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There is no shortage of ways to have fun with your friends on Hilton Head Island, but here's one way you may not have heard about: a Hilton Head party fishing boat. Gather a big group of up to 60 family and friends together and get ready to explore the beautiful marshes and waterways of Broad Creek while competing to reel in the biggest catch.
Available out of Shelter Cove Harbour across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, the Captain Hook is a 70-foot boat that can be chartered by groups. Billed as the "largest and most comfortable party fishing boat on Hilton Head Island," the Captain Hook has a full galley, enclosed cabin, shaded sitting areas for fishing, two clean restrooms and plenty of room to catch some rays on the top deck.
Choose which type of Hilton Head fishing charter you'd like to enjoy aboard Captain Hook, including inshore shark fishing, offshore wreck fishing or night shark fishing with HarbourFest fireworks on Tuesday nights. The trips range from 3 to 5 1/2 hours and start at $53/person and $43/person for children 12 and younger for a three-hour tour. The cost includes bait, tackle, rod and reel rental, instructions and fish cleaning. A fishing license is not required.
Plan to bring your own small cooler (beer in cans is allowed) or purchase food on the boat, including hot dogs, pizza, cheeseburgers, candy, beer, water and soda. The food bar is cash only. You can also buy T-shirts onboard as a souvenir of your trip! Plan to wear shorts or long pants, a T-shirt, swimsuit, jacket, hat, and sneakers or boat shoes. No flip flops, please.
To schedule your Hilton Head party fishing charter, give us a call at 843-785-1700. Have a blast!
Wondering how you can stay in shape during your Hilton Head Island vacation? It's a breeze! Even if you take a break from your regular exercise video or weight lifting routine during your trip, you can still get in some great entire body workouts by simply enjoying the great outdoors around our island.
Here are 5 fantastic ways to stay fit on Hilton Head Island:
1) Run on the beach – Do you regularly run your neighborhood at home or perhaps a local park? On Hilton Head Island, we've got an even better view: the Atlantic Ocean! Head out in the morning before it heats up and keep your eye out for dolphins. You won't even realize you're out of breath!
2) Ride a bike – We offer Hilton Head bike rentals for your convenience if you're flying to the area or don't want to drive down with your own bike. Hilton Head Island offers 50 miles of paved bike paths – 5 miles within our resort that have just been redone -- for you to explore the beauty of the Lowcountry.
3) Stand up Paddleboarding – One of the fastest growing watersports, stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a great full body workout that requires lots of balance and core strength. Paddle the waves in the Atlantic or Shelter Cove's Broad Creek and enjoy the scenery. Hilton Head Outfitters has these special boards for rent. You can even try yoga on a stand up paddleboard with classes offered by Outside Hilton Head.
4) Go surfing – If you don't know how to surf, attend our 90-minute Surf Camp offered Monday through Friday during the summer to learn the basics. Then rent a board from Hilton Head Outfitters and hang 10!
5) Play tennis – Tennis is a great cardio workout and we offer guests who book their Hilton Head vacation rentals through us two hours of free tennis court time daily. If that's not quite enough of a workout for you, try our Hilton Head cardio tennis class for a real heart-pumping workout.
How do you stay fit while on vacation?
For more information about our Hilton Head vacation packages or vacation homes, give us a call at 866-650-4130 or visit www.palmettodunes.com.
If you like to fish, but are looking for an even bigger adventure, try shark fishing. Captain Miles Altman and Bayrunner offer shark fishing charters out of Shelter Cove Marina throughout summer, a great time to hunt for sharks.
Around Hilton Head Island you can find many different types of sharks like Atlantic sharp nose, blacktips, spinners, dusky, lemon, bull and tiger sharks. Captain Miles says that at times in the summer, it's hard not to catch one! "You haven't been to Hilton Head until you have caught a shark," he says.
Captain Miles says sharks can be lots of fun to catch, and kids especially will enjoy the battle and later bragging rights. What kid wouldn't love to share a picture of his freshly caught shark with all his or her friends?
Blacktips and spinners like to add an aerial aspect to the battle, says Captain Miles, while bulls and tigers offer a brutish slugfest guaranteed to leave you with some sore muscles. Expect to have a bent rod by the time you're finished!
Check out this video of a huge 10-foot tiger shark caught in Hilton Head after a two-hour fight.
Fishing with Captain Miles is a great experience, as he's been trolling the waters of the Atlantic for more than 40 years and knows just where to find the best Hilton Head sharks.
The Bayrunner is a 24-foot boat that holds four people for a 3-hour evening shark fishing excursion. Book your shark fishing charter by calling us at 866-650-4130. W can't wait to see your pictures!
Kick back, relax and get on island time at the second season of Parrot Palooza, an island-themed summertime show at Shelter Cove Harbour. Taking the stage Thursdays June 19-August 14 from 7-9 p.m. is popular local entertainer Shannon Tanner with his Jimmy Buffet Tribute band Shannon Tanner & the Oyster Reefers.
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie down to your favorite Buffet and other Caribbean and island tunes. Listen for songs like "Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season," "The Island Song," "Secret of Life" and "Coast of Marsielles."
Shannon Tanner is best known for his family-friendly show for the past 26 years at HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour. You can catch that show – and his famous beanie hat – Monday-Wednesday & Fridays through Labor Day at 6:30 & 8 p.m.
Parrot Palooza was a hugely popular event when it started its inaugural year last summer, filling Shelter Cove with large crowds! Be sure to enjoy some of the best Hilton Head Island waterfront dining at one of seven Shelter Cove restaurants, including the brand new La Fontana Waterfront Grill & Pizzeria and Mediterranean Harbour Bar & Grill. You might even be able to snag an outdoor seat and enjoy dinner and the show at the same time!
Don't miss Parrot Palooza on your Hilton Head vacation this summer! It's free and open to the public and all ages are welcome. Catch ya in Margaritaville!
For more information about booking your Hilton Head summer vacation, visit www.palmettodunes.com or call 866-650-4130.
A must-do on any Hilton head vacation is a boat charter. You just simply have to see Hilton Head Island by water and enjoy its plentiful fishing. Just across the road from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a deep water marina at Shelter Cove where you can find a variety of Hilton Head fishing charters from offshore fishing to shark fishing and crabbing.
Here's a few that you can choose from on your visit to Hilton Head Island:
Hop aboard the Bayrunner, a 24-foot boat holding a group of four, and head out with a captain with more than 40 years of experience trolling the waters of Hilton Head. Learn how to hook a catch, reel it in, clean it and cook it. Watch their video:
Gullah Gal & True Grits
The 34-foot Gullah Gal and True Grits hold up to 6 people each for anywhere from a 3-hour to a 10-hour fishing excursion. You'll head about 15 miles from shore to find monster sharks (up to 1000 pounds!), barracuda, sting rays and more, as well as enjoy wildlife like dolphins, eagles and osprey.
Board the brand new 26-foot Finatic with 10 of your closest friends for the fishing adventure of a lifetime! They offer 3-hour trips and have a dolphin guarantee, ensuring that you'll see one of these friendly creatures. They specialize in shark fishing and also offer a Tuesday night HarbourFest fireworks cruise.
Crabber J
A great activity for kids, crabbing on the Crabber J takes you to Broad Creek where you'll learn how to catch a blue crab and then release it. Whoever catches the most wins the world-famous Crabber J T-shirt! Each trip is an hour and 45 minutes. Call them directly at 843-422-5110 to book.
To book a Hilton Head fishing charter, give us a call at 866-650-4130. Here's hoping you reel in a big one!
TripAdvisor recently released its 2014 Travelers Choice Awards, which ranked the United States' best islands. Guess who came in at No. 9? Hilton Head Island! Says TripAdvisor of our beautiful island: "Long known as a golfer's paradise, Hilton Head Island is heaven for any type of sports enthusiast: tennis, volleyball, polo, championship golf on some of the best fairways in the United States."
And even better, two of Palmetto Dunes' attractions topped in at Nos. 4 and 5 as top Hilton Head attractions recommended by travelers. Users of the site voted Hilton Head Outfitters, the official bike shop and outfitters of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, as the No. 4 out of 59 attractions reviewed on Hilton Head with more than 100 reviews. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center came in at No. 5 with nearly 70 reviews.
Here's what a few TripAdvisor users had to say about Hilton Head Outfitters:
"We were staying in Palmetto Dunes and found that this place had the best selection, best prices and best customer service! For no charge, they even delivered all the bikes that we reserved (which we made all the reservations online) and picked them up the day that we left. It really helped us out since we had no way of transporting the bikes ourselves. If you are looking for a bike rental during your stay in Palmetto Dunes, look no further and go here…highly recommended!"
And about the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center:
"This is a great location for a tennis vacation. There are plenty of courts for play! The clay is well kept and the condition of these courts is far better than those at Kiawah Island Resort! The pro shop is well stocked with lots of great gear! The staff [is] warm and friendly."
How are the winners selected? The Island winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of the most highly-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions listed on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. The attractions are ranked based on the number and quality of reviews.
It's no surprise that several of our services ranked tops for users. In 2013, the resort, our golf courses, The Dunes House and Shelter Cove Marina all received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
Come visit Hilton Head Island for yourself and stay at Palmetto Dunes to see what all the fuss is about! Just give us a call at 866-744-7558 or visit www.palmettodunes.com. And if you had a positive experience at Palmetto Dunes, we really appreciate you sharing your opinion with others on TripAdvisor! Give us a review right here.
Hilton Head Island is a romantic spot for any couple's Valentine's Day getaway. With beautiful beaches, the Atlantic Ocean and stately moss-draped live oak trees, the natural charm of our Southern island is simplistic romance at its very best.
But our destination offers more than just a beach retreat for couples; Palmetto Dunes gives you plenty of active adventures to enjoy together in the outdoors, as well as many options for dining and accommodations.
Here are 7 romantic ways to enjoy Valentine's Day at Palmetto Dunes:
1) Take a tandem bike ride – Wait until sunset and then enjoy a beach bike ride together on one of our tandem bikes from Hilton Head Outfitters. Or traverse our more than 50 miles of paved bike paths across the island, exploring the beauty of Hilton Head.
2) Kayak through our peaceful lagoon – Our 11-mile inland lagoon system, which winds through our golf courses, offers a peaceful respite and a perfect opportunity to spend quality quiet time alone. Kayak together on a one-hour or two-hour ride, seeing plenty of birds and wildlife along the way.
3) Enjoy a picnic by the beach – Pack some yummy food from the Palmetto Dunes General Store and enjoy a romantic picnic by the water. Listen to the waves crash and enjoy the sea breeze. If you're lucky, you might even catch sight of a dolphin or two.
4) Watch the sun set as you eat dinner – Head to one of several Hilton Head restaurants in Shelter Cove Harbour and enjoy your dinner as the sun sets over Broad Creek. Try ELA's Blu Water Grille or Bistro 17 for starters.
5) Enjoy several nights in a luxury Hilton Head vacation home – We offer a range of Hilton Head vacation homes, small or large depending on what you desire. Choose from homes with pools, ocean views, patios and Jacuzzis for the ultimate in romance.
6) Take a dolphin or sunset dinner cruise – There's plenty of romance to be had on the water. Shelter Cove Marina offers several sunset cruises, dolphin cruises to get up close with our native mammals, as well as nature cruises for bird-watching and more.
