Posted by: sunsetrentals | March 16, 2010

Kick Back on Bayberry Lane

At long last, spring is finally upon us – and with it comes thoughts of renewal and, dare we say, road trip? Whether you’re gathering together your favorite girls for a bachelorette getaway or planning a week-long golf tourney with your old college buddies, there’s no better “home base” for the festivities than 3 Bayberry Lane.

Top 10 Reasons to Book 3 Bayberry Lane:

  1. Heated pool and outdoor spa, people. Quite possibly the most relaxing start and finish to your days on Hilton Head.
  2. Outdoor covered seating area with wet bar and…wait for it…ping pong table. We smell tournament!
  3. A 3-minute-walk to South Forest Beach where you can spread out your towel and unwind to the sounds of the surf.
  4. 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths for up to 14 people = no chance of loneliness or boredom.
  5. A master suite with king-size bed, TV/VCR/DVD, luxurious private bath with walk-in shower, Jacuzzi tub, two separate vanities and a room-size closet. First one to arrive should stake their claim on this luxuriousness!
  6. Front and back porches with rocking chairs for cocktail hour or storytelling time.
  7. Large gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and dining/serving counter with barstools just made for preparing dinner with friends. Plus, a dining area for 10 and wet bar. Doesn’t the party always end up in the kitchen?
  8. What visit to the beach is complete without a grill? Sizzling steaks, roasted vegetable. Go ahead, make Bobby Flay jealous.
  9. A living room with cathedral ceilings, fireplace, 50′ plasma flat screen HD/TV and French doors that open to a side porch. There’s no “roughing it” here.
  10. Did someone say deal? 25% off a week’s stay if you book by May 5, 2010!

Don’t wait – the 25% off only lasts until May 5. To make your reservation or if you have any questions about this property, give us a ring at 800.276.8991. Go ahead, picture yourself there now…

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | March 12, 2010

A Green Day at the Beach

Few moments are as breathtaking as walking over the rise of a sand dune to catch that first glimpse of the ocean and that first taste of salty air. It makes a truly amazing beach memory and one we hope will last for generations to come.

The love of this natural island setting is a big reason Hilton Head Island is committed to being green. In fact, the island became a town because of its desire to protect the local environment.

According to the town Web site, the town incorporated in 1983 because citizens didn’t like the way Beaufort County government was allowing development on such an “environmentally sensitive barrier island.”

In addition, development of Hilton Head Island back in the 1970s can be traced to the environment and a desire to create Planned Unit Developments that protect the natural surroundings, such as trees, wildlife and wetlands.

So, the island has been practicing green living for quite some time. Most recently, the town created a “Green Initiatives in Town Operations” report to further commit to being a green community.

Even though you may be visiting Hilton Head Island for just a week or two, you still can help – and go home with a little green tint to your suntan.

Tips for a green beach vacation:

  • Look for recycled beach products, such as beach towels made with bamboo.
  • Don’t litter. It’s a simple way to protect the beach, so be sure to toss your trash.
  • Recycle. The town has a recycling center open seven days a week to accept such items as glass, paper, plastics and appliances.
  • Avoid Styrofoam plates and cups. It’s tempting to have a picnic or cookout with items that make cleanup easy, but using biodegradable products or reusable items is a much better alternative. Styrofoam simply sits in landfills.
  • Don’t forget the (biodegradable) sunscreen. Scientists have discovered some of the ingredients in sunscreens can kill coral reefs. Just to put that into perspective, scientists found more than 4,000 tons of sunscreen washes off ocean swimmers each year. Select a biodegradable sunscreen that won’t harm marine life.
  • Hit the road – with your feet. Walk or bike to as many places as you can while on vacation. You get to experience more of the island, get some exercise and help the planet.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | March 9, 2010

How to Build a Stupendous Sandcastle

If you come to Hilton Head and bring kids along, then an absolute must-do is building a sandcastle. But if you’ve ever tried, you know it’s not the simplest thing in the world.

No worries. We’ve got some tips to get you building professional (well, maybe not professional, but pretty darned good) looking sandcastles in no time!

What you need: Sand, water, buckets, shovels, a few carving tools like a putty knife, decorations

Where to set up shop: Water is a necessity, so you don’t want to be too far from the ocean (the water gets a little heavy to lug) but you don’t want the tide to take out your structure mid-build either. Pick a flat location on solid packed sand and prep it with a few bucketfuls of water before you get started. Then create a big pile of sand and douse it with more water to create a platform for your creation (your back will thank you).

How to build: Start by building a central tower for your structure. Sand molds typically don’t work very well, so save your money. Instead, try the “pile of pancakes” method. Just using your hands create a thick pancake of very wet sand. After gently patting and leveling the pancake, add it to the structure. Repeat, making each pancake slightly smaller until it’s as tall as you’d like. Use your hands to shape your tower.

Keep on building as many towers as you want and then add walls to connect them. Build the walls by creating “bricks” of sand by gently shaking the wet sand from side to side between the towers. Stack the bricks until you get your wall tall enough.

