So what to do?  Make sure to plan ahead next time.  Save yourself a ton of money by using Enjoyhhi.com and calling at least a week in advance of a major holiday. We will take care of everything and you are left with the peace of mind that not only did you save a ton of money, but you also know you will be staying in a great place.  What makes Hilton Head truly special can also become its achilles heel, its is small, quaint, beautiful, and with limited availability. 

Did you miss out?  Well if you did, plan a trip to Hilton Head at the end of July or the beginning of August for the same great vacation just not quite as crowded. Check out EnjoyHHI.com's Vacation Packages and not only save yourself more than 50% but also guarantee that you have a reservation and that it is in a place we would stay in ourselves.  Or call us and we will be sure to recommend and book a hotel for you that will be perfectly tailored to fit your needs while still saving a bunch of money.  Our rates are to low to list online, so you have to call, but with our concierge experience you are sure to be impressed. We are here to help and as locals in the vacationing industry, we know how to serve you.

(Drum Roll Please!)  The secret is selective shopping and taking the time to find the deals that are out there but tough to find. We have discovered that grocery shopping should be done at Publix here on the Island for quick items and at the Walmart in Bluffton to save money.  For going out to eat, grab a coupon from the Island Visitor's Center in Bluffton at the intersection of 278 and 46 or you can use one from Enjoyhhi.com or you can even stop at any of the Island Concierge staff in front of most of the restaurants and in the mall. 

For a good place to stay whether it is a villa or a hotel, you can always use that Island Visitor's Center as I have seen them save traveler's tons of money even more than travelocity and those huge booking engines.  For the villas, you can also go to HiltonHeadPlaces.com which is the newest and hottest Villas by owner website just for Hilton Head travelers. 

For everything else, you do have to shop around. One option you have is EnjoyHHI.com's new dollars where you can essentially name your own discount on any item from any merchant that is partnered with us that accepts those dollars.  On just buying $50 of EnjoyHHI.com dollars, you will save 10% instantly without having to search for a specific coupon and with as little as $100 you are saving 12% righ t off the top. For all other businesses that do not take our dollars, I recommend only frequenting those businesses that understand the value of their customers and aren't afraid to give customers discounts as opposed to places that traditionally just use print advertising. Look for companies out there that want to spend their ad budgets on giving the customer a pecentage of the sale back in other words, discounts. These are the companies that in my mind understand what is happening with the economy and truly have their clients' best interests at heart.  Some great companies that do this are the Brick Oven, Vagabond, and many others.  They truly value your business and rather than advertise heavily, they give their clients a discount to show their appreciation. 

Dogs are more than welcome in the parks and on the beaches, however the rules change with the seasons. From Memorial Day weekend until after labor day weekend, dogs may run free on the beach before 10:00 AM, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM they are not allowed on the beaches, after 5:00 they must be on a leash. During the “off” season, from Labor Day weekend until Memorial Day weekend dogs are allowed on the beach any time, but must be on a leash between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. No matter where or when you are, with there sometimes being as many as one-hundred-fifty-thousand people on the island, it just makes sense that you be required to pick up after your pet, bags are provided in all public places, and it’s a good idea to just grab a few and keep them with you; rather than having to go look for one when the time comes!

As we settled into the area, we moved into a villa in the Shipyard Plantation. If you haven’t been to Shipyard, you should make the detour. The roadway leading into the area is blocked by a security guard but as I hear it, you can tell them you are going to the Crowne Plaza and they will let you in. As you drive along the roadway, go slow, as there is plenty to see. On the left you will find a country club and to the right, you will see what appears to be a beautiful lagoon. In the lagoon, you will see fishermen standing along the embankment fishing just mere feet away from many full grown alligators. There are many other types of wildlife to be seen here as well. All around you are happy locals and vacationers alike riding their bicycle’s to and fro looking as if they haven’t a care in the world.

Villa living is nicer than you would expect as well. The garbage collection is done by workers coming to your villa and actually picking up your trash from inside your fenced front yard area. The gardeners take care of all of your foliage and the security guards keep you safe. Not that there is much crime on the Island but it is nice to know that less than a block away are two armed guards. The amenities are to die for as Shipyard has it’s own private beach access as well as a community pool that we have yet to spot others using. We are close to everything, so close in fact, that most everything is within bike riding distance.

