Women's Clothing Boutique in Hilton Head Island, SC

Story and photos by Ellen Germain

If you’re looking for a fabulous place for a family vacation, then look no further than Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It’s known for its incredible beaches and world-class golf courses. It’s a family vacation paradise comprised of several plantations.

You can rent a condo or a house in any of the plantations. There are also fabulous hotels located in Hilton Head. These would include the Marriott, Hilton and Westin Hotels. The best time of year to visit Hilton Head is between April and October. You can fly into Savannah Georgia which is about an hour away from Hilton Head. There is also an airport in Hilton Head.

We have enjoyed staying at Shipyard Plantation and Palmetto Dunes Plantation. ShipyardPlantation is much more rustic than Palmetto Dunes which has a more modern look.When our children were younger, we preferred staying at Shipyard Plantation becauseit’s easier for children to navigate the bike trail. Sea Pines Plantation is the largest of theplantations.

There are miles of white sand beaches in Hilton Head and beach activities are numerous.These would include parasailing and going on wave runners. If you enjoy fishing, thenyou can enjoy terrific fishing too. Private charters are available.

You can bring your dog(s) to Hilton Head. When walking along the beach, we saw manydogs happily walking with their owners. There is a specified time when dogs can runalong the beach without a leash. Jaxie, who belongs to my daughter and son in law lovesrunning along the beach making friends wherever he goes.

Bikers will love the numerous trails throughout Hilton Head. It’s easy to rent a bike. Notonly golfing, but tennis and Pickleball are also popular in Hilton Head. Pickleball inpalmetto dunes is so popular that I recommend that you call the Palmetto Dunes Tennisand Pickleball Center several weeks before even going to Hilton Head to sign up to play.in the very popular round robins. They also have clinics. There are 24 pickleball courtsand they are always full, especially in the morning. Miniature golf is also a popularactivity.

A favorite destination very close to the Shipyard Plantation is Coligny Plaza. You willfind numerous specialty shops and restaurants. One restaurant that we enjoyed on ourmost recent visit to Hilton Head is the Frosty Frog Café. If you are there when JesseRussell James is performing then you’ll be in for a treat. He’s talented and at the end ofhis set he sang a song with his 5 year old son and it was amazing. There is an ice creamparlour in Coligny called Frozen Moo that has 92 flavors. It’s a very busy establishment.Another restaurant that we enjoyed eating at was It’s Greek To Me which is located rightoutside of Coligny. The Owner’s daughter Maria gave us a history of this wonderfulrestaurant. Our waiter, James, was fabulous.

When you’re taking a walk along the beach in Palmetto Dunes and want to stop for lunchor just a drink, then The Dunes House is for you. You can walk right from the beach intothe restaurant. Pomodori is a fabulous Italian restaurant. It’s smaller and very popular, soyou should make a reservation. Alfred’s is another one of our favorite restaurants whichoffers German and creative American fare. A reservation is recommended.

The dress attire in Hilton Head is casual. No cocktail dress or tie and jacket is required.We always make it a point to stop at the Tanger Outlets (there is Tanger 1 and Tanger 2)located right outside of Hilton Head. Some of the stores located in these outlets includeBrooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Nike, and many moretoo numerous to list.

Before our vacation ended, we made a reservation to return in April 2024. My familyloves being in Hilton Head and I’m sure yours will too.

Do you know anyone who owns or works for a small business?

Currently, there are approximately 33,185,550 small businesses in the U.S. as of March 2023, according to the SBA.

Additionally, from 1995 to 2021, small businesses have created 17.3 million net new jobs while large businesses have created 10.3 million, as reported by the SBA. In turn, small businesses have accounted for 62.7% of net new job creation since 1995.

If you’re interested in supporting local small businesses or even those that are located on the other side of the country. It’s important to know what you’re looking for.

“The Office of Advocacy generally defines a small business as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees,” detailed the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.

For individuals looking for more specific information regarding industry-level small business size standards used in government programs and contracting, visit the SBA’s Table of Size Standards.

Have you been trying to shop local through small businesses to help them prosper?

If so, you may be interested to know where in the states is the best for small businesses.

A recent study by SmartAsset used IRS data to calculate how much small business income is generated in each county, as well as how many small businesses are operating in each county.

The study measured five factors to determine which counties ranked the best. According to SmartAsset, these factors included:

After using these metrics and comparing the data, 10 counties scattered around the Palmetto State were determined to be the best in the state for small businesses.

Charleston County was ranked in first place for being the best for small businesses after scoring a total of 58.64 on the Small Business Index. This county reported 15.45% for small business income, which was the highest out of all 10 counties.

