber. Browse the ground-floor Maritime Gift Galley for historic books and authentic artifacts you can treasure and pass down for memories that endure. The Lighthouse is open every day from 10 a.m. to sundown. Modest admission, and children 5 and under are free. JLK Studios (Jeff Keefer) and the Harbour Town Lighthouse have partnered to create, produce and sell these and other photos. All of the proceeds are donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a leading force in providing funding for research for a cure for Parkinson’s. The photos can be purchased at the Harbour Town Lighthouse.
149 Lighthouse Road | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | harbourtownlighthouse.com | 866-305-9814
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 1
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Winter/Spring • 2019
G E T O U T O N T H E WAT E R ! DEEP SEA FISHING ABOARD “DRIFTER” $10 OFF K
drifter is a 60-foot party fishing boat using state-of-the-art equipment, fishing Hilton Head’s waters for 25 years. Bring the whole family and join our experienced crew for a great time. Rods, reels and bait furnished.
Deep Sea Fishing
5 Hours: $68 Adults; 4 Hours: $63 Adults, $10 off for Kids 12 & under.
ids 12 & Und er
Shark Fishing
(June thru Aug.) 3 Hr. Shark Fishing: $58 Adults $10 off for Kids 12 & under
DOLPHIN WATCHING ABOARD “GYPSY”
Dolphin Watch: DOLPHINS GUARANTEED!
Close encounters with Bottlenose Dolphins. $16 Adults, $9 Kids (2 & under FREE). March thru November
Kid’s Cruise: Educational 2-hour hands-on experience for children interested in the creatures that live above and below the our coastal waters. Shark fishing, cast netting, crabbing, and more. $25 Adults, $30 Kids. June thru August
Sunset Dolphin Watch: $17 Adults, $10 Kids. June thru August Dolphins & More: See dolphins, pull a crab pot, throw a cast net & learn about marine life. $20 Adults, $10 Kids. June thru August CRUISES LEAVE FROM SOUTH BEACH MARINA (the closet marina to the Ocean) 232 South Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 363-2900 Winter/Spring • 2019
www.hiltonheadboattours.com
ope In ra sinction 198 e 7
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DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS................................ 6 WELCOME TO THE LOWCOUNTRY....................... 10 ISLAND & AREA MAPS.................................... 82-89 1. Leave Footprints in the Sand.................................... 12 2. Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum........................ 14 3. Climb a Lighthouse & See the View......................... 14 4. Golf the Lowcountry................................................. 15 5. Rent a Bike & Explore the Island............................... 16 6. Rent a Golf Cart & Explore Daufuskie........................17 7. Discover the Dolphins.............................................. 18 8. Comb a Beach........................................................... 20 9. Rent a Boat & Be Your Own Captain......................... 21 10. Visit a Maritime Center............................................. 22 11. Take a Boat to Savannah.......................................... 22 12. Let Yourself Go Like Tarzan....................................... 22 13. Learn About Our Wildlife.......................................... 23 14. Photograph Nature With a Pro.................................24 15. Go Birdwatching.......................................................24 16. Encounter an Alligator..............................................24 17. Watch the Sun Set.................................................... 25 18. Go Horseback Riding................................................ 25 19. Explore Nature’s Refuges.........................................26 20. Discover the Spanish Moss Trail............................... 27 21. Lose Yourself in Virtual Reality..................................28 22. Check Out the Happenings at Coligny Circle............28 23. Check Out Beautiful Shelter Cove Harbour..............29 24. Check Out the Fun at Palmetto Bay Marina............ 30 25. Check Out Legendary Harbour Town....................... 30 26. Check Out Sunny South Beach................................ 30 27. Check Out the Adventures at Broad Creek Marina...31 28. Take a Helicopter Tour of the Lowcountry............... 32 29. Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise......................................33 30. Sip Cocktails by Sunset..............................................33 31. Take a Boat to a Restaurant...................................... 34 32. Sail on an America’s Cup Boat.................................. 34 33. Fly on a Trimaran...................................................... 34 34. Cruise on a Catamaran............................................. 35 35. Take a Sailing Cruise................................................. 35 36. Go Waterskiing, Tubing & Zupping.......................... 36 37. Get Over It With Parasailing......................................37 38. Hit the Surf.................................................................37 39. Get Wild on a Waverunner........................................ 38 40. Take a Raft Ride........................................................ 38 41. Paddle the Lowcountry’s Waters............................. 39 42. Stand Up & Paddle...................................................40 43. Skim the Waters.......................................................40 44. Go Charter Fishin’..................................................... 41 45. Fish on a Party Boat..................................................42 46. Hunt for “Jaws”.........................................................42 47. Fish the Fresh Waters............................................... 43 48. Search for Shrimp.....................................................44 49. Go Crabbing..............................................................44 4 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
C ontents 50. Cast a Net................................................................. 45 51. Learn About the Gullah Culture................................46 52. Explore the Stoney-Baynard Ruins..........................46 53. Visit Historic Churches.............................................. 47 54. Explore Historic Bluffton.......................................... 47 55. Visit the Heyward House Museum...........................48 56. Visit Our Libraries.....................................................49 57. Encounter the Haunted Side.................................... 50 58. Visit Hilton Head’s Historic Forts.............................. 50 59. Visit the First Freedman’s Village............................. 51 60. Play at a Children’s Museum..................................... 51 61. Meet the Magical Mermaid...................................... 52 62. Play a Round of Miniature Golf................................. 53 63. Meet the Small Animals........................................... 54 64. Be a Pirate of the Calibogue..................................... 54 65. Check Out Our Parks & Playgrounds....................... 54 66. Watch the Fireworks................................................ 55 67. Discover Magical Daufuskie Island........................... 56 68. Do Daufuskie on Your Own........................................57 69. Do the Music Scene.................................................. 59 70. Go to the Theatre......................................................60 71. Laugh 'Til it Hurts...................................................... 61 72. Go Out to Wine & Dine............................................. 62 73. Shop ‘Til You Drop..................................................... 63 74. Shop a Farmers Market............................................64 75. Try Some Disc Golf...................................................64 76. Play Tennis................................................................64 77. Buy a Piece of the Foot.............................................66 78. Take a Trolley Tour of Savannah...............................66 79. Take a Specialty Tour of Savannah...........................68 80. Take a Riverboat Cruise............................................68 81. Tour the Sites of “The Book”....................................69 82. See the Movie Sets of Savannah.............................. 70 83. Shop the Cobbled Streets......................................... 70 84. Be a Ghost Hunter.....................................................71 85. Tour Savannah’s Historic Homes...............................71 86. Honor the Mighty 8th............................................... 72 87. Visit a Train Museum..................................................73 88. Visit Savannah’s Colonial Churches...........................73 89. Party Savannah........................................................ 74 90. Visit Savannah’s Forts................................................75 91. Get Carriaged Away.................................................. 76 92. Visit an Art Museum................................................. 76 93. Visit Colonial Wormsloe Plantation...........................77 94. Don’t Miss Tybee Island.............................................77 95. Explore Beautiful Beaufort........................................77 96. Visit the Parris Island Museum................................. 78 97. Visit Hunting Island................................................... 79 98. Visit the Penn Center................................................ 79 99. Explore the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.....................80 100. Turn Back Time in Historic Charleston......................80 101. Experience a Southern Plantation............................ 81 Winter/Spring • 2019
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 5
D i r e ct o r y Arcades/Indoor Games
Adventure Cove..................................................53 Atomic Virtual Reality........................................ 29
Art Galleries / Arts & Crafts
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina......................... 60
Bike Rentals
Bicycle Billy’s.......................................................16 Coconuts Bike Rentals....................................2, 15 Mike’s Bike Rentals.............................................16 Outside Hilton Head..........Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Pedals..............................................................2, 15
Boating/Watersports - Tours & Rentals
Bluewater Adventure...........................................5 Commander Zodiac.......................................... 39 Crabber J ........................................................... 45 Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Dolphin and Nature Cruises...........Back Cover, 18 Dolphin Seafari.............................................19, 55 Flying Circus....................................................... 20 Gypsy..............................................................3, 55 Holiday............................................................... 20 Island Explorer....................................................21 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours.... 39 Live Oac........................................................ 13, 41 One HHI.................................................. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head..........Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sea Monkeys Watersports.................................38 Sky Pirate Parasailing.........................................37 Spirit of Harbour Town.........................................7 Stars & Stripes................................................ 7, 35 Sumo Charters....................................................35 Tammy Jane.........................................................7 Vagabond Cruises.................................................7 Wildlife Photo Safaris.........................................25
of
Advertisers
Savannah Riverboat Cruises............................. 69 Sky Pirate Parasailing.........................................37 Spirit of Harbour Town.........................................7
Ferry Services
Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57
Games/Arcades
Adventure Cove..................................................53 Atomic Virtual Reality........................................ 29
Helicopter Tours
Kayak Tours & Rentals
Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours.... 39 One HHI.................................................. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours.....................................41 Sea Monkeys Watersports.................................38
Kids’ Activities
Heritage Library Foundation............................. 49
Medical/Urgent Care
Main Street Medical.......................................... 58
Miniature Golf / Arcades
Adventure Cove..................................................53 Atomic Virtual Reality........................................ 29
Winter/Spring • 2019
Published by 101, Inc. P. O. Box 23465, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Phone: (843) 682-3205 Email: margot@101thingshhi.com Our Staff Gregg Gardiner Margot Else
Our Printer Quad/Graphics Midland, MI
For advertising information or additional copies of the magazine (postage fees to be applied), call (843) 682-3205 or email margot@101thingshiltonhead. com. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information, however any rates, special offers, schedules and services are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed by the publisher. The “101 Things to Do” brand is a registered trademark and cannot be used for any purpose at any time without the expressed written consent of the owner, 101, Inc. No part of the book may be translated or reproduced in any form, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. © Copyright 2019 101 Inc. All rights reserved.
6 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Pirates of Hilton Head........................................11
Real Estate/Timeshare/Vacation Rentals
Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island................ 65
Sailing - Charters, Rentals & Instruction
One HHI.................................................. 11, 40, 43 Sea Monkeys Watersports.................................38
Libraries
www.101thingshiltonheadisland.com
Pirate Ships
Jetskiing
Food & Beverage
on Hilton Head Island, the Lowcountry & Savannah
Sky Pirate Parasailing.........................................37
Recreation/Fitness Centers
Drifter....................................................................3 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours.....39 Live Oac........................................................ 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Express Restaurant Delivery..............................61 Old Savannah Tours................................. 67, 71, 73 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
Parasailing
Hilton Head Helicopter Tours.............................33 Old City Helicopter Tours....................................32
Adventure Cove..................................................53 Crabber J............................................................ 45 Dolphin and Nature Cruises...........Back Cover, 18 Dolphin Seafari.............................................19, 55 Gypsy..............................................................3, 55 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum....................1 Holiday............................................................... 20 Island Recreation Center................................... 52 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours.... 39 Live Oac........................................................ 13, 41 Pirates of Hilton Head........................................11 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Port Royal Maritime Center................................23 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours.....................................41 Tammy Jane.........................................................7 Vagabond Cruises.................................................7
Charter Fishing
Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center... 49 Port Royal Maritime Center................................23
Museums / History Centers
Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Gullah Museum of Hilton Head.........................47 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum....................1 Heritage Library Foundation............................. 49
On
Island Recreation Center................................... 52 Commander Zodiac.......................................... 39 Flying Circus....................................................... 20 Stars & Stripes................................................ 7, 35 Sumo Charters....................................................35
Shopping
Bargain Box........................................................61 Ed Funk Photos..................................................75 Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Horan Photo/Starbooks.................................... 65 Maritime Gift Galley.............................................1 Photography by Jeff Keefer.............................. 62 Osprey Village Thrift Store................................ 60 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe.............................1 Tropical Outfitters............................................. 63
Sightseeing Tours
Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Heritage Library Foundation............................. 49 Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center.. 49 Old Savannah Tours................................. 67, 71, 73 Savannah Riverboat Cruises............................. 69 Spirit of Harbour Town.........................................7
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
One HHI.................................................. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours.....................................41 Sea Monkeys Watersports.................................38 Sky Pirate Parasailing.........................................37
Symphony Orchestras
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra................... 59
Theatres
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina......................... 60
Waterskiing & Tubing
Live Oac........................................................ 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head...... Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sky Pirate Parasailing.........................................37
the
C over
Looking for an intense and exhilarating way to explore Hilton Head? Try getting wet and wild on a wave runner – a very safe and fun water activity for all ages. For more information, see our editorial #39. Photo courtesy of Sea Monkeys Watersports. Winter/Spring • 2019
Dolphin Cruise Dinner Cruise Savannah Trip Daufuskie Trip America's Cup Sailing Shrimping Expeditions vc 149 LIGHTHOUSE RD Fireworks Cruises WWW.VAGABONDCRUISE.COM 843-363-9026
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 7
The historic Bloody Point Lighthouse & Museum.
Golf cart & scooter rentals.
Silver Dew Winery.
The “not-so-general” General Store.
Lunch & dinner at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company.
Live music at Freeport Marina.
FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL (843) 342-8687 (TOUR) Ferry Departs Daily from Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head Island & River Street In Savannah All schedules & rates vary seasonally • Advanced reservations required 8 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
www.DaufuskieDifference.com
Winter/Spring • 2019
aufuskie ~
Experience an Island Like No Other
With no bridge and few cars, Daufuskie Island is an unusal experience - undeveloped, unspoiled and timeless. Its Gullah and Civil War histories place it on the National Register of Historic Places. This island, like all who have called it home, is a bit of nonconformist - a free spirit who does it her own way. Dense forests of moss-draped live oaks, sandy lanes, wide and empty beaches, quirky tin-roofed homes, and a small community of island residents who seem to see things different. Come join us. Turn away from typical. Experience Daufuskie.
Marsh Tackies
A few miles and a world away.
For Reservations, call (843) 342-8687 Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 9
W elcome to the L owcountry “101 Things to Do” is a free visitor magazine published in print and on-line twice a year. Explore our 101 articles to get an insider’s look at things to do and places to go on Hilton Head Island, SC, as well as the mysterious Daufuskie Island and three of the country’s favorite historic cities: Beaufort, SC, Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. This magazine is designed to not only give you ideas of how to spend your time, but to give you an appreciation for our land and our people. Our neck of the woods is commonly called the Lowcountry, a geographic area that stretches along coastal South Carolina and Georgia. It calls to mind miles of beaches, endless salt marshes, cotton and rice plantations canopied by old towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, a countless variety of wildlife, and the other-worldly hues and scents of a rustling Southern seashore. As you read through these 101 articles (they are not ranked in any particular order), you will learn about all that there is to do both in and out of the water; about this area's history and culture; where you can go to have a genuine Lowcountry experience; and how a bridge and one man dramatically turned an isolated sea island into a world-famous destination resort. By the Numbers • There are about 40,000 of us who live on Hilton Head year-around and there are plenty of reasons for that, as we hope you will soon find out. • The Island is 42 square miles - 12 miles long and five miles wide. • We are located about 45 minutes north of Savannah, Georgia, about 50 minutes south of Beaufort, South Carolina, and about 2 hours south of Charleston, South Carolina. • We are the second largest barrier island on the East Coast of the United States (Long Island, New York being the largest). • The Island is comprised of about 28,000 acres of dry land and about 2,000 acres of wetlands. • We have 13 miles of wide white sand public beaches, over 100 miles of bike and leisure trails, 23 golf courses on-island (another 22 near-by), and more than 300 tennis courts. • We gratefully receive over 2.5 million visitors a year. • We have well over 300 restaurants and hundreds of stores, not to mention thousands of beds on which to lay your exhausted heads! • We are consistently ranked at the top of numerous "Best Of" lists by the travel industry's most reputable sources, including Fodor's Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure magazine, and TripAdvisor.
Photo courtesy of Outside Hilton Head
10 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
We hope this magazine will aid you in finding that special “thing to do” for your visit to the Lowcountry. (And when you call or visit our advertisers, please don’t forget to mention that you read about them or saw their ad in “101”!). One last thing: Please contact our editor (843-682-3205) if you find any inaccuracies or have any suggestions. So, sit back and read. Then get up and enjoy! Winter/Spring • 2019
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 11
Photo © Eric Horan
1 L eave F ootprints in the
S and
Hilton Head means beautiful beaches, and every year over two million visitors flock here to enjoy the warm sunshine and beautiful, sloping shores of the Island. More than 12 miles of beaches encircle Hilton Head. All beaches are public from the ocean to the high tide mark, but not all have “public access,” meaning the beaches lie within private gated communities and are for residents and guests only. There are seven beaches that have public access and offer a variety of amenities. • Alder Lane Beach Access (2 Woodward Avenue, adjacent to the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort off South Forest Beach Rd.); amenities include seasonal lifeguards, beach matting, metered parking, outdoor showers, and restrooms. • Burkes Beach Access (60 Burkes Beach Rd., off William Hilton Pkwy. at the end of Burkes Beach Rd., next to Chaplin Community Park); this beach is unguarded, and amenities include metered parking and outdoor showers. • Coligny Beach Park (1 Coligny Circle, off Coligny Circle at the end of Pope Ave.); amenities include seasonal lifeguards, beach matting, free parking, interactive water fountain, outdoor showers, restrooms, seasonal beach rentals, and free WI-FI. • Dreissen Beach Park (64 Bradley Beach Rd., located mid-Island at end of Bradley Beach Rd.); amenities include seasonal lifeguards, beach matting, boardwalk, grills, metered parking, outdoor showers, permit parking, picnic pavilion, playground, restrooms, and seasonal beach rentals. • Fish Haul Beach Park (unguarded, 124 Mitchelville Rd., located off Beach City Rd.); this beach Is unguarded, and amenities include beach matting, free parking, outdoor showers, and restrooms. • Folly Field Beach Park (55 Starfish Dr., located 12 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
mid-Island off Folly Field Rd.); amenities include seasonal lifeguards, beach matting, boardwalk, metered parking, outdoor showers, restrooms, and seasonal beach rentals. • Islanders’ Beach Park (unguarded, 94 Folly Field Rd., located mid-Island off Folly Field Rd.); amenities include seasonal lifeguards, beach matting, boardwalk, grill, metered parking, outdoor showers, permit parking, picnic pavilion, playground, and restrooms. Beach hours are daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. During the winter, the hours change with Daylight Savings Time to 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are several things you need to know. • Mile markers are provided along the beaches in case of emergency. • Fishing, flying kites and throwing frisbees are prohibited in areas that are designated as swimming areas. • Motorized vehicles, except wheelchairs, are prohibited. • Alcohol is not permitted on the beaches, although there are several beach bars you may enjoy. • All powerboats and waverunners must stay 100 yards offshore and are not permitted on the beaches. • Walking through the sand dunes and picking or cutting of dune plants is not permitted. • All living creatures must stay on the beach, although shelling is encouraged. • The rules pertaining to dogs are confusing so check the signs posted to see when they are permitted on the beach and whether or not they require leashing. One rule is clear, however: you must clean up any messes! One very important consideration for beachgoers between early May and late August, is endangered loggerhead turtle nesting season. If you happen to come across a nest, do not touch it; do not leave beach accessories (such as umbrellas and chairs) on the beach overnight; and fill in all holes from digging and building sand castles; then contact the Coastal Discovery Museum (weekdays, 843-6896767), the Town of Hilton Head (weekdays, 843-341-4690), or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Hotline (800-922-5431). They will answer any questions. Fines and Winter/Spring • 2019
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 13
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Discovery Museum
jail time can be enforced upon those who disrupt the nests of these endangered species. Please make every attempt not to litter and to keep the beach as beautiful as when you first arrived. Just leave your footprints. For any additional information about our beaches, contact the Town of Hilton Head at 843-842-7728.
2
V isit the C oastal D iscovery M useum
The Coastal Discovery Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, should be your first stop for all things Hilton Head. This is place to go to gain a better understanding of the Lowcountry’s cultural heritage and history, its ecology, and its residents, both past and present. The museum sits on historic Honey Horn , a 68-acre property on the banks of Jarvis Creek and considered one of the Island’s most historically significant spots dating back 300 years. The only original plantation house still standing on the Island today, a collection of some of the oldest buildings that exist on Island, and A Butterfly Habitat, Discovery Lab, dragonfly pond and many other attractions are on the site. The 6,000-square-foot Discovery House contains permanent and temporary exhibits, and the fun Kids Zone. Take a walk on the designated Honey Horn Trail that 14 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
features marshside boardwalks and colorful interpretive panels detailing the flora and fauna of the region. You’ll also see many of the property’s early buildings as well as the cemetery. There is no charge to just stop in to view their displays and walk the grounds. You can also sign up for numerous year-around history and ecology tours, and programs that are fun and educational for the whole family. The museum is open year around on Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is located at 70 Honey Horn Drive at the north entrance of the Cross Island Parkway. For more information about museum programs and events, call (843) 689-6767.
3
Climb a Lighthouse & See the View
When the Sea Pines Resort founder Charles Fraser built the Harbour Town Lighthouse in 1970, the skeptical public nicknamed it “Fraser’s Folly.” With no significant maritime traffic and no rocky shoals, why build a lighthouse? Fraser’s folly soon became Fraser’s foresight. His red-and-white-striped lighthouse soon became a landmark. Today, 48 years after its completion, the Lighthouse is the international symbol of Hilton Head Island. Winter/Spring • 2019
4
G olf the L owcountry
Hilton Head’s mild climate, appealing natural surroundings, and careful development predetermined that this area would become one of this country’s most popular golf destinations. Maritime forests, tidal marshes, and sandy beaches Winter/Spring • 2019
The Finest Equipment on the Island! There is a difference ... come see for yourself!
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Climbing to the top of the lighthouse is one of the most popular visitor activities. You climb through a museum that displays a valuable collection of 19th Century and Civil War-era photographs and artifacts. Pause on large landings to read about the Island’s legends and history starting with the Yemassee Indians, through the Island’s Civil War era, the construction of the lighthouse, the Island’s development, and the Daufuskie Landing with traces of the Island's storied past. This year the Lighthouse became an official Coast Guard Museum and features a 16-foot hand-built scale model of the cutter “Eagle," a historic 295-foot seagoing classroom for Coast Guard cadets. At the top is the world’s only store at the top of a lighthouse with access an outdoor wrap-around balcony that has a panoramic view of Calibogue Sound and Harbour Town. This is a great spot for “photo ops” and sunset viewing, and a popular venue for engagements (averaging one a day), weddings, and receptions. On the ground floor is the Maritime Gift Galley, a unique nautical shop and bookstore where you can browse antique treasures and buy prints of Jeff Keefer’s photography. And don’t miss the Lighthouse’s old-time photo booth for a fun souvenir of your visit to Hilton Head. The lighthouse is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to sundown. There is a small entry fee, but children age five and under are free. The Bloody Point Lighthouse on Daufuskie Island looks nothing like a typical lighthouse; it looks like a regular Lowcountry house. Built in 1883, the lighthouse is one of the most significant points of interest on Daufuskie. Until recently, the house was privately owned and off limits to visitors, but is now open to the public for tours. It houses a museum and a gift shop. You can also visit the companion “wick house” that was used to store oil and wicks for the lighthouse. It is now known as the Silver Dew Winery. The owner of the lighthouse and winery has planted grape vines, indigo, rice, and Sea Island cotton on the property as way to demonstrate the living history of Daufuskie Island. Other lighthouses in the Lowcountry that you can tour include the Tybee Island Lighthouse and History Museum, east of Savannah, and the Hunting Island Lighthouse on Hunting Island State Park, east of Beaufort.
