The Bluff spring/summer 2012

the bluff

Spring/Summer 2012

the bluff Created by and for those who love this special Lowcountry idyll.

Editor Courtney Hampson, Marketing Manager, Palmetto Bluff Contributing Photographers Walt Denson Jim Erickson Rob Kaufman Tim Zielenbach Design and Production Compass Marketing, Lafayette, CA

Thanks to the insights and creativity of our many contributors.

19 Village Park Square Bluffton, South Carolina 29910 Real estate Sales

888.679.7802

|

Auberge Inn Reservations

866.706.6565

|

palmettobluff.com

Š Crescent Resources, LLC 2012

Contributing Writers Courtney Hampson Dr. Mary Socci Ellen Shumaker Jay Walea Tim White Christine Wrobel

the bluff

News & Happenings at Palmetto Bluff Spring/Summer 2012

The Streets of South Wilson

around the bluff 8

The Thrill of the Scavenger Hunt It’s all fun and games, until one team gets ahead…

12 Local Character: Kelli Corn

Our sensational wedding planner puts ‘can do’ before ‘I do’.

14 Happy Trails to You

Even with all the personalities, there isn’t a naysayer in the lot.

26 Retail Therapy

Gifts for man’s best friend are just part of this issue’s

‘must haves’.

28 Honoring the Earth

Celebrate Earth Month 2012 with a host of activities.

32 Considerably Above Par

Our five Par-3’s are each a signature, and why the

accolades keep coming.

34 Historic Honey Horn

Art in the Park with the Coastal Discovery Museum.

38 conservancy’s research In Action

20

By kayak, canoe, skiff, Hinkley or Grace, water is our muse.

58 The Palmetto Bluff Arts Commission

A Lowcountry legend masterfully pairs music & the arts.

60 What’s Around the Corner?

As always, the short answer is…plenty!

food & drink 18 the Bluffton Farmer’s Market

It’s a garden of earthly delights every Thursday.

46 Dining Inn

Southern Hospitality and cuisine are deeply rooted on the Bluff.

48 Music To Your Mouth

First Fridays & Wine Dinners highlight a sumptuous calendar.

50 Behind the Music

A culinary Q&A with the Bluff ’s tastemakers.

2

Ten immersive and unforgettable outings.

48

54 32 Miles, Endless Possibilities

40 The Bluff & the White House 42 Auberge Adventures

Music To Your Mouth

Painted Buntings and Chuck-will’s-widows are back!

real estate

Connecting Queen Victoria, Barack Obama and the Bluff.

14

52 The Feathered Flock

Exciting advances in tracking, and learning to conserve.

Happy Trails

The Garden District comes to life

A vibrant new neighborhood is taking shape on the Bluff.

20 The Streets of South Wilson

Our charming neighborhood is alive with history.

The

Garden District

comes to life in River Road.

Thomas Jefferson, an ardent farmer and gardener, marveled at the wonder of Versailles. In the Keukenhof, the jewel of the Netherlands, mirrored streams meander through waves of tulips, as if they were brush strokes on a canvas. It is gardens, from Babylon’s hanging marvels to England’s boxed

hedgerows, to Canada’s stunning Butchart, that refresh and invigorate our senses, spirit and soul. It is fitting then that the much-anticipated arrival of the re-imagined River Road neighborhood is a virtual garden of earthly delights – one with enchanting surprises at every turn in the road and waterway. the ga rd en d i stri c t co m es to li fe

3

river road the garden district

“Take thy spade, It is thy pencil; take thy seeds, thy plants, They are thy colours.” ~William Mason, The English Garden, 1782

The Lowcountry’s relaxed vernacular, both in terms of architecture and landscape, has been the template for Palmetto Bluff. River Road, the Bluff ’s Garden District, takes the ambience of Wilson Village, with its pedestrian edges and quaint architecture, and adds a touch of formality by encouraging more classical detailing and period styles of the old South. Home designs are simple and rectilinear, yet still evidence the generational growth of a family – with hip roofs and dormers extending living spaces, porches added in every direction, at once practical and inviting. Conservatory spaces that have large expanses of glass with traditional light patterns will create libraries and sun rooms that recall bygone days. The intention is crisp, clean, and tidy. Painted white or with light hues the homes are an ethereal backdrop to colorful, playful gardens which are themselves certain to be a point of pride.

“No two gardens are the same.

No two days are the same in one garden.” ~Hugh Johnson

I cultivate my garden, and my garden cultivates me. ~Robert Brault In the Garden District, where spacious residences are comfortably sited along the waterways, the homes and gardens that surround them are informed by an ever so subtle touch of formality.

Here are boxed hedges, herringbone brick walks, trellises draped with wild roses, and under bare feet…spreading lawns perfect for tossing a ball or sending a kite skyward. Strolling the neighborhood is the ideal way to catch up with neighbors, and compare notes on flowering favorites. It’s the perfect place, inside and out, to enjoy what a remarkable residence and garden do best – return us to our senses.

Walk or bike to Wilson Village Kayak, canoe or motor to the Wilson Landing Boathouse

A comfortable stroll to town or aboard a fat tire bicycle the meandering arrival to River Road is a new urban concept also steeped in tradition. Under tall pines are wide lawns that incline to a community dock on the inland waterway. There’s an amphitheater for festive and entertaining gatherings and a robust community garden.

Across the street is one of the neighborhood’s quaint parks, this one dedicated to a sculpture garden orchestrated by the Bluff ’s Arts Commission.

river road the garden district

If a single word describes the ambiance and immediate attraction to River Road, it might be ‘tailored’. Here you’ll find architecture, hardscape and gardens thoughtfully arranged and proportioned on spacious properties. It’s a careful balance of intimacy and privacy, and a welcome new addition to the gracious neighborhoods that surround Wilson Village.

Hancock Un

de

rC

on

st r

uc

Three Bedrooms / Three & One Half Bathrooms 2,545 Square Feet Conditioned plus 875 Square Feet Front and Rear Porches 3,420 Square Feet Total Living Area Price $640,000 t io

n

The traditional English garden was an orderly arrangement of natural elements organized around a central feature. The Hancock draws upon this classic foundation, with a central square core accented at the entry with spacious columned welcoming porch, and a screened rear porch running the length of the main residence.

But additions to add space are a natural architectural evolution, especially in the Lowcountry. In the Hancock they’re resolved with a playful cascading of hip roofs that descend from the steeply pitched main. Inside, high ceilings and three dormers centered above tall main floor windows bathe the bedrooms in ever-changing light. To the rear, the dramatic great room is illuminated by a wide dormer set into the dramatically vaulted ceiling. In all, a residence that lives large, with plenty of privacy for its fortunate owners and guests.

Page Three Bedrooms / Three & One Half Bathrooms 3,190 Square Feet Conditioned plus 746 Square Feet Front and Rear Porches 3,936 Square Feet Total Living Area Price $895,000 At almost 3,200 square feet and nearly a third more in spacious front and rear porches, the Page is classic Lowcountry life on a grand scale.

Life on the main level spills from the great room, the keeping room and master suite onto the nested screen porch, effortlessly blurring the indoors from the temperate climate along the Garden District’s meandering waterways. Ample windows and vaulted ceilings provide long views and welcoming sunlight. Around every turn are delightful surprises – twin sitting rooms upstairs, a practical utility and laundry with outside access, and a dramatic freestanding soaking tub. In the end, the Page strikes just the right balance between a quiet formality and a comfortably casual design for living.

Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy where prohibited by law.

Un

de St y l rC eH on om st r e uc t io

n

Un

de

rC

Jekyll on

st r

uc

t io

Three / Four Bedrooms / Four Bathrooms 2,771 Square Feet Conditioned plus 642 Square Feet Front and Rear Porches 3,413 Square Feet Total Living Area Price $615,000

n

Is there anything at once both so inviting and classically elegant as the porte cochere? Creating a formal, and always invigorating entry to the home, the symmetrical sensibility of the Jekyll continues to the manserd roof, accented by dramatic dormers that fill the residence with natural light. The formal front entry gives way at right to a private study that warms the entry experience. Main living areas are grand spaces certain to bring family and guests together. Upstairs are two very spacious bedrooms each with private bath. There is also an unfinished bonus space for storage.

Robinson Three / Four Bedrooms / Three & One Half Bathrooms 3,118 Square Feet Conditioned plus 926 Square Feet Front and Rear Porches 4,044 Square Feet Total Living Area Price $795,000

Un

de

rC

on

st r

uc

t io

n

Garden Districts have long been thoughtful and organized – the work of architects with a measured approach to form and function. The Robinson is the epitome of a residence comfortably at home in Palmetto Bluff ’s namesake neighborhood. The facade is trim and tailored with a setback second level that crowns the sweeping wings of the residence. Inside, is a great room that lives up to its name, a formal dining room and an owner’s study that doubles as a fourth bedroom. Upstairs are two bedroom/bath suites arranged comfortably around a sitting/media room. The Robinson – classic architecture, stylishly interpreted for today’s vibrant Lowcountry lifestyle.

Announcing the

~ Save the date ~

Palmetto Bluff Style Home

Style Home Tours

featuring

September 1 – November 4 in partnership with

k

The Coastal Living Furniture Collection & J Banks Design Currently underway, by Shoreline Construction in the River Road Garden District, the Style Home will feature the very latest in coastal inspired interiors and outdoor living spaces, fabulous decorating ideas, and smart design tips.

the ga rd en d i stri c t co m es to li fe

7

r e g n e Sca v

v

The Thrill of the Hunt

Each year, at 8:00 a.m., on the second Saturday in December, members gather at the Post Office to “draw teams” for the Annual Scavenger Hunt. This “hunt” crafted by PB Conservancy gurus, Charlie Bales and Jay Walea is the culmination of their collective 50-plus years of Bluff knowledge, paired with years of studying Survivor and Amazing Race footage, for a cross-property conservation immersion challenge like no other.

Once teams are picked, they quickly pow-wow to prepare for the four-hour trek around Palmetto Bluff. They travel by foot, boat, vehicle, sometimes blindfolded, sometimes while balancing buckets on their heads, in search of clues that connect them from location to location. Along the way they discover the hidden treasures of the property, while pursuing the much-coveted stuffed armadillo trophy and a year of bragging rights.

With Ropes and Rifles team members all adorned themselves with rope and carabiner. Once all team members were fitted with the harness they attached the carabiner to the ropes course. Once the carabiner was attached it couldn’t be removed at any time through the ropes course (meaning, they were stuck with each other, literally). Once all team members made it to the end of the ropes course – in tandem – they moved on to the shooting portion of the challenge. There, all team members had three shots to break a target. If all team members broke a target with their allotted three shots, they received points for this station. If at any time a team member missed all three of their shots, that team received no points for this portion of their task. (Brutal!)

Each year, the tasks get more and more clever.

And the challenges get tougher. Take a look.

