Lawton Stables

Posted by Joan E. Diamond at 2:15 PM

Lawton Stables

      For a day out to remember, why not bring all the family to visit Lawton Stables in the heart of Sea Pines?  Lawton Stables, located on the island of Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a full service Equestrian Center offering horseback riding, trail rides, pony rides and an animal farm that is free to visitors.

 

Ride a horse through the 603 lush acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve on a one hour long escorted Western style trail ride to really get a feel for the true untouched Low Country.  Pony rides are available for younger visitors under seven, and all of the family will enjoy the collection of small animals, including goats, sheep, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, llama, miniature pony, chickens, rabbits and a young deer.

Lawton Stables specialize in horse boarding and training and offer English and Western riding lessons.  Lawton Stables is open to the public every day from 8am - 5pm.

In 2009, over 200 truckloads of dirt were added to raise the pastures for the benefit of the horses, the new welcome center and hay barn was built, and the new Beresford Boarding Stable was completed in 2010.

The new owners of Lawton Stables started a complete renovation program in January 2008.  Two new arenas were built with championship footing, the trail operations were moved, the paddocks and grounds were irrigated, and the animal farm was rebuilt and moved. 2008 also saw the arrival of Harley, a beautiful and warm-hearted Clydesdale who is of the Anheuser-Busch line of Clydesdales.

Hilton Head Beaches

Posted by Joan E. Diamond at 2:06 PM

Beaches on Hilton Head Island

      Hilton Head offers about 14 miles of beach, mostly along the Atlantic Ocean coast, and Port Royal Sound.   The beaches are perfect for children.  The ocean is calm and as warm as bathwater, and at low tide, the stretch of sand is endless.  There are a few shells and starfish, sand dollars and horseshoe crabs are frequently spotted.  The beaches slope very gradually in most areas.  You can go out a long way from shore and still be able to stand.  This gradual slope inhibits wave action, so Hilton Head is not a place to surfboard but ideal for children to frolic in the waves.

      Biking on the beach at or near low tide is a popular pastime as the sand is usually hard packed.  Be sure to check the wind direction and let the wind help you along.  You may want to exit the beach and ride on a bike path for your return trip. 

      Dogs are allowed on the beach on Hilton Head.  During the summer months their visits are limited to before 10 am and after 5 pm.

There are six “public access” beach areas:

1.       Alder Lane –at the south end of the island beside the Marriott Grand Ocean Resort with parking across South Forest Beach Road.  Amenities include restrooms and a drink vending machine.

2.      Burke’s Beach – off William Hilton parkway (278 Bus.) at Burke’s Beach Road. 

3.      Coligny Beach – island’s busiest beach located at Coligny Circle at the end of Pope Avenue.  Amenities include rest rooms, changing rooms, water fountains, sand showers, pay telephones, and volleyball nets.  Life Guards rent beach equipment, sand trikes, umbrellas, etc.

4.      Dreissen Beach – off William Hilton Parkway at Bradley Beach Road.  It has Life Guards, plenty of parking, restrooms, sand showers, and vending machines.

5.      Folly Field Beach – located on Starfish Road, a right turn off Folly Field Road.  Restrooms, sand showers, Life Guards and water fountains are available.

6.      Islander’s Beach Club-  this beach is intended primarily for locals.  It is located off Folly Field Road at Sparkleberry Lane.  Parking is available only for those who purchase annual permits, which are limited to Hilton Head property owners.  Amenities include restrooms, changing rooms, playground, vending machines, sand showers and picnic tables.

Other Beaches

1.       Sea Pines Beach Club in Sea Pines on the Atlantic Ocean offering many amenities including food service, a bar, showers, restrooms, entertainment and activities for children (seasonal).  It is attended by life guards.  The Sea Pines trolley provides transportation to the Beach Club from the Greenwood Drive parking lot and Harbour Town.

2.      Sonesta  Beach is in Shipyard and is accessible to those staying in Shipyard.

3.      Palmetto Dunes Beach                    

4.      Westin Resort Hotel

Beach regulations are posted all along the beach.  You may not remove any living creature from the beach (hermit crabs, starfish, sand dollars etc.)  Take nothing but your memories, leave nothing but your footprints. 

Hilton Head Living Introduction

Posted by Joan E. Diamond at 2:02 PM

        Hilton Head Island is a great place for children whether you are here just to vacation or lucky enough to become a permanent resident.  There is so much to see and do, whether you are a history buff, an adventurer, a nature lover, a swimmer, a tennis player, a golfer, a boater, or just a beach bum.  Through my series of blogs I hope to enlighten you to the wonders of this island that delight children of all ages.  My blogs will contain pictures from our grandchildren's visits to the island.  Please comment on my blogs and even post fun activities that you and your family have enjoyed, including pictures.