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Hilton Head Island, the Lowcountry & Savannah Photo by Eric Horan
A view worth climbing for. Celebrating 50 Years of Heritage of Golf in Harbour Town.
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, Harbour Town is celebrating 50 years of the Heritage golf tournament. Climb to the top to take in the best panoramic view of the 18th green at Harbour Town Golf Links. 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 Disease. The photos can be purchased at the Harbour Town Lighthouse and at the Legacy of Golf in the Sea Pines Center.
149 Lighthouse Road | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | harbourtownlighthouse.com | 866-305-9814
Winter/Spring • 2018
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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.
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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. $15 Adults, $8 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. $24 Adults, $29 Kids. June thru August
Sunset Dolphin Watch: $16 Adults, $9 Kids. June thru August Dolphins & More: See dolphins, pull a crab pot, throw a cast net & learn about marine life. $19 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 • 2018
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Snap this tag with your smartphone to visit our mobile website. DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS................................ 6 ISLAND & AREA MAPS.................................... 82-89 1. Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum........................ 10 2. Climb a Lighthouse & See the View......................... 10 3. Golf the Lowcountry................................................. 12 4. Rent a Bike & Explore the Island................................13 5. Discover the Dolphins.............................................. 14 6. Comb a Beach........................................................... 15 7. Rent a Golf Cart & Explore Daufuskie....................... 16 8. Rent a Boat & Be Your Own Captain..........................17 9. Let Yourself Go Like Tarzan........................................17 10. Take a Boat to Savannah.......................................... 18 11. Picnic on a Sandbar.................................................. 18 12. Visit a Maritime Center............................................. 19 13. Learn About Our Wildlife.......................................... 20 14. Photograph Nature With a Pro................................. 21 15. Encounter an Alligator.............................................. 21 16. Go Birdwatching....................................................... 22 17. Watch the Sun Set.................................................... 22 18. Go Horseback Riding................................................ 22 19. Explore Nature’s Refuges......................................... 23 20. Leave Footprints in the Sand....................................24 21. Discover the Spanish Moss Trail............................... 25 22. Check Out Beautiful Shelter Cove Harbour..............26 23. Check Out the Happenings at Coligny Circle............26 24. Check Out the Fun at Palmetto Bay Marina............ 27 25. Check Out Legendary Harbour Town....................... 27 26. Check Out Sunny South Beach................................28 27. Check Out the Adventures at Broad Creek Marina..29 28. Take a Helicopter Tour of the Lowcountry............... 30 29. Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise......................................31 30. Take a Boat to a Restaurant.......................................31 31. Sail on an America’s Cup Boat.................................. 32 32. Fly on a Trimaran...................................................... 32 33. Cruise on a Catamaran..............................................33 34. Take a Sailing Cruise..................................................33 35. Go Waterskiing, Tubing & Zupping.......................... 34 36. Hit the Surf................................................................ 35 37. Get Over It With Parasailing..................................... 35 38. Get Wild on a Waverunner........................................ 36 39. Take a Raft Ride........................................................ 36 40. Paddle the Lowcountry’s Waters..............................37 41. Stand Up & Paddle................................................... 38 42. Skim the Waters....................................................... 38 43. Go Charter Fishin’..................................................... 39 44. Fish on a Party Boat..................................................40 45. Fish the Fresh Waters............................................... 41 46. Cast a Net................................................................. 41 4 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
C ontents 47. Go Crabbing..............................................................42 48. Search for Shrimp.....................................................42 49. Hunt for “Jaws”......................................................... 43 50. Go Fly Fishing...........................................................44 51. Learn About the Gullah Culture................................ 45 52. Explore the Stoney-Baynard Ruins..........................46 53. Visit Historic Churches..............................................46 54. Explore Historic Bluffton..........................................46 55. Visit the Heyward House Museum...........................48 56. Tour a Lowcountry Plantation..................................48 57. Encounter the Haunted Side....................................49 58. Visit Our Libraries.....................................................49 59. Visit Hilton Head’s Historic Forts.............................. 50 60. Visit the First Freedman’s Village............................. 50 61. Play at a Children’s Museum..................................... 51 62. Meet the Small Animals........................................ 52 63. Check Out Our Parks & Playgrounds..................... 52 64. Play a Round of Miniature Golf...............................53 65. Be a Pirate of the Calibogue.................................. 54 66. Watch the Fireworks............................................. 54 67. Play Tennis..............................................................55 68. Discover Magical Daufuskie Island.........................55 69. Do Daufuskie on Your Own.................................... 56 70. Go to the Theatre.................................................. 58 71. Do the Music Scene............................................... 58 72. Play Games with the Whole Family....................... 60 73. Go Out to Wine & Dine.......................................... 60 74. Shop ‘Til You Drop..................................................63 75. Shop a Farmers Market......................................... 64 76. Buy a Piece of the Foot.......................................... 64 77. Take a Trolley Tour of Savannah............................ 66 78. Take a Specialty Tour of Savannah........................ 68 79. Take a Riverboat Cruise......................................... 68 80. Tour the Sites of “The Book”................................. 69 81. See the Movie Sets of Savannah............................70 82. Shop the Cobbled Streets.......................................70 83. Be a Ghost Hunter..................................................71 84. Tour Savannah’s Historic Homes............................72 85. Visit the Bamboo Farm...........................................72 86. Honor the Mighty 8th.............................................73 87. Visit a Train Museum..............................................74 88. Visit Savannah’s Colonial Churches........................74 89. Party Savannah......................................................75 90. Visit Savannah’s Forts.............................................75 91. Get Carriaged Away................................................76 92. Visit an Art Museum............................................... 77 93. Visit Colonial Wormsloe Plantation........................ 77 94. Don’t Miss Tybee Island.......................................... 77 95. Explore Beautiful Beaufort.....................................78 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 • 2018
Hilton Head Island, SC
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1 Shelter Cove Lane, Dock B - Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 bluewateradventurehhi@gmail.com Winter/Spring • 2018
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 5
D i r e ct o r y Accommodations/Vacation Rentals Hilton Head Vacation Rentals........................... 65 Art Galleries / Arts & Crafts Arts Center of Coastal Carolina......................... 58
of
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Food & Beverage Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Express Restaurant Delivery............................. 60 Old Savannah Tours................................. 67, 71, 73 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Porcella's.............................................................61 Savannah Riverboat Cruises............................. 69 Spirit of Harbour Town.........................................7
Bike Rentals Bicycle Billy’s.......................................................12 Coconuts Bike Rentals.................................... 2, 13 Mike’s Bike Rentals.............................................12 Pedals.............................................................. 2, 13
Billiards/Indoor Games Adventure Cove..................................................53 Porcella's.............................................................61
Games/Indoor Sports Adventure Cove..................................................53 Porcella's.............................................................61
Boating/Watersports - Tours & Rentals Blue Water Adventures........................................5 Commander Zodiac...........................................37 Crabber J ............................................................43 Dolphin and Nature Cruises...........Back Cover, 14 Dolphin Seafari............................................. 17, 55 Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Flying Circus........................................................15 Gypsy..............................................................3, 55 Holiday................................................................15 Island Skiff AdventureTours....................................39 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours... 37 Live Oac........................................................ 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Saint Margaret Sails...........................................33 Sea Monkeys..................................................... 36 Sky Pirate Watersports.......................................35 Spirit of Harbour Town.........................................7 Stars & Stripes................................................ 7, 32 Sumo Charters....................................................33 Tammy Jane.........................................................7 Vagabond Cruises.................................................7 Wildlife Photo Safaris.........................................21
Helicopter Tours Hilton Head Helicopter Tours.............................31 Old City Helicopter Tours....................................30
Charter Fishing Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat...........................41 Drifter....................................................................3 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours... 37 Live Oac........................................................ 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
on Hilton Head Island, the Lowcountry & Savannah
Ferry Services Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57
Horseback Riding Lawton Stables...................................................23 Jetskiing Sea Monkeys..................................................... 36 Kayak Tours & Rentals Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours... 37 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys..................................................... 36 Kids’ Activities Adventure Cove..................................................53 Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat...........................41 Crabber J.............................................................43 Dolphin and Nature Cruises...........Back Cover, 14 Dolphin Seafari............................................. 17, 55 Gypsy..............................................................3, 55 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum....................1 Holiday................................................................15 Island Recreation Center................................... 54 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin DiscoveriesTours... 37 Lawton Stables...................................................23 Live Oac........................................................ 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Porcella's.............................................................61 Port Royal Maritime Center................................19 Tammy Jane.........................................................7 Vagabond Cruises.................................................7 Libraries Heritage Library Foundation............................. 49
www.101thingshiltonheadisland.com
Winter/Spring • 2018
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
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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 2018 101 Inc. All rights reserved.
