Hilton Head Island Outdoor Activities: Find a Trail and Start Your Adventure

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Have you ever went on vacation only to find that after a few days there is nothing left to try or do? The kids start getting impatient, whining they are bored, and provide the same stressful home environment you experience every day. Vacations are meant for relaxing, trying new things, and enjoying the things you love. Boredom is not an option with so many Hilton Head Island outdoor activities. There are so many things to choose from that it will be hard to fit them all in before it is time to leave. The island provides activities for every type of enthusiast. Twenty-four courses are available with great ocean views. Visitors may go kayaking, fishing, sailing, or interact with the local wildlife. Trails all over the island have been designed for hiking and bike riding. The entire family may visit and hike through a wildlife preserve to get acquainted with new wildlife. At Hilton Head, you get the complete outdoor experience and are able to explore all the wonders of the island.

Exploring Area Plants and Wildlife

Take some time to visit one of the island’s nature preserves. The natural plants in the area can be viewed at the Newhall Audubon Nature Preserve. Another great preserve was once used as a lookout point by settlers. It is now the Pinckney Island Nature Preserve which contains area wildlife. Forest preserves allow visitors to explore the last undisturbed parts of this tourist location. There are also many historical landmarks that proudly display the heritage of the island. Discover beautiful plants, interesting wildlife, and significant historical events that make up this stunning area. Hiking and bike riding are an experience of their own. A variety of trails have been created for this exact purpose. These trails are surrounded by plants and natural scenery. Each one takes visitors to an island hot spot. Trails may be ridden or walked all day. Visitors may combine the joys of trail exploration with wildlife. A three and a half mile long trail is surrounded by water. Dolphins and common marsh animals are often seen on your walk. Foliage makes its way over some of the trails to provide a unique environment for walking and riding.

Early plantation designers set aside areas to remain untouched so that bobcats and other four-legged animals would have a natural home. Now this area is called the Forest Preserve. Visitors can book a walking tour of the area to view these animals and their natural habitat. Loggerhead Sea Turtles are an endangered species that typically nest along the beaches of the island. They are very large and can weigh as much as two hundred pounds. These creatures move around at night making them difficult to be seen. When visitors do get lucky enough to view the turtles laying their eggs, the local wildlife department asks that the location be reported for species preservation. Many local resorts provide a great view of Bottlenose Dolphins. Protected wetlands offer amazing bird watching opportunities. Whatever your nature and wildlife preferences are, you can be sure to find something on Hilton Head Island that everyone will enjoy while visiting.

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Hilton Head Dining: Satisfying the Tastes of Every Visitor

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Planning a trip to the island with that special someone or the family? This hot destination spot has some of the best to offer in dining. Choose among many fancy or environmentally rich eateries in the area. Hilton Head dining gives you a diverse variety of restaurants – a little something for every taste bud and the variety allows vacationers to try something new at every meal. Visitors may crave a meal at one of the local casual seafood providers one night and then eat at an elegant restaurant the next. Price ranges are available for any budget. Food can meet the demands of the pickiest eaters in the group. Many visitors come to the area for the water, beach, and relaxing atmosphere.

Fall promises the best in oyster and seafood dishes. It is during this time of the year that the richest and most tasty bottom dwellers can be cooked to your liking. The fall seafood harvest is celebrated by locals and tourists. Everyone gathers for the yearly occasion to enjoy an oyster roast, shrimp boiling, and a fish fry. Great staples like corn and grits are combined with seafood to create the most flavorful dishes possible on the island. Typical seafood during this event includes crabs, shrimp, and oysters. Every dish comes from the bounty of the island and is proudly cooked in the Low Country for the pure enjoyment of each visitor. While the island has great seafood, it also offers tastes from all over the world allowing you to try just about everything that can be imagined. It is a complete dining experience without having to travel the globe.

Getting the Complete Eating Experience

Hilton Head has over two hundred restaurants available for the picking. Tastes from just about every region are present. You can try international cuisines such as German, Caribbean, Greek, Thai, and French. American foods are just as abundant. If you are craving a nice juicy grilled steak, it can be found on the island. Maybe seafood is your forte. A vacation is not complete without sampling the local seafood and enjoying the tastes of the island. Ask around to find out where the hottest eating spots are located and why. Returning vacationers and locals can tell you where to find the best food on the island.

Culinary events are common all around the island. If you are lucky enough to schedule your getaway during a festival week, you can be certain to get great wine, food, and a very pleasurable festivity experience. Hitting the local plazas for a little shopping? You will find food around every corner. Tourists love the convenience the island provides for dining while visiting local attractions. Many of the spots are within walking distance or can be accessed by a quick drive. Add the white sanded beaches, outdoor recreation, and historical presence of the island, and you have a vacation worth remembering. Your family can find everything they are looking for in both food and entertainment. Ample options and a beautiful location are why so many choose Hilton Head Island as their vacation destination.

