Hilton Heads Up!
Bravo Hilton Head Island!
All through the month of May, a world of art covers the island. “Bravo!” is a month-long festival of everything artistic about the Lowcountry. Just check this out. At the beautiful
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, a truly hidden gem if there ever was one, you can see a thrilling performance of the moving musical “Les Miserables” (“Les Mis”), through May 24.
We are very proud of our Arts Center. It’s not just musicals and plays. The Arts Center overflows with fascinating events. Like Gullah history and story-telling with Louise Miller Cohen. A fifth generation islander in May (check the
calender), Ms. Cohen has stories to tell.
There is a national juried art show at the Walter Greer Gallery at the Arts Center. Artists from all over the country show off their best. Check it out at
www.artleaguehhi.org.
Our best advice, visit the Bravo! pages at
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/bravo.
Did we mention the
Hiromic’s Sonic Bloom Quartet, May 15 and 16, at
the Jazz Corner? Or the
Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove, May 23-23? It’s a two-day juried event that covers multiple media, from painting and photography to jewelry and ceramics.
An exceptional May line up. We love golf (and golfers), but most of this stuff happens when the sun goes down.
Labels: art, events, hilton head, theaters
The Sweet Side of Hilton Head Island
Granted, this will not do much to reduce your waistline, but did you know all the WONDERFUL places you can take your family for that ultra-special, sweet treat? For example, we have our own ice cream: Hilton Head Ice Cream! See what Southern Living Magazine has to say about it. Way too good! Then there is Frozen Moo at 1 N. Forest Beach Drive. Also, check out Stone Cold Creamery on William Hilton Parkway. You’ve got to bring up their website and get ready to visit when you come to the island. Amazing!
At Coligny Plaza, you find all sorts of delicious places to stop. But one of our favorites is Rita’s Water Ice at Coligny Plaza. Maybe it’s the salt air, but there’s something that says “beach” at Rita’s.
If your passion for sweet stuff also turns to chocolate, Hilton Head Island has exclusive venues. Two local favorites come to mind: The Chocolate Canopy and the Island Fudge Shop. Both stores offer an amazing variety of homemade goodies. But here’s a warning: at all of the above places, the kids will go nuts! (Of course, you’ll be a hero, as long as the ice cream cone lasts.)
No matter what the economy, we believe that one, fundamental concept is valid and true: without a regeneration of the spirit, we will remain the same. To go on, to make life better for ourselves, for our families, we need recreation. We need to re-create our lives, follow our healthy passions. Whether it be a trip to the beach, playing golf, or simply turning off our smart phones, unplugging our modems, and savor the sound of the surf, Hilton Head Island is headquarters to help you re-create.
You just tell us what (flavor) you want. We’ll make it happen.
Labels: chocolate, hilton head, ice cream, treats
Hilton Head Island Beaches - Check the Tide!
Even if you’ve vacationed on Hilton Head Island before, here’s a reminder we know will be helpful. Yes (we proudly admit), we have a great beach. Twelve miles of it. But what many people don’t realize is that we also experience a significant tide change. From low tide to high tide averages between 6 and 8 feet. From low water mark (low tide) to high water mark (high tide, takes a little over 6 hours.
What does that mean to you? At low tide, our beaches are wider than a football field (or seem so). At high tide, you get to meet your neighbors, because the beach “shrinks,” depending on where you’re located, as much as 70% to 80%. So everyone moves “back” or “up” to the high water mark.
The changing tides are part of the fun. For beach combing, you want to be on the beach when the tide is going out, leaving a variety of treasures as it retreats. For one of the best sites to check the local tides, click here.
The changing tide in the Lowcountry runs the lives of people who make their living on the water, from shrimpers and fishermen, to kayak and jet ski operators. A passage in a tidal creek that, at high tide, might be six (or more) feet deep, will only be six inches deep (or less) at low tide. If you’re planning to be on the water instead of watching it from the beach, always call ahead. Local knowledge is a good thing!
Labels: beaches, hilton head, tips
Hilton Head Island in Bloom!
Granted, everyone thinks of the beautiful azaleas at The Masters this time of year. We, of course, think of The Masters as simply a warm up for The Verizon Heritage.
Hilton Head Island “blooms” from April through June, with spring flowers peaking from the end of April to mid-May. There is no better place to see the “bloom” of wild flowers than in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The 600-acre preserve is also a testament and tribute to what has made our island special in the eyes of Mother Nature.
OUR azaleas are out right now (just like in Augusta), but – and we mean no offense to our neighbors in Georgia – the Lowcountry flora almost gets carried away when spring rolls around. Ligustrum, Indian Hawthorne, roses, red tips, angel trumpets and, a little later, witches’ fingers and wax myrtles, take over the scene.
Apart from our flora, there is also our fauna. On the banks of the lagoons in Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard, turtles and alligators sun themselves. If you want to photograph them (everybody does), park in a safe area, out of the way of normal traffic. Locals get a little miffed if you’re blocking their driveway.
Note on alligators: they are truly fascinating, but it’s a good idea to have a body of water between you and the ‘gator when you take pictures!
You must also check out the Audubon-Newhall preserve just off Palmetto Bay Road. An amazing, quiet, wonderful spot. Sort of like our own Walden Pond.
Come visit us this spring. It’s the Lowcountry in bloom -- big time.
Labels: nature
Eating Out on Hilton Head: Web Deals
Dozens of the island’s finest restaurants are helping you watch your budget by offering “early bird” specials and significant discounts. Where to find them? Right on the web.
Alexander’s, which has been on the island since 1977, is a good example. For under $15, you’ll get a three-course meal, featuring entrees like Stuffed Filet of Flounder and Grilled Mahi Mahi. The very popular
CQ’s in Harbour Town takes a slightly different approach, offering a $25 gift certificate on your next visit.
The way to learn about specials and discounts at
Boathouse II is to sign up for their newsletter.
Skillets Café has an on-line 10% discount you can print out. Or you can join their club and get special offers via email.
Frankie Bones “early bird” menu features entrees like prime rib, spring and seafood platter, and seven more for $12.99.
If you want to check out just about every “early bird” special for area restaurants you’ll find them at
Hilton Head Island Restaurants Magazine site. The site is also full of information about the entire restaurant and club scene on the island.
Two monthly magazines have an excellent on-line presence and offer good, local information that includes restaurant features.
Celebrate Hilton Head (CH2) includes a free “
local card” that will get you discounts at over 140 local restaurants and businesses.
The dining section of Hilton Head Monthly magazine has features on both new and well established restaurant on Hilton Head.
If you’re coming our way (or are already here!), it pays to surf the web for a great (within budget) meal.
Labels: dining, hilton head, restaurants
