Tag Archives: South Carolina

July 10, 2012

HHI Top Ten #10

#10. What could be the final favorite on our family top ten list? Hilton Head Island is famous for Golf and Tennis.The local, fresh fruits and vegetables were scrumptious. The rich and famous drop in for the laid back serenity.

While all of the above are wonderful, the last “favorite” on our list is family. Whatever your interests may be, this location offers a perfect backdrop for generations to share togetherness. My children fished with their grandfather and shopped with their grandmother. We spent hours on the beach. My darlings that are in the midst of the “too cool” teen and tween years played like kids, and even better, like friends. There was laughing and biking and eating and climbing and flipping and building and exploring.

And, as usual, I tried to capture it all.

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

FAMILY

Catch the entire Hilton Head Island Top Ten series here:

#1 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/26/hhi-top-ten-1/

#2 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/27/hhi-top-ten-2/

#3 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/28/hhi-top-ten-3/

#4 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/29/hhi-top-ten-4/

#5 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/30/hhi-top-ten-5/

#6 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/07/01/hhi-top-ten-6/

#7 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/07/04/hhi-top-ten-7/

#8 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/07/08/hhi-top-ten-8/

#9 http://wind-inspired.com/2012/07/10/hhi-top-ten-9/

4 comments | tags: Black and White Photography, Family, Hilton Head island, Siblings, South Carolina | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

July 10, 2012

HHI Top Ten #9

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

DAY TRIPS

Within an hour of Hilton Head Island, discover beauty, history, and culture. By car or boat you can reach numerous locations worth your time and effort. While many towns can claim famous movie sets, homes to authors and artists, wonderful one-of-a-kind restaurants, unique shops and galleries, we took day trips to only a few of them. There was so much more we could have done, but honestly, I just didn’t want to leave paradise very often.

We devoted 3 days to the following spots:

SAVANNAH, GA

I won’t be repetitive. You can read about our trip to Georgia – complete with a visit to Paula Deen’s restaurant right here:

http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/17/exploring-savannah-ga/

BEAUFORT, SC

During our boating adventure, this was our ultimate destination. Home to author Pat Conroy. Filming location to a number of famous films, to include The Prince of Tides, Forrest Gump and The General’s Daughter.

Our stay was confined to the small Downtown area, as we were on foot.

We checked out the local shops.

We saw some unique wildlife.

We finished our visit with lunch and Panini’s. While they do not have a Gluten Free menu, they were incredibly creative and accommodating in the chef’s preparation of our meals.

In addition to lunch, our support of the local economy included a pair of Tom’s and 2 water-color prints. And what did we save for next time? The old-fashioned Ice Cream parlour, some more shopping, and the beautiful playground (that we only skipped because of time constraints – don’t tell Harry.) If you are planning a day in Beaufort, get some more information here: http://www.beaufort.com

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PALMETTO BLUFF, SC

Rumor has it there are a number of celebrities that own vacation spots on this plantation. The homes start around a million and work their way up. Way up. Lucky for us, there is an inn where those who don’t claim millionaire status can stay. The “main street” has lovely spots to eat, some shops, a post office and a small wildlife museum.

There is a gorgeous chapel.

Can’t you just imagine a beautiful bride walking down this aisle?

If you have a boat, they have an impressive launching system. Observation kept a certain 8-year-old boy endlessly entertained.

The residents drive some really cool cars.

My children had no problem imagining themselves at ”home” as they took to the swings nestled under the acres and acres of Live Oaks.

If you plan to be in the area, stop by Palmetto Bluff for a few nights at the Inn, or just lunch at Buffalos and a chance to wander about. Check out all your options here: http://www.palmettobluff.com

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If you can pull yourself away from the beach, check out various options for sightseeing near Hilton Head Island. You will find they are all well worth a visit.

Savannah, GA: http://www.savannah.com/

Beaufort, SC: http://www.beaufort.com

Palmetto Dunes, SC: http://www.palmettobluff.com

Bluffton, SC: http://www.bluffton.com/

Tybee Island, GA: http://tybeeisland.com/

Dafuskie Island, SC: http://www.daufuskieisland.com/

For the movie buffs: http://www.beaufortfilm.org/

Civil War Sites: http://www.sccivilwar.org/

1 comment | tags: Beaufort SC, Georgia, Low Country, Palmetto Bluff SC, Savannah GA, South Carolina | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

July 8, 2012

HHI Top Ten #8

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

BOATING

My perfect day is by the sea. The only thing that trumps having my toes in the sand is actually being out in the water.

Hilton Head Island has a multitude of boating opportunities – you can rent a kayak, spend the day sailing, go out on a dolphin watch, do some night fishing, or climb aboard a pirate ship. We are extraordinarily lucky in that a long-time family friend was willing to take us out for a day of exploration.

There’s nothing like the wind in your hair.

Or going so fast that your face is blown into a big grin.

Our Captain was even brave enough to let the kids take the wheel.

The big sister couldn’t sit by and let baby brother be in charge.

The two “bosses” even let Grace have a turn at the helm… but a short turn.

Then Caitlyn took charge to get us to the other side of the bridge.

