Why is Sea Water Salty?
Why is
sea water salty? Why are there tides? What is a “
mudflat?” What are those holes and tubes in the beach?
One of the greatest wonders of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry is our nature, the ecology of the place, something we have long protected. And few have captured it better than environmental scientist Todd Ballentine and his ever popular book,
Tideland Treasures: The Naturalist's Guide to the Beaches and Salt Marshes of Hilton Head Island and the Southeastern Coast. While the long title is a mouthful, the book (originally published in 1983 and in its “umteenth” printing) is simply a complete delight. If you’re planning on a visit to Hilton Head Island (or are already here), get a copy now, right away, no excuses. You’ll think we are the coolest people in the world when you get it.
The book is based on Ballentine’s “column” (really a beautifully illustrated comic strip style) in
The Island Packet called “On Earth” that the newspaper published in the 1970s and 80s when Ballentine and his family were island residents. Tideland Treasures takes the reader from the sea to the beach to the marsh, the plants and animals to a discussion about conservation. It is written in terms the layman can easily understand.
For those of us who have been living on the island for some time, we remember Ballantine opening up a whole new world for us with “On Earth.” We learned, for example, that shrimp had a set of “feet” for eating, another for walking, and still another for swimming!
The book is definitely user-friendly, for parents and kids. No buttons to push, no batteries needed. It will add any entirely new dimension to your island vacation.
Labels: beaches, books, hilton head, nature, tips
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.
Labels: beaches, entertainment, hilton head, sea pines, theaters
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?
Labels: dining, hilton head, tips