By night the plantation is quiet and peaceful. The sounds of the wild are all around you and as you listen you will hear the crickets serenade you well into the evening. Sleep comes easily as lay your head down after a full day of beach going and Island exploring.

Alligator spotting is another popular island pastime, and everyone seems to get in on the “hunt”, don’t be surprised when folks you meet on the bike trail start telling you, and “baby alligator under the next bridge”! Tired of looking for gators, how about a dolphin tour? You can spot dolphins from just about any place you can see the water, or you can get up close and personal in just about every kind of watercraft you can imagine, from kayaks, to Harbour cruisers, the comfort and stability of a 53’ catamaran or even the legendary racing yacht “Stars and Strips”, which Dennis Connor skippered to an historic America’s Cup victory. You can even rent a jet ski and take off on your own personal dolphin safari, or spot them from a para-sail five-hundred feet above the water!

Fishing charters are available for just about every fish that exist, including a couple that promise “monster sharks” and one night time shark fishing charter. There is even a charter for crabbing and another that will teach you how to fish a crab trap and throw a cast net. If you want to go it alone, you do not need any type of license to fish or crab from the beach or shore, but if you are in any type of vessel, other than a charter, you will need to secure a South Carolina license first. The island also has dozen of fresh water ponds, some private and some public, practically all are good fishing holes and practically all for “catch and release” fishing only.

What about a quiet picnic in the park? Hilton Heads park system is nothing short of remarkable; nearly all have picnic areas and playgrounds, most offer access to the beach. Parks on the island all have paved parking areas (usually cobblestone and tabby), two have grills for public use, one has four tennis courts and a dog park as well and many are equipped with sand showers. Still haven’t found anything? Well, there are historic tours, ferry rides to Beaufort and Savannah, prehistoric sites, colonial era ruins, dozens and dozens of specialty stores and shops, nearly three hundred restaurants, free out door concerts and a colonial era cemetery, remains of several civil war camps and batteries, the site of the first freed men’s township, or you could hop on over to Daufuskie.................. (You’ll find plenty to do).

Why Hilton Head in the Fall?  The answer to that is so easy.  The weather is breathtaking, the Island is beautiful, and there is availability for attractions, hotels, villas, and restaurants.  In the Fall, the Island becomes yours to have a great time on without having to fight through the summertime crowds.  There is so much to do that even if you stay a full week, you will barely scratch the surface. 

One of the premier attractions to Hilton Head is the exquisite golf courses.  In the Fall, the weather is perfect for golfing.  It is warm enough for shorts and even the beach with just enough breeze to keep you from breaking a sweat while trying to escape a sand trap.  Not only is the weather perfect, but so will be your tee time as there are many courses to choose from and with fewer people on the Island, less competition for the best times. 

Another great reason for heading to Hilton Head in the fall is the thrilling nightlife.  Whether you are a wine enthusiast and like an upscale ambiance, Wine Times 4 is awaiting you.  If you are looking for the hottest club, Prana invites you to dance the night away.  If it is live music and great dining you are after, the Brick Oven or the Electric Piano are the hot spots that you seek.  After dining, the Hilton Head Comedy Club is a laugh a minute and sure to impress. 

Daytime fun is what has made Hilton Head famous. The superb beaches, miles of bike trails, shopping, dolphin cruises, jet skiiing, and all of the many amenities of the Island are just awaiting your arrival. 

With so much to do, isn't it time you came to the Island?   

First of all, it hardly ever rains for more than an hour or two straight during the “season”. Most rainfall during the summer comes in the form of thunder storms and showers, and you can usually count on the day returning to normal when the storm has moved on. There are, however, occasional days that seem to be one thunder storm after another, when this does happen it’s a safe bet it will be bright and sunny the next day; but still that does leave visitors with a day to fill. Don’t forget your “souvenir list”; who goes on vacation without a list of people they have to “bring something” back for? The island has dozens of specialty shops that are perfect for your keepsake shopping; even on a rainy day, Coligny Plaza is a fun place to just tool around, almost all the walkways are covered and about one-third of the stores are great souvenir shops. If you still haven’t found “just the right thing for Aunt Helen”, almost every shopping center has at least one store that should help, and don’t forget the mall! Still haven’t got enough shopping? Head on over to Bluffton and it’s two Tanger Outlets, with more than eighty-five factory outlet stores.