A N AS
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Special Group Rates www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 15
Call for ! Specials
We’re #1 for Bikes Free Delivery & Pick-Up
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are the backdrop to 26 on-island golf courses laid out by some of the industry’s greatest course designers, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Davis Love III, Pete Dye, and Robert Trent Jones. In addition, within an hour, there are an additional 40 courses in Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah, and on Daufuskie Island. Golf Digest and Golf magazines have continually rated a number of the area’s courses high on their “Best Of” lists. Your choices are endless. You can play anything from a nine-hole executive course to the world famous Harbour Town Golf Links in the Sea Pines Resort where the RBC Heritage is played every April. The Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament is played every Labor Day Weekend on three area courses to help raise funds for local children’s charities.
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* Offer only valid on second bike rental with weekly rental of first bike at regular price.
R ent a B ike & E xplore the I sland
Hilton Head Island is perfect for bike riding. Not only is it beautiful, it’s flat. When you first arrive here, you can’t help but notice all the bike riders. They are all over the place, meandering the miles and miles of designated bike trails, riding on the beach, exploring the Island’s beautiful treasures. In fact, it’s so perfect that the League of American Bicyclists has given the Island its “Gold Award,” placing it on their top 25 list of bike-friendly communities. The Island is linked through a system of trails, allowing you to cycle from one end to the other. With more than 13 miles of hard-packed sandy beaches and more than 100 miles of paved public bike and leisure paths, biking is a popular activity for visitors and residents alike. It’s fun, it’s affordable, and it’s a great way to take the family on a scenic island tour. The town’s public bike trails follow alongside several main roads and shopping centers, starting at the south end of the Island at the back gate of Sea Pines and ending at the north end of the Island at Hilton Head Plantation. In addition to the public paths, there are nature and bike trails within the private plantations accessible to residents and guests. Many kiosks are located along the pathways with an islandwide map on one side, and a localized map of the area on the other. Guidelines and markings exist to ensure safety for cyclists. Where there are bike trails, cyclists should stay on the trails, not on the road. For more information about our public bike trails, please contact the Town Hall at (843) 341-4600. If you didn’t bring your own bicycle, there are many conveniently located bike rental and sales companies that offer a wide variety of two- and three-wheeled bicycles, including beach cruisers, tandems, kiddie carts, and mountain bikes. Most companies have a free delivery and pick-up service and a full line of accessories such as helmets, child carriers, baskets, locks, and even covered kiddie carts. Rentals are available by the hour, day or week. Winter/Spring • 2019
RENTALS & TOURS HOW FAR? 15-60 MILES
HOW FAST? 20 MPH
THE BEST WAY TO SEE HILTON HEAD! SALES, RENTALS, AND TOURS
Pedego Electric Bikes make riding more fun! An electric bike is just like a regular bike – only better. You can pedal normally (or not), and get power when you want it. You have the freedom to go farther and faster. It feels like being a kid again.
est. 1979
Hilton Head - Plaza at Shelter Cove Palmetto Bluff - Moreland Village OutsideHiltonHead.com | PedegoPalmettoBluff.com 843.686.6996 You can even rent electric bikes (for age 16 and older) . You can ride with gears like a standard bike, use pedal assist, or throttle to 20mph. Each bike comes equipped with a cell phone holder so you can explore on your own with the help of internet bike maps. Guided tours are also available that will cruise to historical landmarks while introducing you to the island’s fascinating nature, history and culture. No experience is necessary. The Heritage Library offers guided bike tours of historic sites along Squire Pope Road. Tours are offered year around on Wednesdays (reservations are required). Bicycle Billy’s (843-785-7851) Ad p. 16 Coconut Bike Rentals (843-686-5055) Ad p. 2, 15 Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49 Mike’s Bikes (843-671-6453) Ad p. 16 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Pedals Bicycles (843-842-5522) Ad p. 2, 15
6
Rent a Golf Cart & Explore Daufuskie
Try something completely different, an experience you’ll remember for a long time. Explore Daufuskie Island by golf cart. Winter/Spring • 2019
To get to Daufuskie, you’ll need a boat. There is no bridge. Your options include taking a passenger ferry, operated by Daufuskie Difference or Vagabond Cruises; sign-up for a private charter aboard a six-passenger boat; or rent a boat to “drive” over on your own. Once you arrive on Daufuskie, golf carts are available for rent at Freeport Marina. Make sure you ask about making arrangements for a cart when you make your transportation reservations because the supply of carts is limited. To enhance your exploration, a self-guided tour on cd is available for purchase at Freeport’s General Store. Provided by the Daufuskie Lowcountry Museum, the narrative includes many wonderful stories about the Island’s history and culture. You can rent carts by the half-day or full day (about six hours). You’ll probably want to rent for at least half a day to give you plenty of time to explore all that the Island has to offer, from the beautiful beaches to historic Gullah sites, and the living plantation at the Bloody Point Lighthouse. Grab a bite to eat at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina . Just like renting a car, you must have a valid drivers license. You will be provided with a detailed map of the Island’s roads and significant landmarks. Be aware that this island is undeveloped and sparsely populated. It feels almost deserted (there are less than 300 full-time residents). It is mostly woods and the sites of www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 17
Wild Dolphins Guaranteed on Every Tour
Dolphin & Nature Tours
Narrated 1-1/2 hour trip down beautiful Broad Creek past stately waterfront homes. See dolphins, marine life, and countless varieties of birds. Fun for all ages! Don’t forget your camera! Sunset cruises, Tuesday night summer fireworks tours, and group rates available.
Snack Beveras & Availabges on All T le ours S.S. PELICAN
101 Photograph
interest are very spread out. There are a few paved roads, but you’ll be mostly traveling on sandy lanes. Also, driving golf carts on the beach is strickly forbidden because it is a sea turtle nesting area. Remember that cars and trucks (yes, there are some) go much faster than a golf cart and have the right of way, so you’ll need to pull over to let them pass. If you need to stop to look at the map, don’t stop in the middle of the road. There are many blind curves. And just like with cars, do not let your young ones drive, and do not drink and drive. There are police on the Island. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
Licensed for 16 passengers
UR OUT O L B A K A AS SPECI “101”
ISLAND QUEEN
Licensed for 40 passengers
$20 Adults (reg. $24 ) $1000 Children (reg. $1400) Children under 2 FREE 00
00
Call for Reservations
(843) 681-2522
Advance Reservations Recommended
Book online at www.hiltonheadtours.com Departs Mid-Island from Broad Creek Marina NO GATE FEES
Since 1985
18 Simmons Road, off Marshland Road Hilton Head Island, SC
18 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
7
Discover the Dolphins
Hilton Head dolphins are as friendly as the people here. They show up in all the populated places – the Atlantic beaches, the sounds, and the creeks. Their graceful, silvery bodies never fail to catch attention as they arc through the waters or pop up to grin at you with their smiling faces. It’s no wonder dolphins are so easy to spot. The Carolina coastline has a warm-weather population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins estimated between 1,200 and 2,000, shrinking to around 600 in the winter. It’s still a mystery where the others go in winter, but they always seem to return to greet the tourist (and the shrimping) season. Dolphins are friendly, but remember they are wild animals with teeth. It is also important to keep in mind that the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strictly prohibits the feeding, touching and harassment of dolphins. Resist the urge to pat their heads or throw them a bite to eat. If reported, civil or criminal penalties could be imposed. Winter/Spring • 2019
Dolphin & Nature Tours • Doing tours year around • Hands-on - Great for Kids! • 30’ Pontoon Boat (up to 20 passengers) • Crab Trap & Castnet Demonstrations • Restrooms on Board • Coolers Welcome • Private Tours Available
843-785-2345
Shelter Cove Harbour Marina No Gate Fees • Free Parking dolphinseafarihhi.com info@dolphinseafarihhi.com Ask About Our “101” Specials
Federal laws still won’t stop them from following shrimp boats and waiting for an easy meal when the shrimpers cull their catch. These intelligent animals also know to hang around marinas where fishermen clean their fish; and a few old-timers that were in our waters before the feeding ban will still follow pleasure boats, remembering the days of legal free handouts. You may be lucky enough to see dolphins “strand feeding,” a phenomenon documented and studied by Jacques Cousteau and other marine biologists. At low tide the clever dolphins will team up and herd a school of fish onto a shore and then beach themselves to enjoy a feast. If you are out on the water around sunset, try to find a shrimp boat anchoring up. If you can get close (but not too close), you’ll find dolphins hanging around the shrimp boats to feed. Many tour operators on Hilton Head can take you out for a guided, narrated dolphin watch in boats ranging from large double-deck boats to small craft like a kayak. The larger boats may not require reservations, but the smaller boats require them several days in advance in the busy season. It’s best to call ahead in any case. All boats are U.S. Coast Guard inspected, and all operators are licensed and knowledgeable. The larger boats offer amenities such as on-board restrooms, snack bars, more legroom, climate control systems, and shaded seating. Photo © Eric Horan
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 19
THE ULTIMATE SAILING EXPERIENCE
FLYING CIRCUS The “Environmentally Friendly” Way To See Nature Under Sail
Daily Dolphin Watch Sunset Sails Fireworks Cruises Sailing Lessons
Limited to Six People for Comfort & Intimacy
Reservations & Information
Visit Us On
843-686-2582
Call for “101” SPECIAL
Shelter Cove Marina
www.hiltonheadislandsailing.com
CAPT. MARK’S
Dolphin Watch Nature Cruises Aboard the “Holiday”
In Oper Since ation 19 8 3
The e ruis best c or your f s e lu ar! va n doll vacatio
Pontoon boats, hard-bottomed rafts, deck boats, Florida flat boats, creek cats and creek skiffs, and smaller sailboats and catamarans will seat fewer people, give you more personal attention with your guide, and get you much closer to the dolphins. Kayaks put you right on the water, and your interpretive guide will be close by to assist you with your kayak, answer questions, and point out natural phenomena.
8
C omb
a
B each
Every year over two million visitors flock to Hilton Head to enjoy the warm sunshine and more than 13 miles of public beaches that encircle the Island. Beachcombing is a natural thing to do - both figuratively and literally. All ages have fun searching for crabs, shells, sand dollars, starfish, driftwood, and other treasures. A number of companies offer beach walks and beachcombing tours. These tours explain the importance of the dunes, the sea creatures in the ocean, the different types of seashells you may find while walking the beach, or the forces that are responsible for shaping the beach. You can also rent a boat to go exploring remote islands and beaches on your own. You’ll be provided with map and instructions on where you can and cannot go. Daufuskie Island, Tybee Island near Savannah, and Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort are other beaches. Please make every attempt to not litter and to keep the beach as beautiful as when you first arrived. Just leave your footprints. Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 39 Island Explorer (843-785-2100) Ad p. 21 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 39 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
The 80-ft double deck ship “Holiday” cruises all calm water. 1 hour, 45 minutes, featuring over 45 points of interest. Snack bar & restrooms on board.
Narrated Dolphin & Nature Cruises Adults $20.95, Children (3-12) $10.95, Under 2 years FREE
Sunset Dolphin Watch Cruises
Adults $24.95, Children (3-12) $12.95, Under 2 years FREE
Summer Fireworks Cruise (Reservations Required) Adults $29.95, Children (3-12) $19.95, Under 2 years FREE
Departure Schedule Is Seasonal • Call For Current Departure Times No Reservations Required • No One Turned Away Tickets may be purchased at the boat just prior to boarding. All major credit cards accepted.
Convenient Mid-Island Location•Shelter Cove Harbour•Dock C (Bus. Hwy 278 across from Palmetto Dunes Resort)
No Gate Fees • Free Parking • Stay All Day
Adventure Cruises • (843) 785-4558 Book Online at CruiseHiltonHead.com
FREE SOFT DRINK!!
Present this ad to the cashier when boarding and receive a voucher for a free soft drink at our snack bar. Limit one free soft drink per person in your party.
20 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Discovery Museum
Winter/Spring • 2019
101 Photograph
9
R ent a B oat & B e Y our O wn C aptain
If you are looking for an exciting activity, rent a boat and be your own captain. This is an exciting way to combine adventure and sightseeing for the whole family or a group of friends. Circumnavigate Hilton Head or Pinckney Island; find a remote beach for a picnic; sunbathe and take a refreshing deep-water dip; go fishing; crossover to Daufuskie Island; visit the popular sandbar on the May River; watch a sunset or the Tuesday night fireworks. Boat rentals are available year around. You can rent for two, four or eight hours. All boats are USCG-approved and range from two-passenger skiff boats or 16-foot run-abouts that seat six people, to 24-foot pontoon boats that seat 14. Most boats are canopied and come equipped with all safety equipment. No experience is necessary. All companies provide instructions and maps for you to follow. However, a word of caution: Be aware of the tides, which can vary as much as eight feet. If you are not paying attention, you could easily find yourself stuck. You must have a valid driver’s license, signed documents, and put a security deposit against damages on a credit card. Some companies require that you pay for your own gasoline, which is available at the marinas. One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37 Winter/Spring • 2019
1-Hour Discovery Experience 2-Hour Dolphin Encounter 3-Hour Vanishing Island Expedition 2-Hour Sunset Cruise
Over 30 Years Experience 12-Passenger Boats Eco-Friendly Best Price and Value
DolphinToursHiltonHead.com 843-785-2100 Book Online with Discount Code: “101THINGS” www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 21
10
V isit a M aritime C enter
Photo courtesy of Port Royal Foundation's Maritime Center
A visit to the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s Maritime Center is a must! The Maritime Center is the “go to” place for discovering the Port Royal Sound. It is dedicated to advancing awareness of Port Royal Sound's contributions to the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of our area. Located on the Chechessee River, the Maritime Center has exhibits that appeal to all ages, from a life-sized Megalodon jaw to a 3,000-gallon aquarium featuring local marine life. Here you will also see a life-size replica of the albino dolphin “Carolina Snowball” and her son “Sonny Boy,” both of whom once swam the waters of Port Royal Sound. The Maritime Center features work from local artists as well as photos and artifacts that help tell the story of how the Sound has influenced our rich history and culture. The Maritime Center offers programs and events for the whole family! A full calendar of events can be found on the Port Royal Sound Foundation website or their Facebook page. The Maritime Center is located between Bluffton and Beaufort at 310 Okatie Highway (US 170) at the south end of the Chechessee River Bridge. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Port Royal Maritime Center (843-645-7774) Ad p. 23 22 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
11
T ake a B oat to S avannah
A “must do” for any visitor to Hilton Head Island is a boat cruise to Savannah. Skip the hassles of driving, figuring out directions, and finding a parking space. Just sit back and enjoy a bucolic cruise, complete with picturesque Lowcountry waterscapes and wildlife, arriving at Savannah’s most central location, River Street. Cruises come with a multitude of amenities and tour options. Once you arrive in Savannah, you are free to spend the day shopping, exploring on your own, or joining a guided history tour. You should allow for a full day for a round-trip to Savannah. Daufuskie Difference operates daily round-trip ferry service from Hilton Head to Savannah’s historic River Street, with a stop on Daufuskie Island. The “Spirit of Harbour Town,” operated by Vagabond Cruises, offers cruises to Savannah three times a week in a climate-controlled luxury yacht. Boat operators, such as Outside Hilton Head, will take you to Savannah on a customized trip to spend the day shopping and exploring the historic district on your own. Bear in mind that these companies’ boats do not have an enclosed cabin (they may or may not have a canopy), nor do they have restrooms. All boats operate year around, but schedules and options vary by season so make sure you call ahead. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
12
L et Y ourself G o L ike T arzan
Hilton Head has plenty of beaches and golf courses, but on an island known for its extensive tree canopy, a through-the-trees aerial adventure is a natural fit. Broad Creek Marina Adventures' ziplines offer an exciting two-hour “canopy tour” through indigenous live oaks and loblolly pine trees. There are eight interconnected zip lines rising to heights of 75 feet. In addition to the zipline course, there are six aerial adventure courses that use ropes, logs, swinging bridges, hoops and other fun obstacles. There are 50 different challenges, ranging from easy to very difficult. No experience is necessary although age and weight restrictions may apply. Training is provided and the courses are designed for different physical abilities. Both the zipline and aerial adventures courses are open year around. Winter/Spring • 2019
AT THE
See our
FREE ADMISSION
Museum | Animals History | Art & More!
Open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday–Friday | 10am to 4pm, Saturday (843) 645-7774 • 310 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC | PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org For more information, call Broad Creek Marina Adventures at (843) 682-6000. They are located at Broad Creek Marina, mid-island at 33 Broad Creek Marina Way off Marshland Road.
13
L earn A bout O ur W ildlife
As you explore the endless array of outdoor activities on Hilton Head Island, you are sure to come across the natural inhabitants. Winged, feathered, scaled or furred, they are all impressive and enjoyable to observe, but require the utmost respect as you come upon their terrain. Several rules of engagement exist to ensure a pleasant experience for all. Alligators: If you come across our most famous creature, the American alligator, do not feed or harass it. They are wild animals and can outrun a small dog or child. You may see them sunbathing on the banks of ponds and lagoons, or even making the rare appearance on our roads or sandy beaches. These large reptiles demand and deserve respectful distance. Birds: Hilton Head is the place to be for bird watchers. You can observe both shore birds and inland birds. Shorebirds, with their long skinny legs for walking through the tides and long beaks for capturing fresh fish, Winter/Spring • 2019
are entertaining and remarkable to watch. You’ll find brown pelican, ibis, wood stork, egret, osprey and more walking on the shores, marshes and greenways. Deer: While driving through the resort plantations or teeing off on a golf course, you may very well run into the most over-populated island inhabitant—the white-tailed deer. Due to increased inbreeding of these island animals, these deer only grow to be 130 to 200 pounds and three to four feet tall. They can however, bounce away from prey or in front of your car at a speed of 28 miles per hour. Keep a lookout when driving at night along the moonlit streets. Dolphins: As you adventure out on the waters of Hilton Head, you’re sure to make friends with the Island’s friendliest mammal, the bottle-nosed dolphin. However, keep in mind that the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strictly prohibits the feeding, touching and harassment of dolphins and other marine animals. Resist the urge to pat their heads or throw them a bite to eat. If reported, civil or criminal penalties could be imposed. Loggerhead Turtles: Between early May and late August the Lowcountry’s beaches are prime nesting areas for the endangered loggerhead turtle. In 2017 there were 325 turtle nests reported on Hilton Head’s beaches. Strict laws protect these beautiful giants and their nests found along the ocean’s shore; Hilton Head has an ordinance banning lights on the beach after 10:00 p.m. between May 1 to October 31 to avoid confusing the baby turtles as they make their first mad dash to the ocean. www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 23
15
Photo by Ed Funk
If you happen to come across a nest, do not touch it; do not leave beach accessories (such as umbrellas and chairs) on the beach overnight; and fill in all holes from digging and building sand castles; then contact the Coastal Discovery Museum (weekdays, 843-689-6767), the Town of Hilton Head (weekdays, 843-341-4690) or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Hotline (800-922-5431). They will answer any questions. Fines and jail time can be enforced upon those who disrupt the nests of these endangered species.
14
P hotograph N ature with a P ro
In the Lowcountry, “photo ops” can be found at every turn: moss-draped oaks, vistas of sandy beaches, dolphins racing at the bow of your boat, glorious silhouettes at sunset. Shutterbugs have a wonderful time from dawn to dusk. For an amazing nature and sightseeing excursion, take the opportunity to join a guided photographic tour. This is so much more than a guided eco tour. This type of exploration is geared to a photographer’s sense of place, time and light. A noted professional photographer will take you on a journey to the best locales to capture the essence of the Lowcountry. Visit pristine barrier islands; witness spectacular views and dramatic wildlife behavior. Custom tours are available to accommodate your special notions. Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037) Ad p. 25 24 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
G o B irdwatching
In December 2018, 320 individuals participated in the Annual Christmas Bird Count held by Hilton Head’s chapter of the Audubon Society. It revealed 137 bird species and a total of 25,561 birds (in December!). Large blue herons and white egrets pose handsomely beside lagoons and marshes. Dark and spooky anhingas look magnificent as they stretch their wings out to dry, and gulls and sandpipers scold you on the beach. Both the amateur and the avid birdwatcher quickly recognize Hilton Head and the Lowcountry as a prime place for birding. The National Audubon Society has designated 17 important birding areas in the Lowcountry, including the 350,000 acre ACE Basin north of Beaufort. Two places on Hilton Head have qualified: Ibis Pond in the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge and Lake Mary in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Both sites are home to densely populated rookeries in springtime. Another ideal birding locations include the 50-acre Audubon Newhall Preserve on Palmetto Bay Road, Fish Haul Creek Park on Mitchelville Road, Hunting Island east of Beaufort, and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge on US 17 northeast of Savannah in Hardeeville. Birding is an essential part of the Lowcountry experience. Most guided ecotours include bird watching as part of their excursions. The guides and naturalists will be able to identify the most common species for you. You can tour by kayak or on boats ranging in size from small six-passenger canopied boats to sailboats to double-deck excursion boats. Most nature tours are offered year around.
16
E ncounter A lligator
an
If you want to see one of the area’s most intriguing inhabitants, the American alligator, you probably need to go only as far as the nearest fresh water or brackish lagoon. Alligators go into a modified form of hibernation (estivation) during the winter, emerging in March when the winter “thaws.” Adult males will then establish their territory and emit loud roars, or “sing,” to attract females who, around June, build nests on the banks of lagoons and other fresh or brackish bodies of water. Females will lay an average of 30 eggs that will hatch in about two months. Hilton Head’s alligators grow to an average of ten to 14 feet. Don’t get too close, and definitely do not feed them (it is actually illegal to feed an alligator). These critters can outrun humans and most other animals for a short distance, and when provoked, become aggressive. Mother alligators Winter/Spring • 2019
are especially protective if you approach their young. It is wise to stay away from the banks of lagoons and never fight over your fishing line if an alligator snags your catch. To learn more about alligators, sign up for a onehour guided alligator tour on the lakes within the Sea Pines Preserve aboard a canopied boat. A guide will detail facts about the wildlife and the surrounding area, with special focus on the American alligator and its behavior.