Ahoy! The Crab Pot Puzzle put two team members in a John Boat to paddle Lake Haynes and check crab buoys until they successfully retrieved a crab pot. Once the crab pot was in the boat the team members returned to the dock with their pot and completed the puzzle phrase located inside the crab pot.

It was the Blind Leading The Blind as all team members but one, were blind folded and put in line at the beginning of the maze. The sighted team member climbed into a tree stand and had to give directions to their teammates, guiding them through the maze. One at a time, each team member meandered the maze, only to be directed to locate their team’s bucket, retrieve one of the bags in the bucket and make it back through the maze. Once all of the buckets were bagless, the bags were emptied and teams had to solve a word sort.

Sore Heads prevailed here, where each team member took turns scooping corn into a small bucket, placing the bucket on their head, balancing the bucket (a task for which they can receive no outside help), and then traversing the course without touching the bucket. When successful, the team member emptied the corn into the supplied tub. If at any time a team member touched the bucket during the course they had to immediately return back to the end of the line. Team members had to continue taking turns until they filled the tub to the “corn line.”

In Tree Stand 101, one team member adorned a safety harness and properly attached a Summit Tree Stand to a tree.

They climbed into the tree stand, affixed a safety harness to the tree and ascended the tree to retrieve keys to their mode of transportation, in this case a Land Rover.

Team members then descended the tree, removed the safety harness, and removed the stand. Then finally, took off in their new set of wheels.

ZZZZZ. It’s a Longleaf Nightmare when you are tasked with counting all living longleaf pine seedlings within this roped off area. And just to throw them off course, so to speak, the Conservancy added in the little teaser reminding folks what the grass stage of a longleaf pine looks like. (Sounds like they were splitting hairs, or strands of grass?)

While Trail Blazing, teams had to stay together traversing a field by following their team’s color flagging throughout the field until they found their team’s puzzle.

Once found, the team had to back track to the beginning where they could then start to solve the word puzzle.

Burning Memories won’t be forgotten anytime soon as teams had to build and sustain a fire with only the items provided. If teams didn’t produce a lasting fire utilizing all materials, they received no points. the th ri ll o f th e scav en g er h un t

9

Out Here in the

Field

As the weary Scavenger Hunt participants take a mid-afternoon rest, the Conservancy Team moves to Pump Field. Here, they stage an outdoor dinner, where the Scavenger Hunt winners will be announced. It’s dinner, by way of one lone table, set in an empty field, under the stars, and by the light of the fire. Tonight, participants will listen to stories, rub elbows with “The Team,” and share a family style meal with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Together they celebrate the Conservancy, the land and wildlife, and the bounty.

The “Burn Dinner” is not only the celebratory feast in which the winning Scavenger Hunt team is crowned – assuming crowned is the correct term when you are being presented with a stuffed armadillo – but it also marks the start of the “burning season” at the Bluff.

Yes, you did smell smoke.

Yes, there was a fire.

No, it was not a bad thing.

T Clearing away the leaf “litter” on

the forest floor. If this is not done occasionally, the leaves, twigs and other debris build up and provide fuel for a potentially larger, hotter and devastating wildfire in the future.

T Permitting nutrient cycling – that is,

nutrients that were tied up in dead leaves and twigs are released after being burned and mixed back into the soil, benefiting the living trees and shrubs.

T Clearing out species of shrubs and

plants that are competing with trees for space, light and nutrients. Essentially, fire turns back the hands of time in an ecological community.

T Preserving and creating habitat for

wildlife, including quail, turkey, deer and even endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise.

T Opening up the tree canopy allowing

sunlight to hit the ground, promoting new growth which is, in turn, beneficial to all wildlife.

Despite all of these highly beneficial reasons to utilize prescribed burning in the landscape, the practice is under attack. Many people see it as a nuisance, not understanding why burning is beneficial and necessary for certain forms of wildlife and for the forest itself to survive. As reported in SC Wildlife Magazine, “Research indicates the volume of smoke produced by a prescribed fire is less than that produced during a wildfire, according to the SC Prescribed Fire Council.”

Kelli Corn LOCAL CHARACTER:

Local Character appears in each issue of The Bluff, and gives readers a little insight into the mind, heart, and life, of a Palmetto Bluff team member.

Kelli Corn should probably be dubbed the “bride whisperer” at Palmetto Bluff. As resident Wedding Planner, Kelli spends every day achieving someone else’s perfect day. And since she joined the team at the Bluff, she has created more than 350 of those perfect days, doubling our wedding business along the way.

Q&A with Kelli Corn What is your idea of perfect happiness?

It’s the times in life when you are able to be in the moment, unaware of time, not thinking of anything else.

What goes through your mind as you drive to work each morning?

To be honest driving to work is my quiet time … I listen to my morning radio and enjoy my coffee. I try not to think about everything I have to do, or I begin my day feeling overwhelmed which is never a good thing.

And, on the way home?

It is typically dinner preparations. I plan my dinners so that I only (hopefully) have to go to the grocery store once a week, so it is deciding what meal to have. I cook dinner four to five nights a week, I truly enjoying cooking and have ever since I was little. I have to be creative to cook healthy and try to come up with ways to get my kids to eat it.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I love wine. I love an incredible meal …including dessert. It is the best indulgence and I am surrounded by very talented people where I get to enjoy these things from time to time.

Last movie that made you cry?

Every movie makes me cry. I cry at commercials! I think the last movie was Tangled, it was so sweet at the end.

If there was a movie about your life, what would it be called?

And, which actor would play you?

Superwoman. And not because I feel so empowered or strong or big… it is because life is such a balancing act. Managing career and family takes powers – it takes a solid dedication to both lifestyles. Oh and, Reese Witherspoon, she’s just so cute!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Well, a typical mom would say giving birth to two amazing children, however graduating from the University of Colorado was a very proud moment in my life.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Calm demeanor.

What is the last book you read?

Marley and Me. Loved it.

If you could have one “super” power, what would it be? And, how would you use it at work?

I’d love to be able to wiggle my nose (like Samantha on Bewitched) and just make things happen. With this power I could certainly manage my time more efficiently. And all of those details that I promise to my brides, well, they would be instantaneous.

When you’re not here, what are you doing?

Loving on my kids. Family stuff.

What word do you use most?

Beautiful.

What makes you laugh?

My kids. The Muppets. Remembering old times.

Top five songs on your playlist?

Adele: Someone Like You, Otis Redding: That’s How Strong My Love Is, Lady Antebellum: Need You Now, Faith Hill: Paris, Alicia Keys: No One. Favorite spot on the Bluff?

Each morning, I take the path just behind the Inn, to get to my office. As I turn the corner at the pool, the sun is coming up over the River and casting the most beautiful glow.

Best Palmetto Bluff Moment?

Well, the coolest thing I ever pulled off was hiring the University of Georgia marching band. The bride’s family members were all Georgia alums and the groom wanted to surprise them. Of course, it was summer break, so I had to track down the band director, he had to track down 30 well rounded student musicians (all enjoying their break!), clean the uniforms, get a bus driver, find a place for them to sleep, … but it was all worth it. When the bride and groom stepped out of the chapel, and they “struck up the band” – that moment is unforgettable.

lo cal c h arac ter : Kelli co r n

13

Happy

Trails

to You

Riding enthusiasts should plan on saddling up for fun at Longfield Stables, our 173-acre farm, boarding, and training facility. One of the nation’s best, this award-winning facility includes a covered arena, an outdoor Dressage arena with Olympic-size riding area, a 5-acre turf event field and 15 miles of trails for endless exploration and adventure.

L

ongfield Stables offers quality instruction in Dressage, Combined Training, Hunter/Jumper and Western Riding. Our qualified, experienced instructors are available to assist you with achieving your riding goals, and will tailor a program specifically to meet your individual needs and aspirations. We have a tremendous staff of good natured schoolmasters with a wide variety of experience and abilities. Whether you are putting your foot in the stirrup for the first time, or are making great strides towards the next level of riding expertise, our horses and instructors will make sure you have an enjoyable learning experience.

For those that would prefer a more leisurely ride, Longfield Stables offers guided trail rides through our scenic maritime forest. Riders can often catch a glimpse of our resident Bald Eagle who loves to hang out on the Cross-Country Course, or the large Coyote who is regularly seen darting out of the woods. With the sunlight dancing through the trees and the gentle breeze rustling the leaves, we find that a few hours spent on horseback at Palmetto Bluff, can be just what the doctor ordered.

We love to get creative and recently had the opportunity to arrange a private “engagement ride” for a hopeful young man and his fiancé to be. During a lovely ride our guide made a stop along the way for a pre-planned light lunch of artisan cheeses and fresh fruit in a beautiful secluded spot. The guides discreetly slipped away with the horses and waited patiently until a resounding “YES!” told them the ride had been a great success.

Children are a very special part of Longfield Stables and great care is taken to ensure their safety, while lighting that spark and special passion for horses. Our “Intro to Horsemanship” lesson combines an educational session on the ground, with a mounted riding lesson. Children learn how to safely handle and interact with horses, as well as the nature of the horse,

and how horses speak to us and other horses through their body language. Grooming is a great way for kids to become comfortable around ponies and horses. It’s always amazing to see how focused the kids become on their task, and how each individual relationship between horse and child uniquely develops. Once the grooming is complete and the saddle and bridle are on, the kids have a great time learning how to steer, stop and ask their horse to move forward, while maintaining a correct riding position. Confidence and independence bloom and grow with amazing speed!

We’ve taken as much care with the facilities as we have with our teaching and touring programs. Our well-educated, dedicated staff provide excellent care for each and every horse.

In other words, there’s no better place to be a horse than at Longfield Stables. The main barn includes 24 oversized stalls, while a 14-stall receiving barn welcomes arriving horses and is home to our lesson horses (meet them when you turn the page!). Temporary and overnight stabling is also available for guests by reservation.

Boarders and guests are welcome to enjoy all of the Stables’ riding amenities which include a Cross-Country Course designed by Olympian John Williams, an FEI regulation size dressage ring, 5-acre turf field, oversized and lighted covered arena with large fans for ventilation, along with miles of equestrian trails outfitted with natural jumps and wide enough for carriage drivers to enjoy.

It’s all part of our mission at Longfield – to provide experiences that will be remembered and cherished for a lifetime. We hope to share our love and passion for horses with all who drive through our gates, and leave a legacy of riders and horse lovers alike who come back year after year and carry on the tradition of falling in love with horses at Longfield.

h app y trai l s to yo u

15

Meet the Horses

With all these characters, it’s no wonder the stables are always alive with banter.

Wishful Impressions

Max the Milkman

Color: Chestnut Breed: Paint Gender: Mare Age: 10 Height: 16hh

Color: Bay Paint Breed: Welsh Gender: Gelding Age: 8 Height: 12hh

“Girlie” has been a resident of Longfield Stables since April 2009.

Girlie is multi-talented and is capable of being ridden either hunt seat or western. Her very comfortable trot makes her a wonderful horse on which to practice the sitting trot. Girlie is also an excellent trail horse who enjoys getting out of the ring and exploring our miles of trails.

