Starting on December 7th, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina will open A Christmas Story: The Musical, a holiday film classic turned hilarious musical. A great way to get into the Christmas spirit, grab your tickets and join Ralphie Parker on his exploits to fulfill his Christmas wish. Purchase tickets here.
When
December 7-31, 2022
Evening performances are at 7:30pm, and afternoon performances are either at 1:00pm or 2:00pm depending on the date. There are no performances scheduled on Sunday, the 25th and Monday, the 26th.
This musical is a great treat for families, and is best for ages 5 and older.
More About the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
This award-winning regional arts center, is an independent, non-profit theater that not only brings quality performances to the region, but organizes cultural festivals and opportunities for educational outreach to the community. Not only is there the 349-seat, Elizabeth Wallace Theater, but there is the Walter Greer Gallery that showcases artwork from over 150 local artists, and is a partnership between the Arts Center and the Art League of Hilton Head.
Fill out the short form below to receive more information about activities on Hilton Head Island:
If you’re visiting our beautiful island during the month of December, it’s a good idea to know when High or Low Tide is happening before you plan your beach bike ride or sunrise stroll.
Fill out the short form below to receive your printable tide chart:
Going by the “R Rule,” we’re in the thick of oyster season. And to catch anyone up who’s never heard of such a rule, any month that includes the letter “r” is typically considered oyster season. We won’t get into the nitty gritty of farm-raised, year-round oysters either, we’ll save that for another time.
Here in the Lowcountry, oyster season parallels the time of year when the weather gets cooler, making outdoor events and activities much more enjoyable. Oyster roasts and other food festivals seem to take over the calendar, suddenly giving way to the holiday season—another busy time and cause for celebration and community gatherings.
Photo by Charlotte Harrison
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Oysters have been at the root of our coastal communities for centuries. Historians have observed that the indigenous groups that inhabited areas such as Hilton Head Island not only relied on oysters as a main food source, but used them as tools and for trading purposes. Fast forward to a booming industry throughout the sea islands that sold canned oysters, and to generations of residents and visitors who up until today can see oysters on an abundance of restaurant’s menus.
It’s easy to only think about oysters being beloved as an appetizer or in a po’boy, but their importance far exceeds the plate garnished with a lemon and tabasco sauce. Oysters act as an important filtration system for the waters they’re in, removing contaminates and excess nutrients. One oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. The clusters of oysters, often called oyster reefs, serve as homes to many different fish species. The reefs are also known to absorb waves, helping with erosion control. And with all that being said, oysters help coastal economies other than just sale of oysters alone.
Photo by Clint Patterson
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So, what would happen if one day oysters suddenly disappeared? We’d be in big trouble.
We’re certainly not at that point, but populations have been declining throughout the United States. While oysters in South Carolina are still considered abundant, evidence that human activities have affected the populations negatively. These activities include a myriad of things, but the more oysters are taken out of the waterway, there are less shells for oyster larvae to attach to for the oyster to continue to live and ultimately go on to reproduce. The shells have been used by many generations for a wide array of reasons from construction, agriculture, and more.
Photo by Robert Linder
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The Department of Natural Resources started SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Program) to help restore the state’s oyster habitats. Recycling oyster shells is key in rebuilding reefs, while awareness of the importance of oysters is also a top priority.
Before you start throwing your old oyster shells back into the water, please know that there is a months-long process to cleaning and returning shells back into waterways to rebuild these reefs. If you do find yourself with shells left over from a dinner party or oyster roast, you can drop them off at designated recycling centers throughout the area. To find the closest one nearest you, use this interactive map provided by the DNR.
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Organized by the Island Rec Center, all are invited to the Winter Wonderland Festival at the Shelter Cove Community Park. Enjoy fun carnival games, bounces houses, and don’t miss the children’s parade! Santa has RSVP’d to this event, so make sure to bring a camera!
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Dec. 7-31 | Various Times
Starting on December 7th, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina will open A Christmas Story: The Musical, a holiday film classic turned musical. Recommended for ages 5 and up, grab your tickets and join Ralphie Parker on his exploits to fulfill his Christmas wish. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Historic Holidays on Hilton Head Island
USCB (HHI Campus)
Dec. 10 | 12:00-4:00pm
Attend the holiday tea service or find unique gifts from local authors and artists. Children under 12 are free to attend for holiday stories and complimentary cookies and milk. Learn about the island’s history and support The Heritage Library at this festive event. Purchase tickets here.
Photo by Kelsey Weinkauf
Holiday Nights and Lights
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Dec. 3-5 | 6:00-8:00pm
Celebrate the island’s newest holiday tradition at the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. In its third year, the park will once again be transformed, welcoming cars filled with cheery visitors looking for some holiday magic and Christmas lights.
Holiday Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Centre
40 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 2022
Harbour Town Lights
149 Lighthouse Rd., Hilton Head, SC 29928
Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 2022
**Gate pass required
Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits Shelter Cove Towne Center
40 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Shelter Cove to spread some holiday cheer and take festive pictures with the kiddos. Remember to bring your camera!
