June 2023 Hilton Head Island Magazine

Hilton Head Island

MAGAZINE

June 2023 / $4.95

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VICKIE MCINTYRE I WRITER

Skilled Luthier, page 64

Vickie McIntyre began her writing career after teaching English/ ESL for 15 years. She was co-author of the celebrity memoir, “Falling with Wings,” and has written more than 100 articles in various magazines.

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CLAY BONNYMAN EVANS I WRITER

Jarvis Creek General Store, page 34

Clay Bonnyman Evans grew up at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and now lives on Hilton Head Island part-time with his wife and three dogs. He has published numerous books. He has climbed all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and South Carolina’s Foothills Trail.

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BECCA EDWARDS I WRITER

Zonta Woman of the Year, page 68

Hilton Head Island native Becca Edwards earned her BA in journalism from Washington and Lee University and MFA in writing from SCAD. She also earned several certifications in such fields as positive psychology, yoga (several modalities), meditation and holistic nutrition.

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GUIDO FLUECK I PHOTOGRAPHER

Documenting the South, page 92

Guido Flueck’s formative years were spent at Einsiedeln Monastery, Switzerland, where he found a passion for photography. Flueck became a ski instructor in the nearby mountains, and there he was discovered by a fashion photographer to be a model. He worked in Europe and NYC and was on the cover of GQ magazine. After 10 years of modeling, he switched to photography.

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PRESIDENT KEITH BACH keith@anthemmediagroup.com

PUBLISHERS

SASHA SWEENEY sasha@anthemmediagroup.com

MEREDITH DIMUZIO meredith@anthemmediagroup.com

EDITOR

ANTHONY GARZILLI anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR REBECCA CASHWELL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER ALLYSON VENRICK

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

MARY ANN KENT maryann@anthemmediagroup.com

WRITERS

Amy Coyne Bredeson, Lawrence Conneff, Clay Bonnyman Evans, Becca Edwards, Jessica Farthing, Nina Greenplate, Justin Jarrett, Barry Kaufman, Mark E. Lett, Vickie McIntyre, Dean Rowland, Edward Thomas

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Guido Flueck, Michael Hrizuk, Rob Kaufman, Ruthe Ritterbeck

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COVER PHOTOS

Hilton Head Island Magazine:

and the Lowcountry Magazine:

Photo by Ritterbeck Photography

Bluffton

Photo by Ritterbeck Photography

2 Finch St. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

set for summer

June kicks off the summer, and we are excited to enjoy all the events our wonderful community offers.

We don’t take for granted that we live in an area with beautiful weather and one that is brimming with entertainment options.

Check out our guide to some of the top events this summer. From music to movies to plenty of food, there’s an abundance of fun activities.

While you are out and about, stop by the new Jarvis Creek General Store. Our story details the shop’s local flavor and highlights its history.

Summer is a great time to enjoy some tasty dishes. Chef Brandon Carter tells us what dishes are perfect for the season. We also provide some quick and sumptuous recipes.

Building a beautiful-sounding guitar is an art. Luthier Brooks Cobb is a master at his craft. Learn how he honed his skills in our profile. It’s a compelling read.

We love when the community recognizes those who make an impact. Patti Maurer was recently recognized for her contributions to the Lowcountry. Read about how the announcement surprised her.

The spring high school sports season saw many superlative performances. From team to individual success, we highlight some of the area’s top standouts. Cheers to all the great accomplishments.

Hurricane season is here. We’ve got you prepared with an all-encompassing guide that includes emergency contacts, evacuation plans and pet safety. We also offer tips to help keep your home safe.

In 1893 a hurricane battered our area. The devastation impacted the Lowcountry for decades after. Read our engrossing story about the Sea Islands Hurricane.

Our country is a sprawling cornucopia of fascinating people and places. Enjoy local photographer Guido Flueck’s photos as he traveled 8,000 miles documenting the South.

Thank you for reading. We wish you well.

KEITH BACH, PRESIDENT keith@anthemmediagroup.com

thank you

A few months ago when we launched the inaugural issues of Hilton Head Island Magazine and Bluffton and the Lowcountry Magazine, we planned to engage our readers with compelling content and striking photography.

We prioritized covering the stories that impact our area. In our first four months we have celebrated the Lowcountry and highlighted important issues.

We are proud to be part of this wonderful community.

What we didn’t plan on was your response — it’s been overwhelming. From in-person conversations, to email correspondence and posts on social media, we have been heartened by your support and kind words.

More than a thousand readers have subscribed to our magazines. If you haven’t subscribed, we encourage you to sign up for your free subscription at anthemmediagroup.com/subscribe.

Thank you.

Your feedback hasn’t been limited to compliments or recommending our publications to others, it has also helped us tell intriguing stories.

We have benefitted from your input by writing articles initiated by your tips — stories that would not have been read by thousands of people if not for your engagement.

We appreciate you. The feedback has inspired us to continue to be the Lowcountry’s community magazine.

Our contributors are vital to our telling of rich and memorable stories. We thank our writers and photographers who have helped us connect the community. A compliment to us is also a compliment to their hard work.

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are full of vibrant people and fascinating stories. While many interests are shared, each community has its own identity and stories to tell. Which is why every month Hilton Head Island Magazine and Bluffton and the Lowcountry Magazine have unique articles specific to each publication on the people and places of each town.

By picking up a copy of each separate issue, you’ll be sure to learn things you didn’t know about the people and organizations featured.

We love being the storytellers for Bluffton and Hilton Head Island and look forward to continuing to spotlight our communities.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

SASHA SWEENEY, PUBLISHER sasha@anthemmediagroup.com

MEREDITH DIMUZIO, PUBLISHER meredith@anthemmediagroup.com

savor small joys

Sometimes a common experience can lead to unexpected satisfaction.

I was struck recently by a memory, one that was inspired by a poem published in 1938 that was referenced in a book written in 1972 that I am now reading in 2023.

A short time ago I went to the library to pick up a book. There was the familiar routine of spotting the book, walking triumphantly to the desk and presenting the library card. A scan, a due date, and I’d be on my way.

But then I turned and saw a different book seemingly looking right at me. No surprise, I was after all in a library, but this book wasn’t expected to be released for at least another several days.

I stared. I asked if that was indeed the book whose publication I had anticipated for weeks.

Looks like it, I was told. (I always recall, affectionately, the nonchalance of the response).

Bashfully, like a child seeking permission to eat a chocolate chip cookie, I asked if it was OK to also check out this book.

Sure.

I was surprised by my elation. I walked out of the library buzzing with excitement. A book not expected to be available was in my possession, and I felt like I’d just scored front-row seats for the concert of the century.

It’s an odd memory, but it was a good reminder to savor the small, everyday satisfactions, like listening to a favorite podcast or musician, taking a relaxing walk around the neighborhood, eating a satisfying dessert — or being immersed in a good book.

I was early into reading Roger Kahn’s “The Boys of Summer” recently when he described his time as a young newspaperman in the 1950s

Under the thrill of deadline pressure and the pace of writing for a daily newspaper, Kahn wrote that he did not truly realize what he had. His appreciation came later.

Because the present, as Kahn referenced in Robert Frost’s “Carpe Diem,” is “too much for the senses/ too crowding, too confusing — /too present to imagine.”

Discovering a library book might not be the gallant embodiment of the often difficult task of seizing the day, but it was a moment that remains in my memory.

It could have been like many other forgettable mundane experiences, but instead it was one that stuck. A small joy.

It was a common experience to be appreciated in the present tense.

ANTHONY GARZILLI, EDITOR anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

MAYFEST

YACHT HOP

FORREST FIRE J. PARKER LTD.

If you have photos of an event to submit for consideration, please email them to anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

It was a full house at the opening of Forrest Fire Southern Smo’kin BBQ. J. Parker Ltd. held a ribbon cutting for its Old Town Bluffton location.

A flashmob, above, entertained visitors at Bluffton Mayfest, hosted by the Rotary Club of Bluffton. Featured artist Lauren Terrett displays her work.

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry hosted the 23rd Yacht Hop at Wexford’s Inland Harbour.

BEACH DAY

EARTH DAY

Earth Day brought out many who cleaned up the island’s beaches. Hosted by The Outside Foundation, the island-wide litter sweep brought the community out to clean beaches, parks, paths and other natural spaces.

DOG WALK

The 25th annual Dog Walk on the Beach was held at Coligny Beach. The event benefits Hilton Head Humane, which captured these pictures of the pooches.

Bill Hirzel and his daughter, Stephanie, recently enjoyed a beautiful spring day by riding their bikes on the beach at Palmetto Dunes.

june

New Jarvis Creek General Store offers a taste of local flavor and shares a storied local history.

48 I CULINARY CRAFT

Chef Brandon Carter discusses the summer dishes that are emblematic of the community he serves.

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Brooks Cobb, dedicated to his craft as a skilled luthier, builds intricate custom guitars.

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Patti Maurer has impacted the community for years. She was recently recognized for her significant contributions.

High school athletes enjoyed strong spring seasons. Here are some of the top individual and team performances.

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There are plenty of events for everybody to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the most exciting happenings.

34 I A PLACE TO GATHER

I GUITAR GURU

I WOMAN OF THE YEAR

86 I SPORTS STARS

I SUMMER FUN

Jarvis Creek General Store

20 I THE Q & A

Lavon Stevens plays soothing tunes.

22 I CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH

Three days of exciting events.

26 I AROUND TOWN

Highlighting the top news items from throughout the Lowcountry.

32 I GIVING SPOTLIGHT

The Bargain Box awards grants to charities.

40 I SUMMER FASHION

Top styles for the season.

50 I KEEP COOL

Tips to packing your cooler.

52 I SATISFYING RECIPES

Here are a few dishes that will hit the spot.

56 I STORM SAFETY

Be prepared for hurricanes with this guide.

60 I HURRICANE HOME READY

Get your house safety-ready.

72 I SPOTLIGHTING LITERACY

Friends of the Library promotes learning.

74 I THE GREAT STORM OF 1893

Sea Islands Hurricane battered the Lowcountry.

80 I CREATURES OF THE FOREST

Be vigilant around copperhead snakes.

82 I SERVING SENIOR CITIZENS

Carol Mullen helps the elderly.

84 I PICKLEBALL PAIN

How to treat common injuries.

92 I PHOTOGRAPHING THE SOUTH

Guido Flueck chronicles the country.

98 I GRASSROOTS GENEROSITY

Bethany McDonald leads Sharing Shack effort.

Patti Maurer

lavon stevens MASTER MUSICIAN

If you’ve seen Lavon Stevens under the lights at The Jazz Corner, you’ve witnessed an expression of musicality that few can match. We talked to him about music, guilty pleasures, and the island’s “good old days.”

Q: What was the island’s music scene like when you got here?

A: It was a great place for music back in the old days (40 years ago!) much like it is now except, it was a smaller community. There was a great community of local musicians, jazz and pop music alike, and everybody knew everybody. There was also a mixture of traveling bands.

Q: You play a bunch of instruments, but which one was the hardest to pick up?

A: The violin, which I started playing in the fifth grade. Eventually I moved over to the viola, which is like an alto violin. I was part of the first Savannah Youth Orchestra started by George Hofer back in 1968.

Q: And the easiest?

A: The easiest instrument for me to pick up was the human voice. I’ve always been a singer, and it is the oldest instrument in the world. The easiest instrument other than my voice was the piano. I’ve always been blessed by God with a natural gift and a good ear for music. I used to listen to my brother practice his lessons, and then I would go behind him and play his lessons by ear! Later in life I could play the guitar and bass guitar.

Q: What draws you to a song – and what are some of your guilty pleasure tunes?

A: There are a couple of pieces of music that grabbed me the first time I heard them: “Mr. Big Stuff” and “Symphony No. 94.” As far as guilty pleasure songs, I guess it would be something like “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” by Jim Croce and “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye. These songs to me represented a time when the boldness of music gave permission to using profanity in songs and singing about implied sexual freedom!

Q: If you could share the stage with any musicians living or past, who would it be?

A: Probably Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau and Ramsey Lewis. I have to say that Earl Williams (saxophonist and bluesman) would be someone I would love to share the stage with just one more time. We lost Earl in 2022. Earl and Nettie Williams were like godparents to my two sons, Josh (27) and Nicho (25).

LCLASS OF 2023 Congratulations

SCHOOLS THESE SENIORS WERE ACCEPTED:

Adelphi University, Appalachian State University, Auburn University, Berry College, Boston - Suffolk, Boston College, Boston University, Broadway Dance Center, Brown College, California State University, Charleston Southern University, Citadel, Clemson University, Clemson University - Honors, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Cornell University, Charleston Cosmetology Institute, Duke University, East Carolina University, Emory University, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Erskine University, Florida State University, Fordham University, Full Sail University, Furman University, George Washington, Georgia Southern University, Grand Canyon University, Harvard University, Hawaii Pacific University, High Point University, International University of Monaco, Long Island University, Loyola University, Lyon College, Maryville College, Mercer University, Middle Tennessee State University, Northeastern University – London, Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Pace University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Rowan University, San Diego State University, California State University - San Marcos, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Southern Methodist University (SMU), St. Andrews University - Scotland, St. Joseph’s University - New York , Suffolk College on Long Island, University of California Merced, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina - Charlotte, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, University of Colorado - Boulder, University of Miami, University of Mississippi, University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconson - Madison, University of Alabama, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina, University of Tampa, University of Tennessee, University of South Carolina - Aiken, University of South Carolina - Honors, University of South Carolina - Beaufort, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Villanova University, William & Mary, Wofford College

This Class of Graduates are receiving more than $2 million in scholarships.

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ZACK LIM CJ OLIVOLO DELANEY LEONARD ESTHER RIVERA HANNAH FRELIN IKHSAN IRAWAN JORDAN GENTEMANN JOSH SETIADI JULIAN GRETZ KELLEN KUBEC KYLEIGH CRUM

KYLE LEVINE LIAM COLE LUCAS O’NAN MARIELLE BULLOCK MILES MARTIN NICHOLAS BRASHEARS NOAH COBIA PRESSLEY ANN CHILDS SAM HOPKINS SARAH BRIGHTON SEPP PEARSON

SOFIA CIPRIANO SOPHIE HOPKINS SOPHIE RILEY SYDNEY BASCIANO WYATT THOMAS AJ BOATWRIGHT CORRINE YUNGLING KAYLI BARTMANN KEN TAKAI RILEY MCKINNON THOMAS LUDEWIG

honoring history

HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE FREEDOM PARK HOSTING JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Written by Amy Coyne Bredeson

More than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to share the news that the Union had won the war and would begin enforcing the end of slavery in the United States.

