Hilton Heads Up

Beaching it on Hilton Head Island

2008-05-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

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!

Best Time to Be Here

2008-05-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

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.

The Beaches of Hilton Head Island

2008-05-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

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!

All That Jazz!

2008-04-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

If you like jazz in any or all of its configurations, boy do we have a surprise. In fact, first time visitors to the Jazz Corner, tucked away in the Village at Wexford, are truly amazed. The talent is extraordinary and the food is superb. The bar is perfect. The staff couldn’t be friendlier.

Are we getting carried away? Not by a long shot. While on a visit, the legendary jazz piano great John Bunch said, “I wish there was something like this in New York.”

The Jazz Corner was the brain child of Bob Masteller and Charlie Swift. A businessman, Charlie loved classical music and jazz.

There is not a bad seat in the house, er, restaurant. The intimate room is acoustically perfect. What’s more, the live entertainment comes with your meal. There is seldom a cover charge except on weekends when a marquee name or band comes to town, like when Hotlanta comes to play or the Jazz Corner is raising money for the Junior Jazz Foundation (JJF).

The Jazz Corner is, indeed, in a corner of The Village at Wexford. To get the exact location, visit the Village at Wexford website. It’s just off William Hilton Parkway, one stoplight away from the Sea Pines traffic circle.

Oh, yes. It’s a good idea to make reservations. Call 843-842-8620 or visit the website.

The Popcorn is Great!

2008-04-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

It’s definitely one of Hilton Head Island’s hidden treasures. While it’s in the heart of the island’s most popular beach area – Coligny Plaza – the only way you’ll find it (unless you know where you’re going) is by accident. “Hidden” is definitely the right description.

Coligny Theater, with its one screen, is a true gem. It was the island’s first “movie house,” opening in 1972. There were only a few thousand full-time residents on Hilton Head and the tourist population was just beginning to grow. You won’t find the big blockbusters showing there. But you will find a fantastic selection of independent films, like “Married Life” (Pierce Brosnan), April 25 - May 1, and “The Counterfeiters,” May 9 - 22.

The films are mostly for adults (real adults), but there are specials for children and a real treat is the Second Sunday Film Society, which is definitely a local event – and fun. Where else but Hilton Head Island will you actually find what we used to call, an “art theater?”

When it opened the theater was called The Island Theater and had a run of 25 years. For those who have visited the island in the past, you’ll remember it as a hangout for just about everyone in the summer. There were lines stretching around the Earl of Sandwich restaurant if the movie was really popular. Or when it was raining.

Refurbished and open again in 2002 by the owner of Coligny Plaza, it still has some of the “old island” feel. To learn more, visit the theater’s website or call 843-686-3500.

One of Hilton Head Island's Greatest “Secrets”

2008-03-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

There are many hidden gems on Hilton Head Island that visitors rarely “discover,” unless it’s by accident. One immediately comes to mind. At first we didn’t want to share this because we like the quiet (REALLY quiet) and the lack of, well, people. If you’d like to get a hint of what the island looked like before development began, you must visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. It’s sort of like having a National Park in your back yard, especially if you’re a guest of Sea Pines. Even if you’re not, it’s definitely worth the $5 gate fee.

The Forest Preserve is 600 plus acres of forest, wetlands, walking trails and one of the most spectacular wildflower fields you’ll ever see. Officially called the Wildflower Meadows, they’ll be in bloom, starting in a week or two, then go on for several weeks, well into the summer. There’s an old bench at the end of the meadows. It sits on an old dike and the meadows stretch out before it. Check out this Google map link to get an idea of this uncommon place.

There are four lakes, great for freshwater fishing (You’ll have to be a guest and get a permit. We can help you there.), either from the shore or a rowboat (they’re for rent to guests). Kayaking is great, too. You’ll see all sorts of wadding birds and one of the largest rookeries in the state.
In the center of the Preserve, facing Lake Joe, is Fish Island, a great place for picnics (there’s a covered shelter) and Cub Scouts (and other kids) use it as a camping area. There are also restrooms there and a water fountain.

Of the two entrances, use the one at the school and you’re 5 minutes away from a 4,000 year-old Indian shell ring. Check out the link above for the Preserve and download the PDF map.
Click here for a great story about someone “discovering” the Forest Preserve, written in 2004. You’ll understand.

Down side: The alligators are real. Do not mess with them. The bugs are real. Spray generously (depending on the time of year). Spray often. Sea Pines’ Lawton Stables offers trail rides through the Preserve. (Click here for a cute story about Lawton Stables.) Trail rides means horses. Some of the walking trails are shared by the horses. Our advice: watch you step.

We’ll have more “secrets” to share soon.

Restaurant of the Month

2008-03-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

We’re always asked where to find a good, “local” restaurant. That’s like asking a mother of five to pick out her favorite child. But the question is always asked, so we decided to begin our list in absolutely no order whatsoever and give you a, well ... heads up!