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and, Head Isl & Hilton ountr y the Lowc ah Savann
n Eric Hora Photo by
On
Miniature Golf / Arcades Adventure Cove..................................................53 Museums / History Centers Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Gullah Museum of Hilton Head........................ 45 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum....................1 Heritage Library Foundation............................. 49 Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center...47 Port Royal Maritime Center................................19 Real Estate/Timeshare/Vacation Rentals Erin Williams, Palmetto Marketing................... 65 Hilton Head Vacation Rentals........................... 65 Parasailing Sky Pirate Watersports.......................................35 Sailing - Charters, Rentals & Instruction Commander Zodiac...........................................37 Flying Circus........................................................15 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Saint Margaret Sails...........................................33 Stars & Stripes................................................ 7, 32 Sumo Charters....................................................33 Shopping Bargain Box....................................................... 62 Ed Funk Photos................................................. 60 Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Horan Photo...................................................... 62 Maritime Gift Galley.............................................1 Photography by Jeff Keefer.............................. 63 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe.............................1 Sightseeing Tours Daufuskie Difference...................................8-9, 57 Heritage Library Foundation............................. 49 Old Savannah Tours................................. 67, 71, 73 Savannah Riverboat Cruises............................. 69 Spirit of Harbour Town.........................................7 Symphony Orchestras Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra................... 59 Theatres Arts Center of Coastal Carolina......................... 58 Waterskiing & Tubing Live Oac........................................................ 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head......Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys..................................................... 36 Sky Pirate Watersports.......................................35
the
C over
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 year around. For more information, see editorial #40 ("Paddle the Lowcountry's Waters"). Cover photograph by Eric Horan. Winter/Spring • 2018
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 • 2018
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 7
8 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Winter/Spring • 2018
FREE day dockage at Freeport Marina / Take a narrated ferry cruise / Try tasty originals at the Old Daufuskie Crab Co. / Step back in time at Bloody Point Lighthouse & Museum / Shop our “not so general” General Store / Wine Tasting at our Silver Dew Winery / Enjoy LIVE music and sunsets on the Cooper River CallWinter/Spring it a (perfect) day at one of our colorful Cottages / Take it all in on a guided tour / Rent golf carts and scooters / Now offering Ferry between Savannah River and Daufuskie • 2018 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 9
1
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 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.
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Photo courtesy of the Coastal Discovery Museum
10 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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. 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 Winter/Spring • 2018
Winter/Spring • 2018
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 11
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the Yemassee Indians, through the Island’s Civil War era, the construction of the lighthouse, and the Island’s development. 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 recently 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. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum (843-671-2318) Ad p. 1, 63 Maritime Gift Gallery (843-671-2318) Ad p. 1 Photography by Jeff Keefer (866-305-9814) Ad p. 63 Top of the Lighthouse Shoppe (843-671-2810) Ad p. 1
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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 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. Winter/Spring • 2018
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. Hilton Head is also a year around center of golf schools for all ages and all abilities. Top teaching professionals use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to help improve your swing and your game.
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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 tour while avoiding traffic. 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
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Dolphin and Nature Cruises Wild Dolphins Guaranteed on Every Tour Narrated 1-1/2 hour trips down beautiful Broad Creek past stately waterfront homes. See dolphin, mink, otter, sea turtles, 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.
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(843) 681-2522
Advance Reservations Recommended
Book online at www.hiltonheadtours.com Departs Mid-Island from Broad Creek Marina NO GATE FEES
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18 Simmons Road, off Marshland Road Hilton Head Island, SC
14 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
carriers, baskets, locks, and even covered kiddie carts. Rentals are available by the hour, day or week. Coconut Bike Rentals (843-686-5055) Ad p. 2, 13 Bicycle Billy’s (843-785-7851) Ad p. 12 Mike’s Bikes (843-671-6453) Ad p. 12 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Pedals Bicycles (843-842-5522) Ad p. 2, 13
5
D iscover D olphins
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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. 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. Winter/Spring • 2018
THE ULTIMATE SAILING EXPERIENCE
FLYING CIRCUS The “Environmentally Friendly” Way To See Nature Under Sail
Daily Dolphin Watch Sunset Sails Fireworks Cruises Sailing Lessons
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Photo © Eric Horan
The larger boats offer amenities such as on-board restrooms, snack bars, more legroom, climate control systems, and shaded seating. Pontoon boats, hard-bottomed rafts, deck boats, Florida flat boats, 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.
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Every year over two million visitors flock to Hilton Head to enjoy the warm sunshine and more than 12 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. Winter/Spring • 2018
Limited to Six People for Comfort & Intimacy
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Sunset Dolphin Watch Cruises
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Summer Fireworks Cruise
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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)
Convenient Mid-Island Location•Shelter Cove Harbour•Dock C (Bus. Hwy 278 across from Palmetto Dunes Resort)
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Adventure Cruises • (843) 785-4558 www.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.
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 15
Photo courtesy of the Coastal Discovery Museum
101 Photograph
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.
come equipped with a cd player). 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 interest are very spread out. There are a few paved roads, but you’ll be mostly traveling on sandy lanes. 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.
Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 37 Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 37 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
7
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. 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 cd is available for purchase at Freeport’s General Store (the carts 16 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7 Winter/Spring • 2018
Dolphin & Nature Tours • Touring daily 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
Voted Best Dolphin Cruise
8
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 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 Winter/Spring • 2018
Shelter Cove Harbour Marina No Gate Fees • Free Parking dolphinseafarihhi.com info@dolphinseafarihhi.com
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. Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys (843-842-4754) Ad p. 36 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35
9
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 has just the adrenaline-inducing ticket – or two. First, there’s the zipline that lets you take 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. After a brief training session, you’ll be harnessed into state-of-the-art equipment. Two trained www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 17
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's "Silver Dew" holds 35 passengers for a fast boat ride from Hilton Head to Savannah’s historic River Street. 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.