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Hilton Head Marinas: More than Just a Boat Docking Location

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Many people associate marinas with boat docking and storage. While in some areas this is very true, Hilton Head Marinas are an exception. Fine dining, live entertainment, shopping, and recreational activities can all be found at one of the local island marinas. These locations charge daily, weekly, and monthly fees for docking and using their services. Typical services included with the charge are electricity, restrooms, laundry facilities, a marina store, twenty-four hour security, and showers. Depending on the marina, internet access and cable television may also be available. Some marinas are designed for easy docking even when the water is low or less than optimal tide conditions. If you are seeking a marina for your trip, there are many to choose from.

An Overview of Popular Marinas at Hilton Head Island

Harbour Town Yacht Basin is a very popular marina in the area. There are a variety of restaurants to sample while docked. Restaurants feature family seafood, outdoor cafes, and American cuisine. After a great meal, you can head off to see the area scenery and do some shopping. Over twenty shopping boutiques are available for the picking. They circle the basin and include merchandise such as clothing, souvenirs, home accessories, and artwork. All shopping can be done while you enjoy the warm air, sun and refreshing atmosphere. For those travelers who do not prefer shopping, the basin itself provides many recreational activities. Visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse museum to learn about the island’s history and the lighthouse. Children may attend an all day camp full of activities such as swimming, Forest Preserve hayrides, miniature golf, and crafts. Play a round of golf, go fishing, or just take a jog to view the scenery.

Shelter Cove Marina is another great marina on the island. Visitors enjoy waterfront dining all year and a one of a kind view. Shopping is exceptional as well as the entertainment. It is a little village with a touch of Mediterranean style. Some of the best shops, activities, and dining can be found at this marina. It also houses the Neptune bronze statue that stands twelve feet tall. As the shadow of his trident falls across the base, visitors can see the exact time every time this occurs. The marina has every water sport a visitor could possibly want to experience. Tourists go deep sea fishing, crabbing, rent boats, and go on nature excursions.

Palmetto Bay Marina is the oldest on Hilton Head Island. It is a full service location that offers boat docking, laundry services, boat charters, water recreation, shopping, and dining. The marina was developed in 1959 and provides just as much entertainment and fun as other surrounding locations. Experience the excitement of shark fishing or go parasailing. Sailing, dolphin excursions, kayaking, and wave runner rentals are all available. A few shops and cafes are available to get a break from all the excitement and relax. Hilton Head Marinas are an experience of their own and each has a little taste of what the island has to offer.

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Forest Beach Gets a Facelift By Means of New Development Opportunities

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

For years Hilton Head Island has been a summer home and vacation spot for tourists. People come from all over to enjoy the beautiful beach scenery, shopping, outdoor activities, and historical attractions the island has to offer. As with any tourist location, upkeep is vital for visual appeal and enjoyment. Recently the mayor of this fine getaway spot announced plans for renovations of the area to provide more benefits to visitors. The plan involves a redevelopment of Coligny Beach. A proposal by the town council is in place to swap land for the creation of a new district for shopping, beverages, and walking. The swap involves trading city owned land for commercial property to develop a park encompassed by commercial buildings.

Development Changes You Can Expect To See in the Near Future

What does this redevelopment mean for the Forest Beach area? Basically city owned and commercial property will be mixed in both Heritage Plaza and Coligny Plaza. This combined land will be developed into a park that ranges around the same size as the Shelter Cove Mall. New buildings will be positioned around the park and will include shops, cafes, and restaurants located at the bottom of the buildings. The higher levels will consist of condos or apartments. Land may be given to the shops located on the south side of Pope Avenue so that new development projects are possible. A traffic circle to be built around the park is also part of the proposed plan. The park will be a total of nine acres with a set of two lane roads. On-street parking is included to make the park easily accessible without risk of accidents or traffic jams. This redevelopment is a top priority for the town council in 2011.

Over the last couple of years, many town funds have been used to beautify areas of Hilton Head. One such project involved the redevelopment of the Coligny Beach Park. Changes included the addition of new bathrooms, the installation of boardwalks, and other beach amenities. The development changes have attracted new visitors and increased the reputation of the area. Public spaces have been made more enjoyable. The new proposal also drastically enlarges road frontage for better visitor circulation. Additional parking will be added along with more eye catching scenery.