I think it is safe to assume that we have kids who loves boating.

“So, Dad, we think we need a house on the water, with a dock and our own boat. How about this one?”

On your next trip to Hilton Head, take some time to head off shore and get a distant view of this spectacular Island. You might even meet some of our friends……

1 comment | tags: Boating, Hilton Head island, South Carolina | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

July 4, 2012

HHI Top Ten #7

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

LIVE OAK TREES

I have always been enamored with these beautiful trees.

The branches are fantastic. The Spanish Moss hangs as if the trees are decorated for a celebration.

I love how these old trees grow so wide and tall, creating a canopy over Hilton Head’s streets. It feels like you are entering some place enchanted.

The branches beg kids to climb on them.

Or maybe build a house.

Or hang a hammock.

Or run a zipline.

Happy, climbing children + gorgeous trees = a multitude of photo opportunities.

3 comments | tags: Hilton Head island, Live Oak Trees, South Carolina | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

June 30, 2012

HHI Top Ten #5

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

HARBOUR TOWN

I love being in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, SC. I’m not sure that I can pinpoint the exact reason.

Maybe it’s because they spell Harbour with a U.

Or the big awnings offering shade and the hanging baskets overflowing with flowers.

Maybe it’s the red rocking chairs that line all the sidewalks; perfect for taking a break and watching the people go by. (Or in this case – wait on shopping sisters.)

There are shops that sell hats and t-shirts and shoes and ice cream.

There are trees perfect for climbing.

And playground where even the BIG kids play.

The boats are beautiful. We pick out our favorites and come up with our perfect boat names. Since it would take a big win to purchase even the smallest of the bunch, we decided BINGO would be the name of our boat.

The multitude of ice cream shops make everyone happy.

And there’s a toy store that doesn’t have the letters R U S in the name.

There is a dock – where kayaks, sailboats, dolphin cruises and even pirates are welcomed.

This is a great spot to look for pelicans and pirate ships and dolphins.

And as I wrote about yesterday – the evenings end singing along with Gregg Russell and watching the most beautiful orange, pink, purple sun setting behind the lighthouse.

So, what is it? The ice cream? The playground? The sunsets?

It’s all of those things - and not just because of what they are but the fact that they are all still there. Exactly the same as when I came as a kid. The same trees and rocking chairs and red and white striped lighthouse. In a world that is constantly updating, I love the comforts of the things that don’t change.

Oh, and no worries, we didn’t forget the focal point of the entire harbour. Stop by tomorrow and we will take you to the top of the lighthouse.

1 comment | tags: Harbour Town, Hilton Head island, Sea Pines, South Carolina | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

June 29, 2012

HHI Top Ten #4

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

GREGG RUSSELL

To re-cap, we are still reminiscing about one of our favorite places on Earth – Hilton Head, South Carolina. After two glorious weeks, the kids and I have made up a “top ten” list. We are in no way being paid by the Hilton Head Island visitor’s bureau – but if you want more information for an upcoming visit, check them out here: http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/ AND if you are the Hilton Head Island visitor’s bureau and you would like to bring us back on an all-expense paid family vacation, we would be happy to oblige and promise to write all about it.

If you need to catch up:

HHI Top Ten #1: http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/26/hhi-top-ten-1/

HHI Top Ten #2: http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/27/hhi-top-ten-2/

HHI Top Ten #3: http://wind-inspired.com/2012/06/28/hhi-top-ten-3/

And now back to our regularly scheduled show. Gregg Russell is the Hilton Head summertime rock star to all the children who have ever spent time under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town. He sings. He tells jokes. And best of all, he turns kids into STARS!

While many would pay some bucks to see these performances, they are FREE! Sunday – Friday, 8:00PM.

The shows begin at Eight in the evening, but the preparations start long before that. All the little children spend their day making signs, asking Gregg to “PLEASE PICK ME!” Then the start taking their spots on stage by 7:00 PM – sometimes even earlier.

Here are my kids and their friends getting comfy….

Then Gregg arrives to lots of applause and giggles. After 30+ years of summertime performances you can bet that most of the parents in the audience were once kids on the stage. Myself included. Us old folks enjoy the comfort of the same old routine…. Beach Boys, Folk Tunes; and the kids LOVE the crazy ones like: “Green Alligators” and the gross ones, like: “There’s a Booger in the Sugar.”

As the sun goes down, everyone enjoys 1 1/2 hours of entertainment.

Above all, the real fun is when he gets the talented and often humorous kiddos up to the mic.

As Gregg looks over the crowd, he alternates in choosing a boy, then a girl, and then a weird kid.

It is really a treat when he calls one of your own kids up.

Over the years my girls went up there with big bows in their hair and sang sweet songs

Well, this summer Harrison had a sign. And, he is a weird kid. And he got picked.

Just as his sign promised, Harry BURPED his ABCs.

The parents were laughing so hard we were crying. The folks sitting behind me said “You must be so proud.” While I am always proud of his creativity, I am sure the other parents were downright thrilled that he wasn’t their kid. And I imagine that there are little boys all over the USA who have been inspired to practice their ABCs for next summer.

