Vacation Company

3rd Annual Hilton Head Island Restaurant Week Begins 1/21/2012

January 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Restaurant Week Hilton Head

Restaurant Week, HHI, SC, 1/21 - 1/27/2012

Welcome to a week of savory fun at participating Hilton Head restaurants! 

A group of our famous restaurants will be offering prix fixe dinners at discounted menu prices from January 21 – January 27, 2012 to celebrate and inspire great island cusine, while galvanizing the public to get out of their winter caves and try places they haven’t been.

This year a contest has been added for restaurant-goers to vote for their favorite Restaurant Week establishment.  Everyone who votes will also be included in a random drawing for dinner for two at one of the participating restaurants.  Also new this year is a partnership with Foodspotting, an online picture gallery of dishes from foodies’ favorite places.  The website invites diners to upload pictures of the dishes they are about to eat, and then also send in a review for others to evaluate before they head out to a Restaurant Week business and make their own choices.

The whole celebration is much more interactive this year, engaging customers and restaurants in website activities to keep everyone informed and bring word-of-mouth advertising to our popular local restaurants. For more information, lists of restaurants and menus, go to the Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week web page.

From all of your friends and Guardian Angels at The Vacation Company, Bon Appetit!

Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , ,

The 2nd Annual Italian Heritage Festival on Hilton Head is a Total Success!

September 28, 2011 By 2 Comments
Booth at the 2nd Annual Italian Heritage Festival

      The Italian Heritage Festival could well draw seasonal culture-seeking crowds in years to come  like the RBC Heritage Classic draws spring golf-lovers.  Into its 2nd year, the Italian Heritage Festival, held at Shelter Cove Park, had nearly double the crowds, tickets, sales, and overall fun over the first year – which, by the way, was an excellent premier in and of itself.  
      Familiar faces graced the booths again this year, and you could easily spend the entire five hours of the day having so much fun eating the freshest, best, Italian dishes, prepared and presented for people to walk around or sit, eating, drinking, and playing.  Bocce Ball, the restaurant booths, the wine and soda bars, everything was laid out for a seamless day of fun in the autumn sun.  Nothing was overlooked.  Not once, did I think, “I wish they had placed more recycle bins over by the band where people sit and finish their drinks,” because they thought of everything, these people!  This year, an eating contest was added, more restaurant booths, and a dunk tank, featuring The Vacation Company‘s part-time spokesperson, Johnny D and his best friend, George!

    
      What a wonderful event they put on for us, by THEY, I mean of course, the Italian American Heritage Club of Hilton Head (IACHH).  Monies raised go towards all local charities like the Deep Well Project, The Children’s Relief Fund, American Cancer Society, Programs for Exceptional People (PEP), Bluffton Boy’s and Girls’ Club, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), the Grace Center, Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, and college scholarships.  Interested in participating, joining the IACHH, or donating to their many worthy endeavors, just go to http://iachh.org/contact-us/.
      If you just want to make sure you are here on Hilton Head this time next year for the festival, check out our exciting line-up of luxury vacation home rentals.  Or, call a Vacation Company guardian angel at 800-845-7018.
Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Things I Miss About Hilton Head When I’m Away…

September 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Scenic Hilton Head bike trails.

Not that I need reminding of how fabulous Hilton Head Island truly is, whenever I leave town, some cityscapes really make me homesick for the trees, beaches, marshes, and sand dunes.
Like what, you may ask?  How about a maximum security prison on the side of the road? That’ll make you grateful for our strict building codes, “crowded” bike trails, and free-roaming gators.  Take it from me, I used to live in the quiet neighborhood that’s right next door to this granite gem.

Scenic Max. Security-Cranston, RI
     What do you miss most when you are away from the island?  Take the poll to the right and see how your fave fares against others.  And if you aren’t here today, and you miss this lush island resort, call an Angel at The Vacation Company, 800-845-7018 and see what’s available.  We’re offering 15% off select properties  during the fall months and RISK-FREE reservations through October.
Filed Under: Vacation Company News & Specials Tagged With: , , ,

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.

Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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.
Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Birds of Hilton Head

May 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

After soaking up an awesome multi-colored sunset your first night, complete with cocktails and singing frogs, don’t expect to sleep in too late on your first full day of island fun. The birds of coastal South Carolina will not allow it. It is quite the symphony of reeds and blasts, some of which could use a tuning. Hilton Head is home to numerous regional and migratory bird species; some as colorful as the Painted Bunting one would expect to see in the tropics and some delightfully oversized, almost prehistoric-looking, like the Great Blue Heron. These latter graceful creatures pose like sentinels on the lagoon banks watching and waiting, unafraid of the alligators – they almost seem like peers. And these birds don’t just nest… no, these birds roost. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a haven for ospreys and egrets, among many other exceptional fishing birds that require privacy and space to nest. Check with one of The Vacation Company’s knowledgeable reservationists about villas located near the Forest Preserve.

Hilton Head is well known to birdwatchers and environmentalists for its many trails and parks specially preserved to nourish and encourage our education about lowcountry wildlife while giving nature a chance to flourish safely away from human noise and interference. Wandering one of these, like the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to spend a day soaking up the best of what nature allows on this coast. And finding information on any kind of bird species or trail you might be interested in is as easy as going to Wild Birds Unlimited in the Festival Centre where they can help you learn the terrain. You can also get a checklist of birds published by The Hilton Head Audubon Society that will help you identify the noisy, colorful squawkers along the way. And if you’re visiting us during the upcoming weeks, take advantage of a special tour on May 25, 2010 led by an experienced bird watcher at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.

