Hilton Heads Up

Dad, there’s an alligator!

2009-05-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

While those of us who live on the island are used to seeing creatures (who have been around for about 200 million years) sun themselves on the banks of lagoons, alligators are a definite cause for fascination among visitors. There is an unconfirmed rumor that Verizon and AT&T make hundreds of thousands of dollars in cell phone charges every weekend when visitors arrive on the island, snap a ‘

The Sandbox: Hilton Head Island’s Kids’ (Touch) Museum

2009-05-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Sandbox is a children’s interactive museum that could possibly be your favorite place in the sun (or rain) when you come to Hilton Head Island. Especially if you have kids (or grand kids) between the ages of 8 and younger. But older kids, who want to interact with their younger siblings, are welcome.The place is amazing. Located behind St. Andrew Methodist Church off Pope Avenue (the island’s

Beach, Beach and More Beach!

2009-05-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some pretty darn good planning and $1.4 million from the Town of Hilton Head Island, the “gateway” to the island’s beaches, Coligny Beach Park, has taken a turn for the better.While the island has a half dozen beach parks, Coligny is the island’s centerpiece. Located at Coligny Circle at the east end of Pope Avenue, the park now offers a wider view of the Atlantic, plus more boardwalks,

Just Call Me "Harley"

2009-05-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

You may or may not realize that Hilton Head Island is more than just beach and golf. (The Chamber says “shopping” is our visitors next favorite thing,) What stops traffic in Sea Pines Resort is a recent acquisition at Lawton Stables. His name is Harley, like the motorcycle. But Harley is much, much bigger. Harley is 18 “hands.” That would be six feet, because Harley is a Clydesdale!No, he never

Bravo Hilton Head Island!

2009-04-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

The Sweet Side of Hilton Head Island

2009-04-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

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

Hilton Head Island Beaches - Check the Tide!

2009-04-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

Hilton Head Island in Bloom!

2009-04-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

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

Eating Out on Hilton Head: Web Deals

2009-04-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

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

Hilton Head Winefest & St. Patrick's Day Parade

2009-03-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Chilled to the bones? Tired of WINTER? Why not join a few thousand of your close friends and head over to Hilton Head Island for three “celebrations” that will make the “Winter of 2009" just a piece of history – and one of those celebrations is free! If food and wine are a passion, there is no better place to indulge in the South East than at WineFest 2009. Starting on March 12 and ending with a

Sea Shack: Fresh Sea Food on a Budget

2009-03-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

At Hilton Heads Up, we like to share some Hilton Head Island “secrets” that most visitors don’t know about. However, thanks to Rachael Ray’s “$40 A Day” program a few years ago on the Food Network, the “secret” about TheSea Shack is out. Once only frequented by locals, there are now lines. But the price is definitely right. Figure $10 to $12 for dinner. (Ergo, the lines.)But the food is worth it.

41st Verizon Heritage

2009-01-20T04:51:00.000-08:00

The Verizon Heritage is celebrating its 41th year at Harbour Town Golf Links, April 13 - 19. 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.Defending champion Boo Weekley has now joined Davis Love III and the

A Hilton Head (Treadmill) Vacation

2008-12-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

Those of us of a certain age (or craziness) need a treadmill everyday to feel complete (or healthy). Thirty minutes, heart rate up, etc. Great idea. But why not do it in style?When you vacation on Hilton Head Island you've got serious (and fun) opportunities to keep up your fitness routine. In fact, we encourage you to do so. It will help your golf game, your tennis, etc.Your first fitness center

Pet - And What To Do With Them!

2008-12-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

Most Vacation homes do not allow pets. So you need to find someone to board King or Muffy in your hometown. Which means you sort of have to plan your vacation around Rex or Puffy, as in when you can drop them off and pick them up.Here's an idea! Why not bring them with you and board them on Hilton Head Island? Think about it.One: We have a sensational doggie park at Chaplin Community Park.Two: We

Golf Widow? The Best 'Revenge'

2008-11-28T05:10:00.000-08:00

He wants to come to Hilton Head Island for a few days of golf. You don't play golf. He tells you it makes him feel like a new person. You tell him you want to feel like a new person, too.That's the beauty of Hilton Head. He can go play golf. You can go to a spa. Actually, there are over 50 massage therapists and spas to choose from, offering a variety of services, from individual therapists who

Fall and Hilton Head Island Golf

2008-09-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

Theatre Vacation on Hilton Head Island?

2008-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

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 Island's Baked Goods

2008-09-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

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

Operation Rest and Relax: Welcome "Home," Soldier

2008-09-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

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)

Why is Sea Water Salty?

2008-07-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

Free Stuff!

2008-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

Breakfast everyone?

2008-07-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

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

Take a Bike Path and "Go Green"

2008-06-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

We’ve written about new and improved bike paths on Hilton Head Island before, but a recent comment by a first-time visitor got us to thinking of the bigger picture. This visitor was staying in Sea Pines, was a jogger and cyclist, and had just returned from a 15-month tour in Iraq. This vacation was his wife’s treat.He told us he usually ran about five miles a day but was so inspired by the beauty

Live - On Hilton Head Island!

2008-06-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

The house lights begin to fade to black. The shuffle of late comers and the rustle of program pages quiets. The moment is at hand. The curtain goes up and the play begins!There just nothing like live theatre. Unlike the movies or television, when you watch a live performance, you become a part of it. The audience becomes one of the characters. There is a kind of magic up on the stage and, for a

Best View of the Island

2008-06-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Many islanders will tell you that the best view on Hilton Head Island is when you are off Hilton Head Island – in a boat. While we love ocean views and beachfront views, views of the island from the water are often magical. You’re cruising along and, all of a sudden, there’s a pod of dolphins off the port or starboard side, playing, jumping, it seems, just for your amusement – and theirs. Maybe