IICONIC CONIC IISLAND SLAND IISSUE SSUE THE THE
SPRING / SUMMER 2024 8-9 HANDS-ON LOWCOUNTRY LEARNING 10
KIDDING AROUND
This little island is making big waves! We’ll sing HHI’s praises and show you how you can plan a trip back.
6-7 RED, WHITE, & A GOOD VIEW
Learn more about the island’s iconic landmark and how you can experience it first-hand.
Find every event happening on HHI, thanks to Hilton Head Guest Services Explore the historic 68-acres of Honey Horn 8-9 10
AROUND Kid-approved activities to add to the itinerary for your next trip to the island
PRODUCED BY
Department CONTACT
(8888872563) members@palmeravacationclubcom
IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT PALMERA COMPASS The Palmera Compass is Palmera Vacation Club's publication for members and guests of Palmera Vacation Club's resorts
Palmera Vacation Club Marketing and Communications
88888PALMERA
HANDS-ON LEARNING 3 SPRING & SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR
4 AWARD-WINNING HILTON HEAD & THE SIX WAYS TO TRAVEL
WANT MORE CONTENT?
GO
KIDDING
Find previous issues of the Palmera Compass and other helpful travel content on the Palmera
page on your Member Dashboard at palmeravacationclubcom
KING NEPTUNE STATUE LOCATED AT SHELTER COVE
HARBOUR & MARINA
ONGOING EVENT:
Harbour Fest
Tuesdays & Thursdays**
May-August
Shelter Cove Harbour Fireworks
Live Music
Children’s Activities
**Check schedule for exact dates & entertainment
Symphony Under the Stars
Apr 2, 7:30pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
RBC Heritage
Apr 15-21
Harbour Town Golf Links
Art Market at Historic Honey Horn
Apr 27-28
Coastal Discovery Museum
Hilton Head Earth Day 5K
Apr. 28, 8am-12pm
Coligny Beach Park
Pedal Hilton Head Island
May 5, 7am-12pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
Bluffton Mayfest
May 11, 10am-5pm
Historic Downtown Bluffton
Hilton Head Island Art Festival
May 24-26
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
JUNE
Global Running Day 5K & Beach Party
June 5, 7am
Westin Hilton Head Resort
Hilton Head Beach Bum
Triathlon & Duathlon
June 15, 8-10am
Coligny Beach Park
JULY
USA 5K
Jul. 4, 8am-12pm
Coligny Beach Park
Firecracker 5K
Jul 4, 8am-12pm
Jarvis Creek Park
Salute From the Shore
Jul 4
Hilton Head Beaches
Gullah Heritage Festival
Jul 6
The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
Beaufort Water Festival
July 12-21
Various Downtown Locations
SEPTEMBER
Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival
Sept 19-22
Various Venues
Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival
TBD
Harbour Town
ONGOING EVENTS
Movie Night in the Park
Thursdays, June-August
Shelter Cove Towne Centre
Hilton Head Community Market
Saturdays, 9:30am-12:30 pm
Shelter Cove Community Park
For an updated list of every event happening on the island, go to hiltonheadguestservices.com
LET THE ISLAND LET THE ISLAND
EXPERTS HELP YOU EXPERTS HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OUT MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TRIP OF YOUR TRIP (843) 341-2370 (843) 341-2370 hiltonheadguestservices.com
SAVE UP TO SAVE UP TO 50% ON 50% ON
ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES, SHOPPING, SHOPPING, & ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL MAY
2 0 2 4 2 0 2 4
hiltonheadguestservices.com
THIS LITTLE ISLAND IS
VOTED NO. 1 ISLAND IN THE UNITED STATES
CONDÉ NAST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2023
The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Hilton Head Island as their favorite island destination in the United States for the seventh year in a row. Out of fifteen top picks, Hilton Head received a score of 95.6/100.
