TASTE OF LUNCH

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Road in the Village Exchange. Capture the true essence of the island while enjoying local and regional inspired cuisine featuring owner Dave and Raina Peck’s family recipes. Choose from Potato chip meatloaf, Charleston fried green tomato sandwich, shrimp & grits, Southern Belle salad and a wide selection of other lowcountry favorites. Dine in or outside in the comfortable backyard. Experience the island, love the food! Serving Lunch Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Dinner 4:30 - 9 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Call (843) 785-YARD (9273) or visit us online at www.hhbackyard.com.

AMIGO’S CAFÉ Y CANTINA The original Amigo’s is located at 70 Pope Avenue in the Circle Center. Under new local ownership. Casual Mexican food prepared fresh daily. Featuring the best burrito outside of Baja, quesadillas, tacos, amazing BBQ chicken salad, World Famous Margaritas and ice cold beer. This local favorite has been serving islanders and visitors for over 26 years. Dine in, take-out or curbside delivery available. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Call (843) 785-TACO (8226) online at www.amigoscafehhi.com or check us out on Facebook.

AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE “Not your everyday Mexican!” Located on the south end of the island at 69 Pope Avenue, Aunt Chilada’s offers unique tacos such as Firecracker, Steakhouse, and more, plus TexMex staples like sizzling fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas plus amazing apps and dips! The extensive tequila menu has all your favorites. Dine indoors or on the huge, covered outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze with a hand-crafted, fresh margarita, listening to live music. Serving from 3 p.m., happy hour is 4-7 p.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1988. Call (843) 785-7700 or visit auntchiladashhi.com.

BAD BISCUIT Located at 19E Dunnagans Alley off Arrow Rd. The island’s newest breakfast spot features fresh handmade biscuits with a variety of toppings including sausage gravy and shrimp stew. Create a biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese, veggies, crab cakes and other offerings. Also serving homemade soups, salads, desserts, coffee and juices. For the adventurous appetite, try one of our delicious grit bowls. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-2323 or check us out online at www.bad-biscuit.com.

BIG BAMBOO Just steps from the beach, the Big Bamboo is located in Coligny Plaza on North Forest Beach Drive. Featuring fresh seafood, fish tacos, delicious salads and the build your own burgers, the Big Bamboo provides an all American menu in a laid back beach atmosphere. Thirsty? Try a famous margarita as you sit amongst the WWII memorablia and the Bamboo inspired island vibe. Full bar and kids menu available. Serving lunch Mon-Sat. 11.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (843) 686-3443.

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. Authentic English fare served in attractive pub-style atmosphere with golf art, memorabilia, and the only bar by Titleist. Featuring our famous Fish n’ Chips, Lobster Salad or Sandwedges like the Aberdeen Burger, Clubhouse Classic, Wexford Reuben, English Dip and Lobster Roll. Full bar and beers, ales, and stouts from around the world. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. Brunch served Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton (843) 815-6736.

CAROLINA COFFEE & CRUMBS Located at 101 Pope Avenue in historic Coligny Plaza just steps away from Coligny Beach. Hilton Head’s newest locally owned coffee shop serves homemade sweets as well as your favorite lunch items. Signature items will include paninis, wraps, chopped salads and homemade soups. Make sure to check out our daily specials as well as our homemade desserts. Dine inside or outside on our terrace. Open from 7 a.m. Call (843) 342-4800 or visit us at www.carolinacoffeehhi.com.

CAROLINA CRAB COMPANY Home of “THE” Carolina Crab Cake, “C3” at Palmetto Bay Marina has become the spot to anchor! C3 is revered for its steaming shellfish boils, amazing seafood, steaks, and fresh daily oyster selections. But it is “THE” Carolina Crab Cake that will have you planning another visit after your first bite. Come for happy hour and enjoy a Funcoction! Serving from 3 p.m. inside and out, they offer dine-in, take-out, and online ordering. Come by boat - it’s FREE to dock while you dine! Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 2014. Call (843) 842-2016 or visit carolinacrabco.com.

CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE Located at 8 New Orleans Rd., just off Hwy. 278. Casual dining at its best. One-of-a kind Cobb salad piled high with crispy bacon, turkey and cheese, dressed with Essie’s homemade sweet tomato vinaigrette that has kept the locals hooked for more than 30 years. Fish Cakes, Sauteed Flounder and an array of salads for anyone on the run. Dine-in or Takeout. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., and dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-9277 or check us out online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

CHOW DADDY’S Two locations - 14B Executive Park Road, just off Pope Avenue and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. One of the areas newest and most creative restaurants offers a healthy alternative using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Menu items include amazing Pork Nachos on house-made potato chips, Kale and Quinoa Salad, Tuna Poke Bowl, Fried Chicken Tacos, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Verde, and incredible Burgers ground in house daily. Full bar, extensive wine selection and great cocktails. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Outdoor seating and ping pong available on our terraces. For reservations call (843) 842CHOW (2469) or (843) 757-CHOW (2469) or online at www.chowdaddys.com.

THE CRAZY CRAB HARBOUR TOWN Located in Sea Pines overlooking Harbour Town Marina. The “Islander’s place for fresh seafood for over 35 years,” The Crazy Crab restaurant is a fun, casual, family-friendly atmosphere adjacent to a convenient playground for kids and

loved by generations of visitors. Voted Best Crab Legs on the island for many years, they offer fresh local seafood dishes and boils, plus sandwiches and salads for lunch. Serving daily from 11 a.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1986. Call (843) 363-2722 or visit thecrazycrab.com.

THE CRAZY CRAB JARVIS CREEK Located near mile marker 1 on Hwy. 278 with a panoramic view of Jarvis Creek. The “Islander’s place for fresh seafood for over 35 years,” The Crazy Crab has a fun, casual, family-friendly atmosphere. There’s a playground for kids and a scenic fire pit to gather near the water. Voted Best Crab Legs on the island for years, they offer fresh local seafood, plus lunch sandwiches and salads. Enjoy their large covered deck, and live, local music (seasonally). Serving daily from 11 a.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1984. Call (843) 681-5021 or visit thecrazycrab.com.

DELISHEEYO Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Rd. in The Village Exchange. The Island’s health food kitchen features organic juices, smoothees, salads, wraps, bowls and healthy snacks. Offering food that makes you feel good, choose from raw, vegan or gluten free options. Open Monday thru Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-3633 or order online at www.delisheeyo.com.

THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS All new location at 840 William Hilton Pkwy. Go where the locals go for fresh seafood, cold drinks and good times. We are easy to find, but hard to leave. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, signature sandwiches, salads and more in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Dine inside or enjoy the outdoor patio. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-9775.

ELA’S ON THE WATER Located at One Shelter Cove Lane. Featured in Bon Appetit and winner of numerous Open Table awards, Ela’s offers fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, all prepared by our culinary team of experts and complimented by an extensive boutique wine selection. Known for the best water views on the island, we have a casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior and nightly entertainment. Private parties, rehearsal dinners and special events welcome. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner nightly from 5 p.m. Reservations recommended. Call (843) 785-3030 or online at ww.elasgrille.com.

FISHCAMP ON BROAD CREEK Located on Broad Creek at 11 Simmons Road, a local historic landmark, is now the Island’s favorite elegant but relaxed waterfront dining destination. Enjoy raw bar favorites, salads,

sandwiches, burgers, and amazing lunch entrées. Dine indoors, or soak in the Lowcountry lifestyle on the spacious, pet-friendly patio and bar with a backyard, fish camp style ambiance complete with a fire pit and stunning sunset views. Serving daily from 11 a.m., bar open late. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 2016. Call (843) 842-2267 or visit fishcamphhi.com.