17
W atch
the
S un S et
Hilton Head Island’s distinctive scenery, combined with its beaches, refreshing breezes and mysterious light, makes sunset viewing an enduring Lowcountry pastime. Any place on the western side of the Island will give you a good sunset, particularly our beaches. From South End locations such as Harbour Town, you can watch the sun set over Calibogue Sound and magical Daufuskie Island. Walk out onto Harbour Town’s pier or climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse for stunning sunset views. From North End locations, Skull Creek and Pinckney Island provide the scenery. Mid-Island, western facing views are of Broad Creek and its marshes teeming with wildlife. Palmetto Bay Marina is a popular sunset viewing location, as is Shelter Cove Harbour. Winter/Spring • 2019
If you are on Daufuskie Island, make sure you catch the sunset views from Freeport Marina or the Beaufort County Dock. You can also view the sunset from the water aboard boats ranging in size from a 150-passenger paddlewheeler and double deck excursion boats to small six-passenger canopies boats, sail boats, or kayaks. Most ecotour companies offer sunset tours. Sunsets also go hand-in-hand with either a cocktail cruise or dinner cruise. If you are in Savannah, you can view stunning sunsets from the top deck of a the classic paddlewheeled riverboat departing from historic River Street.
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G o H orseback R iding
Would you like to pretend you are back in time, in an era before cars, riding a gallant horse through an unspoiled forest? Or would you like to see your child ride a pony for the first time? Or have you ever envisioned yourself riding horseback on a white sandy beach? You can experience all three from Hilton Head. Lawton Stables offers escorted trail rides through the tranquil Sea Pines Forest Preserve, revealing Lowcountry scenery at the gentle pace, in and out of the trees and around the lakes. Trail rides are scheduled daily year around and are www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 25
19
Photo courtesy of Lawton Stables
available for adults and children eight years old and older. Reservations are required. This is also a great way to entertain a group of people, like a family reunion or company outing. Lawton also has a small animal farm where children seven and under are able to take pony rides around the small animal farm on one of their adorable Shetland ponies. The animal farm is free, but there is a small fee for the pony ride. Reservations are not required. While you’re there, don’t miss Harley, an 18.2 hand Clydesdale horse (the kind you see in the Budweiser ads). He has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Feel free to give him a pat. He may be big, but he’s very friendly. The stables are located at 190 Greenwood Drive (you can’t miss the horses grazing in the pastures). For more information and reservations, call Lawton at (843) 671-2586. Unless you’re staying within Sea Pines, there is a fee to pass through the gates, but it’s good for the whole day. If you're looking for a totally unique experience and, at the same time, check two things off your bucket list, join Hilton Head Helicopter Tours for a flight to Daufuskie Island for a rare chance to ride horses on a beach. The company has both ½-day and full-day packages available. There are some restrictions, and tours may be cancelled due to weather. Hilton Head Helicopter Tours (843-505-7182) Ad p. 33 26 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
E xplore N ature ’ s R efuges
The Lowcountry’s estuarial ecosystem has led to the preservation of three national wildlife refuges that are open for exploration. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, located off of Hilton Head Island, is a 4,000-acre refuge originally owned by the family of Charles Coatsworth Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Pinckney is a popular place for hiking, biking, bird watching, and photography. It is accessible for the elderly, very young and the handicapped. Fourteen miles of clearly marked grassy and gravel trails lead you to secluded ponds and promontories teaming with birds, alligators, dolphins, wildflowers, and swampy woods. You can also circumnavigate the Island by kayak or boat, either on your own or with a guided tour. The refuge is located on U.S. Hwy. 278 between the two bridges that run from Bluffton to Hilton Head. It is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Dogs and other pets are not permitted, and there are no restrooms. At certain times of the year parts of the refuge may be closed to protect wildlife from disturbance. The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, located about 45 minutes by car southwest of Hilton Head, lies along the Savannah River and comprises over 29,000 acres of bottomland hardwood trees, tidal rivers, creeks, and freshwater marshes. There is a four-mile wildlife drive through old rice field dikes as well as hiking and biking trails. You’ll see alligators, and thousands of migratory birds can be seen in the area during the winter. The Visitor Center, located on U.S. Hwy. 17 in Hardeeville, SC, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dogs and other pets are not permitted. For more information, call (843) 784-2468. Outside Savannah, a division of Outside Hilton Head, offers boat tours of the refuge. This excursion, led by a naturalist captain, will venture upriver from Savannah and navigate through portions of the 29,000-acre refuge’s tidal creeks and marshes. It provides views of the Savannah Riverfront, an in-depth tour of the Georgia Ports Authority, and is a naturalist’s dream come true. The Ernest F. Hollings ACE (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers) Basin National Wildlife Refuge, located about two hours north of Hilton Head on U.S. Hwy. 17, is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. This 350,000-acre preserve is a popular area for bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. Grove Plantation, the refuge’s Visitors Center, is a former rice plantation house built in 1828 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on Willtown Road off U.S. Hwy. 17 in Edisto Beach, north of Beaufort. Admission to the refuge is free. It is open daily, except holidays, from dawn until dusk. For more information, call (843) 889-3084. On Hilton Head, there are two nature preserves. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a 605-acre tract of forest Winter/Spring • 2019
with eight miles of trails in the heart of Sea Pines. Guided walking tours, family wagon rides, alligator boat tours, and trail rides on horseback all explore the nature and history of this tranquil enclave. The Preserve has entrances on Greenwood Drive (between the Greenwood Gate and the CSA Security Office) and off Lawton Road at Lawton Canal Road. There is ample parking and no charge to explore the bike trails and marked hiking trails on your own. If you are not staying within the Sea Pines Resort, there is a daily gate pass fee for entry. Hilton Head’s 50-acre Audubon Newhall Nature Preserve, located off Palmetto Bay Road just off the south end of the Cross Island Parkway, is another peaceful oasis for nature lovers. It has a series of short, easy, and well-marked interpretive trails (complete with benches along the way) that lead you through a diverse forest to a pond where you will probably see alligators, blue heron, and turtles. Because it is so small, it is well suited for small children. Dogs are permitted. There are no restrooms. Admission and parking are free, and it is open during the daylight hours year around. The Hilton Head Island Audubon Society conducts seasonal walks on a variety of ecological subjects. For more information, call them at (843) 842-9246.
20
D iscover the S panish M oss T rail
Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 39 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037) Ad p. 25 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37
Back in 1986 the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy was established to form a nationwide network of trails created from abandoned railroad corridors. Now there are more than 2,000 of these trails with at least one in every state. South Carolina has 38 rail trails with two in Beaufort County. The Spanish Moss Trail is located on the historic Magnolia Rail Line in Northern Beaufort County that dates back to 1870. The Trail first opened in 2012 and has grown to 10 continuous miles from the Town of Port Royal, through the City of Beaufort, up to and beyond the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to Grays Hill. The Trail will eventually extend 16 miles from the Sands Beach in Port Royal to the Whale Branch River in Seabrook. A paved trail is 12-feet wide, it is perfect for recreational or competitive walking, running, biking, and inline skating. This beautiful linear path offers many historic points of interest, excellent places for recreational fishing, and stunning water views. There are resting spots with benches and tri-level water fountains for pets, children and adults. Pets on a leash are welcome as are motorized wheelchairs (but no other form of motorized transportation).
Photo © Eric Horan
Photo courtesy of AJPierro Photography
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 27
The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail are the engine behind the Trail’s development, maintenance and enhancements. They have developed a free interactive Mobile App called the Spanish Moss Trail Mobile Guide (Apple Store or Google Play) allowing visitors to easily navigate to the six trailheads for access points, receive upto-date weather and tide information, locate rest areas and restrooms, and to learn more about other outdoor adventures nearby. Some quick tips: The largest and most central trailhead with parking is the Depot Trailhead located less than a mile from downtown Beaufort. Here you will find the restored original train depot building that you can walk through and enjoy. Two other convenient trailheads for a full bike trip up to 20 miles are Broome Lane or Westvine Drive. All can be navigated to through the mobile guide. For more information, a detailed map, and their mobile app, visit their website at www.spanishmosstrail.com.
21
L ose Y ourself in V irtual R eality
If you’ve been wanting to try this new fangled craze called “virtual reality,” a great way to test it out is to visit Hilton Head’s first virtual reality arcade. Here you can experience the fun of the virtual world without having to make the leap into investing heavily in all the hardware and software. It’s an exciting activity for the whole family. The arcade features a variety of virtual reality video games, from exploring the solar system to defending a castle with a long bow. You can play by yourself, with family members, or even go online to play with people around the world. The experiences are “virtually” endless! Currently the arcade has four stations for up to two people each. You can rent a station for up to almost 2-1/2 hours. The Atomic Virtual Arcade is located in the Adventure Center at 38 Gateway Circle on Hilton Head. They are open daily, and reservations are recommended.
shopping and gathering areas. But, if you ask local residents, Coligny Circle and the surrounding Forest Beach and Lagoon Road area would be voted the “most likely” downtown – the Island’s heart and soul. The reasons are numerous. It is easy to find and it is freely accessible (no gate fees) by foot, car and bike. It is located at the end of Pope Avenue at South Forest Beach Drive. It’s also on the most popular public beach. Plus, there are many shops and restaurants. Coligny Plaza first opened for business in 1956 making it the oldest shopping area on the Island. It is a delightful place to wander, spend some money, and unwind. It features 25 stores, 24 restaurants and food shops, a movie theatre, and year-around family-oriented events and live entertainment. Across Forest Beach Drive is the Beach Market with more shops and restaurants. And then you come to Hilton Head’s most popular and busiest beach. Although it can get crowded, you don’t need to walk far to find plenty of space in which to spread out. Don’t miss the new interactive water fountain, playgrounds and volleyball nets, rest rooms and changing rooms, a picnic pavilion and rental concessions, vending machines and showers. The beach is wheelchair accessible and public parking is available. A seasonal public trolley service operates daily (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and until 10:00 p.m. on Tuesdays) between Shelter Cove and Coligny Circle, with additional stops along Pope Ave. to Park Plaza. The service runs between March and October. The green and gray streetcar-style trolleys (complete with clanging authentic trolley bells) arrive at
Atomic Virtual Arcade (843-715-4972) Ad p. 29
22
C heck out the H appenings at C oligny C ircle
Unlike most towns, Hilton Head does not have a “city center”. It is more a collection of strategically placed 28 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
101 Photograph
Winter/Spring • 2019
each stop about every 30 minutes. The trolleys are fully handicapped-accessible, air conditioned, and offer free Wi-Fi and a bicycle rack for two bikes. The fare is $1 per person, per trip, but children under 43 inches ride for free.
23
Check out Beautiful Shelter Cove Harbour
The giant bronze statue of Neptune, Shelter Cove Harbour’s most famous landmark, furnishes an ideal family photo. But look a little closer. This is actually one of the world’s largest working sundials, with the king’s long trident spear serving as the time indicator. If you aren’t there during daylight hours, come back, then challenge your scientific abilities by reading the graph etched into the platform telling you how to adjust for correct time any month of the year. Neptune’s Watch is not the only thing that draws people to Shelter Cove Harbour. It is the Island’s largest deep-water marina. It is from this marina that you embark on some of the Island’s most popular water activities - dolphin and nature tours, numerous watersports and fishing charters. There are numerous opportunities to see live entertainment year around. Perhaps the highlight is the summer “must do” Tuesday night fireworks displays. Winter/Spring • 2019
This Mediterranean-style village, located on the “sunset” side of the Island, is convenient to all areas of the Island. It is centrally located at 1 Shelter Cove Lane, just off the William Hilton Parkway (US 278) across from the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. The Harbour backs onto Broad Creek, which bisects the Island like the laces on a tennis shoe. The village is surrounded by a number of harbor-oriented first-class villas and condos, and also features a number of waterfront shops and restaurants that are open year around. A seasonal public trolley service operates daily (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and until 10:00 p.m. on Tuesdays) between Shelter Cove and Coligny Circle, with additional stops along Pope Ave. to Park Plaza. The service runs between March and October. The green and gray streetcar-style trolleys (complete with clanging authentic trolley bells) arrive at each stop about every 30 minutes. The trolleys are fully handicapped-accessible, air conditioned, and offer free Wi-Fi and a bicycle rack for two bikes. The fare is $1 per person, per trip, but children under 43 inches ride for free. Bluewater Adventure (843-422-9119) Ad p. 5 Crabber J (843-422-5110) Ad p. 45 Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 19, 55 Flying Circus (843-686-2582) Ad p. 20 The Holiday (843-785-4558) Ad p. 20 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 29
24
Check out the Fun Palmetto Bay Marina
Before there was Sea Pines, there was Palmetto Bay Marina, opened in 1959. The marina’s free-spirited Key West ambiance makes it a popular all-day destination. Water activities, restaurants, and shops will keep folks of all ages and interests busy from morning to night. Start your day by joining a narrated dolphin and nature tour by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or rent a boat or creek skiff to explore on your own. The adventuresome types will want to try jet skiing or a creek cat for the ultimate in small-boat experiences. The young ones will enjoy an adventure aboard a pirate ship in seach of lost treasure. Now you can eat! Between three restaurants (all with both indoor and outdoor dining areas), you can find a meal from sun-up to moonset. The atmosphere is made even more remarkable by the splendid views across the bustling waterway of Broad Creek to the mansions of Spanish Wells. If you like to shop, you’ll find men’s and women’s resort wear, accents for your home, jewelry and art by local artisans, and souvenirs. The marina is located at 86 Helmsman Way at the end of the Cross Island Expressway. One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43
25
Check out Legendary Harbour Town
Harbour Town is “must do” - a great place for the whole family to spend a whole day. It is the center of activity within The Sea Pines Resort. Start your day in a rocking chair under the Liberty Oak, an ancient tree that was saved from destruction by Charles Fraser during the construction of Harbour Town. Visit the Charles Fraser Statue, a tribute to the man who conceived and constructed this island’s first resort and residential plantation. Let your kids vent their energy at the Gregg Russell Playground. There are also over 20 shops for your browsing pleasure and numerous restaurants that feature everything from seafood to steak. Climb the 114-step Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum, Hilton Head’s 48-year-old signature landmark. When you reach the top, you must go outside and take in the 360-degree view. Shop in the charming Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe, and don’t miss their new the ground floor Maritime Gift Galley, a unique nautical shop and bookstore. On the pier, you can select from any number of activities out on the water – pirate sails for the kids, sailing, 30 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo by Susan McCann, Island Photography, courtesy of Haroubr Town Yacht Basin
nature tours, parasailing, wave running, boat rentals, charter fishing, and dinner cruises. All ages would enjoy a leisurely scenic nature cruise aboard the “Vagabond,” or a dinner cruise aboard the “Spirit of Harbour Town.” At the Nature Center, located between the bakery and CQ’s, you can make reservations for any number of guided nature tours as well as activities for the youngsters. It also has live animal exhibits, hands-on displays, and naturerelated merchandise. Unless you’re staying within Sea Pines, there is a fee to pass through the gates, but it’s good for the whole day. Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum (843-671-2318) Ad p. 1, 62 Maritime Gift Galley (842-671-2810) Ad p. 1 Photography by Jeff Keefer (866-305-9814) Ad p. 62 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7 Stars & Stripe/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7, 35 Sumo Charters (843-671-4386) Ad p. 35 Tammy Jane/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7 Top of the Lighthouse Shop (843-671-2810) Ad p. 1 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
26
C heck out S unny S outh B each
If Hilton Head Island is shaped like a foot, South Beach is its big toe. And this toe just keeps on tapping – from sunrise well into the nighttime hours. Many consider this southern-most point on Hilton Head to be the most “happening” place to be and a visitor favorite. Winter/Spring • 2019
27
C heck out the A dventures at B road C reek M arina
Located within the Sea Pines Resort, South Beach Marina Village (232 South Sea Pines Drive) is modeled after a New England-style fishing village. It is a great place to congregate, people watch, and spend the day with so many different things to do. The morning hours bustle. Coffee drinkers sit at an outdoor café. Cyclists and joggers head out to the bike trails. Beach goers saunter across the road to spread their blankets for the day. Charter fishing boats head out for another day of “fresh catching.” Kids run along the dock, anxious to climb aboard their rented jet ski or sailboat. Nature lovers climb aboard a Zodiac raft for a guided dolphin tour. Here you will also find a number of water activity companies, everything from waverunners and kayak rentals, to fishing charters, sailing charters, and parasailing. By noon the gift and souvenir shops are full. The restaurants team with hungry customers. The spacious parking lot is full and cars line the roadside. And then, the evening fun begins. Sounds of Jimmy Buffet fill the air while crowds of diners collect on the expansive waterside deck. Kids line up for face painting while the smell dinner cooking tempts even the staunchest of dieters. Sing-alongs keep everyone in the spirit of a perfect Hilton Head vacation. Unless you’re staying within Sea Pines, there is a fee to pass through the gates, but it’s good for the whole day. Once you’re there, your big toe just won’t stop tapping.
There is so much fun to be had at this mid-island hub that you can spend the whole day in this one spot. Start off with an adrenaline rush - a soaring parasail ride over Calibogue Sound for real Lowcountry highs - and bragging rights! If you need more in-the-air adventure, tour through the trees on eight interconnected ziplines and six challenge courses for all abilities, all geared for the whole family as young as five. Now you can relax on a 90-minute guided dolphin watching boat tour aboard two delightful boats, the “Island Queen” and the “SS Pelican.” For the afternoon, charter a fishing boat or rent a boat to explore the waterways around Hilton Head on your own. It is also here that you will find daily public passenger ferry service to magical Daufuskie Island aboard Daufuskie Difference’s “Delta Lady”, a replica of an authentic 1850s paddlewheeler. Once there, you can experience the mystique of a remote sea island Gullah culture, including guided history tours, golf cart rentals, and an interpretive plantation at the Bloody Point Lighthouse. Daufuskie Difference also runs daily ferry service to Savannah’s Historic District for a day of shopping and sightseeing. In the evening, you can book a leisurely two-hour sunset cocktail cruise with Skypirate Parasailing. The cruise includes free beer, wine and music as well as outstanding sunset views. The cruises depart every evening year around. During the summer, get an upfront seat for the Island’s Tuesday night fireworks spectacle from the marina’s dock or aboard the various boat cruises. In addition to two restaurants, the marina itself features 46 in-water slips as well as covered dry storage. It offers the full range of marina services, including a maintenance and repair shop, fuel and pump out services, electricity, Wi-Fi as well as laundry and shower facilities. The marina is located on Broad Creek mid-Island off Marshland Road at 18 Simmons Road, between Mathews Drive and the Cross Island Parkway. There is ample parking and no gate fees. For more information about the marina, call the Dock Master at (843) 681-3625.
Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 39 Drifter (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3 Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Dolphin and Nature Tours (843-681-2522) Ad Back Cover, p. 18 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37
Photo courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 31
28
Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Lowcountry
There is a great family adventure available in both Hilton Head and Savannah - helicopter tours! From the air you get a unique perspective and whole new feel for the Lowcountry. You’ll see miles of beaches and meandering creeks teeming with wildlife. Fly over beautiful bridges, marinas and lighthouses. Take in a multitude of Sea Islands (including restricted Monkey Island), historic downtown Savannah, a Marine base, or even Civil War forts. Fly while sipping champagne, or fly onto Daufuskie Island for a horseback ride on the beach. This is a great fun for all ages, from infants to seniors. Celebrate an anniversary, engagement, or even a birthday. These tours allow you to check one off your bucket list. Helicopter flights are very smooth, and pilots encourage you to bring a camera to capture such a memorable experience. Tours vary in duration, from a quick introductory tour to more extensive adventures. There are some restrictions. Tours may be cancelled due to weather.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Helicopter Tours
32 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Hilton Head Helicopter Tours (843-505-7182) Ad p. 33 Old City Helicopters (912-247-0047) Ad p. 32 Winter/Spring • 2019
29
T ake a S unset D inner C ruise
This is one unique dining experience offering both beauty and romance – a sunset dinner cruise. Dine on first-class cuisine while the setting sun paints a beautiful panorama of the Lowcountry. Aboard the “Spirit of Harbour Town,” operated by Vagabond Cruises, every table has a waterfront view of the Carolina coast from massive bay windows. This is Hilton Head’s only on-board dinner cruise. The Lowcountry buffet, exquisitely prepared by Vagabond’s private chef, consists of three courses, from seafood to traditional southern country cooking, multiple meat options for the entree, and a fully stocked bar. The cruise has an atmosphere for everyone, whether you’re looking for a candlelight evening for two or a family party with a view of dolphins, stars and a mansion-clustered shore. If you’re planning on visiting Savannah, don’t miss Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ various entertainment cruises aboard replica old-fashioned riverboats, the “Savannah River Queen” or her sister ship, the “Georgia Queen.” They also offer a Saturday Luncheon Cruise, a Sunday Brunch Cruise, and numerous daily river cruises. Winter/Spring • 2019
All sailing schedules vary seasonally, so check on days, times, and menus. Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
30
S ip C ocktails S unset
by
What better place to take in a serene sunset than in a boat on the water. Better yet, add adult beverages and you have the perfect ending to a perfect day. It can be fun and rowdy, quiet and serene, elegant and dignified, for a few or for many. Whichever atmosphere you choose, you’ll have drinks and dolphins by sunset. With the exception of the large dinner cruises offered by Savannah Riverboat Cruises and the Spirit of Harbour Town, Sky Pirate Parasailing is the only sunset cocktail cruise that provides the libations. They offer a two-hour cruise with free beer and wine, or soft drinks for those under 21 years old. You are welcome to bring additional food or drinks. Their cruises are for six passengers maximum and tour Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound. They always have “cool www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 33
tunes jamming.” The cruises are offered year around and are U.S. Coast Guard certified. Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37 Spirit of Harbour Town/s (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
31
T ake a B oat R estaurant
to a
What better way to enjoy two of the greatest treasures in the Lowcountry than to combine a boat cruise with dinner? There are a number of options that will allow you to ditch the car and enjoy a relaxing cruise to a restaurant. Traditional dinner cruises include a meal onboard. With a “cruise to dinner” (or lunch) you can take that scenic boat journey you’ve wanted to experience, and then have a meal with your feet firmly planted on dry land. A number of companies cruise from Hilton Head to both Daufuskie Island and Savannah where you can find a perfect lunch or dinner after you have explored on your own or taken a guided tour. The types of boats range in size from small six-passenger deck boats to canopied pontoons and large double-decker passenger yachts, and even an authentic 146-passenger paddlewheeler. Cruises are available year around, but advance reservations are required. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
32
S ail on an A merica ’ s C up B oa t
Hilton Head Island offers the sailing experience of a lifetime aboard the “Stars & Stripes,” the Island’s only authentic 12-meter America’s Cup vessel. This is the original yacht that was skippered by Dennis Connor and won the 1987 Cup for the United States against Australia. Berthed at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin in The Sea Pines Resort, this yacht cruises across the water under full sail, only using its motor to move in and out of the yacht basin where the cruise embarks. The friendly and experienced crew of three invites all those aboard to get involved, a thrill and a perfect photo-op. The boat is U.S. Coast Guard approved for up to 28 passengers. 34 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo courtesy of Stars & Stripes/Vagabond Cruises
“Stars & Stripes” offers an array of sailing trips, including a 90-minute afternoon dolphin and nature cruise. The two-hour sunset sail around Hilton Head’s waters is a perfect way to end you day. Beer and wine service is available on all trips. The sailing schedule is seasonal. You can also purchase official “Stars & Stripes” apparel so you can take away a piece of American sailing history. Stars & Stripes/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7, 35
33
F ly
on a
T rimaran
Vaka. Ama. Aka. Proa. These are not typos. They are Polynesian terms that refer to the structural components of a three-hulled sailing vessel (trimaran) made popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The “vaka” is the main hull. The two smaller outrigger hulls (the “amas”) are connected to the vaka with lateral struts called “akas”. The derivation of these words is from the original “proas” (boats) constructed over 4,000 years ago by Pacific Islanders. The beautiful 38-foot trimaran “Sumo” is a popular sailing charter. Her sleek lines are pleasing, her three sails enticing, and her stable three hulls are reassuring. You just know this is going to be an invigorating yet safe adventure. “Sumo” offers year-around daily sailing cruises for six passengers around Hilton Head’s waters, weather permitting. Hourly, half-day and full-day sails take you about the Calibogue Sound. On some days when the winds are just right, you may just find yourself out on the Atlantic approaching Tybee Island before you know it. For the adventuresome types, the captain will show you how to steer the boat and trim the sails. In the evening, stretch out on “Sumo’s” suspended trampoline, relax, and take in one of the Island’s finest art Winter/Spring • 2019
Photo by Suzanne LeMehaute Photography
shows, a colorful sunset. The “Sumo” is berthed at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin (149 Lighthouse Road). Sumo Charters (843-671-4386) Ad p. 35
34
Cruise on a Catamaran
For a tranquil experience on the water, set sail on a sailing catamaran. You’ll feel totally relaxed as you take in the serene Hilton Head Island waters. The only sound you will hear is the wind in the sails. Have fun quietly sailing amongst the dolphins, taking in the Lowcountry’s scenic waterways with their green marshes and incredible wildlife. Catamarans are very safe, stable and offer 360-degree views. There is a hard deck area with padded cushioned seats, plus you can ride forward of the mast on the netting made of soft trampoline-like material. Catamarans are also an “environmentally-friendly” way to observe nature up close. In operation since 1989, the 30-foot “Flying Circus” seats six passengers maximum for intimacy and comfort. They offer daily dolphin watch nature tours, sunset sails, and summer fireworks cruises. You are welcome to bring small coolers with your favorite food and beverage. There is a bathroom on board. Flying Circus (843-686-2582) Ad p. 20
35
T ake a S ailing C ruise
Slicing through Hilton Head’s sparkling waters aboard a sail boat, the warm sun shining above and the fresh wind blowing, invigorates the senses and relaxes the mind, Winter/Spring • 2019
America's Cup Sailing www.VagabondCruise.com 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-363-9026 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 35
Photo cby Ed Funk
providing the perfect excursion for families, friends and lovers. Numerous companies on Hilton Head offer an array of sailboat charters and rentals. Some offer narrated ecology and sightseeing tours as well as the ever-popular “Happy Hour” sunset sails. You can even sail aboard a 12-meter America’s Cup boat once skippered by Dennis Conner. There are small charters (two to six passengers) as well as large group charters (up to 49 passengers). Some boats are singlehull; some are multi-hulled (catamaran or trimaran). All are USCG-approved and captained. Most charters offer morning, afternoon, and sunset sails. Some will take you out to watch the summer fireworks displays or on moonlight cruises. Chartered sailing excursions will take you through the Broad Creek, Calibogue Sound, or Port Royal Sound, giving you glimpses of the most coveted waterfront properties in the Lowcountry as well as natural, untouched land that provides a habitat for hundreds of species of birds and marine life. And you’re bound to see dolphin. If you would like to go on your own private sailing adventure, you can rent a sailboat, or even take a sailing lesson. Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 39 Flying Circus (843-686-2582) Ad p. 20 Stars and Stripes/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7, 35 Sumo Charters (843-671-4386) Ad p. 35
Photo © Live Oac, LLC
Photo courtesy of Sky Pirate Parasail
36 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
36
G o W aterskiing , T ubing & Z upping
How about an extreme day. Experience the thrill of speeding behind a powerboat on nothing more than a pair of water skis or a bouncy rubber tube. You’ll quickly learn why this island is such a popular vacation destination – it’s our wonderful waterways where you can punch the “go fast” button, cut loose, yell and laugh. Sign up for a standard one- or two-hour trip, or customize your own family ski day. If you just want to ride along, that’s fine, but some companies may charge a “ride only” fee. Rates usually include all equipment and instruction. No experience is necessary. Check out the latest family water sport - zupping. You are towed on a molded board on which you can lay, kneel, stand, surf, rest, ride backwards, or whatever you can imagine. USCG-licensed captains drive all boats. These activities operate only during the warmer months. Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37 Winter/Spring • 2019
37
G et O ver I t P arasailing
with
longest, highest flight
Parasailing is flying in a parachute, suspended by a harness and towed by a speedboat. It is very safe and conducted under the watchful eye of a captain certified by the FAA and US Coast Guard. Go solo or fly tandem. Soar at 400 or 800 feet. Get wet or stay dry. Whatever you choose, you’ll see the Lowcountry for miles in every direction. Once your captain has given you instructions, you’re taken out for a ten-minute ride. As the boat tows you aloft, you’ll find the harness soft and comfortable. The ride is so gentle and quiet you won’t even hear the sound of the boat below. If you want, the captain can carefully slow the boat and let you drift down until you skim the surface. There are weight restrictions, but the ride is designed for any age, regardless of skill or physical limitations. From early spring into September, you can get the best natural high. Think of your bragging rights with friends when you get home. Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37
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H it
the
S urf
Anthropologists guess that around 400 A.D. a form of belly boarding on wood planks was introduced in ancient Hawaii. It was later combined with the Tahitian pastime of riding waves in canoes. Over the centuries, the art, sport and culture of surfing have evolved. It has even taken on new forms, including wakeboarding, wakesurfing, kneeboarding, boogie boarding, and most recently, stand-up paddleboarding, zupping and wakeskating. Due to the wide continental shelf and occasional sandbars, the Island produces normal beach breaks and is a safe spot for beginners. Hilton Head shores mostly have smooth, sandy bottoms. The best time of day to catch a wave is during mid- to high-tide. The best time of year to surf the Hilton Head area is from August to December, but beware of hurricanes and storms that are close to shore because the surf gets too high and the conditions too windy. You’ll find very strong currents during the spring tides. Watch out for stingrays during the spring months and jellyfish during the summer. Lifeguards will put out warning flags if these conditions exist. Surfing (as well as boogie boarding and “other articles to ride the surf”) is permitted on all public beaches except in areas designated for swimmers. Winter/Spring • 2019
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Located in Broad creek Marina 18 SiMMonS road check-in & info office on the dockS www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 37
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Companies providing wakeboarding, wakesurfing, kneeboarding, zupping and wakeskating excursions operate during the warmer months, usually April through October. Lessons and equipment rentals for surfing and standup paddle boarding are available year around, weather permitting. You can purchase boogie boards at any grocery store or large retain chain. Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours (843-422-3965) Ad p. 41 Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37
39
G et W ild on W averunner
a
Looking for an intense and exhilarating way to explore Hilton Head? Try getting wet and wild on a wave runner – a very safe and fun water activity for all ages. This water sport has been around since 1929 when a one-man standing unit was called the “ski board,” similar to a powered surfboard. The present day wave runner was invented in 1968 as a “bus for the sea.” 38 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Hilton Head’s waters are safe and uncrowded so you can feel free to go “fast and bouncy” or “slow and cruise.” It is not uncommon for a dolphin to swim along side of you. All wave runner companies rent by the hour and offer both single, double and triple passenger machines. You need a valid drivers license to rent, and note that some age and weight restrictions may apply. Once you have checked in and picked out your flotation vest, you must review all the operational and safety features of your craft as well as the rules of the waterway. You will be accompanied to the riding area by a guide who will show you the boundaries of the riding area and stay within sight to make sure you’re safe. One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43 Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38
40
T ake
a
R aft R ide
For an exhilarating guided water tour with plenty of photo opportunities, be sure to consider the thrill of riding in a hard bottom inflatable zodiac-type raft. A zodiac is a hard bottom inflatable raft. This small, versatile and stable boat holds up to six passengers and is similar to the boats used by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the Winter/Spring • 2019
DOLPHIN WATCH The Island’s Original Zodiac Raft Ride • Dolphin Watching & Nature Tours • Daufuskie Sandbar Beachcombing • Exciting Personalized Adventures • Sailboat Rentals & Lessons • Kid’s Day Camps
Photo courtesy of Commander Zodiac
perfect craft for cruising the shallow waterways around Hilton Head. The rafts are comfortable, covered, fast, and have shallow drafts perfect for exploring out-of-the-way spots such as tidal creeks, uninhabited islands and beaches. These memorable small personalized guided nature expeditions will bring you up close to dolphins as well as birds and other wildlife. You’ll learn all about their habits and behaviors as well as the unique ecology of our salt marshes. Most companies also offer customized beachcombing excursions to Daufuskie Island and nearby private islands, specialized photography excursions, sunrise and sunset tours, and summer Tuesday night fireworks trips. Companies operate on seasonal schedules so make sure you call ahead.
Selected as Local Nature Guides by National Geographic •The Discovery Channel • BBC
(843) 671-3344 Located at South Beach Marina www.commanderzodiac.com
Multi-Year Winner Certificate of Excellence
Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 39
41
Paddle the Lowcountry’s Waters
Paddling is a Lowcountry “must do,” whether its by kayak or canoe. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural gifts the Lowcountry has to offer and a perfect family activity. Paddling is quiet. It’s down low so you can get close to nature. Peacefully go at your own pace. It will give you some of the best photo opportunities of your vacation. Rent a kayak or canoe to go on your own, or signup for a guided two- to six-hour kayak tour with a trained interpretive naturalist. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, you are covered. Explore our waterways and see dolphin; canoe the lagoons of Palmetto Dunes Resort; visit Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge; paddle the May River or the black waters of the New River; visit near-by islands such as Daufuskie or Bull Island; see the Lowcountry at sunrise, sunset, or full moon; experience the summer Winter/Spring • 2019
DOLPHIN TOURS DAILY from SUN UP ‘TIL SUNDOWN 2 HOUR KAYAK RENTALS as low as $20 Singles • $35 Doubles
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 39
Tuesday evening fireworks; try kayak fishing or a daylong special interest trip. Once you’ve checked in and selected your flotation vest, instructors will teach you how to hold the paddle and steer your craft. If you are going out on your own, they will provide you with maps showing you “no go” areas such as oyster beds and sand bars. Most kayak companies operate year around with seasonal schedules. Paddle away. Race, drift or splash – it’s up to you. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 39 One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours (843-422-3965) Ad p. 41 Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38
42
Stand Up & Paddle
Old school surfers in Waikiki used outrigger canoe paddles while standing on their boards to surf the waves. This eventually led to the “hands-free” surfing style we know today. But now there is renewed interest in this South Seas sport, and stand-up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing water activities in the world today.
Photo by Kelli Baxendale
Safe, fun and easy, stand-up paddle boarding has taken Hilton Head Island by storm, particularly because it is great in flat water and low surf, and it is a great activity for the whole family. Stand, sit, surf or splash. Swim or sunbathe. Your choice while you wind your way through our calm marshes and take in up close views of our marinas, waterfront homes, shore birds and other wildlife. Because glide and stability count most in this sport, it is a phenomenal core workout for those who favor a Pilatesstyle fitness regimen. World-class surfers, fitness gurus and watermen alike have embraced this latest exercise trend. Stand-up paddle boards are available locally for rent or purchase. You can also sign up for daily clinics or group excursions. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours (843-422-3965) Ad p. 41 Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37
43
S kim
the
W aters
Here’s a new one – a two seat, down-low compact power catamaran that reaches speeds up to 30 miles an hour! And you drive it yourself! Think of it as a combination of a boat, waverunner and kayak for two – with a bimini top. A go cart on the water! This unique watercraft, known as a creek cat or CraigCat®, is not only fun, but also very safe and stable. This sporty runabout has really caught on as the perfect way to tour the marshes and open waters of the Lowcountry. Professionally guided sightseeing and nature tours are available daily year around. You start with a brief training session during which you are fitted with a life vest. Your guide will then lead you on at least a two hour adventure past the 40 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Winter/Spring • 2019
Kayaks & Paddleboards Tours and Rentals
• Daily 2-hour Tours Led by Naturalist Guides • Tuesday Night Fireworks Tours • Customized Private Tours • Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals (2-hr or Full Day)
Guaranteed Lowest Prices in Town!
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Adventure
stately homes on Broad Creek and out onto the open waters where fun awaits. You may even skim up the May River or onto the Intracoastal Waterway. All the while you’ll learn about the history of the area and have plenty of “photo ops” while observing dolphin and other marine life just a few feet away from your boat. This may just be the most fun you’ll have on your vacation. Tours are available in the morning, afternoon, at sunset, and to the Tuesday night fireworks during the summer. All equipment (including life vests and coolers) is included. It is suggested that you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes, sandals or flip flops, and a towel as you will get wet. If its cool a light jacket, windbreaker, sweatshirt or rain jacket may be in order. There are some age and weight restrictions. Tour times are seasonal so make sure you book online or call ahead.
843-422-3965 • saltmarshpaddle.com Convenient Hilton Head Location 101 Marshland Road, behind the Old Oyster Factory Restaurant
Bluewater Adventure (843-422-9119) Ad p. 5 One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43
44
G o C harter F ishin ’
The waters of the Lowcountry are an angler’s paradise. Just choose your fishing adventure – we have it all: Fresh and brackish water lagoons; inshore and near shore in creeks; rivers and tidal lagoons or estuaries; “monster” shark fishing; and offshore “blue water” deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf Stream. The area is rich in shark, marlin, spot, cobia, red snapper, grouper, bluefish, king and Spanish mackerel, sheep head, flounder and the sea trout. To know when and where to fish, it is always best to check with a local charter captain. They know all! For out-of-town visitors wondering about fishing regulations in the state of South Carolina, offshore fishing uses South Carolina law up to three miles offshore. Beyond that, Federal regulations apply. Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 41
Photo courtesy of Drifter Excursions
Photo © Live Oac, LLC
If you are going saltwater fishing on your own boat (or a rental), you need a South Carolina fishing license if you are 16 years old or over. However, if you will be fishing with a charter boat, you are covered by the boat’s license. If you are going saltwater fishing from the shore, you will need a license. Shore-based saltwater fishing areas include all beaches, saltwater lagoons (including those found within the Island’s gated plantations), public boat lands, and public or private docks or piers. Licenses can be purchased locally at Wal-Mart or any outdoor outfitter. Also be aware of the laws regarding “tag (or catch) and release.” If you catch undersized fish, or fish over the limit, they should be released back into the water to ensure the future of fish populations. If you are fishing with a charter, the captain will assist you in determining what you can keep.
a good chance of catching quality fish. These trips are also a particularly economical way to introduce beginners, especially children, to the fun of deep-sea fishing. The crewmembers are all trained in instruction and know these waters well. Hilton Head party boats offer four- and five-hour deepsea fishing trips as well as three-hour shark fishing during the summer. The “Drifter” operates out the South Beach Marina in The Sea Pines Resort. Your fishing equipment, bait, tackle, license, ice for your catch, and even fish cleaning are all included in your fee. Be sure to bring a camera, hat, towel (to wipe your hands), sunglasses and sunscreen as well as non-slip rubber soled shoes. And don’t forget small denominations of cash to tip the mates!
Drifter (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 39 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
45
Fish on a Party Boat
No, it’s not fishing to libations and live music. “Party boats,” also known as “head boats,” are large fishing boats licensed to carry ten to 100 passengers. They charge a fixed fee per customer for regularly scheduled fishing trips. These boats, unlike the small six-passenger “charter” boats, usually feature plenty of walking around space and come with state-of-the-art equipment and an enclosed cabin with a galley serving food and beverages as well as multiple restrooms. Experienced anglers enjoy the party boats not only because of the on-board amenities, but because they have 42 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Drifter (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3
46
H unt
for
“J aws ”
Arrive home with the ultimate fish story – “I caught JAWS!” Perhaps this is why shark fishing is one of the most popular excursions for both family fun and serious sports fishermen alike. The Lowcountry does not lack in its share of these large mouthed, sharp-toothed fish. Mako, tiger, bull, and hammerheads – they are here. So are the lemons, black tips, bonnetheads, and sharpnose. Some are so large you don’t want them in the boat with you. Others are small enough to hold in your hand. (But they are all huge when you tell your story!) Inshore and offshore shark fishing off Hilton Head is good year around, but it is generally best between April and October. Charters are available at any time of the day and include bait, tackle and licensing. You can choose either a Winter/Spring • 2019
Photo courtesy of Jeff Keller
large “party boat” that accommodates a large number of people, or a private charter for a small group or family. Shark fishing from Hilton Head beaches is prohibited. For those adventurous types wanting an offshore “monster” shark fishing trip, this is the specialty of the serious sport fishing captains. These half- and full-day hunts venture offshore to sunken wrecks and reefs, or the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream. Inshore shark fishing is best suited for those seeking a shorter trip (three to four hours), especially families with children. Evening trips during the summer are the most popular. Some companies will combine an inshore trip with Hilton Head’s summer fireworks display. Cruises designed specifically for kids offer a more educational and entertaining approach.
You need a freshwater fishing license if you are at least 16 years old. You can easily obtain a license through any outfitter or through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (888-714-3611 or online at www.sc.dnr. gov). A great spot on the Island is Jarvis Creek Park, located on the William Hilton Parkway (U.S. Hwy. 278) just east of the Cross Island Expressway. This is an 11-acre fresh water lake stocked with bass and bluegill. You can fish from the floating pier or find a spot on the bank. Your outing should be rewarding, but be aware that the fishing there is strictly catch and release. The park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Note that some of the lagoons around the Island are saltwater. For those you should be aware the state of South Carolina requires that all shore-based saltwater fishing require a license. This applies to fishing for finfish, oysters, clams, shrimp and crab. If you want to fish within a gated plantation, check with the plantation’s Property Owner’s Association/Security Office to see about a fishing permit. If you decide to hire a charter boat, they will supply you with the license as well as bait and equipment. Freshwater fishing charters are available in spring and fall. Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55 Drifter (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 39 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
47
Fish the Fresh Waters
What’s a vacation without some leisurely time to kick back and drop a fishing pole into the water? If you aren’t a heavy-duty angler, you have kids in tow, or you just don’t want to spend the time or money for a charter boat, then try some lazy, gentle freshwater fishing in one of the Island’s many lagoons and ponds. You may see folks sitting by one of the fresh water lakes and ponds within our gated communities. You, too, can have that kind of easy, lazy experience - just grab a pole and bait, and you’re all set - almost. Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 43
Photo by Lesli Wouters, courtesy of Saltmarsh Paddle Tours
101 Photograph
48
S earch
for
S hrimp
Shrimping has always played a large role in the day-to-day life and culture of the people throughout the Lowcountry. There are two iconic images of the Lowcountry. During the shrimping season (June 1 to late December or early January) you can see boats off shore trawling for shrimp; their arms spread wide, dragging their nets. Then there is the fisherman in his bateau throwing a huge mesh net to corral his catch. If you want to get a good feel for what this region is all about, go shrimping. Sign up for lessons that offer a combination of shrimping, cast netting, and crabbing. Adults will feel a particular pleasure in learning to throw a cast net, while children will find joy in watching a net full of shrimp being hauled aboard a chugging trawler. Nets can be cast from shore, piers or boats. In South Carolina, you need a salt water fishing license to cast net unless you are with a licensed captain or at a licensed pier. You could also join a boat cruise that is both educational and scenic. You’ll learn about this area’s salt marsh ecosystem and why it is so favorable for shrimp to develop. You can even take a trip the shrimping grounds on a real working trawler. During the summer months, the “Tammy Jane” has a University of South Carolina Beaufort marine scientist aboard teaching about the lifecycle of shrimp and fish. They 44 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
even take back samples of different bycatch for study in the Univeristy’s lab. For a different take, join a photo tour of shrimp boats in action. You’ll be able to see the frenzy of birds and dolphins feeding around the boats. If you don’t have time for lessons or a cruise, take advantage of the numerous farmers markets and roadside stands that sell fresh shrimp. Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 19, 55 Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Tammy Jane/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7 Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037) Ad p. 25
49
G o C rabbing
Feeling a little crabby? An easy and relaxing family activity is crabbing. There are no hooks to bait or wiggly worms to deal with, and many people think crabs are a lot easier to cook, clean, and eat. In the state of South Carolina, you don’t need a license if you are crabbing with three or fewer drop nets, fold up traps or hand lines. Fishermen need a license to crab with a crab trap or pot. Equipment is minimal - a bucket, a crab net (available at any hardware store, bait shop, or Wal-Mart), 10- to 12-feet Winter/Spring • 2019
50
C ast
a
N et
One of the most iconic images of the Lowcountry is a fisherman in his bateau throwing a huge mesh net to catch shrimp and baitfish. So if you want to get a good feel for what the Lowcountry is all about, learn to throw a cast net. This is a wonderful activity for the whole family. Kids love watching a pro drag in a full net. The art of throwing a net has to be taught in person from a professional guide. It’s not something you can learn by sitting in your living room watching “YouTube.” Both the “Dolphin Seafari” and the “Gypsy” offer cast net throwing demonstrations as part of some of their tours. Or if you really want to give it a try, sign up for lessons with Live Oac Adventures or Outside Hilton Head. Nets can be cast from shore, piers or boats. In South Carolina, you need a salt water fishing license to cast net unless you are with a licensed captain or at a licensed pier. For further information, contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (888) 714-3611. 101 Photograph
of sturdy string with a chicken neck attached above a twoounce sinker. A dock, pier, boat, or sea wall makes the best crabbing site, although you can do it from shore if there is no wave action. Crabs don’t like to be seen, so if your chosen spot has murky water, the crabs may be close to shore. If the water is clear inshore, then throw your line further out. Tie the line to something – the pier rail, the bucket, or a sturdy stick that you can push into the sand. Then … wait. When a crab is nibbling at your bait, give him time to get a good grip, and then pull him up and scoop the net under him. He has to be five inches point-to-point to be a keeper. Also note that a crab with an orange spongy underside is a female with eggs. The law requires you to throw her back. Keep your crabs wet or on ice until you cook them. Crabbing is a part of many tours. The “Dolphin Seafari,” the “Gypsy,” and Saltmarsh Paddle Tours offer demonstrations of how to pull a crab pot. Or if you really want to give it a try, sign up for lessons with Live Oac Adventures or Outside Hilton Head, or join the fun on the “Crabber J”. Crabber J (843-422-5110) Ad p. 45 Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 19, 55 Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Saltmarsh Paddle Tours (843-422-3965) Ad p. 41
Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 19, 55 Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
Adventure Cruises presents . . .