Charleston County ranked 673rd best for small businesses nationally.

Beaufort County ranked second with an overall Small Business Index score of 54.73. Although receiving second, the county had 30.22% for small business returns, which was the highest percentage in the category in the Palmetto State for all 10 counties. Charleston County received the second highest with a 28.85%.

Beaufort County received 769th nationally.

Georgetown County received a third place ranking for the Palmetto State with a Small Business Index score of 51.74. This county reported 26.56% for small business returns, 11.35% for small business income, $9,294 for income taxes, 47.32 for the five year change of small business tax returns and a 7.35 five year change of small business income.

The entire list of top 10 counties in South Carolina that are reportedly the best for small businesses, according to SmartAsset, as well as their small business index score include:

For an interactive map with a complete list of each county’s score for all five categories, visit https://smartasset.com/checking-account/savings-calculator#southcarolina.

Most people come to Hilton Head for pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and family time, but this beach town also has a thriving culinary scene. Naturally there’s fresh seafood aplenty, but you’ll also find Southern-inspired bites, farm-to-table dining, and homemade Italian cuisine. Best of all, many places offer oceanfront dining, so you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Atlantic while you eat (and maybe enjoy a frozen cocktail or two).

01

Hilton Head Social Bakery

Get your French pastry fix at Hilton Head Social, which is owned and operated by award-winning French chef Philippe Feret. There are two locations (the original is at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, and the newest one is near the Sea Pines Circle), both of which serve Insta-ready pastries, decadent desserts, and buttery croissants galore. You’ll feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the streets of Paris.

hiltonheadsocialbakery.com, 17 Harborside Ln (building 1), Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

02

Lulu Kitchen

Lulu’s menu is wide-ranging and delicious, offering American favorites with a Southern twist. Think butter poached lobster, short rib grilled cheese, and house fried chicken. Come for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch and bask in the cheery, laid-back setting.

lulukitchen-hhi.com, 890 William Hilton Pkwy Suite 1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

03

The Sea Shack

This no-frills, counter-serve restaurant is a gem. Check out the daily “Blackboard” special, or take your pick from grilled, fried, or blackened seafood that’s fresh from the sea. Expect to wait in line during the peak summer months—The Sea Shack is popular with locals and tourists alike.

seashackseafood.com, 6 Executive Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

04

Chez Georges

Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots de bourgogne (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well. Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday, when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered.

chezgeorgeshhi.com, 37 New Orleans Rd Suite J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

05

Nectar Farm Kitchen

For a fresh-off-the-farm feast, head to Nectar Farm Kitchen, where every dish is lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast and lunch menu features Southern classics like sausage biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, and Benedicts. Hearty “supper plates and bowls” include blue crab and grits, meatloaf, and filet mignon, alongside lighter fare like salads and soups.

nectarfarmkitchen.com, 35-A Office Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

06

Coast

With incredible ocean views and a spacious, twinkly-lit outdoor patio, Coast is the picture-perfect date night spot. Located at the Sea Pines Resort, this restaurant serves all manner of seafood, sandwiches, tacos, and more; there’s also a great raw bar. Wash it all down with a frozen specialty cocktail. During the summertime, there’s often live entertainment.

seapines.com/dining/restaurants-bars/coast-oceanfront, 87 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

07

Skull Creek Boathouse

You’ll likely want to linger for hours at The Boathouse, thanks to the scenic location (on the banks of Skull Creek) and fun, relaxed ambiance. Apart from multiple dining areas, there’s an indoor sushi bar with raw oysters, ceviche, and sashimi, and an outdoor bar with Adirondack chairs and killer sunset views. Don’t leave without trying the famed salt and vinegar crab cakes.

skullcreekboathouse.com, 397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

08

The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar

Billed as an “American bistro with Southern soul,” Lucky Rooster has an exceptional menu that changes all the time based on the seasons and what’s fresh. Expect refined comfort food like grilled oysters, seafood pasta, and surf & turf.

luckyroosterhhi.com, 841 William Hilton Pkwy Unit A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

09

Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Whatever you do, be sure to try a cup of the seafood chowder at Black Marlin; it’s what they’re known for. The fish tacos are delicious, too, although the broad menu also includes seafood entrees, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and various pastas. There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating.

blackmarlinhhi.com, Palmetto Bay Marina, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

10

Burnt Church Distillery

Pair a charcuterie board or brick-oven pizza with creative cocktails made from authentic Lowcountry spirits. Burnt Church also offers a 7,000 square-foot tasting room, gift shop, humidor, history room, and on-site manufacturing facility—it’s a whole experience unto itself.