FLATBREAD GRILL Located at Coligny circle oceanside in the Beach Market Center. This upscale casual dining sensation is sure to be a favorite of both visitors and locals. Enjoy Neopolitan pizza cooked in our open-hearth oven or choose from fresh pasta, gourmet salads, wraps, sandwiches, specialty burgers, wings and more. Friendly and comfortable lounge offering a nice selection of appetizers and cocktails while viewing your favorite sporting events on our HD TV’S. Take out and kid’s menu available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 341-2225 or online at www.flatbreadgrillhhi.com. THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ Located in Coligny Plaza. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass (16 oz., 24 oz. and 32 oz.). Outside seating with retractable roof, fire pit, beach area and tiki bar. Live music nightly. Black angus burger, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps, appetizers and of course fried frog legs. 28 HD TV’s for great sports viewing as well as a kid’s menu. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 686-FROG (3764) or online at www.frostyfrog.com.

GRINGO’S DINER Located at 6 Lagoon Rd., near the beach in Coligny Plaza. This cozy and comfortable diner serves breakfast and lunch all day. The food and service makes for the perfect stop for visitors and locals alike. Enjoy contemporary American and Mexican food in a warm atmosphere with friendly service. Enjoy fantastic lunch selections like our yummy homemade burgers, sandwiches, B.L.T’s, hot dogs, fried baskets, awesome Philly cheesesteaks and famous hand cut French fries. Now serving cold beer. Dine inside or outside. Take out is available. Open for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. Call (843) 785-5400.

HAROLD’S DINER Located at 641 William Hilton Parkway at Singleton Beach. An island icon for decades, this diner serves up the best made to order food fast and with attitude. Breakfast favorites include Omelettes, Pancakes, French toast, and Steak and Eggs. For lunch choose from Burgers, Dogs, Pulled Pork, Philly Cheesesteaks and more. Open for breakfast Mon. thru Sat., 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (843) 384-7855 or online at haroldsdinerhiltonhead.com.

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch

Be a little bad, a little rebellious, have some fun and join us for something delicious today!

Serving Breakfast and Lunch Daily.

Open daily from 8 AM to 2 PM 19E Dunnagans Alley off Arrow Rd. 843-785-2323 • www.badbiscuit.com

HEALTHY HABIT Located in Park Plaza just outside of Sea Pines Resort. Voted Hilton Head’s Best lunch, takeout, counter service and salads every year since 2017! This local favorite serves up award winning bowls, salads, wraps, smoothies, juices and more. Fast casual dining with a modern design offers inside and outside seating. Online ordering, catering and takeout are available. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Call (843) 686-5600 or visit us online at HealthyHabitHHI.com.

HINOKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes such as teriyaki, tempura, a variety of noodle dishes and soups, tofu, grilled vegetables, daily specials, plus fabulous, sushi and sashimi. The very extensive menu includes dozens of appetizers to share, combination dinners with fresh fish, chicken, steak and over 20 entrees from which to choose. Three intimate dining rooms, a sushi bar and a cocktail lounge offers something for everyone. Early Bird specials until 6:30 p.m. and carry-out available, as well as online ordering on their website. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Tuesday thru Friday, and Dinner 5:30 until 10 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. Call (843) 785-9800 for reservations (taken during regular business hours). Visit hinokihhi.com and facebook.com/hinokihhi.

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS Sitting right at the edge of Port Royal Sound, all of the tables in our waterfront restaurant feature extraordinary views for a truly special low-country dining experience. Hudson’s uses one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island to bring in fresh-caught seafood straight to our docks and to your table. Our guests often get to share the excitement as fishing crews unload thousands of fresh oysters, shrimp and soft shell crabs from each day’s catch. Bring your family and friends for a special low-country seafood feast that has been a Hilton Head Island tradition for over 50 years! Open daily at 11 a.m. serving lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays at 10 a.m. Call (843) 681-2772 or online at www.hudsonsonthedocks.com.

KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT Located in Circle Center, just off Pope Avenue. Enjoy Creole cuisine with a Lowcountry influence. Find an appealing choice of Cajun fare such as Shrimp Etoufee, Crawfish Etoufee, Jambalaya, N’awlins Po Boy’s, Red Beans & Rice and authentic Gumbos. Great soups and salads, as well as a kid’s menu and take-out service available. Also, cold beer and awesome desserts. Open Wednesday thru Sunday, beginning April Tuesday thru Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call (843) 785-3315.

LAND’S END TAVERN Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Featuring great seafood, steaks, sandwiches and salads. A casual atmosphere

with a pirate theme ensures fun for the whole family. Great kid’s menu and desserts. It’s a bounty of treasure waiting to be plundered. Serving all day, every day starting from 8 a.m. Call (843) 671-5456 for seasonal hours.

MANGIAMO Located at 2000 Main Street. A comfortable and cozy atmosphere featuring outstanding pizza, subs, salads and pasta. Beer and wine, kid’s menu, and daily specials offer something for everyone. Enjoy half price cheese pizza from 3 until 4 p.m. Dine inside, on the patio or take it to go. North Island delivery available. Your home away from home for The Ohio State Buckeyes. Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday. Call (843) 682-2444.

THE MARKET CAFE AT MICHAEL ANTHONY’S Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Located just across the breezeway from Michael Anthony’s, The Market Cafe is an Italian market and a casual small plate restaurant joined together in one! “The Market” offers a wide array of prepared “heat and serve” dishes, house-made sauces, pasta and imported Italian meats, cheeses and sundries. “The Cafe” features a lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, pizza and pasta available 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. In the evening, The Market Cafe is a local gathering spot with an inviting cozy atmosphere featuring fresh artisan pasta, personal sized pizzas with quality ingredients, plus a selection of small plates and the chef’s daily creations. The Market Cafe is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Call 843.785.6272 for reservations or visit www.michael-anthonys.com.

MELLOW MUSHROOM Located in Park Plaza on Hilton Head and at 878 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. If you’re looking for a fun and lively place for the whole family, this is it. Specializing in great pizza and calzones, monumental hoagies and fresh salads all in a comfortable and casual setting. Kid friendly and affordably priced menu for both lunch and dinner. Over twenty-four beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar available. Dine inside or outside on the patio. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 (HHI) or (843) 706-0800 (B-Town).

THE OLD OYSTER FACTORY Located on Broad Creek at 101 Marshland Road, this iconic waterfront restaurant has stunning views of the Lowcountry! Dine inside or on the outdoor decks - perfect for lunch on the water. Serving fresh local seafood since 1989, Chef’s creations feature elevated Lowcountry cuisine with raw bar favorites, salads, sandwiches, and entrées for both seafoodies or land-lovers. The back deck with an outside patio bar is a great dolphin-spotting location. Serving daily from 11 a.m. daily, Brunch on Sundays. Established in 1989, a member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 2019. Call (843) 681-6040 or visit oldoysterfactory.com.

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner See Menus, Hours, Specials, and Take Out & Delivery Options at SkilletsCafe.com

PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way. Serving breakfast and lunch all day. Awesome sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, chicken, seafood and daily blue plate specials in cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Beer, wine and liquor available as well as take-out and childrens menu. Eat inside or relax on the outside patio. “One of the Best Breakfasts on Hilton Head”, Southern Living magazine. Open Wednesday thru Sunday from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 686-3232 for more information.

PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza, North Island at Port Royal Plaza and 20 Discovery Drive in Bluffton. An Island favorite since 1974. From soups and salads to sandwiches and Blue plate specials, we have something for everyone. Choose from a great selection of meats and sides and a wide array of salads, soups and sandwiches, all served at moderate prices. We promise you will not leave hungry. Beer, wine and Bloody Marys available. Open for lunch Monday thru Saturday at 11:30 a.m., and Sunday brunch from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-9020, (843) 342-4472 or (843) 815-5550.

