Going Local: Boathouse II
Probably one of the most often asked question we get is, “What’s a great ‘local’ restaurant?” That’s really a tough one to answer because we are blessed with so many great “local” hangouts. Actually, it isn’t tough – the tough part is keeping the list fairly short.
One of our favorites (we’re all “locals”) is
Boathouse II. It’s open for lunch and dinner (Sunday brunch, too) and it’s on the water, Skull Creek. There is a whole bucketful (of oysters?) reasons to dine there, but it can be a little tough to find. Of course, that makes it all the more interesting.
First directions. It’s on the north end of the island, off Squire Pope Road. Click here for a
location map. You’ll see the big, long boathouse just as you approach the entrance. The parking is a little strange. It lines the boathouse and can be a bit crowded.
During the day it’s spectacular. You’re sitting outside (if you choose) and are watching all the action at
Skull Creek Marina (your neighbor) and Shilling’s Boathouse. Commercial fisherman dock there and supply Boathouse II with very fresh catch. Basically, what the fishermen bring in is on the menu that night.
You MUST try the shrimp and grits. This is definitely Southern and may sound a little strange if the only grits you’ve every tasted (mushy) are from the little brown envelopes brought to you be the Quaker Oats folks. This, however, is the real thing. Stone ground grits to the chef’s precise specifications.
There are a zillion reasons to eat there. Boathouse II has probably the biggest seafood menu on the island. They are waterfront. They have nightly entertainment (LOCAL) that rocks. There’s Marker 13, the outside bar that serves fantastic drinks, and, of course, there’s the view. If there is a full moon, you will not want to leave. Ever. Caution: these “local” hangouts don’t stay secret for long. Depending on the night, expect a line. But not for long.
If you’ve experienced outdoor dining on Hilton Head Island in the summer, you know one big problem: insects. Not to fear at Boathouse II. The
Lowrey Group, an island chain of high-end restaurants, which owns Boathouse II, installed a herbal mist system to keep the pests at bay. It doesn’t kill them. It just suggests to the insects they would probably want to be someplace else.
Reasonable prices. Waterfront. Super entertainment. Great seafood.
Our suggestion: go for it.
Labels: hilton head, restaurants, tips
Summer Golf in the Lowcountry
Hilton Head Island, as you probably know already, is populated with some of the best golf courses in, well, the world! The designer names are even more fabulous than the fanciest New York fashion boutique: Pete Dye, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love, Gary Player.
To get the most out of your game, here are some suggestions that might help lower your score.
1. Altitude. You are at sea level, not the Rockies. Your drive will not go as far if you usually play golf at, say 3,000 feet. If you’re used to higher altitudes,
sea level means half a club plus.
2. Alligators. Pay attention to “local rules.” If you hit or hit near an alligator, you can take a drop without penalty. It is not worth recovering your Titleist Pro-V (or your pride) if the ‘gator considers the ball his/her new playmate. Take a free drop.
3.
Segway. Amazing new golf experience. This two wheel gyroscope that gets you and your clubs around the course is something like having your own personal caddie – but you don’t have to tip it.
4. Greens. Greens in the Lowcountry tend to get a little hairy in summer. The supper knows that if cut too low, they’ll burn.(Remember, you’re playing in the South, for goodness sake!) From five feet in, go for the hole. Period.
5. Sun. Wear a hat/cap. No matter how dumb you look, WEAR IT. Don’t quibble: Also, sun block: SPF 30 or higher.
6.
GPS. This is so nifty. And so depressing . Some of our courses have Global Positioning Systems (GPS) on their golf carts. You know PRECISELY where to hit your ball. However, GPS can’t do a thing about the large oak tree standing between you and the hole.
7.
Water. Summer golf in the Lowcountry demands you carry two quarts of water with you (or buy that amount from the pretty lady who just sold you a beer) . Alcohol dehydrates. Water hydrates. This is simple stuff.
8. Three foot putt. Good luck.
9. Insect control. Avon Skin-so-soft, Cutter’s .Advanced Sport Insect Repellent with Picaridin.
10. Bring the kids! Courses, like the new
Heron Point in Sea Pines Resort, have six sets of tees. Family golf is encouraged.
