If you like jazz in any or all of its configurations, boy do we have a surprise. In fact, first time visitors to the Jazz Corner, tucked away in the Village at Wexford, are truly amazed. The talent is extraordinary and the food is superb. The bar is perfect. The staff couldn’t be friendlier.

Are we getting carried away? Not by a long shot. While on a visit, the legendary jazz piano great John Bunch said, “I wish there was something like this in New York.”

The Jazz Corner was the brain child of Bob Masteller and Charlie Swift. A businessman, Charlie loved classical music and jazz.

There is not a bad seat in the house, er, restaurant. The intimate room is acoustically perfect. What’s more, the live entertainment comes with your meal. There is seldom a cover charge except on weekends when a marquee name or band comes to town, like when Hotlanta comes to play or the Jazz Corner is raising money for the Junior Jazz Foundation (JJF).

The Jazz Corner is, indeed, in a corner of The Village at Wexford. To get the exact location, visit the Village at Wexford website. It’s just off William Hilton Parkway, one stoplight away from the Sea Pines traffic circle.

Oh, yes. It’s a good idea to make reservations. Call 843-842-8620 or visit the website.

It’s definitely one of Hilton Head Island’s hidden treasures. While it’s in the heart of the island’s most popular beach area – Coligny Plaza – the only way you’ll find it (unless you know where you’re going) is by accident. “Hidden” is definitely the right description.

Coligny Theater, with its one screen, is a true gem. It was the island’s first “movie house,” opening in 1972. There were only a few thousand full-time residents on Hilton Head and the tourist population was just beginning to grow. You won’t find the big blockbusters showing there. But you will find a fantastic selection of independent films, like “Married Life” (Pierce Brosnan), April 25 - May 1, and “The Counterfeiters,” May 9 - 22.

The films are mostly for adults (real adults), but there are specials for children and a real treat is the Second Sunday Film Society, which is definitely a local event – and fun. Where else but Hilton Head Island will you actually find what we used to call, an “art theater?”

When it opened the theater was called The Island Theater and had a run of 25 years. For those who have visited the island in the past, you’ll remember it as a hangout for just about everyone in the summer. There were lines stretching around the Earl of Sandwich restaurant if the movie was really popular. Or when it was raining.

Refurbished and open again in 2002 by the owner of Coligny Plaza, it still has some of the “old island” feel. To learn more, visit the theater’s website or call 843-686-3500.