Vacation Company

No One Knows the Truffles I’ve Seen

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Truffles Cafe’s signature tomato dill soup
    One of the many pleasures of being an on-again off-again resident, sometime vacationer, sometime just home-for-the holidays kind of islander, is getting to grow up with some of the people and businesses who have managed to stick around and do just fine – actually, they do quite well, thank you very much – like Price Beall and Truffles Cafe.  This restaurant, and it’s siblings on Pope Avenue, and Bluffton, have stood the test of time, seasonal business, and a fickle economy, for more than twenty-five years and show only signs of future growth and prosperity.  Being a hands-on businessman, employing many islanders through the years (and in my case, more than once), and participating in and contributing to many area charities, owner,  Price Beall has become a good neighbor and friend to many islanders and visitors.  
     As a business model, Truffles is certainly in a class by itself; quietly evolving with the times by redecorating periodically, adding to the menu, changing server uniforms, expanding an eclectic and thorough wine list, and opening  new venues.  All the while, Truffles turns out a stellar product, an innovative menu known for its         fresh preparation and uniqueness, yet always consistent in presentation, taste, and service.  And ALWAYS open.  
Truffles Cafe Owner, Price Beall
     As a  Vacation  Company staff member, it’s a pleasure sending business Truffles’ way because one never worries that guests or visiting family might be disappointed.  You   just know it’s one of the safest bets in town, like catching a great sunset in Harbour Town, or spotting an alligator on a golf course in June.  Duh.

    And apparently, I’m not the only one who feels that way, since Ruby Tuesday’s has recently signed a licensing agreement with Gourmet Market, Inc. (Truffles’ parent company) to replicate Truffles in other locations, such as Lenox Mall in Atlanta which opened Truffles Cafe in the fall of 2010.  Fortunately for us, Price Beall views Hilton Head as home, and Truffles will continue to flourish here, serving up long-time favorites like its signatures tangy tomato dill soup, flavorful chicken pot pie, perfectly seasoned southwestern chicken salad,  and tasty rack of ribs, and let’s not forget who put the fabulously sinful, blondie with ice cream on the map.

Locations:                                                      Phone Number:

Sea Pines Center, Lighthouse Rd.,                  
Hilton Head Island, SC                                  843-671-6136                           
Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC            843-785-3663
Belfaire Town Village, Bluffton, SC                 843-815-5551
Lenox Road, Atlanta, GA                               404-364-9050

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10 Reasons You Should Be Visiting Hilton Head Now

March 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Sunset at Lands End in South Beach, Hilton Head Island

 Many people tell me that they don’t need a reason to visit Hilton Head this time of year because it’s always gorgeous, but I still see plenty of parking spaces at the beach, vacant tables in the restaurants, and it’s far too easy to reserve court and tee times.  Apparently, a list is needed, so here goes:

1. Still gorgeous sunsets at South Beach, any time of year.

2. No wait at the bar.  Any bar.

3. 1st and 2nd row seats at the cinema and theater, even if you get there right on time.

4. Vacation Company Angels are eager to plug holes in the 2011 reservations grid, so you are sure to get a prompt response if you drop by.  Plus, they all still have great tans.

5.  Bargains everywhere and “islander prices.”  These are great, I’ve never been asked for ID to get a special resident discount, so I’m assuming the deal is good for anyone who makes a purchase, regardless of where they live.

6.  You can drink a latte and listen to your IPod while riding your bike.  Nobody will yell at you because nobody cares this time of year.

7.  Plenty of good weather to take advantage of.  The gators are even out in the afternoons.

8.  A great time to explore nature trails like on Pinckney Island and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve without fear of things crawly and slithery.

Beagle living large, no leash, Hilton Head, March 2011

9.  No leash laws.  All dogs get to run like nuts in circles at the beach and that is a BLAST to watch, I don’t care who you are.

10.  Oysters are still in season, BUT NOT FOR LONG!  Captain Woody‘s is having their last oyster roast this weekend (Saturday, March 5th) in Palmetto Bay Marina, with buckets of oysters and Happy Hour prices.  After April, there is a dearth of months with r’s in their name, so aficionados will likely tell you not to bother until the fall.