burntchurchdistillery.com, 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910

11

Nunzio Restaurant + Bar

Get your fill of homemade Italian fare at Nunzio. Traditional dishes run the gamut from Pugliese-style meatballs to homemade ravioli to tagliatelle alla bolognese. Round out your meal with a mouthwatering dessert like lemon sorbet or hot chocolate souffle cake.

nunziohhi.com, 18 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

12

Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

Boasting beautiful views of Port Royal Sound, this iconic seafood joint has been around for more than 50 years. Seafood doesn’t come fresher than this—Hudson’s sources its fish and shrimp directly from one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head. Always order the specials, which can change multiple times a day depending on what’s being unloaded from the boats.

hudsonsonthedocks.com, 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

13

Johnson Creek Tavern

Satisfy your craving for pub grub at this low-key hangout on Harbor Island. Kick back with a cold beer or glass of wine and stay awhile.

johnsoncreektavern.com, 2141 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C (WTOC) - Despite the gloomy weather Friday, people are still enjoying their long holiday weekend on the beach.

Conditions windy with drizzles and there are lots of people are in their hoodies instead of swimsuits.

But despite the weather, Hilton Head’s public safety director says they are preparing for a busy holiday weekend.

Bob Bromage says lifeguards will be on duty. He encourages people to constantly check the weather forecast to make sure they aren’t caught up in the weather that’s expected to get worse tomorrow.

He says people should not be out on boats if the weather becomes severe.

It’s also worth a reminder alcohol is not allowed on the beaches in Hilton Head.

Bromage says there will be extra town and county workers making sure folks have a safe weekend.

“Town code enforcement officers will be out on ATVs and in their trucks on the beach as well as sheriff’s office deputies will be out on their ATVs as well and I believe there will be a marine patrol from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office,” Bob Bromage says.

Several visitors say they’ll be making the best out of their trip. And Hilton Head Island crews will be out ensuring their safety.”

“We obviously wanted to go to the beach and have outdoor activities. Hilton Head seems to be great for bicycling and just being outdoors but if it’s raining all day, it makes it a little harder. We’re trying to pivot and think of some other ideas,” Chad Perusse said.

While plans for Chad Perusse and his family have changed since they left their home in Atlanta, other visitors say they’re still going to give their original itinerary a go.

Yolanda Miller and her husband are here from Greenville, South Carolina with friends celebrating 13 years of marriage.

“We’re going to do a dine in dinner sort of. We’re supposed to do snorkeling with the dolphins and all that stuff but hopefully that doesn’t change,” Miller said.

“Especially during the holiday weekend, we’ll have additional personnel deployed in the field, on the beaches, densely populated areas like Coligny Plaza.” Bromage says.

Bromage also encourages folks to constantly check the weather forecast and stay off boats if the weather becomes severe.

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HILTON HEAD, S.C. (WSAV) — A Hilton Head Island high school teacher has been arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, Beaufort County deputies say.

According to The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office(BCSO), 34-year-old Jared Smith was arrested Tuesday, May 23. Smith is an orchestra teacher at Hilton Head Island High School, according to the District’s website. He has been with Beaufort County School District since 2013.

“We received a tip from a citizen late last week about Mr. Smith possibly possessing or viewing child pornography,” explained Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Major Angela Viens.

Deputies executed a search warrant Tuesday at Smith’s home on Hilton Head Island and collected evidence, including a phone and computer, for investigation.

“We developed enough probable cause to charge with sexual exploitation of a minor third degree,” explains Viens. “Which in South Carolina means you are possessing images or videos that display child pornography.”

“We don’t have any indication at this point, and I am clear at this point. That he is producing child pornography.”

BCSO’s Device Extraction Unit examined the phone seized from Smith’s home and found evidence of sexual exploitation of a minor. A warrant was obtained and Smith was arrested late Wednesday afternoon and remains incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

The Beaufort County School System sent a letter out to parents Wednesday telling them Smith is “no longer employed” by the school.

Just as troubling, the letter goes on to say Smith also gave music lessons to kids from Hilton Head Elementary and the School for Creative Arts.

“At this point, the images we have viewed do not appear to be South Carolina or any of our students here locally,” said Viens.

Deputies say the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be forthcoming as they continue to investigate Smith’s computer for more illegal material.

Viens says the public can be key in cases like these.

“It may be something that makes your hair stand up. that you want to discuss further and holding that information may delay. So always reach out to law enforcement officer agency just to discuss it and it may open up an investigation just like this one,” said Viens.

To report these crimes, call the BCSO tip line at 843-255-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 843-554-1111 if you would like to remain anonymous.