We regularly feature destination reports, created by our incredible alumni. This month’s report is by Sandra Kelley, CTA , CTC, Travel Institute alumnus, ambassador, and frequent contributor. Her tips should spark your imagination about charming, refined, and scenic Hilton Head.
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Hilton Head Sunrise J9hnsonIV/Shutterstock.com
“Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning.” These words sung by Dean Martin (among others) captures the essence of the Low Country, particularly Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Why should your travelers consider this destination? Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean, with an average year-round temperature of 70° F, 12 miles of white sandy beaches, speed limits set at 45 mph or less, and a commitment to preserving natural settings (no neon signs or bright streetlights but with helpful and numerous street roundabouts), Hilton Head favors those who want to be on “island time.” Consider these selling points:
Golf: There are 21 public courses, and another 16 within 20 miles of Hilton Head, including those by renowned designers Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Pete Dye. Several courses offer one- and two-day clinics for children and women or for honing specific skills like putting and chipping.
Fishing: From beginners to pros, options include fishing pole rentals, fishing charters, and deep-sea fishing excursions.
Sports/Activities In addition to tennis, pickleball, horseback riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, ziplining, star-gazing cruises, or bird watching, there are over 64 miles of biking/walking pathways on the island.
Cultural If you need a respite from the sun, consider a two-day art class at the Art League Academy, a live theater show or musical performance at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, a concert from the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, or a visit to The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum.
Culinary Known for its local and distinct cuisine of barbeque, seafood, and sweet potato cornbread, the island also offers annual food and wine festivals.
Day Trips Towns in close proximity include Savannah (35 miles) with museums, antebellum homes, riverboat cruises, and unique cuisine; Parris Island (35 miles) offering self-guided tours of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and museum; Charleston (110 miles) known for well-preserved colonial mansions, Fort Sumter, and the historic City Market for shopping and dining; or Beaufort (35 miles) with over 28,000 interments in the National Cemetery, established during the Civil War.
Travel Notes The island experiences warm weather in spring and fall, hot summers, and mild winters. Approximately 70% of the island is located within a gated community, including accommodations for luxury resorts, villas, condos, hotels, weddings, and meetings.
Getting There: While the Hilton Head airport offers year-round service on American Airlines and seasonal service from Delta Airlines and United Airlines, travelers may consider more robust flight options to/from Savannah or Charleston.
If the “King of Cool” can eloquently sing about the charms of being in Carolina, with your guidance, your travelers may come away with the same feeling!
Thank you, Sandra!
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