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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 $$!

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!

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. 

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.
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  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!

Go ahead, start dreaming of your Hilton Head vacation and imagine it right here: in 8 Flagg, a lovely four bedroom home with a pool and upscale furnishings that can sleep up to 10 people for your South Carolina getaway.

Just a five-minute walk from the beach, you can spend your vacation poolside, seaside or enjoying all the amenities our South Carolina beach resort has to offer, like golf, tennis and Hilton Head bike rentals.

Picture family gatherings in the large living room with leather sofa and one of five flat screen TVs. Everyone can head to the dining room, with seating for eight, for breakfast before heading out for a walk on the beach or lunch or dinner overlooking the pool.  Feel free to crank up the gas grill for steaks, hot dogs and burgers for a dinner “in” one night.

There’s plenty of room for a large family or two smaller families with a master bedroom downstairs that comes with a king-size Sleep Number bed and private bath. On the second level, you’ll find two bedrooms, each with queen beds and private baths. There’s also a third level bonus room with another two twin beds, private bath and twin roll-away should you need it.

The two-car garage can house your vehicles, and the Hilton Head vacation home also comes with complimentary Internet access.

Anytime you book your vacation rental through Palmetto Dunes, you also get two hours of complimentary tennis daily, along with the best rates on all the resort’s activities. Feel free to take in a round or two of golf, try kayaking in our peaceful lagoon or rent bikes to enjoy the more than 50 miles of paved bike paths on Hilton Head Island.

What do you think? Could you spend your beach vacation here? Call us today at (866) 744-7558 to get this beautiful Hilton Head vacation rental on your schedule or book online. It currently has availability throughout December 2012 and January 2013, and we offer both short-term or long-term stay options to fit your schedule. 

Take a break from the cold and snow and head down south for your Thanksgiving Day festivities. Imagine, a sunrise walk before you start cooking and a post-dinner bike ride under mossy oak trees after dinner.

Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of ways to celebrate Turkey Day at the beach whether you’d like to do the cooking or leave it up to us.

Guests of Palmetto Dunes can literally have Thanksgiving at the beach at the oceanfront Dunes House. The restaurant will be offering a buffet from 11 a.m-5 p.m. featuring sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole; turkey , lamb and round of beef as entrees; and pumpkin pie, pecan pie, ginger snap bread pudding and double chocolate cookies for dessert. The buffet is $27.95 per person, $13.95 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are required by calling (843) 686-9623. See the complete menu.

Our new Big Jim’s restaurant at the Robert Trent Jones course, which opened earlier this year, will also be open on Thanksgiving. Reservations are not required and they’ll be offering traditional Thanksgiving plated dinners with all your favorites. The cost for Big Jim’s is $18.95 per person or $9.95 for kids 12 and younger. Those with large parties should call ahead of time to ensure there is space. Call (843) 785-1165.

If you’d prefer to hang out at your Hilton Head vacation home inside Palmetto Dunes, but would rather leave the cooking to someone else, we’ve got you covered! Let us bring you a gourmet Thanksgiving to go ready on Thanksgiving Day starting at 11 a.m. at Big Jim’s restaurant. Be sure you have your order in by Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. by calling 843-686-9623. Our to-go dinner includes roast turkey and top round of beef, stuffing, mashed potatoes; choice of three sides among collard greens, mac & cheese, green bean casserole or squash casserole; and pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. Complete menu. $15/person, minimum 2-person order.

Be sure to rent your bikes ahead of time to ensure they’re ready to go for your Turkey Day bike ride to burn off a few calories. Call Hilton Head Outfitters at 866-380-1783 to reserve your bike rentals.

Hilton Head offers plenty of Black Friday shopping if you’re looking for some deals. Head across the street to Shelter Cove for specials all weekend. Many of the stores are offering 20% and higher sales, and restaurants will have food and drink specials, as well. See the complete list of sales and deals.

Santa will also make an appearance at the statue of Neptune Nov. 23 from Noon- 3 p.m., arriving on a firetruck no less!  The first 200 kids get a free Santa pin and there will also be a bounce house to burn off some of that holiday energy. Shelter Cove will also have live music from Target Band from 1-4 p.m. on Black Friday.

Come spend your Thanksgiving in Hilton Head at Palmetto Dunes. We promise it will be a Thanksgiving you’ll never forget! Call us at (866) 744-7558 to book your stay today.

It’s getting to be the time of year where the weather up north starts to get cold, with snow and chilling winds as the norm. But here in Hilton Head the weather is mild year round with the average high between 60 and 72 November through February. In fact, you can check our website home page any time of year for the current temperature and see our Hilton Head weather chart for average highs year round.

With sunny days so tempting, we have lots of folks who like to come spend a month or more with us in the winter, and to cater to these loyal guests, we offer a variety of fun options to keep them busy at our Hilton Head beach resort.

Our Monthly Stay and Sports Membership is great for active individuals who love to enjoy the great outdoors. It includes resort accommodations for 30 days in a Hilton Head vacation home or villa, unlimited golf on our three legendary Hilton Head golf courses and bike rentals throughout your stay, two two-hour kayak rentals to enjoy our calm 11-mile lagoon system, two hours of tennis court time daily and the best rates on all other activities at the resort. Plan to burn a few calories with this monthly sports membership!

Golf aficionados will love our Monthly Golf Membership that gives you a 30-day unlimited golf pass to our three championship courses. You also receive discounts at our Hilton Head golf pro shops, golf grills and range. Imagine how much your golf game will improve with so much practice!

If you’re a tennis player, you’ll be excited to know that with any stay at a Palmetto Dunes-managed Hilton Head vacation villa or home, you receive two hours of complimentary tennis daily. So play your heart out!

Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy a weekly – or even yearly -- kayak or canoe rental from Hilton Head Outfitters. Yearly members pay $199 for one person for unlimited use of the store’s standard kayaks and canoes in the Palmetto Dunes inland lagoon system, as well as receive half off for a second person and 10% off all other rental equipment. Monthly bike passes are also available for $59.99 for exploring the more than 50 miles of paved Hilton Head bike paths.

Which monthly sports membership is ideal for you? Call our vacation planners today to schedule your chance to get out of the cold and into the bright Hilton Head sun this winter! 

Doug Weaver, head of golf instruction at Palmetto Dunes golf resort, is all about making the game of golf fun. He wants you to leave your stress behind when on your Hilton Head golf vacation, forget about throwing clubs and relax and enjoy the game.

Easier said than done, right?

According to Doug, he strives to make people “players”. He says, “a player is somebody who plays well without a perfect swing, understands the game and doesn’t get bogged down in all the mechanics.” A pro golfer who embodies that “player” mentality is Bubba Watson, a playful, imperfect golfer who gets the job done, but has fun while he’s doing it.

Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of classes at our Hilton Head Golf Academy that address these frustrations and helps bring the joy back to the game of golf. They include:

Bubba Golf – Learn how to play like Bubba in this weekly 50-minute class with Doug. The class focuses on the mechanics of making specific trouble shots while learning to think less and focus better.

Mental Golf Workshop – Part of our three-day Hilton Head golf school, the Mental Golf Workshop lets you complete a “golf personality” profile before beginning class. This helps Doug to better understand your personality and areas you need to work on, allowing him to personalize your instruction.

Off the Knees and Under a Branch – In Doug’s Short Game II workshop, he teaches you how to get out of the toughest situations on the course, even when you’re “on your knees, under a branch.” With the confidence that you can play your way out of a worst case scenario, your game will improve!

“Every round has failures in it, if you overreact, that’s how a lot of rounds are ruined,” says Doug. “Golf is fun. Learn how to handle those challenges, and that’s when you really have fun.”

The three championship courses at Palmetto Dunes lend themselves to having fun while you’re on your Hilton Head vacation. They are challenging but not too much so. They’re a good blend, says Doug, meeting the needs of every type of golfer.