Let’s Go Crabbing!! Aboard the “Crabber J II”
The e ruis best c or your f s e lu ar! a v n doll vacatio
O 35 Ye ver Exper ars of ience
Great Family Fun for All Ages! Catch Crabs, cruise and see the sights along the marshes of Broad Creek aboard the “Crabber J II”. Trips are 1 hour 45 minutes long. All equipment provided. Always calm water. Operates daily except Sundays April through September. Reservations required.
Win a free t-shirt if you catch the most crabs! Adults $22• Children (3-12) $17• Ages 2 & under $5 (All Major Credit Cards Accepted) Convenient Mid-Island Location•Shelter Cove Harbour•Dock C (Bus. Hwy 278 across from Palmetto Dunes Resort)
No Gate Fees • Free Parking • Stay All Day
Call (843) 422-5110 for schedule & reservations Book Online at CruiseHiltonHead.com
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 45
51
L earn A bout the G ullah C ulture
The Gullah culture has woven its way into the fabric of the Lowcountry. From the importation of slaves beginning in the 17th century, through the Civil War, to today’s preservation efforts, this area is a hub of this unique culture’s history and survival. All along the southeastern coastline are sea island communities of people who are direct descendants of slaves from West Africa. In South Carolina, their language and culture is referred to as “Gullah;” in Georgia, it’s called “Geechee.” When the Civil War ended and slaves were freed, most plantation owners sold their lands to their freed slaves and left the area. With no bridges and little contact with the outside world, these Native Islanders were isolated, left alone to maintain their culture and language. As the Lowcountry experiences increasing development, Gullah descendants continue to work hard to maintain their unique folklore and traditions. In 2006, the National Heritage Areas Act was signed into law establishing the federal Gullah/Geechee Heritage Corridor Commission to protect and promote this endangered culture. In recognition of their extensive efforts to research and record the Gullah culture, Hilton Head’s Heritage Library was awarded the 2016 Martin Luther King Community Service Award. This year sees the possibility of the 2017 Reconstruction Era National Monument expanding into a national park, a tribute to the period following the Civil War when newly freed slaves learned to earn a living and govern themselves. The monument, actually a collection of historic locations, includes four sites: Darrah Hall and the Brick Baptist Church on St. Helena Island, the old firehouse in downtown Beaufort, and Camp Saxton on the Naval Hospital Beaufort in Port Royal. If adopted as a national park, it would expand to include the entirety of the city of Beaufort’s historic district and St. Helena Island. To learn more about Hilton Head during the reconstruction era, join a guided tour conducted by the Coastal Discovery Museum (843-689-6767). The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head, located in a restored 1930s “haint blue” cabin, strives to preserve, protect and promote the Gullah culture. The museum received the esteemed 2012 National Preservation Honor Award by National Trust for Historic Preservation. Even though the museum is still in its early stages of development, it is open for tours (by appointment), conducted by Gullah storyteller Louise Cohen. Visitors will learn what life was like on Hilton Head before a bridge was built to the mainland in 1956. The museum is located at the historical marker on Gumtree Road (12 Georgianna Drive), between William Hilton Parkway (US 278) and Squire Pope Road. 46 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo courtesy of Coastal Discovery Museum
Daufuskie Island is a wellspring of Gullah culture and history. See the old homes, churches, cemeteries and museums that preserve the Island’s unique way of life. Daufuskie Difference offers daily ferry service to Daufuskie so you can join a guided history tour, or rent a golf cart for a self-guided exploration of the Island. Outside Hilton Head offers a daily guided Daufuskie History and Artisans Excursion. Vagabond Cruises’ ferry service allows you to bring your own bicycle at no extra charge. You could also rent a boat to “drive” yourself over for the day. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Gullah Museum of Hilton Head (843-681-3254) Ad p. 47 Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49 Heyward House Museum (843-757-6293) Ad p. 49 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
52
Explore the Stoney-Baynard Ruins
Cotton planter Captain John “Saucy Jack” Stoney built Braddock’s Point Plantation between 1793 and 1810. The home and outbuildings were made of timber and “tabby,” a masonry made of burned crushed oyster shells sand, whole shells and water. The estate remained in the Stoney family until around 1837 when planter William E. Baynard acquired the plantation. A popular island legend says the Stoney owner lost the property in a poker game to Baynard in 1840. During the Civil War the plantation was raided by the Union forces and made into their Island headquarters. Shortly later, the home burned down. Winter/Spring • 2019
self-guided tours of the church and historic Bluffton are available. Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49 Heyward House Museum (843-757-6293) Ad p. 49
54
E xplore H istoric B luffton
Photo courtesy of Ed Funk
The ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. You can explore them on your own. The ruins are located in the six-acre Baynard Ruins Park off Plantation Drive in The Sea Pines Resort.
53
Visit Historic Churches
For the perfect day trip, you don’t have to look any farther than Old Town Bluffton, a quaint village with historical tours of antebellum homes and churches, a thriving art district, great antique shops, cozy cafes and bakeries, and a fabulous Farmer’s Market. Nestled on a high bluff overlooking the beautiful May River, the one-square mile village of Bluffton was settled in the early 1800s as the summer place for wealthy rice and cotton planters. It grew to become an important coastal commercial distribution center. Prosperity eventually led to year-round residences, churches, and a thriving commercial main street. The village was officially incorporated in 1852. During the Civil War, Union forces occupied Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Savannah. The town of Bluffton was known as a “hot bed of secessionism” and on June 4, 1863, Union gunboats came up the May River and dropped soldiers
For a quick history lesson, be sure to drive or bike by any one of the area’s historic churches. Most of these churches began as places of worship for abandoned or freed slaves during and after the Civil War. Remarkably, most of these century-old houses of worship still open every Sunday. One of the oldest buildings in Hilton Head is the small, white Queen Chapel, an African Methodist-Episcopal church, located on Beach City Road and founded in 1865 by missionaries. It served as a praise house for slaves on the Pope Plantation. The original building has been updated, both in 1892 and again in 1952. Also founded in 1865 and located on Beach City Road is the First African Baptist Church. St. James Baptist Church, founded in 1886, is located near the old Mitchelville neighborhood where abandoned slaves lived and farmed the land during the Civil War. The Zion Chapel of Ease was small Episcopal Church built in 1788 for plantation owners. All that remains today is the cemetery, located at the corner of Mathews Drive and William Hilton Parkway (U.S. Hwy. 278). The Zion Cemetery is also home to the Baynard family mausoleum, built in 1848 and now the oldest intact structure on the Island. The site is owned and maintained by the Heritage Library Foundation who also conduct guided tours of the site. Bluffton’s Church of the Cross is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This Episcopal Church, built in 1857, sits on a bluff overlooking the May River. Guided and Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 47
101 Photograph
Photo courtesy of the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center
at Alljoy. The ships continued up the May River and began bombarding the town, while the soldiers marched in and burned 75% of the town. Thanks to a heavy layer of smoke, 15 homes and two churches escaped destruction. Today, eight homes and two churches still stand, in addition to 19 post-Civil War homes. To best see Old Town Bluffton, start at the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center, located at 70 Boundary Street in Bluffton’s National Register Historic District. Built circa 1841, this historic home serves as a museum as well as Bluffton’s official Welcome Center. The house is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. There you can pick up free information and take a docent-guided tour of the house and grounds (nominal charge for adults and students, children 10 and under are free). Guided walking tours of the Historic District are available for a small fee on weekdays by appointment (please call 48 hours in advance for reservations). Or you can choose to take a self-guided tour of the town. The Welcome Center will provide you with a National Register Historic District Walking Tour map developed by the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society. The map includes 27 historic locations within the one-square mile Historic District. The historic Garvin-Garvey House, built in 1870, is now open for guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and by appointment. This freedman’s cottage is located in the Oyster Factory Park at the intersection of Bridge and Wharf Streets. Old Town is experiencing a re-emergence as a Mecca for artists and artisans. It is worth spending a few pleasant hours strolling the streets and taking in the town’s folksy charm, eclectic collection of boutiques and art galleries, restaurants, and the splendid playground DuBois Park. The
town is host to numerous annual festivals throughout the year. And don’t miss the popular Bluffton Farmer’s Market, located on Calhoun Street, on Thursdays (hours are seasonal).
48 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Heyward House Museum (843-757-6293) Ad p. 49 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13,43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
55
V isit the H eyward H ouse M useum
Built circa 1841 as a summer residence for plantation owner John James Cole, this house is a typical Lowcountry farmhouse style of architecture that was built to be cool in the summer. It was influenced by houses in the Indies, raised on piers, with large windows and a wide front porch. It has a shotgun center hall and bookend chimneys flanking the house. The brick walk and fireplaces were handmade from Savannah gray brick. The heartwood pine floors and roughhewn plank walls, likely built by Cole’s enslaved people, still remain. Behind the house stand two outbuildings, an original slave cabin and a reconstructed summer kitchen. During the Civil War, Union forces destroyed most of Bluffton Village; however 15 homes and two churches survived, including the Cole’s home. After the Civil War when Mr. Cole died and his wife could no longer maintain the home, the house passed to the Heyward family. Five generations of Heywards occupied the house until the late 1990s, when the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society purchased it and opened a house museum. Winter/Spring • 2019
The house, located in Bluffton’s National Register Historic District, also serves as Bluffton’s official Welcome Center. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the house and visitor information is free. Docent-led tours of the house and grounds are available for a nominal charge for adults and students. Children 10 and under are free. During the week, the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center also offers guided walking tours of the Historic District that include the 45-minute tour of the house and grounds, and a 75-minute walk through the Historic District. There is a fee for these tours and 48-hour advance reservations are required. Or you can choose to take a self-guided tour of the town for free. Staff will provide you with a National Register Historic District Walking Tour map developed by the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society. The Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center is located at 70 Boundary Street in Old Town Bluffton. For more information call (843) 757-6293. Heyward House Museum (843-757-6293) Ad p. 49
56
V isit O ur L ibraries
You may want a new good “beach read.” You might need a good way to entertain your youngsters. It’s raining. Or you may want to know more about Hilton Head’s history. Whatever your need, take time to visit one of the Island’s two popular libraries. The Heritage Library has one of the most comprehensive historical and genealogical collections of its kind. You can read about the Island’s history, from prehistoric times to the modern era, including Captain William Hilton’s report of his 1663 sighting of Hilton Head. Research the Patriots who fought and died here during the American Revolution. Learn about the antebellum plantations and the Gullah culture kept alive by the isolated descendants of sea island slaves. In fact, because of these efforts to research and document the Gullah culture, the library was awarded the 2016 Martin Luther King Community Service Award. If you are interested in researching your genealogy, the library has skilled volunteers to help you, plus access to extensive on-line sources. The library holds regulary scheduled history and genealogy classes and workshops, and as well as bike tours and field trips (reservations are required). The Heritage Library owns and maintains two historic sites open to the public: Fort Mitchel, a Civil War earthworks relic in Hilton Head Plantation; and the antebellum Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery, at the intersection of Mathews Drive and William Hilton Parkway (US 278). Guided tours are available: historic bike tours on Wednesdays, Ft. Mitchel on Thursdays, and Zion Chapel on Fridays. Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 49
101 Photograph
101 Photograph
The Heritage Library, located in the Professional Building at 2 Corpus Christi (Suite 100), is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a nominal charge for research for non-members; a limited number of free one-hour genealogy checkup appointments are available. The Hilton Head Public Library has a number of offerings for visitors. You can purchase a library card for nonresidents so books and movies can be checked out. They have computers available for public use, and the Wi-Fi is free. Don’t miss the Friends of the Library Bookstore where you can buy gently used books as low as $1. The library also hosts a number of free programs for children and adults, including monthly book clubs. The Hilton Head branch is located at 11 Beach City Road, just off William Hilton Parkway (U.S. Hwy. 278) on the North End. For information about their hours, programs, and other branch locations, call (843) 255-6500.
Daufuskie Island has its own magical tales of spirits and “the root” as told in its forests by storytellers aboard a painted school bus. Savannah, with its reputation as one of the country’s most haunted cities, offers a multitude of haunted walking and trolley ghost tours. Visit haunted historic homes, rum cellars, and cemeteries.
Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49
57
E ncounter the H aunted S ide
A visit to the Lowcountry is not complete until you’ve experienced the “haints” of the South: Boo Hags and root doctors; Voodoo and grave robbers; pirates and Civil War soldiers. This is the stuff of Lowcountry legends, creepy tales, and goose bumps, both on land and at sea. On Hilton Head, ghost ships and pirate adventures thrill young adventurers during the summer with tales of ghosts, pirates and grave robbers. 50 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 One HHI (843-684-2004) Ad p. 11, 40, 43 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
58
V isit H ilton H ead ’ s H istoric F orts
Hilton Head Island has the remnants of four Civil War forts. Although there is not much remaining of the old encampments that ultimately housed over 50,000 Union troops, traces of the original earthworks and interpretive historical markers tell the story of the Island’s role in the war. The story begins with Fort Walker on Port Royal Sound, built by Confederate soldiers in 1861 to help protect the critical southern ports of Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah. Later that same year, Union forces successfully attacked and captured the fort during the Battle of Port Royal Sound, thus gaining a strategic foothold to aid the Union blockade of the ports. That same day occupying Union soldiers freed over 1,000 island slaves. They were the Winter/Spring • 2019
first slaves freed by the Civil War. The Union continued to occupy the Island for the remainder of the war. Today, all that remains are earthworks and numerous interpretive markers in Port Royal Plantation. Two additional forts were built in 1862 by the Union Army to continue the defense of the Union blockade and to prevent Confederate assaults: Fort Sherman, the remains of which are still visible in Port Royal Plantation; and the earthworks of Fort Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation, administered by the Heritage Library Foundation. For access to Fort Mitchel, acquire a gate pass at no charge, however the pass is only good for Fort Mitchel. To see both Fort Walker and Fort Sherman, you must have a gate pass to Port Royal Plantation, or sign up for a guided tour conducted by the Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) or the Coastal Discovery Museum (843-6896767). The fourth fort, Fort Howell, was built to defend Mitchelville, the nearby village built for the country’s first emancipated slaves. It is located on Beach City Road at Dillon Road. The earthwork remnants are partially eroded and covered by trees. It is open to the general public for selfguided tours everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are interpretive markers erected by the Hilton Head Island Trust. Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49
59
V isit the F irst F reedman ’ s V illage
Mitchelville was the first freed slave village in the United States. When the Union troops invaded and occupied the Island in 1861 after the Battle of Port Royal, AfricanAmericans officially began their road towards freedom. By the late afternoon of the Battle of Port Royal, the Confederate troops retreated, leaving the area to Union forces. With the help of Union General Ormsby Mitchel, the slaves left behind were granted freedom. Many chose to remain on the Island, living in military-like camps. In 1862, General Mitchel allowed the emancipated slaves to build their own houses and establish their own community. The town was named “Mitchelville” in his honor. Eventually having a population of about 1,500, Mitchelville developed its own laws, established a government, and declared that every child between the ages of six and 15 must attend school, becoming the South’s first compulsory school system. After the war, Mitchelville was abandoned. All that remains today is a forested glen and a historical marker proclaiming the astonishing fact that the town even existed. You will find this historical marker on Beach City Road, beyond the Hilton Head Airport, along the fence that encloses Palmetto Hall Plantation. Winter/Spring • 2019
Mitchelville was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Plans are now well underway to preserve a portion of this historic site as the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (formerly Fish Haul Creek Park), a memorial commemorating the freedmen’s “experiment in freedom.” For more information about the history of Mitchelville and the reconstruction era, join a guided tour conducted by the Coastal Discovery Museum (843-689-6767).
60
P lay at M useum
a
C hildren ’ s
Looking for a fun indoor activity? Are your kids bored and dying for something different to do? Can’t figure out what to do with your littlest one? Head over to The Sandbox, a fun interactive children’s museum and the area’s only hands-on activity center for children. There is a lot of fun to be had in this 2,500-square foot facility with play centers designed especially for those eight years old and under, including infants and toddlers. After you walk through the front wooden gate, you will see the Loggerhead Sandcastle, filled with magical sand. This sand can be formed into any shape you desire but because of its unique composition, it brushes right off. The Builders of Tomorrow Exhibit construction zone allows little ones to test their building skills. On the ship “The Adventure,” visitors can dress up as pirates and hop aboard William
101 Photograph
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 51
Hilton’s ship, full of nooks and crannies. The Island Grocery allows children to ring up and scan their own groceries and put them on the conveyor belt. If your child loves airplanes and adventures in flight, they can climb inside a real cockpit and pretend to fly to anywhere in the world or galaxy. For those who like to play chef, there is a make-believe café where they can buy and prepare meals. At the banking center, they can play with money and learn to write checks and then head over to the mail center to send packages around the world. Charlie’s Perfect Playplace, with its play gym, fun wall panels, and interactive puzzles and toys, is perfect for infants and toddlers. If your child is a natural born artist, there is an eightfoot wall made just for doodling. Down the hall kids can paint, play musical instruments, or celebrate a birthday. The upstairs loft, where children can see themselves on TV wearing fun of costumes, also has an area to play doctor or veterinarian with real x-rays and life size animals. Then have fun with the puppet theater, Lego table, train table and life-size Lite Brite. The Sandbox offers board games and puzzles for older kids, or they can curl up in our comfy corner library where you and your child can read to each other. The Sandbox Children’s Museum, a non-profit organization, is located at 18A Pope Avenue, two blocks off the Sea Pines Circle behind St. Andrew by the Sea United
Methodist Church. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (open Mondays from Memorial Day through August). Admission is $6 per person for each visitor over 12 months old. Annual passes are available for $125 per family. For more information, call (843) 842-7645.
61
M eet the M agical M ermaid
Photo courtesy of Mermaid of Hilton Head
Give your youngsters the vacation memory of a lifetime: find a real mermaid in the wild! Just picture their faces when she swims right up to the boat to join them on their voyage. Not many places offer such a magical way of learning about an area’s ocean ecology. This mermaid, Nina, is very knowledgeable as well as entertaining. She has even written children’s books about how to protect the ocean, why it is important to do so, and what you can do to help. These tours are based around Mermaid Nina’s book, The Mermaid of Hilton Head: The Mermaid’s Friend. Two tours are available: The Mermaid Encounter Tour, an exciting and fun-filled journey appropriate for families and children age 12 and under; and the Mermaid Ocean Encounter Tour, great for older kids. Both engaging adventures focus around protecting our oceans, Hilton Head’s wildlife, and of course, what it’s like to be a mermaid. At the end of each cruise, Nina’s new friends earn the Ocean Ambassador Badge to take home with them. Tours are conducted on a covered boat with bench seating, last about 75 minutes, and are offered seasonally (even mermaids have trouble with winter waters). Adults must accompany their children on both cruises. Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38 52 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Winter/Spring • 2019
Island’s ONLY arcade! Cool off at Hilton Head’s only arcade. Play games, earn tickets and win prizes! Two 18-hole miniature golf courses ringed by lagoons, waterfalls and caves.
$
1
8 1000
OFF GOLF for everyone in your group, all day, everyday *
FREE
Arcade Tokens!!!
with purchase of a round of golf at regular price*
FREE arcade tickets
Valid only for a group with a minimum of 4 people purchasing golf at regular price. 1000 tickets will be issued to the group as a whole, not per person.
Two 18-hole Miniature Golf Courses!
62
Open Daily • (843) 842-9990 18 Folly Field Rd. on HHI (Next to Carrabba’s on Hwy 278) www.AdventureCove.com
* Must present ad. Coupons not valid with one another nor any other offer or discount. Cannot be applied to events or with group pricing.
P lay a R ound of M iniature G olf
While adults are typically the ones who enjoy the world-class golf on Hilton Head Island, the entire family can enjoy our fun and unique miniature golf courses. The Island boasts three courses from which you can choose, all centrally located on William Hilton Parkway (U.S. Hwy. 278). Each features lush gardens, lagoons and waterfalls. One course highlights a pirate theme. Another course is a journey to the Caribbean. The third replicates a realistic golf course, complete with sand traps and water hazards. All courses are well shaded so even hot afternoons are comfortable. Just in case it rains, you can ask for a “rain check” so your time and money is not wasted. Although all courses are open year around, hours are seasonal. Adventure Cove (843-842-9990) Ad p. 53
101 Photograph
Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 53
101 Photograph
63 Meet the Small
Photo courtesy of One HHI
64
Be
P irate the C alibogue a
Animals
Nothing is as adorable and entertaining as watching a young child play with animals. Whether it is with the family’s puppy or a pony in a roadside pasture, even adults can recapture that sense of wonderment shining from their child’s eyes. Lawton Stables has Hilton Head’s only small animal farm where your youngsters can meet and pet a beautiful and friendly collection of animals - goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, alpacas, miniature panda cows, miniature donkeys, and a miniature horse. All this is in addition to the ponies, horses, and their Clydesdale named Harley, who waits by the road for an apple, carrot or even just a quick pet from a friendly passerby. The small animal farm is free and no reservations are required. Treat your little ones to a gently led pony ride around the animal farm. There is a small charge for the ride and it is available only to children age seven and under who are also under 55 pounds. You can sign up for the pony rides at their welcome center, and while you are there, wander through their little farm store full of toys and games. For the older children and adults, Lawton offers escorted trail rides through the tranquil 603-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Reservations are required for the trail rides. Lawton Stables is open seven days a week year around, with the exception of Christmas Day. It is located in the Sea Pines Resort at the corner of Plantation Drive and Greenwood Drive. You can’t miss the pastures with grazing horses where you’ll probably see families looking over the fence at these beautiful creatures. For more information, call (843) 671-2586.