For that reason, June 19 — abbreviated as Juneteenth — became a day of great celebration in America, especially in the South.

As historians and many Hilton Head Islanders know, the island played an important role in the history of the end of slavery. Founded by Union Army Major General Ormsby Mitchel, the area now known as Mitchelville was the nation’s first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people.

To celebrate this important part of American history, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park will host three days of Juneteenth events later this month.

“Our tagline is ‘where freedom began’ because this was the first opportunity for Africans in America to enjoy citizenship in the place where they basically built and fostered this community,” Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park executive director Ahmad Ward said. “It just makes sense for the celebration of freedom to happen at Mitchelville … a landmark in the conversation of freedom for African Americans in this country.”

The ninth annual Juneteenth Celebration is June 15-17 at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way off of Beach City Road on Hilton Head.

The celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. June 15 with the third annual Juneteenth Campout with Joe McGill. The overnight event will include dinner and conversations with McGill, who runs the Slave Dwelling Project. It will conclude at 6 a.m. June 16. Cost is $30 a person. Tents will be available to rent for $25 each.

The Juneteenth celebration will continue with a drum circle at the park from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 16. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available for purchase. A festival will be held at the park from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 17. The festival will include food trucks, a children’s area, and live music by Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Singers, Voices of El Shaddai, and Alvin Garrett and Just A Few Cats. Vendors will be selling all kinds of wares, and local nonprofit organizations will also be set up at the event.

Photos supplied

Juneteenth will be celebrated with three days of events at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

Ward said most businesses participating in the festival have some kind of connection to Gullah culture, but not all of them do.

“Everybody can be a part of this,” he said. “We have the most diverse events in the area.”

A fun addition to this year’s festivities is an oldschool dance contest. And no, “old school” no longer means the 1950s and 1960s. Organizers are looking for dances from the 1980s and 1990s. The audience will choose the winner, who will receive a $100 prize. Participants can sign up at the event.

“We just keep trying to grow the event and bring in more and more things,” Ward said.

Tickets for the June 17 festival are $20 for adults, $10 for ages 6-17, and free for children under age 6.

Another Juneteenth celebration organized by the Bluffton MLK Observence Committee will take place

at 4 p.m. June 17 at Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton.

While Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s Juneteenth celebration will be filled with entertainment and lots of fun, organizers also want to take the opportunity to educate people about the holiday and the significance of it being hosted at Mitchelville.

The festival will include readings of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution.

“We’re looking forward to a good time for everybody,” Ward said. “And we want people to keep learning about this tremendous history in the Lowcountry area.”

To purchase tickets to the ninth annual Juneteenth Celebration, visit exploremitchelville.org or call Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park at 843-255-7301.

Photos courtesy Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

ART LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS TOP ARTWORK

Biennale exhibit runs through June 17

Representing artists from South Carolina and across the country, the Art League of Hilton Head’s 2023 Biennale showcases exemplary artwork.

The national call for entries attracted 639 artworks from 35 states. Top pieces were selected based on the originality of concept, composition and execution.

The exhibition, which is the longest-running national juried art exhibition in the area, features multiple media types including Oil, Acrylic, Pastel, Watermedia, Photography, Mixed Media and Three-Dimensional. More than $5,000 in prizes are awarded to the most outstanding works, selected by this year’s Biennale Judge, Aline Ordman. Ordman, who received her BFA at Cornell University, is known for her vivid paintings and creative use of color. The exhibition runs through June 17.

The work is on display at the Art League Gallery inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island.

HILTON HEAD APPROVES 1ST READING OF PROPOSED BUDGET

Hilton Head Island Town Council approved the first reading of the Town’s proposed $129.95 million consolidated budget for fiscal year 2024 at its May 2 meeting. The proposed budget includes no increase in the property tax millage rate, which remains at 23.10 mills, according to the town. It also includes continued funding for workforce housing and land acquisition priorities; funds the hiring of two firefighters, a fire inspector, one emergency medical services lieutenant, a mechanic and a communications and marketing administrator in the Town’s Fire Rescue Department. It includes a merit increase of up to 4% as part of a benefit package for Town employees. It also includes funds for the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation ($5.34 million) and housing funds ($3.35 million).

The proposed consolidated budget executive summary and presentation are available on the Town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

A public hearing and second reading of the proposed budget are scheduled for 3 p.m. June 6. View the meetings on the Town’s Facebook page or YouTube channel, the Beaufort County Channel and Spectrum Channel 1304.

HILTON HEAD FIRE RESCUE SEEKS INPUT FOR STRATEGIC PLAN

Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue seeks community input for its three-year strategic plan. For access to an online survey, or to register for one of the in-person sessions, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/firerescue/ strategicplan/

In-person sessions are 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 5 at Town Hall Council Chambers (1

Town Center Court) and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 6 at Fire Rescue Headquarters (40 Summit Drive). For more information, contact Christopher Osterman, Battalion Chief-Strategic Planning, at 843682 5100 or ChristopherO@ hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

DISTRICT HONORS MORE THAN 100 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

The Beaufort County School District recognized 108 high school seniors for outstanding academic achievement at its annual Senior Scholars Banquet. Senior Scholars

are students who have been enrolled in a Beaufort County School District high school for a minimum of three consecutive semesters by the second semester of the senior year, who have maintained a cumulative 3.5 grade-point average or higher, are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes, and earned the equivalent of an 85 percent grade or higher in college prep courses, an 80 percent grade or higher in honors courses, and a 75 percent grade or higher in advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or dual enrollment

courses in all quarters of their high school career. For a list of students honored, visit beaufortschools.net/ whats-new

SUMMER SATURDAYS FOR KIDS

The Children’s Center of Hilton Head is offering Summer Saturdays to help workers in the Lowcountry. Running through Sept. 16, each Saturday the program offers quality childcare from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Kids 2 to 8 years old enjoy activities such as arts and crafts and are entertained by guests. Last summer Jevon Daly played music.

THE BANK SET TO DEBUT

Brewery and Beer Garden plans to open June 6

The Bank, a 72,000-square-foot brewery, beer garden and restaurant complex, is expected to open 11 a.m. June 6.

The project is at 59 Pope Ave. It includes indoor and outdoor seating, Side Hustle Brewing Company craft brews on tap, outdoor activities including a family zone and live entertainment, a merchandise shop, four new dining options: Mo’ Money Tacos, Bank Heist Burgers, All About the Benjamins Seafood, and Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream & Treats food trucks in addition to Pizza Co.’s second location.

The Bank, along with Moon King Entertainment Group and the Watterson Family Foundation, is creating a new fund to focus on Hilton Head Island housing, childcare and preservation initiatives. Specifically, a portion of every transaction completed at The Bank will go into the Island Legacy Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, a news release said.

The children are provided with lunch and snacks.

The goal, according to The Children’s Center website, is “to provide working parents a safe and educationally enriching place to bring their children.”

The program is $25 for the first child and $15 for each sibling. Parents can sign-up anytime during the summer. Last season 28 kids participated in Summer Saturdays. For more information, visit 843-681-2739 or email keisha.fields@thechildrenscentersc.org

HHI LAND TRUST NAMES OSPREYS

The Hilton Head Island Land Trust said two ospreys have been named in honor of two iconic figures in the island’s history: Charles Fraser, the developer and founder of The Sea Pines Company, and Charlotte Heinrichs, founder of The Deep Well Project. The ospreys have been named Charles and Charlotte. Watch Charles and Charlotte at hhilandtrust.org/raptorcam.

HERITAGE ACADEMY STUDENT EARNS PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP

Pressley Ann Childs, a senior at Heritage Academy, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter AG of Hilton Head Island. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional women in their final year of high school to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. At Heritage Academy, she started a Math Club, serves as a math tutor and leads an SAT prep class. She also started a Baking Club, organizing a bake sale, which raised more than $1,500 for the Boys and Girls Club. Childs will attend Cornell University in the fall.

BLUFFTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT EARNS SAFE COMMUNITY DESIGNATION

For the fourth consecutive year, Bluffton Township Fire District received a “Fire Safe South Carolina Community” designation for its commitment to reducing fire-related injuries and promoting consistent fire safety messaging, a news release said. The Fire District will receive official recognition at the state Fire-Rescue Conference in June. To earn the designation, fire district staff completed courses intended to improve data quality related to fire scenes, conducted in-home safety visits, and further developed

their skills through National Fire Academy courses in risk reduction and assessment.

COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM OPENS GARDEN LABYRINTH

Coastal Discovery Museum held a ribbon cutting in May for the newest exhibit, “Garden Labyrinth.” The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island provided a gift to commemorate its 60th anniversary for the new garden labyrinth.

Labyrinths act as a symbol for the journey of life and may serve as a place of meditation and contemplation and be a place to be active participants with their environment, a news

release said. The construction of the Labyrinth includes paved pathways to make the exhibit handicap accessible and native plants for the hedge walls are used. WAHHI’s gift promotes the “natural and cultural beauty” of the island and recognizes how WAHHI has helped the museum and the island throughout its first 60 years, said Tamra Avrit, WAHHI’s 60th Anniversary year president.

“Immerse yourself in the beauty of the labyrinth and let it inspire moments of reflection and serenity,” Coastal Discovery Museum posted on Facebook.

Admission is free.

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SUSPECT IN BLUFFTON TEEN’S MURDER SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS

A Hardeeville resident involved in a roadway shooting that killed Bluffton High School football player D’won “D.J.” Fields Jr., was sentenced to 40 years in prison, according to the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Solicitor Duffie Stone prosecuted Jimmy Lewis Green for the March 2021 shooting death of Fields Jr., an 18-year-old Bluffton High School senior. Green was one of four defendants. Circuit Court Judge D. Craig Brown sentenced him.

The No. 55 worn by Fields Jr. was retired last year by Bluffton High School.

BLUFFTON CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY WITH MARTIN PARK PLANT

The Town of Bluffton celebrated Arbor Day by planting a Live Oak at Martin Family Park. The tree is in the park’s southwest corner, adjacent to Green Street. The town is celebrating more than a decade of being named a “Tree City USA Community.” It has earned that designation each year since 2012 and plans to continue its efforts each year by planting more trees throughout the community.

the bargain box

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Bargain Box offers a way for individuals to recycle usable items that they no longer need in order to benefit residents and organizations. First established in 1965 as a shopping option for the working residents of Hilton Head Island, The Bargain Box has awarded grants to local nonprofits since 1970 and has grown to return more than $16 million to the community.

Its non-profit thrift shop caters to a broad range of customers, with 100% of the proceeds from donations going back to the community in the form of cash grants to other Beaufort County 501(c)(3) charities.

The Bargain Box is an active part of the local business community, cultivating close working relationships with area businesses who contribute their time and resources by providing professional advice and support, discounts, a conduit for donations and recycling.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of The Bargain Box. Their dedication helps make a difference in Beaufort County. The volunteers enjoy camaraderie in a familiar environment and enjoy the satisfaction of making a material contribution to the community. Being a volunteer regularly – in sales, sorting, pricing, etc. - means being part of a team.

Each year The Bargain Box awards grants to qualified Beaufort County charitable agencies, which average about $450,000 annually.

spotlight on giving

SECOND HELPINGS STARTS NEW FOOD RESCUE EFFORT

Second Helpings is partnering with property management companies to rescue food that is otherwise thrown away or left behind at the end of a vacation. Through the Post-Vacation Food Donation initiative, visitors and island residents are encouraged to drop off unopened, nonperishable groceries every Saturday through Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Second Helpings truck parked in front of Grayco Hardware and Home Store off Palmetto Bay Road.

THE HOME DEPOT ASSISTS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The Home Depot Foundation provided about 300 volunteers to assist Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity, Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity, Savannah Homeless Authority and Operation Patriots FOB. Volunteers built walls for several homes.

a placegathering

JARVIS CREEK GENERAL STORE OFFERS A TASTE OF LOCAL FLAVOR

Written by Clay Bonnyman Evans

Less than two miles from the end of the J. Wilton Graves Bridge onto Hilton Head Island, two longtime friends have opened a small, eclectic general store they hope will become a much-needed pit stop and community hub for residents and visitors alike.

Bluffton real-estate engineer Erik Olson and Hilton Head Island resident Shane Harpham, owner and operator of Bluffton’s Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, opened the Jarvis Creek General Store on the southwest corner of Spanish Wells Road and U.S. 278 in February.

“It seemed like a really good spot to stop and gather if you need a place to sit down with somebody for a cup of coffee or a beer, or grab something on the way to the beach,” Olson says.

“We want to be a local resource and a good ambassador for visitors, an indicator to everyone coming in and out of town of what Hilton Head Island is all about.”

Olson and Harpham have partnered on other development projects, but this is their first time owning a retail business. The two had long admired the small building and perfectly placed corner lot, well before previous owner, attorney David A. Berry, put it up for sale.

“It’s such a great location, kind of like a gateway to the island,” Olson says.

After Berry “put up the smallest 'for sale sign' ever,” Olson says with a laugh, the two friends made a pitch for opening a small store with lots of local flavor, featuring locally sourced food, beverages, arts and crafts, as well as more commercial staples, sundries and treats.

“We got the impression he could have sold to anybody he wanted,” Olson says. “But our timing was good, and he liked the vision we described: two local guys doing work to the building and doing something to keep some of the local history and flavor.”

The building features 1,300 square feet packed with local beer, wine, and food —everything from pickles to artisanal coffee — as well as a small selection of beach toys, T-shirts, basic items such as toothpaste, and more.

Photos by Rob Kaufman

Owners of Jarvis Creek General Store Shane Harpham, left, and Erik Olson.

But the building is just one piece of the picture. One recent weekday afternoon a dozen customers ate lunch at shaded picnic tables, chatted next to the ever-burning firepit and scanned the menu at a local food truck in the parking area. On Saturday afternoons you can find local musicians Pete Carroll, Kyle Wareham and others performing live outside.

Olson and Harpham have more plans for the future.

