About Town: Hilton Head Island

text size

On the East Coast, Hilton Head Island is known not only as a classy vacation spot but also as a Mecca for golf. As far as TOUR stops go, this is one of the best you could plan on making if you want to indulge in the game as well as watch it. In the summertime, this little island is packed with honeymooners, families and golfers looking to make the most of what this jewel of South Carolina has to offer between its shores.

Gateway to Georgia -- the Talmadge bridge connects South Carolina and Georgia on Hwy 17. (Halleran/Getty Images)

HUNGRY?

More: Vinnie Van Go Go's
More: Charlie's L'Etoile Verte
More: Churchill's Pub
More: CQ's

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

What's nice about Hilton Head Island's location is that while it gives you the quaint South Carolina island feel, Georgia's first city of Savannah is only 45 minutes away. Restaurant options practically triple if you're willing to drive a little bit further to get your fill. It's a straight shot down I-95, but if you want something a little more scenic, you can head south on the coastal U.S. Highway 17 and enter Savannah via its towering Talmadge Bridge. Consider some of these local joints for dinner:
• Vinnie Van Go Go's, Savannah: If you like New York style pizza, there's nowhere else in these parts to get it than Vinnie's. A local favorite that the tourists love, too, Vinnie Van Go Go's is located in City Market in the historic downtown area of the city. Order a whole pie or just eat by the slice; either way you're in for greasy goodness with any topping you can think of. The small pizzeria has indoor and outdoor seating and is within walking distance of an awesome ice cream shop -- "Café Gelatohhh!" -- just around the corner.
• Charlie's L'Etoile Verte, Hilton Head Island: This little French boutique comes highly recommended by both residents and visitors to the area. Inspired by the fabulous food at the original L'Etoile Verte in France, "Charlie" recreated his own back home, and he's clearly been successful: Wine Spectator magazine has given the restaurant its Award of Excellence for 10 consecutive years for its extensive and tasteful wine selection. And, no worries, the food's pretty good, too.
• Churchill's Pub, Savannah: This is one of my favorite restaurants -- ever. Sure, I might be a little biased (since I'm English), but beyond the menu, this restaurant has it all. A beautiful bar, with dozens of British and American beers, and restaurant area on the main floor welcome hungry wanderers in from busy Bay Street, one block from the Savannah River. Downstairs, you'll find another bar and pool tables for the 8-ball shark in you. Upstairs -- the best part -- is the rooftop bar. Overlooking historic Bay Street, the rooftop bar has plenty of tables where you can eat or just enjoy a cocktail surrounded by plant beds and growing trellises. It's a fun place to start out a Savannah evening.
• CQ's Restaurant, Hilton Head Island: Lobster? Lamb? Filet Mignon? If any of these entrees take your fancy, CQ's should suit you well. One of the island's finest restaurants, CQ's is in the Harbour Town complex and has the picturesque Low Country atmosphere and feel that this part of the state is famous for. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list. Just watch out for the Blue Lady though -- Harbour Town's famous ghostly haunting.

Any other time of year, you should book yourself a tee time at the home of the Verizon Heritage -- Harbour Town Golf Links. (Lecka/Getty Images)

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

If you're visiting Hilton Head Island this week to enjoy the Verizon Heritage, my hunch is you like golf. So while you're in town, take advantage of the plethora of golf courses this little island has to offer. You can't swing a driver without hitting a course, and they're all challenging, enjoyable and beautiful layouts. Here are some suggestions to put on your list: Palmetto Dunes, Indigo Run Plantation and Port Royal Plantation.

More things to keep you busy:
• If you're looking for a way to spend an evening, then take a trip into Savannah for a night. Pick up a frozen drink at Wet Willies on River Street (more flavors than your mind can process) and enjoy it walking along the Savannah River at sunset. Then head on up to the aforementioned Churchill's Pub for dinner on the roof and an English beer. If you're not too tired, head on over to Jazz'd on Barnard Street (walkable). A tapas, martini and wine bar in a cellar location, Jazz'd is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink or dessert, and there's usually live music to keep you entertained.
• Another thing Hilton Head Island is known for besides golf and beaches is its outlet shopping center. Off of Fording Island Road (Hwy 278) actually in Bluffton, S.C., which is just on the West Edge of Hilton Head Island, the Tanger Outlet mall has everything from Nike to Coach, and its outdoor setting makes the walk between the stores less crowded and gives you an opportunity to get some sun while shopping.
• Spring in South Carolina comes early, and the weather should be pretty summer-like this week, which means you'd be crazy not to pursue some outdoor activities (besides golf). The marshes, inlets and sounds of the Low Country make for perfect kayaking conditions. Or, if you're into wide open spaces, try your hand at ocean kayaking -- some companies have dolphin watching tours you can book.

STICKING AROUND?

If the weather stays fine, and the golf is as exciting as it was last year (Boo's successful title defense), you won't be ready to go home yet. If you have time for some more exploring, put these ideas on your itinerary.
• Charleston: Just over two hours up the interstate, South Carolina's most famous city and the belle of the Southern ball, Charleston waits for you -- always ready to please. From its harbors and marinas to its historic, plantation architecture, Charleston epitomizes the hospitable, traditional, charismatic South. Make the trip and find out what everyone's always talking about.
• Ghost Tour: Hilton Head Island's neighbor to the south -- with which you should be well acquainted by now -- has the reputation of America's most haunted city. Since the city was founded by settlers in 1733 and inhabited by American Indians long before that, who's to say it's not? Even if you don't believe in the spiritual world, a trip on one of the guided trolley ghost tours will show you the beautiful city -- with a twist -- and leave you with something to ponder on your way home.