GOLD-LEVEL BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS
hilton Head Island’s Various Rankings
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT TRAVEL RANKING
COLIGNY BEACH
one of the best beaches in the usa
TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELER’S CHOICE AWARDS
Out of 25 of the best beaches in the USA, Coligny Beach reached enough above-and-beyond reviews to make it ninth on the list overall With the pristine waterline and easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment, we’d have to agree!
island links & coral sands resorts awarded trip advisor’s highest honor
TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELER’S CHOICE AWARDS
These two beautiful Palmera Resorts have both been given the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2023 This award is one of the most sought after for
6 WAYS TO TRAVEL
TravelingbacktoHilton HeadIslandhasneverbeen easier!
PalmeraVacationClubhelps memberscreatecustomized vacationexperiencesyear
afteryear,withopportunities toreturntoHHIorother greatdestinationsworldwide
those in the travel industry, and award winners make up only about 1% of all local listings on the platform This award is even more meaningful, since it all depends on the reviews from travelers just like you!
PALMERA PALMERA RESORTS RESORTS
VIP WEEKS
SMART STAYS
PALMERA INN & SUITES
Stay with us at one of our four worldclass resorts on Hilton Head Island
Our resorts are all Gold Crown and Top Awarded accommodations
Need another week in paradise? These weeks give you an exclusive opportunity to purchase extradiscounted stays on Hilton Head Island
Find highly discounted rates to be booked within 45 days or less at one of the four Palmera resorts
Enjoy discounted nightly stays and access to private suites in a convenient location on Hilton Head Island
DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS OF A LIFETIME OF A LIFETIME
1.1.
See the See the Northern Lights in Alaska Northern Lights in Alaska
Plan on visiting between late August and early October to make the most out of warmer weather activities during the day, and great conditions to see the Northern Lights at night. Fairbanks offers a variety of tours, and even Anchorage is known as a popular viewing spot for those not wanting to trek out into the Alaskan wilderness.
2. plan the ultimate cross-country road trip
There’s nothing like hitting the open road and exploring new places with your friends and family
The travel industry is seeing a huge shift to something called, “Slow Travel,” and road trips are making a comeback You’re completely in control of your itinerary, and can make the most out of your journey through the USA’s varied landscapes
palmera go
Inneedofsome travelinspiration?
Logontoyour Member
Dashboardto accessthe
Scenic River Cruise
embark on a embark on a Scenic River Cruise
3. 3. River cruises are unique in that they allow you to fully immerse yourself in a country filled with inland locations while keeping a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid the rough seas and wake up in a new city each day. See the pyramids and temples by way of the Nile River, discover the lush jungles and fishing villages of Cambodia, or explore picturesque European cities from Budapest all the way to Amsterdam.
4. watch for wildlife ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI
The ultimate adventure, there are endless tours and packages available to fulfill this traveler’s dream From two days to twenty, you’ll have your pick on duration, cost, and other amenities You might be surprised at how affordable some are
Travel the world at any of the thousands of resorts available to you Find amazing deals on trips for 1,000points or less
Travel anywhere with access to incredible discounts on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more! QUEST
PalmeraGOPage, whereyou’llfind:
GOVideos
TravelGuides
BlogArticles
HHIEventInfo
&More!
5. 5. travel along the travel along the adriatic coastline adriatic coastline
The Adriatic Sea is just one section of the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea, and is surrounded by arguably some of the most beautiful coastal cities in the region. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Italy all surround the Adriatic, with over 1,300 islands that mostly sit off of Croatia’s coast.
6.hike through the rainforest in costa rica
Take a walk on the wild side through stunning rainforests filled with waterfalls, wildlife, and volcanos. With volcanos (dormant or not) comes plenty of hot springs to explore, while natural swimming pools and the gorgeous beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean are also popular.
