Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 31, 2010

The New, Old Golf Course

To some, Hilton Head means golf – and only golf. With myriad courses created by some of the world’s finest course designers, including George and Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, Rees and Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, George Cobb, Gary Player, Fuzzy Zoeller and Willard Byrd, it’s no wonder golfers of all ages and skill levels flock here year-round.

For those seeking instruction as well as play, nearly all of the Island’s public, resort and private clubs offer both group and individual lessons from certified golf instruction professionals. Women golfers looking to improve their games can enroll in a “Women Only” golf school at Palmetto Dunes or LPGA pro Inez Long’s clinic at Island West Golf Club.

If you’re looking for the new “kid” on the Hilton Head golf course circuit, check out Pete Dye’s Heron Point at Sea Pines Resort. Fresh from a multimillion-dollar reconstruction project, Heron Point is nothing short of amazing. Fairways have been reshaped into dramatic angles and shifting elevations. Varied surfaces of sand, mulch, limestone and unusual grasses provide dynamic visuals. Small, exacting greens, treacherous bunkers and an artistic use of trees and water hazards promise challenging play. Modern mounding, new elevations, grass walls and lagoons have helped beautifully remake this much-loved course into a competitive, stunning wonder.

If the description has you itching to grab your clubs, book a tee time now by calling 1.800.732.7463 or visit seapines.com.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 26, 2010

Serving Sunday

Sure, Sunday brunch is fun, but for tennis lovers, Sunday is all about game, set and match! On Sunday, August 28, join your fellow tennis fanatics at the Van Der Meer Shipyard Tennis Resort for round-robin tournament from 10 a.m. until noon. The cost is per person, and refreshments are served at the conclusion of play.

Aside from the Sunday round robin, Van Der Meer Tennis offers an array of tennis instruction and activities, from skills camp and clinics for all ages to its renowned Tennis Academy. In fact, President and Founder Dennis Van Der Meer Dennis has coached hundreds of nationally- and internationally-ranked junior and professional players throughout his career, including champions Billie Jean King and Margaret Court.

Van Der Meer Shipyard Tennis Resort is located at 116 Shipyard Drive. For more information, call 843.686.8804. Grab your racquets, y’all, Sunday’s on its way!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 23, 2010

Old Town Distillery Dispensary

Sometimes it’s nice to sip a cocktail in a place that’s just a bit different. Answering that call is the Old Town Distillery Dispensary in Bluffton. Named for a state-operated liquor store that opened in 1893, the Old Town Dispensary is a popular local tavern steeped in history.

Nearly every square inch of the tavern has a history. The walls are from a former Estill train station, replicas of a model 1863 .50-caliber flintlock rifle and an 1850 U.S. Army black-powder pistol. Even the bathroom doors have a story to tell – they’re from the Ogeechee Railroad train station in Georgia.

On another wall is a reproduction of a drawing of General Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson in their last meeting before Jackson’s death. In fact,

J.J. Carson, who built and lived in the house on Calhoun Street that is the Carson Cottage’s namesake and now houses the Cottage restaurant, picked up the wounded Jackson, put him in his gurney and took him to the medical station.

Sounds like a nice little trip for the history buff in your life. The tavern has 1,004 heated square feet, seats 46 and serves Caribbean-inspired food, beer, wine and liquor. Hours are 11 a.m. -11 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m. to Midnight, Friday and Saturday. 15 Captains Cove Road, Bluffton. 843.837.1893.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 17, 2010

Day-tripper – Old Town Bluffton

Rooted in more than 200 years of history and culture, Bluffton is what some call “the last true coastal village of the South.” Just a short drive from Hilton Head, Bluffton’s charm comes from a blend of historic architecture, an array of locally-owned art galleries, shops and restaurants and a stunning natural setting along the May River.

Local shops include everything from antiques and clothing to gift shops, home interiors and even a butcher! Dining options run the gamut from pizza to seafood and all are casual with many offering outdoor seating to enjoy the views.