Photo courtesy of Daufuskie Difference
professionals then guide you through the course that includes two suspended bridges and an aerial staircase. At the end is an exhilarating 900-foot dual cable-racing finale, perfect for thrill seekers young and old alike. 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. Once you are harnessed, helmeted, and hooked onto the cables, you are free for two hours to guide yourself through the various aerial trails for both physical and mental challenges. 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. 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.
10
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 18 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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, 34, 57 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
11
P icnic
on a
S andbar
There are few experiences as typical to the Lowcountry lifestyle as a picnic on one of our many sandbars. Locals love to head out to the sandbars to picnic and party at low tide, particularly to the May River Sandbar, located in Bluffton between Alljoy Landing and the Beaufort County dock. When the tides go out the fun cranks up, and if you pay attention to the tidal charts you will notice that activity at the public boat ramp always picks up at that time. Kids will love splashing in the warm shallow water and building sand castles on the bar. Adults can kick back with snacks and their favorite beverage. Your dog will even love it and you won’t have to worry about him running away. But if you take your dog, please observe the customary beach rules of having him on a leash or under voice control, and don’t forget to pick up his trash. There are plenty of companies that rent boats and kayaks that you can use to get to the sandbars. Some companies even offer guides that will take you there so you don’t have to worry about navigating the shallows. There have been complaints about rowdy behavior at the May River Sand Bar in the past so please understand that this is always a possibility. Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 37 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35 Winter/Spring • 2018
12
V isit a M aritime C enter
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 the Port Royal Sound and its 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. The Maritime Center features work from local artists as well as photos and artifacts that help tell the story of how the Sound's 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 Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Port Royal Maritime Center (843-645-7774) Ad p. 19 Winter/Spring • 2018
Photo courtesy of Port Royal Foundation's Maritime Center
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 19
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 2015 there were 325 turtle nests 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. 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
Photo by Ed Funk
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, 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 20 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo © Eric Horan
Winter/Spring • 2018
(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. 21 Winter/Spring • 2018
15
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 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 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 21
about the wildlife and the surrounding area, with special focus on the American alligator and its behavior.
16
G o B irdwatching
In December 2017, 292 individuals participated in the Annual Christmas Bird Count held by Hilton Head’s chapter of the Audubon Society. It revealed 139 bird species and a total of 24,665 birds. 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.
17
W atch
the
S un S et
Hilton Head Island’s distinctive scenery, combined with its beaches 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. 22 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo by Laurie Roffol
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 double deck excursion boats, small six-passenger canopies boats, or by sail boat and kayak. Most ecotour companies offer sunset tours.
18
G o H orseback R iding
Back in the late 1800s, Lawton Plantation consisted of a main house and 50 cabins for freed slaves. The plantation house doubled as a schoolhouse. Nothing remains of the original plantation house, but the location serves as a wonderful launching point to visit the historic and scenic Sea Pines Forest Preserve on horseback. Lawton Stables’ 23-acre equestrian facility offers escorted trail rides through the tranquil Preserve, revealing Lowcountry scenery at the gentle pace of a horse, in and out of the trees and around the lakes. Trail rides are scheduled daily year around and are 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, perhaps a family reunion or company outing. Lawton also has a small animal farm, which is free for everyone. In addition, for a small fee, children seven and under are able to take pony rides around the small animal farm on one of their adorable Shetland ponies. Not to be missed is Harley, who has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Harley is an 18.2 hand Clydesdale Winter/Spring • 2018
Proudly selling Breyer, Melissa and Doug, and locally made merchandise in our one-of-a-kind gift shop. horse (the kind you see in the Budweiser ads). Feel free to give him a pat. He may be big, but he’s very friendly. Lawton Stables also offers state-of-the-art boarding facilities. The stables are located at 190 Greenwood Drive (you can’t miss the horses grazing in the pastures). Lawton Stables (843-671-2586) Ad p. 23
19
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 Winter/Spring • 2018
Photo courtesy of Lawton Stables
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 23
Photo © Eric Horan
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. Please respect the warning signs. 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) 7842468. 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 24 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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 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. Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 37 Lawton Stables (843-671-2586) Ad p. 23 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037) Ad p. 21
20 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 plantations and are for residents and guests only. There are six guarded beaches that have great public access and offer showers, snack bars, water fountains, metered parking and bike racks: Alder Lane Beach (adjacent to the Marriott Grande Ocean Resort off South Forest Beach Road), Coligny Beach (off Coligny Circle), Dreissen Beach Park (located mid-Island off Bradley Beach Road), and Folly Field Beach (located mid-Island off Folly Field Road). Other amenities may be available, including umbrella and chair Winter/Spring • 2018
Photo courtesy of Sea Pines Resort
Photo courtesy of AJPierro Photography
rentals, water sports equipment, and food trucks. The remaining public access beaches, such as Burke’s Beach and Islanders’ Beach, are smaller, equally beautiful, but less popular with visitors (which can be a good thing if you want to avoid crowds). There are several rules and regulations 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 fun 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 it is best to 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! 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 Beach Information and Services at (843) 3424580.
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). 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
D iscover the S panish M oss T rail
Back in 1986 the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy was established to form a nationwide network of trails created Winter/Spring • 2018
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 25
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. Blue Water Adventures (843-422-9119) Ad p. 5 Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat (843-785-1700) Ad p. 41 The Crabber J (843-422-5110) Ad p. 43 Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 17, 55 Flying Circus (843-686-2582) Ad p. 15 The Holiday (843-785-4558) Ad p. 15 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
23
Photo courtesy of Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
22
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. 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 26 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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 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
101 Photograph Winter/Spring • 2018
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.
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. Go dolphin watching and nature touring. Take an exhilarating sail, enjoy a romantic sunset cruise; during the summer, join a cruise to view the fireworks display or play pirate in search of lost treasure. Here you can rent either a kayak or a boat to explore on your own. The adventuresome types will want to try jet skiing, parasailing, or even a thrilling banana boat ride. Try the latest craze, stand-up paddle boarding, or hop on a 2-person Creek Cat for the ultimate in small-boat experiences. 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 central courtyard features two outdoor bars for spirited libations. 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, T-shirts, souvenirs, and snacks to take on your nature tour. Buy jewelry and art by local artisans. The marina’s location near the mouth of Broad Creek gives you quick access to Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, something very important to those interested in chartering one of their fishing boats. The marina is located at 86 Helmsman Way at the end of the Cross Island Expressway. Winter/Spring • 2018
Photo courtesy of Palmetto Bay Marina
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, nature tours, parasailing, wave running, boat rentals, charter www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 27
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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. 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.
