FALL / WINTER 2026
DISCOVER MORE THIS SEASON PAGE 3 FALL & WINTER EVENTS
PAGE 8
PAGE 9
PAGE 11
HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S FALL & WINTER WILDLIFE
A STORY 10,000 YEARS IN THE MAKING
HOW TO SEE SAVANNAH IN A DAY
PAGE 2
IN THIS ISSUE 3 HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S
FESTIVAL & EVENT CALENDAR Find out what’s happening on the island!
4 ISLAND IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
AWARDS & UPDATES Catch up on the latest news, accolades, and more.
6-7 PALMERA VACATION CLUB’S
SIX WAYS TO TRAVEL
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR There’s always more to discover on Hilton Head Island—and that’s the beauty of it. In this issue, we’re looking beyond the beaches to explore the stories, places, and experiences that make the Lowcountry so special—from the island’s rich history and Gullah heritage to seasonal wildlife, creative escapes, and adventures just beyond the island. Discover a new side of Hilton Head, revisit a favorite place, or find inspiration for your next adventure. We hope these pages encourage you to look a little closer, wander a little farther, and make the most of your time in the Lowcountry.
In need of some travel inspiration? Learn how to use your Palmera Vacation Club Membership to the fullest —and how to refer your friends in an all-new program!
8 HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S
FALL & WINTER WILDLIFE Learn more about the island’s seasonal wildlife.
9 A STORY 10,000 YEARS IN THE MAKING
HILTON HEAD THROUGH THE AGES Travel through the island’s timeline.
10 FIND YOUR CREATIVE SIDE AT
THE ART CAFE Get inspired and make a memorable souvenir on your next trip to the island at The Art Cafe.
11 HOW TO SEE
SAVANNAH IN A DAY Make the most of a day exploring historic Savannah.
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Find previous issues of the Palmera Compass and other helpful travel content on the Palmera GO page on your Member Dashboard at palmeravacationclub.com.
ABOUT The Palmera Compass is Palmera Vacation Club's publication for members and guests of Palmera Vacation Club's resorts.
PRODUCED BY Palmera Vacation Club Marketing and Communications Department
CONTACT 888.88.PALMERA (888.887.2563) members@palmeravacationclub.com
PAGE 3
FALL & WINTER | 2026-2027
FESTIVALS & EVENTS PRESENTED BY HILTON HEAD GUEST SERVICES
SEPTEMBER
END OF SUMMER 5K Sept. 5, 2026 Coligny Beach
ISLAND JAM SONGWRITER FESTIVAL & GOLF BASH
JANUARY
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2026 Various Locations
CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK TBD - Typically Late January Various Locations
NOVEMBER
HALF & QUARTER MARATHON
SNOW DAY
Sept. 17-20, 2026 Various Locations
Nov. 1, 2026 Harbour Town
TBD - Typically Late January Shelter Cove Park
SHRIMP FESTIVAL
OYSTER FESTIVAL
Sept. 19, 2026 Harbour Town
Nov. 6 & 7, 2026 Various Locations
OCTOBER
RHYTHM & BREWS Oct. 3, 2026 Shelter Cove Park
LOWCOUNTRY FISH & GRITS MUSIC FESTIVAL Oct. 3, 2026 Lowcountry Celebration Park
JEEP ISLAND Oct. 10, 2026 Lowcountry Celebration Park
FEBRUARY
GULLAH CELEBRATION Feb. 1-28, 2027 Hilton Head Island
LANTERN PARADE Nov. 14, 2026 Coligny Beach
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Feb. 22-28, 2027 Various Locations
TURKEY TROT 5K Nov. 26, 2026 Skull Creek Boathouse
MARCH
DECEMBER
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL
Mar. 14, 2027 Pope Ave.
Dec. 4, 2026 Shelter Cove Park
WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
HOLIDAY NIGHTS & LIGHTS
Oct. 17, 2026 Coastal Discovery Museum
Dec. 5-7, 2026 Historic Mitchelville
Mar. 25 Mar. 25 -- Apr. Apr. 4, 4, 2027 2027 Various Locations Various Locations
UP TO 50% SAVINGS ON ACTIVITIES, ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING & DINING
RENTAL BIKES GOLFING HELICOPTER TOURS BOAT RENTALS
KAYAKING SEGWAY TOURS HISTORY TOURS & MORE!
