Perhaps one of the most common questions we get asked is

“What is there to do on Hilton Head – besides golf and tennis?”

and our answer is always the same—

Lots!!!

Hilton Head Island offers a variety of activities, festivals and events throughout the year and all of these are open to people visiting the Island. While it would be near impossible to list everything there is to do, we wanted to give you an overview of some of our favorites!!

Children activities are a plenty. Besides the natural draw of the beach and all that has to offer for children of all ages, there are a number of possibilities ranging from nature walks and talks, to a children’s museum, and a variety of water activities. In Sea Pines, you will find a petting zoo at the Lawton Stables, as well as pony rides and trail rides on horses. Sea Pines is also home to Gregg Russell, who performs under the Liberty Oak tree every evening in Harbour Town (in season). Another Hilton Head favorite is Shannon Tanner, who performs at Harbourfest every Tuesday during the summer months and also has a boat tour for children every day from June through August. In Palmetto Dunes there is a great summer camp program for kids where they can go for the day, or all week.

Perhaps one of my personal favorite places is the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. This is a great place for the whole family to learn about the history of Hilton Head as well as participate in nature and historical tours. There are wide open spaces for the kids to run, and Honey Horn is also the home for many of our special events such as the Art Market being held there April 24 – 25^th.

In Sea Pines, there is a 606-acre nature preserve where you can fish, visit historical sites or just enjoy the peace and solitude among the natural landscapes of Hilton Head. You can go on a hayride through the Preserve each Thursday, or one of the kayak, walking or biking tours. Kayaking is also a favorite activity in Palmetto Dunes which has an 11 mile lagoon system where you will be able to view golf courses, nature and beautiful homes from the water.

We can’t leave out the Forest Beach area—home to Coligny Plaza and a variety of entertainment and activities held there throughout the year. For adults, the Tiki Hut Bar has beachside bar service and a beach volleyball court!! Add these to the numerous restaurants and shopping establishments all within walking distance and Forest Beach is a happening place!!!

Rainy days are chock full of activities too. Kids can visit The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum located on Pope Ave, or they can burn their energy at the Island Playground located just off the Island. Adults can visit the Tanger Outlet Mall, also located just off Island, or some of the shops and galleries at around the Island. Hilton Head has a two movie theaters showing current films and The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina often has plays, and shows for everyone to enjoy. And miniature golf is always played rain or shine!!!!

Where ever you decide to stay on Hilton Head Island, whether it is a home or villa, there is always something to do — including golf or tennis!!

Come to the South end of Hilton Head to enjoy the Island’s 27^th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 14^th at 3 pm.  Locals and vacationers alike fill up Pope Avenue to watch the parade and participate in local events at different restaurants.  The parade will start at the public beach parking lot on Forest Beach and proceed up Pope Avenue and finish on Office Park Rd (Park Plaza).  Festivities start at noon with live music at Irish Fest in the Wild Wings parking lot (Circle Center-Pope Ave.).  This annual event will happen rain or shine, so put on your Green and come enjoy this Island tradition.

Check out our Home and Villa Rentals…many of them being within walking distance to the festivities!!

Flickr Photo by kaibara87

Each year Hilton Head Island hosts the Verizon Heritage Classic – South Carolina’s only stop on the PGA Golf Tour. This year will be no different with the Heritage being held April 12 – 18th. Professional golfers, golf spectators and Island locals all come together to support the Heritage Classic Foundation and the local community organizations it supports.

The history of the Heritage goes back to the beginnings of the Sea Pines Resort. It was November of 1969 when the first Heritage Classic was held on the brand new Harbour Town Golf Links. This event drew the talents of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, among many others. Palmer was on a 14 month losing streak until he won the Heritage that year, bringing massive press coverage and introducing Hilton Head Island to many people throughout the world. Since that time, the Heritage Classic has grown and is an annual tradition on the Island for golf lovers everywhere and the best opportunity to “Get Your Plaid On!!!”

There are a variety of events that make up the Heritage – among them a ProAm Golf event, a putting contest and the Main PGA event. Local charity groups often work the events and have hospitality tents set up around the Harbour Town Course providing food and beverages to the spectators.

One of the best ways for you to enjoy the Verizon Heritage is to rent a home or villa in Sea Pines—where you can be front and center for all the action. The Harbour Town Golf Links is a short walk to many of the homes and villas Beach Properties of Hilton Head offers. We invite you to join us for Hilton Head’s most popular social event of the year!!!

For tickets to the 2010 Verizon Heritage, please contact the Heritage Classic Foundation.

Check out next week’s blog . . .

Riding a bike on Hilton Head Island can be an adventure for your whole family. The flat landscape, over 50 miles of winding bike paths, and the 19 miles of densely packed sandy beaches, provide plenty of places to ride. There are continuous bike paths leading you to beautiful landscapes, and hidden historical sights throughout the Island.

The Town of Hilton Head has gone to great lengths to provide safe and well maintained bike paths along all of the main roads. These paths also extend into the gated communities where many of the vacation homes and villas are located. Guests can enjoy the ease of riding their bikes to the grocery store, a variety of restaurants, the beach and many different entertainment areas –and all can be done with the warm sun on your face and the sea air blowing through your hair.

There are a number of bike rental companies located on Hilton Head Island. If you order your bikes ahead of time, most companies will have your bicycles waiting at your home or villa before your arrival. Check out our Island Services page for a list of our partners who can provide you with bikes and helmets. You can even try out a variety of different styles of bikes such as tandem, adult tricycles and recumbent bikes for the beach.

Make bike riding your next great family adventure on Hilton Head Island!!!

Stay tuned for next week’s blog…Get Your Plaid on for the Verizon Heritage!!!