The island is empty right now and still so beautiful and temperate, I feel almost selfish and guilty that I get to enjoy all of the above without waiting in line or stretching a credit card.  Call an Angel soon: 855-845-7018, so I’ll stop feeling so spoiled.

If you think of any more reasons to visit Hilton Head now, post your response here.  We would love to hear from you.

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Off-Season? Not For PTR in Shipyard.

January 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
PTR – Events – All Year Long in Shipyard

There is never a downtime for tennis on Hilton Head Island, and certainly not in Shipyard, where the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) is headquartered next to the Racquet Club. Founded by Dennis Van Der Meer in 1976, the PTR is committed to providing all-around support and access to tennis as a sport and institution to anyone who wants to play, regardless of background, education, or physical disability . With this in mind, the annual PTR events held in Shipyard throughout the spring demonstrate an enormous range of skill levels, comprehensive programs, participation, and true sporting attitudes that have long-defined the game of tennis.  Here is a sampling of 2011 PTR events on Hilton Head Island:

PTR WEEK – FEBRUARY 18-24, 2011
Excellent week of overall education and professional events, including a symposium, tournament, professional development course, and trade show.

SPRING TENNISFEST – MARCH 2011
College teams from all over compete during their respective spring break weeks on Hilton Head.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS – MARCH 14-16, 2011

PTR WHEELCHAIR TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS – SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2011

 

“Wheelchair tennis may be the only sport where able-bodied and wheelchair players can compete together. The only difference in scoring is that the wheelchair bound player can have a second bounce prior to hitting the ball.” Peggy Edwards, director of communications and editor of TennisPro Magazine

The Vacation Company is pleased to be sponsors again this year, so be sure to call one of the Angels when planning your trip to Hilton Head for one of these exciting PTR Tennis events.

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There Is A Reason The Vacation Company Angels Have Year-Round Tans!

December 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Hilton Head beach fun in December!

    You cannot believe the number of people who had the same idea I did for what to do on a sunny afternoon yesterday as I ran holiday errands and took a coffee break. If you like to boogie outside while sleigh bells ring, holiday season on Hilton Head is still an improvement over what nature brings to our northeastern and mid-western neighbors. An afternoon jog on the December beach can surprise you with the heat of the sun and a sudden squawk of gulls. Despite bleak forecasts, Hilton Head Island’s beach always comes through with a winner, if I just give it a chance.

    Whether you are staying in a vacation home rental with your own family, or visiting YOUR family that lives here, don’t let weather reports inform your outdoor activity schedule. You will feel so disappointed when you arrange to meet everyone at the movie theater at 2:15 pm, because the guy said it was going to be rainy and cold (the guy on WTOC, remember… who LIVES and WORKS in Savannah); and while you’re having your Java Joe’s coffee waiting for out-of-town family to arrive, couples stroll by you across Coligny Circle with their dogs and kids and the sun is shining a bright, milky white, across the blue sky, like a big fat fried egg, and you’re sweating because it is about 60 degrees on Hilton Head and you’re baking under a pre-Christmas sale Nike warm-up suit.Am I right?

    This season check out island favorites like Lawton Stables, Palmetto Bay Marina, Dove Street decorations on North Forest Beach, Coligny Beach, Shelter Cove, Harbour Town, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, and South Beach Marina Village, while you’re visiting. Don’t write everything off because it’s December, you’d be surprised at what’s going on and just how warm the afternoon sun can be when you are outside and under it.

    So, what are your plans for the last week of December on Hilton Head? Post your answer here.

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This Weekend: A Lowcountry Lift

November 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

    So. Just in case you aren’t sure what to do with yourselves on Sunday, November 14, 2010, or if you’ve arrived on the island Saturday too early to check in to your vacation rental, and you just can’t decide where to park your car and you’re hungry from the long drive or flight… well, have we got the answer for you. Barely two miles down the road from The Vacation Company (the people with whom you’ve entrusted your family’s getaway-together-week), is Shelter Cove Park, where the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival will be amped for two days of oysters, beer, oysters, art, oysters, music, oysters, and… did I mention the oysters?
 
