The first thought that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of Hilton Head is the miles of beaches. Picture yourself lying on the beach, sand covering every inch of you, in your hair and in your toes. Now picture yourself the same way thousands of miles from your home, in a foreign country with not so welcoming sand in your eyes and toes. You haven’t seen your family or friends in several months. This is what the men and woman of the United States Military are faced with every day.

Thankfully, due to the generosity of many property owners on Hilton Head and Operation R & R, returning local veterans have the chance, to rest on more familiar sand. This time with their family & friends present!

Recently, a returning veteran and his family spent a week on Hilton Head. Before their departure they asked us, what they could do to let the property owner know just how much their generosity was appreciated. We suggested that a note to the owner was enough, and that we would be more than happy to pass it along. Imagine our surprise when the soldier dropped off a helmet with a special note:

“Operation R & R Thank you soooo much for a wonderful family trip on the best island (HHI). I have 27 months in Iraq under my belt and going back for another 12 months. Every weekend with my family is special to me. Thank you for this special moment.
GOD BLESS YOU!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

We were sure to get that in the mail to the owner as soon as possible. After a few days we contacted the property owners who stated they were “overwhelmed” with the gift and stated they thought it was “really great” that Hilton Head Rentals & Golf would participate in such a great program!

In these troubling times it is nice to see that the members of our Armed Forces appreciate what we do for them, as much we appreciate what the members of our Armed Forces do for us.

Hilton Head Rentals & Golf would like to announce their participation in Operation R & R! Operation R & R was the idea of Dr. Grant Evans, who when traveling from his home in Ohio to Hilton Head, saw at both the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and on TV, all the sad goodbyes and ecstatic welcome homes that the soldiers and there families went through. After talking to some USO representatives at the airport, he came up with the idea of Operation R & R, which allows married members of the local military community and their dependants to come to Hilton Head for a few days within a year of their return from deployment. Vacation property owners donate their property clean, so that their accommodations are free of charge to the military families. Many area businesses are also providing discounts to the families on a variety of products. If you would like to make a contribution to this great organization please click here.

I had the great pleasure of playing in the Grand Opening tournament at Heron Point Golf Course (formerly Sea Marsh) in Sea Pines Plantation.

This course has recently been completely renovated by renowned golf course architect, Pete Dye, who also designed Harbour Town Golf Course. A gentleman I met last week had just played the course and described it to me as “spectacular”. I couldn’t agree more.

The course played a little long for me, but for longer hitters it shouldn’t be too bad. The fairways are visually stunning, with lots of bunkers and mounds making for some very interesting lies. The greens are relatively small, hard and fast but very true. Every hole offered something unique and special, whether it be a lagoon or strategically placed fairway bunkers or large traps guarding the green, something caught your eye.

The staff at Heron Point was extremely good and the whole event proved to be a delightful experience for me and I’m sure for all involved also. All in all, this would have to be considered a must play for anyone visiting Hilton Head.

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.

 Stacks Pancake Restaurant is located on Rte. 278 just after the Hilton Head Diner near the Red Roof Inn. All their breakfasts are made with 3 eggs. They have great Eggs Benedict.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings they have a very nice buffet. The
space is large and open and they have seating in a glass enclosed porch area which is really nice on a sunny morning.

The staff is friendly and helpful. They also serve lunch but not dinner. All in all, Stacks is a place I enjoy and I think most people would enjoy also.

 
Hilton Head Restaurants

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.

Hilton Head Activities~Christmas lights

Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean your fitness routine has to suffer. Today’s travel industry has become increasingly fitness-minded, making it easier than ever to workout on the road. Hilton Head Island offers a wide variety of fitness centers for islanders and vacationers alike to shed some pounds and escape the heat. Located on Arrow Road in the Arrow Center, Breakthrough Fitness offers a wide variety of fitness equipment to stay in shape. With top of the line free weights and state of the art cardio equipment, Breakthrough Fitness is the premiere fitness club on the island.

If you are looking for a more private workout experience, Matrix Fitness Center located in New Orleans Plaza off New Orleans road is the place for you. At Matrix, personal trainers will guide and assist you through your workout as well as educate you on proper nutrition and dieting. If your pocketbook isn’t very deep, Players Club located on Deallyon Road, offers workouts at a great price. Single sessions run as low as $10 dollars and two-day sessions may run for as low as $15 dollars. We love bringing home souvenirs and happy memories from our vacations. And with a little bit of extra care and preparation, your souvenir does not need to include five extra pounds on your waist. So stay fit and healthy by utilizing Hilton Head’s fitness centers.

List of Fitness Center(s) Breakthrough Fitness Center (843)-341-2166
130 Arrow Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Matrix Training Center (843)-341-6949
37 New Orleans Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 2992 8

Player’s Club (843)-785-8000
35 Deallyon Road
Hilton Head, SC 29928

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

The Boathouse II had the first annual Bachelors Night Thursday, Nov.16, 2006. To put it mildly, it was a great success. Standing room only and no extra room to ramble. The restaurant served free hors d’oeuvres and had reduced prices on drinks. My wife, a couple of female friends and I decided to check it out.

There were 15 local gentlemen who were introduced to the
screaming throng of young and not so young women in attendance. Later votes were cast and finalists were chosen, the winner will be selected by internet votes.

The lucky winner will receive a cash award plus free Limo
service for a year. Next years event will have to be held
somewhere with a lot more room if this was any indication of
how the event would be received.

We’ll let you know who wins as soon as we find out.