“We’re building a stage for the music, and all this fun stuff is coming along. We have a vision that during the fall we’ll offer pumpkins for sale and Christmas trees from North Carolina,” says Harpham, whose brother serves as general manager of the store. “What we wanted was a local trading-post vibe that will hopefully continue to grow into something residents can be proud of.”

The property has a storied local history. Gateway to the Spanish Wells Historic Gullah Neighborhood, it was the birthplace in 1905 of Charlie Simmons, Sr., who later bore the monikers “Mr. Transportation” and “Cap’n Charlie,” among others.

Simmons owned a fish camp off Marshland Road and was the first local to own a motorboat. He ferried passengers to and from Savannah three times a week, returning with everything from butter beans to seafood and livestock for sale to island residents.

Simmons died in 2005, just weeks shy of his 100th birthday, and in 2014 the South Carolina Legislature named the bridge over Jarvis Creek on Spanish Wells Road in his honor. The building where Simmons was born burned in 1993, according to The Island Packet newspaper. Virginia’s Country Kitchen eventually opened at that location.

“There’s some undefined north-end history to the building, which is kind of fun,” Olson says. “As busy and active and vibrant as it now is, there are periods when it’s sat dormant. We still don’t know the whole history, not just of the building, but of the Gullah district.”

Olson and Harpham carefully restored the building’s tabbyshell stucco exterior, made from ground oyster shells. They cleared and re-landscaped the rest of the property to make it an appealing place for customers. Though its age is uncertain, a towering live-oak tree shading the property likely pre-dates Simmons’ birth.

Olson hopes that between the perfect location, the focus on local fare and wares, the history and the beauty of the property, it will become a community hub for years to come.

“We just want to have this place be a little bit unique; a place where you can come and eat and drink, with no time limit,” Olson says. “It’s not a bar, it’s not a grocery store, it’s a gathering place.”

a changing landscape

HILTON HEAD AREA REALTORS MARKS 50 YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY

Written by Hilton Head Area Realtors

Throughout the decades there have been many changes in the local housing market in the Lowcountry – with the past few years presenting both opportunities and challenges for home buyers and sellers. As the longtime voice of real estate in the region, Hilton Head Area REALTORS® has been part of the local real estate story here for half a century – seeing firsthand how the housing market has changed through the years, while making an impact on local real estate by serving as a resource for both local Realtors and the community.

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the importance of owning a home, and a time when Realtors recommit to the opportunity to help others join the 65% of Americans owning homes. As HHAR marks its 50th year, it’s also the perfect time to look back at some of the changes and trends in our local housing market through the decades, and the state of local real estate both now and in years to come.

“People come to the Lowcountry for the lifestyle, and our region has grown exponentially in the last 50 years,” said Jean Beck, CEO of HHAR, which has grown to 1,600 Realtors and affiliate partners. “When Hilton Head Area Realtors began, most sales were on Hilton Head Island. Now our members service buyers and sellers from HHI to Jasper County, helping consumers throughout the region navigate the complex housing market and make informed decisions.”

According to HHAR’s Realtors, one of the biggest trends in the Lowcountry over the past 10-15 years centers on buyers of second home properties who are now interested in using their property as a vacation rental. The use of smart home devices such as thermostats, security systems and lighting provide absentee homeowners with an advantage not previously had.

Another trend is the size of homes and what are considered essential features.

While one-car garage homes were the standard years ago, that standard moved to two-car garages and now three-plus car garages are the luxury feature – with the same holding true for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Other trends through the years include buyers seeking homes with accessibility inside of the home and homes where multi-generational families can live in the same house. With COVID changing people’s lifestyles, buyers today are looking for homes that can cater to outdoor living, open spaces and home offices.

Indications are that the current market is stabilizing. However, both home buyers and sellers continue to face challenges in 2023, including higher interest rates, higher homeowners’ insurance rates, and affordability of homes –especially for first-time homebuyers. The main challenge, though, continues to be low inventory.

“While the inventory of property for sale remains low, buyers need to be fully prepared to make an offer when they identify a house that interests them,” said Kathy Schroder, president of the HHAR’s Board of Directors, noting that local inventory has grown a bit this year, from 1.1 month of inventory last year to a 2-month inventory so far in 2023. “Coming off the frenzy of the real estate market in 2020 and 2021, we now see properties staying on the market longer, which is something that sellers need to recognize today.”

When it comes to multiple offers, although the days of 20 offers on a home may no longer be the case, it’s not uncommon for homes today to still receive multiple offers (especially properties that are updated and move-in ready). Schroder noted that for many homeowners, now is a great opportunity to sell and use the equity that is sitting in their home.

HHAR has been there as a vital resource in the community —providing education, support and advocacy to empower both real estate professionals and the community. The organization’s growing advocacy work is playing an increasingly instrumental role in the region.

“As we look back on the past 50 years, we’re excited to continue empowering our region’s real estate professionals and the community in the decades ahead as together we navigate our growing, and ever-changing, local housing market,” said Beck.

For more information, visit www.hhrealtor.com.

business news

TOWN OF HILTON HEAD WELCOMES CLERK

Kimberly Gammon has joined the Town of Hilton Head as its town clerk. She previously served as the town clerk for the Town of Bluffton. Gammon has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of South Carolina.

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE OPENS IN BLUFFTON

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening. The shop is located at 7 Venture Drive, Suite 106. Rita’s has a rotating selection of more than 95 flavors, according to its website.

MEALS ON WHEELS NAMES BOARD MEMBER

Neal Fitzpatrick was appointed as a member to the Meals on Wheels Board of Directors. Fitzpatrick has served as a volunteer with numerous businesses, community and nonprofit organizations.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND COFFEE ROASTERS OPENS

Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters had a ribbon cutting for its brick-and-mortar building, two years after launching its business from home. The space is at 21 Cardinal Rd. “Our company was born from a simple desire to roast delicious coffee and share it with our community,” it posted on Facebook.

BLUFFTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT PROMOTES ASSISTANT CHIEF

Adam Corn, a 17-year veteran of the Bluffton Township Fire District, has been promoted from captain to assistant chief of operations. He steps into the position vacated by Derek Church, who was previously promoted to deputy chief of administration.

TIDEWATCH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EARNS AWARD

Tidewatch Emergency Department in Bluffton recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Acute Stroke Ready Accreditation by demonstrating continuing compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Tidewatch is the area’s first stand-alone emergency facility.

ITALIAN RESTAURANT OPENS ON HHI

Deano’s Wood Fire Grille recently opened on Hilton Head Island. The restaurant, at 7 Greenwood Drive, Suite C, offers Italian meals. Its pizza dough is made fresh daily, and all sauces and breads are made from scratch, according to its website.

FRASER HEALTH CENTER EARNS TOP RATING

The Seabrook of Hilton Head's Fraser Health Center was named one of the Top Four Nursing Homes in the State of South Carolina. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, The Seabrook of Hilton Head's Fraser Health Center received the CMS's highest five-star rating and was ranked No. 4 in the state.

OUTSIDE BRANDS NAMES HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

Sharon Sutton has been appointed director of human resources at Outside Brands. Sutton has many years of human resources and accounting experience, including working for The NutraSweet Company and International Paper. She was recently vice president of finance at J. Banks Design Group.

Have some business news to share? Please email anthony@anthemmediagroup.com

Deano's

Fitzpatrick

Corn

Rita's

Gammon

summer fashions

Mary and Lilly Bach

Jackie and Emmy Orlando

Alden and Logan Myers

Alexi Saxton

PHOTOS BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS:

SM Bradford Co. 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Hilton Head smbradfordco.com

LEFT: Quiet Storm 1 N Forest Beach Dr Hilton Head Island quietstorm.com

RIGHT: Currents 149 Lighthouse Rd Hilton Head Island 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island

LEFT: Quiet Storm 1 N Forest Beach Dr Hilton Head Island quietstorm.com

RIGHT: Currents 149 Lighthouse Rd Hilton Head Island 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island

gorillakickz.com

Gorilla Kickz

890 William Hilton Pkwy Fresh Market Shops Hilton Head Island

Photo: Eastwood’s Photography

Photo: Eastwood’s Photography

Photo: FARM Bluffton

Photo by Cameron Wilder

Chef Brandon Carter

fresh tastes

CHEF BRANDON CARTER COOKS UP DELICIOUS DISHES FOR THE SEASON

Written by Jessica Farthing

Chef Brandon Carter, executive chef and partner of FARM Hospitality Group, looks forward to the bounty of spring and summer. The restaurants that make up his portfolio, Bluffton’s FARM, Common Thread, Strangebird and the Wildflower Café, are known for menus that use fresh, local ingredients to create vegetable-forward, innovative dishes.

“When we started FARM, I wanted it to be fluid. We wanted to realize our full potential and take advantage of what ingredients might pop up,” he said.

For Chef Carter, FARM was a concept started after his work as executive chef at Palmetto Bluff. He partnered with Ryan Williamson, who was farming on a couple of acres.

“I was buying all this produce from him, and when we started FARM, it was important to both of us that the ingredients were seasonal and local,” Carter said. “Out of the gate, we were out at the farmers markets making friends. That’s how we started the process of sourcing our food.”

Those relationships with farmers and fishermen allowed the restaurants to offer the best of Lowcountry ingredients. Still, some of their producers can throw in a surprise.

“They’ll bring us new varieties of tomatoes or cauliflower here and there,” he said. “With the demand from local chefs, the farmers get more comfortable taking chances.”

Chef Carter gives attention to the many micro seasons that run in our area.

“There might be two different things we’d like to do

with asparagus and so we run one for a little bit and then move to the next. Ingredients might not look good one week; it could be that there was a bunch of rain that changed things. In terms of the menu, we’re pretty agile,” he said.

Farm to table allows the diner an opportunity to get a sense of what the local area is growing.

With a focus on fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins, all the staff looks forward to the warmer weather for more variety. According to Carter, fresh produce isn’t just related to the summer. The growing season starts in early spring, and sometimes even winter. Any season has its important ingredients. Fall and winter are the greens and beans. What gives Chef Carter the sign that summer is approaching is simple. It’s the strawberries.

“Strawberries are the signal that things are about to get really exciting,” he said.

From there, he looks for peas, cauliflower, carrots and then spring vegetables. Later in the summer brings corn and the chef’s favorite, tomatoes. A typical dish found on the menu is corn grits.

Using a box grater, they grate fresh, sweet corn, adding a little parmesan and some creamy butter to let the simplicity shine through. They add crispy potatoes to top the dish, which becomes simple, but improved through the texture.

“We’re really big on texture. Things that are crunchy. For instance, those corn grits are still really simple. Adding the potatoes isn’t masking anything, but it elevates it through the texture,” Carter said.

stay cool

TIPS TO EFFICIENTLY PACK YOUR COOLER

Written by Anthony Garzilli

The joys of summer include reveling in the outdoors with your favorite beverage or snacks nearby. If you are heading to the beach or spending time at a park, it’s essential to efficiently pack a cooler.

Here are a few suggestions to ensure your snacks stay fresh.

CHILL OUT

The first step is to make sure the cooler is clean and dry. Scrutinize the cooler and wipe it down, getting rid of debris or sand. Make sure the cooler is in a cool place inside your home the day before you plan to use it. You don’t want to pack a warm cooler.

After the cooler is clean and before you start packing it, consider cooling it off. Add ice and let it sit for an hour or so. Or put the cooler overnight in a large or commercial freezer, if possible.

Once you are ready to pack the cooler, drop in enough ice to cover the bottom. It’s recommended to use ice blocks, Outside online said. Just freeze water in Tupperware. The blocks won’t melt as quickly.

If you can, freeze what you plan to pack, including water bottles. This will help keep the cooler cold and keep the items cold longer. Put frozen items at the bottom, which act as ice packs.

Be conscious of how often you open the cooler. The more it is opened, the warmer it can get. Have a plan before you reach for the cooler — and make sure it is closed tightly after use.

PUZZLE PIECES IN PLACE

Think of packing the cooler like a puzzle. Consider layering the cooler with the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Keep foods separate and think about how they will be organized. It is a good idea to try to put food and beverages in certain sections, which cuts down on time spent rummaging through the cooler. Have designated spots for vegetables, sandwiches, snacks, water, and colas. If you have perishable items such as meat, pack them last so they are easy to reach and can be consumed while fresh.

If you enjoy chips, don’t count on a scrunched-up bag to keep them fresh and tasty. Put the chips in a sandwich bag that you can snap closed or in a container that you can easily close. This will also cut down on the likelihood of food falling and creating a mess.

You might have room for food and drinks, but another way to keep things cool is to use a separate cooler for drinks. Beverages can take up space; another cooler ensures the drinks stay cooler longer and it will be easier to reach in and find what you want.

Try to keep the cooler in a shady spot. If possible, rest it under an umbrella or a tree - any place away from direct sunlight.

COOL PICKS

There are a variety of cooler options, but a few stand out. Consider a Yeti 18 Soft Cooler (around $300), which can hold up to 16 cans plus ice and is good to pack a day’s worth of lunch. The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler ($75) holds up to 100 cans and includes cup holders with drains molded into the lid.

A Columbia Crater Peak Wheeled Cooler ($56) includes a foldable cart with all-terrain wheels. It can hold up to 100 pounds of food and drink items.

We have 2 locations on Hilton Head, 3 in Blu ton and 1 in Charleston

We use only 100% all natural ingredients in every housemade favorite Whether you’re a local or just coming for a visit, NYCP is a must eat!

NEW YORK CITY PIZZA has been a Lowcountry favorite since 1996. We have 2 locations on Hilton Head, 3 in Bluffton and 1 in Charleston. We use only 100% all natural ingredients in every housemade favorite. Whether you’re a local or just coming for a visit, NYCP is a must eat!

Make sure to visit our website, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram! Don t forget to use #Ilovenycp!

Make sure to visit our website, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram! Don’t forget to use #Ilovenycp!

shrimp salad

INGREDIENTS

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 large heirloom tomatoes, chopped

½ cup sliced cucumber

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

1 avocado, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

2 ounces feta cheese

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 cups butter lettuce

Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

serves: 2-3

• In a large bowl, add the shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, feta cheese, and fresh basil.

• Add oil and vinegar to desired amount or lemon juice, as preferred.

• Add salt and pepper, as preferred.

