The Mystery of the Indian Shell Ring in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve

The very first visitors arrived on Hilton Head Island 4,000 years ago. These early Indians migrated to the coastal islands of the Southeastern Coast and returned again and again. The evidence of these early visitors lies deep in the heart of Sea Pines Plantation in the Forest Preserve.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve Map

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve has a long and colorful history. Starting in 1700, it flourished as an agricultural area producing rice, indigo and cotton. But even before settlers came to Hilton Head Island, the Nomadic Indians visited the area to hunt small game and harvest seafood. During their visits to the island, a shell ring was constructed most likely as a tribal or ceremonial plaza. This perfect circle of oysters, clams, whelk, and other shells and bones from animals, is estimated to have taken over 300 years to build. That’s an impressive return-trip rate to our Island. The shells were carried a short distance from the tidal salt marsh that once flowed through the center of Sea Pines. The structure was constructed by placing shells in a ring formation, then filling in the gaps with more shells and lastly, packing the ring with crushed shell and soil. There are no signs that anyone lived around the ring, only that is was most likely a gathering place for the passing visitors. Similar rings and Indian mounds are found throughout the Southeast, seemingly providing an encampment for the Nomadic Indians.

 Finding a shell ring in the middle of a forest may seem strange to visitors but there is a reason to its placement. Nearly 40 centuries ago, the current freshwater swamp in the heart of the forest preserve was once part of a tidal inlet that ran from Folly Creek to South Beach in Sea Pines. The inlet was an easily navigable route for the Indians to find refuge while hunting and fishing in the area.

Exploring Hilton Head Island’s nature preserves and history is a must while visiting the Island. Visiting the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and the Indian Shell Ring is easy. Pay a small entrance fee to Sea Pines Plantation and begin your adventure. Once in the gate of the community, about a mile on the left is a sign for the Forest Preserve. Park here and begin your scenic walk across boardwalks, through woodlands and past beautiful lakes. About 20 minutes into your walk, signs will lead to a shallow basin enclosed by a low shell wall. You've arrived at the Indian Shell Ring.

No one knows why the ring was abandoned over 3,500 years ago. Scientists attribute the disappearance of the inhabitants to climate change and a rising sea level that left seafood populations scarce.  The Shell Ring is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered an Island treasure. Visit the Shell Ring in Sea Pines Forest Preserve and formulate your own story. Hilton Head Island is full of mysteries, history and nature waiting to be discovered.

HiltonHeadIslander.com, a division of Performance Development Corporation (PDC), features information about Hilton Head Island, South Carolina from vacation rentals to real estate featuring details on events, hotels, restaurants, golf, activities, shopping & spas. Created for visitors and locals alike, HiltonHeadIslander.com is the source for all things Hilton Head Island.

Day Trip From Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island

Hilton Head Island is full of activities for the vacationer but if you would like to experience something a little different, take a day trip to Daufuskie Island. Daufuskie is full of history and culture just waiting to be explored.  Daufuskie was originally occupied by native Indians prior to the arrival of European explorers in the 16^th century. Plantations covered the island prior to the Civil War when they were occupied by Union Soldiers. Freed slaves then occupied the island and grew cotton which has left a legacy of rich Gullah history. Remaining virtually untouched,  Daufuskie Island offers a glimpse of what other sea islands were like before technology and urban growth.

Visitors won’t find the hustle and bustle of city life. In fact Daufusie has very few paved roads and not a single traffic light. Instead the visitor will find unspoiled beauty of the lowcountry, quiet beaches, and natural woodlands filled with pines and live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Included in the natural flora and fauna of Daufuskie Island, you’ll find loggerhead turtle nests, herds of deer, the rare black fox squirrel, alligators sunning on banks, bald eagles soaring the sky, and pods of dolphins frolicking along the shore. Exploring this beautiful island, you’ll find treasures including arrowheads and pottery from Indian settlements, relics from revolutionary and civil war battles, and remains of china from large plantation homes that once occupied the island. Daufuskie is also home to some of the few remaining tabby ruins in Beaufort County. Serving as plantation slave quarters, these homes were constructed of a mixture of crushed oyster shells, lime, sand, and water. Few know that Jimmy Buffet’s 1988 song, “The Price of Tides” laments the urbanization of the island and the loss of the Gullah culture. And Pat Conroy’s book, The Water is Wide, was set on Daufuskie island where Mr. Conroy recounts his experiences of teaching on the island in the 1960’s.

