Hilton Head Living

TRAVEL MAGAZINES BOOST HILTON HEAD’S BRAND

In a time when so-called influencers can boost or burst reputations with one or two keystrokes, Hilton Head Island has drawn award-winning acclaim in national travel publications.

The island continues to receive accolades from readers — and probably their families and friends, too — in some of the country’s most well-known travel magazines. For example, over the past several years Hilton Head has been labeled the “No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S.” by Travel + Leisure, the “Best Island in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler, and the “South’s Best Beach Town” by Southern Living.

The arrival of July has ushered in an all-out invasion of visitors to the island. And while this annual onslaught does wonders for the local economy, it takes a well-regulated militia of workers to prepare for the tourists who choose to vacation here. To see how things were going on the front lines, Monthly checked in with some of the island's fearless foot soldiers.

Adding a pool this summer? Here are a few trends to keep in mind:

DARK INTERIORS

Dark interior finishes will continue to be a big trend in 2019. Historically, dark interiors have been reserved for high-end hotels and spas, but there has been a recent increase in homeowner demand.  The dark interiors are often made of tile and styled with natural features like rocks or waterfalls to create the essence of a relaxing lagoon. These darker finishes also have functional qualities, as they attract and retain heat more effectively as well as mask any dirt or debris.

TAKE A WALKING TOUR THROUGH HISTORY

Some of the greatest secrets of Savannah are hidden in plain sight along the oak-lined streets of the city’s historic district. Its squares are a prominent feature of the district, and their unique history and Southern charm make them must-see destinations.

Savannah’s founder, Gen. James Oglethorpe, designed the city in a grid pattern to allow for easy navigation and growth while encouraging citizens to get out and about. Johnson Square was Savannah’s first established square, dating back to 1733. And while back then the city’s squares served two purposes — gathering spots for local residents and practice area for the militia — today they are serene spots to sit and observe the city.

THERE’S NO NEED TO PACK A TOWEL FOR THESE SUMMER ACTIVITIES. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HAVE A BLAST ON DRY LAND.

There’s a lot to be said for dry land. For one, it’s dry. You can have all the fun you want without having to pack a bathing suit and a towel and you don’t wind up with water in your ear.

And in the Lowcountry, there’s no limit to the good times you can have without ever once touching the waves. 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.

FORSYTHE JEWELERS PUTS FOCUS ON DESIGNERS

Hilton Head Island’s trusted source for designer jewelry, Forsythe Jewelers has been in Sea Pines Center since its inception in the 1980s. Since the beginning, owner Andrea Bragg said, the shop has focused on the top names in design.

“Some jewelry stores are more private labels, but we’ve gone the designer way,” she said. “The designers are names that people know and trust. They may not know Andrea Bragg or Forsythe Jewelers, but they know Roberto Coin and David Yurman. These are the top designers, the most well-known that you find at fine jewelry boutiques.”

USCB PROGRAM FOR LOCAL EMPLOYEES TEACHES ABOUT HHI

“Why do loggerhead turtles need us to turn the lights out at night?” “What is an anhinga?” “What’s the story behind Mitchelville?”

Visitors to Hilton Head Island come from all over the world, and they often are unfamiliar with the Lowcountry’s history and natural resources. So they turn to the people they encounter every day during their vacations: Hilton Head Island’s waiters, bartenders and hotel employees.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND SHINES IN WARM WEATHER

It’s finally summer — the season kids and local business owners have been waiting for all year. It’s during these months that visitors and locals take to our beaches and waterways in pursuit of the ultimate summer fun.

It’s also crazy hot, so most will want to stay close to the water, if not immersed in it. Ready to make some waves?

There's only one cutest kid in the lowcountry…yours.