Calling All Parrotheads: Parrot Palooza Island Sunset Celebration New to Shelter Cove Harbour This Summer
Grab your margarita, your Hawaiian shirt and get ready to eat your cheeseburger in paradise. Shelter Cove Harbour is debuting a new island sunset celebration this summer to give families, visitors and locals alike a new way to enjoy the summer season on Hilton Head Island.
Parrot Palooza will be on Fridays throughout the summer beginning June 21 and running through Aug. 16. Starting at 5 p.m., the festival will kick off at King Neptune Statue at Shelter Cove with street performers, entertainers, music, food, drinks, Caribbean-style décor and of course, a relaxed state of mind!
At 7 p.m., Shannon Tanner, known for his beloved performances at HarbourFest, now in its 25th year, will take the stage with the Oyster Reefers, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. They’ll let you dance the night away to island-style music while the sun sets behind them along the harbour.
Amidst the palm trees, parrots and margaritas decorating the area, Shelter Cove restaurants will also get into the spirit with island-themed drinks and other specials.
So if you’re looking for a fun new way to party down on Fridays with the family, look no further than Parrot Palooza. It will definitely be 5 o’clock at Shelter Cove every week at the celebration. Then enjoy all the Harbour has to offer like boutique shops, delicious restaurants, gorgeous views and more.
What do you think about Parrot Palooza? Will you join us? Hope to see you there!
Enjoy a Week of Tennis at Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes
Tennis lovers, we’ve got the place for you to have a wonderful beach vacation and get plenty of tennis time, too. Recently featured in the July/August issue of Tennis Magazine, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center has plenty of activities to fill your week with as much tennis as you want.
Here’s a sampling of what a week-long vacation could be a tennis aficionado:
Saturday
Arrive Saturday evening, enjoy dinner at Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza at the Robert Trent Jones golf course and head to bed to get an early start on your Sunday.
Sunday
Head over to one of our 26 tennis courts to enjoy your 2 hours of complimentary tennis court time that comes with every booked accommodation at Palmetto Dunes.
Take in a round of golf at one of our three championship Hilton Head golf courses to add a little variety to your Hilton Head tennis vacation.
Monday
Try our Daily Drill Clinic focused on the stroke of the day. 10-11 a.m.
Enjoy our weekly Happy Hour at 5:30 p.m. to mix and mingle with other guests here for the week, enjoy cocktails and meet our tennis pros who will perform an exhibition match on center court.
Tuesday
Enjoy lunch at the beachfront Dunes House, open to resort guests. Try a fish taco or Caesar salad with a margarita!
Head over to the Tennis Center for Demo Days to try the latest in racquet technology and see how a new racquet could help your game. 2 p.m.
Wednesday
Give Cardio Tennis a try. Play tennis to music and burns lots of calories. 8-9 a.m.
Join in our daily Tennis Round Robin from 3-4 p.m. Be sure to call and reserve your spot, as we require at least 3 players to hold the event.
Thursday
Now that you’ve had a couple days of clinics under your belt, try our Competitive Edge Drills for immediate to advanced players. These morning sessions are exhilarating fast-paced practice with a purpose. 11-12:30 p.m.
Take part in our Serve Clinic today, which emphasizes stroke production of the serve, spin, placement and power. 3:30-4:40 p.m.
Friday
Scheduled a ½ hour or one hour private or semi-private lesson with one of our tennis pros for a session tailored to your skills.
Our Return of Serve Clinic uses a serving machine to help you practice your return of serve. 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday
Stop by our 1800-square-foot tennis pro shop and pick up some tennis souvenirs from your Hilton Head vacation.
Book your tennis vacation at Palmetto Dunes for next year and head home safely!
For a complete list of summer tennis clinics, lessons and other activities, view our Tennis Schedule.
What would the ideal tennis vacation look like to you? We offer a variety of tennis packages that combine accommodations with clinics and lessons to give you the best deal on your beach vacation. Take a look at our Tennis Stay & Play Package or our Extreme Tennis Vacation or give us a call at 866-744-7558 for a customized package for your group.
Learn Golf as a Family in Hilton Head
When you vacation to Hilton Head as a family, there are lots of activities you can do together from swimming and riding bikes to hanging out at the beach and seeing the sights. But here at Palmetto Dunes, we like to see families get active together and we offer a variety of ways to do that, including our Hilton Head Family Golf School.
Perhaps Mom and Dad could use a few tips to improve their golf game while the kids may just be getting started on their golfing career. Whatever level your family, we’ll tailor our golf school to your needs and skill level. Our own head of golf instruction, Doug Weaver, is great with kids and teaches them moves like “closing the car door” and “alligator arms” to help them learn golf in a fun and engaging way.
Watch Doug teach golf to kids in this fun video:
Our Family Golf School spans three days with two hours of private lessons daily. That gives you plenty of time to do lots of other fun Hilton Head activities in addition to learning golf.
The golf school includes a video analysis sent by email, on-course instruction, rules and etiquette lessons, use of the school’s video lending library, take home materials, lunch daily, free range privileges plus 9 holes of golf daily on a space-available basis, and 25% discount on all rentals, such as bikes, kayaks and canoes, from Hilton Head Outfitters.
Our golf school is limited to five participants and immediate family members only.
We can’t wait to see how your family looks on the course after Family Golf School! To sign up for our program, please give us a call at 866-744-7558.
Summer Style on the Golf Course
Summer is almost here and that means there will be lots of people out playing our three championship Hilton Head golf courses! Not only do you want to have a great game, but you want to look fabulous and have the latest and greatest equipment to boot. We’ve picked three of the hottest summer golf items that have just arrived in our Palmetto Dunes golf pro shops to share with you:
Men’s Oakley Golf Apparel
This is a new golf apparel line for us here at Palmetto Dunes and we just received our first shipment in May. Oakley is popular with lots of golf pros like Bubba Watson, Ricky Barnes and Zach Johnson, and we think our customers will like it, too. Oakley says their aim is to blend bright colors with intricate detail and a broad array of materials. Come into one of our Hilton Head golf pro shops, try on some items and see what you think!
9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel
Of course, we want our ladies to look just as good as the gents on the golf course and that’s why we carry the 9 & Dine brand of women’s golf apparel. This line, made in the USA, was created out of a desire for fashion, comfort and convenience and we think it succeeds! It’s been described as clothing that can transition from the golf course straight to cocktail hour – a win-win. 9 & Dine’s collections were created to give women golf clothes they’ll love to wear, on the golf course and beyond. Here’s a fun video featuring the 9 & Dine founder:
Taylormade RBZ-2 Fairway Woods Golf Clubs
Looking for some new golf clubs? Need a great Father’s Day gift! May we suggest the new Taylormade RBZ-2 Fairway Woods clubs? The second generation of the Rocketballz fairway woods brings an improved speed pocket design and a low, forward CG location to produce a fairway wood that is up to 10 yards longer than last year’s fairway wood revolution. Come try these during a free club fitting with Rod Thompson at the Robert Trent Jones course range and see how you like them! To make an appointment, please call us 843-686-9137. Come see the difference properly-fitted equipment can make in your game.
What new golf gear are you looking for this year? It’s likely one of our three golf pro shops has it! Stop by and browse a while next time you’re in town or give us a call directly at 866-744-7558 to see if we have what you need in stock.
Be sure to check out all of our summer Hilton Head golf clinics, schools and classes, Hilton Head golf packages and play some rounds with us this summer. Have a great summer golf season!
Memorial Day Weekend in Hilton Head Packed with Events
What’s your family doing this Memorial Day? May we suggest a visit to Hilton Head? We’ve got a host of different events all weekend that will appeal to a variety of interests.
Shelter Cove Harbour will once again host the annual Hilton Head Art Fest, now in its 5th year, which gives art lovers and novices alike the chance to browse art in a variety of media in the wonderful outdoor setting of Shelter Cove.
