EXPLORING THE PALMETTO STATE ONE REGION AT A TIME 6-7
EXPLORING THE PALMETTO STATE ONE REGION AT A TIME
IN THIS ISSUE
Find out what’s happening on the island!
Learn how Palmera’s 6 Ways to Travel can help you plan meaningful vacations year after year.
Discover getaways perfect for fall and winter for any type of traveler
The state of South Carolina offers unique experiences in each region.
LOCALS’ LIST
A guide to go-to’s in the fall and winter season on Hilton Head Island
Learn about the island’s history of piracy, and how you can have your own pirate adventure on your next visit.
It’salwaysabeautifuldayinSouth CarolinaFromthesparklingcoastlineto thehistorictownsandrollingcountryside, everycornerofthestatehasitsownstory totellAndhereonHiltonHeadIsland,fall andwinterrevealasideoftheLowcountry that’sjustasinspiringasthesummer seasonyoumayknowsowell
Inthisissue,we’lltakeyoubeyondthe shoreline,sharinghighlightsfromacross SouthCarolinaalongwithacloserlookat theisland’sowntreasuresYou’lldiscover seasonalfestivalsandfavoritelocalspots, diveintoabitofpiratelore,andfindfresh ideasforyournextvisit
Whetheryou’replanningyournext getawayorsimplydaydreamingabout thecoast,wehopethesepagesremind youwhyeverydayhereisabeautifulone
M LEGGETT
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 Department
88888PALMERA (8888872563) members@palmeravacationclubcom
Find previous issues of the Palmera Compass and other helpful travel content on the Palmera GO page on your Member Dashboard at palmeravacationclub.com 8-9
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
FALL & WINTER | 2025-2026
PRESENTED BY HHGS
ISLAND JAM SONGWRITER
FESTIVAL & GOLF BASH
Sept 18-21, 2025
Various Locations
HHI SHRIMP FESTIVAL
Sept 20, 2025
Harbour Town
“COME FROM AWAY”
Sept 24-Oct 26, 2025
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
RUN/WALK FOR THE CURE BENEFITING ST. JUDE
Sept 27, 2025
Coligny Beach
RHYTHM & BREWS
Sept 27 2025
Shelter Cove Park
LOWCOUNTRY FISH & GRITS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Oct 4, 2025
Lowcountry Celebration Park
ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Oct 18, 2025
Coastal Discovery Museum
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Oct 29-Nov 2, 2025
Various Locations
HALF & QUARTER
MARATHON & 5K
Nov 2 2025
Sea Pines Beach Club
HILTON HEAD OYSTER
FESTIVAL
Nov 7-8 2025
Various Locations
LANTERN PARADE
Nov 22 2025
Coligny Beach
“FROZEN” Nov 26-Dec 28 2025
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
WINTER WONDERLAND
FESTIVAL
Dec 6, 2025
Shelter Cove Park
HOLIDAY NIGHTS & LIGHTS
Dec 7-9, 2025
Historic Mitchelville
JINGLE JINGLE BRIDGE
RUN 5K & 10K
Dec 21, 2025
Crossing’s Park
Y 17TH ANNUAL CHAMBER
RESTAURANT WEEK TBH 2026
Hilton Head Restaurants
“THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG” Jan 28-Feb 22, 2026
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
SNOW DAY Jan 31st, 2026
Shelter Cove Park
GULLAH CELEBRATION Feb 1-28, 2026
Hilton Head Island
HHI MARATHON, HALF
MARATHON & 5K Feb 14 & 15, 2026
Jarvis Creek Park
HHI SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Feb 23-Mar 1, 2026
Various Locations
DARIUS RUCKER INTERCOLLEGIATE Mar 2-4 2026
Long Cove Club
IRISHFEST & PARADE Mar 14-15, 2026
Lowcountry Celebration Park
WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Mar 22-28, 2026
Various Locations
PALMERA VACATION CLUB’S
6 WAYS TO TRAVEL
With so many ways to book, planning your next vacation couldn’t be easier!
PALMERA RESORTS POINT OPTION
An easy way to put your membership points toward an unforgettable getaway with family and friends, plan on booking your next stay on Hilton Head Island with the Palmera Resorts option. All resorts are Gold Crown and Top Awarded accommodations that offer everything you’d desire in a beach vacation.
