The 'Low Country' of South Carolina is an area of outstanding natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It has featured in many movies such as 'The Prince of Tides' , 'Forrest Gump' and 'Glory'. Hilton Head Island has strict regulations aimed at preserving the beautiful natural surroundings and protecting the abundant wildlife. Hilton Head Plantation has even stricter regulations covering everything from architectural design (the homes must blend with their surroundings) to private garden maintenance and even has its own security force. I believe the litter fine is $1,000! You will not see any of the poorly regulated development common in some other parts of the US. and Europe. As well as exploring the immediate area, interesting side trips can be made to historic Bluffton, Beaufort, Savannah and Charleston.
Hilton Head Island has a sub tropical climate with average high temperatures ranging in degrees Farenheit from 58 in January, 74 in April to 88 in July, (14.5, 23 and 31 in degrees Centigrade). It is at about the same latitude as San Diego USA, Casablanca Morocco, or Israel. But is washed by the Gulf Stream and is very much more lush, being mostly covered in Southern Evergreen Oak dripping with Spanish Moss, Scots Pine and Gum trees. There are hundreds of lakes and lagoons. The tidal creeks and estuaries have reeds and wetlands, whooping cranes and other wading birds and the famous shrimp boats still ply their trade. The Island has 12 miles of wide family oriented Atlantic Ocean facing beaches on which you can swim, sunbathe, dolphin watch surf, horse ride, bike ride etc. You can sail or kayak in the protected waters of the estuaries or Inter Coastal. The Island had over 2 million visitors in 2008 and caters for virtually every resort activity from Bridge to Body surfing.
The nearest major airport is Savannah less than an hours drive away, or Charleston 2 hours drive away.
Hilton Head has its own small airport 15 minutes from our house, with frequent shuttle flights from Savannah, Charlotte and Altanta.
We usually fly from London to Hilton Head via Charlotte with US Airways for from $550 return which is really good value. Sometimes we fly to Savannah via Atlanta with Delta. There are frequent flights all year round.
The owners live in the United Kingdom.
If you are telephoning from another country:
Dial your international access code - usually 011 in the US and 00 in Europe.
Dial the country code for the UK - 44.
Dial the number - omitting the first zero, in brackets, so - 1376 573034 home or 7802 282183 cell
Golf:
Hilton Head Island is possibly best known for its 20 odd golf courses and it is undeniably a golfers paradise. Too much to mention here. Check out www.hiltonhead.golfersguide.com. There are 4 courses in Hilton Head Plantation. Dolphin Head, Oyster Reef, The Country Club of Hilton Head and Bear Creek. The Verizon Heritage PGA Tour Tournament takes place 13 - 19 April 2009 at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Other Activities:
Dolphin watching. Kayaking. Wildlife conservancies & nature trails.
