Things to Do

HILTON HEAD
Hilton Head Island, located in South Carolina just north of Savannah, Georgia, is a world-famous vacation destination for families who come to enjoy fun in the sun. Hilton Head has 14 miles of beautiful beaches, dozens of golf courses on the island or nearby, hundreds of tennis courts, and about 200 restaurants.  Hilton Head is a favorite of nature lovers as well. Hilton Head’s climate is semi-tropical and dress is very informal. Learn more at www.HiltonHead.com or look into our suggested events and attractions below.

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration
Hundreds of people gather annually each February for the Gullah Celebration. The original Gullah were African slaves who settled along the Atlantic coast. Gullah is also the name of the language that the people spoke (and still speak today). Come join in on the fun, music and food that define the heritage of the Lowcountry.
www.gullahcelebration.com

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival
A month-long event typically held in February that is as enjoyable as it is decadent. Highlights include international wine judging, fine food, a public auction and one of the East Coast’s largest outdoor public tastings.
www.hiltonheadhospitality.org

Annual Parade Of Homes
Presented annually by the Hilton Head Area Home Builders, each early spring unfolds a spectacular tour of new and beautiful homes on the island. For details, contact the HHAHB at 843.681.9240.

Shamrock 5K Run
Next year will be the 15th anniversary for the Annual Running of the Green. Enter to competitively run (3.1 miles) in age categories or just walk for your health and fun.
www.bearfootsports.com

Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Just coming off its 26th year, this is the island’s largest free spectator event. The parade makes its way down Pope Avenue, turns down Office Park Road and ends at Park Plaza. Details available at 843.304.4956.

Verizon Heritage Classic
Dating back to 1969, this annual PGA Tour event has raised millions of dollars that have been poured back into charitable organizations and scholarships throughout South Carolina and Georgia. The tournament is proud of its champions, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Bernhard Langer, Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Tom Watson, Davis Love III and the late Payne Stewart.
www.verizonheritage.com

Annual Hilton Head Seafood Festival
The first year was so festive, fun and successful that it’s becoming an annual event. The second Hilton Head Seafood Festival is April 25, 2009, at Shelter Cove Community Park. The event will benefit the American Cancer Society, M. D. Anderson Cancer Research Center and the Island Recreation Scholarship Fund. Over a dozen island restaurants will be serving their seafood specialties. A silent auction will be held. Other events include a Crawfish Boil, Farmer’s Market, Bocce Ball Tournament, The Famous Crab Races and a Kids Zone.

Red Trolley Tours
1:30 – 4:00 each day
This 2.5-hour tour gives you an overview of the island. You will drive by a variety of landmarks and historic areas, get a glimpse of island residential developments and a 20-minute stop for shopping in Harbour Town.

The Jazz Corner Series
Recognized nationally as ‘The Place’ to hear Jazz, rhythm and blues, come enjoy a full, year-round calendar of live performances. The food and service add to the evening’s delight.
www.thejazzcorner.com

SAVANNAH
Established in 1733, Savannah was the first colonial and state capital of Georgia. This eclectic and historic city continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Declared a National Historic Landmark District, it is a destination with enough culture, shopping and dining to fill a weekend or a week. Learn more at Savannah.com or look into some of our suggested events and attractions below.

Savannah Music Festival
Georgia’s largest musical arts festival and one of the most distinctive cross-genre music festivals in the world. Held early spring, the festival is an annual event bringing internationally renowned musicians in jazz, blues, classical, bluegrass, gospel and other styles of American and international music to Savannah.
www.savannahmusicfestival.org

Annual Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens
Just coming off its 74th year, this five-day event opens a variety of homes and gardens for guests to tour daily. Tickets and a guide can be picked up at the tour headquarters. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the walk and sights. www.savannahtourofhomes.org

Savannah Jazz Festival
A celebration of all genres of jazz, from Dixieland, swing and bop to melodic standards, Latin and blues, featuring the best in international, national, regional and local jazz talent. The event is held during the month of September and is free and open to the public.
www.savannahjazzfestival.org

Savannah’s 26th Annual Oktoberfest on the River
Held the weekend of October 2 – 4. Come celebrate the season on Savannah’s Historic River Street with live entertainment featuring headliner and oompah bands, German food, games, and regional arts and crafts. Don’t miss the Friday night fireworks on the river and the legendary wiener dog races on Saturday morning.

Holiday Tour of Homes – Savannah’s Landmark Historic District
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of homes in Savannah’s lovely Historic District. Private residences representing the full range of Savannah’s historic downtown neighborhood are open to the public during the special season. Each tour includes a holiday tea. Tickets are $30. For dates and details, call 912.308.6755.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah
Every year, more than 300,000 people visit Savannah specifically for St. Patrick’s Day. The month-long event culminates in one of the largest parades in the country.

The three-hour parade is full of marching bands, floats, and other festive sights and sounds. Be sure to wear something green as you join others lining the streets and watching the fun go by. Get in the Irish spirit at the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Parade in historic Savannah.
www.savannahvisit.com

BEAUFORT
Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city is renowned for its impressive harbor along the Port Royal Sound, and for maintaining a historic character through its beautiful antebellum architecture and streetscapes, which continue to attract tourists and new residents alike.

Beaufort has been featured in the New York Times, named “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living, named a “Top 25 Small City Arts Destination” by American Style, named a “Top 20 Fishing Town” by Field & Stream and a “Top 50 Adventure Town” by National Geographic Adventure.
www.beaufort.com

Annual “A Taste of Beaufort”
Every year, more than 20 area restaurants serve up the best of the Lowcountry. You’re guaranteed to enjoy at least 60 different dishes. Then ‘Shag it’ off to sensational sounds and groovy moves brought to you by the Beaufort Shag Club. The festival takes place at Waterfront Park in Historic Downtown Beaufort.
www.downtownbeaufort.com

Annual Spring Tour of Homes – Timeless Sea Island Life
Just having celebrated its 53rd Annual Tour, be there next year for the candlelight walking of many of Beaufort’s historic downtown homes as well as the historic town church. For example, the Parish Church of St. Helena served as a place of worship for many Revolutionary and Civil War heroes. For dates and details, call 843.524.0363.

6th Annual Soft Shell Crabfest
Held in April on Paris Avenue in historic Port Royal, this festival offers more than 40 craft vendors with handmade jewelry, paintings, glassworks and pottery, Shag demonstrations and a car show hosted by the Beaufort Classic Car Club.

USCB’s Chamber Music Series
Check the calendar for the University of South Carolina Performing Arts Center Chamber Music Series.
www.beaufortsc.org