Island Life Blog

Is it a plane, bird, Super Woman? Yes, it’s Dunes Marketing Realtor, Erline Smith, zipping through the canopies of live oaks, loblolly pines and a Peter tree. You’ll have to go zipping to discover just what a Peter tree is, but it’s there and zipping is worth every penny it costs. Which, by the way, is $89.00. Zippers must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 80 pounds and 250 pounds. You MUST wear closed toed shoes, long pants, if long hair in a pony tail holder under a hard hat….. They gave me an extra cushioned hard hat because I had earned the name “Trouble.” My reputation preceded me it seemed. I was asked my favorite cartoon character and out of the blue, I said “Boo Boo” - you know Yogi Bear’s Boo that just waits on someone else to find the honey and the picnic basket!!! Well, today I got the whole nine yards……  a picnic basket with honey over flowing with knowledgeable guides, Nikki (married to a Marine living in Beaufort) and Aaron, a handsome young man originally from Ohio that was a pretend Navy Seal just for me!

Zipline Hilton Head opened its service last week on April 17. They have had a very promising, busy beginning for their first week. I picture it as becoming one of the major attractions in the Southeast. They are in the baby stage, but doing very well. Under the management of Pam and Roger ...read more

I attended the RBC HERITAGE Golf Tournament Presented by BOEING and was delighted to see and feel all the new excitement in the air. It’s true that you don’t know “what you have” until you “don’t have it anymore.” After almost the last rites of the Heritage last year, then the uncertainty of finding another sponsor and then our heroes RBC and BOEING saving the HERITAGE GOLF ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND. I compare it to being diagnosed with cancer, going into remission, and then diagnosed cancer free. A brand new start! Our Heritage got a new lease on life and it showed big time in Harbour Town this past week. We are looking forward to next year already. I not only believe in miracles…. I count on them… and Hilton Head Islanders, South Carolinians, and golf fans all over the world got a miracle this week.

Especially Carl Petterson, the Swede that finished on top in the Hilton Head Island RBC Slam. There was no drama or strong winds. No question about it, he had control all week shooting a round of 69 on Sunday leaving him with a 5 shot victory, his 5^th PGA win and $1,026,000 in his pocket for the day! I’m sure he’s thinking HOW SWEDE IT IS.

I cannot get over watching the new found energy and the wonder of the fresh breath of excitement as I worked at the Hilton Head Island Multiple Listing Service Booth on the Harbour Town 18^th green. Fans passing ...read more

Unless you have your head in the sand, you know that one of our good ol’ boys won the BIG ONE last Sunday … THE MASTERS AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL in Augusta, GA. Bubba Watson, a Georgia boy, won big and moved himself to the # 4 rank in the golfing world. What was so surprising to me was the fact he never had a golf lesson in his life. He just goes out and plays and has a good time.

We are in the middle of Heritage Week on Hilton Head Island. The RBC Heritage of Golf presented by Boeing is in its first year of sponsorship of this great tradition in Harbour Town at Sea Pines. Boeing just opened a new plant for their 787 Dreamliner in neighboring Charleston, South Carolina. For those in attendance at the tournament or in Harbour Town Friday at noon, there is a flyover scheduled to introduce the new 787 Dreamliner by Boeing. The golfers are going to pause play during the flyover.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Heritage. Whether walking the golf course following your favorite golfer, finding a prime viewing spot from a skybox or golf course front home/condo sitting on the 13^th or 18^th or 1^st or wherever you may roam, if you are on Hilton Head Island you will feel the excitement. You can watch from the comfort of your home on TV. The Golf Channel and CBS will have live coverage thru Sunday.

Gregg Russell is starting his 36^th year singing under the big oak ...read more

While no one has a crystal ball, when it comes to predicting the future value of real estate, a few fundamentals apply. One of the most obvious is that people will always be drawn to Hilton Head Island. The beach, golf courses, tennis courts, marinas and other desirable elements, including temperate weather, moss-draped oaks, lush foliage, abundant wildlife, spectacular sunrises and moonbeams over the Atlantic attract millions of visitors each year.

