Ever wonder what is open at 2 AM on Hilton Head, when you are hungry?

Even though there are 275 + restaurants on Hilton Head, only two stay open 24 hours. Hilton Head Diner is located mid island on Rt. 278 with an upscale diner feel.

Also you can choose from the Huddle House on the north end on Northridge Dr. off Rt. 278. If you’rer not on a strict diet or worried about your weight and looking for something simple and greasy, this is the place for you.

But if your not looking to go out, then Walgreens on Palmetto Bay Road is the choice for you. They offer pizza’s, soups and your basic grocery needs.

Bicycling is one of the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors and locals on Hilton Head Island. It’s another way to see the island and enjoy the great outdoors. Part of the appeal is network of leisure paths along Hwy. 278 and within the individual plantations. During peak season, the bike paths can be a little congested, and caution is the rule.

Two-way traffic is permitted on all pathways, although if you have a choice, you should ride on the side of the road that goes with the traffic. There are, however, some areas where no pathway is available on one side or the other. Take extra precaution if you are riding against the flow of traffic, because drivers coming out of side locations sometimes don’t think to look both ways. They are generally concerned with the traffic, and may not see you coming on the bike path. You should always ride single file and keep to the right on the path.

It is imperative that you stop at all intersections, and helmets are a must. (It only takes a split second to have an accident, and cracking your head open is not a great way to extend your vacation.) If you are accustomed to riding fast, you may find pathway riding a bit frustrating. Obstacles to speed include leisure riders and families with children, walkers and skaters.

No matter how experienced you are, I really don’t recommend riding on Hwy. 278. It’s just too risky. Stay on the pathways or inside the plantations. Riding on the beach is an option, too; however some bike rental companies do not permit the use of their bikes on the beach. If in doubt, ask.

When you do choose to ride on the beach, check the tide table and the wind. At high tide, you’ll be challenged maneuvering through the obstacles. If it’s terribly windy, you may have difficulty making it back to your starting point. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen unsuspecting tourists gleefully riding one way and then grudgingly walking back!

If you’re coming for a visit and don’t want to bring your own, there are literally thousands of bikes available for rent, and most
bike rental companies will deliver right to your home or villa. Most will provide you with a pathway map as well. For more
information, including a list of bike rental companies, check out the phone book yellow pages.

Note:Just in case you missed this the first time we printed this, don’t forget to catch this if you’re here. They’re beautiful. Carol 

 A December visit to Hilton Head Island would not be complete without taking
in the spectacular display of lights on Dove Street in North Forest Beach.
You’ll see lights strung on houses, in palm trees and everywhere you can
imagine, with inflatable reindeer, snowmen, santas and elves adding to the
festive atmosphere.
 
Elvis makes an appearance every year, and there’s even a real Santa along
the way. You may be surprised to be asked to give a donation to Deep Well Project. Don’t worry. It’s legitimate. These folks have been doing this for years,
helping bring joy to the community while giving back to those who are less
fortunate.

If you are a bargain hunter, you are in for the time of your life on Hilton Head Island, where outlet stores and consignment shops abound. If you are visiting the island, you will pass by two Tanger Outlet Centers on Hwy. 278 in Bluffton. It’s worth your while to
stop, either on your way in, during your visit, or on your way back home. Allow yourself plenty of time, because there is a lot to
see. Check out the list of stores at www.tangeroutlet.com.

Consignment shopping is also immensely popular here. You’ll find everything from gently-worn designer fashions to antique furniture and unique home accessories. (Check out the list of stores at (http://yellowpages.hiltonhead.com).  

One of the oldest and most popular of these stores is Sacks resale. They maintain very high standards in terms of the merchandise they accept for resale. Lots of wealthy people recycle their clothes here, so you might pick up a designer dress or suit that has only been worn once or a fur coat that is no longer needed.

Hilton Head Shopping~Bargain Hunting

If you’re a woman who enjoys high fashion, two Hilton Head Island women’s apparel stores will call your name. (My husband will attest to the fact that my name is called frequently.) The Porcupine, located in the Village at Wexford offers a huge selection of designer fashions—everything from jeans to couture gowns, bridal wear, shoes, handbags and jewelry. Because the selection is large, you may want to enlist the help of the sales staff.

All of the girls are extremely knowledgeable and fashion savvy and can help you find what fits and coordinate all the accessories. The other must-see boutique is Taffeta, located at Shelter Cove Harbour, next to the famous Neptune statue. There you will find unique fashions from Paris and Italy, including fabulous jewelry, shoes and handbags.

If you are not accustomed to European sizing, ask the sales girls for guidance. Be aware that French sizing is different from Italian sizing, too, so your number can vary, depending on the designer and country of origin. Ask for store owner, Gianna. When she’s not in Europe shopping,she is in the store helping customers. She has exquisite taste and a wonderful knack for combining pieces and accessorizing.

Although both stores offer sale items, expect to pay top dollar for in-season clothing. But you will definitely get what you pay for—the finest in merchandise and service. It’s well worth your time to check out these stylish stores.

Hilton Head Shopping~Upscale Shopping

Il Carpaccio is probably one of the best Italian restaurants on Hilton Head Island. It is tucked away in Pineland Station across a lagoon from Juniper Café. The owner is directly from Italy and can be found on the premises every night making sure that things run smoothly.

The food includes a wide variety of excellent and authentic Italian dishes ranging from cuisine of Northern Italy to crispy thin-crust pizza. Depending on the weather, you can dine indoors or outside on the deck. This is a very casual, comfortable restaurant where you can enjoy some great food in a warm friendly atmosphere.

Il Carpaccio is open 11:30-2:00 for lunch and dinner from 5:30 Monday- Saturday. Call 843-342-9949 for reservations.

Hilton Head Restaurants~Il Carpaccio

Looking for a new way to ring in the New Year 2007? This year the Westin Hotel in Port Royal Plantation, on Hilton Head Island, is having a purse themed celebration on December 31, 2006 from 7pm to 12:30am. The evening is a benefit for The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum here on Hilton Head.

Entertainment will be provided by a live band from Charlotte, NC
called “Second Coming” also Ross & Holly Brown will be performing. In addition to music there will also be designer purses, a live and silent auction, the Westin’s famous Seafood Extravaganza, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.

Tickets are $100.00 per person and tables are also available. To
purchase tickets call The Sandbox at 843-842-7645 or visit their website at www.thesandbox.org for more details.

Note: the hotel will be providing a Kid’s New Years Eve party during
the event for children ages 4-12

Map and Directions to The Sandbox - Children’s Museum
 

Hilton Head Clubs and Nightlife ~ New Years Eve

Looking for something to do this weekend on Hilton Head? Don’t forget the 22nd Annual Christmas Tour of Homes.  Sunday, December 3rd several area homes will welcome visitors between 12 Noon and 5PM. See how we celebrate and decorate for Christmas in the Lowcountry.

This will benefit the Hilton Head Choral Society. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $20 or on the day of the tour for $25.
Call 843-341-3818 for ticket locations and other information.

If you miss this event, try a tour of Savannah. Many of the homes are spendidly decorated for the holiday season. You can enjoy them by just driving around the historic parts of Savannah and its many squares. If you go later in the afternoon, you will be dazzled when the lights come on for the evening.

Hilton Head Activities~Christmas Tour of Homes