Da Spirit of Freedom Lives in We Before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Hilton Head Island was home to the nation’s first freedman’s community, Mitchelville. Today, a lone historic marker on Beach City Road is all that remains of this once self-sustaining, self-governing village comprised solely of African Americans at “the dawn… Read More…

Valentine’s Day is February 14 and whether you’re in the market for the latest fashions and accessories, fine jewelry, outdoor gear or sweet treats for yourself and loved ones, you’ll find exactly what you need at Hilton Head Island’s numerous boutiques, specialty shops and factory outlet stores. Birkenstock Barefootin’ Combining innovative design, precision engineering and… Read More…

Home to hundreds of specialty retailers, unique shops, upscale boutiques and factory outlet stores, find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list on Hilton Head Island. From the latest fashions and accessories to unique experiences and holiday decorations, the options are as intriguing as the Lowcountry itself. Jake’s Shore Thing The perfect stocking stuffer… Read More…

Smith Galleries Hilton Head Island‘s largest gallery of contemporary American fine craft and art, Smith Galleries located upstairs in The Village at Wexford is also “your other jewelry store“ with the largest selection of American-made jewelry around. This holiday season, check out the assortment of beautiful ceramic pins by Cynthia Chung, as well as other… Read More…

The holiday season is here and Hilton Head Island is home to hundreds of unique shops, upscale boutiques and factory outlet stores. From jewelry and clothing to shoes and beach gear, it won’t take long to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. The Salty Dog Café Available in a rainbow of colors… Read More…

To everything there is a season and shopping never goes out of style on Hilton Head Island. Home to hundreds of unique shops, upscale boutiques and factory outlet stores, fall is the ideal time of year to update your wardrobe, get the latest outdoor gear, find the perfect vacation keepsake or get a jump start… Read More…

The historic Rose Hill Mansion, known as the most beautiful plantation house in the Lowcountry, has long held a treasured place in Southern history. It’s easy to imagine you’re traveling through the Lowcountry as it used to be, as the drive winds gently through grounds sheltered by majestic oaks, on a journey many visitors have… Read More…

It is no secret that regular exercise can benefit everyone in many ways. Research clearly shows that regular exercise extends life expectancy, controls weight, decreases risk of developing type 2 diabetes, decreases risk of cancer and effectively combats depression. Basically, having a regular physical fitness routine results in a healthier and happier life. With all… Read More…

Savor the flavors of the Lowcountry with a visit to any of the area’s farmers markets. From fresh local produce, meats and seafood to prepared meals, unique vendors and live entertainment, you’re sure to find something to suit every taste. Hilton Head Island Farmers Market Historic Honey Horn 70 Honey Horn Dr. Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-1… Read More…

Life on Hilton Head Island revolves around the water and few places offer so many ways to enjoy the pleasures of coastal living. From Broad Creek to the Calibogue Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, you’re sure to find a water-related activity to suit all ages and interests. Whether you want to get… Read More…

Adults want a delicious, relaxing meal and kids just want to have fun. With hundreds of restaurants catering to every taste and budget, nearly all of the Island’s eateries offer children’s menus, as well as some form of family-friendly entertainment. Make vacation mealtimes memorable for the food and ambiance – rather than monumental meltdowns –… Read More…

Early History: The written History of Hilton Head Island began with the Spaniards in 1526, as they explored the coastal waters from Key West to the St. Lawrence, naming it “La Florida”. They found Indian settlements and evidence of agriculture. (With the arrival of the Europeans, the Indians fate was signed, so that by the… Read More…

Perhaps more than any other fruit, watermelon is a symbol of summer, a juicy embodiment of the season. As the temperatures peak in the Lowcountry this summer, find welcome relief in the sweet pink flesh of the watermelon. Originally grown in Africa, the watermelon has become a thoroughly American food. No summertime picnic or family… Read More…

Seafood Lovers can jump right into a steamed seafood pot filled with lobster, shrimp, snow crab legs and oysters at either of the two great waterfront locations of The Crazy Crab. Enjoy creative cuisine, legendary seafood specialties, decadent desserts and spectacular waterfront dining at the Chart House. The Frosty Frog Cafe not only serves up… Read More…

The tabby ruins of the historic Baynard estate, which includes the main house as well as slave quarters, have been preserved at Sea Pines and are currently listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Originally built by Captain Jack Stoney in the 1790s, the Baynard house was once a grand antebellum plantation house overlooking… Read More…

Did you know that Mathews Drive, a main thoroughfare on Hilton Head Island, is named after the island’s first resident minister? Rev. Philip Mathews first arrived on Hilton Head Island in 1811, when he rowed across to Ferry Point, long before a bridge connected the island to the mainland. Rev. Mathews preached a sermon at… Read More…

By Tanya Andrews, Esthetics Team Leader at Faces DaySpa Q: My skin is normally dry, but it seems like every winter my skin gets so dry that it hurts and sometimes itches. I have tried all kinds of things, even Vaseline at night, and I still have terribly dry skin. What are some things that… Read More…

The towering 12-foot bronze statue of Neptune, which doubles as a larger-than-life sundial, serves as an iconic symbol of Shelter Cove Harbour at Palmetto Dunes, welcoming visitors to the entrance of the popular waterfront dining and shopping location. Designed and installed by sculptor Wayne Edwards, this much-loved statue serves as a tribute to Neptune, the… Read More…

Although many of Hilton Head Island’s best-known neighborhoods are called “plantations,” the island was once home to real working plantations. In fact, the term “plantation” traces its roots to the island’s agricultural history in the 1700′s. In the 18th-century, Hilton Head was dividing into working plantations growing a wide range of lucrative crops including indigo,… Read More…

Oysters have been a favorite staple for islanders for centuries. Early Native American harvested oysters, subsisting on the plentiful bivalve populations in Lowcountry waters. At low tide, oysters can be seen rising from tidal saltmarsh creeks throughout the area. In fact, Hilton Head’s waters have traditionally been considered some of the richest oystering areas along… Read More…

How to Get a Great Room Rate. How to save on hotel stays: the discounts, the concessions, the lures. By Stuart Wilson 1. Negotiate with the hotel. When business is slow, no property will turn down a reasonable offer. Earlier in my career, as a front-desk manager, I would leave for the night and allow… Read More…

The Town of Hilton Head Island provides over 50 miles of public pathways and nature trails for the enjoyment of pedestrians and cyclists. At low tide, the Island’s 12 miles of beaches are ideal for biking. Public beaches are indicated on the Island Events’ Island Map. Our map also shows the existing public pathways. Many… Read More…

Opened to the public in 2007, the 68 acre historic Honey Horn property has a history dating back 300 years and is described as the last significant parcel of open space on Hilton Head Island. This majestic visitor friendly venue consists of salt marshes, open fields, stands of centuries old live oak trees, the State’s… Read More…