Black Friday & Shop Small Saturday
Nov. 25th & 26th
12pm-2pm
Winter Wonderland Festival at Shelter Cove
Dec. 3rd
5pm-7pm
December’s Friday & Saturday Dates
Fri. 9, 16, & 23 at 5pm-7pm
Sat. 10, 17, & 24 at 12pm-2pm
Menorah Lighting
Shelter Cove Towne Center
28 Shelter Cove Lane,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Dec. 19 | 5:30-6:30pm
Hosted by Chabad Greater Hilton Head
Music, light refreshments, and 9′ Menorah
Want to stay up to date on what’s happening on Hilton Head? Fill out the short form below to sign up for the Hilton Head Guest Services Newsletter:
If you happen to be celebrating Thanksgiving on our beautiful, Hilton Head Island, here is a list of festive events, as well as restaurants that will be open on November 24th.
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by Photo Jakob Owens
Thanksgiving Wagon Rides at Heritage Farm
Sea Pines Heritage Farm
Nov. 22-26
10:00am-5:00pm
Join in on the Thanksgiving-themed wagon ride brought to you by Sea Pines. Starting at the Heritage Farm, this festive wagon ride will bring you through the beautiful Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Take in Hilton Head’s version of fall colors and the natural beauty of the island’s plant and wildlife. We strongly recommend that you reserve your seats ahead of time. Purchase tickets and view available dates and times here.
Turkey Trot
Skull Creek Dockside
Nov. 23
8:00-10:00am
Organized by the Island Recreation Center, join the Hilton Head community for the 34th Annual Turkey Trot. Starting and ending at Skull Creek Dockside, runners and those walking the 1-mile Fun Walk will have a blast and are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to donate to the Deep Well food pantry. Packets must be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Click here for more information.
Gregg Russell Thanksgiving Concert
Harbour Town
Nov. 25
7:30-9:00pm
Known to be one of the best family-friendly shows in town, celebrate Thanksgiving as a community with Gregg Russell. This complimentary event will be held at the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town, however gate passes are necessary when entering the Sea Pines property. Not only will it be a night full of great music and entertainment, but the Harbour Town Christmas Tree will be officially lit for the 2022 holiday season.
It’s no secret that the fastest growing sport in the world has taken Hilton Head Island by storm. Insanely fun, and now popular throughout the United States, it’s no wonder why so many people want to find a way to play while on vacation. Regardless if you regularly play or are looking to learn how to play this exciting combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, you’ll have no trouble finding a court, clinic, or lesson while on Hilton Head.
Photo by Frankie Lopez
Many tennis clubs on the island have either converted tennis courts into pickleball courts, or have built additional pickleball courts all together. Every court offered by a club will have the correct lines, but expect many of them to have clay or Har-Tru surfaces if they’ve been converted from tennis courts. With this being the case, check the pro shops to either rent or purchase balls meant for clay courts.
The best way to learn how to play pickleball is to join in on a clinic. Since we’re lucky to have so many clinics offered by pickleball and tennis pros that have been certified to teach pickleball, you will never have to ask Google what the “kitchen” is. However, if you’re savvy with net sports, here is a link for learning how to play on your own time.
Listed below are various clubs on Hilton Head Island where you can reserve a court, join a clinic, or schedule a private lesson:
Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
In addition to being a fantastic tennis facility, there are 24 dedicated pickleball courts. This center has been nationally recognized not only for the quality of courts, but instruction as well.
Located steps away from the iconic Hilton Head Restaurant, the Salty Dog, this club offers clinics that cover a variety of skill levels. These courts are Har-Tru, and equipment rental is available.
There are 6 Har-Tru pickleball courts that allow players to play a game or two before heading over to explore or grab a bite to eat in Harbour Town. Join the pickleball pro for a clinic or private lesson.
Let us know what sports, activities, shopping, or dining options you would like to know more about or to request information on how to receive exclusive discounts:
The southernmost sea island off of South Carolina’s coast that’s home to just over 400 people, Daufuskie Island remains a mystery to many. Perhaps the secretive nature of the island is part of the allure. That, and the raw, natural beauty that feels untamed and completely forgotten in time.
Daufuskie Island can only be reached by boat, barge, or ferry. Without a bridge connecting it to the “real world,” it’s a perfect sea island escape from reality. And yet, just beyond the Calibogue Sound, Hilton Head Island can still be seen–the Harbour Town Lighthouse’s red and white stands out against the greenery, while the amount of beachgoers at South Beach will make you savor the isolated quiet of Daufuskie’s pristine waterline.
Hardly crowded during the Lowcountry’s peak summer season, Daufuskie makes an ideal day trip any time of the year. You might even prefer taking the trip in cooler temperatures as most activities primarily take place outdoors–the closest thing you’ll get to air conditioning when you’re out and about is the breeze you’ll catch on your golf cart or boat ride.
For those who want to explore the island at their own pace, renting a golf cart is highly recommended. Truly the best way to explore the island, you can easily reserve a rental cart ahead of time from Tour Daufuskie, and find it waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the dock. As fun as navigating the island on your own golf cart can be, first-time visitors might end up missing must-see locations partly because of the island’s layout, as well as not having the full understanding and story behind key landmarks.