• Toss and serve.

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avocado and tomato with grilled chicken salad

serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1.5 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 ripe avocados, sliced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup cilantro

Arugula

Salt and pepper

Italian seasoning

DIRECTIONS

• Season chicken with preferred amount of salt and pepper.

• Preheat grill or grilling pan to medium.

• Grill for 4-6 minutes on each side or until cooked. Remove and let rest for several minutes.

• In a bowl, add avocados and tomatoes.

• In another bowl, combine oil, lime juice and cilantro. Season as preferred.

• Pour dressing over bowl with avocado and tomatoes and toss.

• Add chicken to salad mix. Serve over arugula.

20 hatton place | hilton head island 843.802.4744 | celestehhi.com now open for sunday brunch 11-2

one shelter cove | hilton head island 843.785.3030 | elasgrille.com

sunday brunch 11-2

55 calhoun street | bluffton, sc 843.757.5511 | thepearlbluffton.com

7 toppers lane | port royal, sc 843.379.8899 | roadhouseribs.com

mediterranean pasta salad

INGREDIENTS

1 pound penne pasta

½ cup grape tomatoes, sliced

½ cup kalamata olives, sliced

¼ cup diced red onion

½ cup cucumber, sliced

½ cup parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

• Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain.

serves: 2-3

¼ cup scallions (optional)

¼ cup parsley

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• In a bowl, add pasta, tomatoes, olives, red onion, cucumber, parmesan cheese, parsley and scallions (if desired).

• Add oil and vinegar to desired amount.

• Toss and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

chilled tomato basil soup

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fresh tomatoes, quartered

2.5 crushed garlic cloves

1/4 cup basil leaves

DIRECTIONS

• Heat olive oil over medium heat.

2/3 cup of water

1 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper

• Add onion and garlic and cook for about 4 minutes.

• Add tomatoes to boiling water. Let simmer for 15-17 minutes. Then cool.

• Using a food processor, add onion and garlic mix and tomatoes. Slowly add water until combined.

• Pour soup into a bowl and add basil.

• Season as preferred with salt and pepper.

• Refrigerate soup for 15-20 minutes before serving.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/4 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 medium roma tomatoes, diced (1 cup)

• 3/4 cup chopped red onion

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

• 1 medium jalapeno pepper,*seeded if preferred for less heat, diced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)

• 1 medium avocado, diced

tonya hudson’s ceviche

Summer vacation season is here, but you don’t have to look far for a recipe that will feed your wanderlust. Ceviche is a traditional Latin American dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its fresh and tangy flavors. This dish is typically made with raw seafood marinated in citrus juices, herbs, and spices, making it a light and healthy main course or appetizer for any occasion.

Our ceviche recipe uses fresh Lowcountry shrimp – the best in the world, if we say so ourselves – but can also be made using a lean white fish like mahi, snapper, or tilapia. Mix your chilled seafood with a few squeezes of citrus, tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalepeño, and you have a refreshing dip that will take you right back to your favorite tropical destination. Ceviche can be used as a topping for other seafood dishes or served as-is with chips or tostada shells, but be warned: it’s impossible to stop after just one chip!

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, fill up a medium bowl with ice water, set aside.

2. Add shrimp to boiling water and let cook just until pink and opaque, about 1 minute.

3. Drain shrimp in a colander then transfer to ice water to cool for a few minutes. Drain well then chop shrimp into small pieces (about 1/2-inch).

4. In a medium non-reactive bowl (you can use the same bowl that was previously filled with ice water) combine shrimp, lime juice, lemon juice, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Transfer to refrigerator and let rest 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Tonya Hudson is owner of Hudson’s Seafood Market, known far and wide for selling the freshest and best seafood for over 5 generations. Find them at 175 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, 29926

have a hurricane plan

Written by Anthony Garzilli

Photos courtesy of Town of Hilton Head

Hurricane season is here, and the Lowcountry is prepping for what could be a busy storm season.

Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2023, citing the likely development of El Niño as a primary factor. The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project team is predicting 13 named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Researchers expect six to become hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

In 2022 there were 14 named storms, including eight hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Since the impacts of Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, the state overall has learned many lessons, but our area specifically has firsthand experience with property damage and the corresponding impacts to our local economy,” said Bluffton Town Manager Stephen Steese. “It is important that residents plan now for the possibility of a hurricane making landfall in or near our area.”

To help the state prepare, the South Carolina Emergency Division has an informative website: hurricane.sc. The site is an online guide to hurricane season resources. SCEMD also has an emergency manager app which keeps you updated and offers an option to build and customize an emergency plan.

Here are some tips to stay safe.

BE READY

• Watches and warnings: The National Hurricane Center issues watches and warnings for specific areas of danger. Watches are 48 hours in advance of possible onset. Warnings are 36 hours before expected onset.

• Miles Per Hour: Hurricanes are identified when sustained winds reach 74 mph. Tropical Storms are 39 to 73 mph.

• Be ready for flooding: Hurricanes and tropical storms often produce widespread, torrential rains of more than 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods.

• Wiping winds and tornadoes: Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Outdoor items and debris can become projectiles in high winds. Tornadoes can accompany hurricanes and tropical storms. The most tornadoes spawned by a single tropical cyclone were associated with Hurricane Ivan, which spawned 120 tornadoes in 2004, according to SCEMD.

PLAN

• Prep an emergency kit: Have a minimum of three days of non-perishable food, drinking water, first aid supplies, flashlight with extra batteries, medications, important documents and cash and credit cards. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

• Supply checklist: A thorough list of emergency supplies can be found here: hurricane.sc/img/scemergchecklist.pdf

• Have a watertight container: This will help prevent valuables from being ruined or water-logged. Inside put ID cards, bank information, copies of insurance policies, emergency contact information, pet medical records, and other important documents. Put your most important identification and medical records into a digital format for easy safekeeping and quicker movement because paper documents can easily get misplaced or damaged.

• Label equipment: Put your name and contact information on your equipment in case it gets misplaced.

• Include personal hygiene items: These can be wet wipes, antibacterial cleaning products, hand sanitizer, feminine supplies and an extra change of clothes.

• For the kids: Pack books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

• If you are disabled: Contact your local government’s emergency information management office. Many local officials create contact lists of disabled residents to be able to check on them and provide help in a sudden emergency.

EVACUATION ACTION

If you evacuate:

• Know your evacuation zone. Evacuations are announced by designated zones. View the map found on the S.C. Emergency Management Division website (hurricane. sc/know-your-zone), and identify your hurricane evacuation zone and routes. Do not rely on your GPS or seek shortcuts, which may be blocked off or unsafe. State and local authorities will announce evacuations by these designated zones. Evacuation routes are predetermined so you can become familiar with the ones nearest you.

photo: Anthem Media Group

photo: Anthem Media Group

• Turn off gas, electricity, and water.

• Check pipes, ditches and storm drains to ensure there are no blockages.

• Cover your windows with pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.

• Secure and turn off any outdoor propane tanks.

• Charge your cell phone and mobile devices.

• Keep your gas tank full before an evacuation.

• Ensure you have road maps, jumper cables and a tire repair kit.

• Be ready to drive at least 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.

• Shelter locater: Text “shelter” and your ZIP code to 43362 to get a list of nearby shelter locations. There are no shelters in Beaufort County, but shelters have opened in Ridgeland, Jasper County.

• If you have pre-storm questions about transportation to a shelter, call Palmetto Breeze at 843-757-5782.

• If you decide to stay during an evacuation order, emergency services may be suspended due to unsafe weather conditions, according to the town of Bluffton. Be prepared to be self-sufficient during, and for the first 72 hours after, a storm. High winds during storms prohibit travel of emergency-response vehicles and debris following storms may also prevent travel. Mandatory evacuations also include closure of hospital facilities. This means medical care is unavailable until after evacuation orders are lifted.

PET SAFETY

• Evacuate with your pet outside of the evacuation zone.

• Have a cage/carrier for each pet.

• Counties may have a temporary emergency shelter for pets. The South Carolina Emergency Manager mobile app and scemd.org will list open shelters.

• Consider boarding facilities, veterinary clinics, petfriendly hotels, as well as homes of friends and relatives.

• Choose an identification method for each animal. Examples: microchipping and ID tags on collar. Have photos of yourself with your animals to prove ownership if you become separated.

• Keep your animals’ immunizations, (especially rabies) current and be sure to have copies of all important documents.

• Maintain a kit for each pet in a quickly accessible site: cage/ carrier (large enough to stand and turn around in), leash, harness, bowls, three days of water and food, medications, health records/care instructions, microchip numbers, litter box/litter and clean-up supplies.

RETURNING HOME

• Avoid downed and sagging power lines. Report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.

• Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges and roadways.

• Enter your home with caution.

• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.

• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.

• Be aware of snakes, insects, and other animals.

• Do not use candles or open flames indoors.

• Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.

• Take pictures. Photos of the damage will help in filing insurance claims. Contact your insurance claims agent as soon as possible.

• Inspect the utilities in your home.

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can. From a safe place, call to report a gas leak to your utility provider. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

• Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell something burning, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

CHECK FOR SEWAGE AND WATER LINE DAMAGE.

• If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid water from the tap.

• Learn how to apply for possible assistance.

• Let a relative know you are home.

Ted Morris of Hilton Head subscribed for free to our magazine and was automatically entered in our contest to win 50,000 Delta Skymiles®. Congratulations!

HURRICANE RESOURCES S.C. HURRICANE GUIDE scemd.org // hurricane.sc

TOWN OF HILTON HEAD HURRICANE CENTER hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane

TOWN OF BLUFFTON townofbluffton.sc.gov/

BEAUFORT COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT bcso.net

BEAUFORT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NIXLE ALERTS local.nixle.com/register/

CDC HURRICANE PREP cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.html ready.gov/hurricanes

FEMA fema.gov

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER nhc.noaa.gov

SCDHEC CareLine 1-855-472-3432

S.C. Department of Insurance doi.sc.gov • 803-737-6160 803-768-3467

Sources: SCEMD. FEMA. BCSO.net. Town of Hilton Head. Town of Bluffton.

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hurricane home prep

Written by Dean Rowland

We all know the damage hurricanes can cause to our homes and property. Matthew in 2016 is a good reminder.

Preparation is the best way to assess your home’s defense against hurricane winds that will come.

Permanent storm shutters provide the best protection for windows and doors, as does boarding up your windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install for temporary protection.

If you’re an electronics geek, make sure you install house-wide surge protection to protect against flooding, power surges, and damage from debris that has shattered your windows and landed on top of your media control panel.

Your next step should be to move all your electronics (televisions, gaming systems, speakers, lamps and musical equipment) away from windows into a safe, secure space.

Be sure to inspect your home to make sure all outside wall openings are sealed. Vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations for cables and pipes are targets for invasion.

Noticeable damp areas near doors and windows are a red flag for future damage. Check window and door frames for pre-existing damage. Seal any openings or cracks with caulk.

Look outside and what do you see? Stuff in the yard. Relocate the bikes, lawn furniture, grills, umbrellas, chairs, toys and everything else. When the wind blows at 74 mph, so will they.

The best protection for your home against hurricanes is to build or reside in a hurricane-proof home, of course. They can withstand 220 mph winds, a Category 5 blast knocking on your door.

These bullet-proof homes are built of concrete, masonry, steel or laminated wood and feature a plethora of goodies: hurricane clips or straps, asphalt or metal shingles, or structural insulated panels to secure the roof to the walls and prevent damage from wind and debris.

They are also watertight and airtight. Hurricane-proof homes can be built as modular homes in a factory and then delivered and set in place on site to ensure avoidance of storm-surge flooding.

Perhaps most importantly is to get your entire family engaged in specific responsibilities and have an action plan, said Thomas Dunn, emergency manager for the town of Hilton Head.

It’s especially timely advice with hurricanes season upon us.

“Now’s the time to sit down and think about everything,” he said. “Get yourself organized” and avoid chaos later on. Dunn also suggests doing a practice run so everyone knows their responsibilities.

TO HELP KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE CONSIDER:

• Replacing a vulnerable garage door that’s on its last hinges.

• Switching old windows in need of replacement with impactresistant glass.

• Trimming trees and shrubs and installing straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.

• Clearing loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent misdirected flooding.

• Installing storm shutters to protect windows and doors, and moving all outdoor furniture, toys and grills indoors.

GUITAR GURU

BROOKS COBB IS DEDICATED TO HIS CRAFT AS A SKILLED LUTHIER

Story by Vickie McIntyre | Photography by Rob Kaufman

While many view guitars as musical instruments, Bluffton luthier Brooks Cobb sees them as works of art.

Starting with a block of wood — anything from walnut to mahogany or maple — Cobb cuts and carves, whittles and sands, until his ¼-inch finely finessed fronts, backs and sides fit together “like a complicated box.”

And that’s only the beginning of the labor-intensive process of building a custom guitar.

“There are probably 150 hours on the build and finish,” he says of his unique hollow-body electric guitars that range in price from $9,000 to $15,000 if you prefer expensive wood like Hawaiian Koa.

His decision to become a luthier was a journey. So, too, was his transition to the Lowcountry.

“We started coming here in ’76 when I was like 1 (year old). My grandparents lived out on Sea Pines, and we spent our summers here,” Cobb recalls, detailing how his mom, sister, aunt and cousins used the Lowcountry as common ground to reunite each year.

The urge to move back to the area came after working eight years in Wisconsin and a couple of years in Alaska where Cobb trained and raced sled dogs during the winter, then switched to carpentry and guitar building over the summer.

“Alaska was a long way away,” he says about his move to Bluffton where his parents, as well as his sister and her family, now reside. “I saw them once a year for a week, and now I see them once a week for Sunday dinners together.”

His fascination with guitars stretches back to sixthgrade shop class at St. Edmund’s Academy in Pittsburgh, where he attended school from third to eighth grade. Under the direction of “Dr. J,” who according to Cobb was “cool and looked like a lumberjack with a beard,” he learned how to use hand tools and got an introduction to guitars at the same time.

“We had like 15 minutes before he’d show up for class, and he allowed us to play his guitar, which was a little four-string parlor guitar that he had crafted up,” Cobb recounts. “We learned to play a couple of quintessential sixth-grader, ‘80s songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Smoke on the Water.””