For our “local” restaurant(s) of the month, we’re going to suggest a trifecta at Palmetto Bay Marina: Captain Woody’s, Black Marlin and Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café.

The marina, which opened for business in 1959, can be seen on the right side of the Cross Island bridge as you cross over Broad Creek, heading to the south end of the island. At the stop light right off the bridge, get in the left lane and follow the signs. It can be a little tricky, but you’re going to love it when you arrive – about five minutes from the stoplight.

Captain Woody’s, open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., is known for its fresh seafood, beer, patio dining and informal, fun atmosphere. For lunch, the Grouper Melt is a “must order” sandwich. While the serf and turf for dinner is just fine, we like all the different tastes of the seafood platter. Bring the lids. There’s a children’s menu that includes PB&J sandwiches, hot dogs and shrimp. Definitely casual, definitely local.

Black Marlin used to be Hemingway’s until “Papa’s” family took his name back. The restaurant overlooks the marina and you can eat inside or out. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. and dinner at 5:00 p.m., with a great brunch Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The menu for lunch is huge. Try the seafood tacos. So is the dinner menu. Spoil yourself with the Lobster Bolognese. The Hurricane Bar is an outstanding place to just hang around.

Want a great breakfast? Try the Crab Benedict at The Sunrise Café. They are open Wednesday thru Monday (closed Tuesdays) and serve breakfast and lunch from 6am to 3pm. Sure, you can get pancakes and eggs, too. Checkout the early bird special (early as in 6-8 a.m.). The place has become an institution.

There you go. Our pick(s) for March. Let us know what you think. Tell us your Hilton Head Island favorite.

New Golf Course in Sea Pines

2008-03-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, there’s a new golf course in Sea Pines Resort. Actually, the old Sea Marsh 18, one of the island first courses, was completely leveled and renowned architect, Pete Dye brought forth Heron Point. It is definitely a “thinking golfer’s course” (no, that is not an oxymoron). Mounding along the fairway help keep the ball in play – or with a bad bounce, you get to meet new Sea Pines friends in their back year (OB).

Dye shows why he’s considered one of the most innovative architects in the game with his hidden bunkers and other ways he “protects” the green. For a local, sometimes golfer’s opinion, see what columnist David Lauderdale had to say – click here.

Hilton Head Celebrating 25th Birthday

2008-03-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

While Charles Fraser and his crew started selling homesites in Sea Pines Plantation in 1956, it wasn’t until 1983 that Hilton Head Island officially became a town. The Secretary of State of South Carolina signed the papers in March and in May of that year the citizens approved the idea (not without some opposition). In August, the town had its first election for a mayor and town council. The reason Hilton Head Island has remained such a beautiful place to visit (and live), is primarily due to that election and the people who live here.

A local publication, CH2 (Celebrate Hilton Head), is marking ths anniversary with a series of articles about those who made this feat possible. All our guests get a copy of the publication when they check in. Click here to read the first of the series. It will probably make you like the island even more.

Parks, Parks & More Parks

2008-03-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years, the Town of Hilton Head Island has created some of the most beautiful parks in the Lowcountry. You can easily see one of them when you get on the Cross Island Parkway, Jarvis Creek Park. To discover all of them, check out the PDF map the town created. Visit one and you’ll see Hilton Head like you’ve never seen it before. We promise.

Bring Your Bikes!

2008-03-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t been to our island this year, we think you’ll be in for some surprises when you visit. Everywhere you turn, it seems, things are looking .... better!

Pope Avenue
If you’ve been a regular island visitor, you know Pope Avenue. It’s the main thoroughfare on the south end of the island, leading straight to the Coligny Beach Park, home of the famed Tiki Hut (see below, more good news). If you ever tried to ride a bike along the “paths” on Pope Avenue there was a good chance you could reach out and shake hands with the passenger in the car right next to you.

As of February, new pathways opened with a big buffer between you and traffic. And the pathways are definitely done in “Hilton Head style.” They’re much wider and part of them go over wetlands on classy wooden bridges with safety railings capped in copper. Even though you’re ten fee from cars going buy, you feel like you’re traveling through the wilds of the Lowcountry. What you won’t see are power lines overhead. They’ve been buried.

By this summer, you’ll also be able (if all goes a scheduled) to take a rest at the new Compass Rose Park. It features terraced plazas, sitting areas highlighted by a sculpture created by local artists, wall features and fountains. One of the original brass Compass Rose symbols that hung from the original Sea Pines gate (now the Ocean Gate) is part of the entrance fountain. This is the town's first foray into public art. The park and its centerpiece, a statue of Charles Fraser, were designed to pay tribute to Sea Pines and the founder of the island's first modern planned community.