Where: Shelter Cove Park

When: Sat 11/13 – Sun 11/14
11 am – 5 pm both days

What: Steamed oysters, fried oysters, oysters chowder, shrimp, chili, hotdogs, hamburgers, and more.

What Else: A holiday craft show, silent auction, kid zone, and laser tag too!

Music: Chilly Willy Band & Matt MacKelcan, Peter Buonaiuto, Stepping Stones & White Liquor.

    If you’ve somehow missed the indulgence of an authentic lowcountry oyster roast with all the accompanying sides, spirits, and music, then you haven’t really experienced what makes Hilton Head and South Carolina environs so alluring in the off-season. Besides the incredibly warm afternoon temperatures, marmalade sunsets, and indescribably perfect golf days, the island invites you to enjoy its most freshest and delectable delicacies during the best month of the year in which to enjoy them, according to any lowcountry shrimper/fisherman or almanac you may run across in your travels. For more info, call 843.681.7271

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Hilton Head Island Italian Heritage Festival

September 20, 2010 By 1 Comment
Ciao Isolani e gli Ospiti! Dare il benvenuto al Primo Annuale Patrimonio Festival italiano, Ha Ospitato dal Club italiano americano di Testa di Hilton.
Where: Shelter Cove Park
When: Saturday, September 25, 2010, 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
What: The First Annual Italian Heritage Festival on Hilton Head Island
Why? BECAUSE THERE WILL BE LOTS OF GREAT FOOD , WINE, MUSIC, GAMES, CONTESTS, AND ITALIAN AMERICANS! THAT’S WHY!

Fresh mozzarella, layered with tomato, basil, & drizzled with olive oil. Mangiare!
And here’s another reason to visit Hilton Head Island this fall; the FIRST ANNUAL ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, fashioned after the Feast of St. Gennaro, will take place in Shelter Cove Park, September 25, 2010. Bring the kids, your appetite, and a little escarole (cash), and get ready for a day of fun and festividades! There will be an Alfa Romero, Ferrari, and Maserati Car Show, a genealogy booth, cooking demonstrations, pizza dough throwing contests, Bocce courts, stickball, wine-tasting, grape-stomping, and dancing! And of course; TWELVE BOOTHS OF ITALIAN CUISINE to round out your taste of Italy in the Lowcountry.Hilton Head Island’s local radio station, 104.9
The Surf will be broadcasting live, so bring
your musical requests for anything Italian! Andrea Bocelli, Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, chiunque!..(whoever!). For more details, stop by The Vacation Company and pick up a brochure, or call John Pagluica, secretary of the Italian American Club of Hilton Head: 843-301-6570, or visit their Facebook page at Hilton Head Island Italian Heritage Festival Facebook.

¡De todos nosotros en La Compañía de Vacaciones, Chao!

 

[From all of us at The Vacation Company, Ciao!]
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DAYTRIPPING… YEAH!

August 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If your group is looking for an off-island change of pace during their vacation, then maybe a day trip to one of our many coastal attractions is in order; especially, if this is not your first trip to Hilton Head and you are ready for a little exploring. Below are a few ideas generated by your friends here at The Vacation Company, but not nearly all that the Lowcountry has to offer. For that, you will need two more weeks, four tanks of gas, and another case of cold beer.

SAVANNAH:
A place known as much for industry as for intrigue. Find out whySherman spared Georgia’s first city on his flaming march through the south. Then, take a break from walking and eat your lunch on the bench where Forrest Gump told his life’s story to passersby. Explore the real story behind the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by taking the guided tour. Wind up the day on famous River Street with dinner, cocktails, and live music. Get down Savannah style!
BEAUFORTCOUNTY:
1. Parris Island Museum – Not only is it rich with military history, but also exhibits artifacts and materials from the Native Americans who occupied the area prior to modern development.
Museum address:
Bldg. #111, Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Parris Island, SC 29905
(843) 228-2951
2. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park – Browse beautiful, historic Bay Street, in South Carolina′s second-oldest city. Beaufort’s waterfront offers great shopping, al fresco dining, and walking tours of estates that date back to the antebellum south.