Stop by tomorrow as we take you on a tour of the rest of Harbour Town.

***NEW ADDITION TO THIS POST! ***

Due to popular demand, I have filmed Harrison’s talent. We do not have a video from the Gregg Russell performance, but he was more than happy to repeat it. He only went up to the letter J – but you get the idea.(PS – it has been a long day and he is pretty tired, I should have given him a sprite to stir up the gases…. maybe next time.)

Enjoy.

5 comments | tags: Gregg Russell, Harbour Town, Hilton Head island, Liberty Oak Tree, South Carolina | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

June 28, 2012

HHI Top Ten #3

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

BIKES

Hilton Head Island is incredibly bike-friendly. There are bikes everywhere.

Maybe not “Amsterdam everywhere.”

But there are A LOT of them, all over the Island. Big ones, little ones, tandem ones, ones with baskets, ones with out baskets, blue ones, yellow ones, red ones…… you get the idea. The bike paths alongside the main roads make biking a great transportation option. Bikes are available for rent by the hour, the day and the week. Many resorts have bikes available at a rate of $25 per week. What a great way to save on gas, get some exercise and have fun while exploring the local sights.

My kids especially love biking on the beach.

Early or late in the day provides a bit more space – but even at the height of the crowds, there is still room to weave in and out of beach umbrellas.

Harry spotted this recumbent beach bike and had to give it a try.

He was quite popular among the 3 and under crowd. As if he were a race car driver, you could hear the little ones line up and squeal “here he comes, here he comes!”

Fresh air, sunshine and LOTS of exercise….. my kids hit the pillows HARD at night. (And that falls into my personal top ten list!)

Sleep tight, and tune in tomorrow for the next addition to HHI Top Ten.

2 comments | tags: beach bikes, biking, Hilton Head island, recumbent bikes, South Carolina, South Carolina beaches | posted in EXPLORE - world travels

June 27, 2012

HHI Top Ten #2

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

THE WILDLIFE

This is NOT a post about my children, but I do think they belong in a zoo.

While staying on Hilton Head Island, you don’t need to pay admission to a zoo. You can enjoy South Carolina’s low country wildlife just by going out for a walk, a bike ride, or looking out your window.

I didn’t have my camera at every moment, so I missed out on shots of deer, rabbits, lizards and numerous birds…. but I did get these:

BIRDS

FURRY CREATURES

This little fellow was our 2 week pet; he especially enjoys walnuts.

MARINE LIFE

While swimming or boating keep an eye out, there are loads of dolphins playing around the island.

and REPTILES

And when the gators didn’t seem interested in coming our to play, dear old Paku broke all of the rules and lured them closer. A clear-cut case of: “Do as I say, not as I do.” (Alligator is in upper left corner.)

See Paku tease alligator.

See alligator glide.

See alligator glide faster.

Run, Paku, run.

The alligator is angry.

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If you prefer a more structured animal experience, stop by Lawton stables. There is a free petting zoo, Horses and ponies to feed, and the opportunity for riding.

The kids have fond memories of visiting these creatures from their younger years.

On days like these, I am begged over and over…. “can we pleeeaaase have a pony? Or maybe a llama?”

If you are heading to Hilton Head, I assure you that all the animals are still there – even with begging and pleading and multitudes of promises, we did not adopt any birds, crabs, alligators or llamas.

Tune in tomorrow for the next addition to HHI Top Ten.

2 comments | tags: alligators, Birds, crab, dolphin, egret, heron, Hilton Head island, South Carolina, squirrel | posted in CAPTURE - photography, EXPLORE - world travels

June 26, 2012

HHI Top Ten #1

By Wind Inspired

Hilton Head Island Top Ten

THE BEACH!

Welcome to 10 posts on why we LOVE Hilton Head Island! This vacation spot has become a family favorite for decades and with every visit, I find it harder and harder to leave. While the “We LOVE list” could have gone on and on – we have narrowed it down. Today, enjoy our sandy escapades along the Atlantic Ocean.

I’m a sucker for the beach. Any beach. Any time of year. Hot. Cold. Turquoise waters. Gray skies. It doesn’t matter – I love the salty smell, the sound of the waves and the sand between my toes. Over the years we have visited beaches all over the world.

Morocco

Long Island

Greece

Hawaii

Puerto Rico

Barbados

France

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So, What makes the beaches on Hilton Head Island so spectacular? (I mean, really, how can you top a camel?) Well, it is a variety of things all put together.

SAND. The sand is really firm. Hard enough to run or ride a bike on.

Great for acrobatics.

The exact amount of dry and wet to make it good “packing” sand. Perfect for sand castles and building hot tubs.

TIDE POOLS. Every morning as the tide goes out, the beach is left with rivers and lakes of shallow, warm water. The beach becomes a spa of jacuzzi tubs and mud baths. They are lovely to wallow in.

Or even fall asleep.

CLEANLINESS! The beaches are clean. Clean as in “let your baby crawl through the tide pools and eat the sand” kind of clean. No cigarette butts. No broken glass. No trash. Respect for nature and others is evident. I appreciate it.