Cobb admits his playing was terrible at first because “his hands just didn’t get it,” but he loved the instrument and was intrigued that his teacher had built one from scrap wood.

By the time college rolled around, Cobb played guitar well enough that he toyed with majoring in music while attending Hobart College but changed his major to architecture and design when he realized he had little interest in classes like music theory and piano.

At heart he was an artist who loved to draw, paint, and create, especially with wood.

Thanks to professors who allowed him to design independent study courses that focused on woodworking and a realization that he couldn’t afford the guitar that he really wanted, Cobb built his first guitar for college credits, thus awakening a passion that would shape his life.

“I spent a summer in Burlington, Vermont, and reached out to a luthier who wasn’t expecting me, but who answered the 99 questions I had,” says Cobb. “It was a life-changing afternoon.”

What differentiates Cobb from giant manufacturers like Gibson and Fender?

“Custom guitars have more sound variation,” said Cobb, who operates Brooks Cobb Guitars from his shop in Bluffton. “I could build five with woods from the same tree and they’d all sound different because it’s done by hand.”

He also believes in using modern technology to correct the typical faults of manufactured guitars. While a Gibson Les Paul will eventually have problems at a certain juncture in the neck, Cobb corrects that defect by changing the direction of the grain of wood. He also adds carbon fiber alongside the truss rod which helps resist warping.

“Heirloom instruments are built to last,” he affirms, while acknowledging that his personal color aesthetics appear in the final stages of staining and sanding, a process that is repeated over and over until the instrument shines. “When it all comes together, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and inspiration for the next one.”

Adam Stasik, a musician from Ohio and band member of Central Flow, which plays up and down the East Coast, bought one of Cobb’s guitars a few years ago and has this to say: “It’s the best guitar I’ve ever played. Every time I pick it up it sounds so beautiful, even acoustically.”

Cobb, also well-known for his fret work, repairs electric and acoustic guitars and conducts classes on guitar building at his garage-like studio that’s hidden on a back road in Old Town.

His workspace – filled with posters of Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Megadeth as well as an assortment of pirate flags (throwbacks to his Hilton Head summers when he felt like a character from Treasure Island) – is as unique as he is.

“It’s just play,” he laughs. “I like to think I’m in art school again, having fun and learning like I did back then.”

He’s equally lighthearted about selling his guitars.

“There’s the guys who act like you’re being fitted for a suit and then there’s the ones who invite you for a beer. I’m definitely the latter,” he grins.

Patti Maurer was at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Ball chatting with friends, when she noticed a picture of “My Fair Lady” (a production she had worked on) being displayed on a large monitor.

A moment later, a picture of Maurer photobombing a “Tuck Everlasting” set popped up.

And then her husband, David, nudged her to keep watching the montage. That is when she heard the announcement: Zonta Club of Hilton Head was naming her Woman of the Year.

The Zonta Club of Hilton Head Island is part of a global network of professionals whose mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. The Woman of the Year award recognizes local women who have made significant contributions in their professions and to the community, according to the Zonta website.

“Each year a selection committee is formed which includes current Zonta members, a past Woman of the Year recipient and individuals active in our community,” said Linda Warnock, chair of the Woman of the Year committee. “The committee publicizes the award and requests nominations from the public. After the nomination deadline, all committee members receive and review the nominations. We then meet, discuss and score the individual nominations and make a final selection.”

The fun begins after an individual is selected.

“The fun part is arranging for the recipient to attend the Chamber Ball without knowing that they are receiving the award,” Warnock said. “We want the winner to be completely surprised.”

And Maurer was just that.

“It was a total surprise,” she said. “It was the very first award of the night. I did not know what to do. We were at table 37, and there was a jet runway to the stage. They started playing ‘Dancing Queen.’ I had to make a speech, and in my head, I was like, ‘Wait a minute. Do not say any names because you will leave someone out and there are so many people to thank.’”

A major role in Maurer’s surprise was the fact that she was being acknowledged for something she is simply passionate about — helping our area’s youth experience and benefit from the arts. When she talks about her involvement with Hilton Head Preparatory School’s productions (she’s the school’s artistic and performing arts director) and the Island School Council for the Arts, it is evident. She lights up.

“I am a goofball in order to give the kids an opportunity to try and not be worried someone is going to laugh at them because I have already done something silly. I also think the kids know I care, and I will keep trying until we get it right. I will not give up on them,” said Maurer. “It is so great to see these kids soar not just opening night but all the way through the end of the run. It is also great to be part of a culture where everyone supports each other. The older kids help the younger kids, and it does not matter what school they are from or what art form they do.”

Maurer believes we too can play a role in bettering our community.

“Volunteering here runs strong,” she said. “And if you can enhance and enrich a school or organization, why not do it? It does not have to be financial. It just takes time and using whatever skills you have.”

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

PATTI MAURER RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY

By Becca Edwards | Photography by Ritterbeck Photography

four corners gallery celebrates 25 years

Written by Charlene Gardner Owner Four Corners Gallery

Four Corners Gallery has been in business since 1998. Owner Charlene Gardner reflects on the gallery’s 25 years in Bluffton:

I moved to the Lowcountry from a creative venture in Vail, Colorado. I learned through experience for 10 years perfecting my skills as a custom picture-framer and a local arts advocate.

As time passed, my desire to have a business of my own grew. Many people encouraged me, and I decided it was time for Four Corners Framing to be an entity.

My initial focus with Four Corners was specialty framing in home-design services, commercial services and gallery services. I would meet clients on site in their home to design and edit their needs.

The business was successful almost immediately — and it grew consistently. I went from using a friend’s garage to building a space onto my home, then moving into the retail space on May River Road in just seven years.

Four Corners was chosen to be the “John Stobart Gallery’s” primary framer for their Harbour Town Gallery. Our projects are unusual and include the oversized works other framers often do not have the experience to handle. Our jobs continue to be that today. I have cleaned, restored and mounted Buffalo Heads and framed both alligator and snake hides.

I took opportunities to reach out and meet local artists and search for unusual art forms as an arts solicitation chair for the Island School Council for the Arts which was formed in the early days of Hilton Head when the needs for schools to get support in providing funding and opportunities for the students and teachers in the arts was a necessity.

My volunteer work put me in a particularly good position to add creators to the May River Road space. I quickly realized that what Four Corners needed was a resident collection of local artisans who could show and sell their work through Four Corners Fine Art and Framing.

Four Corners expanded the square footage to double its ability to showcase artists and provide space to share their unique skills with neighbors and friends and patrons.

People enjoy life experiences: that is what curates memories and friendships.

Four Corners has been an avid promoter of arts in Bluffton both on the professional level and through the student eye.

friends of the hilton head library

PROMOTING LITERACY

With a mission to promote literacy and encourage the pursuit of lifelong learning using the Hilton Head Island library’s resources, Friends of the Hilton Head Library raises funds through private donations, book donations and book sales.

The funds help the Hilton Head Island library deliver premier public services and resources for our community that are not anticipated to be available from county and state funding, like online subscriptions to the New York Times, books for the Lucky Day Collection, and lanyards for children’s library cards.

Some contributions made in 2022 include:

• A subscription to an online Lego robotics program.

• A new easel and craft materials.

• A balloon installation that reflected the summer reading theme of “Oceans of Possibilities.”

• A wheelchair to assist patrons with limited mobility.

• New chairs for staff to use at the circulation desks.

• Funds for musical events and literary speakers.

• Continued support and funding for Bookmobile community outreach.

• Funds for continuing education for the library staff. The community is always top of mind. Friends of the Library purchased the Bookmobile, which services Hilton Head and the southern portion of Beaufort County. Recently it donated hundreds of books to be props in The Lean Ensemble Theater’s production of “Educating Rita.” Friends of the Library partners with the Arts Center and provides books for Free Little Libraries in the area.

It participates in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Italian Fest supporting the Beaufort County Library. Literacy is its focus. Throughout the year Friends of the Library sponsors many programs. In January and February it completed its first-ever Artist in Residence Program, a four-week writing workshop.

Friends of the Library funds author events like Cassandra King and John Caher, who came to speak in February about their most recent work. In the summer Friends of the Library will help fund the activities, prizes, and programs for the annual summer reading program.

It helps support the library staff as well with an annual scholarship for a Beaufort County Staff member who wants to pursue a master’s degree in library science.

must read

THE SPECTACULAR: A NOVEL

by Fiona Davis

Radio City Music Hall in New York City is the backdrop for this story of “love, sacrifice and the pursuit of dreams.”

In 1956, 19-year-old Marion Brooks is feeling trapped despite b eing soon to be married. One day she takes a chance to audition for the Radio City Rockettes and exchange her predictable future for the “dazzling life of a performer.” But as the city reels from a series of bombings, Marion gets swept into the investigation to find the “Big Apple Bomber.”

Marion has trained to blend in as a member of the Rockettes, but she’ll need to stand out and take a “terrifying risk” if she hopes to catch the bomber.

new this month:

Four families have their lives changed when the “unthinkable happens.” The Loverlys are at the hospital bed of their young son, who is in a coma while their friends and neighbors reckon with their roles in the events of that “terrible night.” A story of the consequences behind life’s most difficult decisions.

Written in the style of bestselling travel guides, the famed Jeopardy! champion offers a guide to the afterlife, which explores destinations from literature, mythology and pop culture. Learn which circles of Dante’s Inferno have the nicest accommodations or where’s the best place to eat in the ancient Egyptian underworld.

Hollis Shaw, a popular food blogger, gathers with four friends, one from each phase of her life – her teenage years, her 20s, her 30s and midlife — to spend an unforgettable weekend together, but the trip is far from joyful in this “captivating story” about friendship and self-discovery.

A “brilliant scientific investigation” into owls that explores how researchers use modern technology to learn how owls live, including how they communicate, raise their young and hunt. Among the discoveries? Owls duet. Some live in underground burrows. Their hoots and squawks follow “sophisticated” rules. An “awe-inspiring” exploration of owls from across the globe.

the great hurricane

SEA ISLANDS STORM BATTERED THE LOWCOUNTRY IN 1893

Written by Edward Thomas

The year 1893 was momentous for tropical storms in the United States, with 12 tropical storms impacting our nation’s shores.

Five became substantial hurricanes. Two of the five caused major death tolls of more than 2,000 people – a mark that to this day, 130 years later, keeps them on the list of “Top 10” deadliest storms in American history.

One of those storms – the “Great Sea Islands Hurricane” — roared over Beaufort County and is believed to have cost the lives of upward of more than 4,000 individuals living on coastal islands between Tybee Island, at the mouth of the Savannah River, and Sullivan’s Island, at the entrance to Charleston Harbor.

The hurricane destroyed Beaufort County’s economy, plunging it into economic despair for five more decades. Here’s a look back at the devastating storm.

STORM SURGE

It was Sunday, Aug. 27 1893, when the mammoth, slow-moving hurricane, called a cyclone in those days, rumbled onto Tybee’s shores. Fierce winds shrilled at 120 mph, but the rising waters were worse. It was precisely 12 years to the day that the lethal Hurricane of 1881 had hit the exact same island, leaving 700 people dead including 335 killed within the city limits of Savannah.

This time the storm veered more northerly onto Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, Parris Island, Lady’s Island, the towns of Port Royal and Beaufort, Fripp Island and St. Helena’s Island. Within 24 hours Beaufort County was left in shambles.

The storm’s surge wiped out the county’s thensuccessful economy which was based on farming (including cotton and rice) and the mining of phosphate used in fertilizer.

Only 30 years earlier phosphate had been discovered along the Coosaw River and its tributaries which intersect the northern stretches of the county. At that time 60% of the phosphate produced in the United States came from South Carolina and half of that was just in Beaufort County.

image: wikicommons

Path of the 1893 Sea Islands Hurricane

image: Historic Beaufort Foundation

The hurricane’s impact was devastating. It demolished buildings and left thousands without homes.

NO WARNING

Unlike today, when technology sends out hurricane warnings many days in advance of landfall, there was virtually no warning for the 31,400 inhabitants of Beaufort County, 92.5% of whom were Black (according to the Census), — freed from slavery at the end of the Civil War less than 25 years earlier. For most of these native islanders, who typically lived alongside rutted dirt roads in wood-frame, low-to-the-ground houses with shuttered windows, there were few ways to escape or places to go.

Nonetheless, most locals had been through heavy rain events and tropical winds before, so even though the waterways were showing abnormal swelling and native birds and wildlife were reacting

strangely to the plummeting barometric pressure, it’s understandable that so few believed this summer storm would be any different than others. As Sunday morning arrived in the city of Beaufort, there was a brief lull in the threatening weather.

But by late afternoon circumstances had dramatically changed.

The rising water preceded the strongest winds, which accelerated up to 130 mph or more as the storm pushed northward along the coastline. An article in “The State” newspaper on Aug. 29, 1893 called the storm, “The West Indian Monster” and detailed the destruction. It declared: “For eight or ten awful hours the hurricane held the country relentlessly in its clutches.”

Damage on Bay Street, Beaufort

image: submitted

The most frightful dilemma, however, was not the wind, but the rising Atlantic Ocean, which submerged every Sea Island between Savannah and Charleston with surges of 16 feet and higher.

It was a deathblow to thousands of native islanders.

RARE ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENON

Meteorologists today surmise the greatest calamity resulted from the storm’s timing, which coincided with a full moon “Spring High Tide,” that covered two separate high tides during its duration over Beaufort County.

Author Caroline Grego, in her meticulous book “Hurricane Jim Crowe,” quotes C. Mabel Burn, a woman who lived during the storm in a large house in The Point neighborhood of Beaufort and watched the storm arrive from her upstairs window. “Tide was due to be high at 5 p.m. she said, “but the wind increased in velocity and the tide was held up, and could not fall, so the next tide piled on top of the first.”

Recent scientific modeling by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has studied the 1893 hurricane and estimates because of the rare combination of a huge hurricane plus a full moon, a Spring Tide, and the Lowcountry’s shallow continental shelf, the storm surge may have been upwards to 25 to 30 feet in some places. For native islanders surrounded by the storm and the darkness, giant oak trees became their place of refuge.

Alice Louisa Fripp, the 18-year-old daughter of plantation owner John Fripp, recalls in her diary, how “we got tied off in the oak trees and held on most all night with the water waist deep all around.”

