Each March, Hilton Head Island is home to one of the eastern seaboard’s foremost culinary events, the Hilton Head Food and Wine Festival. ResortQuest Hilton Head Island offers nearly 500 vacation rentals, condos and private beach homes in the premier resort destination, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and just moments from the tasty treats of this gastronomic spectacle.
February 17, 2009 Hilton Head Island, SC – ResortQuest Hilton Head Island, in conjunction with the Hilton Head Island Hospitality Association, presents the 2009 Hilton Head Food and Wine Festival. The festival will be held March 11 – 15 at the Sea Pines Country Club and Coastal Discovery at Honey Horn. This signature event features the exquisite culinary delights from the island’s nationally recognized chefs paired with over 1,500 wines from across the globe.
The medal winning wines have already been announced for the 2009 event and include:
Best of Show Bubbly Champagne: Pascal Doquet NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc Best of Show Red: Alexander Valley Vineyards 2005 Cyrus Alexander Valley Estate and Best of Show White: Chasing Venus 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
View a full listing of 2009 award winners at ResortQuestHiltonHeadIsland.com.
The Festival kicks-off on March 11 with the Pol Roger Champagne Tasting and Welcome Dinner, to be held at The Studio on Hilton Head Island and is presented by the Hilton Head Island Chapter of the American Institute of Food and Wine. Dinner events and wine tastings continue at venues around the island, including Wine Times 4, WiseGuys bar and restaurant, Aqua Grille & Lounge, the Old Fort Pub, Red Fish restaurant and the XO Lounge. The Grand Wine Tasting event takes place on Friday, March 13 at the Sea Pines Country Club from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Cost for the Grand Tasting is $150 per person (plus $5 gate pass). Featured wines include La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2005, Cliff Lede Poetry 2005, Miner Oracle 2005 and the Rombauer Diamond Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
The most popular event at the Wine & Food Festival is the public tasting, held this year at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, Saturday, March 14 from 12 noon – 4 pm. Cost is $40 per person, and includes entrance to all of the featured tasting events, such as the Tailgate Gourmet Challenge and the Grey Goose Best Bartender Challenge.
For more event details, tickets and a full schedule of events, visit the Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association website at hiltonheadhospitality.org.
ResortQuest Hilton Head is an official sponsor of the 2009 festival and is offering a full selection of discount Hilton Head Food & Wine Festival lodging packages including free tickets to the Public Tasting and vacation rental accommodations throughout Hilton Head during the event. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of resort accommodations, complete with kitchen, living and dining areas and scenic golf course and ocean settings.
Guests can experience 3 nights lodging in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium or villa, plus four adult tickets to the March 14 Public Tasting event from as low as $180 a per person* (restrictions apply). All ResortQuest Hilton Head guests enjoy free tennis, discounted golf, free DVD rentals and the exclusive ResortQuest Recommends program offering deals and discounts on over 160 restaurants, shops and activities. All vacation rentals offer fully-equipped kitchens and immediate access to beaches, tennis, golf and water sports. To claim this offer, visit the ResortQuest Hilton Head Island lodging website or contact a reservations specialist at 800.653.9638 and mention promotion code REF WFF.
Throughout March, ResortQuest Hilton Head is offering 30% off lodging as part of the ResortQuest “More For Your Money” promotion. To claim this offer, visit the ResortQuest Hilton Head Island lodging website or contact a reservations specialist at 800.653.9638 and mention promotion code REF MYM.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
RESORTQUEST HILTON HEAD ISLAND PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2009 HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Help for Hilton Head in a Tough Economy
With many people scaling back in the face of tough economic times, 2009 is a year when value is going to be the key to spending, particularly when it comes to vacations. Folks are still traveling but they're being really choosy about where they spend their hard-earned money. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce hopes a $200,000-plus ad campaign beginning next month will encourage those within an easy drive of the island to do just that.
Much of the ad campaign, with money from The Town’s crisis reserves, is focused on advertising on Internet sites used by people in key demographics in the two closest, affluent drive markets: Atlanta and Charlotte. Both cities also offer direct flights to Hilton Head Island Airport and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport as an option.
The campaign will also include electronic billboards and radio spots during drive-time hours and a small number of print ads, and promotional banners and 3D models at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Those will focus on branding the island as a place to relax, recharge and reconnect with loved ones.
This is a key booking time right now and most lodging properties are not at the same pace right now as last year. The Internet campaign should allow the chamber to expand its large database of people who have either visited the island or expressed interest in taking a vacation here in the recent past. The chamber sends everyone in the database a monthly newsletter in order to keep the island fresh in people's minds.
Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival
For more information on the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, visit ResortQuestHiltonHead.com.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
RESORTQUEST HILTON HEAD WELCOMES WORLD CLASS PIANISTS TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina welcomes the Hilton Head International Piano Contest, a special presentation by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. This event brings together talented musicians from across the globe to compete for over $33,000.000 in prizes. ResortQuest Hilton Head offers over 500 vacation rentals and condominiums on Hilton Head Island and is proud to support the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
February 10, 2009 Hilton Head Island SC – This March, Hilton Head Island and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra welcomes the talented musicians of the Hilton Head International Piano Contest. This world-class event takes place March 2 – 9, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island and is presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. It brings together international pianists and judges for a week of extraordinary performances by pianists ages 18 – 30. Participants compete for over $33,000 in prizes plus coveted concert placements.
For more information and tickets to the contest, contact the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at 843-842-2055 or visit www.hhso.org.
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is entering its 27th year on Hilton Head Island and for over a quarter century has remained true to their goal of bringing an unparalleled orchestral experience to the visitors and residents of Hilton Head Island. The 2009 performance schedule focuses on the work of the Masters, with major pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Sibelius, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky in eight classically themed concerts.
ResortQuest Hilton Head Island is a strong supporter of the local arts and culture of Hilton Head Island. Guests visiting Hilton Head Island during the 2009 Symphony season receive special lodging rates through ResortQuest Hilton Head Island. ResortQuest's "More for your Money" March promotion gives guests 30% off any March stay. Guests must mention booking code INT MYM and book no later than March 1, 2009. The promotion is valid for any stay between March 1 and March 31, 2009. To book the “More for Your Money” March Hilton Head special, visit www.resortquesthiltonhead.com.
The Hilton Head Island condominiums and private vacation homes offered by ResortQuest Hilton Head Island offer the space, amenities and location ideally suited for any destination vacation. Guests enjoy free tennis, discounted golf, free DVD rentals and the exclusive ResortQuest Recommends program offering deals and discounts on over 160 restaurants, shops and activities. All vacation rentals offer fully-equipped kitchens for family meals and immediate access to beaches, tennis, golf and water sports.
Events Hilton Head
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wakeboarding on Hilton Head
For those of you who like a little adventure Hilton Head is a great place to go wakeboarding. Wakeboarding is a water sport in which a person attached to a wakeboard is being pulled by a rope from behind a boat using techniques that are similar to water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. Wakeboards are made of buoyant foam and coated in fiberglass and measure about 4 to 5 feet long on average. Boots are attached to the board that your feet slip into with your toes facing the side edge, like a snowboard.
Wakeboarding is a relatively new sport being that it was invented in the late 1980's after the advent of ski boarding. In 1990 the Hyperlite wakeboard was introduced at the World Ski Board Championships and was a phenomenal hit. Since then wakeboarding has been growing in popularity and been embraced by water sports enthusiasts and sports competitions nationwide, including the X Games.
Wakeboarding is an exhilarating and challenging sport because you are being pulled by a rope from behind a boat traveling at about 20-30 mph. You can also move left and right over the wake that is being displaced. Wakeboarding is fun for all ages because you can make it as simple or as difficult as you like. Simply riding behind the boat and moving left to right is always an option, but you care to up the ante you can also utilize the combination of speed and wake to attempt an array of tricks and jumps.
Hilton Head is a particularly good place to wakeboard for multiple reasons. It's a good excuse to get out on the boat and see the gorgeous low country scenery and wildlife from the water. Our area is particularly unique because there are tiny islands that surround and protect the coastline. Not only do they provide a pretty picture but they block movement from the tides providing a glassy calm ocean surface which is ideal for smooth riding.
While on your Hilton Head Island vacation you are interested in giving wakeboarding a try, I would head down to Palmetto Bay Marina. The marina hosts boats for rent and is also the headquarters of the Wakeboarding and Waterskiing School of Hilton Head.
Parasailing
Charter Fishing on Hilton Head
Having an experienced captain at the helm ensures safe travels throughout the marsh/oyster beds during low tide, will provide all the equipment, bait, licensures and knowledge of the best fishing spots. The length of your trip can depend on how far out to sea you actually travel, but leaving the sight of land is not incumbent on your good time. Being that Hilton Head is home to some of the largest shark breeding grounds in the world and is well known for inshore fishing, it is not uncommon to catch 60-100 lb sharks, reel in over 70 red fish and see the Tarpon roll all within sight of shore.