For the rest of us, seeing White Pelicans dive-bomb the ocean for fish is enough of a spectator sport, while Herring Gulls swoop for the remains of our sandwiches. The great thing about Hilton Head is that the entertainment doesn’t stop when you roll up your towel, the show continues throughout the day if you remember to keep watching no matter where you are; beside a lagoon, walking through the dunes, riding the golf course, or sitting on your own back deck with a sunset and cocktail.

Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , , ,

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

May 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

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 south end), The Sandbox is a non-profit group, started by local islanders, dedicated to provide an environment where children and grownups can “explore, learn and play together.”
Take the “No Fishing Allowed Aquarium.” It’s salt water, so kids can see some of the sea fauna that live in the marsh and close to our beaches. Adults will be pretty amazed, too. Then there’s the “Track the T-Rex” controlled rock climbing walls. They are so cool. At the end, the kids get to push a button to hear “T-Rex” him (or her) self!
What is so amazing (you see, we think our island is pretty amazing) is that this isn’t some arcade with a bunch of electronic games. This is learning, playing, having one heck of a good time. The only “agenda” The Sandbox has is best said in a quote by George Bernard Shaw: “ What we want to see is a the child in pursuit of knowledge, not knowledge in pursuit of the child.”
Here’s the kicker. Every Wednesday during the summer months, is a “no adults allowed” period from 6pm to 9 pm. If you would like to get a break, the “Parent’s Night Out, Kid’s Night In” is perfect.
Daily visits are $6 per adult and $6 per kid. Here’s a review from a parent of The Sandbox: “While on vacation, I took my children to this museum and they absolutely loved it. After three hours, I literally had to force them to leave to go eat dinner. One of the best things is the big pirate ship!” Oh, yeah, the pirate ship. Cool. Check it out.

Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , , ,

Bravo Hilton Head Island!

April 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

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’s not just musicals and plays. The Arts Center overflows with fascinating events. Like Gullah history and story-telling with Louise Miller Cohen. A fifth generation islander in May (check the calender), Ms. Cohen has stories to tell.

There is a national juried art show at the Walter Greer Gallery at the Arts Center. Artists from all over the country show off their best. Check it out at www.artleaguehhi.org.

Our best advice, visit the Bravo! pages at http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/bravo
.
Did we mention the Hiromic’s Sonic Bloom Quartet, May 15 and 16, at the Jazz Corner? Or the Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove, May 23-23? It’s a two-day juried event that covers multiple media, from painting and photography to jewelry and ceramics.

An exceptional May line up. We love golf (and golfers), but most of this stuff happens when the sun goes down.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , , , , ,

Summer Golf in the Lowcountry

May 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Hilton Head Island, as you probably know already, is populated with some of the best golf courses in, well, the world! The designer names are even more fabulous than the fanciest New York fashion boutique: Pete Dye, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love, Gary Player.

To get the most out of your game, here are some suggestions that might help lower your score.
1. Altitude. You are at sea level, not the Rockies. Your drive will not go as far if you usually play golf at, say 3,000 feet. If you’re used to higher altitudes, sea level means half a club plus.
2. Alligators. Pay attention to “local rules.” If you hit or hit near an alligator, you can take a drop without penalty. It is not worth recovering your Titleist Pro-V (or your pride) if the ‘gator considers the ball his/her new playmate. Take a free drop.
3. Segway. Amazing new golf experience. This two wheel gyroscope that gets you and your clubs around the course is something like having your own personal caddie – but you don’t have to tip it.
4. Greens. Greens in the Lowcountry tend to get a little hairy in summer. The supper knows that if cut too low, they’ll burn.(Remember, you’re playing in the South, for goodness sake!) From five feet in, go for the hole. Period.
5. Sun. Wear a hat/cap. No matter how dumb you look, WEAR IT. Don’t quibble: Also, sun block: SPF 30 or higher.
6. GPS. This is so nifty. And so depressing . Some of our courses have Global Positioning Systems (GPS) on their golf carts. You know PRECISELY where to hit your ball. However, GPS can’t do a thing about the large oak tree standing between you and the hole.
7. Water. Summer golf in the Lowcountry demands you carry two quarts of water with you (or buy that amount from the pretty lady who just sold you a beer) . Alcohol dehydrates. Water hydrates. This is simple stuff.
8. Three foot putt. Good luck.
9. Insect control. Avon Skin-so-soft, Cutter’s .Advanced Sport Insect Repellent with Picaridin.
10. Bring the kids! Courses, like the new Heron Point in Sea Pines Resort, have six sets of tees. Family golf is encouraged.

Hilton Head Island golf. Nobody does it better.

Filed Under: Practical Information Tagged With: , , , , ,

Parks, Parks & More Parks

March 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment


Over the past few years the Town of Hilton Head Island has created some of the most beautiful parks in the Lowcountry. You can easily see one of them when you get on the Cross Island Parkway, Jarvis Creek Park. To discover all of them, check out the PDF mapthe town created. Visit one and you’ll see Hilton Head like you’ve never seen it before. We promise.

Filed Under: What to do Tagged With: , , , , ,