Andrew Delaplaine - Hilton Head--The Delaplaine 2017 Long Weekend Guide

Hilton Head

The Delaplaine

2017

Long Weekend

Guide

Andrew Delaplaine

NO BUSINESS HAS PAID A SINGLE PENNY OR GIVEN ANYTHING TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK.

A list of the authors other travel guides, as well as his political thrillers and titles for children, can be found at the end of this book.

Senior Editors - Renee & Sophie Delaplaine

Senior Writer - James Cubby

Copyright by Gramercy Park Press - All rights reserved.

Please submit corrections, additions or comments to

High on the Hog Sensible Alternatives On a Budget

Extravagant Middle Ground Budget

Chapter 1

L ooking for the perfect spot for your family vacation? Hilton Head Island continues to be prominent on Top Ten Lists for summer vacations. Hilton Head Island, known as an island paradise, not only keeps families returning year after year but is also a great getaway for young couples and retirees. Bing, the popular search engine, recently placed Hilton Head on its list as one of the top ten family beaches. With miles of pristine sandy beaches, 24 premium golf courses, and a world of dining and upscale shopping opportunities, theres no wonder why people continually choose Hilton Head for their summer vacation.

This is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Hilton Head is just over 12 miles long and boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to Hilton Head can rent beautiful ocean front homes or villas, with or without pools, or even the more affordable condo or time-share, many located right off or overlooking one of the many golf courses located in Hilton Head.

While some choose to spend their day soaking up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches, theres plenty to keep you busy. Activities range from golfing (one of the main reasons a lot of people come to Hilton Head), dining, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, fishing and shopping.

The phrase shop-til-you-drop is so relevant here as youll find some of the best shopping in all of South Carolina in this area. There are more than 200 Hilton Head outlets and stores with endless shopping possibilities including a huge variety of unique boutiques, island shops, full-service shopping centers, and national brand names like Brooks Brothers, Jos. A. Bank, Tommy Hilfiger and Saks Fifth Avenue

I personally am not a golfer. Ever since my college pal Jerry Chappell beat me in 1983, I quit playing. But if golfing is your thing, then Hilton Head is your paradise. Hilton Head is home to world-class quality golf courses including Bluffton and Daufuskie Island. Golf enthusiasts will be thrilled with the golfing perks including PGA Tour Events like the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links. Several of Hilton Heads private and public golf courses have been designed by golf legends like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. Every golf course is unique and offers its own challenges so many courses offer golf schools that can assist you with your game.

D uring the day revel in the semi-tropical atmosphere of Hilton Head and at night enjoy the beautiful sunset. Walk or take a bike ride along the sandy beach or take one of the sunset boat cruises. Dining possibilities are endless in Hilton Head, from upscale dining to simple lunches, from expensive to affordable, there are so many wonderful restaurants at your disposal. Seafood lovers will relish at the variety of seafood houses and annual events like oyster roasts, shrimp boils and fish fries. Favorites include: Red Fish, The Smokehouse, Alexanders and Sea Grass Inn. Visitors should check out the Bluffton Farmers Market for fresh local foods. For families or those not wanting to dine out for every meal, there are many bakeries, groceries and gourmet shops available for daily shopping.

Nightlife (conservative as it is) is a major component of Hilton Head far beyond the many restaurants that stay open late night. Evening choices may include dinner and dancing or maybe a stop at an intimate jazz club. Entertainment includes comedy clubs, or a nightclub atmosphere with either live music or live DJ featuring a variety of music from rock to salsa. Besides the many hotel bars and lounges, Hilton Head has quite a variety of nightspots, pubs, bars, and lounges including favorites like Corks Wine Company, Hilton Head Magic & Comedy Club, Riptides (a Sports Bar), and the British Open Pub.

Kids love Hilton Head beyond all the fun at the beach. Kid-friendly activities are endless on Hilton Head including the Adventure Cove, the Island Recreation Center and a variety of parks and playgrounds. The Coastal Discovery Museum has a Getting to know a Gator program thats free. The Autobahn Newhall Preserve, located on the south end, features 50 acres with wildlife like alligators, turtles, and birds as well as plenty of walking trails. The Splash Pad at Coligny Beach, on the south end off Pope Avenue, is another free adventure. Every Tuesday night at Shelter Cover there are fireworks and Shannon Tanner performs an interactive show where the kids get to participate. Other kids favorites include Compass Rose Park where the kids can have their photo taken with an alligator and the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn where the kids can meet a variety of animals besides alligators like Cornet & Tadpole, two loveable marsh-tacky horses.

As you can clearly see, Hilton Head has something for everyone, which keeps folks returning year after year. If its fun youre seeking or just a beautiful place to relax in the sun, Hilton Head Island is a good bet.

WHERE TO STAY

AIRBNB.COM

www.airbnb.com

D efinitely look into the scourge of hoteliers everywhere in the world, this site that alerts frugal travelers to bargain lodgings in peoples homes almost anywhere in the world. You might find a flat a block from Champs lyses thats a third of the price of a small room at the Georges V and with a lot more charm.

Voil!

You will need to do your research, but the good thing is that you pay Airbnb.com directly, not the person hosting you.

They get protections from you (if youre a crazy person and trash the hosts apartment, you will pay dearly) and you get protection from them (in case they offer something not available in the rental).

All in all, a wonderful meeting of the minds for savvy travelers looking for bargains and people in cities where travelers want to go who want to maximize the revenue potential of that spare room.

I have several friends of mine who do this in Miami, on South Beach where I live, and they are all happy with the entire experience.