Biking on Hilton Head
Top Ten
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has been named one of the Top 10 Family Beaches by Sherman’s Travel and has a lasting reputation for safe, year-round family fun. ResortQuest Hilton Head Island offers nearly 500 vacation rentals, condos and private beach homes in this premier resort destination, ideal for any family vacation getaway.
January 21, 2009 Hilton Head Island, SC – After being named one of Sherman Travel’s Top 10 Family Beaches, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has retained a reputation for being a premier destination for families seeking a safe, fun and friendly environment for their vacation getaway. The abundance of kid’s activities, events and adventures both on and off the beach make Hilton Head Island the ideal destination for young and old alike.
ResortQuest Hilton Head Island is one of the island’s top Hilton Head Island vacation rental providers and as part of the “ResortQuest Recommends” guest information series, has named their “Top 10 Just For Kids” activities on Hilton Head Island:
Number 1: Just Beachin’ It Hilton Head Island was voted in the Top 10 Family Beaches by Sherman’s Travel in May 2007 and the fourteen miles of South Carolina beachfront on Hilton Head Island are child-friendly indeed. They offer mild, shallow waters, gentle waves and seashell-dotted sandy shores. Keep a careful eye and kids might spot a frolicking pod of dolphins just off the coast, or take part in any number of cruises and water sports offered in the nearby Harbour Town center.
Number 2: Coastal Discovery Museum The Coastal Discovery Museum offers programs, activities and exhibits year-round to make learning about the history, wildlife and heritage of Hilton Head Island a unique and enjoyable experience. Enjoy “Turtle Talks”, “Get to Know a Gator” and many more fun kid activities. For information visit coastaldiscovery.org.
Number 3: The Sea Pines “Fun for Kids!” Summer Day Camp Fun for Kids! is a supervised recreational program held a Hilton Head Island Sea Pines. A fun-filled day could include swimming, putt-putt golf, beach games, boat cruises, crabbing, hay rides, arts and crafts and more! Program is for ages 4 – 12, call for more information: 834.671.3590.
Number 4: The Sandbox This interactive children’s museum is filled with unique and entertaining, hands-on, educational play areas. Activities include the “No Fishing Allowed Aquarium”, the “International Bazaar” and little pilot’s plane, the “Builder’s of Tomorrow” construction zone and much more. General admission or annual memberships available, operating times vary per season, visit their website for more information: thesandbox.org
Number 5: Sky Pirate Parasail Get a little thrill with a trip on the Sky Pirate Parasail boat as you zoom over the Hilton Head Island coastline. Sky Pirate also offers boat rentals, cocktail cruises, interactive dolphin ecology trips, tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Number 6: Adventure Cove Adventure Cove is sure to keep even the most active little ones on their toes, with everything from adventure golf and carnival games to the paradise lagoon and giant arcade. Great option for a birthday party or special family event.
Number 7: The Bear Mill The Bear Mill is a magical place where kids get the chance to build new friends and bring them to life before their very eyes.
Number 8: The Art Café The Art Café, a paint-your-own pottery studio has hundreds of items to choose from. It provides creative fun out of the sun or on a rainy day. Bring the kids, moms and dads or grandparents, the best part is – you don’t have to clean up after yourself!
Number 9: Palmetto Dunes Outfitters Palmetto Dunes Outfitters is your headquarters for outdoor adventure on Hilton Head Island, offering bike, canoe and kayak rentals. For more information on Palmetto Dunes visit resortquesthiltonhead.com.
Number 10: Art Ware Art Ware, located in the charming Main Street Village, is a pleasure to visit any time of year. Fun and cheerful, they feature local artists, multi-functional accessories and just about anything that will bring a smile to your face. Fun jewelry is their specialty, all at great prices. Shop online at artwaredesigns.com.
Guests searching for the perfect Hilton Head vacation rental to complete their dream family vacation need look no further than ResortQuest Hilton Head Island. The Hilton Head Island condominiums and private vacation homes offered by ResortQuest Hilton Head Island offer the space, amenities and location ideally suited for a family retreat. Enjoy free tennis, discounted golf, free DVD rentals and the exclusive ResortQuest Recommends program offering deals and discounts on over 160 restaurants, shops and activities. All vacation rentals offer fully-equipped kitchens for family meals and immediate access to beaches, tennis, golf and water sports. To book your Hilton Head family vacation, visit resortquesthiltonhead.com or call 800.875.8726.
CQ's, an Island Tradition
One of the great things about coming to Hilton Head Island is the variety of world-class fine dining and just darn good food & beverage options. Without a doubt the Island will provide your palate with whatever you may be hungry for.