If you’re planning a trip to Bluffton, you’re in for a relaxing, enjoyable day. The local Farmer’s Market takes place on Thursdays. And, if you’re making plans for the coming weeks, be sure to check out BBQ and Blues on Friday, August 20, where you can sample BBQ from some of the area’s best BBQ establishments and listen to some fantastic live blues. And, on Saturday, September 25, get your German on with a Beer & Brats celebration.

Finally, don’t miss a true local original, The Bluffton Oyster Company. Located on the May River, it’s the oldest oyster factory in the state – operated today by the grandson of the original owner. Happy day tripping!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 15, 2010

Tips For Teens

Vacation can be tough ON and WITH teenagers. They think they’re too old for the kid stuff, and parents think they’re too young for the adult stuff. Before the eye rolls and exasperated sighs get the best of you and your family vacation, we’ve compiled a list of teen-friendly activities in Hilton Head that will make even the surliest teenager crack a smile!

  • Teen Float with Marshgrass Adventures: Drift along for a two-hour trip down or up Broad Creek. Depending on the tide, leave from under the Cross Island Bridge (near Palmetto Bay Marina just off Arrow Rd) and float down to Marshland Landing near Old Oyster Factory. The best part is: parents drop you off! You paddle and play and finish up where the folks are chilling out at a nearby restaurant. (Warning: parents have been known to take photos of arriving teens!) If the tide’s going out, you’ll leave from Marshland Road Landing and drift down to the Cross Island Landing. For pricing and more information, call Eric at 843.684.3296.
  • Sky Pirate Water Tours: Enjoy boating and fishing with your family with boats from 15’ to 25’. For the more daring, there’s parasailing from a brand new 12-passenger boat. For the totally crazy teen, try the new Flyfish, an extreme inflatable ride. Head over to Broad Creek Marina or call 843.842.2566 for more information.
  • Kayak Hilton Head: Paddle along some of Hilton Head’s most scenic waters to see dolphins, egrets and maybe even manatees! Contact 843.684.1910 or visit www.kayakhiltonhead.com.
  • Adventure Cove Family Fun Center: The Island’s largest and most complete fun center offers something for everyone with two world-class miniature golf courses, an expanded video arcade and redemption center. A giant indoor play world, the Lowcountry’s only virtual reality roller coaster, plus Laser Tag, 3-D Motion Theatre and newly-expanded Subway with Express Pizza round out the good times. Located at Folly Field Rd. Hwy 278. Mile Marker 6.
  • AMF Bowling: Bowling soothes even the most savage teen! Get your shoes on, polish your favorite ball and get ready to hit the lanes. For details, contact 843.681.7750. Located at 2600 Main Street, Hilton Head.
  • Horseback Riding: Lawton Stables offers one-hour guided western-style trail rides on their gentle horses for adults and children at least 8 years old. The ride takes you into the 603 acre Sea Pines Nature Preserve located just across from the stables where you will truly experience the untouched Lowcountry. For more information, visit http://www.lawtonstableshhi.com/.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 12, 2010

Where’s the Best Beach in the U.S.? Hilton Head!

We’ve always known Hilton Head Island is a great beach vacation, but it’s just nice to have someway say you’re No 1! Foxnews.com recently ranked Hilton Head Island tops in its list of the best U.S. beaches.

The article described Hilton Head as being “full of perfect white sand beaches, bike trails, and the cutest towns,” saying “Hilton Head is great for a family vacation.”

We agree completely (of course). Not only we do we have nationally-ranked golf courses, amazing tennis facilities and first class shopping, but now our pristine beaches are getting the credit they deserve.

So, if you always thought you had to escape to some distant part of the country to enjoy a top 10 beach, think again! If you’ve never been to Hilton Head before, check out some of the gorgeous beach photos below.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 8, 2010

Gone Fishin’

Nothing says late summer like fishing – and the waters in and around Hilton Head are prime for it. Remember, that whether you’re fishing off the beach or in salt water lagoons, all fishermen and women need to have a SC fishing license.

Visitors can purchase a 7-day fishing license for $11 online or at Wal-Mart. South Carolina residents can purchase a yearlong license for $10.

The current Hilton Head area DNR fishing report says that spot tail bass fishing is good, as well as redfish. Tarpon is a bit slower but folks are still reeling them in. One of the sources for the fishing report is Captain Dan Utley, a 30-year fishing veteran, licensed Coast Guard captain and owner of a fishing charter business.