Located on Bay Street in Beaufort, SC. Click here for a Google map of the area.
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND:

Hilton Head’s little sister, sometimes overlooked, but never forgotten. Daufuskie is a hidden gem in our Lowcountry stew of islets, atolls, and reefs. Experience the history, environment, and haunting beauty that inspired Pat Conroy to write The Water is Wide, and future developers to create a luxurious secluded community committed to maintaining it as a haven of tranquility for both residents and guests. Daufuskie can only be visited by boat. To get ferry information, call Broad Creek Marina: 843-342-8687.

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BLACK MARKET FUN

July 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As visitors to Hilton Head for many years, my husband and I always set aside a rainy afternoon to shop for souvenirs for our friends in Rhode Island. And while there is a plethora of gift shops selling Hilton Head-logoed paraphernalia – and fun items at that! – we found that after the third or so trip, staying original (and affordable) was a challenge. Our New England loved ones had everything from sand dollar tree ornaments to Harbour Town lighthouse magnets, to formaldehyde-filled jars stuffed with dead sharks (the latter of which seemed always of questionable origins and smacked of being a passive-aggressive threat depending upon the character or prison record of the recipient. But hey, the jar was painted with neon pink, “Hilton Head,” so how could we resist?). What other trinkets were out there, without resorting to the ubiquitous, “My Dad went to Hilton Head Island and all I got was this lousy t-shirt” t-shirt, or stealing a Vacation Company beach towel?
Black Market Minerals in Coligny Plaza turned out to be the answer to that question. It became our favorite haunt on every trip, and continues to be a great resource for gifts going out-of-town. During the course of our twelve years as visitors to the island, here are just a few of the truly colorful and authentic items we have purchased for friends and for ourselves: African-made drums; hematite rosary beads; magnetized bracelets; African masks; an Asian Dragon kite; an onyx chess board; marble and jade wind chimes carved into fish, planets, and stars; a large globe made from real gemstones, held in a brass stand with a compass centered at the bottom (way before the Shopping Channel and QVC ever heard of it!).

The best part of your shopping experience in Black Market Minerals is the pricing. Most of the inventory is incredibly unique, but when I occasionally run across a similar piece in another shop, it is almost always double the price! How do they do it? I asked the store manager, who explained that the owner of the company handpicks the products directly from manufacturers around the world and pays only wholesale and shipping, which adds up to great savings on really cool, one-of-a-kind, souvenirs for all of us. This must explain why they have been open and thriving on Hilton Head for over twenty years.
Black Market Minerals began in Florida and spread to locations in South Carolina, Arizona, Washington State, and Illinois. You can also visit them online and place orders at www.blackmarketminerals.com. The phone number here is 843.785.7090.

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THE FAMILY SCENE – 7 NIGHTS A WEEK OF FAMILY FUN HILTON HEAD STYLE!

June 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Having planned to do nothing for the long-anticipated vacation week, most of you forget the perils of facing unstructured time a year after the last family getaway. So today, I play the Devil’s advocate, and remind you that just because a basketful of neglected books, cross-stitching, and Sudoku games, dances in the cockles of your heart as long-awaited downtime joys, doesn’t mean that the Family part of your family vacation will allow such delights of quiet stillness. In fact, Family doesn’t think of stillness as delightful or fun by any liberal definition of those words.

So forget R & R, say good-bye to the New York Times crosswords you’ve been hoarding all winter for this summer break, and just be glad Hilton Head Island supplies a weekly line-up of family-oriented events so you don’t have to organize that, too. Below is just a bare tip-of-the-iceberg look at family activities for each day of the week. Or, if you don’t see what you’re looking for here, check with the friendly staff at The Vacation Company who will steer you to a plethora of island family vacation fun stops.