7) Play each other in tennis – With each night you stay in one of our Hilton Head vacation rentals, you receive two hours of complimentary tennis court time at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. Take on your significant other in a tennis match and polish your tennis skills together. Did we mention you'll burn calories, too?! We hope you'll consider spending your Valentine's Day with us this year. We offer several romance packages designed for couples, including our Honeymooner's Escape, Mini Moon and Anniversary Celebration. Give us a call at 866-744-7558 to plan your Valentine's Day getaway to Hilton Head Island.
Come December, January and February we see a lot of our friends from up north visit the island for a week, for a month or even for several months. We welcome them with open arms to give them the opportunity to soak up the warmth of a southern winter and enjoy the many fun and varied activities we have at the resort.
Here are the top 6 things we think Canadians and Northerners love most about Palmetto Dunes:
1) The Obvious: It's Warmer - Here on Hilton Head Island, the average winter high temperatures stay in the 60's, giving Canadians a break from the freezing temperatures and a chance to get outdoors and work off some of that northern chill on the golf course or biking. See average highs by month at Palmetto Dunes.
2) It's Active – There's no sitting around lounging in your Hilton Head vacation home here at Palmetto Dunes… unless that's all you want to do. We give you plenty of options to keep you busy from two hours of free tennis court time with each night's stay to three championship Hilton Head golf courses to choose from to Hilton Head bike rentals, kayaking and fishing. There's no reason to ever use the word "bored" at Palmetto Dunes!
3) It's Green – It's so nice to see green when you've been staring at snow white for several weeks. Our golf courses offer rolling greens, and you can enjoy an exceptional pace of play during the off season to boot. Enjoy the palmetto trees (the Sabal palmetto is the South Carolina state tree) standing stately in the sun and on warmer days, see a variety of wildlife coming out to catch some rays.
4) It's Fun – Canadians -- and all guests – will no doubt find themselves grinning as they stroll the beach, beat par and reel in a big red here at the resort. We offer so much to do and it's all smile-inducing!
5) It's on the Ocean – Who doesn't love to listen to the waves crash, feel their toes in the sand and take a calming beach walk? There's just something about coming to the ocean that melts all the stress (and snow!) away – anytime of year.
6) It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – In addition to all the great things we mentioned above, it really is the most wonderful time of year and what better way to spend the holidays than at Palmetto Dunes! We offer a variety of packages to cater to anyone visiting with us, including our Monthly Stay and Sports Membership, Winter Escape Special, monthly golf and tennis memberships, bike rentals and more.
Are you ready to escape the snow and frigid cold? Come visit us this winter and get out of the big chill! Our temperatures, friendly faces and unlimited activities will warm you up in no time. Give us a call at 866-744-7558 to book your Hilton Head vacation today.
Sure, a week is a great vacation to Hilton Head but a month is even better. Not that you needed any more reasons to visit us, but we've listed 5 of our top reasons to extend your stay at Palmetto Dunes to at least a month:
1) Play unlimited golf! What's better than a round of golf? Unlimited rounds of golf! With our Monthly Golf Membership, you can play all three of our championship Hilton Head golf courses as much as you want for an entire month. Choose between our oceanfront Robert Trent Jones course, the Arthur Hills course or the George Fazio course.
2) Ride your bike on all 50 miles of paved island paths. Did you know you could pedal 50 miles across our island? Spend more than a week and see if you can master it all! With monthly Hilton Head bike rentals from Hilton Head Outfitters, you'll be set with any kind of bike you like, including their new comfort bike, cruisers, kids bikes and more.
3) Get to "love" tennis, if you don't already. When you book your Hilton Head vacation rental through Palmetto Dunes, you get two hours of complimentary tennis court time daily at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. The longer you stay, the more tennis you can play!
4) Kayak to your heart's content! Palmetto Dunes is home to a beautiful and peaceful 11-mile saltwater inland lagoon system that winds throughout the resort and our golf courses. Get weekly kayak or canoe rentals from Hilton Head Outfitters to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lagoon, or if you plan to stay several months, consider the affordable yearly membership. See how many birds you can spot in the lagoon during your stay and watch for other wildlife, as well, like a friendly otter who likes to splash around our lagoon.
5) Try lots of Hilton Head restaurants. Here on the island we offer wonderful dining from ethic foods to fresh seafood to gourmet meals with beautiful views. Some suggestions include Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers & Pizza restaurant at the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse, the beachfront Dunes House (open seasonally to resort guests and property owners), Ela's Blu Water Grille with harbour views at Shelter Cove Harbour and San Miguel's Mexican restaurant, also at Shelter Cove.
If you want to do ALL these things on your visit to Palmetto Dunes, consider our Monthly Stay & Sports Membership. It gets you a 30-night stay in a Hilton Head resort villa, 30 days of unlimited golf and bike rentals, two 2-hour kayak rentals and two hours of tennis court time daily, plus plenty of time to walk on the beach.
For more information about any of these memberships or packages, please give us a call at 866-744-7558.
Families know what a wonderful place Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is for all ages and once again the resort has been recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere. The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine ranked the resort No. 23 in their list of World's Best Family Resort Getaways in the November issue on newsstands now. Palmetto Dunes was the highest ranking South Carolina resort on the list.
"We see the joy in families' faces as they experience all the fun activities we have to offer here at Palmetto Dunes, so we are incredibly pleased that the readers of Travel + Leisure have ranked us as one of their favorite family resorts in the world," says Brad Marra, assistant vice president of resort operations for Greenwood Communities and Resorts, the owner of Palmetto Dunes. "Whether it's reeling in a trophy redfish, learning how to properly swing a golf club or riding the waves on a surfboard, Palmetto Dunes has so much to offer families year round."
What makes Palmetto Dunes such an ideal getaway for families? Well, let us give you a few reasons…
1) Junior Golf - Kids can learn to play golf at one of the resort's three championship golf courses through the Little Swingers program for ages 4-7. The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy also offers a variety of junior instructional programs for ages 6-18, and families can learn the sport of golf together as part of Family Golf School. Additionally, kids younger than 10 play golf free after 4 p.m. when accompanied by a parent paying regular rate at all three courses. The Robert Trent Jones course also offers permanent junior tees, and the George Fazio course has markings of 150 yards or less.
2) Junior Tennis - The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center offers shortened tennis courts for players 10 and younger per new regulations from the U.S. Tennis Association. They have 27 junior tennis programs each week between March and Labor Day and during holidays. Popular clinics include the Short Shots Clinic, which combines tennis fun with motor skills development for ages 4 and 5, and the Super Shots Clinic, which incorporates in-depth instruction on each stroke with fun activities for ages 5 through 8.
3) Unlimited Activities – Kids can learn to fish or crab with Hilton Head Outfitters, enjoy our summertime Surf School, rent and ride bikes around the resort's 5 miles of paved paths, attend HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour during the summer months for fireworks and kid-friendly performer Shannon Tanner and more.
4) Family-Friendly Dining - Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers & Pizza at the Robert Trent Jones golf course and the oceanfront Dunes House, open to resort guests and property owners, both welcome children and offer specials kids menus.
5) Top-notch accommodations - Families can choose to stay at one of the many homes and villas located within the resort during their Hilton Head vacation. We have a vacation rental program and offer a variety of options from 1-bedroom villas to 6-bedroom homes for multi-family travel. We also offer special packages designed just for families that include the best of the resort's activities.
Additionally, families who book through the resort enjoy special discounts on resort activities, including two hours of free tennis court time daily.
Thanks to the readers of Travel + Leisure for voting for our resort. We hope to see your family for generations to come! For more information about the resort or to book an upcoming vacation, give us a call at 866-744-7558.
Hilton Head is often a popular vacation site for celebrities from the Clintons to John Mellencamp to Paula Abdul, but the celebrity sightings will ramp up this fall at the annual Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament August 30-September 1.
This yearly event pairs amateur golfers with celebrities to raise funds for local children's nonprofit organizations. For the past 30 years, Greenwood Resorts and Communities has played an active role in the success of the tournament, and one of the highlighted Hilton Head golf courses has been our own oceanfront Robert Trent Jones course.
Participating in the Hilton Head golf tournament this year are a host of celebrities, including:
And the list goes on… To see the complete list of celebrity participants, visit the tournament website.
The Robert Trent Jones course is the first stop for the three-day tournament. Opening ceremonies begin August 30 at 8:45 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. On day 2, players will head to the Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Wexford Plantation and on day 3, Harbour Town Golf Links.
On September 1, there will also be a special kids' event from 1-3 p.m. with putting contests and prizes, as well as T-shirts and golf balls for the first 100 children.
Nothing planned for Labor Day? Take an end-of-summer break to Hilton Head Island and enjoy this classic Hilton Head Island golf tournament. For information about accommodations or other Hilton Head activities at the resort like tennis, kayaking, fishing and more, visit www.palmettodunes.com or give us a call at 866-744-7558.
If there's one celebration that Hilton Head Island is famous for it's July 4th at Shelter Cove Harbour! This popular marina does it up in style, presenting the annual summer celebration of HarbourFest now in its 25th year.
Start your day splashing around at the beach at Palmetto Dunes, playing tennis at a world-renowned tennis facility or playing a round of championship golf. Have a leisurely lunch of fish tacos at The Dunes House, open to resort guests and property owners, and then enjoy more fun in the sun before the extra special fireworks show!
Each year, HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour hosts the island's largest fireworks show over Broad Creek. Starting at dusk, you can watch them light up the night sky over the harbour. Come early for the best viewing and to catch a famous Shannon Tanner performance at the stage!
Grab a seat at one of six waterfront Shelter Cove restaurants like San Miguel's, the new Sea Lady restaurant or Ela's Blu Water Grille; visit the stage area and have a view of the fireworks plus the Shannon Tanner show; book a sunset fireworks cruise to watch them from the water; or have dinner at Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers and Pizza at the Robert Trent Jones Hilton Head golf course where you can see them from the deck. Fireworks are weather dependent, so keep your eye posted to our Facebook page if the weather is questionable.
Prior to the fireworks, Shannon Tanner will take the stage at 6:30 and 8 p.m., playing some of his favorite tunes like "My Hair Had a Party Last Night," as well as some special patriotic selections. Don your beanie hat and get ready to boogie with Shannon and the entire crowd!
There will also be other family-friendly activities at Shelter Cove Harbour as part of HarbourFest including Cappy the Clown, face painting, bounce houses and arts and crafts.
There is new parking this year for the July 4th celebration. Traffic on Highway 278 will be directed to one of three free and secure parking lots. Free shuttles will run continuously from 4:30-11 p.m. from these lots to Shelter Cove. Guests of the resort can also ride the free Dunes Buggy, which transports guests around Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour. Bike riding is also encouraged and there is a safe passage under Highway 278 that connects the resort with Shelter Cove.
We hope to see you at our July 4th fireworks celebration! If you need help with Hilton Head accommodations or activities during your stay, please give us a call at 866-744-7558.
Grab your margarita, your Hawaiian shirt and get ready to eat your cheeseburger in paradise. Shelter Cove Harbour is debuting a new island sunset celebration this summer to give families, visitors and locals alike a new way to enjoy the summer season on Hilton Head Island.