Whether it’s Blackbeard, Mary and Stede Bonnet, or Jack Sparrow, pirates always seem to excite and fascinate us. Blood-curdling legends of sea rovers, tall ships flying the Jolly Roger, hidden coves, chests of treasure – that’s the stuff of intrigue and imagination. Now your youngsters have a chance to experience what it was like to be pirate along the South Carolina coast in days of yore. Bring your little pirate aboard for about 90 minutes of all out fun – costumes, make-up, games, music and dancing, all while plying the waters of Calibogue Sound for sunken treasure. Check the docks of our various marinas for availability. Pirate cruises operate seasonally.
54 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
of
Pirates of Hilton Head (843-363-7000) Ad p. 11
65
C heck O ut O ur P arks & P laygrounds
In addition to Hilton Head’s incredible beaches, people and pets can find plenty of family-friendly parks all around the Island. Years ago, the Town of Hilton Head started buying vacant land to preserve as much of the Island’s green space as possible. The Town has developed over 20 permanent community parks (with more planned for the future), all of which serve a variety of recreational purposes, from playgrounds and beaches to sports fields and historical nature trails, including the following popular spots: Winter/Spring • 2019
• Barker Field (70 Baygall Rd., located off Beach City Road): a baseball field, boardwalk, a multi-purpose field, observation deck, playground and restrooms. • Bristol Sports Arena (4 Helmsman Way, located of Palmetto Bay and Arrow Rds., part of Crossings Park): a skateboard park, roller hockey rink, and basketball court. • Chaplin Community Park (11 Cast Net Dr., located off William Hilton Pkwy. between Burkes Beach and Singleton Rds.): a basketball court, beach access, dog park, multi-purpose field, outdoor showers, picnic pavilion, playground, restrooms, tennis court, and trails. • Compass Rose Park (4 St. Augustine Place, located on the corner of Pope Ave. and St. Augustine Place): public art and free Wi-Fi. • Crossings Park (4 Haig Point Circ., located off Arrow Rd. and Helmsman Way): baseball field, grass meadow, picnic pavilion, playground, restrooms, soccer field, and trails. • Greens Shell Park (99 Squire Pope Road, located off William Hilton Pkwy.): basketball court, historical site, observation deck, picnic pavilion, playground, and restrooms. • Gregg Russell Playground (located in Harbour Town within the Sea Pines Resort): a large shaded sandy area, tree house, wooden bridge, swings, slides, and benches. • Hilton Head Park (Old Schoolhouse Park) (152 William Hilton Pkwy.): basketball court, soccer field, and tennis court). • Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (10 Fish Haul Creek, located near the end of Beach City Rd.): observation dock, outdoor showers, picnic pavilion, restrooms, and trails. • Island Recreation Center (20 Wilborn Rd., located off Gumtree Rd.): basketball court, multi-purpose field, playground, year-around pool, restrooms, and tennis courts. • Jarvis Creek Park (50 Jarvis Creek Rd., located off William Hilton Pkwy.): fishing dock, fitness trail, grass meadow, grill, picnic pavilion, playground restrooms, and trails. • Rowing and Sailing Center at Squire Pope Community Park (133 Squire Pope Rd., off Williams Hilton Pkwy. at Blazing Star Lane): pier, floating dock, grill, picnic pavilion, restrooms. • Shelter Cove Community Park (39 Shelter Cove Lane, off William Hilton Pkwy, behind Shelter Cove Towne Center): a boardwalk, observation deck, picnic pavilion, playground, restrooms, trails, veterans’ memorial, and free Wi-Fi. For additional information about the Island’s various parks, call the Town of Hilton Head at (843) 341-4600. Island Recreation Center (843-681-7273) Ad p.52
66
W atch
the
F ireworks
When the tourist season swings into high gear, the night skies of Hilton Head sizzle with fireworks. Running Winter/Spring • 2019
Specia
l Kids’ Cr u ises`
ABOARD THE 40-FOOT GYPSY In on rati ope ince s 7 198
Kid’s Cruise: Educational 2-hour hands-on experience for children interested in the creatures that live above and below the our coastal waters. Shark fishing, cast netting, crabbing, and more. $25 Adults, $30 Kids. June thru Aug. Dolphin Watch: DOLPHINS GUARANTEED!
Close encounters with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. $16 Adults, $9 Kids (2 & under FREE). Mar. thru Nov.
Sunset Dolphin Watch: June thru Aug.
$17 Adults, $10 Kids.
Dolphins & More: See dolphins, pull a crab pot, throw a cast net & learn about marine life. $20 Adults, $10 Kids. June thru Aug. CRUISES LEAVE FROM SOUTH BEACH MARINA IN SEA PINES 232 South Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 363-2900 www.hiltonheadboattours.com
Dolphin & Nature Tour s
• Doing Tours Year Around • Hands-on - Great for Kids! • Crab Trap & Castnet Demonstrations Ask About Our “101” ls Specia
843-785-2345
Shelter Cove Harbour Marina No Gate Fees • Free Parking dolphinseafarihhi.com info@dolphinseafarihhi.com
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 55
67
D iscover M agical D aufuskie I sland
Photo courtesy of Shelter Cove Merchants Assn.
from mid-June through to mid-August, beginning around 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting, of course), Shelter Cove Marina hosts a pyrotechnic display visible all along Broad Creek. Admission and parking are free, and the shopping area offers ample opportunity for refreshment and entertainment. Of all the Island’s summer events, this is probably one of the most popular. There are a number of ways to view the fireworks. Don’t miss the Tuesday night Summer Jams in Shelter Cove Community Park, sponsored by the Island Recreation Center. Then catch the festival atmosphere along Shelter Cove Harbour’s waterfront. Many local retail businesses set up kiosks to sell their wares throughout the evening. The view from the water is always excellent – a front row seat! If you don’t have access to your own boat, many boat and sailing cruise companies as well as nature and kayak tour companies schedule special fireworks cruises that combine the display with a sightseeing tour, dolphin watching, fishing trips, or a dinner cruise. If you would like to try one of these, make sure you ask the company if they offer a Tuesday night fireworks trip. If you’re thinking of renting a boat or kayak for the occasion, make sure they permit after-dark rentals. If your venturing into the Harbour on a Tuesday evening, exercise extra caution because the area may be congested. For your convenience, a seasonal public trolley service is available to shuttle you to and from the fireworks. It operates daily between Shelter Cove and Coligny Circle (with additional stops along Pope Ave. to Park Plaza) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but runs until 10:00 p.m. for the Tuesday night fireworks display. The service runs between March and October. The green and gray streetcar-style trolleys (complete with clanging authentic trolley bells) arrive at each stop about every 30 minutes. The trolleys are fully handicapped-accessible, air conditioned, and offer free Wi-Fi and a bicycle rack for two bikes. The fare is $1 per person, per trip, but children under 43 inches ride for free. 56 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Just a short distance across the water from Hilton Head is Daufuskie Island, a century removed from the upscale resorts, vacation villas, and power yachts of the Lowcountry’s busiest tourist destination. Its Gullah and Civil War histories are so significant that it has been named a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. There is no bridge to Daufuskie. The only way to get there is by boat. If you don’t own your own boat but want to be guided through Daufuskie’s storied past, join a narrated tour to many of the Island’s landmarks. Most of the Island is still natural and timeless, a very small community of island residents. It is a wonderful example of the unique Sea Island culture. The Island’s sandy lanes and quirky tin-roofed oyster homes are shaded by dense live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. The beaches are wide and open. You will see only a few cars that belong to Island residents. This is not a museum like Williamsburg - this is real, undeveloped and unspoiled. Inhabited ages ago by Native Americans, Florida’s Yemassee used Daufuskie as a bivouac for raids on English settlements around Charleston. The English put an end to the raids in two battles at what is now known as Bloody Point. Planters later raised a profitable indigo crop on Daufuskie and sold it to England, prompting them to remain Loyalists during the Revolutionary War, while nearby Hilton Head residents were Patriots. A prosperous era of cultivating Sea Island cotton followed the war in the 1800s. After the Civil War, Daufuskie Island was given over to freed slaves who made their living as oystermen, lumbermen, and farmers. Descendants of those slaves, known as Gullah, still inhabit the Island and make up part of the small number (about 300) of year-round residents of Daufuskie. Pat Conroy brought fame to the Island when he described his first year of teaching in the two-room schoolhouse in his novel The Water is Wide. The movie Conrack is based on the novel. Several companies offer half-day or full day guided history and nature tours from Hilton Head to Daufuskie, and reservations are necessary. All of these companies’ schedules vary by season, so make sure you call ahead for departure times and fares. Guided tours range from dolphin and nature cruises around the Island (by large or small boat, or kayak), history tours (by golf cart, van, or on foot), guided trail rides on horseback, fishing expeditions, as well as beachcombing tours. You can even take a water taxi or a “cruise to dinner” to the Old Daufuskie Crab Company, located at Freeport Marina and home to the Daufuskie Island Deviled Crab. They Winter/Spring • 2019
Photo courtesy of Daufuskie Difference
also have rollicking live entertainment sessions that feature some of the area’s favorites bands. However you choose to get there, ride over to Daufuskie gives you spectacular views of Hilton Head behind you, densely wooded Daufuskie ahead, and the tranquil marshlands that line the waterway. Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 39 Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
68
Catch the official ferry to Daufuskie Island from Broad Creek Marina, Hilton Head Island to the heart of all things Daufuskie at Freeport Marina.
DaufuskieDifference.com • 843.342.TOUR(8687) NOW WITH EXPRESS FERRY
from Savannah, River Street to Daufuskie Island – and Hilton Head Island.
D o D aufuskie on Y our O wn
If you are curious about Daufuskie Island, but want more flexibility than a guided tour, design your own day trip. Visiting Daufuskie can be a completely impromptu adventure, requiring nothing more than a few dollars, lots of curiosity, and time to spend. As with all things Daufuskie, dress is casual. Make sure you dress for the outdoors in weather-appropriate clothing. You might want to pack a cooler and some ice, and don’t forget the bug spray and a camera. Getting There Because there is no bridge to Daufuskie, you can only get there by boat. If you don’t own your own boat, you have four choices: 1) Take a passenger ferry (operated by Daufuskie Difference or Vagabond Cruises); Winter/Spring • 2019
843.686.6996 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 57
Photo courtesy of Daufuskie Difference
2) Climb aboard a water taxi (check availability at our marinas); 3) Rent your own boat (from Outside Hilton Head, Sea Monkeys Watersports, or Sky Pirate Parasailing); 4) Hire a private boat charter (through Live Oac Adventures or Outside Hilton Head). Schedules and fares may vary depending on the season so make sure you call ahead. All boat carriers will help make arrangements for golf cart rentals, the best way to explore the Island. Cart supplies are limited so make sure you make your rental arrangements before you arrive on-island.
VISITO WELCO RS ME!
MAIN STREET
MEDICAL Urgent Care And General Practice
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Cross Island Parkway
To Mainland
Main Street
MAIN STREET MEDICAL
Harris Teeter
BILL FRIES OFFICE: Mon-Tues, Appt. Only
(843) 681-3777 Sea Pines Circle
US 278 Business (Wm. Hilton Pkwy) W
MAIN STREET OFFICE: Mon-Fri, 9 am - 5 pm Sat-Sun 9 am - 2 pm
Joel M. Johnson III, M.D.
Hilton Head Plantation Main Gate
Beach City Rd.
Gumtree Rd.
• Walk-Ins Welcome • X-Ray & Lab Facilities • Minor Surgery • Major Insurance and Medicare Accepted
Located on the North End:
93 North Main Street, Hilton Head
E
www.hiltonheadurgentcare.org 58 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
There are four boat landings on Daufuskie. Coming from Hilton Head, the first you will see is Haig Point Landing. This is a private dock and you cannot land there. The second is the Freeport Marina, the location of the Old Daufuskie Crab Company and the only marina with gas service and open to public docking. The third dock is Melrose Landing, a private dock. The fourth is the Beaufort County Public Dock, but docking is restricted to Island residents only. If you are renting your own boat, be aware that marine gas is only available at Freeport Marina.
Exploring the Island Once you arrive on the Island, you are free to explore on your own. Be aware that there is no “town” on the Island. Freeport Marina functions as the Island’s hub with a general store, souvenir shop, a restaurant (the Old Daufuskie Crab Company), cabins for rent, and the marina (the only one available for public docking). Don’t miss a visit to the barn to visit the marsh tackies, the state’s official heritage horse. The most popular way to explore is by renting a multipassenger golf cart. Just like renting a car, you must have a valid drivers license when you rent your cart. You will be provided with map showing all the significant landmarks, such as the Billie Burn Museum (located in the old Mt. Carmel Baptist Church) where you can pick up a guide to the Rob Kennedy Historic Trail. The trail will lead you to 20 historic sites on the Island, including the Bloody Point Lighthouse and the Silver Dew Winery where you will find a living plantation with a vineyard and fields of cotton, rice and indigo. The lighthouse also features a history museum with artifacts from the Island’s storied past. A narrative cd of the Island is available at the Freeport General Store that includes many wonderful stories about the Island’s history and culture. Be aware that driving golf carts on the beach is strictly forbidden because it is a sea turtle nesting area. You can also explore on foot, or by bicycle if you bring your own. You can also sign up for a guided history Winter/Spring • 2019
or nature tour. Two-hour guided horseback rides are also available that will take you along the Island’s forested trails and to the beach. Seasonal tours and rentals of kayaks and paddleboards are available at Freeport Marina. Note that advance reservations are required for all tours. There are art galleries spotted around the Island, but they are not your traditional galleries. They are more like studios where the artists live, create, and might sell you a piece of their artwork. You may find the studio closed, but don’t be upset - you’re on Daufuskie time. Please respect their privacy. Beachcombers will appreciate Daufuskie’s unspoiled and uncrowded public beach. This is a great spot for hunting for shells and for taking panoramic photographs of Hilton Head. If you get hungry, the Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant, located at Freeport Marina, is home to the Daufuskie Island Deviled Crab, prepared by native islanders. They also have rollicking live entertainment sessions that feature some of the area’s favorites bands. Enchanting, reclusive Daufuskie Island can give you a day to escape and explore a forgotten culture. But a word of caution: It is easy to lose track of time, so check your watch every once in awhile. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 13, 41 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Sea Monkeys Watersports (843-842-4754) Ad p. 38 Sky Pirate Parasailing (843-842-2566) Ad p. 37 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
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Hilton Head Island is not just about the beach and golf courses. Visitors who enjoy world-class music in other areas won’t be disappointed with the caliber of the Lowcountry’s talent. The Island has an abundance of high caliber local musical fare at reasonable prices, and some totally free. Venues range from large auditoriums and tennis stadiums, to churches and intimate clubs. The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, located at Shelter Cove Harbour, hosts musical performances throughout the year in its 350-seat theatre. They offer a diverse selection of pop, jazz, ethnic and classical performances. Celebrating their 37th season, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents a highly regarded concert series that runs from October through May. Lead by Principal Conductor John Morris Russell, performances are held in the spacious sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, located at 540 William Hilton Parkway (US 278, between Mile Markers 5 & 6) and at their new facility, SoundWaves, across from the Coligny Plaza. SoundWaves will house the symphony’s offices and is being designed to hold 200 people Winter/Spring • 2019
3 7 T H SE ASON / 20 18-20 19 / HHSO.ORG
HHSO
Inspiring, enriching and uniting the Lowcountry
2019 CONCERT LINEUP HAYDN AND DVOŘÁK AT SOUNDWAVES* SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019 / 8PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2019 / 3PM MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019 / 8PM
TCHAIKOVSKY SYMPHONY NO. 6 SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2019 / 5PM MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2019 / 8PM
BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 6 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019 / 5PM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019 / 8PM
COASTAL TRADITIONS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2019 / 5PM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2019 / 8PM
INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION MARCH 11–18, 2019
VIVA ITALIANO!
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019 / 5PM MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2019 / 8PM
SEASON FINALE AT SOUNDWAVES*
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2019 / 8PM SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019 / 3PM MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019 / 8PM 2018-19 Season subscriptions & single tickets ($55, $45, $30) are available on our website at www.hhso.org or by calling the office at 843-842-2055. Concerts held at First Presbyterian Church on William Hilton Pkwy. *These concerts held at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Rd., Coligny Plaza. www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 59
“Spirited” Romantic Comedy Delights!
Recently Won a Tony as One of Broadway’s Best Revivals! Charles Condomine invites a local medium to hold a séance. She unwittingly brings back Charles’ first wife, who haunts him. Hilarious twists abound!
FEB 12 – MAR 3
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Funny, Honest, and Triumphant!
for such events as recitals, chamber music, small interactive concerts, and intimate theatre productions. The Orchestra also sponsors the renowned Hilton Head International Piano Competition each March as well as the picnic and festival pops concert series “Symphony Under the Stars” held every October and May. MAY 1 – JUNE 2 In January, the Winter Concert Medley is held at the Providence Presbyterian Church to benefit the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head. The program displays a variety of genres, including classical, jazz and Broadway selections. During the summer months, the Island Recreation Association sponsors the Tuesday night Summer Jams, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Shelter Cove Community Park. Fun family games and demonstrations are organized with the 12/28/18 1:23 PM All p highlight of the evening being the fireworks display over r go t o em oceeds Shelter Cove Harbour. Concessions are sold, so bring the p owe peo dev ple wi ring gang out for dinner and a show. elo th disa pmen If you’re planning on visiting Savannah, check out the tal bilit ies. Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ Dinner Entertainment Cruise, the Monday night Gospel Dinner Cruise, and their Moonlight Entertainment Cruise. These old-fashioned riverboats Osprey Village Thrift on Main! cruise the Savannah River while you enjoy live musical • 2600 Main Street • TUES thru FRI: 10am to entertainment. Schedules vary by season so make sure you 4pm call to see what’s available. Examine one day in the lives of seventeen dancers, all v ying for a spot on Broadway. Featuring the iconic music of Mar vin Hamlisch.
OSPREY VILLAGE • SAT: 9am to 1pm THRIFT STORE • SUN & MON: Closed Serving the Lowcountry since 2011
Photo courtesy of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
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• 2797 North Okatie Hwy (US 170) The finest gently used furniture, household goods, • MON-FRI: 10am to 5pm • SAT: 10am to 3pm electronics, clothing • SUNDAY: Closed and more.
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SEE YOU AT THE THRIFT STORE!