  • SUNDAYS – Sea Pines Forest Preserve, EcoTours, 4:00 – 4:30 pm & 5:00 – 5:30 pm – Family Hayrides, $13/adult, $10/children under 12 - Explore the Forest Preserve aboard an old-fashioned hay wagon. Also learn about the numerous other nature activities taking place each week.
    For more information and reservations for EcoTours, please call the Sea Pines Forest Preserve Recreation Department, (843) 842-1979.
  • MONDAYS (through Labor Day) – Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Dr.
    10:00 – 11:00 am – Yostie the Puppet Master, FREE –     Watch Yostie the Puppeteer perform live center stage in the kiosk area! Maybe she will ask you to come up on stage and help her with the puppets!.
    6:30 pm – The Magic of Gary Maurer, FREE – Come out for South Carolina’s Magician of the Year Gary Maurer!! In the kiosk area at Coligny Plaza.
  • TUESDAYS (April through September) – Shelter Cover Marina
    Early Evening – Kayaking – Fireworks Paddle, $25/adults, $20/chrildren under 12 -     Fun and informative 2-hour guided kayak nature tour. Then everybody will park in the marsh with the best seats in the house for the Shelter Cove Harborfest fireworks!
    Book online here or call the reservations hotline : (800) 686-6996
  • WEDNESDAYS – Two things to satisfy EVERYONE AT THE SAME TIME:
    6:00 – 9:00 pm (June 02/10 – September 01/10) – Parent’s Nite Out/Kid’s Nite In, $30/child, $25/siblings & Sandbox members*
    The Sandbox Museum.     Back by popular demand! An adult’s night out while the kids let their imaginations run wild. The night includes fun exhibits, staff- supervised crafts, pizza, and a take-home toy. Geared for children age 3-9 years. Reservations recommended 24 hours in advance.
    For more information and reservations, call (843) 842-7645, or visit www.sandbox.org, or 18-A Pope Avenue, Hilton Head, SC 29928
    *$1/minute per child late pick-up fee.
    And while the kids play at the Sandbox, adults can check this one out down the road in Sea Pines Plantation…
    6:00 – 9:00 pm (June 02/10 – August 11/10) – The Headliners, FREE, Sea Pines Center.     Hilton Head Island’s famous Headliners perform their huge repertoire of dance hits. This a rare opportunity to enjoy them al fresco AND free of charge. Begin your night by shopping the tony boutiques of the Sea Pines Center such as Palmettoes, & Forsythe’s Jewelers, dine at my personal favorite, Truffles Café, and then dance off those calories by the fountain!
  • THURSDAYS – (May 13/10 – August 26/10) The Mall at Shelter Cove
    8:00 am – 12:00 noon, Weekly Farmers Market     Center Court. Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables available for purchase.
    For more information, call York Glover (843) 812-2919.
  • FRIDAYS – (through Labor Day) – Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Dr.
    6:30 pm – Family Dance Party – FREE     Another night of shopping, dining, and dancing as local dj entertains with dance music from the past and present for the whole family to get in on the act. Get there early, as the plaza center fills up fast with kids of all ages.
  • SATURDAYS – (year-round) – Sea Pines Forest Preserve, CSA, 175 Greenwood Dr.
    10:00 – 11:30 am – Forest Preserve Walks – $9/adult & complimentary child, $5/each additional child.     Discover the hidden treasures of the Forest Preserve with one of our guided tours. Visit the remains of a 4,000-year old Native American village at the sacred Indian Shell Ring. Search for birds and animals hidden amid the trees as you listen to the stories behind the historic area.
  • NIGHTLY – … And the family entertainment for which Hilton Head is famous…8:00 pm nightly except for Saturdays, (June 06/10 – August 27/10) – FREE - Gregg Russell sings under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town. For over thirty years, Gregg Russell has brought music and laughter to all by the Harbour Town lighthouse in Sea Pines Plantation.
    Beginning at 6:30 pm, 2 shows nightly Monday – Friday, and a Thursday morning cruise (June – August), Shelter Cove Marina, Shannon Tanner performs music for all age groups.
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Consignment Shopping – Best Island Rainy Day Sport