Hilton Head Guest Services (843) 341-2370 hiltonheadguestservices.com
PAGE 4
HILTON HEAD HILTON HEAD ISLAND ISLAND AWARDS, UPDATES & BY THE NUMBERS
FRESH SAND, FRESH START Our beaches are better than ever! The island officially completed a major beach renourishment project, adding more than 2 million cubic yards of sand. The wider shoreline not only offers more space to relax, play, and explore, but it protects the island’s coastline and its wildlife.
ISLAND IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BY THE NUMBERS
TRAVEL + LEISURE Hilton Head Island is listed as one of the Best Islands in the Continental U.S. in T+L’s World’s Best Awards 2026. SOUTHERN LIVING In the 10th annual South’s Best Awards, Hilton Head Island ranked among the top 10 destinations for both Beach Getaways and Golf Getaways. THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS The Town of Hilton Head Island once again was awarded the Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community award and is one of the top 39 bicycle-friendly communities in the United States. TRIP ADVISOR Island Links Resort by Palmera was given a Travellers Choice Award for 2026 and is among the top 10% of hotels around the world.
PHASE 1: CLEARED FOR TAKE OFF AIRPORT EXPANSION PROJECT HHH’s brand-new, 27,000-square-foot terminal officially opened earlier this year, introducing covered jet bridges, tripled passenger seating, a new TSA PreCheck checkpoint, and a new concourse bar.
12
60+
MILES
MILES
of hard-packed, flat beaches
of public paths for walking & biking
6
250+
MARINAS
RESTAURANTS
open to the public for boating & more
including coffee shops & pubs
23+
400+
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES
SEA TURTLE NESTS
including both public & private
laid on the island this season
PAGE 5
Explore the island at your own pace with Hilton Head’s premier bike and golf cart rental company. Choose from a wide selection of beach cruisers, golf carts, beach gear, and more to make getting around the island easy, fun, and stress-free!
Take game day to the next level at Hilton Head’s ultimate indoor sports and entertainment venue. Play golf, baseball, soccer, hockey, and even zombie dodgeball on cutting-edge simulators. This experience is perfect for families, groups, and rainy-day fun.
(843) 842-4445 rentwheelz.com
(833) 987-4653 mychronicgolf.com
A waterfront favorite serving fresh seafood and Southern classics along scenic Broad Creek. Relax with live music and enjoy beautiful marsh views with a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails.
Experience elevated coastal dining with fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and live music. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying an evening out, Kind of Blue delivers unforgettable flavors and vibrant island vibes.
(843) 842-2267 fishcampwaterfront.com
(843) 686-2868 kindofblueofhhi.com
PAGE 6
PALMERA VACATION CLUB’S
6 WAYS TO TRAVEL Whether you’re returning to the familiar beauty of Hilton Head Island or setting out to discover new corners of the world, Palmera Vacation Club makes it easier to turn every vacation into a meaningful experience. Enjoy exclusive member savings on accommodations, activities, transportation, and more, along with a variety of booking options designed to fit the way your group likes to travel. No matter if you’re planning a long-awaited escape or looking for inspiration for your next adventure, Palmera Vacation Club gives you everything you’ll need to make every getaway one to remember.
PALMERA RESORTS POINT OPTION
This is the easiest way to put your membership points toward an unforgettable getaway to Hilton Head Island. Plan on booking your next stay at any of the four Palmera Resorts located throughout the island.
TRAVELING WITH
RCI EXCHANGE
POINT & CASH OPTION With the RCI Exchange, your vacation possibilities are nearly endless. Explore thousands of resorts across the globe—from tropical escapes and mountain retreats to historic cities and hidden gems. If you’re the type of traveller always up for a last-minute getaway, or if you’re planning a dream vacation, you’ll find incredible deals on stays ranging from 0 to 1,000 points, making unforgettable travel more accessible than ever.
CANCÚN, MEXICO
MAUI, HI
Peak season begins in late fall, making it the perfect escape for sunny beaches, all-inclusive resorts and beautiful turquoise water.