Now, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your sandcastle. Plastic knives, butter knives or putty knives all make ideal shaping tools. A pro’s trick is to shave the sand rather than gauging holes in it. Think of sculptor creating their masterpiece. This technique takes a little longer, but is less likely to collapse.

Finally, decorate your work of art with shells, driftwood and other beach walk finds. If you want some inspiration, check out these sand sculptures.

Have you ever built a great sandcastle? Share your photos with us!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | March 5, 2010

Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?

Hilton Head loves a good party, and what holiday brings more revelry and celebration than St. Patrick’s Day?

Dubbed the “parade that almost wasn’t” due lack of proper parade permits 27 years ago when a group of friends, a fire truck and a dalmatian paraded through town to celebrate their favorite holiday, this is a family friendly event for all ages.

The 27th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off – rain or shine – March 14 at 3 p.m. at Coligny Circle. More than 100 typically participate in the event, the largest free event on the island, while some 20,000 revelers head out to watch the shriners, color guard from Fort Stewart, the Parris Island Marine Band and a troupe of Irish step dancers march around the circle.

Due to its popularity, plan to get there early to grab a good seat. And be sure to drink responsbily; there will be 50 sheriff’s deputies and highway patrol troopers stationed along the route and at businesses serving drinks to ensure the event stays safe for everyone.

If you attend, post your photos to our Facebook page. We’d love to see everyone decked out in green!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | March 2, 2010

Don’t Spill the Shampoo

Don’t you HATE to arrive on vacation just to find your lotion bottle spilled all over your favorite shirts and shorts?

It’s easy to protect your clothes and avoid toiletry leaks and spills by taking a few simple steps while packing. Real Simple magazine offers these great tips for traveling with your beauty products:

  • Get the air out. Air bubbles trapped inside plastic bottles can cause them to pop open and leak as air pressure changes. Open the top, squeeze the bottle until you can see the product, then re-cap quickly to prevent puddles.
  • Your shoes can protect more than your feet. Slip breakable bottles of cologne or lotion into plastic bags or socks and place them in your tennis shoes.
  • Just wrap it. For a little extra protection, unscrew bottles and containers. Cover the opening with Saran Wrap and place the cap back on.
  • Use your protected spaces. “I stow liquids packed in resealable bags along the bottom of my checked bag,” says Lisa Trotter, an expedition leader for the New York City-based adventure-travel company Lindblad Expeditions. “They stay protected from breakage, given that the bottom of the suitcase is usually padded, and the clothes provide even more padding on top.” Trotter places waterproof gear (raincoat, wind pants) on top of the liquids. “But you could just as easily use a $3 plastic poncho,” she says.
  • Self-tanner requires extra protection. This product will stain anything it comes in contact with, so always double bag it in sealed Ziploc bags to avoid a mess.
  • Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule when flying. “Yes, it’s a pain, but it’s not changing anytime soon,” says Lara Uselding, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration. “Remember, you can carry on one one-quart clear resealable plastic bag filled with liquids and gels in containers of 3 ounces or less.”

Travel sizes of your favorite products are available at many locations on Hilton Head, so don’t worry if you don’t have room or forget something!

What are your best tips for packing your toiletries and beauty products?

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | February 26, 2010

Luck o’ the Irish to Ya’ll

Trade in your golf cleats and tennis racquet for jogging shoes and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Hilton Head Shamrock 5K Run & Health Walk on Saturday, March 13 at 8 a.m.

Shamrock Run race course will start on Pope Avenue in front of New York City Pizza at Heritage Plaza and is fast and flat! The top three finishers, male and female and in each age category, will receive prizes, and everyone gets a T-shirt and green beads if they finish! Then party down at the post-race block party at New York City Pizza.

Pre-register for $25 until March 5, $28 until the 12 and $30 on race day. The event benefits the Mental Health Association of Beaufort County. Register online.

Hope you get the pot of gold!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | February 22, 2010

Making It All Fit

Going on vacation – lots of fun.

Packing to go away on vacation –  not so fun.

Do you dread the night before a big trip? Do you just shove every article of clothing in your suitcase and pray that the hotel or vacation home you are visiting has a really good iron? Packing to go away on a vacation doesn’t have to be a last minute stressful event, especially if you know what you are doing!

Real Simple.com has an informative video to help you fit everything in your suitcase and have it come back out wearable and sharp, not a wrinkly mess.