Daufuskie is home to approximately 250 full time residents and 400 part time residents. Haig Point and Melrose include private residences and rental cottages but the rest of the island remains undeveloped with a few homes scattered throughout the island.

Daufuskie is accessible by passenger ferry or private boat with travel times ranging from 15-45 minutes.  Ferry boats to Daufuskie Island leave from Hilton Head Marina at various times. Once you arrive on the island, golf carts are available for rent. Be sure to rent your cart for at least two hours giving you plenty of time to explore. You’ll be provided with a detailed map of the area including landmarks you won’t want to miss. Once you’ve finished your exploration, the island offers two restaurants, the Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina and Marshside Mamas at the county dock. 

Shrimp or Crab...Which Lowcountry favorite do you prefer?

Also referred to as Frogmore Stew, this one-pot wonder is enjoyed by many throughout the south. The traditional Lowcountry Boil is a simple dish consisting of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes. It’s easily served up on newspaper, which provides for quick clean up, and usually paired with melted butter and cocktail sauce. Lowcountry Boil is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.  The recipe is pretty basic but feel free to add in onions or blue crabs to make it your own.

Lowcountry Boil

4 pounds small red potatoes
5 quarts water
1 (3-ounce) bag of crab boil seasoning
4 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
2 pounds kielbasa or hot smoked link sausage cut into 1½-inch pieces
6 ears of corn, halved
4 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined optional
Cocktail sauce

Add potatoes to large pot, then add 5 quarts water and seasonings. Cover pot and heat to a rolling boil; cook 5 minutes. Add sausage and corn, and return to a boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Add shrimp to stockpot; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain. Serve with cocktail sauce. Serves 12.

(Adapted from Southern Living, August 2002 and Real Simple, August 2001)

Found to be plentiful throughout the inland waters of the Lowcountry, blue crabs are another favorite a favorite in the south. Simple to prepare and similar to that of Lowcountry Boil, crabs are best enjoyed around a newspaper topped table with friends. No extras or frills needed here, just melted butter and your cracking skills. Enjoy!

Paula’s Savannah-Style Blue Crabs

3 heaping tablespoons crab seasoning, such as Old Bay                                                                         1 tablespoon white vinegar   
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 dry bay leaves
2 lemons, split in half
1 bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped
6 blue crabs
Melted butter, for serving

Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add the crab seasoning, vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves, lemons, garlic and parsley to the pot. Add the crabs and boil until they are red, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the crabs using a spider, and then let the crabs cool to the touch. Crack the crabs over newspaper and pick out all their sweet meat. Serve with melted butter.

(Recipe from Paula Deen from the Food Newtork show, Paula’s Best Dishes, episode: Feeling Crabby.)

HiltonHeadIslander.com, a division of Performance Development Corporation (PDC), features information about Hilton Head Island, South Carolina from vacation rentals to real estate featuring details on events, hotels, restaurants, golf, activities, shopping & spas. Created for visitors and locals alike, HiltonHeadIslander.com is the source for all things Hilton Head Island.

BOO – It’s Halloween on Hilton Head!

Trying to figure out a way to scare up a good time this Halloween? Well whether you are 1 or 101 and you like to put on a costume and go out and have good time there are plenty of chances to do just that, this Halloween.

The following are some Halloween events being hosted on Hilton Head Island:

Thursday 10/27/11 from 5-8PM there is Halloween at Coligny Plaza. This fun happening is more for kids and your furry family members as activities include trick-or-treating at the shops, a free photo booth, ghost stories by Yostie, Giant Shark Slide and more. The Pet Costume Contest at Tail-Waggers starts at 5:00PM with the Family Costume Contest at 5:30PM and Hot Dog Harbour Hot Dog Eating Contest at 6:30PM.

