Hilton Head Island - Best Beach Town

Posted by Joan E. Diamond at 12:29 PM

Parents Magazine Names Hilton Head # 1Best Beach Town

(Printed in Island Packet, May 6, 2013)

A national parenting magazine has put Hilton Head Island at the top of its list of the 10 Best Beach Towns.

Parents magazine said the list features family vacation spots with "pristine oceans, beach safety and a boatload of inland fun."

When selecting the best beach towns, the magazine considered Natural Resources Defense Council's water quality reports, the presence of lifeguards, the number of public restrooms and beachside amusements, the number of inland activities and cost of lodging and entertainment options, according to a news release.

The Best Beach Towns, in ranked order:

·         Hilton Head Island

·         Coronado, Calif.

·         St. Pete Beach, Fla.

·         Falmouth, Mass.

·         Cape May, N.J.

·         Amelia Island, Fla.

·         Kitty Hawk, N.C.

·         Kamuela, Hawaii, The Big Island

·         Gulf Shores, Ala.

·         Rehoboth Beach, Del.

The designation "means a lot," said Charlie Clark, spokeswoman for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. "It's a trusted third-party endorsement, and that influences travelers."

May in the Low Country

Posted by Joan E. Diamond at 9:46 AM

What’s happening in May in the Low Country  

Spring is in full bloom and that means there's never a lack of exciting outdoor events to take part in throughout the Lowcountry. No matter your interests, activity level or budget there is something for everyone! Upcoming events include:

Bluffton Village Festival (5/11): A Bluffton institution, the 35th annual Village Festival (or Mayfest) is a hallmark of the mainland's spring calendar. Over 200 vendors, arts & crafts, delicious food, a pie eating contest and much more will take place from 10-4 this coming Saturday. http://blufftonmayfest.moonfruit.com/  

Bike & Dine Week (5/12-5/18): The new event is a great opportunity to get out on the pathways and bike to some of Hilton Head's most popular restaurants. Participants can take their dining receipt to the HHI/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce's office and be entered to win an Elev8 Bike.http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/bikeanddine/  

Hilton Head Island Boat Show (5/18-5/19): Windmill Harbour will host its 9th InWater boat show, which will feature over 30 vendors, dealers, a cash beer and wine bar and food from the South Carolina Yacht Club. http://www.windmillharbourboatshow.com/  

Hilton Head Island Art Festival (5/25 - 5/26): Art lovers won't want to miss the 5th annual HHI Arts Festival in Shelter Cove Harbour over Memorial Day weekend. The outdoor exhibit will feature 150 artists selling original artwork and crafts. Admission is free. http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/event-calendar/details/_5th-annual-hilton-head-island-art-festival/