Palmetto Dunes offers a range of options for South Carolina golf vacations, including a golf stay and play package, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy Package with two full days of instruction, monthly packages and more. Call us at (866) 744-7558 for more details.

So next time you feel like throwing a club out of frustration, remember these words from Weaver: “Golf is not a game of perfect. It’s a game of good.” And have fun out there!

It never fails. You think you’ve packed everything you need for a vacation, and then you realize you left your brand new golf glove on the kitchen counter or your new tennis attire in the dryer. Or perhaps you just “feel” like you need a little something new to up your game – and who doesn’t want to come home from their Hilton Head vacation with something to add to their wardrobe? Since any purchase doubles as a souvenir, stocking up at our Hilton Head pro shops is totally justifiable. In fact, it’s a win-win!

Our Hilton Head tennis pro shop and our Hilton Head golf pro shops offer all the essentials -- from the outfit to the equipment – as well as a few awesome extras. We’ve picked five great finds at our Pro Shops just in time for your fall or winter Hilton Head vacation and for the holidays.

In our golf pro shops:

1)      GARMIN Approach S3 GPS Golf Watch -- The S3 is an innovative GPS golf watch preloaded with more than 27,500 courses domestically. It offers a high-resolution touch-screen display and shows the shape/layout of each green, allowing the user to select hole locations for precise distances. It also displays yardages to doglegs and lay-ups, and allows the user to calculate distances of an individual shot, not just distance to the hole.

2)      9 & Dine Ladies Apparel -- This collection does very well, and we’re currently stocking the new fall collection. It offers coordinating tops and skorts for a number of unique looks. 9 & Dine is designed for performance without sacrificing fit or style. In addition, every piece in the collection is made in the USA.

3)      Titleist 913D2 & 913D3 Drivers -- Titleist begins shipping new drivers in November, just in time for you to use one on our three Hilton Head golf courses during your vacation! The new 913D2 is a 460cc driver with innovations to the face insert, rear weight and lower CG location that deliver the best combination of speed and forgiveness.

For tennis enthusiasts:

4)      TASC Apparel -- Our Tennis Center pro shop recently added logo apparel from TASC, which many of you know stands for Technical All Season Comfort. The fabric used in this clothing line for men and women is light weight, has 4-way stretch, UPF 50+, anti-odor, breathable and moisture wicking.

5)      LoveAll Shirts -- The shop also carries a new shirt line for women called LoveAll. These shirts are made for tennis lovers by tennis lovers. They infuse their products with the intimate knowledge of the game and the absolute obsession for the sport. LoveAll’s vision is to serve up sizzling merchandise that reflects your passion while remaining divinely comfortable and flattering. Serious and fun; just like you.

What sounds good to you? Any good ideas for holiday gift giving? If you don’t see what you need, head over to our Hilton Head pro shops or give us a call at (866) 744-7558 for some ideas and for shipping rates. 

Great view? Check. Convenient? Check. Plenty of room for a party of six to kick back and relax? Check!

If you’re in the market for a Hilton Head vacation rental, consider 4405 Windsor Court, a beautiful two-bedroom, two-bath villa with a spectacular ocean view and easy access to everything Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has to offer!

Large windows allow plenty of light into this adorable oceanfront Hilton Head condo, which features an open floor plan and a great living space with plenty of comfy seating. Fancy a gourmet meal? Whip up something special in the fully-equipped, convenient kitchen. A party of four can dine comfortably around the dining room table and additional seating is available at the counter bar overlooking the kitchen.

The master bedroom has a king size bed, and the master bath features lots of counter space, two sinks, a jetted tub and a shower. The second bedroom features two twin beds and a private balcony. The large sectional in the living room also is a pullout sleeper that accommodates two.

Fall is incredible on Hilton Head, so take advantage of your private balcony to enjoy the sunrise or an afternoon cocktail. The balcony overlooks the pool and lagoon and offers an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean 24/7.

The villa complex offers beach access, a pool and a playground. The villa itself includes cable TV, DVD player, flat screen TV, Internet access, keyless entry and a washer and dryer, as well as free tennis!

The villa is conveniently located to all of the activities and amenities at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Enjoy tennis, golf, boating, bike rentals and more. Click here for more information about this villa, including a photo gallery, as well as to check availability.

If you book your Hilton Head vacation home through Palmetto Dunes, you not only get a great place to stay but two hours of free Hilton Head tennis daily at our tennis center and all the best rates on activities at the resort. You can always call one of our Vacation Planners if you have more information or would like to book over the phone. Just give us a call at (866) 744-7558.

There are games of chance and games of skill. Golf certainly is a game of skill and the best way to improve your game is to tweak things now and again.

While enjoying your Hilton Head vacation, make sure you sign up to attend at least one of the programs offered at our top-notch Hilton Head golf academy so you can score lower and enjoy the game even more. Even if you don’t think you need to tweak your game, you should consider getting a friend or family member to sign up for a program or two then you can just tag along for moral support (wink-wink, nudge-nudge).

In fact, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is currently running a special for 10% off if you sign up for a multi-day program. If another golfer signs up with you, you get 15% off. The two-day programs offer a 4:1 ratio for three hours of instruction per day, nine holes of golf daily and much more. The three-day programs also have a 4:1 ratio for four hours of instruction per day, 18 holes of golf and more.

The Golf Academy is led by former PGA Tour player Doug Weaver. As Director of Instruction Weaver manages the Palmetto Dunes golf academy and supervises all golf instruction. “The two- and three-day schools are great because they have a slow pace and you can enjoy learning at whatever your playing level,” Weaver says.

In addition to the multi-day programs, the academy offers nine golf programs about an hour in length nearly every day of the week. Each class focuses on different aspects of the game, including beginner golf, back to basics and the short game. The programs are appropriate for golfers from ages 12 to adult. Eleven teaching pros, some of whom are former PGA Tour professionals, provide hands-on instruction to golfers with varying levels of proficiency.

Weaver says the Power and Distance Class helps you learn the five different ways to hit the ball harder and more precisely using moves that are best for your body type. Every golfer’s body creates power uniquely. The experts will show you the five major power moves and which ones you should focus on.

Another good Hilton Head golf lesson we offer is the Mental Golf Workshop, which helps you concentrate better and keep your energy high. In short, you learn how to concentrate like a pro and maintain it.

Speaking of concentration, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy has created a class that zeroes in on Bubba Watson’s unique approach to golf. “Bubba is one of the greatest players of our time,” Weaver says. “He’s relaxed and care free. He’s casual yet very competitive and he understands it’s a game of opposites – the harder you try, the worse you do.”

Unsure which school is right for you? Contact us for more information or to make a reservation for any of our Hilton Head golf lessons at (866) 744-7558.

Looking for somewhere new to eat on your next Hilton Head vacation? Head over to Shelter Cove Harbour where you’ll find an array of Hilton Head restaurant choices, including one of our favorites: ELA’s Blu Water Grille. 

Located right on the water in Shelter Cove Harbour and recently featured in Bon Appetit, ELA’s offers fine dining in Hilton Head in a relaxed atmosphere with an award-winning view. It’s is the perfect choice for a fresh, imaginative meal after a day on playing golf in Hilton Head, hitting the tennis courts or kayaking Hilton Head through our inland lagoon. 

ELA 's did receive an award for “Best Water View Dining in South Carolina,” but whether you choose to dine inside or outside at the Hilton Head restaurant, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere. Inside and out, the restaurant is classy yet comfortable; casual yet intimate. The waterfront garden patio is a wonderful place to enjoy the view, the gorgeous year-round weather and the night sky for your evening meal. Come enjoy live music in the evenings Thursday through Sunday.

The menu includes creations from Chef Chris Cohen, focusing on fresh catch seafood and steaks of the highest certified quality. Begin your meal with soup, salad (or both!). The restaurant includes daily specials, as well as staples such as lobster bisque and the ELA wedge salad, which features creamy blu cheese, bacon, tomatoes and red onions. Yum! 

