Even though the heat index is still in the triple digits, summer is coming to an end. School will be starting soon, and in many cases, the daily routines will return once again. Sometimes when we get into our routine, we can get into a bit of a rut, and what better way to get out of that rut than a weekend trip to the beach? There is nothing better than arriving at the beach after a long week of work and taking the kids to all of their appointments, school functions, and sports practice.

Everyone needs a mental break every once in a while, even the kids, and Hilton Head Island, along with Beach Properties can make that happen for your family. Picture this: a leisurely bike ride on the 50 miles of Hilton Head Islands’ award winning bike trails after a long and relaxing morning of sipping coffee, then lying by the pool as the family plays in the water, letting all of your worries slip away.

That’s what is great about the fall, because there may be some things (like bike riding) that may just be entirely too hot to enjoy during the summer months, but once fall moves in, the weather gets more comfortable, and you can even enjoy a  walk through the beautiful and serene Sea Pines Forest Reserve.

Right now, we are offering a great special, buy a three night stay, and get the 4^th night free! Book now to get one great deal on a long weekend getaway at a beautiful property that will surely make you and your family relax before going back to your hectic lives

Summer is finally upon us and Hilton Head Island is ready to greet the millions of guests who visit our island each summer.  In the past, many have come to enjoy the peace and quiet along our white sandy beaches, explore the miles of bike paths, golf on our multitude of golf courses, play tennis on our world class courts and in general—enjoy the relaxed atmosphere!  But Hilton Head has so much more to offer. In the summer—Hilton Head comes alive!

Island residents love guests and roll out the red carpet to greet them. Many of the local clubs, organizations, and businesses provide additional activities during the summer months.  Restaurants will host live entertainment in the evenings—from bands to clowns & magicians to entertain the children.  On Tuesday evenings, from mid-June to the beginning of August—there are fireworks at the Shelter Cove Harbour, along with a number of children’s games and activities before hand in the Shelter Cove Community Park as a part of Summer Jams.  On Thursday evenings there is “Water Fun” at the Shelter Cove Community Park, where children can play on a variety of water slides and inflatable houses.

Gregg Russell and Shannon Tanner- two well known children entertainers and both Hilton Head Island favorites – put on shows almost every night!  And returning for the second year is Rick Hubbard’s “Because We Are on Vacation” comedy show at the Hilton Head Comedy Club on Monday nights.

So, in addition to the beaches, golf and tennis we are known for—Hilton Head has something for everyone!!  Call us today at 1-800-671-5155 to make your summer 2011 vacation rental reservation.  Get in on all the fun!!

Many people know of Hilton Head Island’s 12 miles of white sandy beaches, over 50 miles of paved bike trails and beautiful scenery. What you may not know is that when the sun goes down, Hilton Head has an active nightlife.  Whether you enjoy a night out on the town or a quiet dinner and a movie – the venues here are sure to please.

Your evening out should begin at one of the fabulous restaurants that can be found on the Island.  The choices here are endless.  You can chose from tapas or seafood, Greek or Asian or even traditional gourmet fare.  There are even some places that offer it all!!  Whichever you choose, be sure to look at those restaurants participating in our Preferred Guest program for discounts.

After dinner, you can go the quiet route and watch a movie at one of three movie theaters.  Northridge & Park Plaza cinemas both offer the newest releases or you can view an old favorite at the Coligny Theatre.  There is also the option of live theatre at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina which hosts a variety of shows from musicals to dramas. You might also enjoy a quiet stroll along the beach in the moonlight, and cap the evening off at Cork’s, a local wine bar!

In the mood for some live music?  Hilton Head is a great place to listen to some tunes!  The Jazz Corner offers the best in jazz each and every night of the week.  Electric Piano is a cozy place where you can request your favorite song and it will be played to perfection by the piano man.  Laughs can be had at the Hilton Head Comedy Club , the host to comedians from around the country. Throughout the week and on the weekends, there are numerous restaurants throughout the Island that have live music.

However you choose to end your day on Hilton Head, I am sure it will be picture perfect! And our Preferred Guest program can provide you with discounts that will make your wallet happy as well.

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!!!