On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Hilton Head vacationers and locals can visit the free arts and crafts market to see artwork from some 150 fine artists nationwide. Shoppers will find watercolor, jewelry, oils, ceramics, glass, photography and even life-size sculptures! Can you imagine taking home something akin to the famous King Neptune statue at Shelter Cove?
The artists at the festival are hand selected from hundreds of applicants to ensure an extensive variety of items that will appeal to a broad range of art enthusiasts, collectors and those looking for unique gifts. We can’t think of anything more amazing than taking back a work of art as a souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation!
Also, at Shelter Cove Harbour are a variety of musical performances, including Shannon Tanner who will kick off the 25th annual HarbourFest on May 24. He’ll play Friday-Sunday at both 6:30 and 8 p.m., entertaining crowds with his beloved kid-friendly songs like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night.”
During the day on both Saturday and Sunday, Shelter Cove Harbour will host the Patwa reggae band, a local favorite and perfect for setting a laid-back island mood. Grab a margarita at San Miguel’s Mexican restaurant and you’re set!
If your group wants to get more active, why not enroll in our Family Golf School, which is designed to fit a family’s needs and skill level or try our 90-minute Hilton Head surf school and learn how to catch a wave in no time. We’ll also be hosting adult tennis round robins over the weekend or try our new guided stand up paddleboarding tours of our 11-mile lagoon or the ocean for tailored paddleboarding guidance and a lesson on the flora and fauna of Hilton Head.
What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend? We hope they involve Hilton Head! If they don’t, go ahead and visit our Hilton Head web cams and pretend like you’re here :-).
Hilton Head’s HarbourFest Celebrates 25th Year
It’s hard to believe, but Hilton Head Island’s favorite summer tradition is now celebrating its 25th year! That means our beloved Shannon Tanner, who performs family-friendly music at HarbourFest in his trademark beanie hat, has seen kids come back with their own kids decades later. He even sings some of the same songs he’s been singing since the beginning.
This year the phenomenon of HarbourFest is back beginning May 24 with performances from Tanner at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Tanner will sing his trademark tunes like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night” and “Flying Purple People Eater” to packed crowds each evening.
Don’t forget to bring your colorful propeller hat and have Tanner sign it for you. Some fans have hats with messages from Tanner on every panel inside and out – all inspirational thoughts to motivate kids. “Every summer HarbourFest is now a rock concert with thousands upon thousands of people. It has a life of its own now!” says Tanner.
Cappy the Clown will also be at Shelter Cove Harbour as part of HarbourFest this year to entertain and bring smiles to the faces of kids and kids at heart. Other fun activities include face painting, balloon animals, bounce house and arts and crafts. You won’t lack for fun at HarbourFest!
When many people think of HarbourFest, they think of Hilton Head fireworks lighting up the sky over Broad Creek. Fireworks are a cherished Hilton Head tradition, and this year they’ll delight on most summer Tuesday evenings at dusk. Scheduled dates include: June 18 & 25; July 4, 9, 16, 23 & 30; and August 6 & 13. Keep in mind the fireworks are weather permitting and that includes allowing time beforehand to get the show set up. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages if there’s rain in the forecast for live updates.
“Fireworks are a magical thing for families, especially in a setting as beautiful as Shelter Cove Harbour,” says Tanner.
For a unique view of the fireworks, consider taking a guided kayak tour or boat cruise, which operate out of Shelter Cove Harbour.
Never been to HarbourFest or want to relive the memories? Watch our video from HarbourFest 2012.
Shelter Cove Harbour is also adding a new family-friendly show to the summer line-up for 2013. Parrot Palooza is an island-themed sunset celebration, featuring street performers, entertainment and food and drinks starting at 5 p.m. followed by a 5-piece Jimmy Buffet Tribute concert put together by Tanner. Shannon Tanner and the Oyster Reefers will perform Friday nights from 7-9 p.m. Parrot Palooza will be Friday evenings on the following dates during the summer: June 21 & 28; July 5, 12, 19 & 26; and August 2, 9 & 16.
We hope to see you at Shelter Cove in your beanie hat this summer!
Palmetto Dunes Once Again Named to Top 10 Tennis Resorts in the World
With some 30,000 people coming through the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center each year, it’s certain that tennis is near and dear to our hearts here at our South Carolina resort. Once again, our wonderful tennis guests have ranked us as tops when it comes to tennis resorts not just around the country but across the world.
TennisResortsOnline.com, a website which annually compiles guest rankings of tennis resorts, just released their Top 100 Tennis Resorts and Camps for 2013. Tennis vacationers are asked to score the resorts on amenities and services – both on court and off – quality of lodging, restaurants, children’s experiences and value. To qualify, each resort must have a minimum 25 reviews to be considered for the Top 10 and must have a minimum 6 tennis courts (we have 25).
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort came in at No. 9 in the rankings’ Top 25 resorts, putting us into the Gold Medal Category. Additionally, we were ranked at No. 4 for the Best Junior Tennis programs. Tennis Magazine has also ranked Palmetto Dunes the No. 1 tennis resort in the Carolinas and one of the top 10 in the nation.
At Palmetto Dunes, we love tennis players! We offer all sorts of activities, tennis instructional programs and tournaments to keep you coming back. During the spring and summer season, we offer weekly Demo Days for trying new tennis equipment, as well as a weekly exhibition and Happy Hour to hang out with the staff, watch them play and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. We also have a popular daily adult round robin that makes for a fun social competition among guests.
If you’re looking to better your tennis game, we host 43 adult tennis clinics every week and 27 junior clinics March-August and during holidays. Guests can also select up to 6 ½ hours of instructional programming each day from our regular schedule. “This offers a lot of flexibility for people depending on their schedule – they can play as much or as little as they want,” says John Kerr, director of tennis for Palmetto Dunes. “For example, they can do our morning clinics from 8-12:30 p.m. and then come back in the afternoon for the daily round robin.”
If you want to combine tennis with your Hilton Head vacation, we offer packages specifically geared toward tennis players, including the Extreme Tennis Vacation with 7 nights of accommodations for four, three 1-hour private lessons and two clinics per player, daily court time and more. Another popular choice is the Tennis Stay & Play package with 3 nights of accommodations, two 1-hour clinics, two hours of court time daily and three-day bike rentals.
You can also make a tennis vacation out of our nine different tennis tournaments each year, including 3 USTA state championships. Many people plan their vacations around these events, many of which are linked to charity and most are open to the public and are non-USTA sanctioned.
Come see for yourself why Palmetto Dunes is one of the Top 10 Tennis Resorts in the world! Want a quote on a tennis vacation? Request it here or call us at 866-744-7558.
Take a Tour of Frozen Drinks at Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove
When the warm weather rolls around, we think one of the best activities to enjoy on Hilton Head Island is sipping a frozen drink at the beach. We thought we’d take you on a tour of the best frozen drinks throughout Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour.
Let’s get started!
Intercoastal Martini from Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza Restaurant at the Robert Trent Jones course
This delicious cocktail includes Reposado 100% de Agave Tequila, Grand Marnier, Trip Sec and Sour Mix. Go ahead and lick your lips and let us know if you’d like salt or no salt! If this martini, doesn’t suit you, Big Jim’s has 21 more to choose from! Check out their summer martini menu for 2013 and be sure to stop by Big Jim’s on Mondays for $5 martinis.
The Dunes House Frozen Arnie Palmer
Resort guests are welcome to dine at the oceanfront Dunes House and choose from a selection of frozen drinks to cool down in the Carolina sun. One of our favorites is the Frozen Arnie Palmer, made especially for all you golfers out there! Sip this mixture of Firefly Sweet Tea-flavored vodka and lemonade.