Seafood entrees include pan roasted grouper with lobster butter truffle potato puree and local market baby veggies and Atlantic swordfish steak served with sunchoke puree, arugula pecan pesto and seasonal vegetables. 

If you’re in the mood for something other than seafood, options include an 8 ounce filet mignon with Grafton Village cheddar potatoes au gratin, as well as The Ugly Burger, which is served with truffle French fries. 

For those who enjoy a glass of wine, ELA stocks varieties from boutique vineyards. And for those who like to cap off their meal with a delicious dessert, choose from a sweet list including key lime pie, tiramisu and ELA’s pecan pie. 

Oh, and a couple celebrities, including Paula Abdul, have made ELA’s their Hilton Head restaurant of choice as well. You just never know who you might see as you nosh on their gourmet cuisine while you gaze over the water!

Is all this talk about food making you hungry? Go ahead and make a reservation for lunch or dinner today! Visit ELA’s website or call them at 843-785-3030. Bon appétit!

Imagine this: You’re on one of Palmetto Dunes’ three gorgeous Hilton Head golf courses and you begin to wonder: “What’s the best way to play this hole? How will I ever get around that sand trap?” And then perhaps: “I’m getting hungry. Wonder where can I get lunch or a cold drink after I get this hole-in-one?”

Well, the folks at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort kind of read your mind and created a golf app for your smartphone that will answer all these questions – and then some – in real time and right in your pocket! Another reason we’re known as one of the best South Carolina golf resorts.

The app is available for free in the iTunes store and Android market. Simply download it and then start off your day by browsing the app to learn about each of the resort’s three championship golf courses. With a few taps, you can even schedule your tee time.

While you’re playing with us, you can keep track of yardage with the app’s built-in GPS and enter your score into a mobile scorecard that allows you to engage in some healthy live competition with others in your group. Use the app to check information about each hole on each course (par, handicap and playing tips), and when you make that hole-in-one, the app makes it easy to brag about it on Facebook. Your post will certainly make all your friends jealous that you’re enjoying a great Hilton Head fall golf getaway at Palmetto Dunes while they’re at work!

Playing 18 holes makes a guy or gal thirsty (and hungry, too!), so be sure to use the app to access food and beverage info from Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza (located at the Robert Trent Jones course), as well as the Grilles at the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses. Tap to direct-dial the restaurants to place an order for pickup after your round.

And while you’re out there on the course, you may realize you need a certain piece of equipment to improve your game. Don’t forget to check out the special offers from the resort’s pro shop available only to app users.

We’ve put a lot of thought into this app to anticipate golfers’ needs out on the golf course. Download it, check it out and put it to use today! Let us know what you think!

Remember when you were a kid and you stayed outside from sun up to sun down? Fall is the perfect time to do just that on Hilton Head. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, fall is a fabulous time to enjoy all the outdoor fun that Hilton Head and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort have to offer. 

Love to be on the water? We have several options for you during your stay. Rent a kayak or canoe to explore Palmetto Dunes’ 11-mile lagoon system by your own power. Choose from single or double kayaks, and a one-, two- or three-person canoe rentals! We like that the canoes and kayaks (generally) have two speeds: paddle and drift. That makes them both a perfect mode of transportation for slowing down to really enjoy the Hilton Head wildlife and the fall weather. 

Speaking of paddling, you can also rent a stand up paddleboard during your stay. This sport has quickly grown in popularity and when you’re out there balancing on the water, you’ll see why. It’s peaceful and a workout all at the same time. 

Palmetto Dunes also offers several options for you to charter a boat at Shelter Cove Marina for deep-sea or inshore fishing excursions, as well as leisure cruises such as dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, dinner cruises and more. 

For land-lubbers, Palmetto Dunes has plenty of activities to keep you outside until dark. We have three world-class golf courses and a top-ranked tennis center featuring 23 clay and two Nova ProBounce courts (six of which are lighted for night play). Don’t forget to check out all of the great Hilton Head vacation packages we offer for you and your group to stay and play golf, tennis and more at special rates this fall. 

Like to bike? We have you covered. Simply make a reservation with Hilton Head Outfitters to have bikes delivered right to your hotel or Hilton Head vacation rental on the day you arrive. All you have to do is hop on and ride. Explore Hilton Head by bike in the cooler morning temps and meander the island’s more than 50 miles of public bike trails in the sunny but mild afternoons. 

After you’ve enjoyed a day on the water, the courts or the greens, head on over to Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza restaurant at the Robert Trent Jones course, the Dunes House open to resort guests and which boasts ocean views, or Shelter Cove, where you can enjoy waterfront dining -- and meander from shop to shop -- in the beautiful fall weather. 

Need help planning your fall Hilton Head vacation or have questions about our outdoor activities? Contact a Vacation Planner for more information or call us at (866) 744-7558.

Beautiful weather, beautiful greens, an early tee time and still plenty of sunlight left in the day to walk the beach, rent a bike or play another round! Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? That’s what your fall getaway to can be to Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. With temps in the 70s through October, clear blue skies and sunny days with decreasing humidity, fall is just about perfect for your Hilton Head golf vacation.

Tee Time
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has not one, not two, but three world-class golf courses on the property, so you don’t even have to venture outside the resort to tee-off from three different, challenging courses. Each distinguished course was designed to make the most of your abilities … and then some.

For example, the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is one of only two oceanfront holes on the entire island. Its 10^th hole, a par-5, offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t let this beauty fool you, however. The course is tough and was rated among the best courses in the Southeast by readers of Golfweek magazine.

The George Fazio Course is the only par-70 golf course on the island and is considered Hilton Head’s most challenging championship course. Fazio designed the course with plenty of bunkers and water hazards to make sure you use all the skills our pros can teach you! The course demands a combination of long play and precise golf shots and ranks among America’s top 100 golf courses.

The Arthur Hills Course was built on a series of rolling dunes and is framed by palmetto and live oak trees. It offers many opportunities for off-balance lies and has 10 holes on the water, which means you need to take into account the ocean breeze before you swing.

Have Some Fish and Chips
We know a few people who enjoy the peace of fishing combined with the challenge of golf, and we agree. These two activities are the perfect complement.
So this fall, we’re offering our “Fish & Chips” package that lets you take advantage of the amazing redfish abundant in our waters this time of year with an inshore fishing charter along with two rounds of golf per person. It also includes a $100 gift card for dining at the resort, including our new Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza restaurant at the Jones course, a sleeve of golf balls, $50 gift card per person at our Hilton Head pro shops and a two-hour kayak rental to take in our lovely lagoon. Call us at (866) 744-7558 for more about this package.

We also offer a variety of other golf vacation packages from monthly memberships to unlimited golf and more.

Take a Lesson
Take some time to improve your golf skills this fall with a lesson or two from one of our golf pros. Our fall schedule at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy offers a range of options from the novice to the expert golfer.

Our Director of Golf Doug Weaver is a big proponent of the power of the mind when it comes to the game of golf. Take his Mental Golf Workshop and learn how to concentrate like a pro. It also offers a pre-class evaluation of your mental golf style. Ladies can work on putting, chipping, pitching and full swing at our Ladies Only golf workshop.

Need help generating more power? Take our Power and Distance class and learn about the five major power and distance moves and which you need to focus on. Enjoy watching the free-spirited Bubba Watson? We’ll teach you how to model his playful attitude and show you how he makes those crazy shots in our Bubba Golf workshop.

And Then Some
In addition to golf, Palmetto Dunes has a host of other activities for you and your group: fishing, tennis, biking and lots of activities and events. You name it, we probably offer it! If you have more questions about what Palmetto Dunes offers for fall getaways in Hilton Head, visit our website or call us at (866) 744-7558.