REILLEY’S GRILL & BAR Just off Sea Pines Circle in Reilley’s Plaza, this family-friendly local favorite is your choice for a great lunch. Serving entrée salads, a wide selection of elevated pub sandwiches, burgers, and home-inspired dishes such as Chicken Pot Pie, Cottage Pie, and Fish & Chips, you can dine indoors or on their beautiful, spacious garden-encircled patio covered bar. Serving daily from 11:30 a.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1982. Call (843) 842-4414 or visit reilleyshiltonhead.com

RUAN THAI HUT Located at 1107 Main Street. Serving Authentic Thai fare using the freshest ingredients available. Mild to very hot, you can choose the spice level of your meal. Appetizers, soups, salads, desserts and kids meals round out an extensive menu with something for all ages. Sit inside or outside on the comfortable patio. Open Monday thru Saturday for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 681-3700.

THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Great food, frozen drinks and live entertainment from the island’s favorite outdoor cafe. Enjoy beautiful waterfront views overlooking Braddock’s Cove in a fun and casual atmosphere. Happy Hour daily with a full menu available, plus an outdoor cookout, Salty Dog Ice Cream and Jake’s Pizza during the season. Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

THE SANDBAR Located at 101 Pope Avenue in historic Coligny Plaza just steps

away from Coligny Beach. The Sandbar always has something delicious cooking. With its beach inspired decor, comfortable seating and laid back atmosphere, they are serving up delicious food such as homemade burgers, amazing tacos, and tons of fresh seafood. The Sandbar is a great place for families and friends to enjoy the outdoor bar and patio and share amazing foods and drinks. Children will also feel welcome with their own menu and special children’s table. Call (843) 342SAND (7263) or visit us online at www.sandbarhhi.com.

SKILLETS CAFE Located just off the beach in Coligny Plaza. An excellent choice for the whole family since 1994. Wonderful selections including old-fashioned lunches, great sandwiches, burgers, jambalaya, fried seafood or our extensive salad bar. $10 lunches, Monday thru Friday only. Gluten Free menu as well as vegan dishes available. Full bar and wine list available. Kids menu and takeout. Dine inside or on the patio (Dog Friendly). Open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-3131 or check us out online at www.skilletscafe.com.

STREET MEET Located in Port Royal Plaza. An American style tavern, select from our $9 lunch menu, paleo bowls, or choose from popular items like our NY Hofmann hot dogs, butcher ground burgers, homemade black bean wraps, homemade Italian wedding soup or the island’s best fish and chips. Enjoy a cold beer or cocktail after a day at the beach in an atmosphere that welcomes the entire family (Penny a pound for kids on Saturday). Serving from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Call (843) 8422570 or online at www.streetmeethhi.com.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Enjoying our 38th year of offering casual upscale dining in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Our menu features fresh seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups, fresh and flavorful entree salads, house ground burgers, delicious pasta, and amazing homemade desserts. Outside seating is available at both locations. Full bar and fine wines by the glass or bottle. Private dining available for 6 to 100 people. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Call (843) 671-6136 (Sea Pines) or (843) 815-5551 (Bluffton) or go to www.trufflescafe.com to make reservations.

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy a casual and fun atmosphere in the same spirit as The Salty Dog Cafe. Serving a full bar with excellent food and waterfront view overlooking South Beach Marina and Braddock’s Cove, The Wreck offers excellent Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials. Available for private parties. Call (843) 671-SEAS (7327) for seasonal hours.

Food with an Attitude!

Open for breakfast and lunch.

Eat here or we both starve.

HaroldsDinerHiltonHead.com 641 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

BY ALLYSON JONES • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Love local honey for its sweet taste and medicinal benefits?

Before you throw a hive out in the backyard and hope for the best, Lowcountry beekeeper David Arnal has some tips to help honey bees thrive.

A landscape architect who is also Hilton Head Island’s only USDA-registered farmer, Arnal has been maintaining honey bee hives since 1988 when he offered to take over five hives at Clemson University.