We have taken great care to preserve the natural beauty and charm of the Lowcountry while providing all the comforts and conveniences of a resort lifestyle in a small town ocean oriented environment. For those who choose to live, work, retire and/or vacation here, the ongoing value is unquestionable.

Whether the real estate market on Hilton Head Island has reached the very bottom or not remains to be seen. What is a firm reality however, is that there are bargains to be found. The significant number of valuable properties available at a discount from their previous price is a unique opportunity for those looking to buy a piece of paradise. But, the inventory has been reducing dramatically since our highs of several years ago, and transactions are picking up. As you can imagine, the best property sells first, i.e., the best view, price, condition, etc. Waiting even a few months may mean an opportunity missed. If you are in a ...read more

We currently have two grandchildren: Nicholas, 11, and Ellie Glenn, 8. We mentioned to them that we were writing blogs for the New Dunes Marketing Group website, www.DunesRealEstateGroup.com. Nicholas and Ellie Glenn said they would love to help. We asked them to write a letter telling us what their best memories are of Hilton Head Island. As proud grand parents; we are assuming that you would love to read what they wrote.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

How are you? My tadpoles have become frogs! Their names are Madeline and Firework. I feed them crickets and worms everyday. My best memories of Hilton Head Island are swimming, the dolphin tour, visiting Lawton Stables in Sea Pines to pet Casey, the deer, and ride Romeo the pony.  I also like going to the top of the Harbour Town light house.

Love,

Ellie.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Here are a few things that I enjoy on Hilton Head Island. I love going to the stores at Coligny Plaza, the wonderful beaches and going golfing with Grandpa, Dad and Uncle Tony. My best memories are fishing down at the boat docks in Long Cove, the dolphin tour, staying at Harbourside III and your great ribs! This year I was hoping I could bring one of my best friends, Ryan, to taste some of Grandpa’s Ribs.

Love,

Nicholas

BABY BACK RIBS

(Dry Rub)

1 c. Light Brown Sugar          ...read more

Before you answer this question you have to make sure that your bag has a logo on the outside. May we suggest that you choose one with: Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, Camp Hilton Head or the Salty Dog. If you have one of these bags, you have arrived. Carrying one of these bags on the island or in states as far away as Texas generates easy introductions to various topics of conversation. (I’m getting off the subject a little, conversations is another topic).

Now you are ready to fill your beach bag with all the essentials that are needed for your trip to the beautiful pristine beaches of Hilton Head. Remember to pack your bag in such a way to retrieve the items as needed. Starting at the bottom of the bag place your water and snacks, then a great book and a deck of cards. Next place your Ipod (so that you can listen to music and not bother your neighbors), followed by your smart phone and camera. The next layer is for sunglasses, lotion and lip gloss. Then your adorable hat and last, but not least, your beautiful brightly colored towel.

Upon your arrival at the beach you pick out a prime location and unfold your color coordinated beach chair. Now you begin the task of removing the items in your beach bag and settling in to enjoy a wonderful day of relaxation. You are relaxed because of the wonderful weather and everything in your beach bag is placed exactly where you ...read more

I think this year’s parade was the best ever. A friend and I arrived at Reilly’s on the South End near Sea Pines to have brunch before the parade. Believe it or not, we found a parking space right at the front door!

I should have realized “the luck of the Irish” was smiling on me right then and there. We planned to sit inside because of wind. However, we were seated at a table next to the Parade Dignitaries, Senator Tom Davis, Congressman Joe Wilson, Mayor Drew Laughlin, and former Mayor Tom Peeples, who were also there to enjoy the brunch buffet and celebrate.