Though Redfish are his specialty, the Fishin’ Coach (as he’s known) loves to pursue Cobia and Tarpon when in season and he’s available for both in-shore and offshore fishing trips. If you’re more of an armchair fisherman, take a look at the Fishin’ Coach on his TV show, the Nuts & Bolts of Fishing.

Ready to get your line in the water? Don’t forget your license, bait and your sense of adventure, y’all! The waters of Hilton Head are waiting!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 4, 2010

Gator 101

Animal management workers recently removed an 11-foot-long, 500-pound alligator from a tiny lagoon just north of Pope Avenue on Hilton Head Island. See the amazing creature in these photos from the Island Packet.

Alligators are perhaps Hilton Head’s best-known wildlife, though not the most loved! Over the years, locals have an arrangement with the alligators: leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone. Though not normally aggressive toward humans, it’s worth sharing a few tips that will help keep you a safe distance from these mysterious and interesting creatures.

  • Alligators are cold-blooded, relying on their environment to survive. During colder weather, alligators come out of their lagoons to bask in the sun and raise their body temperature. In warmer weather, they stay in the water to keep cool.
    • Alligators typically nest May through August, and mothers protect their young for one to three years. A mother alligator protecting her nest is nearly the only time an alligator will attack without provocation. Take care in wooded or brushy areas near lagoons.
    • Feeding alligators is illegal. If an alligator sees humans as a source of food, it will approach. Since alligators lack social skills, they won’t ask nicely.
    • Never let small children or pets play in or along the banks of lagoons. Alligators are notoriously fast.
    • If you catch a fish in a lagoon and an alligator wants it, give it up. Never compete with an alligator for food!
    • The fact is that alligators were here long before we were and will be here for a long time to come. Admire them from a distance and enjoy their raw, natural beauty.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | August 1, 2010

Lifestyles of the Lowcountry Rich & Famous

Maybe you’ve had that moment while renting a movie…or checking out the fruit at the Farmer’s Market. You see someone who looks sort of…familiar. Could it be…the one in the dark glasses and baseball hat? Is it? The truth is, Hilton Head and the Lowcountry are just as popular with the Hollywood and international set as they are with us. Chances are if you think you’ve got a glimpse of someone famous, it’s probably the real deal!

Here are some of the celebrities who have called or do call Hilton Head home (at least part of the time):

  • Singer/songwriter John Mellencamp
  • Singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik (a Hilton Head native!)
  • Crime novelist Patricia Cornwell
  • PGA golfer Jim Ferree
  • NHL hockey great Mark Messier
  • Atlanta Falcons & Home Depot owner Arthur Blank
  • Wimbledon, US Open & Davis Cup Champ and Tennis Pro Stan Smith (love his sneakers!)
  • Mystery writer Kathryn R. Wall
  • Former NBA basketball player Jayson Williams
  • Former head basketball coach at Miami University Darrell Hedric

Sources report that director Ron Howard was spotted at a local video store, although we don’t believe he’s a resident, and former President Bill Clinton also used to vacation in Hilton Head every year. In fact, Chelsea Clinton, who just got married, even met her husband during a trip here.

Who are we missing? It’s up to you – comment with your celebrity sightings! You never know who may be shucking oysters or taking a dip in the sea right next to you!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | July 29, 2010

Italian Heritage Festival

Delicious food, grape stomping and bocce. Sound good? Then make plans to celebrate the country that brought us spaghetti, opera and Michelangelo at the Italian Heritage Festival, September 25 from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Shelter Cove Park.

Events include wine tastings, grape stomping, spaghetti sauce contest, Italian food eating contests, stickball, an Italian car show, live Italian music and more. Plus, local restaurants will be serving up Italian favorites.

Engage in a healthy debate about whether spaghetti sauce should be called sauce or gravy. For the more adventurous, enter your family’s marina recipe in what’s sure to be a most delicious competition!

So, gather up your garlic and olive oil for an authentic and food-filled day celebrating all we love about Italian culture. See you September 25!

WHEN: Saturday, September 25
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Shelter Cove Park

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