Photo by Susan McCann, Island Photography, provided courtesy of Haroubr Town Yacht Basin
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, 63 Maritime Gift Galley (842-671-2810) Ad p. 1 Photography by Jeff Keefer (866-305-9814) Ad p. 63 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7 Stars & Stripe/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7, 32 Sumo Charters (843-671-4386) Ad p. 33 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 Photo courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort
28 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Winter/Spring • 2018
Photo courtesy of Broad Creek Marina Adventures
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 because once you’re there, your big toe just won’t stop tapping. Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 37 Drifter (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3 Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55
27
C heck out the A dventures at B road C reek M arina
There is so much fun to be had at this mid-island hub that the owners have decided to call this marina “Broad Creek Marina Adventures.” You can spend the whole day in this one spot. Start off with an adrenaline tour through the trees on eight interconnected ziplines. You can mix it up with a treetop aerial adventure that features six challenge courses for all abilities, all geared for the whole family as young as five. If you need more in-the-air adventure, don’t miss a soaring parasail ride over Calibogue Sound. Talk about Lowcountry highs! Winter/Spring • 2018
Now you can relax on a 90-minute guided dolphin watching boat tour aboard two delightful boats, the “Island Queen” and the “SS Pelican.” Live music is available on the “Island Queen” Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. during the summer and fall. For the afternoon, charter a fishing boat or rent a boat to explore the waterways around Hilton Head. It is also here that you will find the public passenger ferry service to Daufuskie Island aboard Daufuskie Difference’s “Delta Lady”, a replica of an authentic 1850s paddle wheeler. Daufuskie is the magical place where 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 the 35-passenger "Silver Dew" for fast ferry service to Savannah’s Historic District for a day of shopping and sightseeing. In the evening, you can book a sunset cocktail cruise. During the summer, get an upfront seat for the Island’s Tuesday night fireworks spectacle from the marina’s dock, its various boat cruises, or the treetop towers on its zipline course. 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. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Dolphin and Nature Tours (843-681-2522) Ad Back Cover, p. 14 Island Skiff Adventure Tours (843-816-5976) Ad p. 39 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 29
28
Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Lowcountry
There is a new 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, historic downtown Savannah, a Marine base, or even Civil War forts. This is a great fun for all ages, from infants to seniors. Celebrate an anniversary, engagement, or even a birthday. These tours will ensure memories for a lifetime and 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, and tours may be cancelled due to weather.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Helicopter Tours
30 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Hilton Head Helicopter Tours (843-505-7182) Ad p. 31 Old City Helicopters (912-247-0047) Ad p. 30 Winter/Spring • 2018
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. Enjoy a sunset cruise aboard Outside Hilton Head’s “Pau Hana”, a 53-foot sailing catamaran. Have dinner catered on board or bring it with you. The Pau Hana has lots of walk around deck space and the captains and crew will entertain your guests in world fashion as you take in the natural beauty and sights of the Lowcountry. Winter/Spring • 2018
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. All sailing schedules vary seasonally, so check on days, times, and menus. Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
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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. www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 31
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 paddle wheeler. Cruises are available year around, but advance reservations are required. Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 17, 55 Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
31
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.
Photo courtesy of Stars & Stripes/Vagabond Cruises
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. “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, 32
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America's Cup Sailing www.VagabondCruise.com 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-363-9026 32 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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. Winter/Spring • 2018
Photo by Suzanne LeMehaute Photography
In the evening, stretch out on “Sumo’s” suspended trampoline, relax, and take in one of the Island’s finest art shows, a colorful sunset. The “Sumo” is berthed at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin (149 Lighthouse Road). Sumo Charters (843-671-4386) Ad p. 33
33
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 and incredible wildlife. Catamarans are very safe, stable and offer 360-degree views. An excursion on these “environmentally-friendly” catamarans is the way to see dolphins up close and observe the wildlife and nature abounding in the Hilton Head waters. Two sailing catamarans sail out of Shelter Cove Harbour: “Flying Circus” and “Pau Hana.” The 30-foot “Flying Circus” seats six passengers maximum for intimacy and comfort. The 53-foot “Pau Hana” easily accommodates up to 43 passengers. Both offer daily dolphin watch nature tours, sunset sails, and summer fireworks cruises.
You are cordially invited to sail with the crew of the Sailing Vessel
Saint Margaret
© Savannah’s Maritime Tours, LLC
Flying Circus (843-686-2582) Ad p. 15 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
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T ake a S ailing C ruise
Slicing through Hilton Head’s sparkling waters aboard a sail boat, with the warm sun shining above and the fresh wind blowing, invigorates the senses and relaxes the mind, providing the perfect excursion for families, friends and lovers. Winter/Spring • 2018
1/2 Day, Full Day and Multi-Day Cruises. Sailing out of Skull Creek Marina, Hilton Head. Up to 6 Passengers. SaintMargaretSails.com Call (US) 912.695.2036 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 33
on the Pau Hana est. 1979
Private Parties
Sunset Cr uises
Dolphin
843.686.6996
Watchin
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). All are USCG-approved and captained. Some boats are single-hull; some are multihulled (catamaran or trimaran). Some can even be chartered for multi-day cruises. 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. 37 Flying Circus (843-686-2582) Ad p. 15 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Saint Margaret Sails (912-695-2036) Ad p. 33 Stars and Stripes/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7, 32 Sumo Charters (843-671-4386) Ad p. 33 34 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
For reservations & information call
g
www.OutsideHiltonHead.com
35
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. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35 Winter/Spring • 2018
36
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. 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.
longest, highest flight
parasailing
Photo packages available
Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys (843-842-4754) Ad p. 36 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35
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G et O ver I t P arasailing
with
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. Winter/Spring • 2018
• BOAT RENTALS • dolphin cruises • cocktail cruises (free beer & wine)
• tubing & waterskiing • Paddleboarding
843-842-2566
www.skypirateparasail.com Check in - Info Office on the Docks www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 35
S I JBEOATT RSEK N TA L S NATURE TOURS
AND MORE!
BEST RIDING AREAS FULL SPEED RIDING IN MINUTES WILDLIFE REFUGE VIEWS DOLPHIN SIGHTINGS DAILY
Call for reservations!
843.842.4754
w w w. s e a m o n k e y s h h i . c o m 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 Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35
JET SKIS•DOLPHIN TOURS•BOAT RENTALS KAYAKS•PADDLE BOARDS
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. Sea Monkeys (843-842-4754) Ad p. 36
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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.” Hilton Head’s waters are safe and uncrowded so you 36 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
39
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 perfect craft for cruising the shallow waterways around Hilton Head. Winter/Spring • 2018
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 Island Explorer
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
2014 - 2017 Winner Certificate of Excellence
Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 37
40
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 Winter/Spring • 2018
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 37
Photo by Kelli Baxendale
Photo courtesy of Island Skiff Adventure Tours
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 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.
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.
Kayak Hilton Head & Dolphin Discoveries (843-684-1910) Ad p. 37 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys (843-842-4754) Ad p. 36
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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. Safe, fun and easy, stand-up paddle boarding has taken Hilton Head Island by storm, particularly because it is 38 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys (843-842-4754) Ad p. 36 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35
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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. This unique watercraft, known as a 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 Winter/Spring • 2018
www.IslandSkiffTours.com • (843) 816-5976 $125 per adult • $100 per child 18 Simmons Rd, HHI SC 29926
*Actual customer photo
Get up close and personal with the local wildlife in their natural habitat on this fascinating eco-tour • Captain your own two-person catamaran, while an experienced guide leads you on an exploration of Hilton Head’s creeks & islands • Make several stops on the two-and-a-half-hour, 30-mile tour • Reservations Required. will then lead you on a 2-1/2 hour adventure past the stately homes on Broad Creek, past the Harbour Town Lighthouse to the waters off Daufuskie Island. 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. Blue Water Adventures (843-422-9119) Ad p. 5 Island Skiff Adventure Tours (843-816-5976) Ad p. 39
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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 Winter/Spring • 2018
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. There are basically two kinds of fishing boats for hire. “Party boats” are licensed to hold a large number of people. They feature walking space and come equipped with all the amenities, including a galley and multiple restrooms. Their rates are lower because you are sharing the charter with a number of other people. “Charter boats” generally hold up to six people. Most have canopied seating areas, some will have bathrooms and enclosed cabins, but they are not large and are not usually equipped with a full-service galley or bathrooms. Both types can offer deep sea offshore, nearshore, and inshore fishing trips, and provide bait, tackle, and your fishing license. All captains are happy to provide instruction and most will be willing to clean your catch. 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. If you are going saltwater fishing on your own boat (or a rental), you need a South Carolina fishing license if you www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 39
Photo by Debbie Clegg
Photo courtesy of Drifter Excursions
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.