Friday 10/28/2011 from 4-8PM there the Pumpkin Patch at Shelter Cove Community Park. Benefiting the Island Rec Center there is a $10 Admission for ages 2-18, parent and children under 2 get in free and food is sold separately. Enjoy a petting zoo, blow up rides, haunted hay ride, costume contest, and much more in a family friendly environment.

Friday & Saturday 10/28–29/2011 from 7:30-8:30PM and Saturday & Sunday 10/29-30/2011 from 1:30-2:15PM go on a Haunted Wagon Ride at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve take the kiddies on a Ride and hear some ghost stories. Reservations required $15 per adult and $10 per child.

Sunday 10/30/2011 from 3:30-5PM enjoy Halloween on the Harbour. Trick or treating around Harbour Town along with pumpkin decorating, costume contest and more. Fun for all ages and free.

For the adults, here are just a few of the costume contests on Hilton Head.
Friday 10/28 - Daniels Restaurant and Lounge at Beach Market
Saturday 10/29 - Wild Wings on Pope Ave. or The X/O Lounge at the Hilton
Monday 10/31 - The Smokehouse on Palmetto Bay

Tips for Driving Around Hilton Head

It's that time of year again when Hilton Head Island is full of visitors. Now, we love our tourists here, we surely do, but the influx of drivers unfamiliar with the island can cause problems on our roadways. So here are a few important driving tips that will get you safely around the island.

The first traffic issue is actually getting onto Hilton Head. No, you are not on the Island when you take Exit 8 off of I-95; you still have about 25 miles to the bridges to get onto the Island. Yes, Hilton Head is an actual island, and there are bridges to get onto the island. In the summer months, especially on Saturdays, Hwy 278 from exit 8 to the bridges can be a cruel mistress as there is only one way on and off the island, and everyone is aiming for their 4PM check-in time. So be aware that traffic can come to a standstill between 12:00 and 5:00 but you will be at your destination soon.

Once you are on the Island, it is useful to know that Hwy 278 (also known as William Hilton Parkway once on the island) is the main road that runs across pretty much the whole island, going from the bridges to the Sea Pines Circle. At the Sea Pines Circle, you will see that two other major roads veer off this circle – Pope Avenue, which will take you to Coligny and the Forest Beach area; and Palmetto Bay Road, which will put you on the Cross Island.
The Cross Island Expressway is a toll road that opened in 1996, and if you don’t have a transponder (a Palmetto Pass), you will need to pay $1.25 each way. The Expressway is a great means for cutting about 15 minutes off your travel time if your goal is to get to Sea Pines or the South End of the Island. If you are going to Hilton Head Plantation or onto Palmetto Dunes, it is probably best to just stay on 278. Stay on Business 278 when you see the signs for the Cross Island Expressway.

Besides knowing about the highways and roads, it is important to know about the prevalence of roundabouts (better known as traffic circles). Two of the Island’s most significant (directionally speaking) are the Sea Pines Circle and the Coligny Circle. Islanders often use these circles as landmarks when giving directions. There are also smaller roundabouts sprinkled throughout the island. These are our way of keeping traffic moving, but they do have specific rules. As you come up to a circle, you must yield to the traffic in the circle and then ease your way into traffic going right (Remember all circles move counter clockwise). If there is no traffic, keep moving into the circle as there is NO stop sign. While they take some getting used to, the roundabouts do work and keep our traffic moving, but you must obey the rules. As you can see from the image at the right, there is a wrong way to go on the circle, so be careful (so glad our Beaufort County Sheriffs were on their toes that day!) Speaking of being careful, please remember to be safe and watch your speed while you are here. Whether you’re driving in a plantation or on the highways, plantation security guards and Beaufort County Sheriffs will watch your speed for you and give you a ticket if you’re speeding.

The last thing people wonder about is our lack of signs and street lights. This is a planned community, and we stick with a very specific look – our signs blend into the foliage to ensure a peaceful, cohesive look, and there is no neon whatsoever. Even McDonalds can’t have its golden arches. While this quirk might make it difficult to get around at first, once you know where things are, you won’t even mind. And as far as street lights go, we don’t want them to interfere with the night sky, especially when you’re taking a late night stroll and can see the heavens and all the stars. Remember, you’re on vacation. Relax and enjoy the island.