Fall on Hilton Head Island means fishing, festivals and outdoor fun and we’ve got plenty of each at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Here are our Top 10 Fall Activities in Hilton Head: 

1. Golf 
We think there’s no better time to play golf than in the fall. The weather is mild, the crowds are gone and you can enjoy the natural beauty of Hilton Head. Palmetto Dunes features three top-rated championship golf courses, even one with a haunted lighthouse, but more on that later! All of our world-class golf courses in Hilton Head are different and challenging in their own way. Let our vacation planners point you in the right direction between the George Fazio course, the Arthur Hills course and the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront course. Or better yet, try all three and take advantage of our multi-round savings! Call them at (866) 744-7558.

2. Tennis
Tennis in the fall at Palmetto Dunes brings you many options. We host five Hilton Head tennis tournaments in October and November, where you can participate or just watch. If you book accommodations through Palmetto Dunes in one of our beautiful Hilton Head vacation homes or villas, you get two hours of complimentary tennis court time daily. If you're working on polishing your court skills, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center offers a full schedule of lessons and clinics year-round. We also offer a happy hour and exhibition of our pros playing Mondays at 5:30 p.m. through October and Demo Days on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. through October where you can try out the latest in racquet technology. Come play for fun, take a lesson or play in a tourney at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and see for yourself!

3. Fishing
In the fall, the red fish are spawning and abundant all around Hilton Head. Palmetto Dunes can arrange for you to take a half or full-day fishing trip on the calm waters of our 11-mile inland lagoon system or in the open water, so you can catch one for yourself. Check out our fishing charters that leave from nearby Shelter Cove Marina for your chance to catch a Big Red and get a great picture to impress all your friends!

4. Biking
Bike rentals on Hilton Head is the perfect way to get a little exercise and see the beautiful island at your own pace. During fall, you can pedal for hours without breaking much of a sweat and enjoy the autumn beauty. Hilton Head Outfitters offers the largest fleet of bike rentals on the island, so there’s something for everyone in the family, including tag-a-longs, kiddie seats and more! They also have bike rentals suitable for almost every terrain on the island: beach, street or bike path.

5. Kayaking
Exploring Hilton Head Island by kayakis a calm, wonderful experience. There’s something about sliding through the water under your own power that’s exhilarating and rewarding. Listen to the birds, check out the fish and be sure to take along a waterproof camera so you can capture the amazing natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Outfitters rents single and double kayaks year-round at a great value. 

6. Festivals
There’s plenty going on around Hilton Head in the fall. Hilton Head food festivals ramp up, featuring burgers, seafood and beer, and there are several fun runs that serve to support the local community (and work off a little of your burgers, seafood and beer!). Visit the Palmetto Dunes’ activities calendar or the Hilton Head Visitors and Convention Bureau’s Calendar of Events to find something that strikes your fancy.

7. Explore history
Hilton Head Island is named after Capt. William Hilton, who sailed from Barbados to explore lands granted by King Charles II. Those who settled on the island and surrounding areas were successful in growing cotton and indigo, and the region was a stronghold during the Civil War. In fact, Hilton Head’s “haunted” Leamington Lighthouse was not only used to guide ships passing in the night, but it was reportedly built by Union soldiers stationed there during the Civil War. The grounds of the lighthouse can be accessed by visitors and the lighthouse is visible from the 5^th and 15^th greens on the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes!

8. Stand Up Paddleboard
Maneuvering through the water on a stand up paddleboard takes some skill – and a lot of balance – but it’s a wonderful way to see the island and get up close and personal with nature. Hilton Head Outfitters can set you up with all the gear you’ll need to explore Palmetto Dunes’ 11-mile lagoon system. What will you see? The lagoon winds through three golf courses, neighborhoods and a hardwood maritime forest. You’ll want a waterproof camera for this adventure, too!

9. Birding
When you go birding on Hilton Head Island, you have the chance to watch both shorebirds and inland birds. Our golf courses at Palmetto Dunes are also members of the Audubon Bird Society. The island is made up of protected wetlands, woods and sandy beaches, providing a birder's paradise! The experts at Hilton Head Outfitters can point out the best spots for birding and provide all the equipment you’ll need for your adventure.

10. The Beach
What would a Hilton Head vacation be without a visit to the beach, which was recently ranked No. 2 in the nation by 10Best? Fall lets you escape the full heat of the sun (though remember to wear sunscreen, because the rays can still be harmful) and enjoy a sunrise, sunset or afternoon walk or run on the beach. Why not pack a picnic lunch and sit by the sea one afternoon or vow to wake up early to watch the sunrise over the water? It’s well worth the early wake-up call, we promise! Keep your eyes out for dolphins at play. One may surprise you with a big leap out of the water!

If you’ve planned to spend a week at Palmetto Dunes this fall, you might as well go ahead and expand it to an even 10 days, just to make sure you’ll be able to do everything on our top-10 list! What’s your favorite fall activity on Hilton Head? Did we miss any?

Fall at Palmetto Dunes means time for lots of tennis tournaments. Between October and November, our renowned Hilton Head tennis resort will host five tennis tournaments, giving you the opportunity to either watch players compete for the tournament title or play and compete for the title yourself! 

And what better place to enjoy tennis whether playing or watching? Ranked the No. 1 Tennis Resort in the Carolinas and one of the top 10 in the nation by Tennis Magazine, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort  offers a range of activities for tennis lovers outside the game, including golf, bike rentals, fishing, dining, kayaking and more. 

The first Hilton Head tennis tournament, the 28^th Annual Banana Open Challenge, is the perfect one to come down and watch. Held Oct. 5-7, this tournament is a continuation of the local Banana Series, so you must have played in one of the local events to participate. But don’t worry, watching the players is exciting in and of itself. And you may pick up a few pointers you can put to use in one (or all) of the remaining four open tournaments. 

Two more tennis tourneys will be held in October, including:

The Smash T1D Team Tennis Challenge Oct. 12-14. This offers men’s and women’s singles, doubles and combo mixed matches. The tournament benefits the No More Diabetes Foundation.

The USTA Tennis On Campus Fall Invitational Oct. 19-21. This is a national kick-off event for the USTA Tennis On Campus program. Check our website for more information, as details are developing. 

November is a hot month for tournaments including:

• 18^th Annual Wild Wing Café “Nutty Buddy” Tennis Classic Nov. 2-4. The Nutty Buddy tourney requires all players buddy-up for mixed doubles and men’s/women’s doubles matches. 
• David M. Carmines Memorial Tennis Championship Nov. 16-18. This last tennis tournament of the year offers men's and women's singles and doubles/mixed doubles, and junior sanctioned age divisions. 

If you’re interested in playing in one of the above tournaments, please call us at (866) 744-7558 and we’ll get you set up. 

Bonus: Palmetto Dunes runs special sales on its gear during tennis tournaments. For example, you can save up to 25% when you spend $150 or more on non-sale tennis merchandise (excluding certain items). Check out our website for more details on the sales. 

If you visit the resort during October, take advantage of our weekly welcome exhibition and happy hour on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. to watch the pros play and enjoy a cocktail or two, as well as our Demo Days on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. where you can try out the latest in racquet technology. 

We hope to see you on the courts (or in the stands) this fall!

Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, a top South Carolina golf resort, we can think of many reasons for you and your family or group to come play golf courses in Hilton Head any time of year. But for this blog post, we’ve boiled it down to our top 5 reasons. Drum roll please:

No. 1 – Three Varied Golf Courses
A lot of our guests love that they don’t have to leave Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort to play on three different and very challenging Hilton Head golf courses. Our courses fit the mood of any golfer whether you’re looking for more of a challenge, more of a view or a more relaxed and fun game.

The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is one of only two oceanfront holes on the island. Its 10^th hole, a par-5, offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t let this beauty fool you, however. The course is tough and was rated among the best courses in the Southeast by readers of Golfweek magazine. The Jones Oceanfront Course plays 6,122 yards from the middle white tees. 

The George Fazio Course is the only par-70 golf course on the island and is considered Hilton Head’s most challenging championship course. Fazio designed the course with plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep players on their toes. The course demands a combination of long play and precise golf shots and ranks among America’s top 100 golf courses. The Fazio plays 6,239 yards from the middle white tees.