The book “Gullah Days,” which traces Hilton Head’s native islander history between 1861 and 1956, notes Broad Creek “turned into a raging river that nearly cut the island in half.”

Red Cross workers sort food

image: wikicommons

image: wikicommons

Clara Barton (third from left) and the American Red Cross headed up rescue efforts

Fran Marscher-Bollin and her late husband, William, wrote the book, “The Great Island Storm of 1893” and related one story about a St. Helena Island man who used ox chains to save his home. He put the chains out one window of his cabin, wrapped them around the trunk of an oak, put them back through another window and tied them together.

THE AFTERMATH

By Monday afternoon the damage assessment was realized. Not only were bridges, buildings and other infrastructure demolished, but thousands were homeless and starving along the coast. Farmland was spoiled by saltwater intrusion. Bodies were washed up on the beaches and found strewn in piles across the marshes and creeks.

Human suffering was extreme. Thirty thousand people across the islands were homeless. Many were starving and there was only water from brackish wells to drink. There was virtually no help from government sources because of financial depression, and it took several weeks for the new Red Cross, under the direction of 72-year-old Clara Barton, to arrive. Their relief efforts continued for more than a year.

Marscher’s book notes that isolated Hilton Head Island was not reached for another month by relief efforts. Red Cross agent Dr. John MacDonald wrote the following: “I found 304 families, 1,285 people in need of assistance. ... there are a great many cases of malaria and the majority suffer from the effects of exposure. People are destitute of bedding and wearing apparel . ... In many cases their houses have been entirely washed away. ...people are sleeping in the open air on the ground.”

Although approximately 2,000 died as the direct result of the storm, Marscher says as many as 2,500 more died in the aftermath of injuries, malaria and other illnesses that the Gullahs called “storm sickness.”

The storm leveled buildings on Tybee Island, Ga.

“The State” newspaper on Aug. 29, 1893 called the storm, “The West Indian Monster” and detailed the destruction. It declared: “For eight or ten awful hours the hurricane held the country relentlessly in its clutches.”

creatures of the forest

By George Armond

Sources: dnr.sc; Clemson Cooperative Extension. CDC.gov

BE VIGILANT AROUND VENOMOUS COPPERHEAD SNAKES

The beautiful Lowcountry weather finds us spending a lot of time outside. As we enjoy our yards and explore nature, we also must stay alert for copperhead snakes.

Why?

There are 38 species of snakes found in South Carolina, but only six are venomous — including the copperhead.

Commonly seen in Beaufort County, copperhead snakes are also found throughout the state. (The other venomous snakes, according to S.C. Department of Natural Resources, are the coral snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, and cottonmouth).

IDENTIFICATION

Copperhead snakes are light- to rich brown with darker brown hourglass-shaped markings across their backs, the narrow waist of the glass being at the center of their back, according to SCDNR. The head is typically a uniform copper color.

The copperhead has a yellow eye with a black vertical and elliptical pupil, like a cat’s eye, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Their color and pattern are likened to fallen leaves, which is appropriate because copperheads are “creature(s) of the forest.”

“Its coloration serves as its main protective strategy, which is to remain motionless and hopefully not be seen,” the SCDNR website notes.

Typically, adult copperheads are about 24 to 30 inches long, but those longer than 3 feet are not rare.

WHERE THEY ARE FOUND

Copperheads are seen in a wide range of habitat types, including mountain coves, piedmont and coastal plain hardwood forests, longleaf pine forests and

swamp forests. Copperheads feed on a variety of prey including small rodents, frogs, lizards and insects.

AWARENESS

Venomous snakes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations in many habitats. Their fangs and venom glands are developed to obtain food and are typically only used in defense as a last resort, DNR said.

When you walk through a potential copperhead habitat, the snake will likely spot you first and may try to move away, Clemson Extension said. As you get closer, it will curl up into its camouflage pile, and as you get closer, the copperhead will start to shake, or “rattle,” its tail to resemble a rattlesnake.

If you get closer, the copperhead will lift its head to show you it’s ready to bite if you keep provoking it. Copperheads are not aggressive but if you continue to provoke them, they will bite as a last resort to defend themselves.

Here are safety tips from SCDNR:

• Stay on trails that offer good visibility of the ground.

• Snake chaps (leggings) can provide adequate protection for legs.

• It is best to leave all snakes alone, if you don’t know how to identify them. Many people are bitten or harmed when trying to identify and then getting too close to a venomous snake.

The likelihood of a snakebite in South Carolina is extremely low, but if you are bitten by a venomous snake it is best not to try and treat the bite yourself. Stay calm (this can help slow the spread of venom) and seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Wash the wound with warm, soapy water immediately.

Do not apply ice or apply a tourniquet. Do not attempt to suck out the venom.

serving senior citizens

CAROL AND BILL MULLEN HELP ELDERLY FIND LIVING COMMUNITIES

Written by Mark E. Lett

It’s rewarding when where you live is the ideal intersection of your life experience and a community’s needs.

Just ask Carol Mullen, a Sun City resident and a key figure in the Lowcountry’s ever-present efforts to serve senior citizens.

A veteran of some four decades in senior care, Mullen and her husband, Bill, moved from Atlanta to the area five years ago. Together, the couple drew upon careers in business and health care to create Mullen Care Consultants, offering placement advice and other services for seniors.

Business is good. And life is good, says Carol.

“I’m blessed,” she said. “All my career paths led me to this. I am in the exact spot God wanted me to be in.”

Working from their home office, the Mullens help families find senior-living communities or other options. Carol handles face-to-face interaction with families.

Bill, a retired chemicals specialist whose work once contributed to the paint used in the Lee Iacocca-inspired Mustang, guides behind-thescenes business activities. In his “free time” he is writing a book that captures his family history, reaching back to the Crusades and early Ireland.

In Atlanta, Carol spent decades as a front-line professional and manager in home care, late-inlife care, hospice and as a certified dementia-care practitioner.

On trips to visit family in the Hilton Head area, the Mullens found a growing market for Carol’s skills and first-hand knowledge.

In its 2022 report, the Lowcountry Council of Governments noted an “increasingly aging population.” The council said the population of residents ages 65 to 74 increased by 54 percent (to 30,943) between 2010 and 2020. The residential population of those 75 to 84 grew 64 percent (to 16,054).

Photographs by Rob Kaufman

The Mullens’ consulting company’s services are free to families and individuals. The company has agreements with care facilities throughout the area and charges a fee when a client is placed.

Key to the process is acquiring and sharing knowledge about the wants and needs of individual families and synching those with the most appropriate services.

From her own history, Carol is familiar with the anxiety and questions that arise when special treatment is in order for an aging family member.

“It can be overwhelming,” she said, referring to instances of a lost spouse, loneliness, declining health, poor diet and more.

“Often, people don’t know where to go for information to make decisions.”

Her mission, she said, is to meet with families to explore options and solutions. For example, she makes a practice of offering visits to three different care facilities with clients seeking the right accommodations.

“I always go with them,” she said. “I want to bring that all forward to provide them the greatest transparency. My job is to find the perfect fit.”

The process, she said, is intended to “paint the picture clearly” so clients can make decisions that best address “needs and wants.”

In four years of coordinating those moves, she said, none of her customers have found it necessary to relocate to another facility.

“That makes me very happy,” she said.

The Mullens are aware of the heartache that can accompany such situations. Bill’s father passed away unexpectedly, and Carol’s mother was recovering from surgery and receiving home health care. She passed away on a weekend when a hired care giver was a no-show.

When she investigated the quality of care, Carol said what she learned was “shocking.”

“The way they treated my mother….” she said. “I

know how people should be treated, how care giving should be and how good care should be encouraged.”

Carol said her promise to customers is to be available when questions and concerns arise.

“It’s about education. It’s about empathy. It’s about advocacy,” she said.

She said the transitions that accompany aging often make for a difficult journey.

“I have become a navigator,” she said. “I tell clients: ‘Just call Carol.’”

Carol Mullen and her husband, Bill, seek quality care for seniors.

pickleball pain

REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF INJURY PLAYING THE FAST-GROWING SPORT

by Lawrence Conneff

Pickleball has been described as America’s fastestgrowing sport, and one of its biggest draws is accessibility. But just like other sports, it has injury risks that players should keep in mind.

Most of the pickleball-related injuries that local doctors treat are caused by overuse, particularly among older players, said Dr. Philip Mulieri, an orthopedic surgeon at Hilton Head Orthopedics.

“The tendons and ligaments start to get a little bit weaker with time, so there’s a lot of strains and sprains that we see,” he said, “and sometimes we get tendon or ligament tears.”

Shoulder injuries like tendinitis and rotator cuff strains are most common, Mulieri said, followed by lower-leg injuries including ankle sprains and strains, Achilles tendon pain, plantar fasciitis and stress fractures.

These injuries often can be treated at home with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and ice for the pain and swelling. If symptoms are improving within five to seven days, “that’s typically a sign that there’s a minor injury,” Mulieri said.

But if pain, weakness or loss of movement persists, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor.

“Certainly, if you are playing and you feel or hear a pop around the shoulder and have pain related to that, that might indicate that something might have torn acutely, and it definitely would be worthwhile seeing an orthopedist about that,” Mulieri said.

Serious injuries can require surgical repair, but more often they can be treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.

“I would say most injuries that we see are treated without surgery,” Mulieri said. “People can usually walk on the injury. They might feel a pop when it happens, but a lot of times they will roll their ankle and get some mild swelling. But if the swelling is significant, if they develop bruising around the ankle or they have difficulty bearing weight due to pain, that’s typically an indication that it should be evaluated.”

There are steps people can take before and after play to reduce their chances of injury.

“It’s important to warm up before the activities, spend about 10 to 15 minutes doing light exercise and stretching before they play,” Mulieri said. “It’s important to cool down and maybe do some post-play stretching.”

Players also should make sure they use the right equipment and technique and wear appropriate shoes for their playing surface.

Mulieri said playing a sport like pickleball shouldn’t be a person’s only exercise. Off the court, he recommends improving balance and strength by working on the core muscles and flexibility by stretching, as other ways to lower injury risk.

New players should start out slow.

“It’s better to gradually increase their time of play over a period of time when they first start playing,” Mulieri said. Players returning from an injury also shouldn’t try to come back too quickly.

“Once they’re recovered from the injury doesn’t mean they can necessarily go back to their previous pre-injury level of play right away,” he said. “They would have to gradually return to that level. Just because it’s a sport that most people can play doesn’t mean it comes without its risks.

“People should be aware that it is a sport, and all the necessary steps should be taken to ensure that they can play the sport without having an injury.”

Just because it’s a sport that most people can play doesn’t mean it comes without its risks.

sports standouts

HIGH SCHOOL SEASON FULL OF SPRING SUCCESS

Story and photos by Justin Jarrett

The first state championship of the spring high school sports season set the tone for a flurry of state titles, deep playoff runs, and individual accolades for area teams and athletes.

The boys golf teams from Hilton Head Christian Academy and Hilton Head Prep lapped the field at the SCISA 3A golf meet — and met for dinner afterward — in a showdown for the state title at Coastal Carolina University’s Hackler Course. Behind freshman individual medalist Sage Bradshaw (68-68) and sophomore runner-up Gabe Schmitz (70-67), the Eagles held off a second-round surge from Hilton Head Prep, shooting 581 to edge their rivals by two shots for the title. The third-place team finished 44 shots behind the runner-up Dolphins.

“I think we surprised ourselves a little by throwing a 1-under-par in there on day one,” Bradshaw said on the LowcoSports Lowdown podcast. “I think we knew we had it all year. It was just a matter of us being able to put it together.”

The SCISA 1A title also came home to the Lowcountry, as Heritage Academy cruised to a 36-shot win behind individual medalist Michael Gavin (74-73). Heritage Academy claimed another crown when its boys tennis team won the state 1A-2A title.

The Hilton Head Prep boys tennis team kept the trophies coming to when it doused Spartanburg Day 5-1 to claim a Class 3A state title — the Dolphins’ third in a row and their ninth in the last 10 yea rs.

“This is one of the largest senior classes that we have ever had and they really made my job very easy,” Dolphins coach Clint Van Aswegen said. “I wish them the very best in the future, but we have one year to reload and coach up the next group of teammates to step up and defend our championship next year.”

Brady Saba

The Dolphins added one more title to cap off the school year, as the girls soccer team finished the season with 11 consecutive wins, culminating with a 6-0 victory over Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach to capture the SCISA 3A title.

Coach Risa McMillan tested her team early with matches against quality Georgia squads, and the Dolphins began the season 3-4.

They didn’t lose again.

Sophomore Callah Dando (three goals in the title game) and eighth-grade phenom Ashley Brothers led a dominant flurry to close out the season.

And there was still more hardware likely to come home with deserving student-athletes from the Lowcountry when the S.C. High School League state golf and track meets were held later in May, after our deadline.

SENIOR SHOUTOUTS

Whitt Beebe, MRHS BOYS LACROSSE: Beebe earned the nickname “Crease Monkey” for his ability to wreak havoc on opposing goalies at point-blank range, which led to 95 points (62 goals, 33 assists) as a senior and earn the opportunity to continue his career at North Greenville.

Josh Elam, MRHS BOYS SOCCER: The Sharks’ leading scorer racked up 13 goals to go with three assists as a senior and earned a spot on the Class 4A Allstate team.

Bill Fielding, HHIHS BOYS LACROSSE: The senior leader, Fielding was part of a lethal three-headed attack along with Brady Saba and Sam Thibodeau, finishing his senior campaign with 91 points (58 goals, 33 assists) and 118 groundballs.

Abby Peduzzi

Casey Laing

Anthony Hill and Jackson Ogden, JPII BOYS SOCCER: The Golden Warriors’ dynamic duo combined for 23 goals and 13 assists to lead JPII to the SCISA 3A semifinals in their swansong.

Casey Laing, MRHS SOFTBALL: The Belmont Abbey-bound Laing was a rock at third base and a lethal bat in the No. 2 spot in the lineup, helping a young Sharks team advance further in the playoffs than any other softball team in southern Beaufort County.

Bryn Miller, HHP GIRLS SOCCER: Somewhat overshadowed by goal-scorers Callah Dando and Ashley Brothers, Miller was a key facilitator for the Dolphins with 14 assists along with 13 goals going into the state championship game.