Tucked in the shadows of Spanish moss laced live oak trees in Harbour Town, you will find a restaurant called CQ's. Known for its' history and consistently excellent fare, if you only do one fine dining meal during your stay, make it CQ's http://www.cqsrestaurant.com/. Be sure to utilize the ResortQuest Recommends program for a 10% discount off of your food bill! Some of my favorite creations by Chef Eric Sayers include their rich Lobster Pasta, succulent local Atlantic Shrimp Bisque and the exquisite Ahi Tuna prepared with Asian vegetables, edamame hummus with ponzu and pickled ginger.
I prefer to pair the food at CQ's with a Samuel Smith organic pilsner; however, if wine is your thing then you will not be disappointed with CQ's Wine Cellar, offering over 400 selections of the best vino on the planet.For desert, indulge in one of the daily specials, and sit back with a snifter of fine spirit and relax in the ambience of this special place. CQ's is a proud member of ResortQuest's Recommends Program...
Bon Appetite!
Dinner and a Show
When you come to Hilton Head Island, you will be amazed at the variety and quality of our food & beverage options. If you are traveling with family or that special someone, or just needs a quality adults' night out, go no further than the Jazz Corner. With your ResortQuest Recommends Card, you can enjoy the Jazz Corner at an even better value as you're entitled to 10% off the food bill.
The Jazz Corner is located in the Shops at Wexford. It's an intimate venue to see some of the best musicians our Island has to offer, but wait, the food and service is world-class too! A great combination of a cool vibe (the martini glasses chilling on the bar is always a good sign), a wonderful meal and some exceptional Jazz will provide for a memorable evening. Some of my favorites dishes at the Jazz Corner include the Crab Nachos; lump crab combined with fresh cilantro and red peppers topped off with an avocado cream and chipotle aioli. Or how about the Hazelnut Encrusted Red Snapper over rich angel hair pasta and garlic alfredo sauce?As you wind down your dining experience and prepare for the show, do not pass up an after diner coffee drink and a piece of the chocloate kahlua mousse cake!
Check out the Jazz Corner's web site for who is gracing the stage and be sure to make reservations http://www.thejazzcorner.com/
The Jazz Corner is a proud member of the ResortQuest Recomends Program.
Lunch on the Beach
So by now you may have read my previous posts about some of the best fine dinning spots on Hilton Head Island (CQ's and the Jazz Corner).
Trust me, there will be more posts on the classy spots of the Island to come but for this week, we will take a new twist. One of the unique things about the beaches on Hilton Head is their fantastic surface for biking, especially when the tide is out. I suggest you make a day of a long bike ride and lunch at the beach! Start by taking your beach cruiser (or rent one from Palmetto Dunes Outfitters)and hit the beach at the "Dunes House", just inside the Mariners Gate at Palmetto Dunes.
Begin by riding south or to the beach goers right toward Forest Beach. As you cruise for 6 miles on our world class beach, you will see ResortQuest's amazing ocean front properties, and view all sorts of nature and people watching. You will also work up a great appetite. Just before the point of the Island you see in the distance, look for the "Sea Pines Beach Club". There you can enjoy a great lunch al fresco overlooking the Atlantic and refuel for the downwind coast back to the Dunes House.
Some of my favorites at the Beach Club are the Peel & Eat Shrimp, the Dill Tuna Salad Wrap or if you're feeling hearty, the Half Pound Angus Burger with Sea Pines Chips. A full selection of exotic island beverages and wine/beer compliment the easy fare at the Beach Club.
A couple of tips: be sure to take your ResortQuest Reccommends Card for a 10% discount off of your food bill. Bring lots of water for the ride and be sure to give yourself some time for digestion before making the journey back to Palmetto Dunes. There are other places to eat on the Beach as well if a 14 mile round trip is not what you are looking for, but if you do this trip, you will have a great day and get some great excercise to boot!
The Sea Pines Beach Club is a proud member of the ResortQuest Recomends Program.
Bon Appetite!
Casual Elegeance
Greetings food and wine connoisseurs!
Alright, do you believe in a sure thing? Well, I've got one for you. You cannot go wrong on Hilton Head Island by choosing Red Fish for lunch or dinner. This place is fresh. This place is cool. Its Napa Valley meets Caribbean flair with a dash of southern service. Here's a hint: Don't miss it! The quality and comfort of Red Fish is evident immediately.