“Max” is an adorable small pony who arrived at Longfield Stables in September 2010. Max is the smallest pony here at Longfield and often is used for lessons for our youngest riders. He also participates in pony rides and our paint-the-pony sessions.

Max’s unique coloring and blue eyes make him a standout here at Longfield Stables.

Cairo

Raspberry

Color: Gray Breed: Arabian Gender: Gelding Age: 17 Height: 15hh

Color: Strawberry Roan Breed: Draft Cross Gender: Gelding Age: 17 Height: 16.2hh

“Cairo” has been a resident of Longfield Stables since April 2010. He is an accomplished show horse with gymkhana and eventing experience.

Fun and fearless on our cross-country course, Cairo makes for an exciting ride. Cairo loves children and is often used for our pony rides and paint-thepony sessions.

“Raspberry” is the newest addition to the Longfield riding program. He arrived at Longfield in June 2011 and is truly a gentle giant. Raspberry is used for our trail rides and has extensive foxhunting experience. We are looking forward to learning more about Raspberry and possibly training him as a vaulting horse.

Academy Award

Preacher

Color: Chestnut Breed: Pony Gender: Gelding Age: 17 Height: 13.1hh

Color: Black Breed: Tennessee Walking Horse Gender: Gelding Age: 7 Height: 15.1hh

“Oscar” has been a resident of Longfield Stables since September 2010. Oscar is a medium pony who is perfect for small children to ride and learn to jump. Oscar has experience with horse showing, horse camps and pony rides. He also has been foxhunting with the Lowcountry Hunt.

“Preacher” is one of Longfield Stables’ longtime residents, having been here since April 2008. Preacher is an invaluable addition to our trail ride program. He is calm, cool and collected in all situations and is an excellent choice for the inexperienced trail rider.

Preacher and his brother Jackson are also trained to pull a carriage as a team.

Misty Color: Dapple Gray Breed: Appendix Quarter Horse Gender: Mare Age: 5 Height: 15.1hh

“Misty” arrived at Longfield Stables in April 2011. Misty is a sweet and pretty mare who we have been using for hunt seat lessons and in our summer camp. While at Longfield Misty is continuing her training and polishing her jumping skills.

Jackson Color: Black Breed: Tennessee Walking Horse Gender: Gelding Age: 9 Height: 15.1hh

“Jackson” is another of Longfield Stables’ longtime residents, arriving shortly after his brother, Preacher, in July 2008. Jackson shines as a trail horse with his calm and steady demeanor. He and Preacher are rarely found far from each other, and they have been trained to pull a carriage as a team.

Harvey Color: Chestnut Breed: Quarter Horse Gender: Gelding Age: 18 Height: 15.2hh

“Harvey” came to Longfield Stables in October 2010. Harvey enjoys life at his own pace – laid back. He is an unflappable trail horse and an excellent member of the lesson program. Harvey has extensive experience in jumping, both in the arena and on the cross country course. His calm and steady nature makes him the perfect horse for a rider just learning how to jump.

Copenhagen Color: Bay Breed: Oldenburg Gender: Gelding Age: 11 Height: 16.3hh

“Hagen” arrived at Longfield in November of 2009. Hagen is well known around Longfield for his larger than life personality and his addiction to attention. He is an accomplished hunter, having shown up to the 3’6” division. As a lesson horse at Longfield he is used for intermediate/advanced lessons on the flat and over fences. Hagen is a wonderful horse to advance your jumping skills.

Summer Camp at Longfield Stables June 18-22 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

9-12 year olds June 25-29 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

5-8 year olds July 9-13 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.

9-12 year olds July 16-20 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

5-8 year olds July 23-27 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

9-12 year olds Summer camp at Longfield Stables is designed with safety, education and fun in mind. Correct and safe horse handling and riding skills are taught by our qualified instructors. We welcome all levels and abilities and strive to create a learning environment in which our campers not only have a great time riding, but also continue to become educated horsemen and women.

Campers will receive riding lessons daily, as well as learn from mounted and unmounted games, and hands on activities with the horses. For more information and registration details call 843.706.9559.

62

b lu ff to n fa r mers ma rke t

In Season The Bluffton Farmer’s Market

The scene is quaint and picturesque; the atmosphere is vibrant and fun.

Southern hospitality abounds as you meet friendly folks strolling the grounds and also selling their wares. You’ve just discovered The Bluffton Farmer’s Market, in-season, every Thursday beginning March 15 – December 20 and open from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. An area tradition since 2008, The Farmer’s Market of Bluffton is a non-profit organization which provides the community with access to fresh, local produce, and much more.

Located in beautiful, historic Old Downtown Bluffton, just down the road from the May River, the market showcases approximately 40 vendors featuring primarily locally grown, fresh produce (some organic). Other items include local, fresh plants and flowers, herbs, honey, milk, cheeses, eggs, grass-fed beef, fish, shrimp and oysters. Some food items can be taken home to prepare, like gourmet pastas and sauces, and freshfrozen homemade baked goods. But shoppers should be ready to enjoy tasty treats served right on-site, such as piping hot gumbo, she-crab soup, crab cakes, barbeque pork and chicken, crepes, breads, fresh squeezed lemonade and coffee. To satisfy that sweet tooth, choose from warm pastries, kettle corn, peanut brittle, gourmet chocolates, and many more tempting treats.

Market Manager, Kim Viljac, attributes the success of the weekly event to community spirit. “It’s not only a place to browse and shop, but to socialize,” proclaims Kim. Whether catching up with old friends, or making new ones, Kim also points out the Market has been an asset to local businesses,

as well as other non-profit organizations. She is particularly excited about a new program, “Back Pack Buddies,” in which schools provide students in need with vouchers which can be used during summer months to purchase fresh, healthy produce.

The Farmer’s Market reimburses vendors for the cost. Also, a new and exciting children’s program will be introduced this year, offering hands-on classes and crafts for the younger set.

Market-goers may find themselves bopping to the beat of the weekly, live entertainment. There’s a “Master Gardener” booth, with info on local plants and tips on growing them. Another crowd favorite is the “Chef in the Market” demonstration featuring in-season produce, with recipe ingredients which can be purchased fresh at the Market.

It’s easy to find The Bluffton Farmer’s Market. Turn off May River Road and you’ll see the festivities near the intersection of Calhoun and Lawrence Streets. Once you check it out, we just know you’ll be a regular Thursday visitor. i n s eas on – the b luff to n far m er ’ s m ar ke t

19

Streets The

of

South Wilson

Intriguing clues to Palmetto Bluff ’s history are found throughout its neighborhoods: stone columns in the village square, the tabby walls of a cemetery nestled under live oaks, oyster shells scattered along the May River banks. Even the street names beckon us to explore the past and in South Wilson they recall the generations of Native Americans who lived on the Bluff before us.

S

outh Wilson is peppered with shell middens, piles of long empty oyster and clam shells discarded by prehistoric peoples who came to harvest the bounty of the May River and its marshes. The shell and bone from their meals, the fragments of their broken pots and tools, and the charred remains from their campfires provide archaeologists with details of the lives of these early inhabitants. The streets of South Wilson were named for the artifacts left by ancient visitors to the Bluff.

Thoms Creek Street It wasn’t long after local Native Americans began making Stallings pottery, that sand-tempering was introduced.

Thoms Creek (or Thom’s Creek) pottery, named for the site near Columbia where it was first identified, is thin, sand-tempered, remarkably well-made pottery. Thoms Creek ceramics are contemporaneous with later Stallings pottery, but are usually not found in the southern part of the Lowcountry. At Palmetto Bluff, the Thoms Creek ceramics in South Wilson were an unexpected find.

Stallings Island Street Stallings or Stallings Island pottery, named for the site in Georgia where it was first identified, dates back to 2500 BC and is the earliest type of pottery in the United States. These early clay vessels were tempered with fiber: ingredients such as Spanish moss were mixed in with the clay to create more even expansion during firing. Fragments, called sherds, of the pots are easily identified by the gaps left in the clay where the fiber burned away during firing. At Palmetto Bluff, Stallings pottery is common and South Wilson yielded pieces of the largest Stallings vessel ever found on the Coastal Plain.

Refuge Street Many of the sherds found in South Wilson are undecorated, sand-tempered Refuge ceramics, which date from about 1000 BC to 500 AD. The coarse temper of the Refuge pottery meant that pieces of broken pots were perfect for sanding wood or bone into tools. These recycled ceramic fragments, identified by their worn edges or sides, are called abraders by archaeologists. Several abraders were discovered during excavations in South Wilson. (The Refuge site, for which the ceramics are named, is located in Jasper County on the Savannah River.)

22

T h e S t ree t s o f So u t h W il so n

The streets of South Wilson were named for the artifacts left by ancient visitors to the Bluff.

24

t h e s t ree t s o f so u t h wil so n

St. Catherine’s Street From about 1000 AD to 1200 AD, South Wilson was visited regularly by Native Americans making and using St. Catherine’s pottery. The pottery, named for the St. Catherine’s site in Georgia, is unmistakable because it was tempered with broken pieces of ceramics and often decorated with impressions of fine cords. Looking at the edge of a fragment of St. Catherine’s pottery, one can easily make out the small pieces of an earlier pot that were mixed in with the clay. Like their Refuge ancestors, the St. Catherine’s people were recyclers.

Irene Street Irene pottery, with its intricate curvilinear designs, is one of the most beautiful prehistoric pottery types found in the Lowcountry. Beginning about 1325 AD, Native Americans in South Carolina and Georgia produced this attractive ware. At Palmetto Bluff, only the Shell Crescent site in the May River Forest has yielded a large number of Irene sherds, although a few fragments were found in South Wilson. (The Irene Site, located in Chatham County outside of Savannah, was excavated in the 1930s and 1940s.)

Hearth Street Sometimes archaeological excavations uncover artifacts that cannot be removed intact from the ground, such as storage pits, post holes, or shell middens. These types of artifacts are just as important as those that can be picked up and studied.

For example, an area of blackened sand can indicate an ancient hearth where a cooking fire once burned. In South Wilson, the charred bones from hearths yield information on the diets of prehistoric visitors, such as their inordinate fondness for turtles!

Hardaway Street When Native Americans were crafting stone Hardaway spear points, the bow and arrow were still thousands of years in the future. In fact, these early hunters used atlatls, wooden sticks with notched ends, to increase the power and accuracy of their throws. Hardaway projectile points, dating back 10,000 years, are some of the earliest artifacts found in coastal South Carolina and Georgia.

Morrow Street Morrow Street is named for the Morrow Mountain projectile points that were in use roughly 6,500 years ago. Morrow Mountain points, named for a site in North Carolina, are found throughout the Southeast, revealing that even in the distant past, knowledge was shared over hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles. Several Morrow Mountain points have been found at Palmetto Bluff.