Parrot Palooza will be on Fridays throughout the summer beginning June 21 and running through Aug. 16. Starting at 5 p.m., the festival will kick off at King Neptune Statue at Shelter Cove with street performers, entertainers, music, food, drinks, Caribbean-style décor and of course, a relaxed state of mind!
At 7 p.m., Shannon Tanner, known for his beloved performances at HarbourFest, now in its 25th year, will take the stage with the Oyster Reefers, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. They'll let you dance the night away to island-style music while the sun sets behind them along the harbour.
Amidst the palm trees, parrots and margaritas decorating the area, Shelter Cove restaurants will also get into the spirit with island-themed drinks and other specials.
So if you're looking for a fun new way to party down on Fridays with the family, look no further than Parrot Palooza. It will definitely be 5 o'clock at Shelter Cove every week at the celebration. Then enjoy all the Harbour has to offer like boutique shops, delicious restaurants, gorgeous views and more.
What do you think about Parrot Palooza? Will you join us? Hope to see you there!
There's lots of reasons to visit Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island year round: fabulous views of Broad Creek, a wealth of shopping, a variety of restaurants offering all range of fare, and last but not least, its musical entertainment. We can't think of a better spot on the island to sip a cold drink, listen to live music and watch the sun set over the harbour!
Throughout Shelter Cove Harbour there are many different opportunities to enjoy live entertainment all throughout the week, especially during the spring and summer seasons. During April and May, Shelter Cove Harbour is hosting Music on the Harbour from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays featuring a different musical act each week at the Statue of Neptune. Check out the full schedule.
San Miguel's, a great place to order a margarita and munch some yummy fish tacos, offers live entertainment seven nights a week from 5-9:30 p.m. during the summer months. Plan on a wait at this hot spot but use your time to shop or stroll the boardwalk.
Bistro 17 is a French restaurant, offering crepes, seafood, steaks and salads. They also have a puppy menu if you'd like to bring your pooch along! Bistro 17 will offer live entertainment Monday-Saturday from 6- 9 p.m. this summer.
Ela's Blu Water Grille is popular among locals, tourists and celebrities alike! Both Paula Abdul and Jane Seymour have dined at this gourmet restaurant when visiting the island. Ela's, known for its fantastic view, will be hosting musical acts Tuesdays, and Thursday-Saturday from 7-10 p.m.
Scott's Fish Market is a great spot for more casual fare and great views of Shelter Cove Marina. Their friendly Caribbean atmosphere puts you in the perfect island mood! The restaurant will bring in live entertainment every night from 5:30-9:30 p.m. during the summer months.
Lastly, Parrot Cove Seafood Grill and Bar is another great casual dining restaurant, which serves seafood, pastas, prime rib and sandwiches along with a very kid-friendly menu. Parrot Cove will offer live musical entertainment on weekends from 6-9 p.m.
No matter where you go in Shelter Cove, you'll easily find a spot to kick back, relax and enjoy some good fare and great tunes. Let us know your favorite spot for live music and food at Shelter Cove!
Coming down to Hilton Head Island for spring break or the RBC Heritage tournament? We've got a fun outdoor concert series for all ages that Hilton Head vacationers and locals can enjoy every week on Thursday nights. Starting Thursday, April 4 through May 23, Music on the Harbour will host live entertainment on Thursdays at Shelter Cove Harbour.
Each Thursday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., a local band will perform an outdoor concert for free around the King Neptune statue. It's a great opportunity to gather your family and friends and head over to Shelter Cove Harbour for dinner, live entertainment and lovely harbour views and sunsets.
Shelter Cove Harbour offers a range of delicious Hilton Head restaurants, ranging from Italian and Mexican to gourmet and seafood. The restaurants offer fabulous views of Broad Creek, and during Music on the Harbour, the sun will be setting for an even better view of the beautiful boats and marshes! Shelter Cove restaurants will be offering drink specials during the event as well, so hang around after dinner for a drink or two along the water.
Shelter Cove Harbour also offers plenty of shopping, ranging from art galleries and children's apparel to souvenirs and jewelry. Shelter Cove Harbour is also home to Hilton Head Island's largest deep water marina with 170 boat slips and charters for nature cruises, dolphin cruises, sport crabbing and fishing.
Here is the complete line-up for Music on the Harbour with each band performing from 6:00-9:00 p.m.:
Shelter Cove also hosted Music on the Harbour last fall to packed crowds. Take a look at this fun video of the fall concert series:
Music on the Harbour is just the start to a busy entertainment season at Shelter Cove Harbour. The annual HarbourFest kicks off with performances from our much beloved Shannon Tanner, celebrating his 25th year, May 24-26 with two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Shannon will perform Monday-Friday through Labor Day at Shelter Cove Harbour. Fireworks kick off Tuesday, June 18 at dusk and will continue on a Tuesday night schedule during the summer with a special show on Thursday, July 4.
Need help with your Hilton Head accommodations or want to golf, play tennis, rent bikes and more? Palmetto Dunes is your source for Hilton Head fun! Give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we'll get you set with a Hilton Head vacation rental and all the activities you could imagine!
When you vacation in Hilton Head you don't want to lose all the momentum you've built by doing a consistent fitness routine at home. But instead of doing the same old workout, why not get creative when you're on vacation and as they say: "do as the locals do."
There are lots of ways to workout in Hilton Head, but here are our favorites that will score you points for creativity but still having you working up a sweat.
1) Paddleboard Yoga – Paddleboarding is currently the fastest growing water sport and it's tough enough on its own, but add yoga to the mix and you've got an unusual but extreme challenge. Who doesn't want to brag they did Downward Facing Dog on a paddleboard?! Both the Jiva Yoga Center, located at 1032 William Hilton Parkway, and Outside Hilton Head, located in Shelter Cove Harbour, offer this unique form of exercise which challenges you not just to stand on a paddleboard (which can be hard enough) but to do yoga poses (like headstands!) on the board.
2) Cardio Tennis – Tennis fans will love this workout option. Cardio Tennis aims to keep your heart rate up for an extended time for a maximum workout. It focuses on drills and instructors use heart monitors to ensure you reach your target heart rate. Cardio Tennis classes vary during the off season so please call us at 866-744-7558 to verify class times.
3) Run or yoga on the beach – You're at the beach, so take advantage of it for your exercise routine! Enjoy sunrise yoga or a sunset run on the beach. Running is more challenging in sand because it works your lower leg muscles more, but it's also easier on your joints. You can also try biking with our fat tire bikes available from Hilton Head Outfitters or just a speed walk while admiring the scenery.
4) CrossFit Hilton Head – CrossFit is a fitness trend that's gaining in popularity with even ESPN2 broadcasting the annual CrossFit games. CrossFit uses basic workout moves like squats, pull-ups, jump rope and the occasional tire flipping to give you a "tough" workout. The workout, called a WOD (workout of the day), changes daily to constantly mix things up. Everyone is also encouraged to lift weights with guidance on proper form. You'll know you worked out after a CrossFit session. In Hilton Head, you can find CrossFit at CrossFit Hilton Head located at 6 Bow Circle.
5) Head to a local gym – Of course, you can always head to the local gym for a day pass if you just can't imagine not using the Elliptical for a week. Just outside the resort, walking distance from your Hilton Head vacation home or villa, is Lava Fitness. Other Hilton Head gyms include Beach City Health and Fitness, Odyssey Health Club, Powerhouse Gym, Progressive Health and Fitness Center and more.
Of course, you can always choose one of our active vacation packages that include Hilton Head bike rentals, daily free tennis when you book accommodations through Palmetto Dunes, kayaking, golf and more. We like to stay active here at this South Carolina resort!
Take a break from the cold and snow and head down south for your Thanksgiving Day festivities. Imagine, a sunrise walk before you start cooking and a post-dinner bike ride under mossy oak trees after dinner.
Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of ways to celebrate Turkey Day at the beach whether you'd like to do the cooking or leave it up to us.
Guests of Palmetto Dunes can literally have Thanksgiving at the beach at the oceanfront Dunes House. The restaurant will be offering a buffet from 11 a.m-5 p.m. featuring sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole; turkey , lamb and round of beef as entrees; and pumpkin pie, pecan pie, ginger snap bread pudding and double chocolate cookies for dessert. The buffet is $27.95 per person, $13.95 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are required by calling (843) 686-9623. See the complete menu.
Our new Big Jim's restaurant at the Robert Trent Jones course, which opened earlier this year, will also be open on Thanksgiving. Reservations are not required and they'll be offering traditional Thanksgiving plated dinners with all your favorites. The cost for Big Jim's is $18.95 per person or $9.95 for kids 12 and younger. Those with large parties should call ahead of time to ensure there is space. Call (843) 785-1165.
If you'd prefer to hang out at your Hilton Head vacation home inside Palmetto Dunes, but would rather leave the cooking to someone else, we've got you covered! Let us bring you a gourmet Thanksgiving to go ready on Thanksgiving Day starting at 11 a.m. at Big Jim's restaurant. Be sure you have your order in by Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. by calling 843-686-9623. Our to-go dinner includes roast turkey and top round of beef, stuffing, mashed potatoes; choice of three sides among collard greens, mac & cheese, green bean casserole or squash casserole; and pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. Complete menu. $15/person, minimum 2-person order.
Be sure to rent your bikes ahead of time to ensure they're ready to go for your Turkey Day bike ride to burn off a few calories. Call Hilton Head Outfitters at 866-380-1783 to reserve your bike rentals.
Hilton Head offers plenty of Black Friday shopping if you're looking for some deals. Head across the street to Shelter Cove for specials all weekend. Many of the stores are offering 20% and higher sales, and restaurants will have food and drink specials, as well. See the complete list of sales and deals.
Santa will also make an appearance at the statue of Neptune Nov. 23 from Noon- 3 p.m., arriving on a firetruck no less! The first 200 kids get a free Santa pin and there will also be a bounce house to burn off some of that holiday energy. Shelter Cove will also have live music from Target Band from 1-4 p.m. on Black Friday.
Come spend your Thanksgiving in Hilton Head at Palmetto Dunes. We promise it will be a Thanksgiving you'll never forget! Call us at (866) 744-7558 to book your stay today.
It's getting to be the time of year where the weather up north starts to get cold, with snow and chilling winds as the norm. But here in Hilton Head the weather is mild year round with the average high between 60 and 72 November through February. In fact, you can check our website home page any time of year for the current temperature and see our Hilton Head weather chart for average highs year round.
With sunny days so tempting, we have lots of folks who like to come spend a month or more with us in the winter, and to cater to these loyal guests, we offer a variety of fun options to keep them busy at our Hilton Head beach resort.
Our Monthly Stay and Sports Membership is great for active individuals who love to enjoy the great outdoors. It includes resort accommodations for 30 days in a Hilton Head vacation home or villa, unlimited golf on our three legendary Hilton Head golf courses and bike rentals throughout your stay, two two-hour kayak rentals to enjoy our calm 11-mile lagoon system, two hours of tennis court time daily and the best rates on all other activities at the resort. Plan to burn a few calories with this monthly sports membership!