Shopping ain’t your bag? What about the library? Hilton head has an absolutely wonderful branch of the Beaufort County Public Library system, lots of peaceful reading areas, a “bank” of computers ($2.00 fee for non-resident internet use), it’s own little book store and a delightful children’s area, complete with coloring pages and crayons and computers just for the kid’s entertainment. Speaking of kid’s, if they are getting to your last rainy day nerve there is an interactive Children’s Museum, just off Pope Avenue, and an indoor play ground just across the bridge. McDonalds, near Sea Pines Circle, The Mall at Shelter Cove and Burger King, on the north end, all have very nicely equipped playgrounds (don’t forget, their air-conditioned too)! For older kids, Adventure Cove offers video games.

Still trying to find something? Hey, movies are always an old standby rainy day activity; there are three theaters on the island as well as one in Bluffton; almost all of which offer matinees. There are also several live theatre genres, which sometimes offer matinees. Many professional, well known and soon to be well known artists make their homes on Hilton Head, so it would naturally follow that you should locate some very nice art galleries. The Coastal Discovery Museum, at Honey Horn Plantation, also offers many indoor programs, as well as an eclectic display of local memorabilia and artifacts. Odds are you’ll find so many “rainy day” activities that appeal to you that you will probably give up a good portion of a sunny day; just so you can take them all in!

Built For Bikers

10,000 Ways To See Hilton Head

By: Julie Oliver

Depending on the source, there is somewhere between fifty and one-hundred miles of bicycle path on Hilton Head Island. No matter how many miles of pathway there are, they all have two things in common; they’re all flat and they’re all paved! Beyond that, bicycles are welcome on the beach, which is definitely “Beach Cruiser” of firmly packed white sand, the only “loose” sand on the beach is above the high water mark; everywhere else it’s hard to even leave a tire track. As “kid friendly” and “dog friendly” as Hilton Head is, it’s even more “bike friendly”, with bike paths leading to just about every restaurant, shopping center, store, restaurant and attraction, and bike racks just about everywhere you go. In fact, a lot of islanders use their bikes as often as possible, just to take advantage of the “parking privileges”. Aside from the fifty or so miles of municipal bike paths, all Hilton Head plantations have their own system of bicycle pathways (this is the cause for the confusion as to the exact number of miles).

Another astounding figure, is the estimate as to the number of rental bikes available; ten-thousand! Even with that many rentals available, it is sometimes hard to find a bike! Islanders usually bet on the bike shops to indicate the number of visitors on the island; empty bike lots are a real good indicator of a busy day! The rentals available are basically the same basic unit; single speed, wide tired “beach cruisers”, there really isn’t any need for multi speed bikes as all the pathways are flat, and hey; you’re on vacation, not the tour de France! Also available are adult tricycles, tandem bikes, children’s bikes, “tag-alongs” that allow the kids to help with the pedaling, trailers for kids and cargo, baskets and a few variations of those cool modern bikes and trikes!

A simple web search for “Hilton Head Bicycle Rentals” will produce several results, most with a web presence. Almost all of the larger rental companies will deliver your bicycle free of charge, as well as pick it up when your vacation is finished. Most, with a web presence, will also accept on-line reservations as well as telephone reservations. If your staying at a resort, or a hotel with concierge service, the concierge will be happy to arrange your rentals for you. If you are going to be visiting for several weeks you may consider stopping by Wal-Mart; they usually have an ample selection of beach cruisers available from just below one-hundred dollars, to one-hundred-fifty, when you head home, donate your Wal-Mart bike to one of the many Island thrift stores, and the entire purchase price is tax deductable!