June 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Now you wake up, raring to be the first ones at the Tiki Hut and before you can say, “Where’s the sunscreen, Honey?” a rumble of thunder draws your attention to angry dark skies and the disheartening sight of lifeguards folding up umbrellas and chairs.The travel experts said that tropical squalls sometimes occur during the summer months along the southeast coast, but are those really whitecaps on the waves?And what kinds of travelers visit vacation resorts during squall season anyway? (And while we’re at it, what is a squall?Is that something you hunt, like a squirrel?)

At this point I can probably bullet-point the rainy day activities on Hilton Head that you have already thought of; such as, surfing the net, eating chips, making sandwiches, going to and/or renting movies, watching soap operas, eating more chips, checking email, cheating at online solitaire, taking a nap, whining about the weather, cheating at Monopoly, answering chain emails and setting your alarm to make sure that you don’t miss what someone will say that will change your life at 10:23 pm, emailing all your friends with a picture from last year’s vacation telling them what a great time you’re having at the beach, calling the Vacation Company to check if – just in case and against your initial negative reaction – you changed your mind during a black-out and purchased trip insurance by mistake, and really whose big idea was it to come down Memorial Day weekend instead of Heritage Week like you first suggested anyway? Was it the same person who DRANK THE LAST BEER?!!…

But really, the most hands-down rewarding activity has to be consignment shopping on Hilton Head.

Consignment shops abound in the Palmetto Bay area as well as in the north end of the island, and these can yield true finds.If you are familiar with the local real estate scene, then you know the plethora of treasures offered at estate sales and auctions; many of which find their way into consignment stores.If you are new to Hilton Head, rest assured that the many beautiful homes you covet from your beach towel house one-of-a-kind furnishings and clothes.Whether you are looking for vintage clothing, kitschy souvenirs, or European light fixtures, you will be rewarded with interesting, sometimes eccentric, and always unique items from the sampling of shops listed below.Many of these you can get lost in for hours and score beautiful and unique pieces, while knowing that your purchase will also go towards helping a local charity.Almost all of the stores listed here donate proceeds and/or unsold items to area non-profit organizations and thrift stores that benefit the needy.

(And P.S., in case you are wondering, the Vacation Company also donates unclaimed lost and found items to area thrift stores that benefit the Hilton Head community.)

For garage sale finds like housewares, knick-knacks, books, clothing, and jewelry:

For higher-end furniture items and accessories:

  • Classic Consignments, located at 122 Arrow Rd, 843-842-4041
    Unsold items are given to the charity of the owner’s choice or to St. Fancis Thrift.
  • Michael & Company Antiques, located at 138 Arrow Rd, 843-686-3222
    Unsold furniture items are donated to area charities and thrift stores.
  • Annie’s Attic, located at 142 Arrow Rd, 843-686-6970
    Unsold and/or unsalable items go to the Community Care Foundation Thrift Store in Bluffton where the proceeds are given to area charities such as no-kill animal shelters and food ministries.

For vintage clothing and new irregular:

  • Sacks, located at 24 Palmetto Bay Rd, #B 843-842-4222
    Unsold clothing is given to Goodwill Industries of lower South Carolina.
  • My Sister’s Closet, located at 1020 William Hilton Parkway 843- 785-4988
    Unsold items go to the Litter Box, and to the Church Mouse.
  • The Stock Exchange, located at 1401 Main Street Village, 843-689-6777
    Chella D Consignment Boutique, located at 119 Arrow Rd, 843-341-3999
    “Chella D is a modern consignment store that is a sure love for all fashionistas!…”Check out their Facebook page. Unsold items go to the Litter Box.
  • Simply Kids Consignment, located at 115 Arrow Road, #2B, 843-686-6774
    Unsold items go the Church Mouse, the Litter Box, the Bargain Box, and boxes of clothes have also been sent to Haiti.
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