The Arthur Hills Course was built on a series of rolling dunes, framed by palmetto and live oak trees, offering many opportunities for off-balance lies. Ten holes on the course are on the water, which means you need to watch out for ocean breezes. Graceful yet challenging is a great way to describe this course, which plays 6,122 yards from the middle white tees.

No. 2 - Hilton Head Weather
The weather in Hilton Head is balmy and sub-tropical year-round, which allows for allows for all types of outdoor activities throughout the year. We don’t slow down when things cool off a little around here. In fact, our three golf courses heat up with travelers who enjoy playing golf on Hilton Head in 70-degree temps through October and in the 60s through December. While January is our coldest month, with a temperature range of 40-59 degrees, that’s still perfect for snowbirds who flock to our sunny golf courses during winter wearing shorts and T-shirts. And if you want to come in the summer, no worries. Read reason No. 3:

No. 3 – Air-Conditioned Golf Carts
When you’re playing one of the most popular golf courses in South Carolina during the balmiest days of summer, it’s such a treat to retreat to air conditioned golf carts. In fact, our entire fleet of golf carts is air-conditioned. Just load your clubs, hop in and cool off with a cold beverage as you ride in luxury to the next hole. Arrive refreshed and ready to make par. Ahhh….

No. 4 - Segway Golf Transporters
Spice up your mode of transport from green to green by renting one of our Segway Golf Transporters. We’re the only Hilton Head Island resort who offers them! A great open-air alternative to golf carts, these fun yet practical rides can reach speeds of more than 12 MPH. Our Segway X2 all-terrain vehicle is wider with deeply treaded tires. They’re easy to operate and maneuver and allow for superior preservation of the golf course.

No. 5. Beauty
Palmetto Dunes lives up to the reputation as one of the most popular South Carolina golf resorts and one of the finest resort destinations in the world. It’s garnered the attention of such respected travel resources as Travel + Leisure Family, Forbes, Fodor’s Golf Digest Places to Play, Frommer’s The Carolinas and Georgia, Golf Magazine and more. All of these resources tout the natural beauty of the resort, as well as its amenities.

Palmetto Dunes is picturesque at every turn from our pristine beach to the 11-mile inland lagoon system that winds through the resort, to the superbly sculpted golf courses framed by palmetto and live oak trees. The resort truly showcases the natural beauty of the island.

Do you need more reasons to play golf courses in Hilton Head? We think not! Come play a round with us and book your tee time by calling (866) 744-7558.

Remember, Palmetto Dunes also offers many more activities besides golf, including world-class tennis, fishing, bike rentals, shopping, dining, kayaking and lots more to give you a well-rounded Hilton Head vacation.

A long weekend is on the horizon (Yay!). And we can’t think of a better way to spend your days off than on a Labor Day golf getaway to Palmetto Dunes!

Here’s a rundown of the things you can do at this ever popular South Carolina golf resort, including plenty of golf but some other Hilton Head activities, as well:

Tee Time
The Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament kicks off Friday Aug. 31, 2012 at our famed Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, one of our three world-class golf courses. Since 1979, the annual event has raised more than $3.8 million for well-deserving children’s charities of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Celebrities at this year’s tournament include actors Richard Schiff of The West Wing and Brian Baumgartner, Kevin from The Office; TV personalities Paul Goodloe of the Weather Channel and Holly Sonders of Golf Channel’s Morning Drive; numerous professional athletes and plenty of South Carolina favorites including Bobby Cremins; and George Rogers, NFL running back, University of South Carolina graduate and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner. 

While you won’t be able to play the Jones course Friday (it will be closed for the tournament), you can certainly go and enjoy the festivities! Or you could plan to play one (or both) of the other golf courses at Palmetto Dunes: the George Fazio Course (called the most challenging course in Hilton Head) and the Arthur Hills Course (with 10 holes on the water!). Of course, the Jones course will be back open on Saturday and Sunday. 

We also have a special deal right now on Saturday that you can take advantage of while in town. If you book a tee time after 11 a.m. you get half off resort rates if you use code SSSPECIAL12 and book your tee time online here.

Boogie Down
While HarbourFest fireworks are over for the season, Shannon Tanner hasn’t gone home yet! Shannon is a family entertainer, who’s been singing and playing music to crowds at Shelter Cove since 1988. Shannon will be performing Friday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. with other live entertainment Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Cappy the Clown will be on hand 6-9 p.m. all weekend and there will be lots of other family activities to do, as well. So bring the whole bunch and experience a new family tradition! 

Bike Around Town
Rent a bike from Hilton Head Outfitters, THE place for Hilton Head bike rentals, and explore. Hilton Head Island has more than 50 miles of bike paths that take you beneath live oaks draped with Spanish moss, past creeks and marshes, and close to an assortment of beautiful flowers in bloom. 

What’s going on Labor Day weekend at Palmetto Dunes? As you can see, a lot! In addition to the events above, be sure to check out our event calendar for more information on daily tennis clinics, golf demonstrations and after-hours activities at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort! Enjoy your long weekend!

When it comes to playing just about any sport, proper instruction and technique is the key to your ability to play well. Even better is proper instruction in a beautiful location! Award-winning Hilton Head tennis resort, Palmetto Dunes has you covered on both accounts.

Tennis magazine has consistently ranked Palmetto Dunes among the “50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts” since 1975. It also named Palmetto Dunes the No. 1 tennis resort in the Carolinas for 2012 and one of the top 10 tennis resorts in the U.S. Tennis Resorts Online also ranked the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center the No. 5 Tennis Center in the World. Could there be a better place to play tennis?!

Whether you prefer private lessons or a group setting, the tennis pros at Palmetto Dunes’ Tennis Center can help. They offer Hilton Head tennis lessons that will help you establish the basic skills needed to play the game, as well as help you continue to develop your skills – all while enjoying a Hilton Head tennis vacation. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a junior or an adult; we have tennis lessons for ages 4 and older!

Private and semi-private lessons are ideal if you feel like you need personal attention. We have half-hour and full hour lessons available. Our rates are very reasonable, but you can save even more if you book five or more lessons at one time. Please call us at 866-744-7558 to schedule.

If you’d prefer to take group tennis lessons, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center has several tennis clinics throughout the week including: Serve Clinic, Grand Slam Clinic, Competitive Doubles Clinic, Competitive Edge Drills, Return of Serve Clinic and more. Check our website for details and pricing. We even offer a Create Your Own Clinic, where you choose the time, the pro and what you focus on! Once you feel comfortable with your new skills, try them out in one of our Round Robin tournament competitions, which are held daily from 3-5 p.m. 

Junior tennis players also can benefit from our clinics and camps. And, they too can play in the Junior Round Robin Tournaments and Junior Grand Slam Tournaments.   

As a side note, Palmetto Dunes does require players wear regulation tennis shoes while on the court. Please review our tennis dress code. Don’t worry, if you’ve forgotten something at home or just want to take advantage of our amazing gear and great prices, just stop by our Tennis Center Pro Shop. It’s the largest on the island and it has everything you need.

In addition to instruction, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center also hosts eight tennis tournaments each year that stretch from February to November and appeal to a range of ages and skill levels. The facility is continually selected as the host facility of choice for a wide range of tennis tournaments and events. This October and November we have lots of tournaments coming up, including the Banana Open, USTA Tennis on Campus Fall Invitational and the “Nutty Buddy” Tennis Classic.

And if you’re looking to mix up your activities while on your Hilton Head tennis vacation, consider a round or two of golf at Palmetto Dunes’ three world-class South Carolina golf courses.

Don’t wait a minute longer to sign up for tennis lessons this fall. Tennis is a great sport that’s not only fantastic exercise, but also tons of fun and a chance to socialize with friends. Grab your racquet. It’s time to learn to play tennis in Hilton Head! Call us at (866) 744-7558 and book your court time today!