TRAVEL CLUB PALMERA ESCAPE VIA RCI
u n i t e d s t a t e s
i n t e r n a t i o n a l
GOOD VIEW
ToweringoverHarbourTownandthe CalibogueSound,HiltonHeadIsland’s unofficialsymbolnotonlymakesforthe perfectbackdropforfamilyphotos,butjust completesthemarina’sscene
Itjustwouldn’tbeHarbourTownwithout theHarbourTownLighthouse
Andhonestly,that’sprettyclosetowhat CharlesFraser,thevisionarybehindHilton Head’sbeginningsasaresortdestination, wasthinkingHewascertainthatthe communityhewasbuildingneededa placetogather.Andafterputtingan incredibleamountofthoughtintotheSea Pines’propertyasmorethanjusta beachsideretreat,itshouldn’tcomeasa surprisethathestudiedcoastalvillages andmarinasaroundtheglobe,searching forwhatmadethebestonesbetterthan therest
FraserdesignedHarbourTowntobethe go-tospotforeventsandcelebrations,as wellasanareaforpeopletomeetthathad adefinitesenseofplaceThefinaldetail?
Thereneededtobealandmarkthat anchoredpeopletotheplaceAreminder ofthetimessharedtogetherontheisland ingeneralAndtherestishistory Visitorsareoftensurprisedtofindouthow oldthelighthouseactuallyis,sinceitreally isn'tcomparedtootherprominent lighthousesontheEastCoast ConstructionoftheHarbourTown Lighthousebeganin1969andwas completedin1970,makingtheoriginal HiltonHeadLighthouse,orLeamington Lighthouse,(locatedinwhatisnow PalmettoDunes)morethan100-years older
TheHarbourTownLighthouseisn’tallthat startedin1969,sincetheinaugural HeritageClassicwasplayedthatyear. ArnoldPalmerbecamethefirstHeritage ClassicPGAChampionthatyear,andhe andtheotherplayerswould’veseenthe framingofthelighthousewhileitwasstill underconstruction
Nowit’shardtoimaginewhatthe18th greenofHarbourTownGolfLinkswould looklikewithoutthered-and-whitestripedlegacyinthebackground!
Somethingelsethatseemstosurprise peopleiswhat’sinsidethelighthouse itselfLikemanylighthouses,youcan certainlyclimball114stepstotheviewing platformTalkaboutapicture-perfect moment!Thestepsarejustthebeginning.
R E D , W H I T E , & A
WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Pace yourself! Don’t rush up to the top, since each level has a ton of island history to discover!
Withinthestripedoutershell,the HarbourTownLighthouseMuseum welcomesvisitorstolearnaboutthe historyoftheislandandregionin generalastheyascendtothetop
Purchaseyourticketontheground floor,ortakeyourtimelookingatallof thecuratedcuriositiesandtreasures meticulouslyplacedonthegiftshop’s
shelvesThisisagreatstopforthose lookingforuniqueorelevated souvenirsorgiftstorememberyour tripbyThiswon’tbeyourlastchance formomentos,asthere’sanothergift shoplocatedattheverytop
TheHarbourTownLighthouseis definitelyaneatexperiencethat shouldn’tbemissedonyournexttrip totheisland.Eachlevelholdsmoreof HiltonHead’shistoryinsmalldoses, makingfoottrafficflowprettyeasily Therearesomepointswhenrounding thecornertothenextflightofstairs thatseemprettytight,buttheexhibits andphotographsdisplayed throughoutthejourneytothetopisso fascinating,thatthisclaustrophobic writerwascompletelydistractedand willingtodoittenmoretimes.
EAST COAST LIGHTHOUSES
WhystopatHarbourTown?
Hereisalistoficoniclighthouses visitorstravelhundredsofmilestosee
CAPE HATTERAS
LIGHT STATION
Outer Banks, NC
Thislighthouse guidesships througha dangerousareain theAtlantic Oceanknownas theGraveyardof theAtlantic
BOSTON LIGHT
Boston, MA
NUBBLE LIGHT
Cape Neddick, ME
149LighthouseRoad
HiltonHeadIsland,SC29928
866-305-9814
OpenEveryday from10am-Sundown
The oldest continually used lighthouse in the US, Boston Light has been rebuilt many times due to storms, fires, and conflicts during the Revolutionary War. Officially the Cape Neddick Lightstation, this lighthouse has played a crucial role in protecting mariners sailing past Maine’s dangerous rocky coast since it’s construction in 1879
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHT
St. Augustine, FL
Families will love visiting this lighthouse, especially since the Maritime Museum offers many educational and funfilled exhibits to explore
LIGHTHOUSE INTERIOR VIEW
Bring your camera, since the viewing platform’s incredible 360 views are unmatched.