The Daufuskie experience becomes very different when you’re shown around by the island experts. Tour Daufuskie offers tours that cover all interests from history, culture, local artisans, or wildlife in the area. You’ll get the most out of your visit without worrying if you’ll be back at the dock in time to catch your ferry or water taxi back to Hilton Head.
Whatever you do, please don’t be fooled by the small-town atmosphere–the island isn’t exactly walkable. The amount of unpaved roads and the distance between landmarks will leave your group exhausted and your shoes full of sand.
Depending on how much time you have to see the island, your day on Daufuskie can be as laid back or as action packed as you’d like it to be. Most people want to stop at some of the better-known landmarks, like the First Union African Baptist Church. Built in 1884, this historic church is also the only active church on the island. Just up the road, you’ll be able to find the Mary Fields School, the very same school house that legendary author, Pat Conroy, taught at and included in his first best-selling book, The Water is Wide. Make sure to walk behind the school for a delicious cup of coffee, chai latte, or frozen lemonade from School Grounds Coffee, now operating out of the old cafeteria.
From there, you’ll have some decisions to make. If you’ve brought along a beach towel and have some time to spare, head over to Turtle Beach for the most secluded beach time during your entire trip to the Lowcountry.
History buffs will want to continue on to the Lighthouse Museum or the Billie Burn Historic Museum to learn more about the Gullah culture and influence on the island.
Those wanting to take home a piece of Daufuskie made by local artisans will definitely want to visit Iron Fish. You’ll also want to make time to tour the distillery for a tasting of the island’s finest rum, bourbon, or vodka. Families will love a trip to the community farm, Melrose Rookery, or a horseback ride on the beach.
Once lunch time comes around, you’ll have an even harder decision to make–where to eat!
From hot chicken to fresh seafood, there are a handful of restaurants that offer al fresco dining under beautiful live oaks or overlooking the water.
At the end of the visit, comfortable boat seats and exciting accounts of the day from fellow visitors await you on the return trip. Consider taking a water taxi or a private charter from Hilton Head Boat Chartersfor a more personal experience. Their knowledgable captains will give you recommendations of what to do in the area, and will point out interesting sites and wildlife along the way–and yes, that includes dolphins!
For more information and discounts for any activities on and around Hilton Head Island, fill out the short form below:
If you’re visiting our beautiful island during the month of November, it’s a good idea to know when High or Low Tide is happening before you plan your beach bike ride or sunrise stroll.
Fill out the short form below to receive your printable tide chart:
Earlier this month, Travel+Leisure listed what they considered to be the best golf courses in South Carolina, which you can read here.
Photo by Robert Linder
Considering that there are more than 350 to choose from, we were especially excited to find that the first on the list was none other than Harbour Town Golf Links, located on our very own Hilton Head Island. The writer, Patricia Doherty, also adds that there are more than 23 championship courses on the island, giving even more credit where credit is due.
With the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse overlooking the 18th hole, Harbour Town Golf Links is best known for hosting the PGA Tour for RBC Heritage every spring. The founder of Sea Pines, Charles E. Fraser, established the tournament in 1969, allowing the Heritage Classic Foundation to raise millions for various charities over the years. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus are just two of the big names in golf that have won the RBC Heritage over the years.
Doherty continues to name Palmetto Bluff’s May River Golf Club and Daufuskie Island’s Haig Point as the second and third golf courses on the list, solidifying that Hilton Head Island makes the perfect home base for a dream vacation destination for golfers.
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Golf Course in South Carolina
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If you’re interested in discounted rounds of golf at various golf courses on Hilton Head Island, please fill out the short form below:
The fall season is well underway in the Lowcountry, and as the end of October creeps up on us, we’re getting ready to celebrate this spooky time of year. Read on to learn more about the events scheduled just in time for Halloween.
Click here for a full schedule of 2022’s fall events.
October 19-22, 2022
7:00pm
Zion Cemetery & Baynard Mausoleum Outdoor Learning Center
Join the Heritage Library at one of the spookiest and most haunted locations on Hilton Head for an evening full of ghost stories and paranormal accounts. Recommended for those 10-years and older, learn all about the most famous historical figures haunting the island. Purchase tickets here.
You’re cordially invited to a festive wagon ride through the scenic Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Play a specially-themed game of I-Spy to get into the Halloween spirit. Reserve your seat ahead of time, and feel free to arrive in costume. Tickets can be purchased here.
Shelter Cove will host this free event on the Friday before Halloween. Kids are encouraged to dress up and enter the Costume Contest at 5:45. Enjoy free games and activities with the option of purchasing concessions and the chance to climb a rock wall or go for a train ride.
Another reason to show off your wicked Halloween costume, all ages are invited for this Harbour Town celebration. Join in on fun activities and trick-or-treating, hosted by Sea Pines Resort. Although this is a free event, a gate fee is required to enter the Sea Pines property.
Want to stay up to date on what’s happening on Hilton Head? Fill out the short form below to sign up for the Hilton Head Guest Services Newsletter:
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