Banana Daiquiri at the Buoy Bar at the Omni Resort
Made with Cruzan Estate Light Rum, this daiquiri is tropically flavored with banana. You can also choose from mango or strawberry flavoring. Enjoy your drink while taking in fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and letting your hair blow in the sea breeze.
Italian Ice at Frosty’s Italian Ice, Shelter Cove Harbour
Looking for something non-alcoholic? Everyone can enjoy a tasty Italian Ice from Frosty’s in Shelter Cove. Choose from a range of flavors and add in a chunk of fudge while you’re at it!
Gold Margarita from San Miguel’s in Shelter Cove Harbour
San Miguel’s Hilton Head restaurant bills themselves as having the island’s best margarita, so go test it out! Try their award-winning Gold Margarita, which they describe as a sweeter margarita. It’s made with Cuervo Gold Tequila, sweet & sour mix, a touch of Triple Sec, orange juice and lime juice. Then, it’s all hand shaken together at the bar and served up to you!
Did we get you in the mood to sip a frozen concoction at the beach?! Why not sample them all and report back on your favorite? Cheers!
Tour the Best Appetizers at Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour
When you’re on vacation, eating great food is half the fun! At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour, we have plenty of wonderful places to dine whether you’re looking for a casual stop on the beach or a gourmet meal overlooking the water.
This week, we wanted to share some of the best Hilton Head appetizers from around Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove.
Dunes House Chicken Nachos
Take a break from the beach or ride your bike over to the oceanfront Dunes House within the resort. Our appetizer pick from this fun outdoor restaurant is their Chicken Nachos. Indulge in tortilla chips smothered in grilled chicken, queso, black bean relish and jalapenos. Sour cream and salsa is served on the side. Tip: Get plenty of napkins!
Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza Sliders
At Big Jim’s restaurant, located at the Robert Trent Jones course, try the sliders. It’s the perfect appetizer to share with a group of buddies! Choose from three smoked pulled pork or smoked chicken sliders with cole slaw and pickle OR three Angus beef sliders with smoked onion and pickle.
San Miguel’s Guacamole Dip - Shelter Cove Harbour
This is one of the best guacamole dips on the island complete with fresh avocados blended with tomatoes, onions and spices and served with their flour tortilla chips. Enjoy the view, a margarita and chips and guac!
HH Prime’s Shrimp & Grits (Omni Hotel at Palmetto Dunes)
You can’t come to the Lowcountry without eating shrimp and grits -- it’s a Southern staple! HH Prime, located within the Omni Hotel at Palmetto Dunes, offers a plate full of jumbo shrimp and grits made with smoked cheddar cheese, tasso ham and sherry butter sauce. Delicious!
Ela’s Blu Water Grille, Shelter Cove Harbour – Mama’s Fried Green Tomatoes
Another Southern must-have is fried green tomatoes! Get your fill at Ela’s Blu Water Grille, a Shelter Cove restaurant with a fantastic view. Your tomatoes will come lightly fried and crispy and served with Creole sauce, the owner’s family tradition.
Alexander’s Seafood Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Oysters
If you’re a visitor to the island, you may not have been exposed to the joy of eating oysters! We consider it a delicacy down south. Alexander’s, located within the gates of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, offers North American cold water oysters on the half shell in half dozen or a full dozen. You can also try their Oyster Baked Oyster Combination of three Rockefeller oysters topped with bacon, spinach and hollandaise sauce and three Savannah oysters topped with shrimp, crab, scallops, bacon and cheddar cheese. This dish will make anyone a fan of oysters!
Which dish sounds the best to you? Which appetizer are you dying to try? We hope you enjoy dining at Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head when you visit us this spring and summer. Bon Appetit!
Live Music Abounds at Hilton Head’s Shelter Cove
There’s lots of reasons to visit Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island year round: fabulous views of Broad Creek, a wealth of shopping, a variety of restaurants offering all range of fare, and last but not least, its musical entertainment. We can’t think of a better spot on the island to sip a cold drink, listen to live music and watch the sun set over the harbour!
Throughout Shelter Cove Harbour there are many different opportunities to enjoy live entertainment all throughout the week, especially during the spring and summer seasons. During April and May, Shelter Cove Harbour is hosting Music on the Harbour from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays featuring a different musical act each week at the Statue of Neptune. Check out the full schedule.
San Miguel’s, a great place to order a margarita and munch some yummy fish tacos, offers live entertainment seven nights a week from 5-9:30 p.m. during the summer months. Plan on a wait at this hot spot but use your time to shop or stroll the boardwalk.
Bistro 17 is a French restaurant, offering crepes, seafood, steaks and salads. They also have a puppy menu if you’d like to bring your pooch along! Bistro 17 will offer live entertainment Monday-Saturday from 6- 9 p.m. this summer.
Ela’s Blu Water Grille is popular among locals, tourists and celebrities alike! Both Paula Abdul and Jane Seymour have dined at this gourmet restaurant when visiting the island. Ela’s, known for its fantastic view, will be hosting musical acts Tuesdays, and Thursday-Saturday from 7-10 p.m.
Scott’s Fish Market is a great spot for more casual fare and great views of Shelter Cove Marina. Their friendly Caribbean atmosphere puts you in the perfect island mood! The restaurant will bring in live entertainment every night from 5:30-9:30 p.m. during the summer months.
Lastly, Parrot Cove Seafood Grill and Bar is another great casual dining restaurant, which serves seafood, pastas, prime rib and sandwiches along with a very kid-friendly menu. Parrot Cove will offer live musical entertainment on weekends from 6-9 p.m.
No matter where you go in Shelter Cove, you’ll easily find a spot to kick back, relax and enjoy some good fare and great tunes. Let us know your favorite spot for live music and food at Shelter Cove!
Arthur Hills Course Named to South Carolina Best Golf Course List
The Arthur Hills golf course has received plenty of accolades over the years from 2009 South Carolina Golf Course Owners’ Association Course of the Year to being awarded 4.5 stars by Fodors Golf Digest. Our popular course has one more jewel to add to its crown this year as the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel named it to their 2013 Best You Can Play list.
Criteria used in judging include, routing, variety, strategy, equity, memorability, aesthetics and the golfer’s experience.
“There are so many outstanding courses that you’re really splitting hairs in the voting,” says Michael Whitaker, the panel’s executive director. “When you think about the number of really good golf courses in this state and reduce that number to 30, it’s a daunting task. Some of the older courses have stood the test of time, some have improved with some relative small tweaks and others that have undergone renovation or restoration to their original design features have increased in quality.”
The Arthur Hills Hilton Head golf course, where collegiate stars like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson honed their talents and a favorite of former President Bill Clinton, takes full advantage of the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.
Its spectacular layout represents a careful blend of beauty and challenge. Stands of palmetto trees line the graceful fairway and it’s built on a series of rolling dunes. The Arthur Hills Course presents many opportunities for off-balance lies, while ocean breezes add to the challenge. Ten holes on the water further encourage precision play and the course plays 6,651 yards from the back tees.
“We are thrilled that the experts have once again recognized the Arthur Hills Course as one of the most popular layouts in South Carolina,” says Brad Marra, vice president of resort operations for Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. “We offer three golf courses that provide our guests a wide variety of looks and challenges, and we are proud of them all. It is pleasing to know that the game’s connoisseurs agree.”
Have you played the Hills course? What’s your favorite hole?
We also have two other championship Hilton Head golf courses, which give you entirely different experiences all at one resort. The Robert Trent Jones Course has one of only two oceanfront holes on the island, and the George Fazio Course is known as one of the island’s most challenging courses with its bunkers and water hazards. Be sure to check out all three!
We offer a variety of Hilton Head golf packages for all levels of golfers that include lessons, multi-course play and multiple rounds. Call us at 866-744-7558 for more information or to book a package or tee time or fill out our online form to get a quote request for a group golf outing.
