Explore: Ahoy Matey!

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me." If your favorite ride at Disney World is "Pirates of the Carribean" or you fancy yourself a Jack Sparrow in the making, then the Pirates of Hilton Head is just the right adventure for you. Board the Black Dagger at Harbor Town for a pirate themed cruise around Calibogue Sound. Before departing, your little pirates will learn how to talk like a pirate. "Tattoos" and pirate wear are also provided.  


I have some friends who have taken the cruise with their kids and they loved it. It sounds like a great way to spend some fun time on the island for kids of all ages. 


Aye, safe tra'els Ye'll ne'er get me buried booty!

Sweet Eats: Sweet Carolina Cupcakes

One of the great things about our condo at Ocean Walk is the location. Not only is it close to the beach but it is a short walk to Coligny Square. Coligny has so much to offer but one of our favorite places is Sweet Carolina Cupcakes. With rotating cupcake flavors, this little cupcakery is a place you will want to visit several times during your visit. Located next to the Piggly Wiggly at Coligny, Sweet Carolina is known for selling out so make sure you get their early. Their cupcake flavors are unique and all of the cakes we tried were delicious.  We have had the Key Lime Pie, Red Velvet, and Hummingbird. I can't wait to go back to Hilton Head this fall to try a few more flavors. 

Cupcakes at Sweet Carolina Cupcakes

Day Trip: Beaufort

Hilton Head is in the perfect spot to take road trips. Within an hour (or less) drive you can explore historic Beaufort, SC or Savannah, GA. If you are more adventurous, you can be in Charleston in just a few hours. Last fall, we opted for a shorter road trip and ventured over to Beaufort. 

Waterfront park in Beaufort 

The quaint coastal town is perfect for exploring SC's military history, shopping, and/or dining. We had the chance to do a little bit of all three. First stop was downtown and Plums for lunch. The food was great and the atmosphere was laid back. Plus they have a great porch on the back of the restaurant with gorgeous views of the water. 

Restaurants/shops with waterfront views

After lunch we wandered around downtown going from shop to shop. I love to read so we spent some time browsing in Beaufort Bookstore/McIntosh Books. They have a great selection of new and used books. Since Pat Conroy is from the area, so they have a large selection of his books. 


Before heading back to Hilton Head, we visited the Parish Church of St. Helena. The church was established in 1712 and was built in 1724. Today is it one of the oldest active churches in North America. The old churchyard cemetery is a mirror of Beaufort history. If you enjoy history, St. Helena's is a must-see. They also have a wonderful bookstore. 

The Parish Church of St. Helena

The cemetery at St. Helena

Beaufort is wonderful small town with great shopping and restaurants. I don't think you will be disappointed if you visit. 

Shop: Tanger Outlet Mall

If you visited Hilton Head last year then you know that one of the Tanger Outlet Malls were closed for renovation. The long wait is over and the new mall was worth the wait. The Tanger Outlet I has added new stores and provides larger stores for the mall staples. Brand name designers like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Tommy Bahama, as well as specialty retailers like Under Armour and Bare Escentuals, the Tanger Outlets are a shopper's paradise. Make sure you check in with the Customer Service desk to see if you are eligible for a coupon book. 


Another addition to the Tanger Outlet I center are the restaurants. With Panera Bread and Olive Garden on site, you won't have to take a break from your shopping while you refuel. 

Eat: Salty Dog Cafe

No trip to Hilton Head would be complete without a trip to the Salty Dog Cafe or the gift shop. This Hilton Head staple is a famous for its food, laid back atmosphere and t-shirts. The cafe is located at South Beach Marina Village in Sea Pines. With waterfront dining, the Salty Dog provides both beautiful views and great food. At night during the summer, there is live entertainment and you can even get your picture taken with the now famous Jake the Salty Dog. 


If you just want to grab a t-shirt before you leave the island, visit the Salty Dog T-shirt Factory on Arrow Road, just outside Sea Pines. You can also get some great gear there too including cups, jackets, magnets, and other Salty Dog gear. 

Explore: Sea Pines Forest Preserve

For most travelers visiting Hilton Head Island, they know Sea Pines for its golf course, lighthouse, shops and restaurants but there is more to this special part of the island. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve has bike paths, observation decks, picnic tables, walking trails, and wetlands.  With over 500 acres of land, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve has something for everyone. 

Boardwalk at Sea Pines Forest Preserve

                                              


Highlights of the Preserve include:


Indian Shell RIng - The site of a 4,000-year-old Indian village
Warner W. Plahs Wildflower Field - Acres of native flora (near Lake Thomas)
Old Lawton Rice Field - Great views of marshes and wildlife form the boardwalk and 3 observation decks
Vanishing Swamp - A secluded forest where surface water rises and falls through the seasons

Gator watching at the Preserve

                                            

Explore: Hilton Head Farmer's Market

If you are lucky enough to be on the island on a Friday morning, make a point to visit the Farmer's Market at Honey Horn. The market is located at the Coastal Discovery Museum and will run through October 31 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM. On a recent trip to Hilton Head, we had a chance to go out to the market and we were thrilled to get some great strawberries, sweet potatoes, empanadas, and bread. Our favorites were the Pappone bread and Casevs Romanvs (Ancient Roman cheese) from Castra Rota, the strawberry muffins and blueberry scones from Midnight Bakers, and Cup to Cup Coffee Roasters. If you are a foodie, the Hilton Head Island Farmer's Market at Honey Horn is a must see.  

The Pappone bread from Castra Rota