Golf aficionados will love our Monthly Golf Membership that gives you a 30-day unlimited golf pass to our three championship courses. You also receive discounts at our Hilton Head golf pro shops, golf grills and range. Imagine how much your golf game will improve with so much practice!
If you're a tennis player, you'll be excited to know that with any stay at a Palmetto Dunes-managed Hilton Head vacation villa or home, you receive two hours of complimentary tennis daily. So play your heart out!
Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy a weekly – or even yearly -- kayak or canoe rental from Hilton Head Outfitters. Yearly members pay $199 for one person for unlimited use of the store's standard kayaks and canoes in the Palmetto Dunes inland lagoon system, as well as receive half off for a second person and 10% off all other rental equipment. Monthly bike passes are also available for $59.99 for exploring the more than 50 miles of paved Hilton Head bike paths.
Which monthly sports membership is ideal for you? Call our vacation planners today to schedule your chance to get out of the cold and into the bright Hilton Head sun this winter!
A long weekend is on the horizon (Yay!). And we can't think of a better way to spend your days off than on a Labor Day golf getaway to Palmetto Dunes!
Here's a rundown of the things you can do at this ever popular South Carolina golf resort, including plenty of golf but some other Hilton Head activities, as well:
Tee Time
The Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament kicks off Friday Aug. 31, 2012 at our famed Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, one of our three world-class golf courses. Since 1979, the annual event has raised more than $3.8 million for well-deserving children's charities of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Celebrities at this year's tournament include actors Richard Schiff of The West Wing and Brian Baumgartner, Kevin from The Office; TV personalities Paul Goodloe of the Weather Channel and Holly Sonders of Golf Channel's Morning Drive; numerous professional athletes and plenty of South Carolina favorites including Bobby Cremins; and George Rogers, NFL running back, University of South Carolina graduate and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner.
While you won't be able to play the Jones course Friday (it will be closed for the tournament), you can certainly go and enjoy the festivities! Or you could plan to play one (or both) of the other golf courses at Palmetto Dunes: the George Fazio Course (called the most challenging course in Hilton Head) and the Arthur Hills Course (with 10 holes on the water!). Of course, the Jones course will be back open on Saturday and Sunday.
We also have a special deal right now on Saturday that you can take advantage of while in town. If you book a tee time after 11 a.m. you get half off resort rates if you use code SSSPECIAL12 and book your tee time online here.
Boogie Down
While HarbourFest fireworks are over for the season, Shannon Tanner hasn't gone home yet! Shannon is a family entertainer, who's been singing and playing music to crowds at Shelter Cove since 1988. Shannon will be performing Friday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. with other live entertainment Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Cappy the Clown will be on hand 6-9 p.m. all weekend and there will be lots of other family activities to do, as well. So bring the whole bunch and experience a new family tradition!
Bike Around Town
Rent a bike from Hilton Head Outfitters, THE place for Hilton Head bike rentals, and explore. Hilton Head Island has more than 50 miles of bike paths that take you beneath live oaks draped with Spanish moss, past creeks and marshes, and close to an assortment of beautiful flowers in bloom.
What's going on Labor Day weekend at Palmetto Dunes? As you can see, a lot! In addition to the events above, be sure to check out our event calendar for more information on daily tennis clinics, golf demonstrations and after-hours activities at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort! Enjoy your long weekend!
Shannon Tanner has been rocking Shelter Cove all summer long during HarbourFest. His show has kids and families singing and dancing and is a Hilton Head summer staple. But last week, the audience got an unexpected surprise. He was joined by a special guest: musician Edwin McCain!
Tanner's long-time friend took the stage to perform several songs, including his smash "I'll Be." McCain also sang a new song he wrote for his daughter called, "I'll Take That Long Walk with You." "It's so much fun for him to come play," says Tanner, who has a close relationship with McCain and his family, and played a role in helping McCain get his music career started. Tanner booked McCain's very first gig at Wild Wing Café on the island!
Watch the video below to see a sample:
HarbourFest is the signature summer event at Shelter Cove Harbour, held mid-June through mid-August. The family-friendly festival offers nightly fun and entertainment, and the fireworks show every Tuesday night is extremely popular. This is Tanner's 24th season playing. He performs Monday-Friday with two shows at 6:30 and 8 p.m. through Labor Day. His show is filled with a variety of children's and family songs, including lots of sing-a-longs and audience participation.
"This is a very unique show at Hilton Head," Tanner says. "I've been doing it for 24 years and it's become an integral part of people's summer memories. That's not lost on me or taken lightly. I love what I do and I love that kids I played to years ago are now grown up and bringing their kids to see the show."
Ahoy Mateys!
In addition to enjoying his HarbourFest shows, families can also set sail with Tanner on his Most Excellent Pirate Expedition. The pirate ship sails from Shelter Cove Wednesday and Friday mornings. The morning includes pirate stories, pirate songs and dances, and of course a search for lost pirate treasure. For more information and tickets, please visit www.piratekidzofhiltonhead.com. You can also visit (and "Like") the Pirate Expedition Facebook page.
Shannon Tanner App
Just because you have to get back to reality after your vacation, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the songs of summer. You can keep up with Tanner's live performances and new material by downloading the free Shannon Tanner App to your smart phone!
"I get tons of emails and Facebook posts about people who enjoyed my show," Tanner says. "With this app, they can listen to songs and watch videos. They can see where I'm performing, and even download some free music."
But there's nothing like seeing Tanner live, so be sure you catch him at HarbourFest before the season ends. The last fireworks show will be Aug. 14, though Tanner and the ever popular Cappy the Clown will continue to perform at Shelter Cove Harbour through Labor Day. View the complete schedule.
Lots of families who visit Palmetto Dunes each summer love to learn how to surf in Hilton Head and the experience would not be the same without our fun and colorful surf instructors.
In this week's blog, we want to introduce you to Logan Cambron, our surf instructor. Get to know him a little better and come take a surf lesson from Capt Logan!
What is your job title and what are your responsibilities?
"I'm in charge of the surf program, but I also do kayaks and bikes. I have my captain's license, so I'm going to be piloting some of the lagoon boats."
What is the best part of your job?
"Just the look on [my campers'] faces when they stand all the way up during a surf lesson. I also love getting paid to work on the beach."
How did you wind up at Palmetto Dunes?
"I grew up on Hilton Head Island. I know there aren't many of us who can say that. As for Palmetto Dunes, I had worked at the General Store... Altogether, I've been here eight or nine years."
What is the best thing about Hilton Head that most tourists don't know?
"The natural beauty that we've kept unspoiled. You have to see it to believe it."
What's your favorite spot on the island?
"The Dunes House. That's where I've always gone to surf. The surfing is better in the morning before everyone gets out there and it gets windy."
What are the two most-played songs on your iPod?
"Well, I don't have an iPod, but if I did, I'd play '409' by The Beach Boys and 'Hey, Ya,' by OutKast.
Have you surfed with Capt Logan? Share your experience with us!
Here at Palmetto Dunes, we love families. Nothing lights up our day like seeing a child enjoying the wonders of our resort and summer fun is definitely one of our specialties. After all, we've racked up a wall's worth of plaques naming us one of the world's best resorts for family vacations.
We have children and teens programs and activities for all ages and all skill levels. Some are a few hours, some a few days. Some are fairly structured, some aren't. All offer lots of activity and plenty of fun!
For little golfers, try our "Little Swingers" program, which teaches golf basics while singing songs. More intensive is the five-day Palmetto Dunes Junior Golf Academy and, in between, we have clinics for various ages, practice rounds with an instructor and special prices for golfers under age 17 to play our three designer golf courses. We even have Family Golf School, which whole families can do together. Watch the video below to see some little golfers in action.
We're proud of our tennis programs for the younger set, too. Our tennis clinics start with players ages 4 and up and includes Junior Tennis Camp for ages 9 to 17 and the Junior Grand Slam for tournament-level players. There are lots of clinics, tournaments and practices to choose from, as well. Here's another great video clip of our tennis program for kids:
We take advantage of the fact we're on an island, too, with all kinds of boating and fishing activities that set sail from Shelter Cove Marina. You can see science in real life here in Hilton Head. See dolphins up close on our dolphin cruise or learn how to crab with our Lowcountry experts. How about family ski day where you have your choice of ski instruction, kneeboarding or tubing or let them try out paddleboarding with a few lessons in our calm inland lagoon system.
No matter what strikes your kids' fancy, they're sure to find something at Palmetto Dunes that will keep boredom at bay, as well as keeping them active and engaged during your Hilton Head vacation.
If you're looking for a fishing guide, lesson and just someone to talk fish with, Trent Malphrus, we like to call him "Captain Trent," is your man! He's been fishing since he could walk and started working as a guide when he was 12 years old.
Growing up on Hilton Head Island, Trent had some of the best fishing surrounding him and he literally knows every nook and cranny of our waterways. We're so pleased to say he truly believes the best Hilton Head fishing is in our 11-mile lagoon system!
February is a tough month to catch inshore fish so we're thrilled that March is only a few days away! Trent says that March is just the beginning of some of the best fishing for the year. The longer days and shorter nights lets the fish know spring is on its way and the water begins to warm up slowly but surely.
What Trent is most interested in is all the live bait still left in the creeks. Since the winter was not cold enough for the bait to migrate to warmer water, they have remained here in Hilton Head's creeks. What he does know is that our lagoon system will start to see Black Drum, Red Fish and Speckled Trout, all for you to catch!
The lagoon system in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort holds some of the biggest trout on the east coast and there's a lot of them. Trent's largest catch ever was in the lagoon, a Red Drum that weighed in more than 50 pounds!
Captain Trent has worked with people of all ages and can help anyone reel in a big one. When his son was just 3 years old, Trent helped him snag a Red Trout and Black Drum. His oldest client was a 91-year-old fly fisherman who caught three Tarpon, which Trent says was an amazing experience.
Want to know more about Trent? Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters and set up a fishing excursion with him. It's well worth it!
There's some great shopping throughout Hilton Head but within Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort there are some must see shops.
Shelter Cove Harbour doesn't just host HarbourFest, Shannon Tanner and summertime fireworks; it's also the home of a variety of interesting shopping. Located on beautiful Broad Creek, the waterfront shopping at Shelter Cove Harbour makes for a fun day! Here are some of the stores you need to peruse the next time you're in town.
Clothing and Accessories
Camp Hilton Head- This cute store has great Hilton Head hats, tees and beach bags. If you're looking for a vacation souvenir, this is the place.
Neptune's Kids- Carries a wide variety of clothing, games and gifts for kids of all ages. Your children will surely fall in love with this store.
Taffeta- If you're looking for a beautiful outfit for a special night out or want to check out the latest fashions from Europe, come on in.
Home and Garden
Christmas on the Harbour- Get in the holiday spirit year round with some of the best Christmas decorations like ornaments, nativities and holiday stem wear.
Neptune's Niche- Unique home and garden accessories as well as a selection of glassware, artwork, jewelry, woodwork, ironwork, pottery and textiles by Lowcountry artists.
Art and Photography
The Golf & Boat Club/ Bolton Smith Gallery- Original artwork by R. Bolton Smith and resort wear.
LaBelle Image Fine Art Gallery- A popular art gallery featuring original work by artist Richard Riverin and unique art to complement the existing décor of your home.