Elora Street The characteristic Christmas tree shaped projectile points known as Elora, like most projectile points found at the Bluff, are made of Coastal Plain chert, a hard, flint-like stone found in outcroppings up the Savannah River. With no local sources of this raw material, ancient residents of South Wilson had to travel several days, or trade with neighboring groups, if they needed stone to fashion new tools. This fact, and the time and skill required to create such a point, means that its loss 4,500 years ago probably resulted in hours of searching.

Hernando Street The beautiful triangular Hernando points are contemporaneous with the Refuge ceramics found in South Wilson, and date to about 500 BC. They are thin, well-made points with notches at the base for hafting onto spear shafts.

Hernando points are found in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Yadkin Street Yadkin projectile points, which are triangular and have a concave base, were made during the Woodland period (3,200-1,000 years ago). Interestingly, the Yadkin point found in South Wilson was associated with 19th century artifacts. It’s quite possible we aren’t the first to be fascinated

by Palmetto Bluff ’s history and that the Yadkin point was a treasured artifact found by an antebellum resident. the stree ts o f so u th w i l so n

25

Retail Therapy Find our favorite picks and other treasures tucked away at RT’s Market, the Boutique, Spa, Tennis and Golf Shops, and Buffalo’s.

Happy Shopping!

Dog-gone Adorable Recycled Rover, crafted from recycled newspaper, shows off his favorite accessories! These sturdy leashes are locally made with double braided, hand spliced nautical rope from Sailor Craft Knots, by Keith Hudson, (sailorcraftknots.com.) Good dogs deserve the best… locally hand-baked, organic treats by Oliver Bentleys Barking Bakery,(OllieB@OliverBentleys.com.) Bluffton artisan, Cheryl Bull of A Little Bit of ME, creates custom, hand-stenciled signs to give Rover, and you, an opportunity to express yourselves. Stop by RT’s Market, and bring your dog!

Bring on the lemonade The perfect pairing with any Lowcountry beverage, these paper straws signal it’s time for that southern-style, backyard barbecue!

A stylish, eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, they’re printed with food-safe, soy-based ink. Biodegradable and compostable; find ‘em at RT’s Market.

The power of nature Gorgeous, understated necklaces are locally made. Designs feature chalcedony, raw sapphire, labrodrite, mother-of-pearl, and more.

Each stone is said to have specific healing power. Some promote calm and inner peace while others radiate energy and wisdom. Come check them out at The Spa.

Downhome cookin’ From Boiled Peanuts to Sweet Tea Lemon Chess Pie, you’ll find all the best, local southern dishes in The Southern Foodways Alliance Community Cookbook.

This book is a celebration of “culinary gold” with “a strong sense of Community” writes Food Network Host, Alton Brown. Available at Buffalo’s.

Your fruit will be proud Solid cherry bowl is ready to fill with ripe, summer fruit and all your fresh finds from the Farmer’s Market (see page 19).

These wood bowls are of the highest quality, each handcrafted by skilled craftsmen from a single piece of premium hardwood.

From “Holland Mill Company,” available at RT’s Market.

What’s in a name?

Fat and Juicy says it all! This Bloody Mary Mix is party-ready for an extra high-grade burst of vine-ripened boldness in every sip. A South Carolina exclusive made from fresh tomatoes with a hint of smoky heat, celery, garlic and horseradish (fatandjuicymix.com.) Buy it at Buffalo’s.

Hometown original Made just down the street, in Bluffton, this beef jerky gives you something to chew on, and is sure to excite the taste buds of any jerky lover. Natural hickory smoked and proudly presented by the “Sawmill Creek Smokehouse.” Choose from five unique flavors (our favorite’s “hot & spicy.”) You’ll find it at RT’s.

Honey? Yes, Dear!

Pure, natural, and rare Gallberry honey is produced in one of the most efficient factories in the world …the bee hive.

Fresh from the alfalfa and clover fields of nearby Wilbanks Farms, you’ll taste the difference. Sweet! Stop by Buffalo’s to pick some up. re tai l th erap y

27

Honoring the

Earth Earth Day is almost like New Year’s Day, we make resolutions, promise to be cognizant of our impact on Mother Earth every day, then we wake up – after too many tofu shakes – the morning after and we don’t abide by our resolutions.

At the Bluff, every day is about the land, the wildlife, the water.

But, this year we take it one step further, and turn programming on its side for the month of April, and beyond, so everyone can discover their inner mama earth.

What We’re Doing to Stay Green...

Spa at Palmetto Bluff The Month of April To honor the beautiful landscape of Palmetto Bluff, please visit the Spa to enjoy The Spa Boggin’ couples package, a Lowcountry inspired tradition that celebrates our Earth, utilizing the nutrients found in our signature pluff mud.

During this time enjoy a 15% discount on this package.

Offer not valid with other discounts.

Eco-Elixir Our Sweet Peach-tini is sure to tickle your tastebuds and make you feel a little friendlier to the environment as well (who knew a cocktail could do so much!) Made from local peach cider and Firefly sweet tea vodka, created at nearby Wadmalaw Island, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and your worries at the same time.

Clean River Kayaking Kayaking on the river is a part of the Lowcountry lifestyle. We invite local kayakers to help us keep the May River clean and get a new view of the river, by launching their own kayaks from Palmetto Bluff, Mondays through Thursdays this April.

Contact our Recreation Manager, Andrew at 843.706.6608 to schedule your launch, space is limited.

30

h o n o ri n g t h e ea rt h

PB Explorers Appreciate the Land Every Saturday in April For our younger guests, a day full of fun and education about our Earth. Children will enjoy activities centered around Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and who knows, your little Explorer may just teach you a thing or two. Children ages 5-12 years old meet at the Canoe Club Paddle House for a day of fun.

9:00am – 1:00pm $50 Guests/$45 Members per child includes lunch.

RSVP to the concierge at 843.706.6515. (For resort guests and members.)

Family Crafts that Preserve the Earth Every Wednesday and Saturday in April The whole family will enjoy this creation made from recycled materials. Come see what we have in store for you! Meet at the Canoe Club Paddle House at 2:00pm.

Complimentary. (For resort guests and members.)

Kids on the Green Every Saturday in April Kids on the Green is designed for kids that want to see the “behind the scenes” beautification of the golf course. Fun and the outdoors is the mainstay of Kids on the Green. Led by our Golf Course Superintendent and Recreation Staff, Kids on the Green demonstrates irrigation, equipment use and repair, environmental conservation, natural habitats, and much more.

We give children the opportunity to experience fun adventures, and learn more about the May River Golf Course.

RSVP to recreation at 843.706.6608. (For resort guests and members.)

This Time, It’s Personal A “Newbie’s” Diary The speck in the sky came closer and closer, quickly transforming into a huge and imposing bald eagle. I blinked twice. Traveling 50 mph, down May River Road, on my way to Palmetto Bluff; was he really headed straight for my car? My jaw dropped as he glided within a few feet; legs stretched long, talons exposed. Suddenly he switched course, swooping down into the lane beside me, reaching, he grabbed his prey. Had there truly been a fish flip-flopping in the road? A tenth of a second later, the fish fell back to earth, confirming I wasn’t hallucinating. The obstinate eagle circled back to resume his quest.

I’ve been awed by nature before, but this time was different, a revelation, if you will. I’m kind of new to this area, and often have to reassure myself, “You’re not on vacation, you really do live here!” Here, where flowers bloom year-round, where I marvel at the sight of seabirds (I still can’t name them all, but I’m learning), oyster beds, crabs, turtles, palmetto trees, Spanish moss, and deer bounding through my own backyard.

Now that I’ve found paradise, I can’t imagine letting it slip away. So I vow to make this my own personal Earth Year. But, where does one person start? We’ve all heard the words reduce, reuse, recycle, but it’s more than just a slogan and I’ve found that we can easily do all of the above by donating clothes, electronics and computers to charities and thrift stores, return hangers to the cleaners and plastic bags to the grocery store, and consider packing lunch in reusable containers instead of bags.

Ok, this seems easy, what else can we do (nothing too complicated, we’re still rookies)? More easy stuff: think green when you clean and give weeds a ‘hand,’ simply put, less chemical power and more man (or woman) power. Nontoxic, naturally derived cleaning products, natural alternatives to pesticides, a good sturdy trowel and a great pair of garden gloves, and you’re on your way to a greener you. And, let’s face it, there is something so therapeutic about getting your hands dirty!

This one could be a stretch, but meatless meals once a week? Believe it or not reducing meat consumption actually conserves fresh water, saves topsoil, and even reduces air pollution! And of course, at the Bluff it is easy to walk, hike, or ride a bike instead of starting the car… saving fuel and enjoying the journey.

Okay, so nothing life-changing or earth-shattering (appropriate term, huh?) But there are things we can easily begin to do to help reduce our carbon foot print. Dare we make an Earth Year commitment? We’ll help you get started. We’ve amped up our Earth Day programming to get you in a green frame of mind.

Even after April the opportunities continue to abound, pop into the Conservancy Office and see how you can get in touch with your verde side.

May River Golf Club

Considerably Above Par # 14 World’s Best Golf Resorts

#4 in Top 20 Nicklaus Courses

#2 Golf Community in the US

Golf Digest, 2011

Links.com, 2009

Travel + Leisure Golf, 2007

#4 in Southern United States

#2 Golf Community in the United States

Top 100 Modern List

CondĂŠ Nast Traveler Top Golf Resorts, 2010

Travel + Leisure Golf, 2009

Golfweek, 2006

#4 Best Golf Course in South Carolina #3 Best Stay and Play Resorts

#4 Best Golf Course in South Carolina

Top 25 Courses in South Carolina, Rated #5

South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel, 2010

South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel, 2008

Golfweek, 2006

The

Par 3’s 2

The 205-yard 2nd hole is an excellent example of how Nicklaus’ design style has evolved. A wetland 30 yards from the front of the green is only a problem when you top a shot, but carrying it provides you with a wellearned sense of accomplishment. The large bunker in front of the green is well off the putting surface, the bunker on its right about 8 paces. However, the hole is interesting thanks to the playing qualities of its pushed-up green complex and is indicative of the key role short grass plays on The Bluff.

#

11

The long, slender green of the 11th is set at an oblique angle, which seems to call for a high soft fade, but proximity to the windiest point on the course makes the wisdom of the high ball questionable. But there is relief. First, tee placements swing out to the left, giving forward tees a better angle to green. Secondly, the bunker behind the green is fifteen yards behind it, so playing it safe over the pond leaves a pitch or putt from the short grass hollow, making the hole easier to play than it may first appear.

#

14

6

The postcard perfect 175-yard 6th hole at May River is an example of how Nicklaus handles forced carries. The ‘carry’ is across the 50-yard wide Greenleaf Creek, which is just enough of a visual hazard to unsettle one’s swing.

When the pin is set back left of the green, it’s one of the more challenging on the course. The green features a depression in line with two tall trees behind the putting surface, which gathers most shots, making pin tough birdies.