The party's over!

The Heritage is over, hopefully not for the last time. It was a great finish to the always fun party that happens to be in the middle of a golf tournament. Rumors abound, about sponsors for next year but there is nothing yet concrete. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that some company will step up, meanwhile here are some images from Heritage 2011.

PS - The PGA does not allow pictures on the course.

Sunrise Easter Services for April 24, 2011

While this week has The Heritage, we certainly don’t want to forget that it is also Easter Week. You can’t miss that there are many churches on Hilton Head. One of the things Charles Fraser did when developing Sea Pines was to donate land to different faiths and that is why there are a string of churches on Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach.

There are churches for most any faith, a synagogue and meeting places for the spiritual minded. But if you are looking for an outside Sunrise Service for this Sunday here are some place and faiths that will be having them.

At 6:30AM
St. Andrew by The Sea United Methodist – Coligny Beach
First Baptist Church Hilton Head Island – Beach in front of Marriott Grande Ocean Resort
First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island – Jarvis Creek Park (North End of Island)
Hilton Head Presbyterian Church – Driessen Beach Park

At 7:00AM
Grace Community Church – Dolphin Head Recreation Area Hilton Head Plantation

At 7:30AM
Local pastors and PGA Player Aaron Baddeley will speak on the 18^th green of Harbour Town – seats available in the bleachers and skyboxes.

The list will be updated as we hear of other outdoor services.

Happy Heritage!!!



What can one say about The Heritage, the social event of the year? While it is of course great golf, that is only part of the experience at least from the perspective of someone who has gone to about 18 of them in the last 20 years of living here. Living on an island that has about 37,000 permanent residents it is a time when we open our doors to the world and invite them in and say “What cocktail do you want with that golf”. It is catching up with friends you only have because of the tournament but for one week out of the year you are great friends!

Started as much as a marketing ploy to promote the not yet finished Sea Pines Resort in 1969, Charles Fraser really got something put together with a wing and a prayer. The volunteers helped and are the heart and soul of The Heritage as were islanders who invited players over for dinner and parties just like they had always been old friends. Of course, over the years some of the winners certainly helped gain notoriety for the tournament (such as Arnold Palmer Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Hale Irwin, Bernhard Langer, Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Tom Watson and the late Payne Stewart and also Davis Love III who has won it five times.) When the tournament moved to the week after the pressure cooker that is known as The Masters, our tournament was the Anti-Masters, a time for the players to relax with their families or to enjoy drinks with the fans at the Quarterdeck after their round.

For the past 43 years whatever names the tournament has gone under from Sea Pines Heritage Classic to MCI to World Com to Verizon, for everyone that has been here for any length of time, it has always just been The Heritage. This year’s purse will be $5.7 million and the winner will take home $1,026,000 while local charities have benefited from more than $20 million since 1987. That’s great for a tournament that is still trying to pin down a sponsor for 2012 and keep up the tradition going for another 43 years. And we need to, as the economic impact to the Lowcountry and the state of SC is more than $81 million.

The Heritage this year looks to be again another fantastic time – we look to have “Chamber of Commerce kind of weather” with average temperatures of 77 for the highs and lows around 64 -pretty darn perfect. And that brings us to another subject – clothes, as the Heritage is a great place for people watching. Everything from little bitty sundresses and high heels (not the easiest to navigate the course in) to garish golf pants, but a lot of people know to dress for comfort as you are walking and standing all day and use lots of sunscreen. Most of all, it seems to be a time to reunite with old friends or make new ones for the day, oh and have a cocktail or two with them. A friend of mine from Canada thinks it is the greatest golf tournament “because spectators go on and off the course and it isn’t just about great golf but a good time too”. We have a saying here “Who invited the golfers to our cocktail party” and it holds true as you are watching golf, you also setting up where to meet next, whether it is a hospitality tent, a sponsors villa or ending up at the Quarterdeck for sunset.

The opening ceremonies were yesterday and the pictures attached show Jim Furyk hitting the ceremonial shot into the Calibogue Sound along with all the pomp and circumstance that went along with it. Follow along this week as we give quick updates from The Heritage.