HANDS-ON
LOWCOUNTRY LEARNING AT
Coastal Discovery Museum
Buildings & Places of Interest
DiscoveryHouse
DiscoveryLab
ButterflyEnclosure
HiltonHeadIslandHallofFame
OspreyOutlookBoardwalk
OysterAlleyBoardwalk
FiddlerCrabCoveBoardwalk
CarnivorousPlantGarden
HeritageGarden
CamelliaGarden
DragonflyPond
BeeHives
MaryAnnPeeplesPavillion
HorseBarn Cemetery &More!
AsbeautifulasHiltonHeadIslandis,it’shardtopinpoint onlyonelocationthatoutdoestherest.Ifwehadto choose,HoneyHornwouldbeatthetopofthelist
NotonlydoesHoneyHornofferscenicviews,theproperty itselfisarguablytheperfectcollectivesnapshotthat embodiestheLowcountrycompletely It’sonlyfittingthat thishistoric,68-acrepropertyisthesiteoftheCoastal DiscoveryMuseum,aSmithsonianAffiliate
Theproperty’snameisthoughttohavestemmedfromthe name,Hanahan,beingmispronouncedandmispelled John Hanahanwasoneoftheearlyownersoftheland,preceding
ownerssuchastheStoneyFamilyandWilliam Clydewho’slegacyremainsbywayofsomeof thehistoricbuildingsusedbytheCoastal DiscoveryMuseumtoday
Themainbuilding,theDiscoveryHouse,dates backto1859andisnotonlytheoldestbuilding onHoneyHorn,butoneoftheoldestonthe island Meanttobevisitor’sfirststopbefore exploringtheremainderofthevastproperty,the museum ’spermanentandtemporaryexhibits showcasetheregion’shistoryandcultural heritageinauniqueandinvitingway There’s evenadedicatedKids’Zonethatallowschildren tolearnabouttheLowcountry’swildlifeand historyinafunspace Don’tforgettosayhelloto roomresidents,Myrtleandherfriends!
Thesecond-oldestbuildingisknownasthe Supervisor’sHouse,andwasbuiltduringWilliam Clyde’sownership.Sincethen,thebuildingwas renovatedandturnedintotheDiscoveryLab,where visitorscanattendclasses,programs,andmore!
Anotherhistoricbuildingaddedtothepropertyin the1930sthatyoucanstillseetoday,istheHorse Barn TakealovelywalkdownHoneyHornDrive,and you’llseeoneofthebarn’sresidentMarshTacky horsesspendingthedayoutinthepasture
Continueyourwalkandmaketheloopbacktoward theDiscoveryHouseonapaththattakesyouunder gianttreesswathedinSpanishMossandpastmore outdoorexhibitsandlandmarkssuchasthe property’scemetery,CamelliaGarden,andtheMary
(843) 689-6767 coastaldiscovery.org
AnnPeeplesPavilionarea Themarshlaysjustbeyond thetreeline,andyou’llsoonrunintoahandfulof picturesqueboardwalksthatmakeforgreatphoto spots.
Otherplacesofinterestthatyoumustmakeastopat aretheHiltonHeadIslandHallofFameandthe KarenWertheimerButterflyHabitat.Bothareapartof thenaturewalkthatisdirectlybehindtheDiscovery House
HoneyHornistheperfectplacetoexploreatyour leisure,buttheCoastalDiscoveryMuseumdoesoffer scheduledprogramsandtoursonandoffthe property Everythingfromlectureseriesandwildlife encounters,totoursbyfoot,bus,kayakorboat, there’ssuretobesomethingonthecalendarthat catchesyoureye Whiletheseexperiencesarean additionalcost,theCoastalDiscoveryMuseumis complimentarytovisit,justthinkaboutmakinga donation!