Legacy Design Photographers- Looking to capture your family vacation memories? The team at Legacy can create beautiful images of your children, engagement photos or family reunions!
Nash Gallery- This gallery showcases some beautiful wood, metal, glass, ceramic and handmade jewelry from North American artists.
Salon Shelter Cove- If you're looking for a new do, a blow out or even a Keratin treatment while in town, this salon will help you out. Walk-ins welcome!
Shelter Cove has something for everyone and we hope you spend a day walking in the sun from store to store enjoying the day. Don't forget that there are also 7 wonderful restaurants for you to sit and have lunch and dinner! What's your favorite store in Hilton Head?
The March issue of Tennis Magazine named Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center the No. 1 Tennis Center in the Carolinas and we couldn't be more thrilled! The magazine considers the quality of tennis instruction, number of courts and clinics provided in determining the rankings. They also take into account the lodging, dining and other amenities that are included with your tennis vacation.
Our 25 courts -- 23 clay and 2 Nova pro bounce , 7 of which are lighted for night play -- made it to the top spot beating out several resorts in North and South Carolina. Beyond the quality and number of courts, Tennis Magazine called out our wide variety of tennis lessons and clinics. From our Junior Programs, such as our Short Shorts Clinic, to our Daily Round Robins, we have lessons and programs for the whole family. Plus, last year, we added a shortened court for children's play to follow new tournament regulations.
Between February and November, our tennis center will play host to nine tournaments, bringing some amazing talent to Hilton Head Island.
Beyond all the courts, classes and tournaments here at Palmetto Dunes, we also offer two hours of free tennis court time daily to all our resort homes or villas guests, in addition to giving them the best deals on activities within the resort.
We're so proud of our wonderful tennis team and look forward to hosting you for the perfect Hilton Head tennis vacation at the best tennis resort in the Carolinas!
From the golf course to where to eat and drink we've compiled tips and information from the staff at Palmetto Dunes to help you get the most out of your visit to our resort.
If you've never stayed with us before, feel free to ask us any questions you have by emailing email@example.com or you can "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and we'll answer your questions there.
Do you have a great tip for visiting Palmetto Dunes?
In just a few weeks, Hilton Head Island will be sipping some of the best wines around. March 5-10 is the 27th Annual Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival and it's now one the largest tented wine events on the East Coast. For six days winos and foodies will invade the island to sample amazing Lowcountry dishes and outstanding wines.
The Festival kicks off March 5 with a "Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinner." There will be a few of these throughout the week with time and location coming soon. Can you imagine anything better than talented local chefs pairing each course with a different glass of wine?!
If you're interested in expanding your wine knowledge, then Friday night's Grand Tasting and Silent Auction is perfect for your palate. Proceeds from the silent auction benefits educational opportunities for students in the hospitality programs of study at the University South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry through the John T. and Valerie Curry Educational scholarship fund.
Saturday, March 10 wraps up the fun with the big Wine and Food Festival from Noon to 3 p.m. The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn will turn into a wine lover's dream with the opportunity to mingle with winemakers, sample hundreds of wines, listen to live music and snack on some amazing hors d'oeuvres. Admission is $45 and includes access to all tastings and a souvenir wine glass.
Start planning your Hilton Head trip to Palmetto Dunes for this awesome event. We'd love to see you here to enjoy spring-like weather, fine wine and delicious food!
We've heard from so many of you who are already counting down the days, weeks or months until you hit the beaches here in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Spring break is right around the corner for most and summer will be right behind! We're getting just as pumped as y'all about the beach season and to get you even more in the mood, we've come up with a list of must-do activities while you're visiting us at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.
One of the most beloved Palmetto Dunes locations, The Dunes House, plans to re-open in late February, just in time to feed the spring breakers and summer vacationers the best fish tacos and drinks around with an unbeatable oceanfront view.
March not only brings us the spring breakers but also the Tennis Welcome Exhibition and Happy Hour and Demo Days. Every Monday night at 5:30 p.m., we get our employees and guests together to enjoy cocktails and lemonade while watching our tennis pros play on Centre Court. If you really enjoy tennis, then our Tuesday 2 p.m. Demo Days is the perfect way to test the newest equipment and ask our pros any technical questions you may have.
Summertime brings lots of activities unique to Palmetto Dunes like stand up paddle boarding and our amazing surf school. Learning to paddle board can be tough in the ocean waves so we provide lessons on our calm 11-mile lagoon system!
Our surf school has taught tons of people to hang-10 over the past few years and it's back this year to teach a whole new crew. Even if you've never even attempted to stand on a board, our instructors will have you surfing before you know it. Just check out these young surfers.
Summer wouldn't be complete without HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour and nightly performances by Shannon Tanner, a Hilton Head summer tradition that families return to enjoy year after year.
We can't wait to see you all this year and hope you'll enjoy all the Palmetto Dunes classics, while also trying a new activity or event! Oh, and you might have so much fun that you see fireworks!
When most people think about Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort they think about the beautiful beaches, three amazing golf courses, miles of paved bike paths and exceptional tennis. While we're incredibly proud to be known for all of these activities, we also want you to take advantage of our many sailboat charters out of Shelter Cove Harbour just across the road. We have two exquisite sailboats and three fun filled cruises that will please the whole family.
The Schooner "Welcome" offers a variety of options, including a relaxing sunset cocktail and hors d'oeuvres cruise ideal for catching the marsh breeze and enjoying the amazing views of Hilton Head. For those interested in the wildlife surrounding our island, the Eco Cruise is for you. Hitting the seas each afternoon allows you to encounter a wide variety of marine wildlife like sea turtles, marsh birds and majestic dolphins. Finally, the "Welcome" provides a fun-filled family experience with the Pirates Adventure Cruise. Sail the high seas with a pirate as your guide while learning to hoist the sails and steer the ship. Ahoy matey, it's a good time indeed!
If you're looking for a more private sailboat charter, we have the smaller 40-foot "Special-K". Take your time sailing around Hilton Head Island with an experienced captain and crew. Whether you're interested in learning more about how to sail or you want to surprise your spouse with a romantic private ride, the "Special-K" is a great choice.
The next time you're in Hilton Head consider taking an adventure to the high seas and come aboard one of our fabulous sailboat charters!
January is the month where many Americans are gung-ho with their list of New Year's resolutions. Lots of people are hitting the gym and checking out the health food isles at the grocery store, but we've also heard many people say they also resolve to spend more time with family. If you've been trying to get your immediate, or extended, family together for a while or want to plan a family reunion, why get the gang together at Palmetto Dunes?
Between our beautiful homes and villas, three world-renowned golf courses, tennis, bikes, fishing, shopping and the beach, every person in your family will be happy and entertained. What many people don't realize when deciding where to stay Hilton Head is that when you stay with Palmetto Dunes, you get the best deals available on all the activities at the resort, as well as lagoon activities and boat charters out of Shelter Cove Harbour. You also get two free hours of tennis time each day!
Shelter Cove Harbour, just across the road from the resort, is also a great place to take the fam, because there are plentiful restaurants to enjoy each night and a variety of shops to peruse. Our group planners can even help create a special dinner at The Dunes House or a more formal party to celebrate your family reunion.
So, ring up your family, start matching up calendars and settle on a date. Then give us a ring at 866-744-7558 or click here and we'll handle the rest.
We hope to see your whole gang here soon!
So you've set the date, picked the location and asked your friends to be in your wedding party but you just can't ask the boss for an extra week off for your honeymoon quite yet.
The honeymoon is the icing on your wedded bliss cake but for many it's extremely challenging to plan more time off after the wedding planning week amidst work or school schedules. That's why we've created the Mini Moon Package.
This mini vacation after your nuptials will give you the much needed breather you need but will allow you to go back to work or school without taking too many extra PTO days! This package is also ideal for those looking for a long weekend getaway to rekindle the flames for Valentine's Day with all the spa, food and romance you could want.
The Mini Moon package includes:
Be bold and follow in the footsteps of William and Kate and Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries (except try to stay married longer than 72 days) and try our new Mini Moon. Call us at 866-744-7558 for more information and make sure to visit us at www.palmettodunes.com .
We're gearing up to see lots of people on the Island and throughout our resort in the next several months. Between Valentine's romantic getaways, spring break travelers and summer vacationers, we're going to be seeing lots of you.
But you've got to get here first and so we've gathered some great tips on packing, as well as traveling with children to help you get here without a hitch.
Packing tips for the pros:
Here are also just a few awesome traveling with children tips:
Do you have any great packing tips or ideas for traveling with kids? Please share! We hope to see lots of you in the next several months!
We know that many of you are experiencing chilling temperatures, snowy skies and icy roads. While we can't make it summer any earlier and we can't raise the temperatures to the lovely mild days we're experiencing here on Hilton Head, we can give you live updates and visuals of the beach every day! We have two webcams set up on the resort, one at The Dunes House and the other at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Course.
If you're in need of a little golf action on a cold day, check out the webcam at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. This beautiful course was renovated in 2002 to reshape fairways, trees, greens and bunkers. We were also able to improve the natural draining of the course by linking it to our 11-mile lagoon system. The Jones Course has 11 holes that run by the lagoon and 10th hole has a spectacular view of the ocean! This webcam is sure to make you want to pack up your clubs and head down to Hilton Head.
If you've had a rough week and need a minute of rest and relaxation from work, then check out The Dunes House webcam. The Dunes House is known for their awesome fish tacos and amazing view of the ocean. This webcam is situated in the perfect place to give you a view of guests enjoying lunch and watching the waves rolling in! If you're a romantic, check this webcam on the weekends for a chance to see a wedding happening live on the beach!
We want to bring you a little piece of Hilton Head and all that Palmetto Dunes has to offer whenever you want it by maintaining these webcams. The best part is the next time you're here you can tell your family or friends to tune in to see what a great time you're having on vacation!
The Gullah culture is all around us here in Hilton Head but it's in full bloom each February when we celebrate Gullah Heritage month. Gullah is more than a language or the name of the people; it's a way to preserve the traditions and struggles of those West Africans who were brought to South Carolina and Georgia as slaves.
Since 1996, The Gullah Celebration has been celebrating and honoring all things Gullah on our Island by holding daily events from February 1- 25. The overall goal of the Celebration is to raise awareness and funds to support minority-owned businesses and to bring this historic culture to tourists.
Each event showcases an aspect of the Gullah culture, such as food, music, arts and history. You'll be amazed at the beautiful voices of Gospel singers, the intricate weavings of sweetgrass to make a basket and the amazing tales coming from a group of storytellers.
Put on by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association, Inc. and Native Islanders Property Owners Association, these events are sure to provide entertainment for your whole family. Saturday, February 4 will bring one of the most popular events, The Taste of Gullah, which gives you the opportunity to taste classic Gullah dishes for only $10.
Many events are free and open to the public, and we hope you'll check out the complete list of all the happenings during Gullah Celebration Month. If you'll be with us in February, be sure to make time taking in a little bit of the history that truly makes Hilton Head something special!
We're kicking off 2012 with four wonderful tournaments for all our golf and tennis friends out there. While we know many of you are stuck in snow and ice, why not head to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and spend a little time outside in milder temperatures at one of these entertaining events.