Palmetto Dunes Makes It Easy to Reserve Your Hilton Head Bike Rentals
When you visit Hilton Head Island, one thing on your must-do list is ride your bike! The island offers more than 50 miles of paved bike paths, and just within Palmetto Dunes alone there are plenty of places to ride your bike from the beach and the Dunes House open to resort guests to the General Store and Shelter Cove Harbour.
Our very own Hilton Head Outfitters is our resource for all things bike related on the island. They offer Hilton Head bike rentals and bike equipment rentals and can help you navigate the many bike paths within the resort and beyond.
To make it even easier to rent your bikes in Hilton Head, we’ve created a new program that allows you to rent them right from your mobile phone! You can book your bike literally from anywhere whether you’re lying at the beach, playing a round of golf or eating dinner.
There are a variety of options for renting your bike via our mobile program. You can text BIKE to 843-627-0007 to get access to our mobile website; alternately, you can scan a QR code which will be posted on a sign at Hilton Head Outfitters within the resort. Lastly, you can call us at 843-627-0007 or visit the mobile site directly at www.needabike.info. Be sure to bookmark it!
When you arrive at the mobile site, choose the dates you need your bikes and then review your bike choices, which include cruisers, kids’ bikes, fat tire sand bikes, tandems and more. From within the mobile program, you can also rent bike equipment, including helmets, baskets, kiddie carts and tag-a-longs.
Simply make your selections, enter your contact and payment information and your bike will be delivered directly to your Hilton Head vacation villa or home on the date requested and picked up on the date of return.
The mobile program also provides Hilton Head bike route maps that you can access while on your bike of both the island bike trails and lagoon bike trails.
We hope you like our new Need a Bike mobile booking option. Try it and let us know what you think!
Shelter Cove Harbour Presents “Music on the Harbour” Concert Series This Spring
Coming down to Hilton Head Island for spring break or the RBC Heritage tournament? We’ve got a fun outdoor concert series for all ages that Hilton Head vacationers and locals can enjoy every week on Thursday nights. Starting Thursday, April 4 through May 23, Music on the Harbour will host live entertainment on Thursdays at Shelter Cove Harbour.
Each Thursday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., a local band will perform an outdoor concert for free around the King Neptune statue. It’s a great opportunity to gather your family and friends and head over to Shelter Cove Harbour for dinner, live entertainment and lovely harbour views and sunsets.
Shelter Cove Harbour offers a range of delicious Hilton Head restaurants, ranging from Italian and Mexican to gourmet and seafood. The restaurants offer fabulous views of Broad Creek, and during Music on the Harbour, the sun will be setting for an even better view of the beautiful boats and marshes! Shelter Cove restaurants will be offering drink specials during the event as well, so hang around after dinner for a drink or two along the water.
Shelter Cove Harbour also offers plenty of shopping, ranging from art galleries and children’s apparel to souvenirs and jewelry. Shelter Cove Harbour is also home to Hilton Head Island’s largest deep water marina with 170 boat slips and charters for nature cruises, dolphin cruises, sport crabbing and fishing.
Here is the complete line-up for Music on the Harbour with each band performing from 6:00-9:00 p.m.:
- April 4 – Target the Band
- April 11 – Patwa
- April 18 – The Headliners
- April 25 – Jazz Corner Quintet Featuring Bob Marsteller and Gina Rene
- May 2 - Target the Band
- May 9 – Patwa
- May 16 – The Headliners
- May 23 - Jazz Corner Quintet Featuring Bob Marsteller and Gina Rene
Shelter Cove also hosted Music on the Harbour last fall to packed crowds. Take a look at this fun video of the fall concert series:
Music on the Harbour is just the start to a busy entertainment season at Shelter Cove Harbour. The annual HarbourFest kicks off with performances from our much beloved Shannon Tanner, celebrating his 25th year, May 24-26 with two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Shannon will perform Monday-Friday through Labor Day at Shelter Cove Harbour. Fireworks kick off Tuesday, June 18 at dusk and will continue on a Tuesday night schedule during the summer with a special show on Thursday, July 4.
Need help with your Hilton Head accommodations or want to golf, play tennis, rent bikes and more? Palmetto Dunes is your source for Hilton Head fun! Give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we’ll get you set with a Hilton Head vacation rental and all the activities you could imagine!
Hilton Head Tennis is in Full “Swing” This Spring at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
When March rolls around on Hilton Head Island, our minds start to wander toward tennis. Imagine mild days of sunshine spent on the courts, perfecting our skills and playing with friends. Spring is the beginning of Hilton Head tennis in all its glory and the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center revs up with tournaments, happy hours, weekly demonstration days, daily round robins and more.
March through October the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center gets into full “swing”! We offer a full plate of Hilton Head tennis lessons and clinics that give you plenty of flexibility to do as much or as little as you want. For example, you might want to fill your morning with instruction, but head to the courts – or the beach – in the afternoon.
Some of the drills and clinics on our schedule include our Return of Serve & Regular Serve clinics which work on two of the most important strokes in tennis that are the least practiced, our Stroke of the Day which focuses on a new stroke daily, our daily drill for beginner to intermediate players, and our Cardio Tennis class. Of course, we are also able to provide private and semi-private tennis lessons for one-on-one or small group instruction.
We also offer a full schedule of Junior Tennis Programs March through Labor Day and on holidays. Classes include Short Shots Clinic, Stroke of the Day, and a Junior Tennis Camp. View the complete Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center Programs Schedule for Spring 2013.
This time of year we introduce some fun, free weekly events for guests to socialize while enjoying tennis. On Monday nights at 5:30 p.m., we host our welcome exhibition and happy hour with complimentary beer, wine and lemonade, as well as door prizes. On Tuesdays at 2 p.m. we host a weekly Demonstration Day where players can see and try out the latest tennis equipment and have the opportunity to match a racquet to their playing style. Also during March through October, we have a daily adult round robin that makes for a fun social competition.
We also host a variety of tennis tournaments from February through October, including the popular Banana Open Challenge, where individuals qualify by participating in a variety of regional tournaments, as well as several USTA South Carolina state championships. View the full Hilton Head tennis tournament schedule.
Here are a few other things you might not know about the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center:
- An estimated 30,000 people come through our doors every year.
- We have 23 clay and 2 hard courts, 6 of which are lighted for night play.
- We have up to 25 different tennis professionals teaching here on any given week during the season.
- Our Hilton Head tennis pro shop has 1800 square feet of retail space with one of the best selections of apparel, equipment and accessories in the area.
- All guests who book their Hilton Head vacation rental through Palmetto Dunes receive two hours of complementary tennis daily.
- We offer a variety of tennis packages, including our Extreme Tennis Vacation and our popular Tennis Stay & Play package.
Are you ready to come play tennis at Palmetto Dunes this spring? Call us at 866-744-7558 to get closer to playing Hilton Head tennis today!
Add More South Carolina Golf to Your Masters or RBC Heritage Tournament Trip
Here in the south we are blessed to play host to two of the best golf tournaments, and Palmetto Dunes is either just a few minutes or just a few hours’ drive from both!
The Masters, held at Augusta National in Augusta, Ga., every year, is April 11-14, and the RBC Heritage, on Hilton Head Island, follows April 18-21. We think these make for great opportunities to extend your trip with a few extra days of golf at the beach.
Our South Carolina golf resort is offering a special package for those traveling down for either tournament. The Ultimate PGA Tour Stay and Play Package offers accommodations (three-night minimum) plus three rounds of golf at our three championship Hilton Head golf courses starting at $184/night for stays through April 27, 2013.
As if that’s not good enough, we’re throwing in one more perk to sweeten the deal! If you book this package online or by phone using code PGA, for every night you stay with us, we’ll enter you to win a pair of 4-day RBC Heritage tickets with VIP passes to our SkyBox. The winner will be announced April 2.