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 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 “Capt. Hook” Party Fishing Boat launches from Shelter Cove Harbour Marina. 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!
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44
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 40 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat (843-785-1700) Ad p. 41 Drifter (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3 Winter/Spring • 2018
PARTY FISHING BOAT FAMILY FISHING FU N! OFFSHORE WRECK FISHING NIGHT SHARK FISHING �5½ Hour Offshore/Nearshore Wreck Fishing (March-Dec) ~ 9:00 am -2:30 pm �4 Hour Inshore Shark Fishing (May-Aug) ~ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm � Full Galley Onboard � 2 Clean Restrooms 5½ Hr Trip � Shaded & Seated $ 65 Ad Fishing Areas u $55 C lt � Enclosed h il d Comfortable Cabin � Sunbathing on Upper Deck Shelter Cove Harbour Marina • 1 Shelter Cove Lane • Hilton Head Island � All Bait & Tackle Book Online at CaptHookHiltonHead.com Included � Free Fish Cleaning or Call 843-785-1700 for Reservations
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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. 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. Winter/Spring • 2018
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. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
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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. www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 41
101 Photograph
Photo © Live Oac, LLC
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.” Your best bet is to sign up for lessons with Live Oac Adventures, Outside Hilton Head, or the Coastal Discovery Museum. 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.
ounce 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. If you would like to learn more about crabbing, there are companies that will teach you how to catch crabs using crab pots, crab lines, and cast nets.
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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 less 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 of sturdy string with a chicken neck attached above a two42 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
The Crabber J (843-422-5110) Ad p. 43 Dolphin Seafari (843-785-2345) Ad p. 17, 55 Gypsy (843-363-2900) Ad p. 3, 55 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
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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. Winter/Spring • 2018
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 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.
Adventure Cruises presents . . .
Let’s Go Crabbing!! Aboard the “Crabber J II”
The e ruis best c or your f s e valu n dollar! 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) $16• Ages 2 & under $5 (Cash Only) 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 www.cruisehiltonhead.com
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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 Winter/Spring • 2018
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 43
Lowcountry Speak Boo hags – based on old Gullah folktales, these evil spirits are usually ugly, mean old women believed to be cohorts of the Devil. They are notorious for sneaking into bedrooms at night and committing a variety of misdeeds. They can take the form of she-devils, sorceresses, or witches. Gullah customs to ward off boo-hags include sleeping with a fork under the pillow or laying a broom on the floor. Gullah or Geechee – a culture and language developed along the Carolina (Gullah) and Georgia (Geechee) coasts by slaves brought over from Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries. This creole language once dominated the Sea Islands and is often characterized as a combination of Elizabethan English and West African dialects. The culture and lifestyle is distinctive in its art, music, storytelling, food and religious practices. On Hilton Head Island, the month of February is dedicated to this unique culture with the month-long Annual Gullah Celebration. Haints – a variation of the word “haunt.” The haints of the Lowcountry refer to ghosts or supernatural beings. The color “haint blue”(slightly lighter than royal blue) was developed by southern African-Americans to paint on window trim to ward off evil spirits. Lowcountry – refers to the coastal region of South Carolina, generally extending from Charleston to the Georgia border. Lowcountry boil or Frogmore stew – a relatively recent (within the last 50 years) local one-pot dish of fresh shrimp, yellow corn, sausage and potatoes. It originated in the Frogmore community of St. Helena Island near Beaufort, but is now a popular dish throughout the southern coastal region. It is best served on newspaper for easy clean up. And there are no frogs in frogmore stew. Marsh tacky – also known as the Carolina Marsh Tacky, a rare breed of horse that is native to South Carolina, tracing its ancestry back about 400 years to the conquistadors. Known for its ruggedness and ability to tolerate the Lowcountry’s marshy terrain, the Marsh Tacky is becoming extinct. Spanish moss - that long silvery threadlike stuff hanging down from trees in the south. It is neither Spanish nor is it moss. It is actually in the same plant family bromliacae as the pineapple. Spanish Moss can absorb water up to ten times its dry weight and has been known to crack the branch on which it has grown. Sweet grass - a fragrant herb which grows in moist soil. It is also known as Holy grass and buffalo grass. Historically it has been used in a variety of ways - as an incense, mattress stuffing, medicine, or a cosmetic. In the Lowcountry, it is used to make beautiful woven coiled baskets, a craft that once thrived in the Sea Islands and is now a tradition passed on by one generation to the next. Tabby - a construction material made of crushed oyster shells, sand, and lime. Thought to be Spanish in origin, tabby was used as a concrete throughout the Sea Islands beginning in the late 1500s. 44 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
include bait, tackle and licensing. You can choose either a 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. Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat (843-785-1700) Ad p. 41 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. 37 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
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G o F ly F ishing
Hilton Head Island has become the fly fishing mecca for the Palmetto state. Whether backcountry, inshore or offshore, most all South Atlantic game fish can be successfully targeted depending on the time of year. When it comes to shallow-minded anglers, spot tail bass (a.k.a., red drum, redfish, or channel bass) is the staple here and can be caught year around. However, the best sight casting occurs during the fall and winter months. Speckled trout and flounder add to the shallow water experience. As spring arrives, cobia season warms up in Port Royal Sound. The females can reach well beyond 70 pounds, but the average size fish is in the 20 to 30 pound range. Summer months consist of fast inshore action as Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, and jack cravelle invade current rips and artificial structure. For the big game enthusiasts, tarpon are the ultimate nearshore experience. Be sure to talk to your guide, charter captain, or outfitter about the latest fly fishing information and licensing requirements. Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57
Winter/Spring • 2018
self-guided exploration of the magic of the Island. Outside Hilton Head offers a daily, guided History and Artisans Excursion over to Daufuskie. Vagabond Cruises allows you to even bring your own bicycle at no extra charge. You can also rent a boat to “drive” yourself over for the day. 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 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tours are 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 benefits from donations, including the proceeds of the annual Winter Concert Medley, a performance of classical, jazz and Broadway music held every January at the Providence Presbyterian Church. The museum is located at the historical marker on Gumtree Road (12 Georgianna Drive), between William Hilton Parkway (US 278) and Squire Pope Road. 101 Photograph
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L earn A bout the G ullah C ulture
The Gullah culture has woven its way into the fabric of the Lowcountry. Hilton Head Island offers visitors the chance to learn more about this unique and complex culture through guided historical tours. All along the Atlantic coastline from North Carolina to northern Florida are Sea Island communities of people who are direct descendants of slaves from West Africa. In South Carolina, this 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 able to maintain their culture and language. Their descendant’s continue 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. 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 ferry service to Daufuskie so you can join a guided history tour aboard a school bus or van. You can also rent a golf cart (two-, four-, or six-passengers) for a Winter/Spring • 2018
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Gullah Museum of Hilton Head (843-681-3254) Ad p. 45 Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
Experience the Gullah Culture
Photo by Megan Tyson
Tours Conducted by Gullah Storyteller Dr. Louise M. Cohen Available by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays (Closed Holidays)
of Hilton Head Island 12 Georgianna Drive • (843) 681-3254 www.gullahmuseumhhi.org
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 45
Photo courtesy of Coastal Discovery Museum
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. 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.