On January 21, we'll hold the Martin Luther King Golf Tournament at our Arthur Hills course. Locals will invade our golf course to play in honor of the great Martin Luther King Jr. Next, during the first weekend in February, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center will host the No-Snow Tennis Classic from the 3rd – 5th of the month. Grab your racquet and head down to Hilton Head for some great tennis play with a guarantee of no snow!
We'll also honor all those in the food and beverage industry in Hilton Head with our annual F&B Golf Tournament on February 16. This will be the tournament's 8th year at our George Fazio course and you can enter now by simply clicking here. This tournament is all about the locals and at least one person from your team needs to be in the food and beverage industry.
The 26th Annual "Luck of the Irish" Doubles Tournament will bring us into March with tennis teams that are sure to please. We hope to see lots of men's, women's and mixed doubles team this year. It's only $45 per person for one event or $55 a person for two events. You can register your doubles team by clicking here and filling out the entry form.
We feel very lucky to have such amazing events happening this winter season and to be able to engage with all the Hilton Head locals and out-of-towners through these events. Whether you "love" tennis or golf, we hope this blog post got you on "par" with some tournaments to enjoy this year!
Valentine's Day is right around the corner so why not get your love something different this year? Forget the extravagant floral arrangements, the chocolate and stuffed animals and think about a romantic retreat to Hilton Head, South Carolina. We've worked out an amazing package for all the love birds out there and it's the perfect getaway for Valentine's Day.
This package includes:
You and your honey will be relaxed, rejuvenated and in love with the fact that you can do all these activities without ever leaving our resort. This romantic package provides relaxation, adventure and wonderful accommodations. We look forward to making your Valentine's Day the best it's ever been!
It's said that 1 in 5 grooms propose to their wife each holiday season. With all the love and joy in the air between Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's, it's no surprise to us! If you're one of the lucky couples who've decided to head to wedded bliss this holiday season, you might want to consider a Hilton Head wedding as the perfect place to tie the knot.
Whether you want a quiet beachfront affair surrounded by close friends and family or a lavish event in a beautifully-decorated venue with hundred of guests, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort can help. Anne Graves, our catering and events manager can make your wedding dreams come true. If you'd like to see some of the beautiful Palmetto Dunes weddings we've had throughout the resort, take a look at our online testimonials.
We also encourage you to keep connected with us on Facebook and Twitter as one bride, Marie, did. She was able to ask questions each day the week in advance of her Hilton Head wedding on Twitter, tweet us updates on the excitement while they were in town and then post all their amazing pictures on Facebook and Twitter to share with our online family. We enjoyed Marie's wedding both online and offline!
We hope to hear from all you newly-engaged couples so we can help create your dream wedding. Please give Anne a call at 866.650.4130 or you can fill out a request form. Happy wedding planning from all of us at Palmetto Dunes!
Most people will start 2012 with a list of resolutions like:
We'd like to offer you a resolution list that's not only more fun to achieve but also gives you tasks you can complete with your friends or family.
We hope these resolutions spice up your usual list and that on the very top of your 2012 list it says: Plan a Palmetto Dunes vacation! Happy New Year and we hope to see you all in 2012!
While most of the country is bundling up and sitting by their fireplaces, here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we're out and about playing in 70-degree weather. From tennis and golf to fishing and kayaking, the activities don't slow down here in Hilton Head when winter rolls in. To keep our winter visitors, active we've got some great seasonal deals for the tennis, golf or outdoors fanatic.
Hilton Head Outfitters is offering unlimited biking, kayaking and canoeing throughout the winter. For $49 per person you can rent a bike for the whole month or you can buy a bike for 25% off! Guests can also buy a year membership for $300 per couple or $199 per person, and enjoy unlimited kayak and canoe rentals!
Winter is actually the best time to start fishing in our lagoon system, because red fish, speckled sea trout and sheephead are bountiful. Head on over to Shelter Cove Harbour to take one of the many fishing charters with Captain Trent Malphrus. You're sure to reel in a big one!
If tennis is more up your alley, you can purchase a monthly membership through February for only $200 per person that includes two hours of court time per day. Finally, if you'd like to play with us AND stay with us, we've got a 30-night resort accommodations package that includes golf, bikes, kayaks and tennis starting at only $1,200 per person. We think that's a deal!
Call us 866-744-7558 and find out all the ways you can save this winter season!
December is a month full of shopping, decorating, eating and being with family. Watching movies together is a holiday tradition for many families who gather and watch the same flick year after year. Here at Palmetto Dunes some of our favorite holiday movies are, of course, based around a vacation! Check out our list and see if any of our favs are on your list too!
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - This is the ultimate holiday vacation movie that will have the whole family in hysterics! The Griswolds prepare for Christmas by inviting their entire family to their home. As all the family members arrive from their travels you quickly see the Griswol's genuinely just have the worst luck!
Home Alone (1990) - A true holiday classic, Home Alone is based on the McAllister family and their decision to vacation in Paris, France for Christmas. Things go haywire for their son, Kevin, when he's left home alone on accident. While being home without his whole family seems incredibly fun at first, Kevin ends up spending Christmas Eve protecting his house from two crazy burglars!
The Holiday (2006) - If you and your family are more into romantic comedies, then this contemporary Christmas movie will do the trick. Two heartbroken women decide to switch houses in different countries for the holiday. Iris leaves her home in London to move into Amanda's LA home, and Amanda travels to London to stay at Iris' cottage. Both women might start their season off with boy-troubles but by Christmas they have both fallen in love!
So, hit the TV guide, Red Box, Netlfix or your movie collection and enjoy. Happy Holidays!
If you've ever been to Hilton Head, then you know the most common form of transportation is bike! This 2-wheeled ride and Christmas have a long history together, as the bicycle is one of the most common items on a child's wish list for Santa.
Hilton Head Outfitters has the new craze in bikes that's on lots of kids' lists this year. It's called Zike! The Zike combines a normal bike with the workout of an elliptical machine. These super kid-friendly bikes have been featured on The View and Extra.
You can get the Zike in 4 different versions:
All these versions come in multiple colors, including blue, green, red, yellow and more. If a bike is on your child's Christmas list this year, why not try something different and fun with the Zike?! We guarantee they will have a speedy good time.
We thought it would be fun to share a little bit of history about the resort that so many of you call home, home away from home or vacation heaven.
It all started for Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort back in 1967 with the first major project being the development of the lagoon system. One year later, in 1968, development began on our championship Robert Trent Jones golf course
The early 70's brought the addition of the Inn Villas, Beach Villas, Water Oak Villas, the Chimney Cove development and the groundbreaking of the Hyatt Hotel. In 1973, the Fazio course was started and the Jones pro shop was expanded. The following year our wonderful Tennis Center was completed and the end of the 70's allowed us to finish Ocean Cove Villas, Turnberry Village and the Fazio Tennis Courts. We ended the decade with the acquisition by Greenwood Development Corporation.
The 80's brought more growth in our accommodation arena by adding Captain's Walk, Captain's Cove, St. Andrew's Common and more. In 1980 construction began on Shelter Cove Marina, making it an exciting year for us! Three years later came the dedication of Shelter Cove Harbour and the popular King Neptune sundial, the largest working figurative sundial in the world... In 1986, the Arthur Hills Course opened, completing our acclaimed, award-winning golf trifecta.
Over the past ten years, the resort built a new Tennis Center in 2001, and in 2002, the Robert Trent Jones course was completely renovated.
Look how far we've come since 1967! Who knows what will be in our future, but we look forward to all the great things to come and providing our guests with more activities than ever.
Lots of women come through the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center each year, and one complaint that we've heard a lot is about their tennis bags. They are often too large and bulky for the average woman to haul around. That's why we started carrying the very stylish and sleek Life Is Tennis JETPAC bag.
Designed by a female tennis player for women, these bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes while also allowing you to pick from lots of fun patterns. The Winter collection provides prints such as Enchantment, Reptilian and Silver Vogue. Here at Palmetto Dunes we carry many different styles, including small and large slings, as well as totes.
So this holiday season give the gift that will make dreams of days spent in our tennis clinics and nights spent on our lighted tennis courts. The Life Is Tennis bag is a must-give this holiday season for all the lady tennis players in your life!
While winter may slow down most of the country, visitors to Hilton Head can stay active no matter the time of year. With daytime temperatures averaging between 50-60 degrees during the winter, it's great weather to get outside and play a round of golf with us here at Palmetto Dunes.
This winter we're offering two new golf packages and programs that will not only help improve your game but will bring a little piece of Canada to our Island.
If you're looking to improve your golf game while the weather is milder, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is offering a new "Five Ways to Better Golf" assessment and coaching package. Led by Doug Weaver, Palmetto Dunes' director of golf instruction, guests receive assessments of the following five systems of their golf game: mental, full swing technical, short game technical, equipment and fitness.
Hailing from Granby, Quebec, Michel Dion, joins our golf team this winter to help with instruction. Winter brings many of our Canadian golfers to Hilton Head and Dion's experience and French-speaking abilities will bring a whole new dynamic to Palmetto Dunes.
Spend your winter with us improving every aspect of your golf game, and we'll have you looking like a star in time for spring and summer!
It's quickly becoming that time of year when you sit at the table to give thanks, hear holiday music on the radio and spend hours of your weekend wrapping gifts. The holidays are full of fun here on Hilton Head Island, and if you're planning a trip here before 2012, you won't be bored or disappointed.
The holiday excitement begins with Thanksgiving here at The Dunes House in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. We're serving up a traditional style Thanksgiving Day feast so if you'd be thankful for no cooking and no clean up, this is the perfect option for your family! If you're staying that weekend, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is hosting the Community Christmas Tree Lighting to move us directly into the Santa spirit.
Come celebrate this joyful season with us at Shelter Cove Harbour Friday, November 25 by getting your picture with Santa, live entertainment and even free ornaments from Christmas on the Harbour for the first 200 children. The fun continues into Saturday with holiday sales and amazing deals from many of the shops in Shelter Cove.
Want to feel like you're walking in a winter wonderland while you're here on the Island? Then the Hilton Head Winter Wonder Festival on December 9 is a must-add to your calendars. From 4-8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Park, you can roast marshmallows, create holiday crafts or even hunt for the golden candy cane. This event is a wonderful family-friendly festival that allows parents and grandparents to come for free with their children!
For more information on events happening while you're here on a fabulous winter vacation, click here!
It might be freezing outside and you're thinking more about wearing scarves than swimsuits but this Christmas why not get the family a present that will warm everyone's heart? A trip to Hilton Head Island!
Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort you can find the perfect home or villa located near the ocean, golf course or lagoon depending on how your loved ones want to spend their vacation.
2118 Windsor Place has an oceanfront view and plenty of space for your whole family. The large open balcony is a great place to drink your coffee in the morning or wind down at night to the sound of tbhe ocean breeze. Enjoy views of the ocean from your private balcony overlooking an oceanfront pool with a spa, barbecue area and children's pool.
We know that many families love to gather in the kitchen and this unit has a spacious kitchen that's open to the living and dining room. Another great feature is that all four bedrooms have their own private bathroom, making it easy for everyone to clean up and get ready after a day in the sand. The Arthur Hills golf course is a short walk away for all the golfers in the family, and you can enjoy two hours of free tennis court time each day you stay with us!