#

Here on the par-3, 190yard 14th hole, the course brushes up against the May River, providing a visually dramatic landscape, while architecturally offering the less experienced golfer plenty of short grass on the far side of the creek. Please note that the hazard on the right side of the green is on a diagonal and creeps in close to the hole. Our recommendation: regardless of the flag’s location, the prudent approach to this sleeper is to take your shot dead center to the middle of the green.

#

17

Having the harder of the final two holes as the 17th is a great way to finish a course; it leaves you with a chance to finish on a high note, and, is a great place to even out the wagers. The 17th is perhaps the toughest target to hit in regulation on the course. The screws tighten because this tee shot of 235 yards is to one of the courses smallest greens, and its left bunker is one of the deepest at over 6-feet. There is no relief putting this roller coaster…as we said, a place for agony or ecstasy.

#

m ay ri v er g o l f c lub

33

Our Neighbors at

HISTORIC

HONEY HORN Honey Horn has been a familiar name here for over two centuries, possessing a rich cultural and natural history legacy. The piece of land dubbed “Honey Horn� is described by many as the last significant parcel of undeveloped open space on Hilton Head Island.

Consisting of 69 pristine acres at the juncture of the Cross Island Parkway and Highway 278, the property is filled with salt marshes, stands of live oaks, open fields, and a unique collection of some of the oldest structures that exist on Hilton Head Island. The land was once home to cash crops prior to the Civil War. Construction on the main house was started in 1859 by William J. Graham, it was not completed until after the Civil War, and many additions have been made to the main house over time (check out the property timeline to see how many different residents the land has had).

Mobile Bay Randy Hodges Spring City, TN Watercolor

Marsh Tackies, Setting the Field Murray Sease Bluffton, SC Acrylic

Horse Tail Lee-Margaret Borland Jacksonville, FL Photograph

After the Civil War, the land was used for farming and hunting by many Native Islander families.

Beginning in the 1890s, northern businessmen purchased large sections of the island for hunting, fishing and other sporting activities. The property was owned by William Clyde, Roy Rainey and then

by Alfred Loomis and Landon Thorne. A majority of the structures were built during the Thorne and Loomis era. Honey Horn was purchased by the Hack family in the 1950s for permanent residential use.

In the late 1990’s the Town of Hilton Head Island purchased the property from the Hack family as part of its land acquisition program. This action ensured that the property would not be commercially developed as a shopping center or residential complex. Today, the Coastal Discovery Museum uses the property and its structures to educate residents and visitors about the rich history, culture and natural environment of the Lowcountry and Hilton Head Island.

Art in the Park Set among the centuries old oaks, dripping with Spanish moss, Historic Honey Horn also plays host to the annual Art Market, a juried fine art and craft outdoor festival. Slated this year for April 28th and 29th the show features media including: clay, wood, fibers, metals, glass, jewelry, watercolors, oil, mixed media and photography which will be on display and for sale.

remark about the wealth of arts opportunities here and often will return for other events throughout the year. The Art Market brings thousands of art patrons to Honey Horn over the course of the weekend – many of them plan their annual trips to the Lowcountry to attend the show,” said Natalie Hefter, Vice President of the Coastal Discovery Museum.

90 artists from as far way as Washington and Ohio and well-known local artists share the spotlight during this weekend-long event, which many tout as their “favorite on the festival circuit.” In addition to showcasing and offering their original works for sale, each artist is also competing for prizes.

Saturday, April 28 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 29 • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

There is a $6.00 per car parking donation, while admission to the show is free. Demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend.

“The Lowcountry has long been known for its beautiful beaches, top-rated golf courses and resorts, but what’s not always recognized is the arts and cultural community. Events like the Art Market, showcase the importance of the arts to this community. Participating artists consistently

If you have a hankering for more, from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, April 28th, an artist’s reception will honor the prize winners. Admission to the party is $20.00 and you’ll mix and mingle with the artists and enjoy classic dishes from many of Hilton Head Island’s best restaurants.

Reservations for the party are required and may be made by calling 843.689.6767 ext 224.

For more, visit www.coastaldiscovery.org.

h i sto ri c h o n e y h o r n

37

Conservancy’s Research In Action: The Swallow-Tailed Kite vs. The Great Horned Owl Last year during a birding outing, our own Charlie Bales found a Swallow-Tailed Kite nesting on the south end of our Palmetto Bluff property. The Swallow-Tailed Kite is thought to be the ancestor of all other raptors in the world. Until Charlie’s discovery, it was believed that this species of bird rarely nests this close to the coast. South Carolina is the northern most area of these rare birds’ 5,000 mile hemispheric range, which extends southward to Brazil. The Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) attributes the Kites’ choice of Palmetto Bluff as a nesting site, to the extensive Forestry and Wildlife practices that we use to maximize our habitat for wildlife.

In 2011, The Friends of the Conservancy awarded a grant for research to Dr. Ken Meyer, of the ARCI, to start ground breaking research on SwallowTailed Kites, as well as Great Horned Owls here on the Bluff. Although this species is not on the endangered list, there is definite concern with population levels and dynamics, as well as habitat loss. The Great Horned Owl has long been a predator of these ancient raptors and wreaked havoc on our resident Kite “Neighborhood” here on Palmetto Bluff.

We contacted Dr. Meyer and shortly after his arrival, we were excited to discover another two nests. Unfortunately, within two weeks of finding these nests, all were attacked by Great Horned Owls. Dr. Meyer’s research will look into the home range of the Great Horned Owls and the habitats here on the Bluff that they most readily utilize. The research will also look at seasonal changes in this predator’s behavior as well as the amount of usage in or adjacent to the Kites’ nesting habitat. We hope to learn more about the requirements for nesting and what, if anything, we can do to minimize Great Horned Owl impacts on these nesting sites.

Within this research, ARCI planned to capture at least two adult Great Horned Owls, and fit each with VHF transmitters to track daily movements, and document the areas they prefer to hunt. ARCI also wants to refine survey methods based on the owl’s vocalizations, and use tagged owls to estimate detection probabilities. In December of last year Dr. Meyer’s Team, including Gina Kent and Steve Alsup, set out to capture these owls on the first full moon. Having honed their trapping techniques over the

years on a multitude of bird species, these researchers quickly devised a plan of attack. Using gerbils in a cage (no gerbils were harmed in the trapping of the owls) and a catch mechanism on top of the cage they soon had several near catches. With every near catch something new was learned and used to the researchers’ advantage on the next trapping session. The full moon came and went and no owls were caught. Refusing to acknowledge defeat from the hostile conditions (the long nights and mornings in the pop-up blinds, the ever present ticks, no see ums, and mosquitoes) the researchers set out in January of this year, on the full moon, to accomplish their mission. Learning from past attempts, they decided to utilize a net system in conjunction with the cage. In less than two weeks’ time, two Great Horned Owls were caught and fitted with transmitters. They were also given a complete assessment including body weights, blood samples to determine gender, and the overall health of the birds. After the health assessment, the birds were released back into the wilds of Palmetto Bluff to begin this new and exciting research. Congratulations go to Dr. Meyer and his crew on their well-deserved success and the timely manner in which the first part of this research was completed.

This takes us to the next steps in the Swallow-Tailed Kite vs. Great Horned Owl - Palmetto Bluff Research Project, as we strive to continually learn about our native biodiversity and ecological needs. Simply put, we can only conserve what we know we have. We conduct research to articulate an ecological understanding of our natural resources, enabling us to structure the best management practices and policies for conservation.

cons ervan c y ’ s rese arc h i n ac t i o n

39

Living History A Piece of Palmetto Bluff History in the White House Queen Victoria. Barack Obama. Henry Hartstene. It’s not difficult to pick out Hartstene, an

antebellum plantation owner at Palmetto Bluff, as the odd name in this group which includes two world leaders. But there is a connection between these three people, one which begins over 150 years ago in the Arctic ice and which links a 19th century Bluff resident to European royalty and the 21st century White House.

During the 1840s and 1850s, the possibility of a lucrative trade route through the Northwest Passage led to several British and American expeditions to the Arctic. The most famous team of explorers was the Franklin expedition, led by Sir John Franklin, which left England in 1845 and never returned.

Just as numerous as the explorers were the search parties which followed them, hunting for the missing Arctic adventurers. As both types of expeditions were ill-prepared for polar conditions, the American or British navies were often called upon for rescues. In 1855, Commander Hartstene, owner of Greenleaf and Chinquapin Hill Plantations at Palmetto Bluff and a young American naval officer, sailed to Greenland in search of a missing Franklin “rescue” expedition led by Elisha Kent Kane. Successfully retrieving the survivors of the Kane party, including Kane himself, Hartstene arrived in New York in October 1855.

That same autumn, an American whaler discovered the ship of a different Franklin search party, abandoned and adrift, off the eastern shore of Baffin Island, in northern Canada. The HMS Resolute was a 112-foot vessel with massively reinforced sides built to withstand the pressures of the polar ice. The ship was part of a larger naval fleet which was sent from England in 1852 to find and rescue Franklin and his men. After nearly two years of unsuccessful searching, and months trapped in the sea ice, the Resolute was abandoned in the spring of 1854. Eighteen months later, the Resolute was found and taken to New England. A New York merchant persuaded the United States government to purchase the vessel, restore it to its original glory, and return it to England as a gesture of good will.

Good will was decidedly absent in Anglo-American relations in the 1850s. Great Britain and the United States were at odds over their interests in Central America, the slave trade, tariffs, and even fishing rights. In 1855, Great Britain began actively recruiting in the United States for men to fight in the Crimean War, a move the American government viewed as a violation of its sovereignty and neutrality, and in response, the British minister to the United States was expelled. In this increasingly hostile political climate, the gift of the HMS Resolute was a display of courtesy and generosity that would ease tensions and give both British and American citizens a cause for celebration.

Not surprisingly, the queen was delighted with the gift and with the charming and gallant Captain Hartstene. After a tour of the ship, she invited him to spend the evening with the royal family at Osborne House, her palace on the Isle of Wight. The visit was followed by two weeks of receptions and festivities in which Hartstene, his crew, and the gift of the Resolute were feted and celebrated. Six months later, the British government presented Hartstene with a sword, “as a memorial of the gratification which her majesty, the queen of Great Britain, has received from the return of the barque Resolute.”

In November 1856, Henry Hartstene, now famous for his rescue of the Kane expedition, was chosen to sail the Resolute back to England and to present her to Queen Victoria. As soon as the Resolute arrived in England, the royal family requested a visit.

After the formal introductions, Captain Hartstene addressed the Queen, “Allow me to welcome your Majesty on board the ‘Resolute,’ and, in obedience to the will of my countrymen and of the President of the United States, to restore her to you, not only as evidence of a friendly feeling to your sovereignty, but as a token of love, admiration, and respect to your Majesty personally.”

For the next 23 years, the HMS Resolute served in the Royal Navy, but in 1879, the ship was decommissioned and its parts were salvaged for other vessels. Queen Victoria arranged for a desk to be made of some of its timbers and for the desk to be presented to President Rutherford B. Hayes as a memorial to the original gift delivered by Captain Hartstene. This desk, known as the Resolute desk, has been used by every president since Hayes, with the exceptions of Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. President Obama uses the Resolute desk in the Oval Office.