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Photo courtesy of Ed Funk
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. 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 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. 47
Visit Historic Churches
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 46 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
54
E xplore H istoric B luffton
For the perfect day trip, you don’t have to look any farther than Old Town Bluffton, a quaint village with historical Winter/Spring • 2018
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 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 1878, is now open for guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and by appointment. This old 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, several 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). Heyward House Museum (843-757-6293) Ad p. 47 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11,43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Winter/Spring • 2018
FRE VisitoEr Inform ation
Photo by Ed Funk
Visit Bluffton’s Welcome Center & Tour the Heyward House
Built ca. 1841, this simple timber-framed Carolina Farmhouse, with its original slave cabin and a summer kitchen, is one of eight antebellum homes remaining in Old Town Bluffton. Come see what 19th Century life was like in the Lowcountry. Monday-Friday, 10 am to 5 pm • Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Guided Tours of the House and Grounds on the Hour for a Small Fee Guided Historic District Walking Tours by Appointment Virtual Docent Walking Tours 10 am to 2 Hours Before Closing Living Portrait Tours Throughout the Day 70 Boundary Street • Old Town Bluffton, SC 843.757.6293 • www.heywardhouse.org
101 Photograph
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 47
Photo courtesy of the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center
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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 slaves, 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. 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 48 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
101 Photograph
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. 47
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T our a L owcountry P lantation
Rose Hill Mansion (c. 1858) is thought to be the only antebellum plantation house still standing in Beaufort County. In its heyday this was a thriving 1,880-acre rice, indigo and Sea Island cotton plantation. Today, across an expansive lawn of live oaks dripping Spanish moss and a long white gravel drive, this beautiful house sits, rich in Southern history, European style, and fairytale charm. Dr. John and Caroline Kirk began building this 10,000 square-foot Gothic Revival home in the late 1850s. However, construction was halted by the Civil War during which it was occupied by but spared destruction by Union troops because, reportedly, it resembled a church and was too beautiful to burn. After passing through multiple ownerships, the house was finally completed in 1946. A fire in 1987 nearly Winter/Spring • 2018
destroyed the home. In 1995 Robin and Robert White bought the gutted mansion and spent the next 10 years lovingly restoring it to its glory. Today, each room is packed with artifacts found on the property and family treasures donated by Kirk descendants. In addition, Rose Hill houses one of the most comprehensive arms collections in the state, including rare European weapons dating back to the 16th century and scores of Civil War period guns, swords and accouterments The house is open daily at 2:00 p.m. for public tours. For more information, call (843) 757-6046.
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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. 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. Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
58
extensive on-line sources. There are frequent classes and workshops. 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). The Heritage Library, located 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. Visits during other days or times are available by appointment. 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. Heritage Library Foundation (843-686-6560) Ad p. 49
Your Resource for History and Ancestry Research! The Heritage Library is a non-profit library offering research assistance on ancestry in addition to classes and tours focused on Hilton Head Island’s history from prehistory to the modern era. The Heritage Library owns two historic sites, Ft. Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation and the Historic Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum on the corner of William Hilton Parkway & Mathews Drive.
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. Open Monday-Friday 10amhistory. -3pm Or you may want to know more about Hilton Head’s William Whatever your need, take time to852 visit oneHilton of thePkwy Island’s two Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 popular libraries. 843.686.6560 At the Heritage Library, which has one of the most comprehensive historical and genealogical collections of its kind, you can read 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. If you are interested in researching your genealogy, the library has skilled volunteers to help you, plus access to Winter/Spring • 2018
History Classes
Tours:
Ft. Mitchel & Zion Cemetery
Ancestry Programs
Zion Restoration
Visit HeritageLib.org for all classes and registration. 2 Corpus Christi • The Professional Bldg • Ste. 100 Hilton Head Island • 843.686.6560 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 49
59
101 Photograph
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 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 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
60 101 Photograph
50 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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 Summer/Fall • 2017
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. 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, a memorial commemorating the freedmen’s “experiment in freedom.” 101 Photograph
61
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 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. Summer/Fall • 2017
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. www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 51
62 Meet the Small
Animals
101 Photograph
101 Photograph
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. 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. It’s 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. Lawton Stables (843-671-2586) Ad p. 23
101 Photograph
52 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
63
C heck O ut O ur P arks & P laygrounds
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. Of particular interest to the young is the Bristol Sports Arena at Crossings Park, near the south end of the Cross Island Parkway. It has a skateboard park, a roller hockey rink, and basketball court. The rest of Crossings Park offers baseball and soccer fields, playground, and a large meadow Summer/Fall • 2017
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.
$
8 1000
1
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! for throwing a Frisbee or picnicking. The entry to Bristol Arena is off Arrow Road, and the Crossings entry is off Helmsman Way. Chaplin Community Park has beach access, rest rooms, athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, and ample parking. There are also paved paths for walking and biking, and a dog park. The park is located mid-Island between Burke’s Beach and Singleton Roads. In the Sea Pines Resort at Harbour Town, your children will delight at the Gregg Russell Playground, a large shaded sandy area. There’s a tree house , a wooden bridge, swings, slides, and benches. Shelter Cove Harbour has another good playground near the gazebo. It has swings, slides, and climbing structures. Nearby at Shelter Cove Community Park, behind Shelter Cove Towne Center overlooking Broad Creek, there is a boardwalk, observation deck, trails, picnic tables, and restrooms. The Rowing and Sailing Center on Squire Pope Road on the North End features a pier for launching kayaks and other non-motorized vessels. It also has a playground and a picnic pavilion. For additional information about the Island’s various parks, call the Town of Hilton Head at (843) 341-4600.
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.
64
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
Island Recreation Association (843-681-7273) Ad p. 54 Summer/Fall • 2017
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 53
65
Be of
P irate the C alibogue a
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.
66 Photo courtesy of Shelter Cove Merchants Assn.
54 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
W atch
the
F ireworks
When the tourist season swings into high gear, the night skies of Hilton Head sizzle with fireworks. Running 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.
Summer/Fall • 2017
67
P lay T ennis
l Kids’ Cr u ises`
ABOARD THE 40-FOOT GYPSY
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. 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.
68
Specia 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. $24 Adults, $29 Kids. June thru Aug. Dolphin Watch: DOLPHINS GUARANTEED!
Close encounters with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. $15 Adults, $8 Kids (2 & under FREE). Mar. thru Nov.
Sunset Dolphin Watch: June thru Aug.
$16 Adults, $9 Kids.
Dolphins & More: See dolphins, pull a crab pot, throw a cast net & learn about marine life. $19 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
D iscover M agical D aufuskie I sland
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 Summer/Fall • 2017
• Hands-on - Great for Kids! • Crab Trap & Castnet Demonstrations • Touring daily throughout the year
843-785-2345
Shelter Cove Harbour Marina No Gate Fees • Free Parking dolphinseafarihhi.com info@dolphinseafarihhi.com
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 55
101 Photograph
Photo courtesy of Daufuskie Difference
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, school bus, van, or on foot), guided trail rides on horseback, fishing expeditions, beachcombing tours, or even golf excursions. 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 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.