A nice patio for dinning al fresco, a welcome greeting at the door, and soon you and your guests are seated comfortably with tall vino glasses begging for your attention. OK, lots of great choices here, relax and don't get overwhelmed; you can't go wrong. My style is to start with a glass of white wine, perhaps a crisp Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc to warm up the palate. If this isn't your thing, Red Fish offers over 1,000 different wines from around the world! My next move; an order of Shrimp Ceviche, with spicy salsa and some Chef's special Flat Bread (changes daily). The wine and food pairing tastes so good (another glass please!) that I'm now squarely focused on choosing my entree. Horseradish Encrusted Salmon with mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and lobster cream sauce, WOW!
Red Fish also has you "meatatarians" covered with a nice selection of steak and burgers. Finish it off with a "Key West" Key Lime Pie and prepare to be satisfied! Kudos to Chef Sean Walsh (CIA Grad)and the entire staff at Red Fish for their award winning (literally) performance!
Red Fish also offers retail items, catering and a wine club and is a proud member of the ResortQuest Recommends Program.
http://www.redfishofhiltonhead.com/
8 Archer Road (off of Pope Ave)
843-686-3388
Bon Appetite!
Family Seafood Dining
OK, you've come to Hilton Head Island. Of course, you must be here for the seafood correct? If I'm right, than don't miss the opportunity to check out Hilton Head Island's own Old Oyster Factory.
Set on the scenic Broad Creek, this establishment provides a low country classic landscape, with sweeping marshland views from every room of the House. Its name is no coincidence, the restaurant was built on the original site of an oyster cannery, and hundreds of oysters were harvested and processed daily here for nearly 70 years. The cuisine here leaves nothing to be desired. Fresh oysters, seafood and steaks prevail. Top off any entree with an Oscar preparation (asparagus, crab meat and béarnaise), or add a side order of tasty grilled scallops or shrimp.
The Old Oyster Factory features a concise but outstanding wine list, there will be no problem finding the perfect pairing for your palate. For dessert, the chef prepares an outstanding collection of delectable's daily. If you're up for it, try the incredible Chocolate Fantasia, a delight to top off the meal and a great dish to share.
You're entitled to even more value with your ResortQuest Recommends Card! http://www.oldoysterfactory.com101 Marshland Road843-681-6040 Bon Appetite!
Big City Flair on Hilton Head Island
Are you a wise guy? Like a little taste of the big city?
Then you will fit right in on the North end of the Island in the Main Street Village at Frankie Bones & Wise Guys. Frankie Bones Italian-American restaurant was voted "Best New Restaurant" in 2005 by Hilton Head Monthly magazine.
Its menu features classic and exceptional preparations of the best steak, chops and seafood around. Frankie Bones will leave you smiling and with a spring in your step from the swanky atmosphere, snappy sounds and sure value of your experience. Frankie Bones serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
If you're feeling even more "Zoot Suitish", don't miss Wise Guys right next door! Wise Guys features outstanding cuisine with an uptown flair. The professional and attractive staff will help steer you toward any direction your palate may wish to take you. Or, settle in at the bar for an outstanding selection of appetizers, flat bread and quite simply, the best wine by the glass selection on the Island (Dom Perignon by the glass)! A
nd remember, with your ResortQuest Recommends Card, you will enjoy 10% off your food bill! Frankie Bones and Wise Guys are proud members of the ResortQuest Recommends Program. Frankie Bones & Wise Guys
843-682-4455
frankiebonesrestaurant.com
1301 Main Street
Bon Appetite!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
RESORTQUEST HILTON HEAD ISLAND HONORS CULTURE WITH THE ANNUAL GULLAH CELEBRATION
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has a long history of culture rooted in the early settlement and colonization of the United States. The Gullah Celebration is a unique event that pays homage to the culture and language of the original “Gullah”, West African slaves who were brought to work the cotton plantations of the South. ResortQuest Hilton Head offers vacation rentals and condominiums on Hilton Head Island and is proud to support the Gullah Celebration, a Hilton Head cultural event.
February 4, 2009 Hilton Head Island SC – Although its origins are rooted in slavery, the Gullah culture and celebration in Hilton Head Island and the surrounding “Lowcountry” coastal region of South Carolina has become a tribute to West African language, crafts, culture and art. Described as “One of the cultural wonders of the world you must see,” by USA Today, the Gullah Celebration spans the month of February, and is hosted by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Assocation, Inc (NIBAA). Schedule of events includes: De Aarts Ob We People XII Art Show & Sale, an Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast, National Freedom Day Banquet, A Gullah Film Fest Series, A Taste of Gullah – Food & Entertainment, A Celebration of Low Country Authors and Books, the Arts, Crafts & Food Expo on Presidents Day Weekend, De Gullah Playhouse, and Youth Musical.