Braddock Point and “Saucy Jack”

Betting the Farm

By: Mahatma Kane-Jeeves

The most well known and historic site on Hilton Head Island is to day called “The Stoney-Baynard Ruins”; an excellent example of early “tabby” construction, and once the grandest plantation home on the island. More than just a home, the plantation originally known as “Braddock Point” was also once the center of the island farming community; raising rice, indigo and world famous “sea isle” cotton. The climate on the islands of the low country was cause for a particular growth in the cotton plant which yielded prized, much longer and softer fibers. In fact, it is rumored that Queen Victoria would only use handkerchiefs made of the valuable material, which eventually became the staple crop of the local islands, ending it’s reign as the king of crops only when attacked by the boll weevil, sometime in the 1920’s., but we’ve gotten off the subject.

The Braddock Point plantation, as best as anyone can tell, was originally constructed post revolutionary war by James Stoney, as construction on those huge old farms was never really complete, history records the dates to be between 1793 – 1820. Likely this was the time it took to complete all plantation construction, including; the main house, barns, storage buildings, and slave quarters. “Best guess” historians place the construction of the house (the largest portion of the ruins today) to be between 1793 and 1796. The land, originally named for Captain David Cutler Braddock, commander of the ship “Beaufort”; later the area was to be called by a succession of names such as, Braddock Cove, Calibogue Point, and Stoney-Baynard Hall, among others. Exactly how the Baynard name, and ownership, came to be is the stuff that legends and local lore are made of.

Some historians like to claim that the Stoney family eventually declared bankruptcy, and the Baynard family, namely William Baynard, simply acquired the home and land at a bankruptcy sale. What fun is in that tale? What interest, what point of local lore? What is the probability of it being true, considering the wealth producing crop of sea isle cotton the plantation was producing? No! Truth be told, the last of the original Stoneys of Hilton Head, a man who’s given name was thought to be “John”, but whom was known as “Saucy Jack” (make your own decisions on how he got that name), simply lost it to William Baynard in during an all night poker game! History is just as cloudy as to house fell to ruin, but the commonly accepted theory is that during the War of Northern Aggression it was burned by a Confederate raiding party. Today, you may tour the ruins, on Braddock Cove, in Sea Pines Plantation.

Beach Access

How to Get Where You Want to Be!

By: Julie Oliver

OK, so it is a little confusing; all of the beaches on Hilton Head Island are public, from the “high water mark” to where ever the ocean happens to be at that particular time of day, however, most beach access is private! Basically what this means is; once you get to the sand you are on public property and free to go about as you please, on bicycle or on foot (contrary to popular belief it is illegal to horse back ride on Hilton Head beaches, although it is legal on Daufuskie, and there is an excellent livery on that island as well). The problem then becomes, where is the easiest, legal place to access the part of the beach you want to enjoy. Of course a major part of this problem is overcome if you are staying at an ocean front resort, hotel or private rental.

First of all, figure out what it is you want to do, and how secluded you want to be. For instance, Mitchellville and Fish Haul beaches are excellent for fishing and shelling, but not at all recommended for swimming (to many sharp shells and sharks with sharp teeth). If you would like to spend some time sunbathing on a secluded strip of sand, either of these beaches would be great for that, as there are scarcely more than a handful of folks about. If you’re looking for a good spot to let the dog have a splash, then take him to the locals favorite spot for that activity; Burke’s Beach, at the end of Burke’s Beach Road, which coincidentally happens to be attached to Chaplin Community Park, complete with a doggie play ground, restrooms and sand showers! If you just want to do general “beach stuff”, such as tanning, splashing or just being downright lazy, pick any beach from Burkes Beach to South Beach – they’re all perfect for that.

The most popular beach on the island is officially two beaches; North Forest Beach and South Forest Beach, however most folks just call the whole area “Coligny Beach”. Although they are the busiest and most popular island beaches, they are never really “crowded”; even on busy holiday weekends. These two beaches are close to all the things most beach goers like to be close to; shopping, hotels, and food, in fact there is even a beach access Cabana bar at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront. Parking is usually carefree on these beaches although lots of people walk or bicycle to them. They also offer complete life guard services, as well as a Beaufort County Sheriff’s sub-station, and sand showers. Beach rules are pretty simple and “common sense”, you can stay out of trouble by not bringing glass or alcohol, not getting drunk and taking off all your clothes, and not driving your car on the beach or shark fishing from it!