When you play golf on Hilton Head Island with Palmetto Dunes, you get three different but amazing award-winning courses to choose from, including the oceanfront Robert Trent Jones course with one of only two oceanfront holes on the entire island.
We also have a new Palmetto Dunes smartphone golf application to help you maximize your game downloadable on iTunes or Android phones. With a live leaderboard, hole information, GPS yardage and one-click call dining reservations, you’re set to have your best game ever followed by a cold beer and BBQ ribs at the new Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza Hilton Head restaurant at the Jones course.
Plus, Golf Digest recently named Hilton Head Island as a top Best Buddies getaway. So grab a group of friends, head to the Master’s or the RBC Heritage and then stop off at Palmetto Dunes before or after for a perfect South Carolina golf getaway. Request golf rates here or call us at 866-744-7558 to get started.
Island Bingo is Back! Play to Win an iPad Mini on Facebook
One of our most popular promotions is back for its third year: Island Bingo. We take the classic game of Bingo and combine it with the fun of Facebook to create a unique online game that gives you the chance to win the hottest new tech gadget: an iPad Mini!
First, you’ll need to sign up to get your personal Island Bingo card so you can play along. Be sure you’ve “liked” our Facebook page and go to this link to request your card (one per email). Then, starting Monday, March 4, we’ll begin posting Bingo squares on Facebook at varying times. Be sure to keep your eyes on our page so you don’t miss what could be your winning Bingo square!
The winner of Island Bingo will be the first person (in the U.S. or Canada) who has five squares in a row either vertically, horizontally or diagonally AND (this is the important part!) posts “Bingo” FIRST on the Palmetto Dunes Facebook page as a post. There could be more than one winning card.
We will verify the winning card and then notify the winner first via email and then by Facebook and Twitter posts, as well.
Island Bingo is tons of fun and we have lots of Facebook friends who play along every year! Don’t miss the fun; be sure to get your Island Bingo card today and start watching closely on Monday, March 4. We’d love to see you hanging out by the pool or the beach at Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island with your new iPad Mini :).
Contest Rules:
Only one entry per email address and only one winner for this contest. Winner MUST have a verified winning BINGO card AND be the first to post BINGO on www.Facebook.com/PalmettoDunes. Current and former employees of Palmetto Dunes, Greenwood Communities & Resorts, and their affiliated marketing firms are not eligible to participate.
Featured Hilton Head Vacation Home: 9 Starboard Tack
It’s not hard to imagine yourself kicking back and enjoying island life at 9 Starboard Tack … just take one look at the decks. This lovely Hilton Head vacation home features a wrap-around deck, and because it’s elevated, it offers beautiful views of our 11-mile inland lagoon system.
This amazing home can sleep up to 11 guests, whether you’d prefer to have plenty of room for your immediate family or want to travel with another group or extended family. Inside, you’ll find four bedrooms , three with queen beds and one with two twins and a Futon.
Everyone can gather in the living room with a sectional sofa, flat screen TV and game table for some fun family activity at the end of a busy day. The fully equipped kitchen will allow you to cook meals at home some nights or enjoy an ample breakfast before heading out for the day. You might even head outdoors to dine on the deck.
There is plenty of parking underneath the home for visitors and guests and you’ll enjoy fishing off a private dock in the lagoon. This home offers access to a community pool and has its own washer and dryer for cleaning up sandy swimsuits!
9 Starboard Tack has varied availability in spring and plenty of availability in summer. Book it early, because this is a popular vacation home! Remember, when you book through Palmetto Dunes you receive many benefits, like two hours of free Hilton Head tennis daily, access to the Dunes House for beachfront dining and the best rates on all resort activities like golf, kayaking, fishing and more!
Take a look and more pictures of this lovely home here and call us today at 866-744-7558 to book 9 Starboard Tack.
Spend Your Spring Break in Hilton Head at Palmetto Dunes
Spring Break is on the way much to the relief of many of you experiencing lots of snow and cold temperatures this winter. Put away the snow boots and the scarf and get out your swimsuit and flip flops for a warm, sunny spring break in Hilton Head!
We have lots of great deals for you here at Palmetto Dunes, including special packages for families, great rates on golf and FREE tennis daily if you rent your Hilton Head vacation home through Palmetto Dunes.
Two great deals on accommodations include our Ultimate Family Vacation package, which saves you $1000 off regular rates, and our Sun and Fun Island Escape package, which saves you $700 off regular rates.
The Ultimate Family Package starts at $86/person/night and includes:
- 7 nights in a 2-bedroom villa
- Nature or dolphin cruise for 4
- 2-hour single kayak rentals for 4
- 7-day bike rentals for 4
- 2 hours tennis court time daily
- Best rates on all resort activities and amenities
Our Sun and Fun Island Escape starts at $261/person per night and includes:
- 4 days, 3 nights
- 2 bedroom villa
- 1 round of golf per person at any of the resort's 3 championship courses
- 1 day bike rental per person
- 2-hour single kayak rental to paddle along the resort's peaceful, nature-filled 11-mile inland lagoon
- 2 hours tennis court time daily/person
- 1 massage at local spa
- Facial treatment or body scrub at spa
- Best rates on all resort amenities and activities
Browse our beautiful Hilton Head vacation villas and homes right here and start dreaming of palm trees, sandy beaches and the smell of the sea air!
We’ve also got some great deals for spring golf in Hilton Head hereat Palmetto Dunes. Our tee times start at $67 per round when you book at least three rounds of golf (who can argue with MORE golf ;-)?) We’ve also got a Buddies Golf Deal at $299 per golfer when you book a group of 12 or more. It includes a three-night stay, unlimited golf, free range balls and an onsite group coordinator. Golf Digest magazine just ranked Hilton Head No. 9 as a Best Buddies Getaway!
Golfers will also love our Stay and Play package that gives you unlimited golf and three nights of accommodations for $445 per golfer, all inclusive. Get a customized quote for your golf trip here.
When you spend spring break in Hilton Head at Palmetto Dunes, you get your choice of the most activities on the island! Bike the miles of paved paths on Hilton Head (Tip: secure your Hilton Head bike rentals early), take a dolphin or sunset boat cruise, kayak our 11-mile inland lagoon, try stand up paddle boarding, let the kids learn tennis at our Junior Tennis Programs or golf at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy Junior clinics and classes, and so much more!
Be sure to check out our calendar of events to see everything that’s happening during your visit. And in case we haven’t convinced you yet, here’s a quick video to show you just how much fun we have here at Palmetto Dunes:
Come on and join the fun! Call us at 866-744-7558 to get started planning your Palmetto Dunes vacation today. See you this Spring Break!
Hilton Head Named a Top 10 Best Buddies Trip Destination
Where do you go when you want to have fun with your best buds? Golf Digest says Hilton Head, and we agree, of course! Lucky for you, Palmetto Dunes is located on Hilton Head and home to the finest golf courses on Hilton Head Island! There’s no better choice than Palmetto Dunes for your group golf trip, where we specialize in providing a top-notch, first-class golf experience!
In their December 2012 issue, Golf Digest ranked their top 36 destinations for a “Best Buddies” getaway. Hilton Head came in at No. 9, with our Arthur Hills course named as a key golf course. Golf Digest editors created the list by surveying panelists of more than 1000 avid golfers who rank their biennial
America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
To add to Hilton Head’s impressive list of awards, the island was named No. 8 for Best Value, No. 8 for Best Courses, No. 9 for best weather, No. 10 for best food and drink, No. 10 for best lodging, and No. 7 as best for couples (Palmetto Dunes offers great romance packages for you and your special someone).
Throughout March, we’re giving you even more incentive to come play golf with your buddies at Palmetto Dunes and see if you agree with Golf Digest! When you book a golf group, you’ll get your fourth round free AND free replays based on availability. When your group plays golf at Palmetto Dunes, we also provide a dedicated on-site group coordinator, as well as complimentary range balls and yardage books plus resort discounts and free tennis court time!