So call us now at 866-744-7558 and get the whole family a gift they will truly enjoy. Also, when you book early, you're eligible for some really amazing deals!
Not sure what to get the golf lover on your list? Let Palmetto Dunes help with our holiday gift guide! Our first suggestion: the new TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron!
This iron delivers distance with progressive top lines and a thinner face. They've also designed shafts specifically for each head and every iron has been reinvented by TaylorMade. Another impressive upgrade is that the weight of the club is lower and wider for a higher level of forgiveness. You'll never hear the golfer in your life complain about turf-drag or shortened ball flight with this club, reaffirming that you bought them the right holiday gift.
All of our golf pros are really enjoying the new TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron and would recommend it to any level of golfer. You can call us now 843.785.1136 or stop by our proshops for more information or to pick one up. We can't promise that your golfer's clothes will be wrinkle free, but we can promise that this iron will be a welcomed addition to their golf bag!
We don't want your vacation in Hilton Head to feel like an episode of Gilligan's Island or Lost. We know that sometimes it can be confusing to get around the Island, and we want to provide you with the best Hilton Head maps to help you navigate the perfect vacation.
If you're looking for a general map of Hilton Head Island, try the Chamber. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour are located directly in the middle of Hilton Head Island off of 278 West. Once you make it in the resort, the Welcome Center can provide you with helpful maps of the resort, Shelter Cove or directions to any location on the Island.
For those who want to prepare in advance, we have several maps that will let you know your location at all times. If you're staying with us at Palmetto Dunes, we have maps for each section of the resort from the villas at Windsor Place to Captains Quarters. If you're coming to participate in many of the activities, we provide this map can help you get to all three golf courses, Hilton Head Outfitters and even the Conference Centers. We even have a special map for all the bikers out there outlining all the biking trails on the entire Island!
So the next time you're here don't spend any of your time wondering how to get to Shelter Cove Harbour or The Dunes House, let us do the work for you!
Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we love our guests! Whether you stay with us year-round, visit for a week or come for the day to enjoy our activities we value you all. One special guest, Austin, touched our hearts when he came for a fishing excursion with Captain Trent Malphrus.
For more than six years, Austin has been battling acute lymphocyte leukemia, which he was diagnosed with at 8 years old. After three years of treatments, his love of basketball was taken from him but a newfound passion for hunting, fishing and music was awakened inside him. The Make-A-Wish foundation granted his wish and sent the DeGroot family to Hawaii on a deep-sea fishing adventure. Due to strong winds and intense waves, they were unable to go on the fishing trip.
Since then the family has found their outdoor retreat a little closer to home, here in Hilton Head Island. They've been coming to the island for the past five years and Austin has gone after the "big catch" each year. On the last visit they came to visit us at Hilton Head Outfitters and we set them up with fishing extraordinaire, Captain Trent. Finally, Austin was able to reel in the big one: a redfish!
After a great day on the Palmetto Dunes lagoon fishing, Austin said "Mom, my life is fulfilled I've done everything I've ever wanted to do!" We're very thankful to have been a part of Austin's big day and great catch and hope to see the DeGroot family on the island for many more years to come!
There are so many things to be thankful for here in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The gorgeous weather, the beach, fishing, biking, great golf and tennis and all the amazing people! If you're looking to skip the early snow this year and have a warm Thanksgiving, come celebrate with us at Palmetto Dunes. The average temperature here in November is upper 60's to mid 70's, making it great weather to hit one of our three golf courses, walk the beach or to play tennis all day!
Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated in a big way at our beach front restaurant, The Dunes House! On Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, from 11 am - 5 pm you can enjoy a huge Thanksgiving buffet your grandmother would be proud of. You can also pre-order a meal for carry-out. Just call us at 843-686-9623 or email us at email@example.com. The best part is you don't have to cook or clean up when you're done!
The buffet is $27.95 per person plus tax and gratuity and $13.95 for kids 12 and younger. Here is the menu for Turkey Day:
Thanksgiving Menu at The Dunes House:
Mix Greens Salad with House Dressings
New England Clam Chowder
Citrus Brined Deep Fried Tom Turkey
Oven Roasted Organic Free Range Turkey
Corn Bread Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Honey Glazed Baked Bone in Spiral Ham
Miss Liz's Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
Candied Yams
Garlic Mash Yukon Gold Potatoes
Fennel and Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib
Desserts include: Frankie Mae's Famous Pumpkin Pie, Keylime Pie,
Southern Bourban Pecan Pie, Sweet Potatoe Pie and Cookies.
Regular menu will not be served at this time.
We'll also be hosting a holiday kick-off celebration the day after Thanksgiving and we'll be sharing information soon with all the details. Whether you join us or celebrate at home, happy Turkey Day!
You work hard to stay in shape when you're at home, and you certainly don't want to let all that hard work go to waste by stopping on vacation. No worries. When you come to Palmetto Dunes, we've got you covered. Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to run, bike or even try something new, like beachfront yoga! Here are some options to help you return with the same, or better, beach bod that you arrived with:
Hilton Head Outfitters offers a wide variety of bicycles to rent. Guests can bike through the smooth streets, which are perfect for a calm, breezy ride. If you're up for more of a challenge, try a vigorous ride on the beach, which can burn up to 500 calories an hour! Another Palmetto Dunes activity that really gets the blood flowing is Cardio Tennis!
If you are a yoga enthusiast, you've got plenty to choose from. With many yoga studios around the island, you're sure to find the right fit! Our favorite is oceanfront yoga. What could be a better workout than practicing poses with the waves crashing serenely in the background? Beach Yoga is available in front of the Dunes House on Palmetto Dunes taught by Pamela Eaton.
If you're interested in visiting a more traditional gym, there are several on the island to try. We have an Anytime Fitness, Beach City Health and Fitness and Players Club Fitness Center to name a few. But, if you're looking for an awesome challenge we suggest trying CrossFit. Our own tennis maven, Jackie, attends each morning and highly recommends it!
So whether you're into tennis, biking, running or lifting here in Hilton Head Island, we've got all you need to get your sweat on! Let us know if you try any of our suggestions and how they "work out".
Are your kids dreaming of their spring or summer spent at Palmetto Dunes? Reading a book about the beach is a great way to bring those memories to mind, while encouraging a love of reading at the same time.
Head to the library or the bookstore and turn it into a fun outing as you look for your "beach book." Here are a few children's books set at the beach that we highly recommend.
So cozy up with your little ones this fall and dream of days at beach. Happy reading!
Visiting Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and need to stock up on groceries for the week? Look no further than the Resort's own Palmetto Dunes General Store! Palmetto Dunes General Store, located at 1 Trent Jones Lane, is a great place to pick up anything you need for your Hilton Head vacation.
Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Palmetto Dunes General Store has everything you need from groceries to a fine selection of cigars. It's the island's one-stop-shop with something for everyone. The store offers a large selection of ice cream and candy for those young at heart. And for those with more discerning tastes, Palmetto Dunes General Store has a great wine and beer section. The store is even the perfect place to pick up a few gifts! It's always stocked with T-shirts and hats that make great souvenirs.
The Palmetto Dunes General Store is not just your average market. It also offers some delicious meals. Breakfast and lunch are served every day starting at 6 am. The store has a large menu full of Southern classics and unique specialties. Stop by for a homemade cinnamon roll or have a plate of the "Best Fried Chicken" on the island.
The Palmetto Dunes General Store is the best place on the island to pick up anything you may need for your stay. We hope to see y'all there!
Our Robert Trent Jones Course was the first golf course built at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, and it's a favorite of many. In fact readers of Golfweek magazine voted it among their favorite courses in the Southeast. The course offers 18 holes, 11 of which wind alongside an 11-mile lagoon system. The Jones course is most famous for its par-five 10th oceanfront hole, one of only two on the Island.
Built in 1967 by Robert Trent Jones and significantly reconstructed in 2002 by longtime protégé Roger Rulewich, this course aims to please. After reshaping tees, elevating fairways and improving the drainage system, the course re-opened and was named the 2003 Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association and is ranked four stars by Golf Digest. The Jones course plays 7,005 yards from the championship tees.
And that's not all! The course also claims the largest pro-shop at Palmetto Dunes, and one of the largest on the Island. From Nike and Adidas to Burberry and Travis Mathew, we have it all. After you purchase those new clubs make sure you hit our free custom club fitting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! We hope to "tee" you soon.
Got a hankering for a Louisiana PoBoy or some authentic Cajun gumbo? Hilton Head Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of these down-home delicacies; however, this month, The Island Recreation Association will be bringing the Bayou to us!
Starting at 11 a.m. on October 15, Shelter Cove Community Park will turn into Bourbon Street for the annual Cajun Food Festival. The fest is chock full of fun for the whole family. There will be Cajun cuisine sure to please everyone from fried oysters to red beans and rice.
Keep your children happy by letting them hit the "Kid's Zone", complete with moon bounces, arts and crafts. While the kids are having a blast, don't forget to visit the Outdoor Business Expo, which is new to this year's festival. During the Expo, businesses from around the area will be showcasing new products and services throughout the day.
Proceeds from the Cajun Food Festival will benefit the Island Recreation Association's Scholarship Fund, which assures that every child, regardless of financial hardship, will be able to participate in recreation. Good food, good people and a good cause? What more reason is there to check out this year's Cajun Food Festival? For more information visit www.islandreccenter.org or call (843) 681-7273. We hope to see you at our version of the Bayou!
Shannon Tanner holds a special place in the hearts of all who've visited Palmetto Dunes, as well as Hilton Head locals and those strolling through Shelter Cove during the summer season. Although summer has come to a close, he's keeping his musical act in motion by heading into the school systems with his "Wish to Be Just Who You Are Shannon Tanner School Tour."
This anti-bullying campaign uses Shannon's music to teach children important life lessons and the impact of bullying on kids. Shannon says the inspiration came from some of his own childhood memories, as well as the ever-growing number of cyber bullying reports.
Shannon has been performing at our HarbourFest event for 24 years and we hope his anti-bullying campaign shapes the lives of children for many years to come! Check out this amazing video below of Shannon performing at Roaring Brook School!
Hilton Head is full of events, activities and wonderful restaurants, but we're also only a short drive from historic Bluffton, S.C. The week of October 16-23 will bring the perfect opportunity to visit Hilton Head and check out the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival too! In its seventh year, this festival celebrates local seafood, history, art and, most importantly, Southern hospitality.
The 15-minute drive to downtown Bluffton is a great day trip and you can participate in events such as kayak tours, Iron Chef competitions or oyster roasts. Make sure you take your children too, because the Palmetto Animal League will have pets to adopt or play with. If you're more of the workout junkie, this festival has you covered with a 5K on Saturday, October 22.
The days and evenings will be filled with tons of entertainment from jazz musicians and singers to best selling authors. Your children will be amazed by the juggling work of Ben Matthews and the Carolina Clowns from Charlotte, N.C. Don't miss Saturday nights' fireworks spectacular that will be the perfect end to a great event.
Let us know if you go and what you enjoyed the most!
Vacations used to be a time to turn off your phones and completely get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These days, it's tough to get away without turning off your smart phone!
Our advice: Put your phone on silent but keep it charged just enough to take advantage of these apps to make your Hilton Head vacation more interesting, informative and less expensive!
