Hilton Heads Up!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Free Stuff!

On Hilton Head Island, there are, quite literally, hundreds of choices for family fun. But for the uninformed, it seems like you have to pull out your wallet for anything you choose. Well, we’re here to tell you about the free stuff!

Obviously, our beach is free. But what about when the sun goes down and the kids still need to drain off some energy. Here are four excellent choices for family fun that won’t cost you a penny.

Monday through Friday, Coligny Plaza offers a different show every night. There is even a free family movie on Saturdays at 11 a.m. That’s right – free! You can catch Elvis, enjoy a show about the Sea Island’s Gullah culture, get in a little magic, and enjoy a local Reggae band. Of course, there are over 60 shops and restaurants who would be very happy if you decided to stop in and visit, but there is absolutely no admission price for the entertainment. The kids (and you) will love it.


Now entering his 19th season at Shelter Cove Harbor, Shannon Tanner does an exceptional job entertaining young and old(er) folks with a fantastic range of songs (mostly his own), stories and humor to the beautiful backdrop of the large harbor. He does two shows, Monday through Friday, one starting at 6:30 p.m., the other starting at 8 p.m.

Of course, there’s Harbourfest on Tuesdays at Shelter Cove, too. Free fireworks over the water, all sorts of crafts, art works, you name it – and no admission!

Maybe you’ve seen one of his movies. Or maybe you’ve heard about Hilton Head Heroes, the children’s charitable organization he and his wife, Lindy founded. Or maybe you’ve seen him under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, rocking the socks off his jam packed audience for 30 years! Gregg Russell is about as much of a Hilton Head Island tradition as Harbour Town’s lighthouse. If you’re vacationing in Sea Pines Resort, his nightly concerts are free. Be prepared to join in the show! (If your vacation home is outside of Sea Pines, you will have to pay the $5 gate fee – but Gregg is really worth it.)

It’s all definitely (free) family fun.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Breakfast everyone?

When you’re on vacation, what do you think is the most important meal of the day? Dinner at Hudson’s? While we love Hudson’s (and about three dozen other seafood eateries), a good breakfast, to us, is essential to a successful vacation. Ergo, the best breakfast place is:

No question: Skillets. Sure, they have a great lunch and dinner – and live entertainment at night – but we’re talking rib-sticking, honest-to-goodness-serious BREAKFAST. Yes, Hilton Head has other fine choices but, you’re what, 30 yards from the beach, you can have your eggs any way you like them. HUGE pancakes. Fresh juice. REAL grits and hash browns. (Map.)



O.K. Another “no question:” Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café. True to their name, they open the doors at 6 A.M. That’s the time they start their Early Bird Special (6 - 8 A.M.). For $5 you can get a couple of eggs, meat, grits or hash browns and toast. (Map.)



Another sure thing, and VERY local, is Signe’s. We will accept your thanks after you’ve experienced this island tradition. Everything you eat there is hand and home made. There is nothing on the menu we wouldn’t recommend. The actual name of the establishment is “Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery & Café. You want to meet locals, meet at Signe’s. It’s one of those places where you want to say, “I’ll take one of everything.” (Map.)





O.K. Finally. Local, local, local. Plantation Café and Deli will get you into a great breakfast mood. Everything is more or less custom.

How to choose? Our recommendation: All of the above. Hog out. Believe us, you’ll need the energy. If children are involved in your Hilton Head Island vacation, do not be ashamed to ask for seconds.

Dear, do you mind passing the syrup?

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