Vacation Company

Best View of the Island

June 10, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Many islanders will tell you that the best view on Hilton Head Island is when you are off Hilton Head Island – in a boat. While we love ocean views and beachfront views, views of the island from the water are often magical. You’re cruising along and, all of a sudden, there’s a pod of dolphins off the port or starboard side, playing, jumping, it seems, just for your amusement – and theirs. Maybe the toughest part about seeing Hilton Head from the water is which boat to choose. The ultimate in luxury is the Spirit of Harbour Town with sunset dinner cruises, fireworks cruises, even a day trip to Savannah. It’s a large yacht, licensed to carry 149 passengers, but the views are outstanding and, on warm days, so is the air conditioning.

If you would like to get up close and personal with the marsh on the back side of the island, Outside Hilton Head has great guided kayak nature tours in Broad Creek, or at company-owned Page Island on the Cooper River, just across from Daufuskie Island. There is something delightful about watching a heron standing stock still in the cordgrass, waiting for the marsh to offer up its breakfast.

Outside Hilton Head also has special fireworks tours at Shelter Cove every Tuesday night in the summer. The luxury yacht, Captain Rudy Thomas out of Broad Creek Marina is another fireworks choice. The Capt. Thomas will also take you on a guided day trip to Savannah, one of America’s oldest cities.

But maybe the best view of Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area is being above the water. You and your family can go parasailing! At South Beach Marina, check in with Island Water Sports. Out of Harbour Town in Sea Pines, contact H2O Sports or Sky Pirate Parasailing at Broad Creek Marina and Palmetto Bay Parasail at Palmetto Bay Marina.

On the water off Hilton Head Island. Nothing better.

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Going Local: Boathouse II

May 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Probably one of the most often asked question we get is, “What’s a great ‘local’ restaurant?” That’s really a tough one to answer because we are blessed with so many great “local” hangouts. Actually, it isn’t tough – the tough part is keeping the list fairly short. One of our favorites (we’re all “locals”) is Boathouse II. It’s open for lunch and dinner (Sunday brunch, too) and it’s on the water, Skull Creek. There is a whole bucketful (of oysters?) reasons to dine there, but it can be a little tough to find. Of course, that makes it all the more interesting.

First directions. It’s on the north end of the island, off Squire Pope Road. Click here for a location map. You’ll see the big, long boathouse just as you approach the entrance. The parking is a little strange. It lines the boathouse and can be a bit crowded.

During the day it’s spectacular. You’re sitting outside (if you choose) and are watching all the action at Skull Creek Marina (your neighbor) and Shilling’s Boathouse. Commercial fisherman dock there and supply Boathouse II with very fresh catch. Basically, what the fishermen bring in is on the menu that night.

You MUST try the shrimp and grits. This is definitely Southern and may sound a little strange if the only grits you’ve every tasted (mushy) are from the little brown envelopes brought to you be the Quaker Oats folks. This, however, is the real thing. Stone ground grits to the chef’s precise specifications.

There are a zillion reasons to eat there. Boathouse II has probably the biggest seafood menu on the island. They are waterfront. They have nightly entertainment (LOCAL) that rocks. There’s Marker 13, the outside bar that serves fantastic drinks, and, of course, there’s the view. If there is a full moon, you will not want to leave. Ever. Caution: these “local” hangouts don’t stay secret for long. Depending on the night, expect a line. But not for long.

If you’ve experienced outdoor dining on Hilton Head Island in the summer, you know one big problem: insects. Not to fear at Boathouse II. The Lowrey Group, an island chain of high-end restaurants, which owns Boathouse II, installed a herbal mist system to keep the pests at bay. It doesn’t kill them. It just suggests to the insects they would probably want to be someplace else.Reasonable prices. Waterfront. Super entertainment. Great seafood.

Our suggestion: go for it.

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All That Jazz!

April 10, 2008 By Leave a Comment

If you like jazz in any or all of its configurations, boy do we have a surprise. In fact first time visitors to the Jazz Corner, tucked away in the Village at Wexford, are truly amazed. The talent is extraordinary and the food is superb. The bar is perfect. The staff couldn’t be friendlier.

Are we getting carried away? Not by a long shot. While during his visit here, the legendary jazz piano great John Bunch said, “I wish there was something like this in New York.”

The Jazz Corner was the brain child of Bob Masteller and Charlie Swift. A businessman, Charlie loved classical music and jazz.

There is not a bad seat in the house, er, restaurant. The intimate room is acoustically perfect. What’s more the live entertainment comes with your meal. There is seldom a cover charge except on weekends when a marquee name or band comes to town, like when Hotlanta comes to play or the Jazz Corner is raising money for the Junior Jazz Foundation (JJF).

The Jazz Corner is in a corner of The Village at Wexford. To get the exact location, visit the Village at Wexford website. It’s just off William Hilton Parkway, one stoplight away from the Sea Pines traffic circle.

Oh, yes- It’s a good idea to make reservations. Call 843-842-8620 or visit the website.

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The Popcorn is Great!