You can expect to see Forest Beach and other Hilton Head areas being improved and redeveloped in the next year. The changes are meant to continue its presence as one of the top vacation locations for families. Changes will bring more to offer in shopping, recreation and scenery. The council’s goal is to have a clean, relaxing, fun and safe environment with plenty to offer for every visitor.

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Boredom Is Not an Option When Finding Things the Kids Can Do On the Island

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Hilton Head South Carolina is a family friendly island that offers exciting activities for children of all ages. A vacation rental provides all the comfort and space a family needs during their vacation. Visitors of the area can stay in a nice house or condo and explore all the adventures the island can provide. Organized children’s activities are common. The island is known for having a variety of things the kids can do. An entire family can participate in these fun events or the parents can leave the children to their fun while they go off and enjoy the island as a couple. A large portion of these events are supervised by a professional. This allows many couples to enjoy some free time while away.

A New Experience Everywhere Children Look

The sandbox is an interactive museum that allows children some hands-on fun with one of a kind entertainment and many educational areas for play and exploration. Your child can have a new experience while sailing on Caption William Hilton’s discovery ship. They may get a passport and fly a little plane across the world. The world of imagination is truly an amazing place! How about the Island Playground? This is an extremely large indoor playground for any aged child. This child attraction offers inflatable fun and creative play. The areas are completely safe and clean. Adventure cove is a place that appeals to the entire family. Try out your golfing skills on the miniature golf course or battle each other through arcade games. Families find fun around every corner at Hilton Head.

Is there an art lover in the family? The Hilton Head Art League operates an art studio for both children and adults. They provide classes to any visitor that wants to participate. Class information may be obtained from the league and registration is required to attend. A gallery may be perused by any visitor. It shows off the talents of many featured artists. How about an art café? At this great spot, visitors are allowed to select crafted pottery and paint it themselves. This is a nice activity when the outside weather is not so good. Show off your painting skills while taking a break and relaxing for a few hours.

Skateboarding is a top activity for many children. Visitors have access to a public skate park equipped with ramps. An outside playground is a great place to tucker out the little ones for the day. Older children and adults may also find fun playing basketball or in the roller hockey rank. These areas are open as soon as the sun rises and until sunset. They are all part of the Bristol Sports Arena. After a day of extreme play, the family can sit down and enjoy a Gregg Russell family concert. He has been a traditional children’s performer on the island for more than twenty-four years. Children may participate in activity centers, go on tours, and find souvenirs at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Camps, comedy shows, music, and activities galore are what the family can expect when staying on Hilton Head Island.

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Get Ready for the Celebration of Great Wine and Food in Paradise

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Nothing is better than trying new wines and foods in a beautiful beach setting. Visitors come from all over to try the exquisite tastes and see the astonishing scenery Hilton Head Island encompasses. Festivals held throughout the year showcase the food, beauty, and general appeal of the area. Each has their own theme and specialty. In the fall, the Harvest Festival brings locals and tourists together to try seafood prepared in every way imaginable. Other festivals during the year celebrate various foods, area attractions, and historical events. Every event has something special for visitors including the promise of a good time. These gatherings display everything the area has to offer and help visitors get familiar with the restaurants, attractions, wildlife, and scenery.

If you love tasting new wines and combining them with interesting foods, the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival is an event that should be included in your vacation itinerary. There are many things that go on during this week long festival. The best chefs of the area are honored. Visitors get the opportunity to try their amazing creations for many days. A wine tasting is held. Guests can purchase wines during the auction that is held along with the tasting event. This portion of the event is the grand tasting. A public tasting is also given the following day. You will be amazed at the variety of foods and wines that can be sampled and purchased. Many tourists schedule vacations during the spring to attend this island wide event.

Combining Great Attractions with the Celebration

When you need a break from the tantalizing food and wine, you can walk down one of the many trails to a main island attraction. The island has something for everyone. Children can participate in organized activities with supervision. During the festival, you can be certain that they are entertained and safe while you both get freedom that is often not so readily available. After a while, the entire family can visit the hundreds of shops in the area or decide to see one of the island’s fine nature preserves. Water activities are another great way to stay outside and have some fun. Everyone can go sailing, swimming, skiing, play some ball, or compete in a tennis match. The area is a top rated tourist location because there are so many attractions and fun activities.

Wildlife preserves, museums, historical sites, shopping, biking, and outdoor sports are among the many things that can be enjoyed before, during, and after the festival. On a rainy day, stop by the art café to paint a piece of pottery. Art classes are available for the creative members of the family. White sanded beaches may be your main attraction. Taste some wine and food and then head off for a day in the sun. Lay a towel down to bask in the warmth of the sun while you drift away listening to the sounds of the island. Relaxation, great food, and natural beauty are what you will find during the celebration of great wine and food in paradise. It’s a dream vacation spot for all ages.

