Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

Hilton Head & Daufuskie Communities

One of the most unique aspects of the Lowcountry, from a geographical standpoint, is the expansive barrier islands that dot the coast. Connected by intricate rivers and marshes, these islands form a chain of unique areas, each with a flavor of its own. Perhaps none of these islands is as famous worldwide for its beauty as Hilton Head Island, which has found itself transformed over the past few decades into an amenity-rich hometown like no other.

But, just a brief ferry ride away, lies a less known barrier island, called Daufuskie, where the world slows to a crawl, a sunset lasts forever and neighbors become close friends over an oyster roast. It is becoming increasingly familiar, however, as new developments and amenities attract more visitors to its shores.

Hilton Head Island has always been synonymous with good times thanks to the popularity of events, such as the Verizon Heritage and the many arts, food and community festivals enjoyed by visitors and locals. Home to a rich community of artists and performers, Hilton Head offers numerous cultural experiences, from musical events to stage performances and everything in between.

And those artists aren’t the only masters who have made the island their home. World-class chefs of every stripe have found themselves drawn here, creating a variety of restaurants, from gourmet to casual, that you won’t find anywhere else. And, of course, the year-round comfort of the island’s climate has drawn in those seeking outdoor pursuits, creating a wealth of opportunities for tennis players, golfers and thrill seekers. And while many visit Hilton Head Island seeking a relaxed, yet exuberant resort, many also end up calling it home.

Some 4,000 years ago, Woodlands Indians made a summer home on the island, leaving behind shell rings, which are still visible today. Later years would bring the sea island cotton boom, filling the island with wealthy planters. One occupation by the Union Army later, and the island was home to a new culture created by freed slaves, known as the Gullah. These descendants of freed African slaves still call the island home, and their unique culture can be seen at various celebrations, art galleries and musical performances.

The modern era of Hilton Head’s history began in the early 1950s, when a man named Charles Fraser changed the world with his vision of a master-planned community. Fraser first came to the island to survey it for his family’s logging company, but in her fertile shores and deep forests, Fraser saw something more. Disgusted by the neon-drenched resorts that dotted the coast, Fraser began plans for an eco-conscious resort that would embrace the surrounding nature, instead of doing its best to stand out from it.

The immediate result of this experiment was The Sea Pines Resort, but the effects of its success changed everything for resort development. The old rules were thrown out, and a new era of responsible development, where a resort’s environment became just as important as its amenities, began.

The rest of the world would get its first formal introduction to the little island in 1969 when Arnold “King of Golf” Palmer would drive to victory in the first-ever “Heritage Classic” at Sea Pines’ Harbour Town Golf Links.

This cemented Hilton Head’s reputation as a golf hot spot in the South, and also enticed an entire country eager for a vacation and entranced by the beautiful island scenery.

Each year, 2.5 million visitors come to Hilton Head to enjoy all that this island paradise has to offer, and to mingle with some 30,000 locals. They come from around the globe to enjoy world-class beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, dining, shopping, hospitality and more.

The community, once anchored entirely by tourism, has now begun to step out as a bonafide hometown. No longer does the island greet the off-season with closed doors and empty roads; today, the fall is filled with great events like the Concours d’Elegance.

More than 25 years ago, the town of Hilton Head Island incorporated, marking a turning point in the island’s history as it began the transformation from sleepy resort town to thriving community, with the rallying cry of home rule allowing Hilton Head Island to finally determine its own destiny as it continued to grow.

Across the water lies a very special island with a very different way of life. On paper, Daufuskie may seem similar to Hilton Head; lush golf courses, lush beaches and a commitment to the beauty of nature. But, the first time your feet hit that island and you see residents waving and smiling, you’ll know that you’re in an entirely different world.

Today, three magnificent planned communities all call Daufuskie Island their home: Bloody Point, Melrose, and Haig Point. All three boast fantastic golf courses, world-class amenities, and a promise to preserve Daufuskie Island’s unspoiled natural beauty.

» CLICH HERE to check out Monthly’s survey of Hilton Head & Daufuskie Communities, their amenities and values.