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Hilton Head, South Carolina
 Can
a vacation resort destination really be everything to everyone? How many times have we heard variations of this
same theme, only to arrive somewhere to be truly disappointed in the variety - or lack thereof - of things to do?
By all accounts (from a variety of friends and family members), Hilton Head Island in South Carolina supposedly
delivered on the everything/everyone promise. Having never graced the island's shores, we couldn't argue, but we
certainly had our doubts as we made our first visit to this Low Country beach resort.
As you may be able to guess, we stumbled upon Hilton Head Island late in life. Our beach vacations typically included
the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the West coast of Florida. We drove right past Hilton Head on our way to
Florida for many years with nary a backwards glance. So, what changed our point of view? And what should you consider
if thinking about a sea shore destination? How can this 23 mile long, 5 mile wide island in the shape of a foot
really be all that? Read on.
Location
Map of Hilton Head Island
The 2nd largest barrier island on the east coast, Hilton Head Island
is located on the southern tip of South Carolina, commonly referred to as "The Treasured Coast". Located
so far south in fact, that the easiest way to fly into the island on a scheduled commercial airline is to fly to
Savannah, Georgia (the airport is actually called the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport). Driving, it's a straight shot
down I-95, off at exit 8 and onto the Hilton Head Connector that leads to route 278 - and the William Hilton parkway
that is the main thoroughfare of the island. Visiting for the first time, the drive into HHI does nothing to prepare
you for the island. The 20 or so miles on the Connector road take you through retirement villages (the Del Webb's
famous - or infamous - Sun City) various planned communities, the outskirts of Bluffton and loads of commercial
and retail properties. For the shopper - the Tanger outlet malls provide at least a day, or more, worth of activities
- as they are easily reached within 15 or 20 minutes from the island. However, the development along this stretch
of the road can give you pause and have you asking yourself why you came here in the first place.
Past the commercialized hub bub, the road narrows to 2 lanes and sweeps dramatically over typical Low Country swamp
and brackish waters. Crossing a series of low bridges over wide creeks, the island and the Hilton Head Harbor and
Marina finally come into view, along with gorgeous homes peaking out from the forested banks of the waterway. This
first view of Hilton Head is indicative of what makes the island such a draw. Nature coexisting with planned development
- and an infrastructure to support it.
There are two ways to traverse the island - the William Hilton Parkway (business route) and the Cross Island Expressway
($1 toll road that sends you speedily to the south end of the island). Both roads end up at the same nexus - Sea
Pines Circle - so your choice depends upon your destination and desire for speed. On our first visit, we chose
to travel the long, slow route so we could get a better feel for our surroundings. As we drove along William Hilton
Parkway (the business route), it quickly became apparent that this place is different from most typical beach resorts.
First of all, it is totally apparent that nature trumps development. Virtually no development is visible from the
street. Everything (with very few exceptions) is screened from the parkway by trees and native shrubs. Small, tasteful
signs give indications of shopping centers and tenants. To find a particular retailer or restaurant you much know
which center they reside and approximately where that center is located. Then you can strike out on a search for
your destination - a huge positive in terms of visual appeal, but a huge challenge on your first visit when you
are searching at night for that particular restaurant you are dying to try!
Find Hilton Head lodging at great prices at Hotels.com
Next: Hilton
Head History
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