About Hilton Head Island

A bit of history…

The town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated in 1983, Today, the island have around 40 000 permanent resident and go up to more than 150 000 during the summer season. Actually, we count over 2 500 000 visitors just between April and October. Surprisingly, much of the Island remains as it was more than 350 years ago. Overtime, Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty, exceptional beaches, diverse ecology and state historical sites have been kept intact for the pleasure of generations of explorers. Native Americans, English, Spanish, French colonists, pirates and more all left their history and their mark on the sands of Hilton Head Treasured Coast.

The island has a rich history of seasonal occupation that started with Native Americans thousands of years ago they were followed by the European exploration and the Sea Island Cotton trade. It was an important base of operations for the Union blockade of the Southern ports during the Civil War. When the island fell to the Union, a large amount ex-slaves flood to Hilton Head. Actually, still today descendants of freed slaves reside on the island and are known as the Gullah (or Geechee). Supposedly, they have managed to hold on to a big part of their ethnic and cultural identity.

Why you should visit Hilton Head Island?

Beaches

Your first reason should be the dreamy beaches. The island may be small in size but the coast offers an amazing 12 miles of pristine beaches. In addition, for your pleasure it is flat and uninterrupted. The sand is also hard enough to walk or run easily and even ride your bike without getting stuck every2 minutes. Along the beach you will have many places to stop for a drink, a meal or some shopping.

The beaches are more crowded during the high season going from June through September. However, finding a spot is always possible due to the incredible size of our sanded coast. On top of swimming and sunbathing, many people will fish right from the shore. I saw personally someone taking a little shark out, twice…

food, wine, distillery and more

Secondly, Hilton Head is incredible when it comes to food. You can find everything you want for every taste. It is literally a paradise for seafood lovers, southern cuisine and upscale gastronomy. Also, it is impressive how many winery, brewery and distillery you will find here. If your goal is to eat and drink only local products it will not be difficult to accomplish. the “all about food” category is were I will have posts about the local products. I will try to inform you about most of them with time. One of them:
www.hiltonheaddistillery.com

I will talk a lot more about all the fine gastronomy and all the amazing restaurant the Island have to offer. My goal is to interview with some of them and bring you inside info and more than just the menu. Also, I want to give you my complete and honest opinion of everything I taste and try. For this reason, I will not accept gifts or sponsorships from local restaurants.

Do you Golf?

Thirdly, I think that every golf lover should come to HHI for a stay. There’s so many golf courses on the island and the area that you can’t play them all unless you stay for 6 months. You can find courses for all levels, from beginners to experts. Some of the golf courses have been design by great architects like Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Sr. Every year, Hilton Head Island is the host of the first PGA championships. of the season in April For a list of golf click here.

The Wildlife

The preserved natural conditions of the island bring a particularly unique ecosystem with a wonderful wildlife. The beauty of the island’s wildlife preserves will worth your time for sure. The landscape is one of the greatest aspects when visiting HHI. Don’t miss it during your stay!

Here’s some suggestions:
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge – https://www.fws.gov/refuge/pinckney_island/
Sea Pines Forest Preserve – https://www.seapines.com/recreation/activities-tours/forest-preserve.aspx
Hilton Head Island Birding Trail – https://www.hiltonheadislandbirdingtrail.org/

Bike Trails

Finally, the bike trails in Hilton Head Island are just amazingly well done. Basically, you can go anywhere on a bike, restaurants, grocery stores and beaches. For a more relaxing or sightseeing kind of ride you have access to miles or trails on which you will discover how green the island was well kept over time. So much beauty all around will give you lifetime memories.
I’ll suggest you take the time to ride to Kilwins for one of the best ice cream you’ll ever have.
Bike Trails Map
Bike Rentals

And so much more

A lot more information about the island will be posted on my blog. I will write more in details about our Restaurants, Activities, Attractions and Events. As we go, I want to post interviews with owners of local products and businesses.
Stay tuned to discover all Hilton Head Island have to offer.