So on your next adventure to Hilton Head keep your phone on and connect with us to create your perfect trip! We hope to see you soon.
If you've been to see us for a summer vacation, spring break or quick getaway in the last year and a half then you've probably seen the famous Charles Fraser statue. The life-sized bronze statue of Charles Fraser and his alligator, located at Compass Rose Park, is part of the public art fund created by The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 2010. The goal of the fund is to install public art and sculptures to beautify our Island.
This year the public art fund is bringing 20 pieces of outdoor sculpture to the Coastal Discovery Museum from September 25 through December 31. There will be works of art from local, national and international artists, and by the end of the year one piece will be selected to remain in Hilton Head and become a permanent part of our public art collection.
If you're planning a visit between now and the end of the year, this is a free, must-see walking tour of some fantastic art. So whether you're into modern, classic or contemporary, come to Hilton Head this fall and winter and get artsy with us!
Have you ever been walking the beaches here in Hilton Head and seen some amazing sandcastles? We've seen some masterpieces grace our sand, for sure, and we want to share some sandcastle building tips with you! And hey, if you want to start building before you get to the beach, we'll give you some at-home ideas too!
The Tools You'll Need: A shovel with a long handle, a bucket, a few carving tools like a spoon, a plastic knife and a fork!
Location, Location, Location: Make sure not to start your sandcastle too close to the shoreline or all your work will be destroyed by the incoming tide! Keep in mind that you'll need water to hold your castle together so don't go too far from the ocean unless you want a good workout.
Get to Digging and Building: Start by digging a hole far enough down to reach the water table (where the sand is damp). Using very wet sand and your hands, create a base for your castle. Stack sand blocks on top of one another until you get your sandcastle the height and width you want.
Decoration Time: After you've built the base, it's time for the fun part. You can use the knife to chisel in a brick pattern and the spoon to scoop out openings for a door. Another cool technique is to make a "drizzle" roof by taking super wet sand into your hand, hold your hand over the desired location and let the sand drip down. You can also use coral, shells and other washed up items to jazz up your creation!
So get to building and share your castle pictures with us on Facebook!
This month Hilton Head Island is hosting the 2011 Ecotourism and Sustainability Tourism Conference. This is the first time the conference has been held in the southeast and we're excited they decided to come our way!
From September 19-21, the Westin will fill up with businesses and individuals who are interested in conservation and sustainability.
As expected, the entire event will promote "green" by only serving fair trade organic coffee, using recycled paper products and equipping businesses to make sustainable changes. We as an island have already taken strides by implementing Hilton Head Island Difference, which connects companies and people who are looking to create a healthier, safer and sustainable world with projects.
For more information on the conference, check out this interview with Susan Thomas, vice president of our Visitor and Convention Bureau.
If you're celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon or just need a vacation with your honey, we want to help you plan the perfect beach date. We suggest starting off your day with a nice bike ride through the resort. We have more than 5 miles of paved bike paths at the resort with beautiful natural surroundings for you to explore.
On your ride, stop by the General Store and pick up sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks and a towel or blanket for a nice picnic to take to the beach. Next, stop by Hilton Head Outfitters where you can rent your beach chairs and an umbrella. Then head toward the sand and surf to enjoy a relaxing picnic while you watch the dolphins frolic and unwind watching the waves.
Cap your day with a romantic dinner. A couple of of good options include Alexander's in the resort, which is known for its extensive wine menu, or Ela's in Shelter Cove, which has outstanding view to accompany their menu!
If you need even more relaxation, many of our packages include spa treatments, champagne and other sweet activities to try. We even offer a Silver Celebration package for couple celebrating 25 years of marriage.
What's your favorite romantic activity when in Hilton Head? We hope to see all you love birds here soon!
The Arthur Hills course, ranked 4.5 stars by Fodor's Gold Digest, features a series of rolling dunes, as well 10 holes on the water. Named the South Carolina Course of the Year in 2009, the course was designed to encourage precision.
The dunes create many opportunities for off-balance lies and the ocean breezes present an additional challenge. TravelGolf.com says, "There is very little sand on the course, making the hazards a little harder to pick out. Beware the swales, tight fairways and lots of water."
Most people recognize the Hills course by the Leamington Lighthouse that sits on the 15th hole. The lighthouse, built sometime between 1879 and 1880, was part of a navigational system of lights guiding ships into Port Royal Sound. It's the only historic lighthouse on Hilton Head and one of only a few surviving in the state of South Carolina.
Don't forget we serve breakfast and lunch at the grill and we dish up a mean New England Clam Chowder that you have to try. We hope to see you all out at the Hills course and if you have any questions ask for our head pro there, Clark (he's wonderful).
What's more Southern than peach pie and tomato sandwiches? To be sure you don't miss out on your trip to Hilton Head, we want to fill you in on some of the area's best farmer's markets.
Every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. through Dec. 22, the Farmer's Market in historic Bluffton, S.C. offers up fresh fruits, veggies, chocolates, peanut brittle and dry aged beef. Make sure to also check their website for some recipes straight from the farm to your vacation table.
Beyond the amazing produce and goodies you can buy, they have amazing BBQ meals, fresh-squeezed lemonade, delicious kettle corn made to order and fun activities for the whole family!
If you're looking to stay a little closer to Palmetto Dunes, the Hilton Head Island Farmer's Market at Historic Honey Horn is a must try. It's held each Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October 31. They will also have several Holiday Markets if you're in town during November or December. Shop for fresh eggs, lettuce and watermelon from the people who actually grew them!
So get out there and take the family to enjoy a wonderful day of excellent food and great times. Let us know what you pick up and what delicious meal you whip up when you get home to your villa!
If you've ever been to Hilton Head or seen a picture, you know that biking is a huge part of our island life. With more than 5 miles of bike paths in Palmetto Dunes and more than 50 miles of paths on the whole island, it's no surprise Hilton Head was recently awarded the Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community award from the League of American Bicyclists.
Only 130 communities across the country have received this award, and we are only one of three resort communities on the East Coast who boast the silver level honor!
Here at Palmetto Dunes we rent more than 4,000 bikes a week in the peak summer months at Hilton Head Outfitters and it's one of the most popular activities at the resort. As soon you turn into our gates, you'll likely spot lots of folks enjoying the natural beauty of the resort on bike. You can also rent helmets, seats, lights and other accessories at Outfitters.
The next time you're in town make sure you see Hilton Head by bike and enjoy one of the most bike-friendly communities in the country!
Here at Palmetto Dunes we have three award-winning golf courses that we love to brag about. What you may not know is that besides the courses themselves, we also have three amazing pro-shops located on each course!
Our main pro-shop is located at the Robert Trent Jones course and is the largest on the island with a wide variety of merchandise. At all of our pro shops, you can find the newest up-and-coming designers, like Travis Mathew, and many of the classics, such as Cutter & Buck and Underarmour. All three also have the latest equipment from Titleist, Cobra, Cleveland, TaylorMade and Nike.
Beyond our collection of clothing and equipment, each pro-shop also has a grill inside that is open daily for lunch and dinner. Every Thursday the Jones course has all you can eat tacos from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m! Need something warm before a cold tee time? Come by the Arthur Hills grill and try a bowl of Liz's homemade New England clam chowder. It's delicious!
Have you been to our pro shops? Did you find something you can't live without?
Next month is the start of two months full of tennis tournaments here in Hilton Head, S.C. While we're preparing for four tournaments hosted here in September and October, one of our team members is preparing to head west for a California tournament!
Our very own Mary Jackson, group coordinator at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, is headed to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Nationals in Rancho Mirage, Calif.! At the tournament, held Oct. 14-16, she will represent the Southern Section in the 4.5 Senior Women's division. This is a huge honor and one that Mary and her team worked very hard to achieve.
Here is a blurb from Hilton Head's Island Packet newspaper about their win: "The senior 4.5 women's team from Palmetto Dunes Tennis Club brought back a title Tuesday from the USTA League Southern Section Championships in Mobile, Ala. The team finished 5-0 in the tournament and lost just one court in the five matches, wrapping up the championship by breezing to a 3-0 victory in the finals against a squad from Atlanta."
We're so proud of Mary and her entire team and wish them the best of luck at USTA Nationals. If you want to come learn from some of the best, check out all of our wonderful tennis clinics here at Palmetto Dunes!
What does Labor Day mean to you? Is it the official end of summer, a day off work, the last day to wear white or the beginning of college and NFL football season? Well, here at Palmetto Dunes it means one last chance at a summer getaway for the family. Labor Day weekend is full of fun activities here at the resort, specially crafted with your entire family in mind.
This Labor Day treat your loved ones to learning a new skill or polishing up an existing one. How about three days of our Family Golf School? Golf is a timeless skill to learn, and one of your kids will thank you for sooner or later. The program was designed by our resident golf pro and former PGA tour professional Doug Weaver. We also have great opportunities to practice your tennis skills with our junior and adult clinics.
After all that practice, it might just be nice to spend this last weekend of fun and summer biking or kayaking our 11-mile lagoon system. Sometimes just telling you how fun our activities are just isn't enough, you have to see it yourself! Check out this video highlighting the adventurous family fun here at Palmetto Dunes!
Don't you just want to hop in the car now and head our way? We understand… Come on down!
If your kids are looking to try something new and exciting this summer then head down to Hilton Head Outfitters and sign up for our surf camp! The classes are 90 minutes long and available for all ages. Captain Byron Sewell gives private attention to all attendees and brings his radical experience to the class!
Captain Byron was born on Hilton Head Island and has been a competitive surfer for 12 years. He has 5 State Championship titles and has even won an East Coast Championship. When he's not in Hilton Head helping your child catch a wave, you can find him either in Hawaii or in Costa Rica from November through May running a surfing adventure guide.
Every class starts with a 10-minute yoga stretch to get everyone loose and in the right frame of mind. All classes are full of laughter and he ends each session with a watermelon seed spitting contest! So get your children out there for fun in the surf so they can tell everyone they've been surfing in Hilton Head. Cowabunga dudes!
Here's some good news for all of our athletes out there: playing other sports can help your golf game! The reason? The motion involved in other athletic activities, such as swinging a tennis racket, hitting a baseball or throwing a Frisbee, are very similar to the mechanics used in a golf swing.
An article in Golf Tips magazine encourages readers to hold a football and pretend to be a quarterback handing off a ball to the running back. This motion is similar to the initial takeaway of a golf swing. "Just as you would with a football handoff, the takeaway begins with the rotation of the body to the right and the club out in front of the chest." By practicing motions with sports you're already comfortable with, you can start breaking down the individual motions in a golf swing.
Our resident golf pro at Palmetto Dunes, Doug Weaver, is an avid believer in this athletic approach to improving your golf game. Weaver says, "You will play better tennis if you play golf and vice versa." At Doug's junior clinics, the kids do football drills, soccer drills and even hula hooping to help them loosen their hips and improve their follow-through motion.
So remember, the master of another sport CAN master golf too.
There are lots of great activities to do on the beach from swimming and building sand castles to jogging and surfing, but a great way to get in some family bonding time is to turn the beach into a game board!
Did you know you can ride your bike almost anywhere in Hilton Head? The island has more than 50 miles of paved paths and, of course, plentiful beaches for exploring on two wheels.