Looking for a great golf getaway this fall? The weather is getting milder and there’s no better time to grab your friends and head to Hilton Head for a golf vacation. Palmetto Dunes has the ticket with a variety of golf vacation packages that appeal to everyone from the solo golfer to those who want to golf as a family and from those looking for improve their game to groups of golfers. Even snow birds who are planning to spend their winter in warmer climes can find a package that lets them maximize their time on the course but still be gentle on the wallet. 

One of Palmetto Dunes’ most popular offerings is the Golf Stay & Play Package. Choose from two or three rounds of golf along with a four-day/three-night stay. Not only can you play on three championship golf courses, you’ll also receive two hours of court time per day at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and the best rates and priority access for all resort activities and amenities. 

We also offer plenty of group golf options. If you have a group of at least nine, choose from our Group Golf Getaway Package or the Group Golf Package. Right now, if you book either of these packages by Aug. 31, 2012, you can receive a 4^th round free. (See our website for details.) The Getaway Package includes three rounds of golf per person and four days/three nights in select resort villas, as well as a 10% discount select items in the pro shop! With both group golf packages, you also receive preferred rates and access to resort activities and amenities. 

For seasonal (calling all snow birds!) and part-time residents, we offer a Monthly Golf Membership getaway and a Monthly Stay and Play package. Both give you an unlimited 30-day golf pass. The getaway package simply includes a 30-night stay in a one-bedroom villa at Palmetto Dunes and two hours of tennis court time daily. Preferred rates and priority access to resort activities and amenities also included.

If you’re just learning to golf, we have a package for that, too! Consider our Golf Academy Package, which includes two days of world-class golf lessons, a computerized club fitting, video analysis, unlimited use of the practice range, and when you’re ready, preferred pricing for a round of golf. A minimum three-night stay is required. 

Wait, there are more great getaways at this top South Carolina golf resort! Whether you’re a guest or just “playing through,” Palmetto Dunes also offers Multi-Round Golf Specials for two and three rounds of golf. 
One more thing: Don’t forget to book in advance. You’ll actually be rewarded for it! You can receive up to 50% off the Resort Golf Rate if you book your tee times in advance. 

Check our website for more details or to book your next South Carolina golf getaway. You can also contact one of our vacation planners or give us a call at (866) 744-7558. Happy golfing!

Thinking of planning a golf vacation at a South Carolina golf resort? What are you looking for: A great deal? A convenient location? Top-notch lodging? Oh yes, and a variety of challenging yet fun golf courses? 

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a South Carolina golf resort you must visit if you are a golf aficionado.

Here’s why:

Great golf
We have three renowned courses, each one designed by a hero in the world of golf: 
The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course was named one of the best golf courses in the Southeast by Golfweek magazine. The 10^th hole of this par-five course is one of only two oceanfront holes on the island! The rest of the course ambles along our 11-mile lagoon system. Here’s a fun fact: We book more rounds at the Jones course than any other course on the entire island!  

The George Fazio Course is definitely a challenging choice with its varied bunkers and water hazards. The Fazio is ranked in the nation’s top 100 courses and is the only par-70 course on Hilton Head. 

The Arthur Hills Course was ranked 4.5 stars by Fodor’s Golf Digest. It has been played by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who no doubt enjoyed its careful mix of beauty and challenge. It’s positioned on a series of dunes, which presents many opportunities for off-balance lies. In addition, the course offers 10 holes on the water and the ocean breeze adds to the challenge. 

Great prices
When it comes to pricing, Palmetto Dunes offers high quality and ways to save. For example, book in advance and save up to 50% off the Resort Golf Rate, which is already very affordable. We also offer multi-round rates, junior programs and a 30-day golf pass, as well as an array of golf packages. 

Great location and lodging
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort spans 2,000 acres in the heart of Hilton Head Island and boasts three miles of beachfront. We also have an award-winning tennis center and more activities than you can shake a golf club at. 

In addition, Palmetto Dunes offers all guests a luxurious stay, whether you choose a villa with a view of Broad Creek or a well-appointed oceanfront home, we offer special rates and packages, including the best rates on golf and all resort activities, when you book directly through Palmetto Dunes. 

Ready to book your vacation at an amazing South Carolina golf resort? Contact a vacation planner today, or visit our website for more details!

Shannon Tanner has been rocking Shelter Cove all summer long during HarbourFest. His show has kids and families singing and dancing and is a Hilton Head summer staple. But last week, the audience got an unexpected surprise. He was joined by a special guest: musician Edwin McCain!

Tanner’s long-time friend took the stage to perform several songs, including his smash “I’ll Be.” McCain also sang a new song he wrote for his daughter called, “I’ll Take That Long Walk with You.” “It’s so much fun for him to come play,” says Tanner, who has a close relationship with McCain and his family, and played a role in helping McCain get his music career started. Tanner booked McCain’s very first gig at Wild Wing Café on the island! 

Watch the video below to see a sample:


HarbourFest is the signature summer event at Shelter Cove Harbour, held mid-June through mid-August. The family-friendly festival offers nightly fun and entertainment, and the fireworks show every Tuesday night is extremely popular. This is Tanner’s 24^th season playing. He performs Monday-Friday with two shows at 6:30 and 8 p.m. through Labor Day. His show is filled with a variety of children’s and family songs, including lots of sing-a-longs and audience participation. 

“This is a very unique show at Hilton Head,” Tanner says. “I’ve been doing it for 24 years and it’s become an integral part of people’s summer memories. That’s not lost on me or taken lightly. I love what I do and I love that kids I played to years ago are now grown up and bringing their kids to see the show.” 

Ahoy Mateys! 
In addition to enjoying his HarbourFest shows, families can also set sail with Tanner on his Most Excellent Pirate Expedition. The pirate ship sails from Shelter Cove Wednesday and Friday mornings. The morning includes pirate stories, pirate songs and dances, and of course a search for lost pirate treasure. For more information and tickets, please visit www.piratekidzofhiltonhead.com. You can also visit (and “Like”) the Pirate Expedition Facebook page. 

Shannon Tanner App 
Just because you have to get back to reality after your vacation, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the songs of summer. You can keep up with Tanner’s live performances and new material by downloading the free Shannon Tanner App to your smart phone! 

“I get tons of emails and Facebook posts about people who enjoyed my show,” Tanner says. “With this app, they can listen to songs and watch videos. They can see where I’m performing, and even download some free music.” 

But there’s nothing like seeing Tanner live, so be sure you catch him at HarbourFest before the season ends. The last fireworks show will be Aug. 14, though Tanner and the ever popular Cappy the Clown will continue to perform at Shelter Cove Harbour through Labor Day. View the complete schedule.

10Best readers have it right: Hilton Head Island’s beaches are awesome. The travel website recently released its list of the 10Best beaches in the U.S., chosen by the readers, and Hilton Head was ranked No. 2! Vacationers ranked Hilton Head above beaches in California, Florida and Hawaii!

From sunrise yoga to bike rides at sunset and everything in between, Hilton Head beaches are the perfect place to spend a vacation. This barrier island has 12 miles of gorgeous beach, three of which are located within Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

If you really study the beach itself, you’ll notice Hilton Head’s beaches are uninterrupted and wide. In addition to soft sand, the lower part – closest to the water – is hard-packed and perfect for building sandcastles, a game of Frisbee, running, walking or riding a bike.

Palmetto Dunes takes great care of the 3 miles of pristine beaches located at the resort. We invigorated our beaches using tons of sand dredged from our 11-mile lagoon system and Shelter Cove Marina.

We also offer lots of “toys” for our guests to enjoy on the beach, including surfboards, boogie boards, bicycles and more. Also on the property is the Dunes House, a public access beach facility located midway down the 3-mile stretch of beach. It features a deck, resort beach restrooms and limited parking for resort guests.

At Palmetto Dunes, even golfers can still enjoy the beach while at play. Our Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course (one of three courses on the resort) is one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. Its signature hole, the par-five 10^th, offers an amazing view of one of the 10Best beaches in the nation.