The original “Gullah” were African slaves who were shipped across the Atlantic from West Africa to work the cotton plantations of the South. Out of this slavery was born a unique culture that is now known as Gullah. Although commonly associated with the language of these West African immigrants, the essence of Gullah encompasses the struggle, spirituality, perseverance and tradition of the people.
The modern day Gullah subscribe to high religion and the celebration of spiritual redemption in leading their daily lives. The culture is a thriving mix of language, folktales and superstition that has shaped generations of families who live on Hilton Head Island and in the Lowcountry today.
ResortQuest Hilton Head Island supports this celebration of local culture and community awareness. Guests searching to experience the Gullah Celebration this February can book vacation rentals and condominiums on Hilton Head Island through the ResortQuest Hilton Head Island website. The Hilton Head Island condominiums and private vacation homes offered by ResortQuest Hilton Head Island offer the space, amenities and location ideally suited for a family retreat. Guests enjoy free tennis, discounted golf, free DVD rentals and the exclusive ResortQuest Recommends program offering deals and discounts on over 160 restaurants, shops and activities. All vacation rentals offer fully-equipped kitchens for family meals and immediate access to beaches, tennis, golf and water sports.
In addition to attending the annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration which gives visitors the opportunity to share in rich cultural traditions and crafts; while in town, guests can also visit Mitchelville - the first freed Negro township; Gullah Heritage Trail - Hilton Head Island; Ibile Indigo House - a working studio where visitors learn the tradition of West African indigo-dye processes and products; Zion Chapel of Ease - Hilton Head's oldest cemetery; Queen Chapel AME Church - established in 1860 as a "praise house" for Pope Plantation slaves.
Hilton Head Island visitors can immerse themselves in Gullah culture year round with a visit to De Gullah Creations. Located in Shelter Cove Mall, this unique consignment store is a cultural co-op owned and operated by the native Gullah community and is dedicated to improving the economic condition of the Gullah community and to providing a unique showcase for the talented artisans who celebrate and capture Lowcountry life.
Check out this video for more information on the Hilton Head Gullah:
Monday, February 9, 2009
is giving you more for your money in March!
Visitors to ResortQuest Hilton Head receive special lodging rates through ResortQuest. ResortQuest's "More for your Money" March promotion offers 30% off all lodging in Hilton Head. Guests must mention booking code INT MYM and book no later than March 1, 2009. The promotion is valid for any stay between March 1 and March 31, 2009.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Palmetto Dunes Golfing
Palmetto Dunes Golf is not to be missed on Hilton Head. With 3 outstanding courses, air conditioned carts, segways and a golf school and clinics headed up by PGA Pro Doug Weaver; Palmetto Dunes offers some of the most memorable experiences on the Island. The Arthur Hills course is my personal favorite. Built through rolling dunes and palm trees, Hills will treat your eye and your game to an unforgettable round. Hills features a great practice facility, and the staff at Palmetto Dunes is always at your beck and call. Be sure to look for the historic lighthouse, tucked behind the 5th and 15th greens. Robert Trent Jones created a phenomenal layout in Palmetto Dunes and in 2002, the Resort renovated the course into one of the best courses in the southeast. The course is challenging yet playable and will leave you wanting more. Its signature hole, the par 5 10th, reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Don't miss the Robert Trent Jones Course. George Fazio is one of the most renowned golf architects and his efforts in Palmetto Dunes live up to his reputation. This course requires long precision and a short game to boot. And if you have it going left the day you play Fazio, forget it! Be sure to try out a segway on the Trent Jones course and take lots of pictures because your friends will not believe you! Riding a segway with your clubs attached is a lot of fun and is an experience you will not soon forget. Don't forget your RQ Recomends Card for preferred rates. Palmetto Dunes Golf is a proud member of the ResortQuest Recommends Program. FORE! Golf Hilton Head Palmetto Dunes Resort Hilton Head
Harbour Town Golf Links
Located in Sea Pines Resort, the Links at Harbour Town is the quintessential Hilton Head Island golf experience. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye, this course plays to a par 71 at 6,973 and a slope of 146.
Golfers of all ability levels will love Harbour Town, and the warm service the golf staff provides will make you smile throughout the round. Your forecaddie will give the lay of the land on each spectacular hole. The forecaddie will also help you find errant shots, read greens and rake bunkers. The front nine at Harbour Town will progressively build up to the hardest hole on the course; #8 which is a 470 yard par four dogleg left with trouble everywhere. Take anything less than a 6 on this hole and "run" to the ninth tee, where you will be lulled into smashing a drive toward the green 332 yards away. But be warned, this green is tougher to hit than any green on the course. The back nine starts with four par-4's that are the best in golf. When you arrive at the 15th tee, get geared up for the spectacular finishing holes ending with the Signature par four 18th, playing to the famed red & white Harbour Town lighthouse.