Another great thing about a Hilton Head guys getaway (or girls!) to Palmetto Dunes is all the OTHER activities we offer to keep you busy. Get everyone together for a deep sea fishing charter or kayak through our peaceful inland lagoon. Run on the beach or bike some of Hilton Head’s 50 miles of paved bike paths. We also offer two hours of free tennis daily for each night you stay in one of our Hilton Head vacation villas. We’ll keep you as busy as you want to be!
Request a group golf rate proposal here and be sure to check out all our great Hilton Head golf packages, some of which include lessons and other activities. We promise you’ll love your stay and our championship golf courses!
Enjoy Hilton Head Restaurant Week and Super Bowl at Big Jim’s
It’s a busy week at Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza, the Hilton Head restaurant at Palmetto Dunes located conveniently at our Robert Trent Jones South Carolina golf course. Through Feb. 2, we’re participating in the Hilton Head Island Chamber Restaurant Week with a special “prix-fixe” (price fixed) menu, and we’ll be offering a variety of party-to-go or dine in specials for Super Bowl Sunday.
Hilton Head Island Chamber Restaurant Week is held each year on the island to encourage both locals and visitors to sample restaurants in the area. Participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus of several courses usually for a discounted price.
Big Jim’s will be offering a $16.99 restaurant week menu that includes a cup of soup or house salad; pulled pork, smoked BBQ chicken or smoked beef brisket platter; and a draft beer, glass of house wine or house cocktail. Big Jim’s has happy hour daily from 4-7 p.m. and a new outdoor fire pit for warming up on colder evenings. The restaurant serves a variety of menu items, including a burgers, sandwiches, grilled pizzas, seafood, steaks and salads. There is also a kid’s menu and a selection of wine and beer.
Several Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants will also be participating in Hilton Head Restaurant Week, including ELA’s Blu Water Grille and Bistro 17. To see the full list of participating Hilton Head restaurants, visit the Hilton Head Island Chamber Restaurant Week website.
Big Jim’s will also be going all out for Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. Whether you’re rooting for the Ravens or the 49ers, you can watch on Big Jim’s eight big screen TVs and enjoy a variety of Super Bowl food and drink specials.
We’ll have a full BBQ buffet from 5 p.m. through the third quarter with pulled pork or chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, pizza buffet and chips and dip for every table. There will be $2 Bud Light pints and $10 bottomless mimosas, as well as Happy Hour prices on house wine and liquor.
Prefer to watch the big game at home? Take home some grub from Big Jim’s! Our To-Go specials include pulled pork or chicken, ribs, coleslaw and baked beans. You can also order a Party Platter with sliders of pulled pork or chicken, Angus beef or fried chicken. Call us at 843-785-1165 to order.
Also in celebration of the Super Bowl, we’re offering a buy one round, get one free golf special. Book your Hilton Head tee time online through Feb. 3 using code Super2013 to get the deal. We’ve also got sales in our Hilton Head golf pro shops, including 20% off all non-sale merchandise and 10% off all sale items, plus Titleist Pro VI for $39.96/dozen.
Join us at Big Jim’s soon!
Palmetto Dunes to Host Three South Carolina Tennis Tournaments in 2013 for USTA
We know Palmetto Dunes is the best place for tennis in not just Hilton Head but in South Carolina, and even according to Tennis Magazine, the best place in both Carolinas! The United States Tennis Association agreed and has awarded us two of the South Carolina state tennis championships for 2013 in addition to the USTA On-Campus Fall Invitational.
First up will be the USTA South Carolina 40 and Over Championships, formerly known as the Senior Championships, May 18-20. Then, later in the year, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center will also host the USTA Tennis On-Campus Fall Invitational Oct. 11-13 and the USTA South Carolina Combo Adult Championships Oct. 17-21, which is the largest state championship in South Carolina. The Combo tournament was previously held in Charleston at the Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island. All of these tournaments are open to spectators only. Check out our complete Tennis Tournament Schedule for all events and dates.
Palmetto Dunes is unique among tennis facilities in Hilton Head in the number of clay courts available, allowing the entire championship to be played on clay courts. Another benefit of Palmetto Dunes is its mid-island location on Hilton Head, which is close to other tennis sites and activities.
The resort is also not short of awards for its tennis facilities. Tennis Magazine ranked Palmetto Dunes as the No. 1 tennis resort in the Carolinas for 2012 and as one of the top 50 tennis resorts in the nation. Additionally, the South Carolina tennis resort regularly enjoys top recognition from TennisResortsOnline.com, where guests rank tennis facilities. We were chosen No. 2 in the world for instruction and events, No. 3 in the world for junior programs and No. 5 in the world overall.
Hosting the tournaments is a success for Palmetto Dunes, as they will bring in hundreds of players from out of town who will stay and enjoy all the activities the resort has to offer. We hope to provide all the players and their fans with a wonderful Hilton Head tennis experience and continue to host the tournament in coming years.
If you’d like to come for any of the tennis tournaments, please take a look at our many Hilton Head tennis packages. They include the Team Getaway Package, which offers 3 nights in a resort villa, 4 ½ hours of group instruction, 3-day bike rentals, 2 hours of free tennis daily and a tennis gift upon check in. You might also enjoy our Tennis Stay & Play package, which offers 3 nights in a resort villa, two 1-hour clinics, 3-day bike rentals and 2 hours of tennis court time daily. Or try our Extreme Tennis Vacation and extend your stay for a week. This package offers 7 nights in a resort villa, three 1-hour private tennis lessons, 2 tennis clinics per day/person, 7-day bike rentals and 2 hours of tennis court time daily.
To book your trip to Palmetto Dunes for the next Hilton Head tennis tournament, please call us at 866-744-7558.
5 Reasons to Book Your South Carolina Beach Vacation Early
With the holidays complete and much of the country engulfed in winter weather galore, many people are starting to plan their spring or summer South Carolina beach vacation. This is a good thing :)! When you book early, you get the worm!
We’ve got 5 reasons why you should book your beach vacation early to make sure you get the most out of your Hilton Head trip:
1) Savings! The first ( and best!) reason to book early is because you will save money. Who could argue with that?! Right now, Palmetto Dunes is offering 20% off Hilton Head vacation homes or villas plus FREE bikes for stays through 3/15/13. If you’re coming in summer, get 10% off all Hilton Head vacation rentals for stays 3/15-9/1/13, as well as free tennis! When you book your Hilton Head golf tee time in advance, you can save up to HALF off our regular resort rate. Those savings won’t last forever!
2) Take your pick – When you plan ahead of time, you get YOUR pick of Hilton Head vacation homes and Hilton Head golf tee times, as well as for activities such as dolphin cruises, charters, golf and tennis lessons and more.
3) Confirm your reservations – During our peak periods like spring break and the summer months, we often sell out of Hilton Head bike rentals and our most popular tee times and cruise times. By booking now, you can ensure you’ve got all the activities confirmed that your family would like to do ideally at the times you want to do them.
4) Time to plan – Want to take a day trip to Daufuskie Island or down to Savannah, planning to meet your friends from across the country for dinner, not sure whether to drive or fly? Planning now lets you take your time working out all the fine details, lets you research the most cost-saving options and ensures you’ve thoroughly looked into all the options and picked the right ones for your group.
5) Time to dream! – Of course, a big benefit of booking early is plenty of time to dream about your Hilton Head vacation. Snow piling outside the window? No worries! You’ll be in Hilton Head this spring or summer and it will all melt away. If winter’s really got you down, take a look at our webcams to give you a little pep in your step. Your vacation will be here before you know it!
Can we help you plan your spring or summer Hilton Head vacation? Call us today at 866-744-7558 and we’ll make sure you start the planning process early, get the best Hilton Head vacation villa for your needs, reserve plenty of bikes and get in all the activities your family wants to do at the time you want to do them. See you soon!
