by Guest Bloggers,  Ann and Leonardo

Inspired by the New York Times travel series, it’s a delight to share our recent experiences in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  Hilton Head is a part of a series of barrier islands that span the Atlantic Ocean across theCarolinas. Lying on the Intracoastal Waterway, Hilton Head Island has over 23,000 acres of semi-tropical, Lowcountry geography.

The island, with miles of public sandy beaches, can be both a calming sanctuary with protected nature preserves, robust environmental ordinances, and a fun filled place with restaurants, tennis, golf, and water sports.

The main arterial boulevard is lined with a protected canopy of live oaks and bike paths. Commercial establishments adhere to a signage ordinance with no backlite signs. For the new visitor, this can even be a minor challenge to find a business.

Dining out is a treat, but so is buying fresh local shrimp and cooking in. Shrimp and grits is a specialty throughout the region. You really know you’re not in the Midwest when you start enjoying the flavors of low country cuisine with local fresh seafood, southern cooking like shrimp and grits, biscuits and cornbread, and real brewed iced tea. In all honesty, we prefer ice cold prosecco!

“The Sea Shack” also offers fresh local fare in a casual outdoor setting.

Not to be outdone y’all, don’t miss “Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte” for a French flair and jasmine scentedcourtyard. We love choosing to dine “al fresco” on the island when possible.

Benny’s Coastal Restaurant on the water with fresh seafood, patio seating, rooftop bar, and seafood market next door.

Step into a world of timeless charm and refinement at The Jazz Corner, an iconic and award-winning jazz club and restaurant since 1999.

Also don’t miss the other jazz club, “Kind of Blue”  for a bit more casual fare and local talent.

Charles Frasier was a progressive thinker and Sea Pine’s developer, envisioning a community thatrespected its natural beauty.

Strolling thru Sea Pine’s “Harbor Town” and restaurants like the Quarterdeck or the Salty Dog. Yes, it’s a private gated development, but worth the day trip entrance fee.

Explore more at the Intercoastal Museum on Hilton Head and learn about Gullah. Gullah refers not only to a language but also to a culture and a still vibrant community bolstered by the resiliency of courage and the heritage of its forefathers. Brought to America as enslaved people, the Gullah remains one of the most culturally distinctive African American populations in theUnited States. From Reconstruction to the Depression, the Gullah lived in isolated coastalsettlements on the Sea Islands along the southeastern US, including Hilton Head Island.

Other outdoor fun includes walking trails thru the 50-acre Audubon Newhall Preserve. In addition to Hilton Head, explore nearby Blu ton and Beaufort, S.C.

See the National Park’s Reconstruction Museum in Beaufort with stories less told of the Civil War that your high school history teacher may have skipped over. Sign up for walking tours guided by the park rangers.

Beaufort’s historic neighborhood and southern hospitality advisement!

Yes, you can take my picture! Don’t miss the Thursday’s Farmer’s Market in nearby Blu ton and lunch at “The Cottage”.

Old and new live peacefully together in Blu ton. The town of Blu ton has reinvented itself withrestoring vintage houses, park, new infill housing, in a walkable village character.

Living above the store! Stroll down to the restored park on the May River in Blu ton next to the historic visitor’s center and Anglican church with sun dial.

Ann Wojtysiak is a retired director of mortgage banking.

Leonardo Tombelli is a retired Architect and past President of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International.

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