Abby Peduzzi, HHCA GIRLS SOCCER: The centerpiece of the Eagles’ girls sports dynasty over the past several years helped lead one last surge in the playoffs before ending her illustrious high school career with a rare postseason loss in the semifinals.

Jake Richardson, HHIHS BASEBALL: An arm injury kept him off the mound and prevented him from being behind the plate in the second half of the season, but the USC Lancaster commit still finished with a .380 batting average and .500 on-base percentage with eight doubles and 16 RBI. He was 5-2 with a 2.73 ERA on the mound with 47 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings.

Katie Ryan and Alyssa Rose, BLUFF SOFTBALL: It was a rough season after losing pitcher and leadoff hitter Parker Ray to a season-ending injury, but the remaining duo from Bluffton’s triple threat both ended up hitting over .500 with a combined 17 extra-base hits.

Brooks van Esselstyn, MRHS BOYS LACROSSE: It was quite a senior year for the Florida Techbound van Esselstyn, who not only was named a National Merit Scholar but also earned Class 4A Lower State Player of the Year honors after leading the Sharks with 98 points (57 goals, 41 assists) and 147 groundballs while winning 74.3 percent of his faceoffs.

Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Class 3A state-winning golf team.

Heritage Academy won the SCISA Class A state golf crown.

Courtesy

HHCA

Courtesy Heritage Academy

Hilton Head Prep won the SCISA Class 3A tennis title.

Tysen Brasington of May River was a star slugger this season.

Courtesy Hilton Head Prep

From New Mexico to Arizona, encountering snow.

Driving through a tunnel in Mobile, Ala.

road trip

PHOTOGRAPHER GUIDO FLUECK CHRONICLES THE COUNTRY

Bluffton-based photographer Guido Flueck said he set out to capture the South – the real South.

“I wanted to see how people live outside the cities,” Flueck said.

In a journey that spanned more than 8,000 miles, Flueck drove through many of the country’s southern states, including Georgia, Arkansas, Arizona, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, New Mexico, with stops in Southern California cities Los Angeles and San Diego.

Flueck chronicled his trip with black-and-white photos because, he said, “black and white tells the story much deeper; there is only black and white, no color distraction.”

Here is a look at some of the impressions Flueck captured.

LEFT: A stop in Forsyth, Ga., where priceless “junk” can be found.

RIGHT: A scene in Seguin, Texas.

BOTTOM: Traveling the Southwest.

LEFT: Driving into southern California, near Holtville. Sand dunes in the afternoon light.

ABOVE: A man sitting in front of his house in Little Italy, San Diego.

RIGHT: The empty streets of Miami in the morning.

BETHANY MCDONALD LEADS FINNEGAN’S SHARING SHACK EFFORT

Written by Nina Greenplate

Finnegan’s Sharing Shack is a grassroots venture blending generosity with waste reduction, all in the name of beachtime fun.

Lowcountry resident Bethany McDonald is the brainchild behind this effort — and Hilton Head Island vacationers are the beneficiaries.

Each weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day, McDonald and her friend Haven Banks set up a tent on Hilton Head’s Driessen Beach at the end of Bradley Beach Road. That’s where abandoned beach items and donated gear are collected, sanitized and made available for free to anyone in need.

Tourists coming to the island often buy new gear, then have difficulty fitting larger items into a car or on the airplane heading home.

“The beach is swept every night, and anything in good, unbroken condition is collected,” McDonald says. “The Sharing Shack is really a recycling program where we get a lot of help from our lifeguards and the Turtle Tracker volunteers.”

Chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas, tents and toys, some with tags still attached, are made available to pleasantly surprised visitors who can keep the items or return them to the shack.

“I love doing this; it’s almost like Christmas for them,” says McDonald. “Tourists ask, ‘How much?’ And I get to tell them, ‘Free!’”

Originally from West Virginia, McDonald graduated from the University of South Carolina Beaufort with a degree in hospitality management. The university’s Sand Shark mascot, Finnegan, became the inspiration for the Shack’s moniker.

McDonald’s idea formed during a course lecture on current issues where she learned that more than 595 tons of trash was collected from local beaches between May and October of 2020. “Insane,” she recalls thinking.

Photographed by Rob Kaufman

Her mission came into focus soon after, and in their first summer Finnegan’s Sharing Shack collected and gave away 673 items. Last summer saw a substantial jump: 449 chairs, 31 umbrellas; 207 boogie boards; 1,693 toys, with 2,290 overall giveaways.

Families also reached out to donate.

“One family moving to Alaska gave us scuba gear, tents, umbrellas, seven boogie boards, five beach chairs and corn hole,” McDonald said.

McDonald recalls a busy mother on the beach whose special-needs child was having difficulty sharing with other children in her care. She had only one boogie board, so leaving the beach was impossible. The Sharing Shack was able to provide her with boogie boards and other sand toys.

“This mom came to me crying, but was thrilled in the end,” says McDonald. “I told her that she came to the right place.”

McDonald’s efforts also help preserve important wildlife. Protecting the Lowcountry’s endangered sea turtle population is a priority on the island. Baby sea turtles can take several days to make their straight-line trek to the ocean and have just enough energy to do so.

A clean pathway is essential.

McDonald, who works as a sales agent for Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort Hilton Head, plans to create satellite sharing shacks in higher-traffic areas of the island.

She said she receives messages from as far away as Texas, Arkansas and Canada in anticipation of upcoming trips.

“People are excited for it,” she says. “And the town of Hilton Head has been so gracious in allowing us to use the (Driessen Beach) storage space. We are super thankful for that.”

To learn more, visit the Finnegan’s Sharing Shack Facebook page, or follow it on Instagram @thesharingshack.

The beach is swept every night and anything in good, unbroken condition is collected

excitement summer

Summer is here! The joys of the season are upon us with plenty of events for everybody to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the most exciting events happening this summer. Check out our calendar for more fun options. Make sure to check event websites and social media pages for the latest updates.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

GREGG RUSSELL FAMILY CONCERTS

An island mainstay, Gregg Russell brings his familyfriendly summer concert series to Harbour Town. Russell is known for his interactive sing-alongs as he entertains crowds below the famed Sea Pines Liberty Oak.

The summer schedule runs with shows at 8 p.m. through Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3). There’s also a morning Bubble Gum Cruise that runs every Friday until Aug. 18. Go online (greggrussell.com) for the full schedule.

MUSIC AND MOVIES AT SHELTER COVE

Shelter Cove Town Centre hosts free concerts on Fridays in the park, from June 23 to Aug. 18. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Coolers and pets are welcome. June performances scheduled are Deas-Guyz (June 23) and Target and the Headliner Horns (June 30). Also enjoy free movie nights in the park Thursday nights, beginning June 15 through Aug. 17. Films start at 8:30 p.m. Pets are welcome. June movies planned are “Minions — The Rise of Gru”; “Grease”; and “Finding Nemo.” Visit Shelter Cove’s Facebook page for updates or visit sheltercovetownecentre.com/events.

PARTY IN THE PARK

It’s party time with Party in the Park at Lowcountry Celebration Park. On Thursdays from June 15 to July 27, enjoy bounce houses, live music, and beverages. A maker’s fair includes local artists. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more, visit islandreccenter.org/events/.

A FEW FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Gregg Russell Concert

COLIGNY PLAZA

Coligny Plaza has nightly music events planned at Coligny Center Stage. Jevon Daly will perform a “kid-storytelling adventure” Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Mondays, enjoy some rock music with John Cranford & Friends. Kyle Wareham performs on Tuesdays, and Nick Poulin performs on Thursdays. Singer-songwriter Mike Kavanaugh performs Saturdays. Each show is set for 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

HOP ON A BREEZE TROLLEY

The Breeze, Hilton Head Island’s public trolley, runs through Labor Day (Sept. 4). The service runs each day from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Breeze is scheduled to serve each stop every 30 minutes. Last year it saw more than 42,000 passengers.

The Breeze includes the South Island Route, which uses full-size trolley vehicles connecting the Coligny Beach/South Island area with the Shelter Cove area. The Mid-Island Route utilizes shuttle vehicles to connect people in the Shelter Cove and Folly Field areas with transfers to and from the South Island Route. New to this route is an additional trolley stop on Folly Field Road near William Hilton Parkway.

The Breeze has invested in a safety enhancement: Each of the Breeze’s four trolleys has an “annunciator” system which alerts nearby pedestrians and bicyclists when the trolleys are turning. The system’s announcements are made in English and Spanish.

HARBOURFEST AT SHELTER COVE HARBOUR AND MARINA

Want to enjoy some of the best fireworks in the area? Head over to Harbourfest.

The summer-long event has fantastic fireworks and entertainment. It features Shannon Tanner, who is in his 34th year entertaining the Lowcountry. He has two one-hour shows (6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.) Monday to Wednesdays through Aug. 23 (no shows Aug. 25 to Sept. 1).

Cappy the Clown performs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Fridays through Sept. 1. Labor Day weekend shows are scheduled for Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.

Parrot Palooza (Jimmy Buffett tribute) with Tanner and the Oyster Reefers is a rocking good time. Showtimes begin 7 p.m. Performances are each Thursday from June 15 to Aug. 24. Shows are set for Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.

Fireworks are planned for one night a week each Tuesday from June 6 to Aug. 22. The shows begin when the sky is dark. Check online (sheltercoveharbourfest.com) for the latest updates.

BLUFFTON MOVIE NIGHTS

The Town of Bluffton offers free movie nights in the park from 6 to 8 p.m. “Puss in Boots” on June 2 (Martin Family Park); “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile,” on July 14 (Field of Dreams at Oscar Frazier Park); and “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank” on Sept. 8 (Martin Family Park).

SHRIMP FESTIVAL NIGHTS

The May River Shrimp Festival is a “three-night celebration” offering live music, craft beer garden, wine bar and arts and crafts. The festivities kick off with a Sunset 5K 7:30 p.m. July 19, starting at the Oyster Factory Park. The Festival is at Oyster Factory Park on July 20 and July 21 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Live music July 20 is headlined by Jason Lee Cook Band (special guest Chilly Willy Band). July 21 is headlined by Kelli Baker Band (special guest Voodoo Soup). Proceeds benefit varies local charities. For ticket information and more, visit bearfootsports.com.

SUNSET PARTY SERIES

The Bluffton Sunset Parties are held once a month during the summer. Overlooking the May River at Oyster Factory Park, each event aims to bring the community together to celebrate local foods and vendors and enjoy fantastic live music and other fun activities for all ages. June 9 is Blues & Brews on the Bluff; July 20-21 is May River Shrimp Festival; Sept. 30 is the Blufftemberfest Music Festival. The Bluffton Sunset Party Series benefits local charities.

BLUES & BREWS ON THE BLUFF

Blues & Brews on the Bluff features craft beers, live music and a food court on June 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Live music is headlined by CornBred (special guest The Chiggers). Proceeds benefit varies local charities. For ticket information and more, visit bearfootsports.com.

SUMMER KIDS EVENT

The Town of Bluffton is hosting two summer kids events: June 17 at Fields of Dreams at Oscar Frazier Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and July 22 at Buckwalter Place Park (near amphitheater) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both will feature waterslides, games, a DJ and a concession stand.

VISIT THE FARMERS MARKET

Enjoy a stroll through the Farmers Market of Bluffton each Thursday. Find fresh locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs. The market at 68 Boundary Street showcases local growers, chef demos, food vendors, entertainment, and community causes. The market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June to August and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting in September.

For more, visit farmersmarketbluffton.org

28TH BIENNALE NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION

THROUGH JUNE 17

arts & entertainment

JUNE 2

TOWN OF BLUFFTON MOVIE NIGHT

“PUSS IN BOOTS”: Bring your friends, family, and neighbors. Music and bounce houses begin at 5 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m., rain or shine. Concessions will be available for purchase. Don’t forget your blanket, chairs, and movie munchies. Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton.

JUNE 9

THE SWINGIN’ MEDALLIONS: “The Party Band of the South” performs their 14th summer opening concert at the Jasper County Farmers Market. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $20. Tickets at $30 at the gate. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair. Food trucks on site from 7 p.m.- 11 p.m. The Jasper County Farmers Market, 9935 South Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. jaspercountychamber.com

JUNE 11-17

HILTON HEAD CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE QUARTET CONCERTS PRESENTED BY HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Sixteen high school musicians from seven different states will participate in four quartets. Free concerts. Solo recital 4 p.m. June 11 at Seabrook Retirement Community, 300 Woodhaven Dr., Hilton Head Island; solo master Class, 3 p.m. June 12 at Soundwaves,

7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island; quarter master class, 6:30 p.m. June 13 at Campbell Chapel AME Church, 26 Boundary Street, Bluffton; quarter master class 6:30 p.m. June 14 at Soundwaves; quartet concerts 7 p.m. June 16 and 11:30 a.m. June 17 at Soundwaves. 843-363-2718 or judy.chambermusic@ gmail.com.

THROUGH JUNE 17

28TH BIENNALE NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION

PRESENTED BY THE ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD: This exhibit features more than 100 artists from around the country competing in multiple media categories. Located in the gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org.

JUNE 19-23

HILTON HEAD JAZZ GUITAR INSTITUTE: This clinic is designed to prepare students aged 14-20 with guitar experience for the unique challenges of jazz guitar. Registration is $25 and tuition is $229 and includes a three-hour daily jazz guitar clinic with a professional jazz guitarist, a mid-week music trip to Savannah and a finale performance. 3088 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton. Purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com. hhjazzguitar.eventbrite.com.

JUNE 23

BURNT CHURCH DISTILLERY CONCERT SERIES: CHILLY WILLY BAND: Every fourth Friday of each month outside on Square 67. Free and open to the public. Don’t forget to bring a chair. 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton.

JUNE 24

IRRITATING JULIE AT ELEMENTS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE: Enjoy smokin’ hot rock & roll with a lively stage show and modern European Chef inspired cuisine and craft cocktails in an upscale environment with live music. 9 p.m. 2 N. Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island.

JUNE 28

An evening of music by Grammy Award-winning Mac Powell, the former front-man of and lead singer of the Third Day. This event will help support affordable housing in the Hilton Head Island community. Stephen Arnold, who organized the event, said Habitat for Humanity has played an essential role in assisting the community with housing solutions through empowerment, a stronger sense of belonging, the ability to achieve the dream of home ownership and stability. “Harmony for Homes represents our collective commitment to building a brighter future for the individuals and families in our community.”

