Hilton Heads Up!
Fall and Hilton Head Island Golf
Forgive us for stating the obvious (obvious to us anyway). Playing golf on Hilton Head Island in the fall is about as good as it gets. For reminders, just a few facts. There are 15 daily fee courses on the island itself. There are six more off the island off the main drag, U.S. 278. So there are plenty of fairways for you to hit (or miss).
(Note: If “missing” is a problem, there are some rather significant golf schools available:
Island Golf Schools,
The Golf Academy,
Don Trahan's Hilton Head Island Golf Academy, the
VIP Golf Academy, the
Tour Academy Hilton Head, Jim Gray’s
Gray Golf School and since virtually every course on Hilton Head Island is staffed with PGA professionals, all offer individual lessons. Not that you need them.)
Then there is the
Titilest Training Program with Kim Tavino, golf fitness like you’ve never seen!
Now, check out the
weather. September, October, November and December are some of our driest months. Average mid-day temperatures are respectively 84 (September), 77 (October), 61 (November), 61 (December). Chance of rain goes down proportionately.
Not to rub it in, but take Dayton, OH. You can actually have FROST in October. We won’t even bother with PA and NY (Snow!). O.K., we like to rub it in.
Next comes course conditions. Growth slows but, through November, stays green. Getting your ball tangled up in the secondary cut just off the fairway isn’t as likely. Greens are mature and, due to (relative) cooling temperatures, the grass doesn’t grow as fast. But it sure is beautiful. Note: “Winter Rules” apply starting in about October (when you can still get a bad sunburn down here).
Golf is now. Send the beach-goers who came with you to the beach (they’ll love it).
We’ll set up your tee times.
Labels: golf, hilton head
Theatre Vacation on Hilton Head Island?
We just had this really great idea. People plan these long New York weekends, have dinner, catch a Broadway show, etc. You know the drill. Why not catch a show on Hilton Head Island instead? Seriously, there aren’t too many beaches or golf courses on Manhattan. And virtually every show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina has been on Broadway – and every one of them has been a hit. Also, all the actors are professionals and many have toured with the show that’s playing.
Getting “up close and personal” in our beautiful 324 seat theater is a bit easier than, say, New York’s Shubert (1521 seats) or the Gershwin (1933 seats). Then there’s the price: about $40 at the Arts Center, $150 - $250 for Mama Mia at Winter Garden (1524 seats).
No, our plays are not first-run. They’re first-rate. You can’t go wrong! So here’s our idea. The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina has just started its new season. They are opening with La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry Herman’s huge hit, September 24th. As usual, the production will blow you out of your seats. South Pacific opens December 3rd. Steel Magnolias opens February 4th. And it goes on.
Your Broadway weekend in New York would include dinner at a fine restaurant. Well, the Arts Center is located in Shelter Cove. Several fine restaurants are in Shelter Cove proper – minutes away from the theatre. Then, just across William Hilton Parkway is Santa Fe Café. A few minutes east of the Arts Center is the popular Bonefish Grille.
Then, of course, there are accommodations. In New York, it’s about $2,000 a night at The Carlyle, with the possibility of a view of Central Park. We can guarantee an oceanfront view for a bit less than that. Oh, yes, it’s also somewhat warmer on Hilton Head Island.
A theatre vacation on Hilton Head? Give us a call, and we’ll set it up.
Labels: entertainment, hilton head, nightlife, theaters
The Island's Baked Goods
We have a theory. When vacationing on Hilton Head Island, there are three things you should not concern yourselves with: calories, cholesterol, and sugar. If you avoid thinking about those three items, we firmly believe you will have a delightful time on our island.
If you haven’t been paying attention to that stuff prior to your vacation, it’s too late, so you might as well enjoy our heavenly delights and work it all off at the gym when you get home. If you HAVE been a goody-two-shoes about that stuff (and if you did, in fact, knock two sizes off your waist or lower your dress size), this is why you did it!
Enter Hilton Head Island’s “bakeries.” Coligny Bakery (at Coliginy Plaza on the south end) is totally decadent – and fresh. Everything is flaky, sweet and/or sinful, in the best sense of the word. It’s small (outside dining is fun), but there is always room. Harbour Town Bakery and Café has a delicious assortment of homemade muffins and pastries, and you get to sit outside here, too.
A few minutes from the entrance to Palmetto Dunes is
Ronnie’s Bakery. Donuts. Rolls. Sticky stuff. This is not Dunkin Donuts. This is the REAL item. This is a very local hangout. Expect very friendly service.
Mid-island, at Pineland Station, is the French Bakery and Courtyard Cafe. The crusty baguettes are a must. It is definitely a wonderful find. It’s also a local hangout. Come to think of it, if you haven’t visited Hilton Head Island in a while, Pineland Station is quite a find, too.
Finally, what is probably ... no ... it is in fact, a Hilton Head Island icon: Signe’s
Heaven Bound Bakery and Café. It’s on the south end of the island, and if you get there early enough, as you pull into the parking lot at 93 Arrow Road, you’ll smell the truly heavenly aroma of fresh breads and pastries baking. Signe’s has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, the New York Times, and was featured on the Food Network with Rachael Ray. There are islanders whose week would not be complete without a morning visit to Signe’s. For a “heaven bound bakery” it is very “sinful.” Enjoy it.
Labels: dining, hilton head, restaurants, tips
Operation Rest and Relax: Welcome "Home," Soldier
As a way to say “thank you” to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, an organization was formed this year to provide virtually free vacations on Hilton Head Island for returning soldiers and their families. It’s called Operation R&R. The Vacation Company and several of our owners have become part of the program.
Dr. Grant Evans, a part-time island resident (“soon to be full time,” he says) founded the organization as a very real way to show U.S. troops, who have not seen their families in a year to a year and a half, true appreciation for their service. A number of rental property owners are providing homes and villas free of charge.
Evans, and now a growing number of volunteers, have approached local businesses such as restaurants (55 of them are in the program), water sports companies, spas, and salons to provide discounts for the soldiers and their families. Evans said the response has been overwhelming. All participating businesses are providing deep discounts or simply offering free services or meals.
When the soldier and his or her family arrive, local “greeters” take them to the property where a welcome basket is waiting for them, thanks to one of the first sponsors, Atlantic Community Bank. And the refrigerator is stocked with enough food to get them started! The “greeters” remain “on duty” during the family’s stay.
The group is a non-profit, under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, itself an extraordinary organization. The Vacation Company and our participating owners are very proud to be a part of Operation R&R, and very proud of this “home town” response.
Labels: hilton head, non-profit, vacation company
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