So many of my sweet summer memories are from a beautiful island called Hilton Head. This place feels like a second home to me. It doesn't have the white sands and clear waters that some beaches in Florida do, but it's my family's place for vacation and I wouldn't have it any other way. There are so many quirks about Hilton Head that make it unique, and whether you've grown up going there like I have, or only visited once, you're bound to be familiar with some of these aspects of Hilton Head Island.
1. Why do all the buildings look the same?
Whenever bring a friend with me to the beach, I enjoy watching how they react when I tell them the sandy gray-colored buildings they see are chains like Wendy's, Verizon and McDonald's. If you look closely at the signs and posters, of course, you can tell what restaurant it is, but the bold and classic colors that belong to these companies won't be so easy to spot. Hilton Head is all about creating the idea of restaurants and shops blending in with natural scenery. I love this aspect of Hilton Head. It takes my mind off of bright colors and tacky advertisements and helps me appreciate the beauty of the island.
2. Natural everything.
Going with the theme of neutral-toned buildings, all of Hilton Head flourishes with greens and browns and animals all over. One night, while on vacation this summer, my family and I were coming home from dinner when we saw a beautiful deer just walking through the streets of a neighborhood as calm as could be. The next night, some other relatives saw multiple deer on that same street.The great thing is that this isn't an uncommon thing to see at Hilton Head. Being in natural surroundings is such a comforting and relaxing thing, and definitely contributes to the charm of Hilton Head.
3. Palmetto Dunes.
Palmetto Dunes is the neighborhood we stay in almost every time we go. Whether you stay there or some other place like Sea Pines, the communities are so inviting and beautiful. My favorite part about arriving at the beach is when we finally make it into Palmetto Dunes and I look outside to see Spanish moss hanging from the trees and the shade it provides all along the road. Beside the road I look to the bike path full of adorable little families headed to the beach, or maybe the general store, which is a little bit famous in my family. For us, a beach trip isn't complete without biking to the general store for ICEEs and candy.
4. Harbor Town.
Just like the general store, Harbor Town is also a must-do while on the island. It's definitely a tradition in my family, but not one that we get tired of! For me, Harbor Town means going to The Crazy Crab and playing on the big playground. For you it might mean climbing to the top of the lighthouse, shopping, or looking at all the pretty boats docked in the harbor. For most of us, though, Harbor Town means one thing: Gregg Russell.
5. The man under the tree ... Gregg Russell.
Gregg Russell has been a tradition in my family for the last 38 of his 40 years of performing. He stands under the liberty oak tree that has a stage built around it just for him and every night for the entire summer he puts on shows. Kids pile around him on the stage with homemade signs, ready for him to read them and maybe for a chance to be picked to talk to him and sing. Along with the kids singing, Gregg Russell sings songs, mostly ones he wrote himself, and throws in humor only the older siblings and adults sitting in the back will understand. He is the epitome of a clean, entertaining, and humble performer.
6. Coligny Plaza and The Frozen Moo.
Coligny can fill most shopping and dining needs for those on the island. I was at Coligny three different days while I was at the beach because we just couldn't quit eating and shopping! Our favorite place to go is the ice cream shop called the Frozen Moo, which is owned by a cousin of my mom's. So, of course we go there to support him, but also because there are 92 different ice cream flavors to chose from and it's all just so darn good. There's no way we can turn good ice cream down.
Whether you've always gone to Hilton Head or you've only been a handful of times, this island is full of fun and beautiful things that make my heart, and so many others', so, so happy.