Queen Victoria, Barack Obama, and Palmetto Bluff ’s own Henry Hartstene each have a connection to the Resolute desk, an elegant piece of history in the White House.

(For a Hollywood connection, check out National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets, where Nicolas Cage needs the Resolute desk to solve a mystery.) li vi ng h i s tory – the b luff & th e w h i te h o use

41

Auberge

Adventures

Whether you’re at Palmetto Bluff for a weekend or a lifetime, you’ll never lack for things to see and do. Here, where 20,000 acres invite exploration and recreation, the land is preserved but so too is your spirit... of adventure. In fact, every stay at Palmetto Bluff is an adventure — through time, and your senses.

But, we’re kicking it up a notch. With the introduction of “Auberge Adventures,” The Inn will customize your stay with an exclusive and once in a lifetime experience. In fact, all of the resorts in the Auberge portfolio have introduced this unique level of programming, aiming to ensure that you are making the most of your memories. Where will your adventure begin?

aub erg e adv en t ures

43

Discover The Roots of the Lowcountry Tour historic Daufuskie Island, accessible only by boat, with native Sallie Ann Robinson. Sallie Ann, famed culinarian and author in her own right, was one of Pat Conroy’s students about which he wrote in The Water is Wide. She’ll guide you along the island to visit the historic First African Baptist Church, the Praise House and Mary Field’s Elementary School (the school of inspiration for Pat Conroy’s novel.) After this trip back in time Sallie Ann will accompany you back to Palmetto Bluff and cook up a Gullah lunch you’ll never forget.

Horseback Riding with Famed Jockey Eddie Maples Take to the trail with Eddie Maples, National Racing Hall of Fame inductee. He’ll customize a riding lesson with you and your equine companion (or one of ours) based on your level of experience. After your lesson you’ll enjoy a private lunch in our Equestrian Club Room where you’ll have the chance to hear tips and tales of his amazing 4,398 wins as a jockey on a variety of equine competitors. He’ll even share with you what it was like to ride the reknown Secretariat in his final race and win at the Canadian International Stakes.

River Road Tour Explore the 122-acre River Road Preserve with a Conservancy Team member. Get glimpses of hard marsh ecosystems, majestic live oak canopies, and hidden wetland gems as you walk and learn about the habitats and history of Palmetto Bluff.

The Ecology of Lowcountry Waterways Climb aboard the Hinkley to take a tour down the May River.

We will discuss the ecology of the rivers and marshes in the Lowcountry in addition to observing some of our fascinating wildlife.

Palmetto Bluff ’s History & Nature Tour Explore the history of Palmetto Bluff from Native American sites, to antebellum plantation homes, early 20th century mansions and hunting lodges, to the current conservation practices and development, all while admiring the natural beauty of the Village. The tour starts at the Ruins, and goes to a historic cemetery and archaeology sites. Must be able to walk up to 1 mile.

Birding the Bluff Excursion Birding is one of the most popular pastimes in America and Palmetto Bluff has wilderness tailor made for it. Located on the Atlantic Migratory Flight Path, Palmetto Bluff is home to a diverse population of bird life throughout the year, and for spring/fall migration. Join an expert birding guide for a Palmetto Bluff birding adventure. You will visit some of our survey points used for our long-term research on our extensive bird community in addition to some of our excellent birding spots along water bodies.

Endangered Species Introduction Palmetto Bluff is home to many Federal and State endangered species, including Bald Eagles, Wood Storks, and Fox Squirrels.

The Conservancy is constantly monitoring these populations.

Hitch a ride with Conservancy staff as we travel to roosting and nesting sites. Along the way, you’ll learn about these threatened species and some of the reasons why they are protected.

44

au b erg e a dv en t ures

Tracking Alligators Join researcher Kimberly Andrews to use radio telemetry to locate American alligators as part of our on-going research on Palmetto Bluff where we are investigating uses of local habitat types and the influences of a changing landscape on movement patterns. While the alligator may be in either terrestrial or aquatic habitats, we will keep a safe distance at all times and you will not at any point be in a position that creates risk for anyone involved.

Come and observe these fascinating dinosaurs in their natural habitats.

Beautiful Beaufort By The Bay Take one of our Mercedes up to Beaufort for the day, South Carolina’s second oldest city founded in 1711, this small coastal city is the queen of the sea islands.

Sea island cotton, phosphate mining, rice, and indigo all contributed to the great wealth of Beaufort in the early 19th century. Occupied early on by the Union troops, Beaufort was spared from destruction during the Civil War. You will have a private guide to show you the high spots including the interior of one of the magnificent private historic homes for which Beaufort is known. After your tour you’ll enjoy brunch in one of Beaufort’s historic private houses.

Ossabaw Island Expedition Get in touch with nature on one of Georgia’s famed barrier islands, accessible only by boat. Dress in your jeans and walking shoes for an unforgettable tour that begins as you take one of our Mercedes down to the Delegal Marina to begin your journey. You will be transported by boat to the dock at Ossabaw and if lucky, greeted by the resident burro family. You will begin your tour down the main avenue (a sandy oak draped island road)…have a delicious picnic on the beach…just you and your guide…..and then continue on our tour of the old artist’s colony on Ossabaw.

Return boat trip across Wassaw Sound in time for dinner at the Bluff. Ossabaw is one of the largest barrier islands of Georgia, and contains about 9,000 acres of wooded uplands, and freshwater ponds, as well as 16,000 marshlands with tidal creeks. these programs are designed to allow you the flexibility to create your own unique and memorable lowcountry experience. to book your once in a lifetime experience, contact the palmetto bluff adventures team at 843.706.6560. all excursions require a minimum of 14 days booking prior to the experience.

aub erg e adv en t ures

45

DINING

INN

The Enduring Legacy of Southern Hospitality

I

n 1910, President Taft faced off against House of Representatives member James A. Tawney who called into question the President’s travel fund and “injected the matter of Southern hospitality into the debate”.

President Taft, so flustered by the intimation of wrongdoing regarding his travels and the suggestion that in the South board was charged, responded to Tawney in an openletter made public at the White House.

Taft stated, “In all of my experience, and I have enjoyed hospitality of many sections and countries of the world, I never had a more cordial, generous, open, and lavish welcome than I had in the Southern states during my trip …”

From the beginning, Southern hospitality has revolved not only around history and etiquette, but almost every aspect of it has also included an association with some form of food Southern food, of course.

At Palmetto Bluff, shortly after the turn of the twentieth century, R.T. Wilson, Jr. entertained lavishly in his magnificent “Palmetto Lodge”. The Palmetto Bluff estate was designed with guests in mind. Visitors arrived at the estate by way of a Savannah Line steamship, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, or the Seaboard Air Line train. The social pages of the New York Times listed the comings and goings of the New York elite with frequent mention of individuals “leaving today

to visit Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Wilson of Palmetto Bluff, S.C.” Guests would stay for weeks, enjoying Mrs. Wilson’s lavish parties. One can only imagine the elegance and bounty of the meals served there, with the freshest of ingredients harvested from the surrounding waters and woods, and the produce of Wilson’s extensive farms.

In the 1950s, Union Camp Paper Company built a rustic but charming hunting lodge overlooking the May River. In the long, wood-paneled “Trophy Room” sumptuous game dinners and feasts of local seafood were presented nightly.

Prepared by lifelong Lowcountry cooks, an evening’s meal might include quail, venison, boar, shrimp, crabs and oysters—all harvested on the property or from the adjacent waterways. As many as 28 guests would visit the 14-bedroom lodge at one time.

In the modern South, such formality has given way to a more casual approach to food. But the food is always there.

And it is front and center here. From afternoons spent “porching” and sipping sweet tea (or something stronger); to crab cake socials that spill from the sidewalks to the Village streets; to oyster roasts where guests stand elbow-to-elbow at a common table partaking in the sweet bounty of our river and the enduring camaraderie that the tradition creates. At Palmetto Bluff, the tradition of Southern Hospitality is alive and well.

dining inn

47

MUSIC

TO YOUR

MOUTH Music to your Mouth

Our obsession with food really started to build when our team sat in a meeting dreaming up “pie in the sky” ideas for the Bluff. Food Network star Tyler Florence was in that meeting, and we scoffed when he suggested an oyster roast in the middle of the Village Green for 1,000 people. Darned if he wasn’t onto something and together we started small (still with eyes bigger than our stomachs), with a weekend event one November. Who knew that in just six years, we would indeed have 1,000 people gathered on the Green for what some have deemed the “best southern celebration in the country.” Now, that modest weekend gathering has grown into a year-long food and wine series that pairs the most prominent chefs from the Southern food scene, with producers of the finest artisanal beverages and products, and musicians from across the region. Each month, we’re tempting the taste buds of locals and visitors alike with a full menu (pun intended) of offerings.

First fridays First Fridays are our terrifically popular food and wine parings, a drum roll, if you will, leading up to our world-renowned Music To Your Mouth festival. Each month we gather for an evening that is equal parts savory education, delicious debate and neighborly good humor. Each is original, unique and certain to satisfy. Mark your calendar!

7pm First Friday Each Month at Buffalos $50 per person (plus tax & gratuity) • RSVP 843.706.6630

Full Moon Party East Meets South The Great Debate: Beer vs. Wine Rosé is in Bloom with BBQ Sample the Delights of Whites Explore Pinot Noir Melting Pot East Coast Wines: Hidden Gems

April 6 May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3 September 7 October 5 November 2

wine dinner series The Wine Dinner Series takes experiential dining to a new level. Over the course of the year, legendary winemakers (Edwards, Bond, Hobbs, to name a few) journey to the Bluff to share their passion, their stories, and of course, their wines. We take great delight in pairing their best grapes with innovative southern creations (sometimes in partnership with neighboring chefs from the region). RSVP 843.706.6542 Siduri & Zepaltas Wine Weekend April 27-28 “Hidden Happy Hour & Secret Supper” Hosts Adam Lee & Ryan Zepaltas Wine is a discovery in every glass and this weekend will be a discovery of the land and cuisine as well. Guests will be transported to undisclosed areas of the property to spend the weekend with winemakers Adam Lee and Ryan Zepaltas as we honor the rich heritage of Lowcountry cuisine paired with wines of the west.

Walter Hansel Wine Weekend May 18-19 “Cruise & Chefs Table Dinner” Host Stephen Hansel A Friday evening spring cruise in the warm waters of the May River with a glass of wine is near perfection. But, it gets even better Saturday night while our chefs will endeavor to pair the perfect meal with the wines of Walter Hansel all while you watch along from the comfort of your dining table.

Save The Dates...

Sept. 2 “Beer Dinner & Oyster Roast” A Celebration of Music, Family, Food and Fun at Moreland Landing featuring foods of the Lowcountry and seasonal brews.

