Islander Knowledge of Hilton Head Island: Hilton Head Island Information

Showing posts with label Hilton Head Island Information. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

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.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

He's the Iconic Voice Under the LIberty Oak in Harbour Town

Gregg Russell has been performing for Hilton Head Island residents and visitors at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin for over 30 years. It’s that time of year again! Gregg Russell will be entertaining crowds of all ages starting March 31, 2014. It’s fun for the whole family with games, interviews, sing-a-longs, and of course, great entertainment. Come to Harbour Town for dinner and stay for the concert under the old oak tree.

Gregg’s Spring and Summer schedule is as follows:

Spring – Concerts start at 7:30 pm

March 31- April 4

April 7 – 11

April 14 – 16

Summer – Concerts start at 8:00 pm

May 23 – 25

May 28 – 30

June 1- August 22 (every night except Saturdays)

August 28 – 31

Don’t forget Gregg’s Bubble Gum Club

The Bubble Gum Cruise leaves the Harbour Town Yacht Basin on its very one Vagabond.

Spring dates include April 4^th and 11^th.

Summer dates begin June 5^th and run every Thursday and Friday morning until August 22^nd.

The Vagabond leaves the Harbour Town dock at 9:30 am and returns at 11:00 am. The cost is $20 per person (kids three and under are free). Tickets go on sale at 8:30 am on the day of each cruise. Drinks and snacks are available on the boat. The only thing you may need is sunscreen.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

The Beaches of Hilton Head Island

Thousands of visitors come to Hilton Head Island each summer for its pristine beaches, high-class small town atmosphere, and resort vacationing. Summer is a fabulous time for a beach vacation on Hilton Head Island and with over twelve miles of sparkling sand beaches, there so many areas to enjoy the sun and surf. All of Hilton Head’s beaches are public, from the ocean to the high water mark, although access to the beach is often private.

Public beach access points are Alder Lane, Coligny Beach, Fish Haul Park, Driessen Beach Park, Burkes Beach, Folly Field Beach Park, and the Islanders Beach Park. Wheelchair access is available at Alder Lane Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park and Islanders Beach Park. With so many great options, it may be hard to choose where to set up your umbrella and lay your towel.

For those that are vacationing in the Forest Beach area, the closest public beach is Alder Lane Beach. Located just off South Forest Beach Drive, Alder Lane beach provides meter parking, handicap access, restrooms, outdoor showers and seasonal life guards. The beaches here are wide and usually full of families enjoying the sand and surf. Also located in the Forest Beach area is Coligny Beach. Along with parking, showers, restrooms, handicap access, and seasonal life guards, Coligny beach also has WI-FI and seasonal Beach Rentals. Located at the end of Pope Avenue, just off Coligny Circle, Coligny Beach is within walking distance to shops and restaurants.

Mid-Island beaches include Driessen Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park and Islanders Beach Park. All three of these public beaches are located off William Hilton Parkway around the Folly Field area. They all provide metered parking, handicap access, a boardwalk, restrooms, and seasonal life guards. Driessen Beach Park and The Islanders Beach Park include grills, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds. These areas provide the perfect space to take a break from the sun to have lunch or just let the kids play on the shaded playgrounds.

Mitchelleville Beach Park and Fish Haul Park are located off Beach City Road on the northern end of Hilton Head Island. These beaches are great for shelling or just taking in the natural beauty of Hilton Head. These less crowded strands of beach are surrounded by woods, tidal creeks, marshes and mudflats. Located on the Port Royal Sound, these mud flats are excellent feeding and resting habitats for many shorebirds.

Hilton Head Island has done a wonderful job of protecting its beautiful shoreline. While visiting, there are a few rules to abide by in order to keep our beaches in their natural state.

Pets are not permitted on the beach during the hours of 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., from the Friday before Memorial Day until the Monday of Labor Day weekend. From April to May, pets must be leashed between 10 A.M and 5 P.M. and from October to March, leashes are not required at any time. Local law requires owners to clean up after their pets.
Fishing and casting are prohibited in designated swimming areas.
Liquor, beer or wine, glassware, horses, sleeping on the beach after midnight, and the operation, launch or landing of motorized watercraft are prohibited on Hilton Head Island’s beaches.

Monday, December 16, 2013

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.)

Friday, July 19, 2013

Babysitting Options on the Island

You are on Hilton Head Island for a family vacation because, well, you want to spend time with family. However, it is okay if you feel like one night you might want to sneak out with your significant other and enjoy some quiet, romantic, one-on-one time. Maybe enjoy a long dinner at one our fabulous restaurants or catch a movie you've been excited to see. If you are in need of someone to watch your kiddos, here are a few options:

Guardian Angels Sitting Service : This bonded, licensed, and insured company offers babysitting in the Hilton Head Area. You will need to complete an application and then you can get a referral for a babysitter in their network. Call 877-470-4277 for more information.

Hilton Head Nannies: Nannies can come directly to your hotel room or vacation rental and care for infants and children.

The Sandbox: Once a month during the off season and twice a week during the summer months, the Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum hosts Parents Night Out, Kids Night In. Kids ages 3-9 years old enjoy a pizza dinner, drink and dessert, as well as three hours of playing among the fun exhibits and activity areas. Each child will also take home a fun craft. Call 843-842-7645 for more information.

Island Rec Center: Once a month the Island Rec offers a Kids Night Out program. Drop the kids off from 6-10 p.m. and they will be fed pizza for dinner and entertained with activities, movies, games, arts & crafts. Pre-registration is required. Call 843-681-7273 for more information.

So get out there and enjoy a few hours of adult fun. The kids will have plenty to keep them occupied. Cheers!

Visit us at Hilton Head Islander for more information about Hilton Head.

Thursday, March 17, 2011