Get Mental with Your Golf Game in Hilton Head
Here at Palmetto Dunes, we believe that improving your golf game often times starts in your head. Our Hilton Head golf school, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy, offers a variety of classes that work on your mental golf game. Our head of golf instruction, Doug Weaver, is a big proponent of spending time on the mind in order to improve your skills.
“The average person is so busy, they don’t have time to master the perfect golf game. Plus, every golfer is restricted by the limits of his physical skill,” says Doug. “The one thing within our control, however, is how we approach an overall round, a specific hole or a given shot.”
We offer a Mental Golf Workshop weekly, as well as part of our three-day Hilton Head golf school. Before you even come to class, you’ll fill out a survey online, which takes about 15 minutes, that determines your golf personality. The result is a 24-page report that Doug uses to improve your game during the Hilton Head golf class. With the survey, you’ll get an analysis of your golf temperament, golf fitness tendencies and ability to work with instructors and get customized strategies for pre-round preparation, playing shots and course management.
Doug teaches his students how to concentrate and not just think on a conscious level, but a subconscious level. But he promises, no hypnotism involved :). “It’s a fun way to play golf,” says Doug.
He encourages his students to envision a good golf shot before ever taking a swing and even to try putting with eyes closed, or with eyes on the cup and not the ball.
Come try Doug’s methods of using your mind to become a better golf player. Read more about our 2- and 3-day golf schools and variety of golf clinics. Call us at 866-744-7558 to reserve your spot today or to book one of our South Carolina golf getaways that include lessons, tee times and accommodations.
5 Healthy Activities at Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes
It’s New Year’s so we’re guessing you’ve probably made a few new year’s resolutions for 2013. Health is always at the top of the resolution list so we wanted to encourage you to come on down to Hilton Head and get healthy with a beautiful view!
Here are 5 healthy activities you can do at Palmetto Dunes to support those new year’s resolutions so they don’t get left in the dust:
1) Walk the golf course – We offer three beautiful championship Hilton Head golf courses, each unique and challenging in its own way. When you play one of our courses, instead of opting for the cart, why not walk the course? You’ll burn some extra calories, do your heart some good and more thoroughly enjoy your beautiful surroundings. It might even give you some more quality time with your golfing buddies!
2) Bike the resort – There are many paved paths throughout Palmetto Dunes, and the streets within the resort are also bike friendly. Everyone knows a good bike ride is a great workout, plus you’re more apt to forget you’re exercising as you take in the lovely views at every turn. Instead of driving to Shelter Cove Harbour to shop or dine, why not hop on a bike using our special passageway that lets you avoid crossing Highway 278? We offer Hilton Head bike rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters for everyone in the family.
3) Try a Zike Bike! Sure, biking is great on its own, but using this unique bike, you’ll get even more of a workout. The Zike Bike is designed as a cross between a bike and an elliptical machine. You use the elliptical movement to power the bike and work your body even harder. Visit Hilton Head Outfitters to try one or rent one on your Hilton Head vacation.
4) Fall in “love” with tennis – When you book a Hilton Head vacation home or Hilton Head vacation villa with Palmetto Dunes, you get two free hours of tennis daily. Be sure to take advantage of that court time to get in a great tennis workout. If you’d like a little more structure, head over to our Hilton Head tennis academy for a variety of lessons, clinics and even a Cardio Tennis class.
5) Paddleboard our lagoon – Pick a sunny winter afternoon and head out on our 11-mile inland lagoon to try the fastest growing watersport, paddleboarding. When paddleboarding, you stand on a board similar to a surf board and use a paddle to navigate your way through the lagoon. The balance and core work required is like no other! Expect washboard abs if you do this sport regularly :).
What’s your favorite way to be healthy at Palmetto Dunes? Please share with us your new year’s resolutions and we’ll suggest some ways we can support them here at the beach. If we can help you plan activities or a vacation to our beautiful resort, please give us a call at 866-744-7558. Happy New Year’s!
Hilton Head Vacation Villa Round-up: 193 Mooring Buoy
So, you decided over the holidays to get your extended family together again in 2013 for a warm weather vacation? Why not come to Hilton Head and Palmetto Dunes and keep everyone busy with our multitude of activities from golf and tennis to biking and kayaking?! Not to mention three miles of peaceful, private beachfront! We’ve got the perfect spot for you to stay with us: 193 Mooring Buoy.
Go ahead, close your eyes, now picture a gorgeous southern home with a grand staircase leading up to the door, a bright blue pool in back overlooking our 11-mile inland lagoon, a lovely deck with pool view, a cook’s kitchen and five beautifully decorated bedrooms. Can you see it?! Enjoy all of that plus the perks of staying with us on your next Hilton Head vacation! Plus, for a limited time you can rent this home at a discounted rate for spring or summer season! This lovely home gives you plenty of space to spread out and enjoy your family without being on top of one another. The living room, dining room and kitchen all offer views of the pool and lagoon, so it’s unlikely you’ll be inside very much with the outdoors beckoning.
If someone in your family loves to cook, they’ll enjoy the expansive kitchen with custom cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. The dining room seats six with room for four more in the breakfast nook.
There are two master suites, perfect for the parents and grandparents, or two sets of parents traveling together. Both offer king beds, sitting areas and flat screen TVs. One even offers a shower with six showerheads for scrubbing the sand off all the kids at once!
There are three other bedrooms, two of which have twin beds and one with a queen bed. Another bonus den has a queen sleeper sofa and private bath.
Sound good? You also get two hours of FREE tennis daily when you book this Hilton Head vacation home and the best rates on all Palmetto Dunes activities like Hilton Head bike rentals, golf and kayaking in the lagoon right behind your home!
Book 193 Mooring Buoy today by calling 866-744-7558 , get your family vacation planned in advance and save some $$!
5 Ways to Workout in Hilton Head
When you vacation in Hilton Head you don’t want to lose all the momentum you’ve built by doing a consistent fitness routine at home. But instead of doing the same old workout, why not get creative when you’re on vacation and as they say: “do as the locals do.”
There are lots of ways to workout in Hilton Head, but here are our favorites that will score you points for creativity but still having you working up a sweat.
1) Paddleboard Yoga – Paddleboarding is currently the fastest growing water sport and it’s tough enough on its own, but add yoga to the mix and you’ve got an unusual but extreme challenge. Who doesn’t want to brag they did Downward Facing Dog on a paddleboard?! Both the Jiva Yoga Center, located at 1032 William Hilton Parkway, and Outside Hilton Head, located in Shelter Cove Harbour, offer this unique form of exercise which challenges you not just to stand on a paddleboard (which can be hard enough) but to do yoga poses (like headstands!) on the board.
2) Cardio Tennis – Tennis fans will love this workout option. Cardio Tennis aims to keep your heart rate up for an extended time for a maximum workout. It focuses on drills and instructors use heart monitors to ensure you reach your target heart rate. Cardio Tennis classes vary during the off season so please call us at 866-744-7558 to verify class times.
3) Run or yoga on the beach – You’re at the beach, so take advantage of it for your exercise routine! Enjoy sunrise yoga or a sunset run on the beach. Running is more challenging in sand because it works your lower leg muscles more, but it’s also easier on your joints. You can also try biking with our fat tire bikes available from Hilton Head Outfitters or just a speed walk while admiring the scenery.
4) CrossFit Hilton Head – CrossFit is a fitness trend that’s gaining in popularity with even ESPN2 broadcasting the annual CrossFit games. CrossFit uses basic workout moves like squats, pull-ups, jump rope and the occasional tire flipping to give you a “tough” workout. The workout, called a WOD (workout of the day), changes daily to constantly mix things up. Everyone is also encouraged to lift weights with guidance on proper form. You’ll know you worked out after a CrossFit session. In Hilton Head, you can find CrossFit at CrossFit Hilton Head located at 6 Bow Circle.