Oct. 27 “Speakeasy Cocktail Party” Our swanky 1920’s underground speakeasy is anything but dry. Mixologists craft modern cocktails based on the classics of the era. True to the times, you will need a password to join the party.

Nov. 14–18 Music to your Mouth Festival 2012 We’ll bring together more than 50 of the best chefs, vintners, brewers, farmers and purveyors in the South for a fiveday culinary experience of epic proportions (seriously!).

Tickets go on sale in June. m usi c to yo ur m o u th

49

Brandon Carter Executive Chef Ashley Cope Pastry Chef

BEHIND THE

MUSIC

Ian Mwangi Muriu Sous Chef Trey Dutton Buffalo’s Head Chef

a culinary q&a with The Bluff ’s Tastemakers

Hometown?

Brandon: Atlanta.

Ian: Nairobi, Kenya.

Ashley: Ellsworth, Maine.

Trey: I was born in Brunswick, GA, but grew up in Summerville, SC just outside of Charleston.

away from home it became the one meal I could never get out of my mind. No spaghetti came close to hers.

Trey: The best meal I’ve ever had was at the French Laundry in 2005, on my honeymoon. It was 17 courses, and just a really incredible experience. It is also the most expensive meal I’ve ever had.

Where do you find southern/Lowcountry inspiration for the menus?

Brandon: Inspiration for me usually comes from a good conversation, a perfect ingredient or the drive in to work.

Ian: I believe I found my passion for Southern Cooking when I had my first breakfast meal at the Woodlands Inn Resort. It was Proscuitto Wrapped Omelet over Anson Mills Grits, Crispy Rosti and Hollandaise sauce. I had never tasted grits before and I loved it. From there my passion kept growing by dining out and learning from different Chefs.

Ashley: My coworkers, magazines and restaurants from the surrounding areas.

Trey: My passion for Southern food comes directly from spending time in all of my grandmothers’ kitchens. Both of my grandmothers and my great-grandmother all lived in Glennville, GA (Vidalia Onion Capital of the World) as I was being raised, and whether it was breakfast, dinner, or supper, I was always hanging around in one of their kitchens.

What would you request for your last meal?

Brandon: A fat charcoal grilled dry aged ribeye with hand cut french fries and Bernaise.

Ian: I think an African Meal is what I would want to have for my last meal (Grilled Goat, Kachumbari and Ugali).

Ashley: Obviously my mother’s spaghetti, and a chocolate molten cake, my dessert weakness.

Trey: Scrambled Eggs, Grits, French Toast, Bacon. And lots of it!

Who taught you to cook?

Brandon: I have taken things from everyone I have come in contact with personally and professionally the end result is a cumulative of my life.

Ian: My mother had great influence to my cooking. I always asked questions and wanted to help her cook. Working with great Chefs has taught me a lot.

Ashley: My stepfather.

Trey: I definitely learned to love food from my grandmothers, but Chef Mike Lata is the one I credit with teaching me how to really cook. He hired me in my first kitchen job at Anson in Charleston in 2000. And I worked for him again at FIG from 2003-2005.

He taught me the foundation of technique and taste that have enabled me to create and refine the food I love.

Best meal you’ve ever had?

Brandon: 16 courses in Umbria at a restaurant that looked and felt like someone’s house.

Ian: In all the years I have been cooking and working in different Countries, I do not think I could actually pick a best meal. I could probably break that down to the best Chef that cooked for me.

Ashley: I would have to say my mother’s spaghetti, after I moved

Three ingredients everyone should have in their kitchen?

Brandon: Olive Oil, Ripe Tomatoes and Lemons.

Ian: Salt, pepper and butter.

Ashley: Professional - dark chocolate, pasteurized egg yolks, vanilla bean paste. Home kitchen- turbinado sugar, minced garlic, frozen grapes.

Trey: Kosher Salt, Bacon, and Duck Fat. Best kitchen tool?

Brandon: Vita Prep Blender.

Ian: Definitely a sharp knife.

Ashley: A Kuhn Rikon paring knife.

Trey: A well-seasoned cast iron pan.

If you had your own cooking show, what would it be called?

Brandon: Flavor.

Ian: Welcome to a Taste of Africa.

Ashley: The Accidental Baker, because I like to try new things and sometimes the accidents become favorites.

Trey: “Love & A Sharp Knife” – I imagine the premise to be me traveling around and hanging out with a variety of Southern farmers (who are some of the most interesting people I know), exploring their passions and collaborating to create a meal.

What did you have for lunch today?

Brandon: Steak Fajitas.

Ian: Salad with grilled chicken.

Ashley: Ah, bad time to ask, baby spinach salad with avocado and Greek vinaigrette, and a lean cuisine Panini – New Year’s resolution to eat better.

Trey: I don’t eat lunch. The only meal periods I recognize are Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper. b eh i n d th e m usi c

51

Property Owners of the

Feathered Flock

by Tim White

As spring arrives at Palmetto Bluff, birds that have been absent for the winter begin to make their return. High overhead, Chimney Swifts chatter as they snap up gnats and mosquitoes.

Forest edges that were silent for the majority of the winter are suddenly alive with calling Northern Parulas and Great Crested Flycatchers. For many birds, spring also marks the beginning of breeding season, and with it, the need for males to establish territories.

Territories must meet several criteria: they must provide safe nesting sites, ample food and water, and they must encompass the residence of at least one female. Depending on the species, a territory may be an acre or less — or as much as a hundred square miles.

It’s easy to tell which species are the most territorial. Those with the brightest colors or the loudest songs are typically the most aggressive in defense of their real estate.

(Whether or not a bird has young is also important in aggression: a mockingbird defending its nest, for example, will not hesitate to attack a hawk or eagle — or even a person — that comes too close, sometimes striking the intruder with its beak or claws. So, before investigating a bird nest in your azaleas, think twice!)

One of the Bluff ’s showiest birds, the Painted Bunting, begins nesting at the end of March. Male Painted Buntings are stunningly bright, with a lime-green back, blue head, and red breast. As well as being one of the most beautiful birds, Painted Buntings are one of the most territorial. Males defend their breeding sites by singing from a prominent perch, making them easy to spot by anyone familiar with their song. Their bright plumage and musical songs aren’t for our benefit, though, they are warnings to other males — essentially visual and auditory “Keep Out” signs. And if songs aren’t enough, Painted Buntings will readily attack intruding rivals with their claws and beaks, sometimes fighting to the death.

Young male buntings avoid this sort of potentially lethal confrontation by mimicking the females’ plumage. For the first year and a half, they are the same drab green as females, and they rarely establish territories, although they return to the place where they were born. Their dull colors also give them time to learn to sing — without being threatened by the established males. Oddly, Painted Buntings do not learn to sing from their parents. Instead, they learn from their neighbors, particularly during their immaturity when they can move between territories with relative impunity.

Coupled with their remarkable fidelity to nest sites — one bird may occupy the same territory for as long as 12 years — this leads to nearly identical songs from all of the birds in a given area.

Immature males also use their disguise to another, more devious end. Since they lack

the ability to establish breeding territories of their own, they stand little chance of finding a mate — unless they use trickery.

Young males, still wearing the green plumage of a female, sometimes sneak into successful, adult males’ territories and mate with the resident female or females.

The oblivious adult male often doesn’t even attempt to chase away the intruder.

(One can only wonder what runs through the mind of female who is courted by a youngster in drag!)

At Palmetto Bluff, Painted Buntings can be found along brushy edges of woods, particularly near water — the borders of the equestrian fields are particularly good habitat. Listen for their musical song, often described as “cheerio, cheerio, spaghetti-for-two”, and keep an eye on the tops of trees or tall shrubs for a flash of brilliant color. And, if you provide millet seed and a source of water, your yard could become prime real estate for this feisty little bird.

At the other end of ostentatious plumage spectrum is the Chuck-will’s-widow. But what the Chuck-will’s-widow lacks in glamour, it makes up for in decibels. It’s not a bird one sees often — during the day, it rests on the forest floor, where it’s too well camouflaged against the background of leaves and pine needles to be easily noticed — but its loud song is enough to wake you well before sunrise, at least until you grow used to the call: Chck-wiiiiillsWIDOW, Chck-wiiiiills-WIDOW! As a mostly crepuscular species — that is, active primarily at dawn and dusk — Chuck-will’s-widows are presented with a unique challenge when it comes to defending territory. Bright colors

and showy displays are useless in the dark, and so sound is the only effective means of keeping out intruders. Unlike Painted Buntings, Chuck-will’s-widows do not involve themselves in physical confrontation. Instead, vocalizations are enough to determine the dominant male in any conflicts that arise. In fact, it’s easy to tell where one Chuck-will’swidow’s property meets another, simply by listening for the point where you can hear two birds at once. (Chuck-will’swidows are often confused with their more northern counterpart: the Whip-poorwill. However, of the two, only the Chuckwill’s-widow is a Palmetto Bluff resident.)

At Palmetto Bluff, Chuck-will’s-widows are at the top of the nocturnal food chain.

Most of the time, they capture moths, cicadas, and other large insects out of the air. Occasionally, though, they have been documented catching bats and even small birds! Because of their peculiar habits, attracting Chuck-will’s-widows to your yard is not feasible (and would probably not endear you to your neighbors).

However, they are numerous enough in the summer months that you’re unlikely to go more than a few nights without hearing one staking its claim to your neighborhood.

Palmetto Bluff ’s avian diversity is tremendous, particularly this time of year, as both migrants and residents fill the air with sound and color. But the next time you step outside to appreciate the beauty of nature, recognize the fact that, for all their aesthetic beauty, birds’ musical songs and showy plumage serve a different purpose: settling disputes over property lines. th e fe ath ered flo c k

53

32 MILES Endless Possibilities

h t On

e

Palmetto Bluff’s 32 miles of waterfront (yes 32 miles!) provide a plethora of options, and views that can’t be beat.

To put it into perspective, the driving distance between Hilton Head, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia is also 32 miles. All due respect to Henry Ford, but we’d rather spend our time off the highways and on the waterways.

Wouldn’t you?

W

r e t a

32 MILES

F

irst-timers, and even familiar faces at Palmetto Bluff are amazed to discover there are miles and miles (32 to be exact) of spectacular waterways surrounding the Bluff. The May, Cooper, and New Rivers bound the 20,000 acres with endless opportunities for exploration. Out on the water a new adventure starts daily.

Spend a lazy day kayaking or canoeing, where the dolphins break though the water’s horizon, to accompany you as you paddle along. Speaking of paddle, it’s the perfect place to grab a paddle board and take a tranquil tour of the spectacular scenery … almost like walking on water! You’ve never truly experienced a Lowcountry sunrise or sunset until you’ve seen one from a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Palmetto Bluff water trails provide even more opportunities for kayakers and canoeists to explore and discover the enormity of the property.