Tiki Hut
While the fate of the much beloved beach bar is still up in the air (watch here for more news), it opened a few weeks ago to the cheers of many (younger) local residents. It is the first sign of spring on the island. The new owners of the Holiday Inn Oceanfront hotel, where the Tiki Hut is located haven’t announced what will happen to the beachfront landmark. Until then, volleyball anyone?

The island’s 25th St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for March 16 at 3:30 p.m. Can you make it?

40th Verizon Heritage

2008-02-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Verizon Heritage is celebrating it 40th year at Harbour Town Golf Links, April 14 - 20. If you haven’t booked a Heritage home or villa – do it NOW. Yes, this is one of the busiest times on the island, but it’s also one of the greatest. Since it promises to be another sellout (135,000+ fans), call for tickets or go on line. Check out the Wild Wing Café Club on #15. It’s a new hospitality tent that get’s you front row seats at that long par 5.

Boo Weekley is the defending champion and he is, definitely, not your typical cool and collected Tour professional. He got his nickname from the cartoon hero Yogi Bear’s sidekick, “Boo Boo Bear.” An avid hunter and fisherman, he’s sponsored by the outdoors apparel company Mossy Oak, which specializes in camouflage outfits. His “good ol’ boy” image isn’t an act. And can he tell stories

Weekley was at Harbour Town in February and related the following to a room full of media folks. Weekley keeps his fishing pole, shotgun, and golf clubs in the back of his (what else) pickup. On his way to the airport for a flight to a tournament, a box of shotgun shells upended and two of them somehow worked their way into his golf bag.

The security people at the airport kept running his bag back and forth through the machine and finally called him over. They told him about the shells. The Weekley said, “And I told them, that can’t be. The gun’s still in my truck. You should have seen the looks they gave me.”

Weekley will definitely have a good following.

The purse this year has been raised to $5.5 million, with the winner walking away with a check for $990,000. The purse for the first Heritage, which was held on Thanksgiving weekend, was a little smaller. In 1969, Arnold Palmer ended a 14-month victory drought and banked $20,000.

As tournament director, Steve Wilmot, likes to remind everyone, the Verizon Heritage is charitable event. Last year the Heritage Classic Foundation distributed $1.8 million to charities, the arts, colleges via scholarships, and medical centers.

Remember, email or call us with any questions!

Free Wireless Internet

2008-02-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

In this campaign season, “free wireless internet in every vacation home” may sound like some presidential hopeful’s slogan (“a chicken in ever pot, a car in every garage” – Herbert Hoover, 1928). But the fact is, every vacation home or villa we offer has gone high-speed wireless. And it’s all yours – free.

You’ve probably been to hotels that advertise “internet access available,” then you come to find out it’s “available” for $7.95 a day and it might not even be wireless! (This recently happened to us at a place where we were paying $200 a night for lodging). We hate that nickle and dime stuff. That’s why our internet access is absolutely free.

While we might suggest you leave your laptop or PDAs behind and simply enjoy the sunshine, fairways and beach, we also know it’s tough to be out of “e-touch” in this instant access world. If you’d like to know how to set up a vacation auto response in Windows Mail or Outlook Express, click here.

However, if you need keep tabs on the office, schoolwork, the stock market or your kids, you’ll stay connected at any Vacation Company property you choose.

One of the more creative uses of the free internet access we’ve heard so far is a golfer putting a video of his swing up on YouTube so his teaching pro, back at the golfer’s club in Ohio, could see it and tell him what he was doing wrong. We did not hear how well our guest play the next day.

It’s definitely golf season on Hilton Head Island. Come see us. And bring your Blackberry.

News from the Links

2008-02-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t heard, the 40th Verizon Heritage is April 14th-20 this year, and we are so excited! Not only is the tournament seven days of golf and fun in the sun, but it also helps raise money for charities. In 2007, $1.8 million raised was distributed to more than 100 groups in need.

As South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event, the tournament will be played at the Harbour Town Golf Links. For more information about the event, please visit their Web site.

If you’re coming to town for the tournament, book with us now and get $100 off your rental rate. For select properties that will put you in the heart of Harbourtown, please visit SeaPines2020.com.

We can’t wait to see you!

Welcome to the Hilton Heads Up Blog!

2008-02-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

If you love Hilton Head Island, whether you’re a frequent visitor or resident, we hope our new blog will become your source for what’s going on in the area, including tourism industry news, vacation tips, local events and the latest information about our company.

As you may know, we were founded in 1987 as a short-term rental and property management firm, and we now manage more than 280 villas and custom homes on Hilton Head.

So whether you are sitting at a desk in a cold location daydreaming about your Hilton Head vacation or you have a property we manage, be sure to check in with us every week for all the news you need to know about our beautiful island.

We want to hear your feedback and comments, so please feel free to comment on our posts!

Cheers,
Bob Hawkins and Beth Henzler
Owners, Vacation Company