5) Head to a local gym – Of course, you can always head to the local gym for a day pass if you just can’t imagine not using the Elliptical for a week. Just outside the resort, walking distance from your Hilton Head vacation home or villa, is Lava Fitness. Other Hilton Head gyms include Beach City Health and Fitness, Odyssey Health Club, Powerhouse Gym, Progressive Health and Fitness Center and more.
Of course, you can always choose one of our active vacation packages that include Hilton Head bike rentals, daily free tennis when you book accommodations through Palmetto Dunes, kayaking, golf and more. We like to stay active here at this South Carolina resort!
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Hilton Head
Here in Hilton Head where most days the skies are blue and the weather is mild, there is plenty to do to keep active during the winter months. Here are our top 10 winter activities on Hilton Head Island:
1) Polish your golf game – Our Hilton Head golf academy offers a variety of classes for golfers all winter long. Learn to play more carefree like Bubba Watson, improve your mental golf game or enjoy daily 50-minute clinics on different skills. See our winter golf academy schedule. Or just head out for a round with some pals. Winter is a great time to play golf in Hilton Head, as the crowds of summer are long gone, making for better pace of play, and temperatures are mild.
2) Ride a bike! – With some 50 miles of paved bike paths on Hilton Head Island, there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy the beauty of our island. Hilton Head Outfitters offers Hilton Head bike rentals for every member of your family, including cruisers, kiddie carts, tag-a-longs and child seats.
3) Get in a cardio workout by playing tennis – Tennis gets the blood pumping for sure and the milder weather makes for more comfortable outdoor play. Try a Hilton Head tennis lesson from our Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center or take it up a notch with our Cardio Tennis class offered during the winter months on holidays.
4) Shop! – There are plenty of unique boutiques and stores on Hilton Head to make sure you head home with a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation. Try Shelter Cove Harbour waterfront shops or shop our Hilton Head golf pro shops and tennis pro shop for some great finds.
5) Kayak or canoe the lagoon – Plan to rent a kayak or canoe from Hilton Head Outfitters and head out mid afternoon, when the weather should be at its warmest. Enjoy a peaceful tour of our 11-mile inland lagoon system, take in the wildlife and see Palmetto Dunes in an entirely new way.
6) Take a walk on the beach and look for shells – With fewer people visiting Hilton Head in the winter, you’ll enjoy a quiet stroll and have a better chance of finding some great shells. Keep your eye out for dolphins in the surf and see what kind of treasures have washed ashore. Here are more tips on beachcombing in Hilton Head.
7) Catch a redfish! – Fall and winter are some of the best times to catch a “big red” and our team of fishermen can help you do it. Whether you take an offshore or inshore Hilton Head fishing charter, learn to fish from the pros and see if you can earn bragging rights to a trophy red.
8) Eat oysters – Here in the south, we say that months ending in “r” are the best ones to eat oysters, so before December winds down, take this last opportunity! There’s a fine art to eating an oyster (or you can just slurp it down, of course J) whether you enjoy it with a touch of lemon, hot sauce or just plain!
9) Go birdwatching – The birds are out in winter, and in fact, during Hilton Head’s last Christmas bird count they totaled up more species than ever before! Grab some binoculars and head out on a kayak in the lagoon or a Hilton Head boat tour to Daufuskie Island or Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge for some great birdwatching. More Hilton Head birdwatching tips in the Hilton Head Outfitters blog.
10) Do nothing! After you’ve done our top 9, why not relax, unwind and do nothing :)? Kick back in your Hilton Head vacation rental from Palmetto Dunes and enjoy an ocean or palm tree view. Grab a good book, a cup of coffee and rest. Ahhh….
Palmetto Dunes offers plenty of packages to help you work in all of these things from our Monthly Stay & Sports Membership to our Spa Packages to Hilton Head tennis packages and Hilton Head golf packages. If we can answer any questions or book you a stay or tee time, please give us a call at 866-744-7558.
Hilton Head Holiday Gift Guide: Golf Gifts, Tennis Gifts and More
Finding the right holiday gift for every person in your life can be more than a little stressful! But when you come shopping in Hilton Head, you’re likely to find some unique gift items to both surprise and delight your family and friends. To help you with your holiday shopping, we’ve compiled some of our favorite gift ideas from around our famous South Carolina resort and neighboring Shelter Cove Harbour.
For the golfer:
- Our newest golf club at the Robert Trent Jones course pro shop is the Ping-Anser Club, which lets you change the loft and turn the trajectory to 8 ½, 9 ½ or 10 ½. The pro shop offers a variety of other clubs from Cleveland to Nike for men and women of all skill levels.
- For a steal, try the DryJoy women’s golf shoes, which are on closeout for $80. Enjoy the lace-free hassle of these shoes that let you, tighten or loosen the shoe for maximum comfort.
- We’ve got some new items from Travis Mathew, Bubba Watson’s golf line of choice, including pants, short and long sleeve shirts, wind shirts and thermals, which are very popular this time of year.
- Everyone loves Southern Tide! We have a broad selection of Southern Tide casual golf wear for keeping you looking good off the course, too.
For the tennis player:
- Everyone is coming in to our Hilton Head tennis pro shop asking for our Life is Tennis totes and sling-style racquet bags this year! They are priced at $78.99 and come in some really fun and lovely styles, colors and prints.
- We have new wrist bands from Unleashed! that are stylish and popular among tennis players. The bandscome in varying prints and have terry fabric on the inside that we love! Priced at just $17.99, this would make a great tennis stocking stuffer.
Check out our DeFeet Dura Gloves, which are multi-season gloves perfect for cold weather play. They have a nylon nonslip palm grip and are available in neon yellow, black, light pink and a bright pink with the breast cancer awareness ribbon on the interior. These are priced at $15.99 and also make a great stocking stuffer.- If you’re shopping for kids who love tennis, try our new Lucky in Love tennis apparel line for kids, which offers cute camis, leggings, tanks and shorties.
For the outdoor enthusiast:
- Hilton Head Outfitters is having a 20% off bike sale through the holidays on new Jamis bike and Hampton Beach Cruisers. These are perfect for casual rides around the resort and come in a variety of fun colors like daiquiri blue, cantaloupe, kiwi and lemonade.
For an artistic or unique gift:
Head across the road from the resort to the Shelter Cove Harbour Waterfront Shops and stop by Nash Gallery. The longtime Hilton Head art gallery features all North-American artists with a variety of unique art pieces and décor for the home.
Christmas on the Harbour, our year-round Christmas shop at Shelter Cove, features ornaments of every kind and handcrafted ornaments from Jim Shore. Christmas on the Harbour also has a variety of collegiate Christmas items. For the fisherman:
- While you’re at Shelter Cove, make a stop by the Ship’s Store and ask for Shipmaster Dave. He can “hook” you up with the perfect gift for a fisherman, like a new Guy Harvey shirt or a pair of polarized Costa Del Mar sunglasses. Both items are 20% off through the holidays.
For anyone:
- Got some folks on your list you don’t know how to classify, much less know what to buy for them? That’s why we have the Palmetto Dunes gift card! If they like Hilton Head, they’ll find something great to do with the gift card, whether it’s golf lessons, tennis court time, dinner at Big Jim’s restaurant or Hilton Head bike rentals. Our gift cards are good at most locations throughout the resort.
- A vacation to Palmetto Dunes! Why not surprise your family with a Hilton Head vacation? We promise their jaws will drop on Christmas Day! Call our vacation planners at (866) 744-7558 to get your surprise all set up. Mum’s the word J.
Here are more holiday deals at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour. If you can’t make it in person to shop, feel free to give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we’ll be happy to ship.
How far along are you on your holiday gift list? Will any of these golf gifts, tennis gifts or other ideas make your list? Happy shopping!