Beforevisiting,checkthecalendar,sincetheremight bespecialeventsscheduledduringyourvisitlikethe island’sfarmersmarketonTuesdaysmornings!
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture, or just having a fun ride, Hilton Head Segway offers tours at three locations around the island Never been on a Segway before? The expert guide will have you riding like a pro!
(843) 800-6004
hiltonheadsegway.com
Discover the unique history of the Lowcountry! Choose from a fascinating 3-hour full history tour or a 2-hour family history tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned executive motor coach guided by our island’s expert historians
(843) 949-0144
hiltonheadhistorytours.com
Kidding Around Kidding Around kid-approved island activities
ON LAND
Well,partly Adventure
HiltonHeadoffersZipline Tours(10+years)andAerial Courses(6+years)thatare notonlyfun,butwillgiveyou abird’seyeviewoftheisland
Thereisalsoanoutdoortrack forsingleordoubleGoKarts. Checkonlineforage,weight, andheighrequirements
myadventurehiltonheadcom (843) 682-6000
The Sandbox children’s museum
Recommended Ages: 1-12
Located beside the Lowcountry Celebration Park and a few blocks from Coligny Beach, this children’s museum offers hands-on Lowcountry-inspired exhibits, creative spaces, and scheduled programs. Younger children have a seprate area to explore thesandboxcom (843) 842-7645
by sea
bike riding
All Ages
Mermaid Encounter & Eco Tours
Recommended Ages: 2-10
Haveyoueverwantedtomeetareallife mermaid?TheMermaidEncounterisyour chance!LearnabouttheLowcountrywildlife andbecomeanO’fish’alOceanAmbassador!
Otheractivities&boattoursinclude:
Sunset Cruise
Dolphin Cruise
Firework Cruise
Holiday-themed Cruises
Private Charters
Mermaid Photography
mermaidofhiltonheadcom | (843) 271-6441
Pirate cruise
Recommended Ages: 3-10
Join the pirate crew and hop aboard the Black Sparrow to get your sea legs before fending off the dastardly, Smelly Sam who’s after the crew ’ s treasure! If you want your share of the loot, you’ll learn how to man the water cannons just in case a sea battle arises
Each pirate gets a face-painting, tattoo, and pirate garb, but does need an adult to join the journey
who need some extra help
Don’t forget the helmets!
There’s no better way to explore the island than by pedaling through all of the gorgeous public pathways. Find some shade through the island’s oaks and pines, or feel the refreshing ocean breeze on the miles of wide, hard-packed sandy beaches. Training wheels and other attachments are available for kiddos rentwheelzcom (843)842-4445
A great family-friendly activity will always be the chance to get out on the water
pirateshhi.com
(843)363-7000
Lowcountry Watersports gives your group plenty of different ways to make a splash, including options a range of ages.
kayaking creek cats
paddle boarding jet skiing mini boats
lowcountrywatersportscom (843) 684-2004
**Some of these activities require adult drivers/presence watersports
5+ 12+ 6+ 6+
5+
Get your group ready to ride through the island’s scenic pathways and beaches, by renting bikes and attachments that accomodate the whole family. Ask about street-legal golf cart rentals today!
(843) 842-4445 rentwheelz.com
Known for fresh, delicious seafood from local sources, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere at this island staple. The outdoor patio offers tables and lounging areas for you to enjoy live music
Daily All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs: 11am-4pm
(843) 342-2474 gofishhhi.com
The combo you never knew you needed, Charbar has some of the best burgers and sushi rolls you’ll find on the island! Pair that with a daily Happy Hour from 4-6pm, live entertainment, outdoor patio, and you’ve found yourself a new favorite.
(843) 785-2427 charbarhhi.com
In need of a frozen sweet treat? Head to this family-owned dessert parlor in Coligny Plaza that offers more than 90 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet! You’ll find exactly what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth!
(843) 842-3131 frozenmoo.com