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY GENEROUS DONATIONS 60 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (843-842-2787) Ad p. 60 Gullah Museum of Hilton Head (843-681-3254) Ad p. 47 Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (843-842-2055) Ad p. 59 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69
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Hilton Head and Savannah are nationally renowned for their vibrant arts community, encompassing everything from first-class art galleries, to Broadway-style theatre, to dance and musical performances, to dinner theatre. Named one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America,” Hilton Head offers a theatre experience for every age and taste. Winter/Spring • 2019
At the heart of this arts community is the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Located near Shelter Cove Harbour, this 45,000 square-foot facility is the third largest arts organization in South Carolina. It offers Broadway-caliber theatre, music and dance presentations, visual arts exhibits and community-wide festivals throughout the year. If you enjoy a “whodunit” and happen to be in Savannah, check out the Murder Mystery Cruise, a professionally acted murder mystery production. Operated by Savannah Riverboat Cruises, this cruise along the Savannah River is offered on Thursday evenings from April to August. The boat departs at 9:30 p.m., and advanced reservations are recommended. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (843-842-2787) Ad p. 60 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69
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It’s one of the laws of nature that if you’re laughing, you’re having fun. So it goes at comedy clubs, and Hilton Head has one such club that is held in such high standing that comedians from all over the world come to prove this immutable law. As the Island’s original and only “funny not filthy” comedy club, the Comedy Magic Cabaret’s popular two-hour comedy magic shows have earned a reputation for unfailing high-quality fun. It’s magic, but it’s not just that; it’s stand-up comedy, but it’s not just that either. Somehow it’s better than both. Club owner Kerry Pollock headlines on a regular basis. The club also periodically features special guest performers, nationally touring stand-up comedians and comedymagicians who have performed in Las Vegas, Hollywood, and on television. Every show is suitable for teenagers as well as adults. Show times are at 8:00 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m. In addition to the headliner performances, the cabaret showcases an original comedy game show, BONK! (mayhem and hilarity), every other Friday night. During the summer they feature the family show Summer Sundays, featuring Gary Maurer, every Sunday at 7:00 p.m., perfect for families with young children. The theater is small and cozy with only 84 comfortable tiered seats (every seat is a great seat) so the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. They have a full bar and a menu that includes appetizers, sandwiches and desserts. The theater is located in Hilton Head’s South Island Square at 843 William Hilton Pkwy. There is plenty of free parking and the club is handicapped accessible. They are open year around, but the performance schedule is seasonal. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required and can be made by calling (843) 681-7757. Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 61
Photo by Ed Funk
Photography by Jeff Keefer Jeff Keefer and the Harbour Town Lighthouse have partnered to create, produce and sell his stunning photographs of the Lighthouse, Harbour Town and the Yacht Basin, and Hilton Head. All of the proceeds are donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, a leading force in providing funding for research for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. The photos can be purchased at the Harbour Town Lighthouse, open daily from 10 a.m. to sundown. Mr. Keefer is also available to photograph your special event held at the Lighthouse, such as reunions, engagements, and weddings. 149 Lighthouse Road Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 harbourtownlighthouse.com
866-305-9814 62 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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G o out to W ine & D ine
You’ve been on the go all day, and now you’re ravenous. Lucky for you, the Hilton Head area is as loaded with dining opportunities and great restaurants as it is with activities that work up an appetite. If you’re looking to dine by sunset, we have it. You prefer deli-style places or a “kid-friendly” atmosphere? Lots of those. Want to celebrate a special occasion with a sixcourse meal? No problem. Choose a sunset dinner cruise or even boat cruises to a restaurant on Daufuskie Island. Dine at world-class resort or arrange a picnic on a sandbar (provided it’s low tide). We have restaurants with live music or a magical comedy show. If you’re too tired to get in the car and go out to dinner, call a delivery service that brings you meals straight from your favorite restaurant. From traditional Gullah cuisine and frogmore stew to French cuisine or national chains, you’ll find it all. A typical Lowcountry experience is having a meal of local seafood. The most authentic is to catch it yourself. You can shorefish from the beach, or you can hire a charter fishing boat and hit the waters. Charters are available for whatever type of fish or fishing experience you are looking for - inshore, nearshore, or deep sea. Your captain will handle everything, from the license to the bait and even the cleaning afterwards. Local fishermen will also catch it for you. The two most well-known and respected local seafood markets are Hudson’s Seafood on Hilton Head Island and the Bluffton Oyster Company in historic downtown Bluffton. Their seafood is clearly marked as to its where and when it was caught, and they are more than willing to give tips on how to prepare it in an authentic Lowcountry manner. The culture of the Lowcountry is typified by two great traditions: a Lowcountry Boil and an oyster roast. A Lowcountry Boil is shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes boiled in a large pot with lots of spicy seasoning. An oyster roast is an experience in and of itself. Fresh caught oysters Winter/Spring • 2019
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are steamed over an open fire pit, and then thrown onto a table where you chuck them with a knife and gulp them down. A word of caution: watch your hands - oyster shells are known to slice the skin. There are also farmer’s markets in the area that offer the local produce as well as fresh local shrimp when they are in season. There are a number of farmers markets in the area, but be aware that they have seasonal hours. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Express Restaurant Delivery (843-785-7155) Ad p. 61 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (800-786-6404) Ad p. 69 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
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S hop ‘T il Y ou D rop
If golfing is the number one pursuit on Hilton Head, then the area’s number two activity is the “golf widow’s revenge” – SHOPPING. We have classy upscale boutiques and upscale retailers and outfitters like Outside Hilton Head; outlet malls and souvenir havens, such as Tropic Outfitters; and thrift shops, such as the Bargain Box and Osprey Village Thrift Store, that donate their proceeds to charity. We have large chain stores and outlet malls as well as locally-owned specialty shops. And there is an abundance of galleries displaying works by local artists, such as photographer Eric Horan. Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse for an elevated shopping experience. Buy a souvenir of your Hilton Head visit, including jewelry, photographs by Jeff Keefer, and numerous trinkets. Don’t miss their new ground floor Maritime Gift Galley, a unique nautical shop and bookstore where you can browse antique treasures. They also have an old-time photo booth for a fun souvenir of your visit to Hilton Head. In addition to Bluffton’s US 278 shopping corridor, do not miss Old Town Bluffton, a Nationally Designated Historic Winter/Spring • 2019
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District. It is worth spending a few hours to take in the town’s folksy charm and eclectic boutiques and galleries. If you happen to be on Daufuskie Island, stop in the “not-so-general” General Store at Freeport Marina. They have some excellent souvenirs and feature Spartina accessories. Savannah has a world-renowned historic shopping district that includes Bay Street, Broughton Street, City Market, the Design District, and River Street. Take advantage of one of the city’s “on-off” trolley tours to hit all the shopping spots. As an alternative to driving to Savannah, catch one of the ferry’s departing Hilton Head. They will deliver right down on River Street. Beaufort’s Bay Street is a haven for art galleries, antique shops and boutiques. You can take a shopping breather at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, a lovely waterfront location with a riverfront walk overlooking the Downtown Marina. The Bargain Box (843-342-2469) Ad p. 61 Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Ed Funk Photography (843-815-9455) Ad p. 75 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum (843-671-2318) Ad p. 1, 62 Horan Photo/Starbooks Ad p. 65 Osprey Village Thrift Store (843-368-0001) Ad p. 60 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Photography by Jeff Keefer (866-305-9814) Ad p. 62 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7 Tropical Outfitters (843-842-9511) Ad p. 63
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S hop a F armers M arket
The farm-to-fork movement has gained momentum and popularity in recent years. As a result, farmers markets are “cropping” up everywhere. Shopping for local produce and products in the laidback ambiance of a Lowcountry farmers market is not only economical, but it is very entertaining. There are a number of Hilton Head area farmers markets: ` Tuesdays: • Hilton Head Island - Farmer’s Market at The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Sea Pines Resort (gate pass required for non-residents/guests), 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m., mid-March through mid-November. 843-686-3003. • Hilton Head Island - Hilton Head Farmers Market at Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. year around (closed Christmas Week). 843-6896767. 64 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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Wednesdays: • Beaufort - Downtown Beaufort Farmers Market, corner of North and Bladen Streets, 2:00-6:00 p.m., from May through to the end of October. 843-525-6162. Thursdays: • Bluffton - Bluffton Farmers Market, Calhoun Street, 2:00-7:00 p.m., seasonal hours. 843-415-2447. Fridays: • Ridgeland - Jasper County Farmer’s Market, 9935 South Jacob Smart Blvd., Hwy 17, seasonal hours. 843-7268126 Saturdays: • Port Royal - Port Royal Farmers Market, Heritage Park on Ribaut Road, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Saturdays (year around, rain or shine). • Savannah - Forsyth Farmers Market, South End of Forsyth Park at the intersection of Bull Street and Park Avenue (13 East Park Avenue), 9:00-1:00 p.m., Saturdays.
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T ry S ome D isc G olf
Legend has it that years ago a tin pie plate was thrown at Yale University and a new game was invented, eventually becoming known as Frisbee, named after the disc-shaped plastic “toy” invented and patented in 1964. Made popular on college campuses in the late 1960’s, Frisbee throwing has evolved into a game called Frisbee golf, or disc golf. Catching on in recent years, it is played on a course similar to a regulation golf course, complete with three sets Winter/Spring • 2019
of tees (gold, blue and white), fairways, water hazards, and holes, which are actually mounted steel baskets. Instead of clubs and balls, you use specialized frisbee-like discs. There are even different kinds of discs, sized and weighted differently for driving, approaching and putting – and everything in between. The idea is to throw your disc from the “tee pad” area towards the metal basket surrounded by chains (or “disc catchers”) that help shots fall into the basket. There are two courses in the Hilton Head area. At Sergeant Jasper Park, located in on Red Dam Road in Hardeeville (by I-95, exit 8), you can play the game on “The Sarge,” the only 18-hole disc golf course in the Lowcountry. The rugged terrain provides a gorgeous natural setting for this 5,361-yard course that is fun for players of all ages and skill levels. Discs are available for purchase, but they would be happy to loan you one if you just want to try it out. It is free to play and the course is open daily year around, from 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. You can register at the Activity Center. For more information and directions, call the park at (843) 784-5130. On Hilton Head Island, The First Tee of the Lowcountry offers a nine-hole disc golf course. The course, opened in 2015, is mainly level with some elevation changes. The course has two sets of tees: the white tees give the course a length of 600 yards; the blue tees lenghten it to 880 yards. The course is located on the north end of the Island at 151 Gumtree Road. The course is open daily to the public (Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.). You must register in the office, and a voluntary donation of $5 is kindly requested. For more information, call (843) 686-2680.
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Experience the Lowcountry Like Never Before
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P lay T ennis
Over 300 courts and 19 tennis clubs dot the Island. Internationally recognized tennis programs for every age and ability level are offered year around, and there are always tournaments and round robins. Once you play at one of these clubs you will leave with no doubt in your mind why Tennis magazine ranked Hilton Head among its “50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts.” Whether you are looking for clay, natural-grass, or hard courts, the following locations will have what you are looking for. With the exception of the public courts, clubs have a per hour charge. There are two public court locations. One is off Cordillo Road at the entrance to Cordillo Courts Apartments. The courts are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (lighted) and are reserved via a sign-up sheet allowing one hour per sign-up. Call 843-681-7273 for additional information. The other public court is the brand new Chaplin Community Park located between Singleton Beach Road and Burkes Beach Road. Winter/Spring • 2019
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rights, not only as an owner but as a buyer, such as your rights of rescission. Third, you need to decide whether you want to live “on-island” or “off-island,” and whether or not you want to live in a “plantation” (a gated community with recreational amenities). A great way learn about the pros and cons of which location is to pick the brains of local residents. Almost everyone here came from somewhere else and was, at one time, in your position. Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island (886-680-3799) Ad p. 65
Photo by Sarah Hurst
Other courts with public access include (some are in gated plantations and will require a pass): The Sea Pines Racquet Club (843-363-4495) and the South Beach Racquet Club (843-671-2215), both located in Sea Pines; Port Royal Racquet Club (843-686-8803) in Port Royal Plantation; the Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort (843-842-4402) on Folly Field Road; Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center (843785-1152) in Palmetto Dunes Resort; Shipyard Racquet Club (843-686-8804) in Shipyard Plantation; and the Van der Meer Tennis Center (843-785-8388), located on Cordillo Parkway and Deallyon Road.
77
Buy a Piece of the Foot
Hilton Head has so much to do; the climate is great; Savannah and Beaufort are close by; the area is very safe; and the people are happy, probably because almost everyone is here because they want to be, not because they have to be. The prospect of buying a home in the Hilton Head area may seem overwhelming, but there is a basic order to the decision-making. First, make sure you have a comfortable and affordable place to stay while you investigate. There are many options, including large resort hotels, smaller motels, and short-term rentals of condos and homes. Second, you need to decide whether you want to live here full-time or part-time. Many people live here part-time and have found owning a shared property, such as timeshare or vacation ownership, is an affordable option. Both new and previously owned properties are available. A benefit to purchasing a timeshare property is the option to exchange for equivalent accommodations at vacation destinations around the world, some of which you may have never thought of visiting. Fully understand your 66 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
78
T ake a T rolley T our of S avannah
A narrated open-air trolley tour of Savannah’s Historic District is a popular way to get a comprehensive introduction to the city’s significant history. Savannah was founded in 1732. It was the first city of Georgia, the 13th and final colony of the United States. Savannah’s founding father was James E. Oglethorpe who laid out the streets and squares of the city that would become one of the world’s favorite destinations. Trolleys with knowledgeable guides take you past stately mansions, historic churches, beautiful squares, and the bustling riverfront. You’ll bear witness to the city’s founding, its wars, and development. Hear captivating descriptions of legends and lore. There are fascinating stories on every street corner. You might even encounter a costumed historic character aboard your trolley.
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Winter/Spring • 2019
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 67
Photo courtesy of Savannah Riverboat Cruises
In addition to non-stop tours, you can buy a trolley ticket with “on-off” privileges, meaning you can get on and off the trolley at pre-designated stops when you please, as often and for as long as you please. Trolleys operate on a 15 to 20 minute pick-up schedule. Complimentary pick-up service can be arranged at inns and hotels in the Historic District, as well as surrounding areas. Or they will meet you at the Savannah Visitors Center, located at 301 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. Most tour companies offer handicap-accessible vehicles, however you should inquire to make arrangements in advance. Specialty trolley tours are also available including evening ghosts tours and “combo” excursions that includes a trolley tour and a Savannah Riverboat Cruise. Old Savannah Tours offers a ghost tour that includes dinner at the Pirates’ House and access to the rum cellar. They also offer a threehour “Savannah Experience” tour that has an optional lunch at the world famous Johnny Harris’ Restaurant. Make sure to ask your trolley company about combination “Land and Sea” tours that include a trolley tour as well as a Savannah Riverboat Cruise. If you are staying in the Hilton Head Island area, skip the drive and take a boat cruise. Both Daufuskie Difference and the “Spirit of Harbour Town” offer a boat cruise from Hilton Head with an optional trolley tour of the Historic District. You’ll dock right in the middle of River Street, the heart of Savannah. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
There are companies that offer these specialized excursions. Which company you selected depends primarily on your area of interest. Whether you’re concerned about history, churches, ghosts, movie sets, architecture, shopping, dining, pub-crawling, or the Savannah port, you’re bound to find just the right specialty tour for you. Knowledgeable guides will give you insider information, and the group size is usually small allowing for personalized attention. You will gain a great understanding of why Savannah is one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations. Tours are conducted either on foot or in climate-controlled vans. The Port of Savannah, the nation’s largest port in volume, contains over 50 piers, wharves, and docks. Tour the port with Outside Savannah, a division of Outside Hilton Head, and experience a working port as it should be seen – from the water. This excursion begins with a scenic view of Savannah’s Historic Riverfront and then ventures upriver to the Georgia Ports Authority. Here, your captain/guide will discuss the variety of ships seen, the port operations, and products of the different terminals. The other option is to do a self-guided tour. Start with your hotel’s concierge or at the Savannah Visitors Center at 301 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. They have a wealth of information including maps that mark the city’s significant landmarks. If you’re walking, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water to sip along the way. If you are driving, Savannah has plenty of public parking garages as well as on-street park-and-pay spots. But be careful to not park in private spaces, or overstay your metered time. Parking in the Historic District is strictly enforced. Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57
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T ake a S pecialty T our of S avannah
You’ve already taken a trolley tour, which gave you an overview of Savannah’s Historic District. Now it’s time to focus on the details. Take a specialty guided walking, driving or boating tour. 68 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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T ake a R iverboat C ruise
The life blood of Savannah, colonial Georgia’s first city, has always been the Savannah River. From trading ships to warships to passenger cruise ships, the river has brought Winter/Spring • 2019
security and prosperity to this historic city. Visitors today can learn about that history through a variety of river cruises. Award-winning Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers a variety of not-to-be-missed cruises along the Savannah River aboard their new paddle-wheeled, 1000-passenger “Georgia Queen,” one of the grandest entertainment ships in the country. Dine like the elite in their spacious ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, wooden dance floors and top notch bars on each level. Daily cruises consist of their 1-1/2 hour Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise, offered year-round and includes a live narration of intriguing facts and tales from the Captain. See Old Fort Jackson from the water’s view and you might get the chance to witness a live cannon firing as you pass by. Add a Southern-style lunch buffet to make it even more divine. The sailing schedule is seasonal so make sure you call ahead. Seasonal buffet cruises include the new Narrated Harbor Luncheon Cruise and the Sunday Brunch Cruise (both sailing from March to October) as well as the popular year around Dinner Entertainment Cruise and a Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise (sailing April to October). Advance ticket purchases are encouraged for all meal cruises. Also offered seasonally is the Sunset Cruise. The Skyline Bar and Grill is available during this cruise, as well as, during the Sightseeing Cruises and serves made-to-order appetizers & entrees and is a full service bar. The newly opened top-deck North Star Bar has delicious daiquiris for the adults and ice cream for the kids. Holiday cruises are available and are a great way to relax with family and friends. Enjoy another kind of guided river cruise with Outside Savannah, a division of Outside Hilton Head, to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, a gem of the Southeast Coast. This excursion will provide views of the Savannah Riverfront, and an in-depth tour of the Georgia Ports Authority. The tour, led by a naturalist captain, will venture upriver from Savannah and navigate through portions of the 29,000-acre refuge’s tidal creeks and marshes. Combination riverboat cruises, trolley tours, and other attractions are also available. This is a perfect way to see all of historic Savannah for one great price. Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 17, 57 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69
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“Not since William Tecumseh Sherman spared Savannah from the torch has this city been so indebted to a Yankee.” So wrote The New York Times of John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Since its publication in 1994, “The Book”, as locals refer to it, has made a significant impact on Savannah. Winter/Spring • 2019
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Tourism has increased almost 50% and with it a demand for all things “Midnight” – from guided tours to T-shirts, from replicas of the iconic statue the “Bird Girl” to photo “ops” in front of the Mercer-Williams House. Today - 24 years, one movie, and millions of printed copies later - curiosity about this entertaining account of life and death in Savannah is as rampant as ever. Perhaps it’s the hauntingly beautiful city itself that has become the star – the stately houses, picturesque city squares, beguiling tree-lined streets, historic cemeteries, and its marvelous personality. An engaging way to learn about this magical nonfiction depiction of Savannah and its colorful hodgepodge of characters is to join a guided tour that focuses on the story’s places and players. You’ll be put right in the middle of the story and learn about Savannah’s history as well as a smorgasbord of lively tales. Trolley tours that conduct overview tours of Savannah also include some the book’s key sites in their excursions.
great fun for all ages. You’ll be able to see the bus stop bench location where Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” Hear the behind-the-scenes stories of the Mercer House from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You will also learn some behind-the-scenes trivia about how and where the stars spent their personal “downtime,” such as at the Six Pence Pub from Something to Talk About. Trolley tours that conduct overview tours of Savannah also include the some movie set locations in their excursions.
Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73
The history, scenery and ambiance of Georgia’s First City attract filmmakers from around the world. Savannah has been the location for over 87 movies. There are over 110 movie locations in the Historic District alone. Among the movies filmed in Savannah are, to name just a few, Cape Fear (1962), Roots (1976), Glory (1989), Forrest Gump (1994), Something to Talk About (1995), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), The Conspirator (2010), Baywatch (2017), and Gemini Man and The Poison Rose (2019). If you’re a film buff and would like to touch Hollywood, tours of movie locations are available year around and are
Savannah is regarded as an international destination offering world-class art galleries, fine antique shops, and high-end boutiques. The Historic District has managed to preserve Savannah’s old world southern charm while blending in contemporary shopping. River Street, fronting the Savannah River, is the heart of the city where old brick warehouses and cobblestone streets and alleyways date back to the 1800s. The historic buildings now house an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. You can spend the day here and never be bored. City Market, Savannah’s original shopping district, is a place where you can explore a variety of nooks and crannies. Located in Savannah’s Historic District on West St. Julian Street between Ellis and Franklin Squares, this is a place where there’s always something new to encounter, something different to find, something hidden to uncover. You may have to look around a corner, behind an old door or up a remote staircase.
Photo by Genevieve Bailey-Rogers
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Broughton Street is Savannah’s main shopping thoroughfare. Stores range from high-end national chains to locally owned boutiques. The Downtown Design District is located north of Forsyth Park. It is bounded by Abercorn, Barnard, Gaston and Harris Streets. This enclave of over 30 shops is known for distinctive antiques, art, and gifts. Visitors can visit these shopping districts without having to fight the traffic and find a parking space. Trolley tour companies offer “on-off” privileges so you can stop and shop anywhere in the Historic District. In addition, guided tours are available so you can combine shopping with sightseeing. If you are staying in the Hilton Head Island area, skip the drive and take a boat cruise. Both Daufuskie Difference and the “Spirit of Harbour Town” offer a boat cruise from Hilton Head with an optional trolley tour of the Historic District. You’ll dock right in the middle of River Street, the heart of Savannah. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
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From the cemeteries to bordellos to haunted mansions, Savannah has a reputation for having more than its fair share of ghosts and goose bumps, many of which have a basis in historical fact. Because of these and many other stories, Savannah has earned the title from the American Institute of Parapsychology of “America’s Most Haunted City,” and has been filmed by television shows such as TAPS/ Ghost Hunters and Scariest Places on Earth. Numerous Savannah tour operators offer guided ghost tours that lead you to the spirited side of the city with all its ghoulish legends, myths and hauntings. Go by trolley, van or on foot. Visit the fabled Sorrel-Weed House, the Pirate’s House spooky Rum Cellar, or the haunted HamptonLilibridge House. The ghostly Bonaventure Cemetery has been noted as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the country. Complimentary pick-up can be arranged at inns and hotels in the Historic District. Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73
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T our S avannah ’ s H istoric H omes
Always proud of its heritage and beauty, Savannah has a long track record of historic preservation, beginning in 1839 Winter/Spring • 2019
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Photo Courtesy of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum
with the chartering of the Georgia Historical Society, founded by three Savannah residents and headquartered in the city. The fight to preserve reached national attention in 1955 when the threat of destruction of Davenport House prompted seven southern-tough Savannah women to join forces and voice their irate opposition. This group of seven grew into the vital organization now known as the Historic Savannah Foundation, Inc., one of the country’s largest community urban-preservation programs. Through their efforts to overcome the city’s reputation as the “pretty woman with a dirty face”, many historic homes and official buildings have been saved. In 1966, Savannah’s entire downtown historic district was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, visitors to Savannah may tour some of these magnificent historic homes. Professional guides will tell of a home’s history, family lore, and preservation efforts. Experience any one of these grand southern mansions to fully grasp Savannah’s rich and intriguing history. Davenport House (c. 1820), 324 East State St. at Habersham St. on Columbia Square, (912) 236-8097. Andrew Low House and Carriage House (c. 1847), 329 Abercorn St. at East Charlton St. on Lafayette Square, (912) 233-6854. Flannery O’Conner Childhood Home (c. 1856), 207 East Charlton St. at Abercorn St. on Lafayette Square, (912) 233-6014. Green-Meldrin House (c. 1853), 14 West Macon St. at Bull St. on Madison Square, (912) 233-3845. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (c. 1818), 10 East Oglethorpe Ave. at Bull St. one block south of Wright Square, (912) 233-4501. Mercer-Williams House Museum (c. 1860), 429 Bull St. at West Gordon St. on Monterey Square, (912) 236-6352. Owens-Thomas House Museum (c. 1819), 124 Abercorn St. at East President St. on Oglethorpe Square, (912) 233-9743 (owned and operated by the Telfair Museum of Art). 72 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Sorrel-Weed House (c. 1841), 6 West Harris St. at Bull St. on Madison Square, (912) 236-8888. Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73
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Experience the excitement of a World War II combat mission or enjoy the quiet solitude of an authentic English countryside chapel at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. This Museum is a very powerful museum experience. On January 28, 1942, just 53 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Eighth Air Force – known as the Mighty Eighth- was officially activated in the National Guard Armory on Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia. Ultimately it earned its place in history in World War II and remains an active force. The signature exhibit is the museum’s “Mission Experience.” Visitors attend a pre-flight briefing in a Quonset hut, receive ground crew orientation, and then become an observer on an 8th Air Force flying mission over enemy territory in the Museum’s immersion theater. Upon exiting the “Mission Experience” guests can view the museum’s B-17 Flying Fortress, the “City of Savannah.” inside the “Combat Gallery.” Additional exhibits of the Museum include: “Escape and Evasion,” “POW,” and the “Tuskegee Airmen.” There is also the Research Center that contains a 7,000 -volume library and archives with thousands of oral histories, period photographs and wartime journals. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. It is located at 175 Bourne Avenue in Pooler, Georgia, off I-95 at the Georgia exit 102. There is an admission charge. For more information, call (912) 748-8888. Winter/Spring • 2019
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management of the Coastal Heritage Society resulting in the museum you see today. The museum is open for self-guided tours daily year around (closed on major holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also take a ride on either a steam or diesel train (please call ahead for schedules). There is an admission charge. For more information, call (912) 651-6823.
Photo Courtesy of the Savvy Savannah Tours
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V isit S avannah ’ s C olonial C hurches
Savannah was founded as a Church of England settlement, but many other beliefs soon followed. There are many historic churches. Here are a few significant colonial congregations. Christ Church is the oldest Christian congregation in Georgia. Founded in 1733, the current building is located on its original site (28 Bull Street on Johnson Square). John Wesley, the third rector of the parish, served from 1736-1737. He taught at the first Sunday School program in America. In 1737 he published the first English hymnal in America. His famous conversion occurred after he returned to England where he continued to serve as an Anglican priest.