Trade chilly weather for warm beaches, scenic drives along the Road to Hana, whale watching in winter and oceanfront resorts.
PARK CITY, UT
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
A dream winter vacation, you’ll find world-class skiing, mountain scenery, and charming downtown streets during the winter season.
The ultimate fall destination, count on vibrant foliage, cozy cabins, hiking, and fun in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
4,000+ Resorts Worldwide 0-1,000 Point Stays Last-Minute Vacation Options All-Inclusive Resort Stays Available Exchange Vacations Extra Vacations Last Call Vacations Getaway Deals
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 Hilton Head Island updates and events, blog articles, GO videos, travel guides, and more!
P A G EP A G E 5 7
SMART STAYS
VIP WEEKS
PALMERA INN & SUITES
POINT & CASH OPTION
CASH OPTION
CASH OPTION
Find highly discounted rates on stays to be booked within 45 days or fewer at one of the beautiful Palmera Resorts. This is a great option for travelers wanting to visit in the shoulder season.
Purchase extra-discounted stays on HHI throughout the year. Save an additional $200 with discounts on dining, activities, and more when you attend a Member’s Update Meeting if you haven’t done so within the last six months.
Enjoy exclusive discounts on nightly stays and access to private suites. Book a suite here if you’re planning on arriving early, staying a little longer, or simply want more space to relax and unwind.
TRAVELING WITH
QUEST BY PALMERA CASH OPTION
TUSCANY, ITALY
ALASKAN CRUISE
Discover rolling vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, world-renowned cuisine, and timeless Italian charm in one of Europe’s iconic regions.
Witness towering glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking coastal scenery on an unforgettable cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage.
With Quest Travel Club, the world is yours to explore. Discover exclusive travel opportunities in destinations around the globe, incredible experiences, and unforgettable getaways ranging from beach vacations and city escapes, to once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Quest Travel Club makes travel easier, giving you exceptional value and exciting opportunities to see more of the world! Exclusive Travel Savings Personalized Travel Support Worldwide Hotels & Resort Stays Weekly & Home Stays Available Cruise Deals
TOUR OF IRELAND
NEW YORK CITY
Discover rolling green hills, cozy villages, centuries-old castles, and welcoming pubs during Ireland’s quieter seasons.
Experience Broadway, world-class museums, holiday lights, iconic landmarks, and endless dining in the city that never sleeps.
GET SOCIAL! Palmera Vacation Club PalmeraVacationClub
Savings on Rental Cars & Flights Curated Experiences & Activities Discounted Marketplace Stays
Simply scan a QR code below to connect directly to our social media outlets.
PAGE 8
HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S
Fall & Winter Wildlife w
hile summer brings sea turtles and bustling beaches, fall and winter reveals a quieter side of Hilton Head Island—one filled with migrating birds, playful dolphins, and peaceful marshes teeming with life. As the temperatures cool, wildlife becomes easier to spot, making this one of the best times of year to experience the island's natural beauty.
collected helps scientists monitor bird populations and better understand migration patterns, making this community event an important contribution to bird conservation across North America.
Birdwatching at its Best Each fall, thousands of migratory birds make their way along the Atlantic Flyway, transforming Hilton Head into a haven for birdwatchers. From elegant great egrets and colorful painted buntings to majestic bald eagles and osprey, the island's beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes provide ideal habitats for hundreds of bird species throughout the year. One of the season's most anticipated events is the annual Christmas Bird Count, a decades-long conservation tradition held each December. Local volunteers join bird enthusiasts from around the country to count and identify as many species as possible within a designated area. The data
Did You Know? You don’t have to be on the island to observe its wildlife. Past seasons have brought viewers an up-close look at nesting bald eagles and resident barred owls through Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s live wildlife cameras.
Beyond the Birdsong Keep an eye on the water, too. Bottlenose dolphins can often be spotted cruising through Calibogue Sound and the surrounding tidal creeks yearround, while river otters and even the occasional alligator remain active during the cooler months. With fewer crowds and mild weather, fall and winter offer some of the best opportunities to slow down, explore Hilton Head's trails and preserves, and discover the remarkable wildlife that calls the Lowcountry home.