CORAL SANDS RESORT
Whetheryou’rereturningtothefamiliarbeautyofHiltonHeadIslandor exploringnewcornersoftheworldtogether,Palmerahelpsyoucraft meaningfulvacationexperiencesyearafteryear
Fromexclusivemembersavingsonaccommodations,activities, transportation,andmore,todifferentbookingoptionsthatfityour lifestyle,yournextunforgettablegetawayisalwayswithinreach.
SMART STAYS
POINTS & CASH OPTION
Find highly discounted rates on stays to be booked within 45 days or fewer at either of the beautiful Coral Sands, Coral Reef, Port O’ Call, or Island Links Resorts.
VIP WEEKS
CASH OPTION
Needanotherweekinparadise?Here’syour opportunitytopurchaseextra-discounted staysonHiltonHeadthroughouttheyear
Saveanadditional$200andget discountsondining,activities,andmore whenyouattendaMember’sUpdate Meetingifyouhaven’tdonesowithinthe lastsixmonths.
CORAL REEF RESORT ISLAND LINKS RESORT PORT O’ CALL RESORT
PALMERA INN & SUITES
CASH OPTION
PalmeraVacationClubMembers canenjoyexclusivediscountson nightlystaysandaccesstoprivate suites onHiltonHeadIsland It’sthe perfectoptionifyou'rearrivingearly, stayingalittlelonger,orsimply wantmorespacetorelaxand unwind
Thinkofitasaneasywaytostretch outyourgetaway because sometimes,onemoresunsetisall youneed.
RCI EXCHANGE
POINT & CASH OPTION
WiththeRCIExchange,your vacationpossibilitiesarenearly endless Explorethousandsof resortsacrosstheglobe from tropicalescapesandmountain retreatstohistoriccitiesand hiddengems
Whetheryou'replanningalastminutegetawayoradream vacation,you’llfindincredible dealsonstaysrangingfrom 0to1,000points making unforgettabletravelmore accessiblethanever
QUEST TRAVEL CLUB
CASH OPTION
Whereveryourtravelstakeyou, enjoyexclusiveaccessto unbeatablediscountsonevery partofyourjourney.
Saveonhotels,carrentals, cruises,excursions,and activities whetheryou're planningaweekendgetaway,a familyvacation,orabucket-list adventure Withtheseperksatyour fingertips,travelingmoreoften andforless hasneverbeeneasier
WHAT EXACTLY IS PALMERA GO?
Your go-to resource for all things travel, the Palmera GO page on your Member Dashboard puts everything you need at your fingertips, including:
HHI Updates & Events GO Videos Travel Guides Blog Articles & More!
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
When it comes to Palmera Vacation Club, it’s not just about where you go it’s about who you share it with DestinationHighlightsgivebriefoverviewsofthedestination’shistory, culture,must-seelandmarks,andmust-doactivities Findoutwhenyou shouldvisit,whatyoushoulddowhileyou’rethere,whereyoushould stay,andofcourse,whichofthe6WaystoTravelyoushouldusetobook yourtrip!ReadallofourDestinationsHighlightsonthePalmeraGOpage Thefollowingarerecommendationsforgreatfallandwintergetaways basedonyourvacationtype:
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRIPS
With colorful foliage, hands-on history along the Freedom Trail, and plenty of seasonal festivals and kidfriendly events to enjoy together, Boston makes a great trip for fall
Savannah, GA
Alpine Helen is a charming town with Bavarian-style architecture, delicious German food, plenty of shopping, and ways to explore the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
Wander hand in hand through the Hostess City’s cobblestone streets and moss-draped squares, where rich history, stunning architecture set the scene for a romantic getaway
Venture from your cozy cabin and explore the stunning scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe The fall and winter seasons make for the perfect retreat for you and your partner
FOR THE FOODIES
New Orleans, LA Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
No matter the season, NOLA is a must-visit for food lovers around the world. In fall and winter, the city hosts festivals and events celebrating its culinary heritage.
