We just wrote a blog about the happenings in winter, and why this is absolutely one of the best times to come. It may be our best kept secret that winter is the time when you can get around without the crowds, you can experience the adventure and fun without the lines, and the bike lane is a lot less crowded too! If you’re here at this time of year, or looking at coming for next year’s winter vacation, here are few things you can look forward to besides the year ’round beaches in our mild winter weather.
Exploring Pinckney Island
Pinckney Island is a Wildlife Refuge between the bridges on the westbound side of Hwy. 278. Every Thursday from 2-4pm experience history and nature with a local guide from the Coastal Discovery Museum on a walking tour of the National Wildlife Refuge, including its salt marsh and maritime forest. There are a variety of birds, alligators and other marsh inhabitants that can be seen directly from the path – it’s a rush! You will need to make a reservation, but this time of year is a great opportunity to see the marshes and to see the change in wildlife over these winter months. Reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223.
11th Annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
On Saturday, February 24 come to Honey Horn Plantation (70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC) to experience some fun and fine southern food with us locals! This is a family friendly event featuring local restaurants and chefs serving up seafood specialties and other tasty cuisine. There will be a a Kids Zone, a silent auction, famous crab races, carefully curated arts and crafts and more. Participating restaurants will include American Culinary Federation, Benny Hudson’s, Black Marlin, Crab Group, The Crazy Crab, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Melly Mel’s, The Old Oyster Factory, Poseidon Coastal Cuisine & Rooftop Bar, Skull Creek Boathouse, and a few others. There will be live music by Deas-Guyz and Friends.
Now for the insider info: The VIP Lounge will offer a *limited number* of tickets for 2018. The lounge is where the party was last year and completely sold out pretty far in advance. It’s located in a private area and features catered gourmet dining and exclusive bars. VIP guests will receive access to one the festival’s two private parking lots at Honey Horn Plantation (one parking badge per household).
Uncovering the Roots of Reconstruction
If you’re here now, get to this before the crowds begin to pile up once the busy season starts up again. This presentation is a partnership with the Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island Land Trust and the Mitchelville Preservation Project and offers a new tour to visit two historic sites that are connected to the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Visit the site of the self-governing community of Mitchelville (est. 1862) to learn about the Port Royal Experiment and how freedom and reconstruction impacted the new citizens who lived there. Nearby, join a guide for a tour of Fort Howell, built in 1864 to protect the town of Mitchelville. Learn about the 32nd U.S. Colored Infantry troops who built the fort, the methods used to construct it, and the importance of its preservation.
This guided tour has been off and popping since October 2017, every Friday at 9:30 am. Join us now and get a more personal guided tour. Costs and reservations can be inquired about by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223.
Local Tip: Don’t forget that the most efficient way to get around the island is by bike. Even though the season is a little less busy, it’s still a good idea to make your bike rental reservation (and any other rentals you might) early before you arrive. Give us a call today at 843-342-6673, or visit our online store to begin your reservation process now!
#staycomfy