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HILTON HEAD
Did you know?
A STORY 10,000 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Hilton Head Island was labeled as “Trench’s Island” on 18th century maps after Alexander Trench, the official agent in charge of selling off portions of a large barony owned by Irishman, John Bayley.
F
or 250 years, America’s story has been shaped by the people and places that came before, and Hilton Head Island holds a chapter all its own. Across thousands of years, Hilton Head has been a place of discovery, resilience, and cultural connection that continues to unfold today.
10,000+
YEARS AGO
THE FIRST ISLANDERS
Long before Long before European European settlers settlers arrived, arrived, indigenous indigenous communities communities relied relied on on the the island’s abundant island’s abundant waterways, waterways, forests, forests, and and coastal coastal resources resources for for generations. generations.
1521
EUROPEAN EXPLORATION
1633
ISLAND’S POTENTIAL DISCOVERED
Spanish explorers Spanish explorers were were some some of of the the earliest earliest Europeans Europeans to to encounter encounter the the Carolina coastline, Carolina coastline, beginning beginning aa new new era era of of exploration exploration and and settlement. settlement. While exploring While exploring the the Carolina Carolina coast, coast, English English Captain Captain William William Hilton Hilton surveys surveys the the island and island and identifies identifies its its strategic strategic location location and and natural natural resources, resources, referring referring to to the the area as area as “Hilton’s “Hilton’s Headland.” Headland.”
1779-1782
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ARRIVES
1861-1868
A REFUGE FOR FREEDOM
1956
During the During the Revolutionary Revolutionary War, War, the the island’s island’s location location made made itit aa target, target, and and local local waterways became waterways became part part of of the the conflict conflict that that shaped shaped the the nation’s nation’s founding. founding. During the During the Civil Civil War, War, Union Union forces forces captured captured the the island, island, and and thousands thousands of of formerly enslaved formerly enslaved people people sought sought freedom freedom in in the the Lowcountry. Lowcountry. In In 1862, 1862, Mitchelville became Mitchelville became the the first first self-governed self-governed town town in in the the United United States States created by created by formerly formerly enslaved enslaved people. people.
THE ISLAND’S NEW CHAPTER
Shortly after Shortly after the the construction construction of of the the first first bridge bridge to to the the mainland mainland in in 1956, 1956, Hilton Hilton Head Head transformed into transformed into aa planned planned resort resort community, community, with with preservation preservation efforts efforts to to continue continue to honor to honor its its natural natural beauty, beauty, history, history, and and Gullah Gullah Geechee Geechee heritage. heritage.
Discover the unique history of the Lowcountry on a history tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned executive motor coach guided by our island’s expert historians.
Explore the island’s Gullah heritage on a guided tour through historic communities, landmarks, and stories that bring its rich cultural history to life.
(843) 949-0144 | hiltonheadhistorytours.com
(843) 681-7066 | gullaheritage.com
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THE
Art Cafe
Some of Some of the the best best vacation vacation souvenirs souvenirs aren’t aren’t bought bought —they're made. —they're made. At At The The Art Art Cafe Cafe on on Hilton Hilton Head Head Island, visitors Island, visitors are are able able to to create create a a keepsake keepsake that’s that’s as unique as unique as as their their trip trip to to the the island. island. And And since since vacations are vacations are filled filled with with unforgettable unforgettable moments, moments, why not why not create create one one you you can can take take home home with with you? you? Located on Located on the the south south end end of of the the island, island, The The Art Art Cafe is Cafe is a a local local gem gem tucked tucked in in beside beside Coligny Coligny Plaza. Plaza. AA great great addition addition to to your your island island itinerary, itinerary, make make a a stop for stop for a a fun fun change change of of pace pace that’s that’s just just minutes minutes from great from great shopping, shopping, dining, dining, and and one one of of Hilton Hilton Head’s pristine Head’s pristine beaches. beaches. Here, Here, you’re you’re invited invited to to slow down, slow down, spend spend some some quality quality time time together, together, and and really create really create something something that’s that’s entirely entirely your your own! own!