Boston, MA
Helen, GA
Locals’List
A GUIDE TO OUR GO-TO’S IN THE FALL & WINTER SEASON
HiltonHeadIslanddoesn’treallyhavean“offseason”, butitistruethatfallandwinterdoesseefewer crowdsthannormal.Whilespringandsummer mightbetheperfecttimeforabeachvacationfor some,therearevisitorswholookforwardtoshorter waittimes(ifatall),morespacefortheirbeach towels,andthefeelingoflivingasthelocalsdo IfyoutoowanttodiscoverHiltonHeadlikealocal, keepreadingforourcuratedtips!
...VISITORS LOOK FORWARD
TO SHORTER WAIT TIMES (IF AT ALL), MORE SPACE FOR THEIR BEACH TOWELS, AND THE FEELING OF LIVING AS THE LOCALS DO.
CHECKTHECALENDAR
Localsalwaysmakesuretheyaddalloftheisland’s festivalsandeventstotheircalendars Fromcultural festivalsandeventscelebratinglocalcuisine,tolive musicalperformancesandkid-friendlyactivities,there reallyissomethingforeveryone
SeePage3forashortenedlistofupcomingevents,and staytunedforaseparatecalendarfortheholidayseason
CHANNELYOURINNERFOODIE
Assummercomestoaclose,therearemanythings thatbeginintheLowcountryAbigreasonwhythere aresomanyfoodfestivalsinfallandwinter,isbecause seafoodloversknowthatthereareafewdifferenttypes ofseasonjuststarting
Exploring Coastal Discovery Museum’s grounds in the cooler weather is a must. While you ’ re there, pop into the museum and view the seasonal gallery or take a tour from Lowcountry experts
OYSTERS SHRIMP BLUECRAB
Oct - May
Sept - Oct
Oct. - Dec.
Theabovedatesareeitherspecifiedharvestingseasons orpeakperiodsThegoodnews?Youcanfindthese deliciousseafooddishesyear-roundontheisland!
MAKEASPLASH
EnjoyingHiltonHead’s surroundingwaterwaysis notasummer-onlyactivity Enjoythesunshineand coolertemperaturesona relaxingkayakingtrip throughthesaltmarshes,or takeaboatchartertosee thesightsandwildlife withoutallofthecrowds
YEAR-ROUNDBEACHDAYS
Even in the fall and winter, the island's beaches offer a serene escape Enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides along the shore, or find seashells washed up by the tide The cooler months provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic, with the gentle ocean breeze and the soothing sound of crashing waves creating a tranquil setting
The Tiki Hut
The Coastal Discovery Museum
Broad Creek
HEADOFF-ISLAND
Locatedmid-island,theArtsCenterofCoastalCarolinaisavibranthub forBroadway-qualitytheater,livemusicperformances,andthevisual artsWhileliveperformanceslightupthestageyear-round,there’s somethingaboutthefallandwintermonthsthatdrawslocalsineven more especiallywhenfestiveholidaymusicalstakecenterstage
OthertheatervenuesonHiltonHeadinclude:LeanEnsembleTheater, MainStageCommunityTheatre,SeaGlassStageCompany,andthe HiltonHeadSymphonyOrchestra
HITTHETRAILS
Whenwesay“fewercrowds,”we’renot justtalkingaboutthebeachHilton Head’smilesofinterconnectedpublic pathwaysarequieterthistimeofyear, andthecoolertemperaturesmake exploringtheislandnotonlymore comfortable butsomethingyoucan enjoyforlongerstretches
Beyondthepavedpaths,you’llalsofind scenicnaturaltrails,liketheCoastal DiscoveryMuseum’sNatureTrail,aswell asbothunpavedandboardwalkroutes throughtheAudubon-NewhallPreserve andtheSeaPinesForestPreserve
PLAYAROUND
MEETTHENEIGHBORS
By “neighbors,” we mean Hilton Head Island’s true locals the wildlife that calls this place home. And by “meeting” them, we mean spotting them from a respectful distance. The island takes great care to preserve its natural landscapes and ecosystems, ensuring these wild residents thrive year-round
HiltonHeadIslandmakesfortheperfectescapeforgolfersduringthe coolermonths,withbeautifulcoursesandevenbetterweathertoplay in.Theweatherisalsoidealfortennisplayersandpickleball aficionados,who’llfindplentyoftheisland'sworld-classcourtstucked awayinclubs,resortcommunities,andpublicparksthroughoutthe island.