56 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Commander Zodiac (843-671-3344) Ad p. 37 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
69
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); Summer/Fall • 2017
Photo by Ed Funk
2) Climb aboard a water taxi (check availability at our marinas); 3) Rent your own boat (from Outside Hilton Head, Sea Monkeys, or Sky Pirate Watersports); 4) Hire a private boat charter (through Daufuskie Difference 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. 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 Summer/Fall • 2017
843.686.6996 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 57
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. If you rent through Freeport Marina, the carts come equipped with a cd player as well as a cd provided by the Daufuskie Lowcountry Museum. The narrative cd includes many wonderful stories about the Island’s history and culture. You can also explore on foot, or by bicycle if you bring your own. You can also sign up for a guided history 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. 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.
R FEB
O F M L A I D
R E D R U M
6 – 25
Tony Wendice married his wife for money and plans to murder her for the same reason. He arranges the “perfect” murder. When the assassin ends up dead, Tony connives to see his wife convicted.
A TA N TA L I Z I N G LY J U I C Y W H O D U N N I T !
$
3 OFF
Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. TICKETS TO DIAL M Must be redeemed through the box office.
COLIN QUINN
FEB 19 • 8 PM
CELTIC TENORS
This charismatic trio of international acclaim mesmerizes with three incredible voices and one powerful sound.
THE MUSIC OF
ACROBATS OF
MAR 22 – 24 • 8 PM
The Black Jacket Symphony’s musicians will perform a collection of Queen’s hits.
CIRQUE-TACULAR
MAR 31 • 4 & 8 PM
An off-beat, acrobatic trip around the world as you though it was, found it wasn’t, and wish it could be.
ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA
14 SHELTER COVE LN • ARTSHHI.COM • 843–842–ARTS(2787) 58 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Live Oac (843-384-1414) Ad p. 11, 43 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Sea Monkeys (843-842-4754) Ad p. 36 Sky Pirate Watersports (843-842-2566) Ad p. 35 Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
70
Go
to the
T heatre
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. 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. 58 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69
MAR 7 & 8 • 8 PM
Colin has blazed through the world of comedy, from Saturday Night Live to Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd.”
QUEEN
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.
71
Do
the
M usic S cene
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. Summer/Fall • 2017
Photo courtesy of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
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 36th 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). 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. 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 highlight of the evening being the fireworks display over Shelter Cove Harbour. Concessions are sold, so bring the gang out for dinner and a show. If you’re planning on visiting Savannah, check out the Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ Dinner Entertainment Cruise, the Monday night Gospel Dinner Cruise, and their Moonlight Entertainment Cruise. These old-fashioned riverboats cruise the Savannah River while you enjoy live musical entertainment. Schedules vary by season so make sure you call to see what’s available. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (843-842-2787) Ad p. 58 Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (843-842-2055) Ad p. 59 Island Recreation Association (843-681-7273) Ad p. 54 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69 Summer/Fall • 2017
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 59
72
P lay G ames with T he W hole F amily
“Gaming” is one of America’s favorite pastimes. Still, in this day and age of electronics, sometimes it’s a really good idea to get out of the house and play some whole-family games - with some healthy competition thrown in, of course. New to Hilton Head is Porcella’s where friends and family can meet and compete in so many different ways. They boast nine restored 1960s Brunswick Gold Crown billiard tables, ping pong tables, air hockey, foosball, giant pong, corn hole boards and dart baseball boards. They even have taken a bow to the 21st Century with an entertainment section that includes Xbox and PlayStation consoles with virtual reality headsets. They will be running leagues and tournaments, and are available for private parties. Individual and family memberships are available. Opening this spring, Porcella’s is family-owned and -operated by Hilton Head Island locals. It is located in the Northridge Shopping Center (435 William Hilton Parkway), next to the Northridge Cinema. They are open daily with seasonal hours. Stop in and see if you can claim a championship title. Once you start playing you won’t want to stop until you have the bragging rights. Game on!
Photography by Ed Funk 11 Hunters Green Bluffton, SC 29910 Tel: 843-815-9455 Cell: 843-368-1414 Email: edfunk56@gmail.com www.edfunkphotos.com
Framed & Matted Photos Available At: Pluff Mudd Art in Bluffton The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery
60 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Porcella’s (843-802-2584) Ad p. 61
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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. Frogmore stew to French cuisine as well as national chains. 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. 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. A typical Lowcountry experience is having a meal of local seafood. The most authentic is to catch it yourself. You Summer/Fall • 2017
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Experience the Lowcountry Like Never Before
Beholding Nature
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 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. 60 Porcella’s (843-802-2584) Ad p. 61 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (800-786-6404) Ad p. 69 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
The new book by acclaimed photographer naturalist Eric Horan
“Eric Horan’s photographs transport us into the boat, onto the shore and knee-deep into the marsh.”
• Luxury coffee table book, 13 x 10 inches, 176 pages, over 230 images with commentary by Eric Horan • Foreword by Doug Gardner, PBS Television Wild Photo Adventures • Regular Edition: $49.95 • Signed Collector’s Edition in slipcase with leather finish, foil embossing and giclée print: $149.00
horanphoto.com Lowcountry Photo Safaris
For more information and to order:
www.STARBOOKS.biz The place for award-winning, beautiful books
62 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Photo by Ed Funk
Summer/Fall • 2017
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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, outlet malls and thrift shops that donate their proceeds to charity. We have large chain stores and outlet malls as well as locally owned specialty shops. We have charming small towns as well as vibrant historic cities. Climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse for an elevated shopping experience. Buy a souvenir of your Hilton Head visit, including jewelry, photographs, 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 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 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.
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 101 Photograph
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101 Photograph
Photo courtesy of Ed Funk
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.
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. , Tuesdays mid-March through October. 843-322-1900.
The Bargain Box (843-342-2469) Ad p. 62 Daufuskie Difference (843-342-8687) Ad p. 8-9, 57 Ed Funk Photography (843-815-9455) Ad p. 60 Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum (843-671-2318) Ad p. 1, 63 Horan Photo Ad p. 62 Outside Hilton Head (843-686-6996) Ad Inside Front Cover, 34, 57 Photography by Jeff Keefer (866-305-9814) Ad p. 63 Spirit of HarbourTown/Vagabond Cruises (843-363-9026) Ad p. 7
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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: ` 64 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
Wednesdays: • Beaufort - Downtown Beaufort Farmers Market, corner of North and Bladen Streets, 2:00-6:00 p.m., Wednesdays from May through to the end of October. 843-525-6162. Thursdays: • Bluffton - Bluffton Farmers Market, Calhoun Street, 2:00-7:00 p.m., Thursdays (seasonal hours). 843-415-2447. 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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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 Summer/Fall • 2017
Direct Oceanfront Timeshare
• Island Club Oceanfront
• 1,2 & 3 Bedroom Villas • Gold Crown RCI & Interval International • Direct Ocean, Ocean side or Lagoon views
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• One of the lowest maintenance fees on the Island!
Photo by Sarah Hurst
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 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.
To See Properties, Call Erin Williams, Palmetto Marketing
843-785-2031
www.islandclubtimeshareresales.com Email: erin@palmettomarketing.com FaceBook: Erin’s Island Club
Great Vacations BeGin With a Great Place to stay!