The Roundhouse Railroad Museum is a “must do” for railroad buffs. There are exhibits of antique machinery, locomotives, passenger cars other rolling stock and a truly splendid model railroad set. The museum is located in the Central of Georgia Railway Roundhouse complex, adjacent to the Savannah Visitors Center at 601 West Harris Street off of Martin Luther King Blvd. It is the oldest and most complete antebellum railroad manufacturing and repair facility in the United States. Begun in 1845, thirteen of the original structures still survive including the roundhouse, the turntable, the 125-foot smokestack, the railroad sheds, and work buildings. The brick buildings are known for their Classical and Romanesque style of architecture. Walk around the grounds, view the rolling stock displays, and learn about the function of each building. Take a train ride (sometimes even ride in a locomotive cab, but it costs extra), a rail car or handcar tour, or participate in special children’s activities in the baggage car. Schedules are seasonal so make sure you call ahead. Railroads were prime targets for destruction during the Civil War and General Sherman’s troops destroyed many of the Central’s tracks. However, his troops spared the roundhouse and rail shops along with the rest of Savannah. The Central Railroad experienced a long period of success and prosperity, but went into receivership during the Depression. The shops were eventually closed in 1963 after years of neglect. Eventually in 1989 the site came under the Winter/Spring • 2019
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In 1733, just five months after James E. Oglethorpe established the colony of Georgia, forty-two Jews, the largest group of Hebrews to land in North America in colonial days, arrived in Savannah and established Temple Mickve Israel (20 East Gordon Street on Monterey Square). They brought with them a Torah that is the oldest in America and still used on commemorative occasions. The Temple houses a museum with more than 1,800 historical artifacts on display. The colonial charter of Savannah prohibited Roman Catholics from settling in Savannah. The English trustees were afraid that Roman Catholics would be loyal to the Spanish in Florida. This prohibition ended after the Revolutionary War and a congregation was organized around 1796, the oldest Catholic congregation in Georgia. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (233 East Harris Street on Lafayette Square) was built between 1873 and was completed in 1896. It was destroyed by fire in 1898, but was rebuilt by 1899. Its twin spires and 2,081-pipe organ are one of Savannah’s most notable landmarks and considered one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the south. The First African Baptist Church (23 Montgomery Street on Franklin Square) is the oldest African American congregation in America. It was founded in 1773 by George Leile, a slave freed prior to the American Revolutionary War and the first African American licensed by the Baptists to preach in Georgia. Andrew Bryan, a former slave who purchased his freedom, led the congregation to official recognition in 1788. The current facility on Franklin Square was built in the 1850s by both free African Americans and slaves. The church
museum (open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) contains archives and memorabilia that date back to the 18th century. Learn more about these and other historic churches by taking a trolley tour or a guided walking tour.
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P arty S avannah
Savannah hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. More than 400,000 visitors flood the city for the holiday to party and take part in the merriment. The city embraces the event so much that the waters of the famous Forsyth Fountain are dyed green. If you are staying in the Hilton Head area, the “Spirit of Harbour Town” offers a special “party boat” that cruises to River Street during the St. Patty’s Day Festival - and they will return you home safe and sound so you don’t have to worry about driving back! If you are not fortunate enough to be in Savannah for Patty’s Day, don’t worry. The city always offers a tremendous variety of bars, clubs, and pubs to please everyone, regardless of your late night preference. From traditional Irish pubs and raging dance clubs to elegant rooftop bars overlooking the Savannah River to hole-in-the-wall dive bars, Savannah has it all. There are hundreds of bars in Savannah’s Historic District alone.
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One interesting and uncommon aspect of Savannah is that in the downtown Historic District, open containers are not illegal for pedestrians. You may carry alcoholic beverages openly as long as they are in a clear plastic cup. This uncommon rule makes the area ideal for barhopping, as the party doesn’t have to be put on pause while your party changes venues. This unique law allows for a number of interesting nightlife tours. There are walking and van tours that specialize in brewpub crawls and martini barhopping. They allow you to travel between the establishments, enjoying your beverage as you go – and you don’t have to worry about driving, parking, or finding the next bar. All in all, Savannah is a charming city during the day, but it really wakes up at night. Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
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Visit Savannah’s Forts
As one of the key areas fought over during both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, Savannah offers you a glimpse of some of America’s earliest turmoil. The area’s historic fort sites inspire awe and can, to some, give perspective to our current events. Fort Jackson: Fort Jackson Historic Site is Georgia’s oldest standing brick fort. It was originally an earthen fort established during the Revolutionary War. You can explore
the tunnel-like passageways that used to house soldiers and store ammunition and supplies. Inside, you will want to view the video presentation on the history of the fort. Daily cannon firings are offered during the summer months. The fort is located off the Island Expressway (US 80) on the way to Tybee Island. The fort is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on major holidays). There is an admission charge for adults. For more information, call (912) 232-3945. Fort Pulaski: Nearby, on Cockspur Island, sits wellpreserved Fort Pulaski, the last of the great coastal forts built by the United States. A self-guided taped tour is available of both the fort and the surrounding park. Allow about two hours for a basic visit. The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with extended summer hours, closed on major holidays). There is a park entrance fee. For more information, call (912) 786-5787. Fort Screven: Fort Screven Historic District, located on Tybee Island, is also a history museum. The fort, which protected the entrance to the Savannah River, was in service from 1897 to 1947. The current museum houses exhibits that cover topics of local history. The periscope in the gift shop area comes from a World War II submarine and provides a unique view of the adjacent Tybee Island Lighthouse, a must see. Admission to the museum includes entrance to the lighthouse. It is open from April through Labor Day 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. From September to March it operates 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except Tuesday. For more information, call (912) 786-5801.
Photography by Ed Funk Matted & Framed Wildlife & Landscape Photos
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As long as you’re visiting Georgia’s First City, why not tour her in a style in harmony with her history – a horse drawn carriage. The slow and steady pace set by old Doc takes you back to a time when ladies were elegant, men were gallant, and horses ruled. The clip-clop sound of the horse’s shoes on cobblestones serves as the soundtrack as your driver spins tales, spreads stories, and relives the history we learned from schoolbooks. Horse-drawn carriage companies operating in Savannah run tours that last about 50 minutes. Carriage styles range from elegant “Cinderella” buggies imported from Europe to bench-style wagons with canopies. The narrated tours cover the Historic District’s major landmarks. These tours run all day, every day, year around and usually depart from various locations around the Historic District. Some companies also offer haunted tours that will creep you into the chilling side of the city’s eerie history. You might even have a guide dressed in era costuming. For the romantic occasion, there are private tours for two, some even offer champagne. So let old Doc carry you away and see the historic South the way she is meant to be seen.
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The Telfair Museum of Art is the oldest art museum in the South. Located in a Regency mansion, it was built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair and designed by English architect William Jay. In 1875 Mary Telfair bequeathed the mansion and its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society to be used as a museum. The restored interior provides a backdrop for the museum’s permanent collection of paintings, such as American, French, and German Impressionists. The museum features one of the largest collections of paintings by Khalil Gibran, the author of “The Prophet.” The Telfair is located at 121 Barnard St. in Savannah. It is open Mondays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. There is an admission charge. For more information, call (912) 790-8800. Adjoining the Telfair and devoted to contemporary art is the Jepson Center opened to the public in 2006. The center has over 7,500 square feet of gallery space for major traveling exhibitions of contemporary art and installations of works from the permanent collection. Educational programming takes place in the Jepson’s 220-seat auditorium and in the community gallery and Winter/Spring • 2019
education studios. There is also an “ArtZeum,” a unique, 3,500-square foot interactive gallery for children and adults. The Jepson is located at located at 207 West York Street. It is open Sundays and Mondays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on major holidays. There is an admission charge. For more information, call (912) 790-8800.
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Once you drive through the iron gates, a 1-1/2 mile avenue, sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss, leads you to the fortified tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the 18th century colonial estate of Noble Jones. The tabby ruins are the oldest standing structures in Savannah. The site consists of 822 acres and includes the tabby ruins, a museum, and a demonstration area interpreting colonial daily life. In 1736, Jones obtained a grant for 500 acres on the Isle of Hope. The main house was constructed between 1739 and 1745 overlooking the Skidaway River. The fortified house was part of a network of defensive structures established by James Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia, to protect Savannah from a potential Spanish invasion. Jones subsequently developed Wormsloe into a small plantation, and his descendants built a large mansion at the site that they used as a country residence. Wormsloe was opened to the public as a state historic site in 1979. The descendants of Noble Jones still control Wormsloe House and its surrounding acreage. Today, visitors can enjoy costumed interpreters, tour a museum and view a short film about the site and the founding of Georgia. An interpretive nature trail leads past the tabby ruins to a living-history area where demonstrators in period dress exhibit the tools and skills of colonial Georgia. Wormsloe is located at 7601 Skidaway Road on the Isle of Hope. For more information, call (912) 353-3023.
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It is perfect for sunbathing, people watching and frolicking in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The Island’s south-end pier and pavilion is a splendid venue for strolling above the ocean and listening to the music of the live bands. Although vacationers are lured to Tybee because of what it provides in the way of beaches and recreation, those with a love of history won’t be disappointed. Tybee offers Fort Screven, the Tybee Island Lighthouse (dated 1773) and its museum, as well as Fort Pulaski, just west of Tybee on US 80. With a small admission fee, you can climb the 178 steps of the Lighthouse and view all of Tybee Island. Be sure to see the keeper’s cottage and Tybee Museum and Gift Shop. The lighthouse is closed Tuesdays and on some holidays. Call ahead to check on the schedule at (912) 786-5801.
Tybee Island is Savannah’s beach. Tybee meant “salt” to the Native American Euchee Indians, but today the name of this low-key seaside resort means “sun and fun.” Located 18 miles east of Savannah, this small barrier island boasts a wide, three-mile long beach that’s backed by sea oat-covered sand dunes. Winter/Spring • 2019
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When visiting Beaufort, you can’t help but be curious about its history. Why are all these beautiful antebellum homes still here? Who were the people who built them, what did they do, and what was it like to live that lifestyle? www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 77
Guided carriage and walking tours will take you past numerous historic sites. Guides will tell you about the old city in detail, including gossip about the plantation owners and Hollywood stars (movies filmed in Beaufort include The Big Chill, Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, and The Prince of Tides). Bay Street, Beaufort’s shopping district, has dozens of eclectic boutiques, gift shops, and antique stores in a compact area. Beaufort’s abundant art galleries have helped earn the town the designation of an official South Carolina Cultural District by the S.C. Arts Commission. Beaufort has a plethora of historic sites, from pre1800’s through the American Revolution and Civil Wars all of which you can see in a horse-drawn carriage or guided walking tour. If you are particularly interested in the forgotten yet signficiant Reconstruction Era (c. 1861-1898), the Old Firehouse (706 Craven Street) is included as part of the Reconstruction Era National Monument, a muti-site commemoration of the era when freed slaves learned to earn a living. and govern and educate themselves. Also included in the Monument are Darrah Hall and the Brick Baptist Church on St. Helena Island’s Penn Center, and Camp Saxton, the current site of the Naval Hospital in Port Royal. There is currently legislation in front of the U.S. Congress to expand the Monument into a national park that would include these sites as well as all of the Beaufort Historic District and St. Helena Island. Further historic information is available at the Beaufort History Museum at 713 Craven Street, located in the historic Arsenal built in 1852, as well as at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, and at Mitchelville and Fort Howell on Hilton Head Island. To unwind sit a spell in one of the swings overlooking the Beaufort River in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, the location of a lovely riverfront walk and the Downtown Marina. There are many charming restaurants, coffee shops
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and ice cream parlors fronting the river or along Bay Street. One trick can optimize your sightseeing and shopping time. When entering Beaufort on US Hwy. 21 (Boundary Street), a right turn onto Newcastle Street will take you straight to a public parking area on Bay Street, thus avoiding possible traffic delays on Carteret that may occur when the draw bridge to Lady’s Island is open.
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The training ground for some of America’s greatest heroes is about an hour’s drive from Hilton Head at the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island. Because Parris Island has the deepest natural harbor south of New York, the government became interested in the area during Union occupation in the Civil War. The facility did not open for recruit training until 1889. Today Parris Island graduates over 20,000 recruits a year. It remains our nation’s most famous military training facility. The Island is open to the general public. You can visit the Douglas Visitor’s Center as well as archeological sites or play on their golf course. The Parris Island Museum houses over 8,000 exhibits and photographs covering this US military training center since its beginning. The museum is open daily free of charge from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gift shop, Alexander Ship’s Store, is open on Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. Parris Island is located off of U.S. Hwy. 21 in Beaufort. Note that access to the base is dependent upon current security needs. To get through security at the base gate you
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps
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will need your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and auto registration, or the paper work for a rental car. Guards at the gate will direct you to the museum. For more information call (843) 228-2951.
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Hunting Island State Park is a truly spectacular place. Located on a 5,000-acre barrier island just 16 miles east of Beaufort on U.S. Hwy. 21, the park teems with wildlife and lush vegetation, and offers a delightful day for anyone interested in nature or history. The Island has five miles of walkable beaches, a historic lighthouse, and ample opportunities for bird watching, fishing, crabbing, or shrimping. Shady picnic tables, showers, dressing rooms make a day trip to the beach manageable. The Island’s marshes there were used for the Vietnam War scenes in the movie Forrest Gump. Jungle and water camp scenes for the movie G.I. Jane were also shot on Hunting Island. As you drive in, you go through a maritime forest with soaring pines and palms. Nestled into this woodland setting is the Visitors Center where you can get a park map and brochure, and see exhibits on the historic lighthouse as well as on the natural flora and fauna. A small auditorium hosts educational programs on the Island’s nature and history. The historic grounds of the 132.5-foot tall lighthouse are fascinating, and the 167-step climb to the top of the lighthouse is an absolute must. Although the light is no longer in service, the view is amazing and you’ll have great photo opportunities. The Hunting Island Lighthouse has a unique structure because it was built to be portable. It was constructed of large cast-iron sections, and then lined with bricks. The lighthouse not only warned boats away from shallow water, but also served as the halfway point between Savannah and Charleston. In 1889 beach erosion caused the lighthouse to be moved 1.3 miles to its current location. The park has 100 camping sites and 14 fully equipped climate-controlled cabins. You can stay up to two weeks. Call ahead (843-838-2011) to check the availability. The park is open to the public daily year around from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. April through September, or until 6:00 p.m., October through March. There is a park admission fee.
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The Penn Center on St. Helena Island, southeast of Beaufort, was one of the country’s first schools for freed Winter/Spring • 2019
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slaves and is considered one of this country’s most significant African-American historic institutions. It is a National Historic Landmark. Darrah Hall and the Brick Baptist Church are part of the Penn Center, part of the 2017 Reconstruction Era National Monument, a tribute to the period following the Civil War (c. 1861-1898) when newly freed slaves learned to earn a living, and govern and educate themselves. The monument, actually a collection of historic locations, includes these two sites as well as the Old Firehouse in downtown Beaufort (706 Craven Street) and Camp Saxton on the Naval Hospital Beaufort in Port Royal. A tour of the Penn Center will educate you to the history of the freed slaves that lived in Beaufort County during the Civil War. Today, the Penn Center preserves and promotes their history through special programs and events. The Penn Center was established in 1862 prior to the Emancipation Proclamation in order to educate freed slaves in the Lowcountry. This undertaking was called the Port Royal Experiment, and was championed by abolitionists and several churches from Pennsylvania. The center’s first classes started in a single room on the Oaks Plantation and soon grew to fill the Brick Baptist Church. In 1864, a prefabricated building was sent from Pennsylvania and placed on a 50-acre tract of land adjacent to the Brick Church. Today the Penn Center still sits on this same land. The Center also served as the annual meeting place for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Christian Leadership Conference. Two sites at the Penn Center are included in the 2017 Reconstruction Era National Monument: Darrah Hall and the www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 79
Photo courtesy of Ed Funk
Brick Baptist Church. The monument (actually a collection of historic locations) was established as a tribute to the period following the Civil War (c. 1861-1898) when newly freed slaves learned to independantly earn a living as well as govern and educate themselves. It cannot be understated as to the Penn Center’s significant role in the history of the African-American experience. The Penn Center’s grounds are designed for self-guided tours. Not only can you walk the grounds, but the Center also invites visitors to the Conference Center and the York W. Bailey Museum. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a small admission fee. The Conference Center offers guests lodging and meeting facilities. Visitors can make an appointment to access the Laura M. Towne Archives and Library that feature one of the oldest collections of photography of African-Americans in the country. To get to the Center, follow U.S. Hwy. 21 south out of Beaufort onto St. Helena Island. Take a right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and continue until you see the Penn School Historic District. For further information, call (843) 838-2432.
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Explore the Old Sheldon Church Ruins
For a special albeit out-of-the-way experience, visit the stately Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Moss-draped trees surround towering brick and tabby columns that comprise the remains of what was once one of the South’s most beautiful churches. 80 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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Located between Yemassee and Gardens Corner on one of the country’s oldest roads (S.C. Secondary Road 21), 15 miles east of Beaufort, Old Sheldon Church stands as a reminder of the destruction in South Carolina during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Originally completed in 1748, it was burned by the British in 1780, rebuilt, and subsequently destroyed by General Sherman’s Army in 1865. Today, this picturesque spot is a local favorite for photographers, weddings, Sunday outings and picnics at tables under the shading oaks. Grave stones of the William Bull Family mark the landscape showing dates from 1755 to as recent as 1941. An Annual Service is held the second Sunday after Easter. To find the ruins from Beaufort, travel north on U.S Hwy. 21 to Old Sheldon Church Road. The ruins are about one mile on the right, denoted by a historical marker.
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H istoric C harleston The city of Charleston, a two hour and 15 minute drive from Hilton Head Island, is one of this country’s most popular destinations. In fact, it received Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards as “Top U.S. City.” Visitors experience a charming blend of English and American heritage, and modern amenities influenced by Charleston’s reputed Southern lifestyle. Charleston lives her history. It was founded in 1670 on a charter of religious freedom as the colony of Charles Towne. It is known as the “Holy City” because it has over 300 churches of various denominations. Church spires are still the Winter/Spring • 2019
tallest structures, just as they were when sailing ships used them for landmarks, or when Union troops sighted their guns on them. This beautiful city has been and continues to be preserved, restored, and protected. Its vast Historic District is filled with tiny alleys, walled gardens, and stately homes. Charleston’s harbor dominates the view. Historic Fort Sumter where the Civil War began stands in the distance while sailboats and Sea Islands dot the horizon. Stroll along cobbled streets. A peek through handwrought iron gates set in high garden walls will reveal beautiful private gardens reminiscent of days gone by. See the antebellum town mansions where gentlemen planters spent as much time indulging in their passions for politics and pleasure as they did managing their vast rice and cotton plantations. Visitors can choose from a number of guided tours year around. Carriage rides and harbor tours are two of the most popular. Walking tours specialize in everything from the city’s history to pirates and ghosts. Many historic buildings and museums are open to the public daily.
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S outhern P lantation
Visit one of the many historic plantations located around Charleston, about two hours by car from Hilton Head. This is a charming trip back in time to a period when cotton was king and rice ruled, when vast tracts of land were held by a few families, and when slaves bore the weight of the economic success of the South. We have romanticized the southern plantation era in such epics as Gone With the Wind, but today we can catch a glimpse of just how grueling and heartbreaking those times could be. Due to the efforts of many private families and organizations, plantation life is accessible to the general public. All are open year around and offer a variety of daily and seasonal tours of the grounds and buildings. Boone Hall (circa 1681), privately owned and listed on the National Register, is one of America’s oldest working, living plantations where crops have been grown and produced continuously for over 320 years. It boasts one of the world’s longest oak-lined avenues. Some tours are offered only seasonally. The plantation is located off U.S. Hwy. 17 at 1235 Long Point Road in Mt. Pleasant, about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. (843) 884-4371. Drayton Hall (circa 1738), owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a National Historic Landmark, is the oldest preserved plantation house open to the public. Tours are conducted daily. The house is located at 3380 Ashley River Road (U.S. Hwy. 61), about 30 to 40 minutes northwest of downtown Charleston. (843) 769-2600. Winter/Spring • 2019
Photo courtesy of Middleton Place
The Hampton Plantation State Historic Site (circa 1750) is one of the area’s most beautiful colonial-era rice plantations. The grounds are open year around, but house tours are conducted on a seasonal schedule. It is located in McClellanville, about 35 miles northwest of downtown Charleston off U.S. Hwy. 17. (843) 546-9361. Magnolia Plantation (circa 1679) has the oldest public gardens in the country, and is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, first opening its doors to visitors in 1879. A variety of historic and nature tours are available year around on a seasonal schedule. It is located on between Drayton Hall and Middleton Place at 3550 Ashley River Road (U.S. Hwy. 61), about 30 to 40 minutes northeast of downtown Charleston. (800) 367-3517. McLeod Plantation (circa 1851), a former sea island cotton plantation, was first owned in 1671 and became McLeod Plantation in 1851. It is now owned by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and includes numerous historic buildings, including the main house (built 1855). Guided tours are available daily except Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The plantation is located at 325 Country Club Drive on James Island, just south of Charleston of U.S. Hwy. 17. (843) 795-4386. Middleton Place (circa 1741) is a National Historic Landmark and one of South Carolina’s most enduring southern icons. A variety of historic and nature tours are conducted daily, some with seasonal hours. It is located at 4300 Ashley River Road (U.S. Hwy. 61), about 30 to 40 minutes northwest of downtown Charleston. (800) 782-3608. www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 81
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D olphin & n ature tours
The SS Pelican, certified for 16 passengers
hins W i l d D o l pt e e d Guaran Tour on Every The Island Queen, certified for 40 passengers Narrated 1-1/2 hour trip down beautiful Broad Creek past stately waterfront homes. See dolphins, marine life, and countless varieties of birds. Fun for all ages! Don’t forget your camera! Sunset cruises, Tuesday night summer fireworks tours, and group rates available.
r out ou b a k s A ecial p S ” 1 “10
$2000 Adults (reg. $2400) $1000 Children (reg. $1400) Children under 2 FREE
Call for Reservations
(843) 681-2522
Snack Availabs & Beverage s le on A ll Tours
Advance Reservations Strongly Recommended
Book online at www.hiltonheadtours.com Since 1985
Departs Mid-Island from Broad Creek Marina • NO GATE FEES 18 Simmons Road, off Marshland Road • Hilton Head Island, SC
Sonny C. Charters Inc. • www.hiltonheadtours.com