Board your boat (or ours) and enjoy the unmatched

excitement of saltwater fishing. Power boaters can explore the May River and head out via the Intracoastal Waterway. We hear that spring and summer is a great time to catch tarpon, cobia, redfish and speckled sea trout. Then, try your luck in our freshwater ponds and lakes. They’re an angler’s paradise, stocked and carefully managed for over seventy years, where largemouth bass and bream abound.

You can always opt to treat family and friends to an unforgettable cruise aboard our historical yacht, the Grace.

56

3 2 mi les , en d less po ssibili t ies

She’s one of the last remaining examples of pre-World War I, gas-powered yachts and has a colorful history. She is named to honor the sister of R. T. Wilson, Jr. - the wealthy New Yorker who purchased Palmetto Bluff in 1902. The ruins of Wilson’s mansion still occupy our Village Green. In 2004 Palmetto Bluff began final restorations and today, Grace is a beloved and integral part of our yacht charters. She just celebrated her 99th birthday, and the regal old gal never looked better!

If you’re ready for a little relaxation at the beach, appearing once a day on receding tides, the May River Sandbar is a special kind of beach. Scrubbed and scoured by Mother Nature, it is all the more rare because its time in the sun is fleeting and access is only by boat. This may explain the Sandbar’s “place-to-be” popularity with guests, residents and locals. On a sunny day, you’ll find a wonderfully eclectic mix

of families and couples relaxing on this tiny bit of nature’s perfection.

Perhaps you’ll get up early to catch the sunrise, and maybe a few fish. Or sleep-in, then head out to explore the stunning sea or the tranquil water trails on kayak or power boat, sticking around just long enough to glimpse the setting sun.

Whether you’re staying a weekend or a lifetime, there are 32 miles of waterways leading to new adventures, and the possibilities are endless.

The May, Cooper, and New Rivers bound the 20,000 acres with endless opportunities for exploration.

32 m i les, en d less p o ssi b i li t i es

57

Bringing art home Basket weaving, storytelling, landscape sculptures, pottery, poetry, fiddle players, vocalists, and painting — inspiration for artists are readily found in this amazing region. Perhaps it is the quality of light in the Lowcountry, which has so often been compared to that of Provence, that helps explain why the region has been a magnet for artists the world over for so many years.

But the most compelling draw is the stunning natural beauty of the rivers, marshes and maritime forest, as well as the hope, optimism and warm good nature of the people that best characterize this rare and mystical place.

As a result the art of the Carolina Lowcountry has evolved as a distillate of the history and geography that make this region so utterly unique, from the primitive folk art of the Sea Islands to the exquisite “naïve” paintings of Jonathan Green; from the Charleston etchings of Hutty and Verner to the stunning landscapes of Ray Ellis and West Fraser.

58

t h e pa lme t to blu f f a rt s co mmissio n

Showcasing the Art of the Lowcountry The Palmetto Bluff Arts Commission is dedicated to showcasing local and regional talent, bringing their art here by weaving the diverse artistic elements of the Lowcountry into the fabric of our community.

Visual Arts and Artists “Patron Parties” are the Commission’s unique way of showcasing visual artists in the intimate setting of a neighbor’s home. This relaxed setting allows for interacting and experiencing not only the art, but the artist.

Music and the Performing Arts Whether it’s Jazz, the Blues or Bluegrass, the Lowcountry is home to an extraordinarily diverse cast of musicians and performers. The Arts Commission brings the talented folks who make the music in our community here to perform in both large and intimate venues.

Sculpture To enhance, magnify and showcase the splendor of our natural surroundings, the Arts Commission is building a unique private collection of sculpture for owners and guests, that will become a part of the diverse natural settings that make up our community.

The Commission’s journey in bringing these pieces here is as vital as the work itself, with selection and installation marking important milestones in the establishment of the collection.

Experiencing Art To truly experience art, one must actively participate in it. As part of their program, the Commission is offering residents opportunities to meet artists and learn from them in a variety of venues. Look for workshops, lectures and classes, outings, camps, field trips and one–on–one instruction. The Commission also plans to help residents connect to the plethora of artistic talent that makes the Lowcountry home, exposing them to artistic experiences throughout the region, not just within Palmetto Bluff.

Jazz’d Lowcountry legend, Bob Masteller, masterfully pairs musicians with the Arts Commission.

Cellar Sounds Cellar Sounds, Palmetto Bluff ’s monthly concert series, is striking the right chord with members. Sold out each month, the series features visiting artists in an intimate setting. With just a few dozen seats available, the series focuses on real connections, guests interacting one-on-one with the musician, asking questions, calling out requests, and even gathering post-dinner for a celebratory toast.

Local musician and owner of The Jazz Corner on Hilton Head Island, Bob Masteller partners with Palmetto Bluff to book the musical talent.

Playing to sold out crowds every night, The Jazz Corner has prided itself, since March 30, 1999 in selecting proper jazz and music. Careful analysis of jazz uncovers the little known fact that there are some twenty three different categories of jazz, ranging from traditional to acid jazz. The Jazz Corner focuses on four of the twenty three – swing, traditional, New Orleans and mainstream jazz. It is interesting to note that each of these categories have common subdivisions which are bright and airy, mood themes, mid-tempo themes and ballads. In addition, within each category, tunes selection is such that vocals can be attached as an addition to each grouping.

Concert On The Green When he isn’t booking the music, performing nightly, managing the culture, recording, blogging, or singing, Masteller also heads up the Junior Jazz Foundation, an organization aimed at furthering the education of jazz and blues among schools in the Lowcountry region.

In the true spirit of community collaboration, Palmetto Bluff hosts “A Concert on the Green,” each spring with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation to support their efforts to raise funds for new equipment, instruments, scholarships, classes and seminars for local young students.

May 10, 2012

The Village Green at Palmetto Bluff Gates Open: 5:00 p.m. • Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Local stars including Reggie Deaz, Lavon and Louise, Whitley Deputy, Teri Rini Powers, and The Jazz Corner All-Stars, among others, are all scheduled to perform.

Tickets are $25 per car, at the Palmetto Bluff Main Gate, on the day of the performance.

Don’t miss the final date in our spring Cellar Sounds Series!

“Powers is a masterful jazz singer who is so adept at handling time that everything she sings has a deeply relaxed, swinging pulse...”

April 18 An Evening of Cabaret Jazz with

Teri Rini Powers

What’s Around the Corner There are literally a dozen different and diverse activities every day on the Bluff, from cruises to hikes, horseback and bike rides, fitness classes to tasting and dining events. Look for the full calendar at palmettobluff.com. Here are a few of our favorites worthy of a big circle on your calendar. april 6 Buffalo’s First Friday Wine Dinner

9-15 RBC Heritage PGA Tour

As they say on Hilton Head Island, “Plaid goes well with

anything.” Check out www.rbcheritage.com for details.

60

15

May River Golf Club Couples Member-Guest Four person handicapped scramble with prizes for first and second place teams. Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and awards reception in the Golf Grill following play.

17

Trails & Tales 1 hour guided trail ride followed by cocktails and hors d ’œuvres in the club room, trail horses available.

For more information, please contact Longfield Stables at 843.706.9559.

18

Cellar Sounds An evening of Cabaret Jazz.

w h at ’s a ro u n d t he co rn er

20-21 Earth Day Tasting Menu at the River House

Our chefs will take the bounty of the Lowcountry, from

land to sea, and create a delightful journey for the palate.

23 New Earth Year Resolutions

A two-hour Conservancy “walk and talk” through the

maritime forest. Take in the spectacular views while you

ponder and discuss the ways in which you can do your part

and join us to help preserve this honored land.

26 All Things Alligator

Join the Conservancy Staff in our research catching and

tagging alligators.

27-28 Siduri & Zepaltus Wine Weekend

may 4

Buffalo’s First Friday Wine Dinner

5

Kentucky Derby Social

10 Concert on the Green

An encore performance. See page 59 for more.

10-11 Habitat Review Workshop

Meet with the Conservancy team to learn everything

you need to know about living at the Bluff – from

sustainable design to native landscaping.

12

Old Town Village Festival In the heart of “old town” Bluffton, this 34 year tradition features local artisans, crafters, chefs, non-profits, and all of the quirky spirit that we love about this fabulous town.

Visit www.blufftonvillagefestival.org for details.

15

Trails & Tales

18-19 Walter Hansel Wine Weekend

Host Stephen Hansel will join us Friday night as we

cruise the waters of the May River, with dolphins

frolicking alongside, and a glass of wine in hand.

Saturday night our chefs will endeavor to pair the perfect

meal with the wines of Walter Hansel.

27

Summer Kickoff 5k Road Race

29

PB Pioneers & Explorers PB’s summer camps for children ages 5-13 kicks off for the season. What an amazing opportunity for your children to experience positive group interaction in a safe and fun environment. Emphasis is placed on cooperation, teamwork and participation. Through arts and crafts, sports, daily recreational activities and special events, children are given an opportunity to develop teamwork skills, experience fun adventures, and create new and lasting friendships.

june 1

Buffalo’s First Friday Wine Dinner

2

Julie Goodnight Riding Clinic at Longfield Stables

15-16 Turtle Mark & Recapture

Get your feet wet with Dr. Kimberly Andrews as she

explores our freshwater wetlands and the inhabitants of

this water wonderland.

18

Longfield Stables Summer Riding Camp Begins

july 3

Family Scavenger Hunt The Recreation and Conservancy teams have crafted a fun-filled day of searching for clues and completing tasks all while traversing the property. Your family will journey together in this quest for bragging rights and to be “crowned ” the 2012 Family Scavenger Hunt Victors.

4

Annual Parade A don’t miss event, the July 4th Parade is a growing tradition at Palmetto Bluff. Members and guests decorate their golf carts, bicycles, and even their pets! Following the Parade join us for a carnival full of family fun games, prizes, and live entertainment.

13-22 Beaufort Water Festival

Attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually to

downtown Beaufort and surrounding areas, the festival

celebrates the Lowcountry’s bond with the sea, featuring

water-oriented activities along with many recreational

and entertaining events like kids day, Lowcountry

Supper, nightly concerts, an air show and crafts. www.bftwaterfestival.com 19

Conservancy Field Trip Join the Savannah Wildlife Refuge’s Biologists in their research, and capture and band The Mourning Dove.

29

Mimosas on the May We’re cruisin’ every Sunday, down the May, with mimosas in hand.

Modesty prevents us from yelling... we’re once again, America’s favorite Inn.

Celebrating Our #1 In the U.S. Award From U.S. News & World Report We’re delighted that our storied Inn, Spa and River House have been so consistently acclaimed as among the very best in America. It would be our pleasure to welcome you for a stay here to enjoy the water, to meander through the forest, to relax at the spa, and to wind down at the River House for cocktails and dinner at sunset. Please join us here on the banks of the May River for a visit certain to stir the soul. #1 Best Hotel 2012 U.S. News & World Report • 2011 AAA Five Diamond Award Inn at palmetto bluff reservations

866.706.6565 |

Real estate inquiries

888.679.7802 | palmettobluff.com