The links at Harbour Town is rated #1 in the state of the South Carolina, and is the home to the PGA Tour's Verizon Heritage Classic every April. Boo Weekley will look to defend in 2009 for the third year in a row. And the best thing; with your ResortQuest Recommends Card you will enjoy discounted green fees all year long! Don't miss the Links at Harbour Town!
866-561-8802 http://www.seapines.com/golf/harbour_town_golf.cfm
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Sea Pines Resort Hilton Head
Golf Hilton Head
Palmetto Hall Golfing
Greetings!
Did you know that winter is prime time for golf on Hilton Head Island? The sun is warm and the air is cool, and the courses which were over seeded in the fall have grown in nicely and are in great shape this time of year. On the North end of Hilton Head Island, don't miss the two courses in Palmetto Hall Plantation: the Arthur Hills and the Robert Cupp Golf Courses.Here at Palmetto Hall, the courses are managed by the Heritage Golf Group.
The focus on quality and service are apparent and the courses will challenge experts and beginners alike. The Cupp course features a unique and refreshing design, interesting straight line angles and some of the best greens on the Island. Cupp plays to a par 72 and is 7,100 yards from the tips and 5,200 yards from the forward tees.
The Hills course was dubbed an instant classic upon opening in 1991. Dubbed one of America's top 10 new courses by Golf Magazine, the course cuts through heavily wooded terrain. Towering pines and moss draped live oak trees will accompany you for the whole round. Hills plays to a par 72 and ranges from 4,900 to 6,900 yards depending on your tee box selection. It all climaxes at the par 4 signature hole, #18!
You can see more of these fabulous lay-outs and book tee-time at these and other Heritage Golf Group Courses at http://www.palmettohallgolf.com/ or by calling 800-2-FIND-18. Don't forget to use your ResortQuest Recommends Card for discounted green fees! Heritage Golf is a proud member of the ResortQuest Recomends Program.
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Hilton Head Island Golf Packages
Hilton Head Island, SC
Shipyard Golfing
Shipyard Golf Club is 27 holes of gorgeous terrain weaving through the 800-acre gated resort community that is proof that great things come in small packages. Shipyard Golf Club hails from the renowned Heritage Golf Group which is nationally accredited for creating unparalleled golf and legendary service and Shipyard is the ideal paradigm. The three 9-hole courses provide four tee positions to accommodate to any level of play. Do not let the breathtaking terrain force you to lose focus as the multiple lagoons, ponds and expertly placed bunkers keep the most avid golfers challenged. To add to the overall appeal of these striking courses, Shipyard Golf Club has undergone major renovations to provide golfers the most up-to-date golf Hilton Head Island has to offer. If you are a returning golfer to Shipyard you will notice the changes immediately as the bag-drop area and club house are completely refurbished and modernized to make for smooth transitions, and a relaxed, comfortable and organized greeting area. The practice courses have all been restored as well, including new surface putting greens, remodeled bunkers in the chipping area and a completely mended driving range. Shipyard Golf Club proudly offers PGA professional instruction including private lessons and clinics by Kyle Mobley. Renovations to the golf courses have made extreme improvements to the overall appeal of everything from the greens to the bunkers. The superintendent team expertly chose to remove 27 bunkers over 27 holes to improve the consistency of the course and mended the drainage and sprinkler systems throughout to ensure dependability. They are also in the process of completely changing all of the greens which are being replaced with Diamond Zoysia Grass. This particular stock is distinguished by its fine texture, genetic stability, uniform quality and superior salt tolerance which is primarily important in our island atmosphere. Although all three courses are open to the public, it will be in peak playing form around October First. Special thanks go to the Superintendent Greg Baxter and Assistant Superintendent Doug Burdick for putting in countless hours this summer to create such amazing improvements throughout. If it was not for their fervor and love for the course I cannot imagine that we would have the opportunity to play on such well manicured terrain. Please visit their website at http://www.shipyardgolf.com/ for more information or call 843-689-GOLF for reservations and rates. Discount Golf Hilton Head
If you need an excuse to eat and drink!
Renowned for its dining and drinking establishments, it is understandable that Hilton Head hosts a festival paying homage to that which brings friends and family together for regular gatherings and celebration. Join ResortQuest Hilton Head Island, the feature sponsor for the 24th annual Wine and Food Festival, and enjoy great eats, spectacular drinks and exclusive vacation rental options.
