RESORTQUEST HILTON HEAD ISLAND PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2009 HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

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.

Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival

For more information on the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, visit ResortQuestHiltonHead.com.

Horseback Riding on HHI

Adventure Tours Hilton Head Island

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:

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.