HEAD OUTDOORS IN NATURE ON HHI TO HAVE A GREAT TIME
In the Lowcountry, there’s no limit to the good times you can have without getting sand in your shoes. Whether you’re looking to improve your handicap, spend a little quality time with the family or discover the island’s history, enjoyment awaits. Get out there and find it.
A WHEEL GOOD TIME
Hilton Head Island recently saw its Gold-Level Bike Friendly Community status re-affirmed, with the added bonus of being named the most bike-friendly community in South Carolina. It’s a well-earned title; the island boasts 6 miles of bike lanes, 117 miles of shared-use pathways, 108 miles of paved shared-use paths, 14 miles of planned pathways, and 1 mile of single track stretching across the island. Bikers of all abilities are sure to find the perfect path for their two-wheeled exploration of the island.
VISIT THIS AMAZING MUSEUM
The unique ecosystem of the Lowcountry begs to be explored. And if there’s one place to see it all, it’s the Coastal Discovery Museum. Wander along pathways through maritime forests and trek down the boardwalk to learn about the plants and animals that call our area home. Head out to the stables to meet the island’s marsh tackies, horses brought to the Lowcountry by Spanish settlers centuries ago and bred over the years for the terrain of the Lowcountry. The museum also offers programs dedicated to topics like blue crabs, butterflies, critter meet and greets, the Civil War’s impact on the island and much more. For more information, go to www.coastaldiscovery.org.
Whether you’re looking to improve your handicap, spend a little quality time with the family or discover the island’s history, enjoyment awaits.
PEDEGO-GO
What exactly is a Pedego? It’s an electric bike that lets you cruise the pathways of Hilton Head Island without breaking a sweat. Outside Hilton Head offers a unique Pedego tour that leaves from the Shelter Cove store, winding around the waterfront and down to Pope Avenue and stopping at Veterans Memorial Park, Shelter Cove Community Park, the King Neptune statue and Compass Rose Park. Hop on and let the bike do all the work while you enjoy the island. For more information, go to www.outsidehiltonhead.com.
ROAM THROUGH HISTORY
Want to pick up some historical tidbits to impress your friends? The Heritage Library offers a slew of different tours that take you to fascinating sites dating back to the early days of Hilton Head Island. Tour the remains of Fort Mitchel as costumed characters share how this defensive battery held off Confederate incursion and gave the Union a foothold in the South. Or take the Heritage Library’s bike tour to visit Indian shell rings, tabby ruins and the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island in a trek through time. If you dare, hear spooky stories at night of Hilton Head’s history at Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery, or you can visit during the daylight hours through an intriguing program highlighting the cemetery’s historical significance. For more information, go to www.heritagelib.org.
PUTT FOR DOUGH (OR BRAGGING RIGHTS)
Hilton Head Island is famed for its golf, but if you’re looking for something to keep the whole family entertained, you’ll want to think small — like mini-golf, where family bragging rights are won and lost. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, Adventure Golf and Legendary Golf are three courses offering holes of varying levels of difficulty and lots of fun.
(SEG)WAY TO GO
Even if you’ve lived here for years, you haven’t seen the island until you’ve seen it from behind the controls of a Segway. This unique upright transport lets you glide effortlessly, taking in the sights as you go. ProSegway offers a variety of tours on Hilton Head Island, from eco-focused tours around the natural beauty of Honey Horn to oceanside tours that cruise around South Forest Beach’s rambling bike paths. Strap on your helmet and enjoy the ride!
TAKE A HIKE
Three locations on Hilton Head Island and nearby are well suited for getting out in nature and enjoying the forest. Since 1970, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve has been a protected area for wildlife habitat and outdoor exploration. Its paths, wetland boardwalks, bridges and fishing docks, offer a sanctuary for visitors to stroll at their own pace. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, located near the bridge to Hilton Head Island, offers 14 miles of trails for hiking and biking and an abundance of wildlife. Located off Palmetto Bay Road, the Audubon Newhall Nature Preserve is 50 acres of protected forest with trails and benches. Many plants and trees are labelled. All three are open from sunrise to sunset. Go early to avoid the heat.
AERIAL ADVENTURES
Aerial Adventure is a two-hour challenge experience. The ropes courses are designed for different abilities: the green courses is appropriate for beginners and younger kids, and dare devils will love the higher, physically demanding black courses. Conquer 50 obstacle activities while harnessed, helmeted and attached to the cables the entire time through a state-of-the-art system through the trees that builds confidence and endurance.