“It just took off from there,” he says with a laugh. He received additional training at the University of Georgia and now the President of the Beaufort-Jasper Beekeepers Association maintains more than 50 hives on Hilton Head Island and at Palmetto Bluff. His Hilton Head Honey is available at the Coastal Discovery Museum, the Hilton Head Plantation Farmers’ Club Markets, Burke’s Pharmacy and The Purple Cow. Although honey bees are not native to North America, there is a long tradition of beekeeping in the Lowcountry.

Jamestown is usually credited with having the first hives, but researchers at Clemson University recently discovered Spaniards brought over Northern European brown honey bees when they settled Santa Elena on South Carolina’s Port Royal Sound in 1566. According to Arnal, honey bees had already made their way 200 miles inland, as well as 200 miles north and south of Santa Elena (present-day Parris Island), 70 years before Jamestown was founded.

Begin a beekeeping adventure by planting a pollinator-friendly backyard or community garden.

“The best thing you can do is build habitat in your backyard – your community – not just for honey bees, but all pollinators,” he explains. “Plant stuff that blooms in August, as that’s the time of year when there really aren’t any good blooms in Hilton Head and Bluffton that provide nectar. Plant little pockets of zinnias, salvias and other types of flowers that bees will be attracted to and they’ll naturally drift over to your squash blossoms, watermelon, cantaloupes and other things that need to be pollinated.”

Knowing basic bee biology is also important.

“Just like you and I, bees need carbohydrates, protein and water,” Arnal notes. “There are bees that collect water, there are bees that collect carbohydrates which are the nectar they turn into honey and there are bees that collect pollen which is their protein source. The combination of those things keep them alive and we simply harvest the honey source that they produce nectar from.”

Since bees forage about two miles from their home, Arnal tries to spread out his beehives across the Island so as to not overload a specific area. The variety of nectar and pollen also adds more flavor to his honey.

And, like any other farmer, weather directly affects production.

“In some seasons we might not have any honey in the spring because you’ve got to leave enough honey for the bees to use,” he says. “If we have a bad spring, or a really wet spring where the bees can’t fly, or vice versa and a drought in the summer and there’s just no water in the soil for the plants to produce nectar and copious amounts of pollen – it’s just something you have to work around.”

Arnal also offers a one-hour presentation to community groups and garden clubs entitled “What is Happening to Our Bees?”

The number of managed beehive colonies in the United States has stayed pretty steady for the last two decades at 2 million. During World War II, when beeswax was used for armaments, there were around 6 million colonies in the country.

“Economically, what we’ve had to do is just keep these [colonies] alive,” says Arnal. “It’s taken away some of the joy of beekeeping with the discovery of colony collapse in 2006 which brought to light how important honeybees were to the environment and to people who like to eat things that are pollinated.”

“My industry is not growing,” he continues. “It’s pretty much remained steady because there are a combination of things that are causing problems.”

Topping the list of issues is the use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. When Arnal’s honey bees drank water from a puddle next to a right of way treated with herbicide, it poisoned his whole yard. Bees are also exposed to pesticides used in commercial agriculture and fungicides used on golf courses – although since bees do not pollinate grass, fungicides are not a huge issue locally.

Then there are the Asian mites which showed up in the United States in 1989 and decimated bee populations living in trees followed by another Asian parasite that affects gut health.

“The bees have built up some resistance to the mite,” notes Arnal, “but it still requires a considerable amount of intervention by the beekeeper. There are a lot of stressors on a honey bee.”

Still buzzed about beekeeping?

“The best beekeepers we have that started as beginners in our organization sat in on our meetings for a year,” emphasizes Arnal. “We do a lot of hands-on work at our meetings, so they learn how to keep honey bees.It’s not something that you learn in a day. There’s a great deal of misinformation on the internet and, of course, it’s very different keeping honey bees in Minnesota or in California than it is keeping honey bees on Hilton Head.”

The Beaufort-Jasper Beekeepers Association meets on the 4th Saturday of the month in the Discovery Lab at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Arnal maintains eight hives at Honey Horn, including the Observation Hive in the Discovery Lab.