As you enjoy the sand and surf, there are several regulations by the town of Hilton Head to keep in mind. The following are not permitted: alcohol, glass bottles/containers, littering, fires and fireworks and shark fishing.

We also want to protect these amazing beaches, so please be careful to throw your trash away in provided receptacles and please stay away from the sand dunes and sea oats, as well as other dune flora. Remember to leave any live animals and beach fauna you find alone, which includes sand dollars, starfish and conchs. Also, please turn out your beachfront lights to help make sure the baby sea turtles make their way out to sea.

We’d love to help you plan an amazing vacation at one of the 10Best beaches in the nation, so feel free to visit our website for details on Palmetto Dunes Resort’s Hilton Head vacation homes and villas, activities and amenities, or call us at (866) 744-7558.

We see it each summer: Wimbledon inspires. Every year, as the famous tournament is played across the pond, we see enthusiasts of every level want to get out on the court and be Roger, be Serena. 

Palmetto Dunes is not only one of the world’s finest family resorts, it’s also a top-ranked tennis resort, recently named the top tennis resort in the Carolinas and one of the top 10 in the nation by Tennis Magazine. That means we have the courts, the racquets and the pros to help our guests find their inner Roger or Serena. Every week, we offer all sorts of clinics and programs to help you improve your skills. 

Each Monday at 5:30 p.m., Palmetto Dunes hosts a Welcome Exhibition and Happy Hour. This event offers guests the chance to meet and greet one another over cocktails and watch Palmetto Dunes’ pros play on Centre Court. Cheers! 

On Tuesdays at 2 p.m., guests can act like a kid in a candy store during Demo Day. This is a great way to try out the latest in racquet technology, and our pros are on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

In addition to these fun complimentary activities, Palmetto Dunes offers tennis clinics for adults and juniors all summer long. Most adult clinics are offered daily and range from a Grand Slam Clinic where players work on stroke fundamentals, footwork and strategy, to Competitive Edge Drills for an exhilarating fast-paced practice session. In addition to the group sessions, Palmetto Dunes’ tennis pros offer private and semi-private sessions. Players also can partake in the Adult Round Robins daily from 3-5 p.m. ($20 p/p. Reservations required.) 

Our junior tennis programs are not only fun, they offer the chance for kids to improve their motor skills, strokes, footwork and strategy. Our offerings include clinics, camps and even weekly Junior Round Robin Tournaments. Here is a complete list of tennis clinics and programs. 

 

Palmetto Dunes has 23 clay and two hard courts, eight of which are lighted for night play. Our court fees are $30 per hour for Palmetto Dunes guests, $35 for non-resort guest and $20 for a walk-on first-come-first-serve basis between 12-4 p.m. And if you stay at a Palmetto Dunes-managed villa or home during your Hilton Head vacation, you receive two hours of complimentary tennis daily!

We have the gear, the pros, the programs and of course, the courts. All we need is you! Come on, Roger and Serena. We’re waiting for you!

Lots of families who visit Palmetto Dunes each summer love to learn how to surf in Hilton Head and the experience would not be the same without our fun and colorful surf instructors. 

In this week’s blog, we want to introduce you to Logan Cambron, our surf instructor. Get to know him a little better and come take a surf lesson from Capt Logan! 

What is your job title and what are your responsibilities?

“I’m in charge of the surf program, but I also do kayaks and bikes. I have my captain’s license, so I’m going to be piloting some of the lagoon boats.” 

What is the best part of your job?

“Just the look on [my campers’] faces when they stand all the way up during a surf lesson. I also love getting paid to work on the beach.” 

How did you wind up at Palmetto Dunes?

“I grew up on Hilton Head Island. I know there aren‘t many of us who can say that. As for Palmetto Dunes, I had worked at the General Store... Altogether, I’ve been here eight or nine years.” 

What is the best thing about Hilton Head that most tourists don't know?

“The natural beauty that we’ve kept unspoiled. You have to see it to believe it.” 

What's your favorite spot on the island?

“The Dunes House. That’s where I’ve always gone to surf. The surfing is better in the morning before everyone gets out there and it gets windy.” 

What are the two most-played songs on your iPod?

“Well, I don’t have an iPod, but if I did, I’d play ‘409’ by The Beach Boys and ‘Hey, Ya,’ by OutKast.   

Have you surfed with Capt Logan? Share your experience with us!

How cool would it be to tell friends and family you learned to surf while on your summer Hilton Head vacation? Maybe even throw around a little lingo, “The waves were waist to head high and glassy.”

The experts at Hilton Head Outfitters at Palmetto Dunes will teach you everything you need to know during a week-long Surf School, from how to paddle and pop-up, to picking the right wave and finding your balance while riding a frothy white wave into shore.

With an emphasis on safety and the basic fundamentals, Hilton Head Outfitters’ surf school is held throughout the summer. The Hilton Head surfing school specializes in teaching kids to surf, but the camp is open to all ages. Entire families have even signed up!

Each day, you’ll spend one and a half hours on the beach in a small group session ($80 p/p). You also can choose from a private lesson for one-on-one instruction ($125 p/p). The staff will help you choose between 7-foot and 9-foot soft-top boards, which are better for learning than a hard fiber glass board.

While on the sand, instructors like Captain Logan will help you learn the basics of paddling out and popping up on the board. They’ll show you the perfect positioning for your feet and work on your balance.

When you’re ready to hit the waves, rest assured, the camp is held in shallow water, which is perfect for youngsters. Wipeouts are totally part of the experience, but when you get in the zone and ride in that first wave, it will be an experience you’ll never forget … and a story you’ll probably tell for ages. Recent surf campers have even been doing headstands on paddleboards and riding tandem together!

Registration is required, but you just need to call (866) 650-4132 to reserve your spots. Need a little more information and inspiration? Watch this fun video below about the camp. You’ll be ready to hang 10 for sure!

 

Golf fans around the world have been talking since April about “the shot” that PGA Tour professional Bubba Watson pulled out of his bag to win the 2012 Masters at Augusta National. 

The stone-cold hook seemed to defy physics as the ball flew off pine needles toward the fairway, seemingly making a hard right and landing on the green. (It’s a hook because Watson is left handed.) 

Learn some of those shots at our new “Bubba Golf” weekly series by PGA professional and Palmetto Dunes Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver. 

Doug will teach golfers how to be creative while mastering the game and have a blast along the way. Doug describes “Bubba Golf” as adventurous, light-hearted and instinctive. The program focuses on the mechanics of making specific trouble shots while learning to think less and focus better. Think of it--you’ll only slice when you want to. Imagine that. Doug vows to teach players how to increase their smiles and decrease their strokes. 

Join us for “Bubba Golf” every Thursday from 3-3:50 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort through August. The cost is $25 per session and is open to golfers ages 10 and older. “Bubba Golf” is one of 12 programs currently offered as part of the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. Private lessons are also available.

If you really want to pull off the total “Bubba” look, head to the Robert Trent Jones Course Pro Shop. It has the largest selection on Hilton Head Island of Travis Mathew, Bubba’s preferred label. You also can pick up a “Bubba Golf” T-shirt. 

To reserve a spot for “Bubba Golf,” call Palmetto Dunes toll free at 877-567-6513. Let us help bring out your inner “Bubba.”

Palmetto Dunes has come up with a new place for families to unwind inside the resort for breakfast, lunch or dinner or for golfers to enjoy a meal after a round or two of golf. Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza overlooking the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is now open seven days a week for  a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In addition to barbecue, burgers and pizza, we also have plenty of Southern dishes, soups, salads, seafood and steak, as well as a kids’ menu. Not only did we tap the culinary talents of Jim Self, one of the developers of Palmetto Dunes, and his Tennessee slaw and barbecue sauce, we took to heart suggestions from our guests for a spot where families can gather for a relaxing meal that won’t bust the budget.

At Big Jim’s, you’ll find big-screen TVs for catching the latest golf tournament, happy hour specials and live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s also a perfect vantage point for Tuesday night fireworks launched all summer long as part of HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour.