7 p.m.- 9 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, 540 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested may contact the Development Director, Jeb Bush at jebbush@habitathhi.org or call 843-681-5864. Tickets to Harmony 4 Homes are $30 and may be purchased online at habitathhi.org/harmonyforhomes

“HARMONY FOR HOMES” MAC POWELL CONCERT BENEFITING HILTON HEAD REGIONAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

JUNE 10

Run, walk, skip or sashay through Bluffton in this fun and festive 5K. Proceeds from the race will go to benefit Lowcountry PRIDE. After the race, enjoy delicious food from the food truck or let the kids play on the bounce houses or at the Shrimp Boat playground. Lowcountry Pride’s mission is to promote visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in the Lowcountry by educating our community, honoring our heritage, advocating for our culture and celebrating our diverse community. The purpose is to highlight the uniqueness and diversity of the community through distinct events throughout the year promoting our history and culture. 9 a.m. Tickets are $35. Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. Hotel accommodation provided by Montage Palmetto Bluff. https://www.montagehotels. com/palmettobluff/. Register at runsignup.com

festivals events

JUNE 3 & 4

THE SALTY DOG FULL MOON CRUISE: This Strawberry Moon cruise includes a two-hour boat ride around the Calibogue Sound. The full bar and galley onboard will be open one hour before departure to purchase libations. Must board 15 minutes to one hour prior to departure.

Ages 21 and up. Cruise departs at 7 p.m. 232 S. Sea Pines Dr, #303, Hilton Head Island. saltydog.com.

JUNE 7

HURRICANE PARTY: Put your dancing shoes on and enjoy energetic music by CornBreD who will be playing classic and modern rock and country. Also enjoy delicious Lowcountry cuisine and frozen cocktails overlooking the water. 6 p.m. Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar, 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto Bay Marina, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-4950.

JUNE 9

FUN IN THE SUN FOR EVERYONE: This annual event gives all community members the opportunity to enjoy the beach in a safe and inclusive setting no matter their age or ability. Activities include paddle boarding, boogie boarding, surfing, beach games and relaxation. Marriott Vacation Club International’s Surf Watch Resort, 10 Surfwatch Way, Hilton Head Island. pocketsfullofsun.org.

JUNE 15

3RD ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CAMPOUT WITH JOE

MCGILL: Camp out where freedom began in the town in Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island. 6 p.m.- 6 a.m. Cost is $30 per person via eventbrite.com. Tents are available for an additional fee. For more information, visit exploremitchelville.org or call 843-255-7301. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island.

JUNE 16

JUNETEENTH DRUM CIRCLE IN HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE

FREEDOM PARK: Free and open to the public. There will be food available for purchase. 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island. Free tickets via eventbrite.com.

JUNE 16-18

8TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

In partnership with the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee, Burnt Church Distillery presents the 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. Also sponsored by Ward Edwards Engineering, Mikkelson Law Firm and South Atlantic Bank.

It begins June 16 with the second annual Black Food Truck Friday at Buckwalter Commerce Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Includes live entertainment and a DJ. Family friendly event will also feature a kids zone. Food and alcohol available for purchase. Admission is free.

On June 17, celebrate Juneteenth with a drum circle, African dancing and more than 20 vendors selling food. The free, kid friendly event is 4 p.m.- 10 p.m. Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton.

The celebration ends with a Juneteenth Jazz Brunch on June 18, held at Burnt Church Distillery. Enjoy music and food. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., listen to the smooth sounds of the ZD Experience, a band that will transport you to the golden age of jazz. Sip on mimosas and munch on dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Tickets are $75 via eventbrite.com. Email blufftonmlk@yahoo.com.

JUNE 17

PADDLE THE MAY: This event will feature a 3.5 mile short course and an 9-mile long course, plus a 1-mile fun paddle on the May River waterways in Bluffton. Race proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton & the Lowcountry and the Bluffton Youth Theatre. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton. Purchase tickets online at paddle.guru. com/races/paddlethemay.

Jordans, Yeezys, & Dunks in All Sizes

meet ups and markets weekly

SUNDAYS

DEAS GUYS AT THE JAZZ CORNER: Two shows nightly. 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com

MONDAYS THROUGH AUGUST

JUNE 3

WANDERLUST MARKETS- HILTON HEAD ISLAND: A wandering market with rotating vendors in one spot including Ring Stinger Pepper Co, Peace by Piece, A Sweeter Seat, Soul on Fire candles, Saltwater Hippie Company and more. Lincoln & South Brewing Company, 138 Island Drive, Hilton Head Island. Follow @Wanderlust Markets on Facebook for more information. 843-422-3992 or uscroach@gmail.com.

JUNE 5

BLUFFTON AMBASSADOR PROGRAM: The USCB Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training is featuring a two-hour seminar via zoom for further learning of Bluffton’s history, amenities, governance and future planning. Each attendee receives a Bluffton ambassador folder, pin, notepad and a detailed pocket guide. To reserve your space, contact 843-208-8320 or cemht@uscb.edu.

JUNE 10

PALM TREES & PISTONS: Local car show every second Saturday of each month. Showcases local, vintage, antique, exotic, muscle and unique cars owned by locals. 9 a.m. -11 a.m. Sea Turtle Marketplace (Former Steinmart parking lot), 430 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island.

JUNE 17

CARS AND COFFEE: Cars and Coffee HHI is a meet up for car enthusiasts. All are welcome to attend this event held the third Saturday of each month. Free. 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. USCB Campus, 1 University Blvd, Bluffton. carsandcoffeehhi@ gmail.com or carsandcoffeehhi.com

THE SEA TURTLE PATROL TALKS: Bring a chair and enjoy this family-friendly event presented by director and marine biologist, Amber Kuehn, who will let you know how you can help protect this endangered species. Free and open to the public. Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island.

MONDAYS

SHUCK IT TRIVIA AT BROTHER SHUCKERS BAR & GRILL: Best trivia on the island. 6:30 p.m., 7 Greenwood Dr, #3, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-7000 or brothershuckershhi.com.

TUESDAYS

HILTON HEAD FARMERS MARKET: Visit our expanding list of regular vendors, plus a rotating schedule of food trucks and new arrivals. Find the freshest local produce, fresh eggs, pork, pasture-raised chicken, hand-made sausage, seafood and fresh, baked goods. 9 a.m.- 1p.m. Coastal Discovery Museum, Honey Horn Campus, 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-415-8500 or info@coastaldiscovery.org. coastaldiscovery.org.

TUESDAYS

THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET: A local, charming festival featuring artisans, craft makers and fresh local foods including seafood, produce, breads and baked goods. 10 a.m. -2 p.m. The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-5699 or theshopsatseapinescenter.com.

TUESDAYS

FAT TUESDAYS: A swinging celebration of New Orleans & Beyond: Two shows nightly. 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island. 843-8428620 or thejazzcorner.com.

TUESDAYS

KAYAKING TOUR OF JARVIS CREEK: Meet at Jarvis Creek and kayak from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. $40/Adult, $36/Child. Book online to reserve. coastaldiscovery.org.

WEDNESDAYS

FARMER’S MARKET AT THE FARM IN PALMETTO BLUFF: Lowcountry Made vendors include local artists, makers and artisans. Free and open to the public. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Lcmade.com

WEDNESDAYS

ROOT AND BLOOM MARKET: Join us at this weekly market supporting small business and featuring natural foods, organic produce, pastured meats, select artisans and natural wellness products. 3 p.m. -7 p.m. Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. discoverrootandbloommarket.com

WEDNESDAYS

CLASSIC OPEN MIC NIGHT HOSTED BY WILL COOK: Featured artists every week. Beginning at 8 p.m. until late. Elements Restaurant and Lounge, 2 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-802-4942 or elementshhi.com

WEDNESDAYS

DOLPHIN & NATURE CRUISE: Meet at Broad Creek Marina for this family friendly cruise along Broad Creek and explore the waterways, salt marsh, dolphins and more. $30/Adult, $20/Child (ages 1-12). 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. coastaldiscovery.org.

THURSDAYS

DUELING PIANOS SHOW: The only Dueling Pianos Show on Hilton Head Island takes place each Thursday night at the Rooftop Bar. 8 p.m. -11 p.m. Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3838 or therooftophhi.com.

THURSDAYS

CORNBRED AT BROTHERS SHUCKER’S: Enjoy live music beginning at 8:30 p.m. 7 Greenwood Dr, #3,

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE FREEDOM

PARK

JUNE 17

Join our community in celebrating the rise of the first, self-governed settlement for freedom in the United States at historic Mitchelville on Hilton Head Island. Thousands of enslaved people in the coastal Carolinas, Georgia and Florida escaped to the town of Mitchelville while battles continued across America. The achievements of the residents of Mitchelville were recorded for the nation, and the war for freedom was won at Mitchelville. Today descendants from the original settlers on Mitchelville continue to live to uphold traditions of their ancestors. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island. Tickets are $10 to $20 on eventbrite.com. For more information or to plan a tour of Mitchelville, please visit exploremitchelville.org or call 843-255-7301. #wherefreedombegan

Hilton Head Island. 843-785-7000 or brothershuckershhi.com

THURSDAYS

FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Boundary Street and purchase fresh strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more. 12 p.m. -5 p.m., Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. 843-4152337 or farmersmarketbluffton.org.

THURSDAYS

EXPLORE PINCKNEY ISLAND: Meet at Pinckney Island to experience history and nature during a 1.5 mile guided tour of this diverse national wildlife refuge. $15/Adult, $7/Child (ages 4-12). Book online in advance on coastaldiscovery.org.

THURSDAYS- JUNE 15, 22 & 29

‘MOVIE NIGHTS’ AT SHELTER COVE

TOWNE CENTRE- Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pillows and snacks to this family friendly event at the park. Free and open to the public. Rain or shine. 8:30 p.m. June 15- Minions-

The Rise of Gru/ June 22- Grease/ June 29- Finding Nemo. Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. sheltercovetownecentre.com.

FRIDAYS

SAVANNAH PORT CRUISE: Meet in Savannah and join this cruise to experience the nation’s largest port in action from the water. The Savannah Port has over 50 piers, wharves and docks. $65/Adult, $45/Child. 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Book online at coastaldiscovery.org.

FRIDAYS

BEGINNER SHAG LESSONS AND SOCIAL DANCING: The Hilton Head Island Carolina Shag Club hosts Friday night beginner lessons followed by social dancing. Dances are open to the public and include all styles of dance such as ballroom, wing, country or line dancing. Floor fee is $5. Lessons begin at 5 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-6008 or hiltonheadshagclub.com.

FRIDAYS

SUNSET CELEBRATION 2023 SUMMER

CONCERT SERIES: Bring lawn chairs, blankets, pillows and snacks to this family friendly event at the park. Free and open to the public. Rain or shine. 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. sheltercovetownecentre.com

SATURDAYS

HILTON HEAD COMMUNITY MARKET: A volunteer organized food event also featuring local artisans and makers each week. 50% of all vendor fees received are donated to a different local non-profit organization each month. 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island. Follow @hhicommunitymarket on Facebook or contact colleen@ cottownwoodsoap.com.

SATURDAYS

LOUISE SPENCER AND RICK RADCLIFF

AT KIND OF BLUE: Vocalist Louise Spencer and pianist Rick Radcliff offer an evening of jazz and dancing. 5:45 p.m. -7 P.M. Call for reservations- 843-6862868 or kindofbluehhisc.com.

a must for visitors looking ahead

JULY 4

USA 5K: Celebrate this holiday with a run/walk that helps benefit The Sea Turtle Patrol on Hilton Head Island. This is a fun, simple family-oriented experience for all ages and skill levels. The event is on a hard, flat beach surface with plenty of room to run or walk with your family and friends. 7:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $35. Coligny Beach Park, 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island. runsignup.com.

JULY 5

HURRICANE PARTY: Put your dancing shoes on and enjoy energetic music by CornBreD who will be playing classic and modern rock and country. Also enjoy delicious Lowcountry cuisine and frozen cocktails overlooking the water. 6 p.m. Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar, 86 Helmsman Way, Palmetto Bay Marina, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-4950.

JULY 10-15

HILTON HEAD JAZZ CAMP: This camp is designed for aspiring, intermediate to advanced music students aged 14-20 years old who wish to improve their jazz skills with an immersive study in improvisation, theory, combos, masterclasses, big band and elective courses with a professional faculty visiting from all over the United States. Tuition begins at $449. Lodging is also available for an additional cost. Scholarships are available. Hilton Head Christian Academy, 3088 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton. hhjazzcamp.eventbrite.com

JULY 20 & 21

MAY RIVER SHRIMP FESTIVAL/FESTIVAL NIGHTS AT OYSTER FACTORY PARK: Enjoy the Sunset Part with live music and local vendors. Food and alcohol will be available for purchase. 5:30 P.M.- 9:30 P.M. Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton.

JULY 28

BURNT CHURCH DISTILLERY CONCERT SERIES: CHILLY WILLY BAND: Every fourth Friday of each month outside on Square 67. Free and open to the public. Don’t forget to bring a chair! Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton.

ALLIGATOR AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR: Alligator and Wildlife Boat Tour with H2O Sports in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get an up-close view of indigenous plant and animal life, including the American Alligator, on a one-hour guided boat tour. Reservations are required. 843-671-4386 or h2osports.com

THE HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM: Explore Hilton Head Island’s rich history and learn the story behind its famous lighthouse in a unique, museum-like setting. Admission is $5.75/ person, complimentary for children ages 5 and younger. Open everyday 10 a.m. -sundown. 149 Lighthouse Rd. Hilton Head Island. 843-671-2810 or harbourtownlighthouse.com

TRAIL RIDES THROUGH THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE WITH LAWTON STABLES: Meander through the preserve on horseback for the true feel of the untouched Lowcountry. Trail riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservations are required. 843-671-2586 or lawtonstables.com.

COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM: Take a leisurely stroll around the Museum’s majestic 68-acre property. The whole family can discover and explore the wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Programs take place Mondays through Saturdays. coastaldiscovery.org

Harbour TownLighthouse Museum

LIGHT RAIN FALLS ON THE MARSH

Photo: Robert Linder