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Biking on Hilton Head Island: Providing the Best for Both Enthusiasts and Casual Riders

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Biking on a vacation does not have to be an inconvenience. Many people love to cruise around on a bike trail but hate the work involved to get there. Bikes have to typically be loaded onto a vehicle, hauled to the destination, and then unloaded. This makes the whole experience less enjoyable. Biking on Hilton Head Island is different. At this favorite vacation getaway, taking a leisurely walk or ride is one of the top activities for families and visitors. The island has more than eighty miles of networked paths to explore, each paved for the utmost fun. Many of these paths go through the hottest spots on the island. This extensive layout of biking and walking trails makes it easy for visitors to explore the scenery, shops, and activities without ever having to enter a vehicle. No bike loading and unloading is required. Just rent a bike and then get on and ride whenever you want.

The most enticing part of Hilton Head is that bike handling is not necessary to ride around the island. Many locations rent the bikes for the duration of your stay. They fit a bike that suits your needs and the type of riding you will be enjoying while vacationing. Charges include a small delivery fee and retrieval charge. You can have the bike dropped off where you are staying at any time and keep it handy for daily adventures. Even if they have the trails, odds are your own bike and muscles are required. If you are looking for the ultimate in a biking and exploration vacation, Hilton Head has the tools needed to make it happen easily.

Pedal Your Way to the Most Popular and Beautiful Locations

Bike trails may be used to access beach parks, special interest locations, and noted historical locations. By way of a peaceful bike ride, you can explore Coligny Plaza or the Shelter Cove area. These paths lead to many shopping areas, dining, and beach front locations. Some of the astonishing beaches you can view by bike are Alder Lane, Burkes Beach Road, and Coligny Circle. If getting to the most popular spots is not your goal and adventure is desired, you can ride around the entire island and see all the beauty it has to offer. Relax and breathe in the fresh air as you pedal down each trail.

Summer months provide a maximum number of daylight hours. Typically the sun does not set until later in the evening. Pathways are open all day and can be traveled on after the sun is long gone. However the paths are not well lit for night riding. Extra precaution is required when planning on taking a stroll or ride after dark. If you are seeking the ultimate biking vacation, Hilton Head is a great choice. An abundance of trails, bike rental locations, and attractions ensure a fun-filled biking adventure. Whatever your interests are, there is a trail to take you there. No work, complete fun, and great views can be expected at this getaway destination.

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Hilton Head Island – Golf Vacations

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Hilton Head Island Rental Homes

Finding the perfect vacation that meets both your needs is not as difficult as thought. Golf included vacations have been around for a very long time. They are typically associated with business trips or husband getaways, but may have never been considered for couples or families. Golf itself has become a very diverse sport that a majority of men, women, and children play. If your family likes golf, the benefits of one of these vacations may be very obvious. However, many couples and families do have separate interests and for this very reason this type of vacation is not on the top of the destination list. Not every person must be into the sport to have a memorable getaway. There are multiple other benefits received from this type of package deal. Be sure you know what you are missing out on before ignoring this getaway opportunity.

Make Certain Your Golf Getaway Has a Little Something for Everyone

While golf is the main attraction for this getaway, it is not the only perk received during the stay.  Rooms, villas, and facilities are always at a safe distance from the courses. They have the same great service as any other type of resort including large rooms, air conditioning, lavish bathrooms, television, and internet. The views you can see from the rooms and other areas are guaranteed to be beautiful and stunning. Amazing scenery, fresh air, and the typical amenities suit every family member. Vacations that offer golf can provide relaxation for every family member. Dad can be at the course playing a relaxing game of golf while the kids are swimming in the pool. Mom can be getting some sun and catching up on her favorite book. Couples that both enjoy the sport can challenge each other on the course or simply have a relaxing, noncompetitive game. There is something to do for everyone, and finally the golf lover gets to do something they truly enjoy while on vacation.

It is vital for the vacation destination to have additional activities that will keep everyone busy. A trip would not be as memorable for everyone else involved if one party played golf while everyone else hung around doing nothing. It is best to find a package that is in an area that has more to offer. Getaways close to the beach are always good. During a round of golf, your family or significant other can relax in the sun, learn how to surf, go sea shell hunting, or take a simple walk on the beach. Dining and shopping are vital. Days can be spent trying out new foods and viewing all the merchandise for sale. Water parks have the capability of entertaining children for the entire day and giving both mom and dad a much needed break. Shows, dancing, and other activities make it possible to do things as a family or for just the two of you. Are you in search of a golfing vacation? Making certain there are plenty of attractions will ensure your dream comes true and that every person has a fun-filled vacation.

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