Hilton Head's crown jewel of consumption festivities, the annual Wine and Food Fest is the east coasts largest tented outdoor wine tasting. The festival is spread over three days and features well over 1,000 wines from across the globe. This one-of-a-kind event is kicked off with a showcase of the "Great Chef's of the South" dinner where patrons will sample menu items from four of Hilton Head's most prestigious restaurants.
For the wine enthusiasts, Friday is highlighted by a grand tasting, at $150 per person, showcasing the crème de la crème of the participating wineries and vineyards. Finally, a public tasting held and at $40 ticket prices, even the most novice of wine drinkers can partake in the festivities without a guilty conscience or empty pockets. The most indulgent of days, Saturday features food and wine tastings, local bartending and server challenges, a private auction, farmers market and live music. Ideal for vacationers of all walks of life, this springtime excursion is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of the upcoming summer weather, expand your palate and learn more about the drink that brings people together.
Dining Hilton Head
Hilton Head Events
Heritage...My Favorite Holiday
The Verizon Heritage 
I am sure you are thinking: with a name like Heritage, it has to be tiresome. Let me assure you, this is no grandpa's golf game. The busiest of spring time festivities on Hilton Head Island, this professional golf tournament sets the stage for one of Hilton Head Island's biggest parties. Every tee box, fairway and putting green is surrounded by celebrating patrons and the golf course is sprinkled with tents boasting beer, champagne and golf themed gifts.
After the 18th green, travel down to the marina, where the party continues alongside the multi-million dollar boats of the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Not to forget, nearly all of the bars and restaurants on Hilton Head partake in the festivities offering great specials, extravagant soirees and Heritage themed parties. If you are a true PGA lover or just someone who wants to sport your trendiest madras print gear, The Verizon Heritage is sure to please.
Do It Factor: DO IT, with a disclaimer. This is the perfect opportunity to get away with adult groups or golf lovers. However, very large crowds of people travel throughout Sea Pines and the south end of the island during this event making it extremely congested. P.S. intoxication does tend to happen amongst Heritage patrons...you have been warned.
Live music on Hilton Head!
Music is awesome; it evokes emotion, changes moods and can even cure hysteria. But my favorite thing about music is that it goes hand-in-hand with dancing. Turn on some tunes and see all the heads bobbing and hips shaking simultaneously to the beat. This is why I love to go see music preformed live. It is a perfect concoction of quality tunes, amusing people and space to groove.
Thankfully you no longer have to travel very far to go to an entertaining show as The Shoreline Ballroom opened on Hilton Head Island this year. The Ballroom is a newly remodeled state-of-the-art performance center. The theater size stage is surrounded by over 11,000 square feet of space and highlighted by a 56 foot long art-deco styled bar. There is a nice mixture of tables and chairs adjacent to a sizeable dance floor with plenty of additional standing room. I most recently attended a jamboree at this new hot spot with my good friend Drea who is the guru of jam music with somewhere around fifty Widespread Panic shows and even more music festival attendances under her belt.
Last Saturday her and I strapped on our Rainbow sandals and cruised over to The Shoreline Ballroom to take in the musical stylings of Outformation and Col. Bruce and the Quark Alliance. Outformation opened the show to crowd of screaming fans anxiously awaiting Sam Holt, the lead guitarist, to take the first strums of what proved to be uproariously good time. My guru leaned over in between tunes to inform me that Sam Holt began his career as a guitar tech for the late Michael Houser of Widespread Panic and has amazingly similar sounds to that of the legendary guitarist. And right she was, as a first timer to Outformation, I fell head over heels for Holt's hypnotic, confident style. Outformation self described rock, psychedelic, country music provided a perfect entry for the shows headliner Col. Bruce and the Quark Alliance.
Col. Bruce is legendary in this genre of music and is benevolently referred to as the "Godfather of Jam." His music is eclectic and funky and has been called everything including country swing jazz, southern boogie and gospel bluegrass. Born in Atlanta, this southern rocker has toured with music greats and even appeared in the 1996 film Sling Blade. So it was no surprise that Col. Bruce and the Quark Alliance put on an amazing show jamming out to their funky rhythms while we all grooved to their diverse sound.
Kudos goes to The Shoreline Ballroom as they definitely spent the time and effort into finding and showcasing such amazing talent. The Ballroom has even more fun in store for upcoming shows that include the likes of Air Supply and Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band. See you there! p.s. Special thanks go to Drea for inviting me to go with her to such an amazing show...you are truly fantastic!
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