TREASUREHUNTING
Whodoesn’tloveashoppingspreewhileonvacation?FromColigny PlazatotheshopsatHarbourTownandSeaPinesCenter,andoverto ShelterCoveTowneCenterandmore,theseclassicspotsofferlocal shopsandboutiquesStopbytheTangerOutletsformorefinds!
Anytimeisagreattimeto explorethesurrounding Lowcountry,buttemperateweather infallandwintermakediscovering newplacesthatmucheasier Theclosesttowntoexploreis BlufftonLocatedrightoverthe bridgefromHiltonHead,OldTown Blufftondoesnotdisappointwhen itcomestosmall-towncharmStroll throughlocalshopsandgalleries, grababitetoeat,andenjoythe beautifulviewsofthescenicMay River
JustacrosstheCalibogueSoundsits DaufuskieIsland aplacethatfeels beautifullyuntouchedbytimeSet asideadaytojourneytherebyboat, thenhopintoagolfcartandwind yourwayalongitsquiet,unpaved pathways.
DrivetoBeaufort,SC,andspenda dayinitshistoricdowntownand watersideparkAttendthecity’s annualShrimpFestivalinfalland holidayeventsinDecember
Savannah,GA,isagreatdestination tospendafulldayexploring,ifnot forlonger.Ifyoureallydoonlyhave adaytoseeitall,werecommend touringthecitybytrolley! Hopon andoffanOldTownTrolleyTourto getaguidedtourofthecityand easytransportationalldaylong
Beaufort, SC
Hilton Head’s Public Pathways
Calibogue Sound
Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah
Bluffton, SC
Back in the late 1600s and early 1700s, otherwise known as the Golden Age of Piracy, one could consider the waters surrounding Hilton Head and connecting the Lowcountry a pirate’s playground. Legendary swashbucklers like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet roamed these creeks and coves, lying in wait for merchant ships loaded with goods or taking the time to lay low in Skull Creek to rest and restore their ships. With winding waterways to hide in and busy trade routes just offshore, it was the perfect place for a little high-seas mischief. Tales of buried treasure and daring raids still echo through local lore proof that a bit of pirate spirit lingers here to this day
(843) 415-8400 | pirateshhi com 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
8 Marina Side Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
BLACKBEARD
Blackbeard is said to have used Hilton Head Island as a strategic hideout during the early 18th century The island's secluded coves and dense maritime forests provided the perfect refuge for him to repair ships and plan his next menacing ventures.
CAPTAIN KIDD
This infamous Scottish pirate is often associated with tales of buried treasure and high-seas adventure While his actual presence around the island is based largely on legend, tales of hidden treasure being buried there spark the imaginations of treasure hunters, historians, and beachgoers
STEDE BONNET
Join a pirate crew, hunt for treasure, and experience a ship battle all in one day! Perfect for ages 3-10, your family will love this seasonal activity
Who knew pirates loved miniature golfing? Play either course to sharpen your putt putt game and learn about pirates along the way
Called the "Gentleman Pirate," Stede Bonnet had been a wealthy landowner in Barbados before turning to piracy Leaving comfort and his family behind, his desire for adventure led him to a new swashbuckling career. Similar to many pirates during that era, Hilton Head Island became a temporary haven for Bonnet’s crew
camp hilton head
Findtheperfectkeepsake,gift,andmorethat’ll alwaysremindyouofyourfavoriteislandOnline shoppingandnationwideshippingisavailable (843)681-4101|camphiltonheadcom VariousLocationsinHiltonHeadIsland&Bluffton
Palmetto bay sunrise cafe
Alocalfavoriteformorethan20years,thiscafeis tuckedawayinPalmettoBayMarinaandservesup deliciousplatesforbreakfast,brunch,andlunch! (843)686-3232|palmettobaysunrisecafecom 86HelmsmanWayHiltonHeadIslandSC29928
Lowcountry watersports
LettheexpertsguideyouthroughHIltonHead’s waterwaysonaMiniBoat,CreekCat,JetSki,or KayakTour,orevenaboardascenicDolphinCruise (843)604-2006|lowcountrywatersportscom 86HelmsmanWay,HiltonHeadIsland,SC29928