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(866) 680-3799 Summer/Fall • 2017
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77
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. 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. 7 101 Photograph
66 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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Photo courtesy of Savannah Riverboat Cruises
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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. 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. 68 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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, 34, 57
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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 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 paddle-wheeled 600-passenger riverboats the “Savannah River Queen” and the “Georgia Queen,” replicas of the boats that cruised America’s rivers in days gone by. Their 1-1/2 hour Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise is offered year around and includes a live narration of intriguing facts and tales from the captain himself. 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 Southernstyle 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, now sailing Monday through Saturday, and the Sunday Brunch Cruise (from March to October), the popular Dinner Entertainment Cruise and a Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise (between April and October). Advance ticket purchases are encouraged for all meal cruises. Summer/Fall • 2017
Also offered seasonally are the Sunset Cruise and Saturday night Moonlight Party Cruise. The Skyline Bar and Grill is available on both of these cruises (as well as the Sightseeing Cruises) and serves up made-to-order apps & entrees and is a full service bar. Holiday cruises are available and are a great way to relax with family and friends. Both riverboats operate under U.S. Coast Guard regulations and comply with all passenger safety requirements. They are climate controlled for year-round comfort. There is a cash bar and grill and restrooms on board. Advanced ticket purchases are encouraged for most cruises. Reduced fares for children ages five through 12 are available. Children age four and under are complimentary. 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, 34, 57 Savannah Riverboat Cruises (912-232-6404) Ad p. 69
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T our the S ites “T he B ook ”
of
“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. 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. The Book and its compelling story has proven to be big business for Savannah. Today - 24 years, one movie, and millions of printed copies later - curiosity about this hugely 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. Photo “ops” are plentiful, and perhaps Summer/Fall • 2017
• Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruises NEW Longer Cruises • Narrated Harbor Luncheon Cruises NEW Extended Schedule • Sunday Brunch Cruises • Dinner Entertainment Cruises • NEW Sunset Cruises • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruises • Moonlight Party Cruises FOR MORE INFORMATION & TICKETS, VISIT
Nine East River Street www.savannahriverboat.com or call 912.232.6404
Departing from River Street behind City Hall
www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 69
you will encounter one of the many eccentric rascals depicted in the story. 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. Tours are conducted in climate controlled vans. Trolley tours that conduct overview tours of Savannah also include some the book’s key sites in their excursions. Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73
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Photo by Genevieve Bailey-Rogers
S ee
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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 General’s Daughter (1999), The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), The Gift (2000), The Conspirator (2010), and The Baywatch (2017). If you’re a film buff and would like to touch Hollywood, tours of movie locations are available year around and are 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
Photo by Sansing McPherson
Photo by Don Wessel
70 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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S hop the C obbled S treets
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 Summer/Fall • 2017
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. 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.
101 Photograph
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 Summer/Fall • 2017
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Photo Courtesy of the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum
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 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. 72 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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 E State St. at Habersham St. on Columbia Square, (912) 236-8097. Andrew Low House and Carriage House (c. 1847), 329 Abercorn St. at E. Charlton St. on Lafayette Square, (912) 233-6854. Flannery O’Conner Childhood Home (c. 1856), 207 E. Charlton St. at Abercorn St. on Lafayette Square, (912) 2336014. 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 E. Oglethorpe Ave. at Bull St. one block south of Wright Square, (912) 233-4501. Mercer-Williams House Museum (c. 1860), 429 Bull St. at W. Gordon St. on Monterey Square, (912) 236-6352. Owens-Thomas House Museum (c. 1819), 124 Abercorn St. at E. President St. on Oglethorpe Square, (912) 233-9743 (owned and operated by the Telfair Museum of Art). Sorrel-Weed House (c. 1841), 6 W. Harris St. at Bull St. on Madison Square, (912) 236-8888. Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73
º
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V isit the B amboo F arm
When you think of Savannah, do you think of bamboo groves? If you do, you’re right. Bamboo has thrived here for over 100 years at what locals affectionately call “The Bamboo Farm.” Summer/Fall • 2017
However, this “farm” is nothing like your grandfather’s farm. It is a beautiful historic botanical garden. This is a haven for both gardeners and history buffs alike. Located ten miles southwest of Savannah’s Historic District, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is a treasure to behold. There are 12 separate garden collections including over 70 varieties of bamboo from all over the world, tropical trees, lotus, iris, roses, daylilies, orchids, camellias, a water garden, as well as pick-your-own berries (strawberries, blackberries and blueberries between mid-March through July), and sugar cane (boiled down into cane syrup every fall at the Fall Family Festival). The gardens were originally a modest 46-acre farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Around 1890, Mrs. Miller got her hands on a few clumps of giant Japanese timber bamboo and planted them near her farmhouse. Bamboo, being bamboo, grew (to over 60 feet tall) and spread like wildfire (almost overtaking her neighbors’ land). Ultimately, her bamboo became a valuable crop for timber and a tasty food source (bamboo shoots) for local restaurants.
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.
Photo by Liz Lubrani, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
Through a succession of owners, benefactors, and the United States Department of Agriculture, the Bamboo Farm was finally, in 1983, deeded to the University of Georgia for use as an education and research center. Today, the garden’s custodians like to think of themselves as a “zookeepers for plants.” The 51-acres of gardens are open free to the public daily year around, except major holidays. They are located near Richmond Hill at 2 Canebrake Road, at the corner of U.S. Hwy. 17 South and Canebrake Road, just past Keller’s Flea Market. For hours and more information, call (912) 921-5460.
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Honor the Mighty 8th
Experience the excitement of a World War II combat mission or enjoy the quiet solitude of an authentic English Summer/Fall • 2017
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The shops were eventually closed in 1963 after years of neglect. Eventually in 1989 the site came under the 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.
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Photo Courtesy of the Savvy Savannah Tours
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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. 74 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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.
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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. 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. Old Savannah Tours (800-517-9007) Ad p. 67, 71, 73
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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! Summer/Fall • 2017
Photo by Ken Kowaleski, courtesy of Savannah Getaways
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. 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 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 75
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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.
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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. Summer/Fall • 2017
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 - or Harley - 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 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 Summer/Fall • 2017
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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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D on ’ t M iss T ybee I sland
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.” 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. 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 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. 101 Photograph
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. 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.
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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
E xplore B eautiful B eaufort
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? 78 • www.101thingshiltonhead.com
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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 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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Editor’s Note: Hunting Island has suffered severe damage as a result of Hurricanes Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017. As of January, 2018, the South Carolina Department of State Parks stated that the campground remains closed until late winter or early spring 2018. The lighthouse, Nature Center, picnic area, and South Beach and North Beach areas are open as are over four miles of nature trails. A portion of the pier is open, however no fishing or crabbing is allowed at this time. 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 three 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 Summer/Fall • 2017
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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 200 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 www.101thingshiltonhead.com • 79
Photo courtesy of Ed Funk
slaves and is considered one of this country’s most significant African-American historic institutions. It is a National Historic Landmark. 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 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. The 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. 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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The city of Charleston, a two hour and 15 minute drive from Hilton Head Island, is one of this country’s most popular Summer/Fall • 2017
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 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 Summer/Fall • 2017
Photo courtesy of Middleton Place
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. 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 C ruises The SS Pelican, certified for 16 passengers
Narrated 1-1/2 hour trips down beautiful Broad Creek past stately waterfront homes. See dolphin, mink, otter, sea turtles, 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.
$18 Adults (reg. $22 ) $900 Children (reg. $1200) 00
00
The Island Queen, certified for 40 passengers.
Children under 2 FREE
out Ask aubr o “101” l Specia
Call for Reservations
(843) 681-2522
Snac Beveraks & Availab ges All Toule on rs
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