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
First, you’ll First, you’ll have have the the challenge challenge of of choosing choosing exactly exactly what you’re what you’re going going to to paint. paint. Browse Browse The The Art Art Cafe’s Cafe’s enormous selection enormous selection of of pottery, pottery, ranging ranging in in price price and style. and style. Then Then it’s it’s time time to to settle settle in, in, choose choose your your colors, and colors, and tap tap into into your your creative creative side! side!
Reservations aren’t required, but they’re highly recommended, especially during peak season and on rainy days when the studio fills up quickly. Call ahead to set up your reservation time. Walk-ins are always welcome when space is available, making it easy to stop in whenever inspiration strikes!
The Art The Art Cafe’s Cafe’s friendly friendly and and knowledgeable knowledgeable team team is always is always happy happy to to offer offer tips tips and and techniques, techniques, and once and once your your piece piece is is complete, complete, it it will will be be glazed by glazed by hand hand and and fired fired into into a a lasting lasting keepsake. keepsake. More than More than just just an an art art studio, studio, The The Art Art Cafe Cafe has has become a become a favorite favorite island island tradition tradition for for families, families, couples, and couples, and groups groups of of friends friends looking looking to to spend spend quality time quality time together together or or to to celebrate celebrate a a special special occasion. It's occasion. It's the the perfect perfect break break from from the the beach, beach, offering a offering a cool, cool, comfortable comfortable space space to to unwind unwind while making while making memories memories that that will will last last long long after after your trip your trip ends. ends. Plan on heading to The Art Cafe at the beginning of your week on the island, as it’ll take a few days for your masterpieces to be ready to take home with you.
artcafehhi.com (843) 785-5525 5 Lagoon Rd, 2nd Floor, Hilton Head Island, SC
PAGE 11
SAVANNAH, in a GA day
Rich in history and Southern charm, Georgia’s oldest city is easy to explore in just one day! This is how we’d spend the day in Savannah:
9:00 AM | TROLLEY TOUR Begin your day in Savannah aboard the first trolley tour of the day from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center. Settle in for the complete 90minute narrated loop and get an introduction to the city’s rich history, charming squares, stunning architecture, and stories that bring the city’s past to life.
10:30 AM | COFFEE & BRUNCH STOP Stay on your trolley until Stop No. 3 to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Wright Square. Grab a coffee or enjoy a delicious brunch to recharge before continuing on.
12:00 PM | SEE ICONIC LANDMARKS Hop back on the trolley until Stop No. 5 at Forsyth Park. Walk beneath towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss and snap a photo in front of the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain. From there, admire historic architecture along the walk to the breathtaking, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
2:00 PM | RIVER STREET Board the next trolley to continue on to Stop No. 12 to explore Savannah’s famous waterfront. Wander along the historic cobblestones of River Street where you can browse local shops and galleries and even try handmade pralines!
3:30 PM | STEP BACK IN TIME Make your way to Stop No. 10 at City Market. Here, you can travel through the immersive exhibits of the American Prohibition Museum before finding the museum’s authentic speakeasy-style bar. Before the day’s trolley service concludes at 5:00pm, make sure you catch a final ride to the Main Welcome Center.
5:00 PM & ON | DINNER PLANS Continue your evening at the Old Savannah Distillery where you can enjoy their Spirits Tasting Experience. Your group can also choose to have dinner at the Distillery Restaurant so you can recount the day’s journeys over delicious, Southern-inspired plates and cocktails.
trolleytours.com/savannah | (855) 245-8992 | 234 Martin Luther King Jr BLVD, Savannah, GA 31401
S
P.O. Box 7602 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
REFER A FRIEND EARN $500
HE EXPERIEN ET CE R HA
When your referral becomes a Palmera Vacation Club Member, you’ll receive a $500 account credit applied directly to your owner account.
THERE’S NO LIMIT. Submit more referrals, earn more rewards! INVITE FREINDS TO PALMERA
EARN $500 WHEN THEY JOIN
EARN AGAIN & AGAIN!
READY TO SHARE THE PALMERA EXPERIENCE? Learn more and submit your referral: HILTONHEADGUESTSERVICES.COM/PALMERA-OWNER-REFERRALS