They offer these helpful tips:

  1. Set Everything Out - Pull out and organize all the items you will need for your trip. This way you can put back the items you don’t need, select items that can serve double duty and select the proper suitcase. The most common reason clothes look bad when you reach your destination is simply over packing.
  2. Roll Your Clothes – Soft, wrinkle-resistant garments can be rolled and placed in the bottom of your suitcase. Example: T-shirts, cotton pants, even jeans!
  3. Folded Items Next – Garments more prone to wrinkles should be neatly folded and placed on top of the rolled item. Example: Blazers, linen items, starched cotton shirts.
  4. Drape Longer Garments – Dresses, skirts and pants should be folded in half lengthwise and place lengthwise on top of the folded garments. Alternate which end the waist faces for a nice flat, even pile. Wear or carry bulkier items while you travel so they don’t take up luggage space.
  5. Add in the Small Stuff - Fill bras, socks and underwear into the nooks and spaces remaining in the bag. Hint: if you roll up your socks and stuff them into the cup of your bra it saves space and the cups retain their shape.
  6. Add Belts to the Perimeter – Rather than rolling your belts, place them around the perimeter of the suitcase. Then top the packed garments with a dry cleaners bag or clean trash bag. The wrinkles won’t set in your clothes because of the slippery surface of the bag.
  7. Select Your Shoes – Pick four pairs of shoes, if possible. A sneaker or walking shoe, a sandal or loafer, an evening shoe if necessary, and flip-flops for the beach. Wear the heaviest pair as you travel and pack the others in Ziploc bags and place along the sides of your bag.
  8. Pack Your Jewelry – Pack your inexpensive jewelry in a film canister or plastic pillbox. If you MUST travel with fine jewelry, wear it on the road so it doesn’t get stolen or lost.
For advice on packing your beauty products, check future posts!

Just in case you forget anything, Hilton Head has stores and outlets galore to cater to your every need. We hope to see you soon – wrinkle free!

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | February 19, 2010

Golfing for a Good Cause

Golfing for a Good Cause

Are you planning to be in Hilton Head March 19 and 20? Why not play the game you love AND raise money for a worthwhile local charity?

The CAPA Golf Challenge is a two day golf tournament in Dataw Island, S.C., to raise funds for CAPA, the Child Abuse Prevention Association. The event will be Friday, March 19 at the Cotton Dyke Course and Saturday, March 20 at the Morgan River Course.

Golfers can sign up a team of four or individually and be grouped into a team with others. Play one day, or both days. All proceeds benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Association and their efforts in breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect in our local community.

In addition to a round of golf, all players receive a tee gift, lunch, two passes for the Friday Night Players’ Party, one mulligan, one tee buster, contest on two holes, and two tickets for a prize drawing. The
Friday Night Players’ Party will be at the Hilton Garden Inn at 7:30 p.m. and all sponsors, golfers and spouses are welcome to attend.

For more information or to register to play, visit http://www.capabeaufort.org.

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | February 4, 2010

Could I get some Cheese with my Wine?

Hilton Head Island will celebrate the silver anniversary of the famous Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival this year! The classic event has now spent a quarter of a century promoting the island as a wine and food destination. Exciting events  are planned for the festival to celebrate this milestone.

Warm up with some bubbly as our abbreviated winter season comes to an end. The festival officially begins at 5:30pm February 5 at Red Fish with Uncork the Festival. For just $30 a person, the restaurant will serve a variety of wines paired with entrees. Event sponsors are asking attendees to consider bringing a special bottle of wine that’s been in the liquor cabinet or cellar just waiting for the perfect occasion to open it. The hope to create a tradition and have guests experience a shared memory with their wine. Call 843-686-3388 to book.

WineFest is a month long even with the International Wine Judging & Competition also happening the weekend of Feb. 4-7 at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort, Palmetto Dunes. Other expected events include a Grand Tasting at the Sea Pines Country Club on March 12, $100 per person, and the Public Tasting & Auction at Honey Horn March 13 (noon-4pm). Admission to this favorite public event is $40 for general and $60 for premium.

So get your glass ready and make room in your stomach so you can eat, drink, and be merry all month long!

www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com

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Posted by: sunsetrentals | February 4, 2010

Music in the Lowcountry

A little night music anyone? Classical fares will offer a bit of culture to the island this spring. Those of you visiting Hilton Head over the next couple months are in for some musical treats. Three separate, unique, and exciting events will be gracing the Lowcountry with their presences.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a delightful concert will celebrate the music of George Gershwin. The popular clarinetist Ken Peplowski will return to Hilton Head and he will be joined by pianist Bob Alberti and vocalist Clairdee. Tickets are selling fast with only two performances, Feb. 14 and 15 at 8pm. The concert will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head. Treat your valentine to a musical celebration followed by dinner for the perfect night out!

Tickle the keys with this next event. The 2010 Hilton Head International Piano Competition begins March 8 and continues through March 15. The competition is structured in rounds with the final consisting of three finalists with a full orchestra. The field will start with 20 hand-picked competitors from a field of 120 applicants representing countries all over the world. The pianist range in age from 19-28 years old.  Throughout the competition week, competitors will engage in outreach activities across Hilton Head. All rounds will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head.

Ring in Spring with a Symphony Under the Stars. This annual event has a new venue this year at Honey Horn Plantation. The two nights outdoor concert is best enjoyed with family and friends. Make an evening of it bringing along dinner, drinks, and dressing up! This event is a favorite among all!

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