Organizers estimate that more than 20,000 people were on hand along the parade route that started at Coligny Beach on Pope Avenue and ended at Park Plaza near Sea Pines. Our Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the Top 20 Tourism Events in the Southeast. A lot of Irish on Hilton Head all the time, but everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

Many parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church watched from the church grounds along Pope Avenue. Then enjoyed a Sunday Supper of corned beef and cabbage in the educational building provided by The Knights of Columbus.

This year’s parade had 103 entries including floats, cheerleaders, vintage cars, musical acts, adoptable animals from the Hilton Head Humane Society, seven marching bands from area high schools, and the ...read more

Guess what’s happening on Hilton Head Island this Sunday, March 18, 2012? The Marsh Tacky Horse Races will be at Coligny Beach on the South End of Hilton Head. If you haven’t experienced this first hand, you simply must make it a priority on your list of things to do. You’ll be glad you did. Plan to bring your beach chair before 12:00pm to find a good spot on the beach and meet the horses, owners and riders before the races which start at 1:00pm.

I had never heard of them and I have lived in South Carolina all of my life until I just happened to be in the right place at the right time a couple of years ago while walking on the beach. I stopped and when I was told it was a Marsh Tacky Horse Race….. I asked “What kind of breed is that?” 

They seemed like my kind of horse from the moment I laid eyes on them. I am a Carolina Girl and they are the Carolina Horse. I’ve always wanted a horse and this is just the kind of horse I’d want to buy.

The Marsh Tacky has survived over 400 years. They were used during the Civil War and WWII. During World War II they patrolled the South Carolina beaches looking for u-boats. Recently they were honored by being named the official State Heritage Horse of South Carolina in 2010.

And listen to this….Wanna know why they were called “tacky”?  Because they were so common a long time ago. Think ...read more

Here I go again…have you heard the country music song, “Red Solo Cup, I lift you up...Let’s have a party…”?

There was no red Solo cup, but there was a party at the Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head Island this week. I lift my cup to the Ladies Guild of Holy Family Catholic Church for all they do for not only Holy Family, but for the community. The support from the ladies of the community was shining bright on that glorious afternoon.

It was a big party. Over 250 ladies were there!

The 11^th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon presented by the Holy Family Catholic Church.

The newly renovated club was at its finest with Easter pastel table cloths and napkins.

Father Art, priest from Holy Family Church blessed the food. Chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes and green beans, rolls and pecan pie.

Danny, member of the local band The Headliners, performed to the top of his lungs as well as modeled fashions from the Sea Pines Golf Pro Shop.

Models of all ages strutted on a New York-like red carpet runway delighting and entertaining all the ladies in attendance.

Fashions from Island Child in the The Village at Wexford, Palmettoes in Sea Pines Center, Doncaster Outlet in Pineland Station, and S.M. Bradford Company and Currents in Wexford and Harbour Town.

Bonnie Hallman, Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant, was on hand for information about skin care, color makeover appointments, sun ...read more

Here is the story. Back in the day…1973 my older cousins Kent and Colin Hungerpiller decided to “take the plunge” and Shore Enterprises was born. Having worked in Myrtle Beach as lifeguards, they figured there was a need and it was time to start the first Beach Service on Hilton Head Island. Kent and Colin met with the owners and managers of the Hilton Head Inn (now Marriott Grande Ocean) and the Adventure Inn (now vacant land) and agreed to provide lifeguard, trash, and emergency personnel in front of the resorts on the beach. In return for services rendered, they were allowed to rent umbrellas, floats, and sailboats to the guests and store the equipment on the resorts’ property at night.

“Competition made America great!” After one year of operation, Dick Ryan moved down from Myrtle Beach and opened up his stand and services just north on the beach at the Holiday Inn.  Things went well for all, until the third year when Dick made an offer to my cousins that they couldn’t refuse and became sole owner in 1975.

The following year, 1976, I graduated High School and came to Hilton Head Island for the summer with my younger cousin, David. Upon arriving, David gave me the Grand Tour of the island and beaches…I was in awe. Having grown up going to Myrtle Beach with all the neon lights, billboards, and traffic, I could not believe ...read more