Hilton Head Island golf. Nobody does it better.
Labels: golf, hilton head, tips
Beaching it on Hilton Head Island
Even if your vacation home is beachfront (which we STRONGLY suggest), what you tote to the beach and what you do when you get there are critical to your happiness. Depending on your status in life right now (kids [age dependent], no kids) there are various considerations you should make.
1. WEIGHT. If you cannot lift it with one hand (cooler, chair, umbrella, etc.) it’s not worth it. Leave it or rearrange it. Traveling just 50 feet with a cooler that requires both hands, a beach
chair (check this one out) slung over your shoulder and an umbrella wedged under your arm, will not make you a happy beach-goer. Beach carts are all the rage – they should be! Very convenient. Just make sure they have oversized wheels.
2. SUN. There can definitely be too much of a good thing when you’re lazing at the beach. Don’t skimp on sun screen. The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) the better if you have the slightest chance of burning. The good news is that you have hundreds of lotions and sprays to choose from. Douglas Wolk’s article at Slate.com will help you decide which one is best for you – and the kids.
3. BICYCLING. What a great way to enjoy the beach! But do it early in the morning or early evening when there are fewer folks. Here’s a great tip. If there’s a beach breeze (and there usually is), make sure the first part of your ride is INTO the wind. It will make the last part of your ride much easier.
4. SAND. We have beautiful sand. Soft and fluffy at the head of the beach; firm from water’s edge up to fluffy stuff. This tip also has to do with the wind. When you shake your towels or blankets out when you’re ready to leave, look down wind first so the sand on your towel doesn’t end up in your neighbor’s mouth.
Follow this link to read about Hilton Head Island’s beach regulations. And have a great time!
Labels: beaches, hilton head, tips
Best Time to Be Here
We have people always asking same question: “When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island?” Our immediate reply, with a smile, is, “Whenever you can get here!” Admittedly, not too helpful.
But bottom line, when it comes to THE BEST time to visit the island, we suggest you choose the months of May or September. (Or both!)
By May we’ve survived another wonderful
Verizon Heritage tournament (and the tens of thousands of people who came to see it), and we’re gearing up for summer. The golf courses are in great shape, the weather is just right. The ocean temperature is still a bit cool (75F), but the beach is perfect. Basically, you’ll be taking part in our “dress rehearsal” for “opening night” – the beginning of our summer season. The air temperatures are usually moderate and, quite frankly, there are less visitors.
We think September is also a fantastic choice. It’s kind our “sneaky” month. Summer, for most folks is over, the kids are back in school, the weather is warm and so is the ocean. The beach – if you’ve never been to our
beaches in September, treat yourself. Maybe it’s the beauty of a September sunrise or sunset. It’s quiet. And like May, we have less visitors.
Both months are also great times to take those side trips to the historic communities of
Savannah,
Beaufort, and our closest neighbor,
Bluffton.
So there’s your answer. But we really do mean it – come whenever you can get here.
Labels: beaches, hilton head, tips, vacation company
The Beaches of Hilton Head Island
If you want to experience a truly “great strand,” Hilton Head Island’s 12 miles of sugar sand beaches are, without question, some of the broadest beaches on America’s East Coast. At low tide they can stretch out to 600 feet.
A few interesting facts. At high tide, and depending on the moon and other factors, the difference between low and high tide is usually six and a half to eight feet. That means that if you were standing at water’s edge at low tide, and remained there through high tide (about 6 hours later), even if you were Houston Rockets'
Yao Ming (7' 6"), you would be treading water.
Beaches move, they shrink and grow. To stabilize them, the Town of Hilton Head Island renourishs the beaches with sand brought from off shore in huge pipes. The
last renourishment project ended on the early winter of 2007. Over 2.1 million cubic yards of sand were added to parts of the island’s beaches at a cost of $16.6 million.
Who pays for it? Like all rental companies and hotels on Hilton Head, the Vacation Company pays a 2% “
beach preservation fee” based on the total gross proceeds our business takes in each year. And you know something, we don’t mind a bit!
Labels: beaches, hilton head