April 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment

It’s definitely one of Hilton Head Island’s hidden treasures. While it’s in the heart of the island’s most popular beach area – Coligny Plaza – the only way you’ll find it (unless you know where you’re going) is by accident. “Hidden” is definitely the right description.

Coligny Theater, with its one screen, is a true gem. It was the island’s first “movie house,” opening in 1972. There were only a few thousand full-time residents on Hilton Head and the tourist population was just beginning to grow. You won’t find the big blockbusters showing there. But you will find a fantastic selection of independent films and foreign films like “Married Life” (Pierce Brosnan), April 25 – May 1, and “The Counterfeiters,” May 9 – 22.

The films are mostly for adults (real adults), but there are specials for children and a real treat is the Second Sunday Film Society, which is definitely a local event – and fun. Where else but Hilton Head Island will you actually find what we used to call an “art theater?”

When it opened the theater was called The Island Theater and had a run of 25 years. For those who have visited the island in the past, you’ll remember it as a hangout for just about everyone in the summer. There were lines stretching around the Earl of Sandwich restaurant if the movie was really popular. Or when it was raining.

Refurbished and open again in 2002 by the owner of Coligny Plaza, it still has some of the “old island” feel. To learn more, visit the theater’s website or call 843-686-3500.

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One of Hilton Head Island’s Greatest “Secrets”

March 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment

There are many hidden gems on Hilton Head Island that visitors rarely “discover” unless it’s by accident. One immediately comes to mind. At first we didn’t want to share this because we like the quiet (REALLY quiet) and the lack of people. If you’d like to get a hint of what the island looked like before development began you must visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. It’s sort of like having a National Park in your back yard, especially if you’re a guest of Sea Pines. Even if you’re not it’s definitely worth the $5 gate fee.

The Forest Preserve is 600 plus acres of forest, wetlands, walking trails and one of the most spectacular wildflower field you’ll ever see. Officially called the Wildflower Meadows, they’ll be in bloom starting in a week or two, then go on for several weeks well into the summer. There’s an old bench at the end of the meadows. It sits on an old dike and the meadows stretch out before it. Check out this Google map link to get an idea of this uncommon place.

There are four lakes, great for freshwater fishing (You’ll have to be a guest and get a permit. We can help you there.) either from the shore or a rowboat (they’re for rent to guests). Kayaking is great too. You’ll see all sorts of wading birds and one of the largest rookeries in the state.
In the center of the Preserve, facing Lake Joe, is Fish Island, a great place for picnics (there’s a covered shelter) and Cub Scouts (and other kids) use it as a camping area. There are also restrooms there and a water fountain.

Of the two entrances use the one at the school and you’re 5 minutes away from a 4,000 year-old Indian shell ring. Check out the link above for the Preserve and download the PDF map.
Click here for a great story about someone “discovering” the Forest Preserve, written in 2004. You’ll understand.

Down side: The alligators are real. Do not mess with them. The bugs are real. Spray generously (depending on the time of year). Spray often. Sea Pines’ Lawton Stables offers trail rides through the Preserve. (Click here for a cute story about Lawton Stables.) Trail rides means horses. Some of the walking trails are shared by the horses. Our advice: watch your step.

We’ll have more “secrets” to share soon.

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Restaurant of the Month; Captain Woody’s

March 11, 2008 By Leave a Comment

We’re always asked where to find a good, “local” restaurant. That’s like asking a mother of five to pick out her favorite child. But the question is always asked, so we decided to begin our list in absolutely no order whatsoever and give you a heads up!

For our “local” restaurant(s) of the month, we’re going to suggest a trifecta at Palmetto Bay Marina: Captain Woody’s, Black Marlin and Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café.

The marina which opened for business in 1959, can be seen on the right side of the Cross Island bridge as you cross over Broad Creek, heading to the south end of the island. At the stop light right off the bridge, get in the left lane and follow the signs. It can be a little tricky, but you’re going to love it when you arrive – about five minutes from the stoplight.

Captain Woody’s, open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., is known for its fresh seafood, beer, patio dining and informal, fun atmosphere. For lunch the Grouper Melt is a “must order” sandwich. While the surf and turf for dinner is just fine, we like all the different tastes of the seafood platter. Bring the kids. There’s a children’s menu that includes PB&J sandwiches, hot dogs and shrimp. Definitely casual, definitely local.

Black Marlin used to be Hemingway’s until “Papa’s” family took his name back. The restaurant overlooks the marina and you can eat inside or out. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. and dinner at 5:00 p.m., with a great brunch Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. The menu for lunch is huge. Try the seafood tacos. So is the dinner menu. Spoil yourself with the Lobster Bolognese. The Hurricane Bar is an outstanding place to just hang around.

Want a great breakfast? Try the Crab Benedict at The Sunrise Café. They are open Wednesday thru Monday (closed Tuesdays) and serve breakfast and lunch from 6am to 3pm. Sure, you can get pancakes and eggs too. Checkout the early bird special (early as in 6-8 a.m.). The place has become an institution.

There you go. Our pick(s) for March. Let us know what you think. Tell us your Hilton Head Island favorite.

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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.

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