Big Jim’s is in the heart of the resort close to the beach, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and Hilton Head Outfitters. It’s a perfect spot to dine after a day of swimming, playing tennis, kayaking the lagoon or cruising around on bikes. It adds to the mix of restaurants our guests already enjoy: The Dunes House for lunch and dinner, pre- or post-round meals at Arthur’s Grille and the Fazio Grille at our two other golf courses, or fine dining at Alexander’s.

Join us this summer at Big Jim’s for a relaxing meal on our outdoor deck. You can also call us at 843-785-1165 for take out or catering. See you around!

Coming to visit us in Hilton Head for your summer vacation or a weekend getaway? Make sure you have your camera packed not only to snap pictures for future memories, but to snag yourself a Palmetto Dunes gift card.

Every week through the rest of the summer we’re going to reward our loyal guests with Palmetto Dunes gift cards when you share your vacation picture with us on our various social outlets, like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Here’s all you have to do:

• Take a picture before Tuesday at 8 p.m. the week of your vacation at a recognizable spot within Palmetto Dunes or Shelter Cove Harbour
• Tweet your pic to @PalmettoDunesSC, post it on our Facebook page or upload to Pinterest and “tag” Palmetto Dunes using the @ symbol.
• We’ll pick our favorite picture of the week (so be creative!) by Wednesday morning, notify the winner via social media and have your $25 gift card ready for pick up by Wednesday at noon at the Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center.

Where to take your pic? Here’s a few of our favorite ideas to get you inspired:

• The statue of Neptune at Shelter Cove
• The Palmetto Dunes entrance sign
• The Palmetto Dunes Welcome Center
• Any of our golf courses
• The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
• Buying a T-shirt or Palmetto Dunes Tervis Tumbler at Hilton Head Outfitters
• The General Store
• The new Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza at the Jones course
• Picking out sunglasses at the Ship’s Store
• HarbourFest at Shelter Cove (why not snap a photo with the kids and Shannon Tanner or Cappy the Clown?)
• Eating an Italian Ice at Frosty’s in Shelter Cove
• Dunes House
• Hopping a ride on the Dunes Buggy!
• Sipping a margarita at San Miguel’s in Shelter Cove

Now, how can you use your gift card? Lots of ways! The gift card is accepted at any Palmetto Dunes-owned point of purchase locations. Note, it is not redeemable at the General Store. Here’s just a few of the ways you can splurge:

• Tennis court time at the Tennis Center
• Round of golf or golf club rentals at our golf courses
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner at Big Jim’s at the Jones course
• Apparel at any of our pro shops
• Kayak, canoe or bike rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters
• Goods at the Ship’s Store in Shelter Cove
• Charters from Outside Hilton Head at Shelter Cove
• Lunch or dinner at the Dunes House

How would you use your gift certificate? Let us know and start thinking now of the perfect Palmetto Dunes shot! 

What does Palmetto Dunes have that other resorts don’t? Three miles of sandy Hilton Head Island beach on the Atlantic Ocean and great weather that lets you take advantage of it nearly year round. We also give you plenty of ways to enjoy the beach, whether it’s views from your Hilton Head vacation home or rental, dining options on the beach or activities from biking to surfing to keep you busy throughout your Hilton Head getaway.

There are plenty of access points to reach the beach, either from the residential areas as you pedal around or from our resort facilities. One of our favorite ways to enjoy—and access--the beach is the Dunes House, which is centrally located Palmetto Dunes and open to guests of the resort. In addition to casual food and drinks with one of the best dining views on the island, you’ll also find restrooms and limited parking. We suggest you call the Dunes Buggy for a free ride to the Dunes House! 

Biking is also another great way to enjoy the beach at Palmetto Dunes. Get some exercise and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean at the same time. Try going for a ride at sunrise or sunset for a particularly inspiring experience. If you don’t want to lug your bikes with you down to Hilton Head, you can rent them from Hilton Head Outfitters within the resort. They’ll have them delivered direct to your home and villa so they’re ready to ride as soon as you arrive. Hilton Head Outfitters offers a range of bikes and options, and we’d suggest trying their fat tire bikes which are designed for easier beach riding. 

At Palmetto Dunes, you can also surf and fish at the beach. We offer surfing classes at our Hilton Head Surf School and surf board rentals from Hilton Head Outfitters. We also have everything a fisherman needs for a great day of fishing. Rent your rod and reel online and head into the Outfitters store just inside the resort to pick up bait or anything else you might need before you head out. 

Or go for a more relaxed approach. Kick back, enjoy the sounds of the ocean and send the kids out to build a sand castle, but keeping a close eye on them, of course. Check out a few tips for a safe trip to the beach. Beach games are also lots of fun and we have some great beach game suggestions to keep the whole family entertained.

Whether you’d rather dash into the waves, laze in the sand or cruise along the shore on a beach bike, when it comes to the beach at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we think it’s pretty much perfect.

Before you head out to visit us this summer or fall, we want you to get to know our fantastic staff that you’ll be seeing around the resort. If you like to spend a good bit of your Hilton Head vacation hitting the tennis ball, then you definitely need to meet Brian Kiggans, our head tennis professional at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. 

As part of this ongoing series, we’ll ask our staff to tell us about themselves and their favorite things about the resort. Here’s what Brian had to say: 

What are your responsibilities at Palmetto Dunes?

“I’m responsible for running the daily operations of our tennis clinics, private lessons, round robins, stringing, demo days and exhibitions. I make sure everything is covered for all the other lessons and clinics by the other staff professionals. I teach, too.”

What’s the best part of your job?

“I love teaching and meeting different people every week and building great relationships with people from all over the world.”

How did you come to work at Palmetto Dunes?

“I spent 15 years at another local resort and applied for job when it was vacant. I took over eight years ago.” 

What’s the best thing about Hilton Head Island that most tourists don't know?

“It’s a year round resort even in the winter. The weather is great and you can still do all outdoor activities.”

What's your favorite spot on Hilton Head?

“The Dunes House on the ocean, only 500 yards from the tennis center. It’s just a hop, skip and jump after work. It’s right on the ocean, has a great view and it’s relaxing.”

What are the two most-played songs on your iPod?

“Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Thunder Road’ and ‘Jungle Land.’”

So look for Brian the next time you stop by the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and tell him Bruce Springsteen said “hi” J. Stay tuned for interviews with more Palmetto Dunes staff in upcoming posts.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has many Hilton Head vacation villas and homes from which to choose, but don’t get overwhelmed. Our accommodations listings can help you pick the locations, size and dates you need to find the perfect place to base your Hilton Head Island vacation. 

In this post, we’ll introduce you to 257 Captains Quarters in Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Imagine yourself relaxing on beautiful Hilton Head Island, just a bike ride away from the beach in the comfort of a beautiful villa.  

This villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and room for up to six people, so bring the whole family! It’s fully furnished with a well-equipped kitchen for a breakfast before you head out to play a round of golf, a quick lunch break from the beach or even a dinner in. Relax on the balcony that overlooks Broad Creek with your favorite beach read or stroll over to Shelter Cove Marina and its many restaurants, shops and live nightly entertainment. You can also enjoy the community pool, tennis courts or hot tub. 

When you’re ready to roam a little further, hop on the Dunes Buggy for a free ride to one of our three golf courses, the tennis center or Dunes House restaurant and beach access for resort guests.

Plus, any time you choose to rent your vacation home or villa through Palmetto Dunes, we throw in two hours of tennis court time daily and we give you the best rates on all our activities from bike rentals to rounds of golf.

A cozy, comfortable place ideally located on Hilton Head Island is perfect foundation for a great vacation at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. It’s a wonderful place to call home, even if just for a few days. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for more than a tchotchke to take home as a souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation, consider heading over to the annual Hilton Head Art Fair running Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 at Shelter Cove Harbour. The event is free.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can browse through works from more than 150 artists from $25 hand-crafted earrings to $30,000 metal sculptures. There’s something to suit every taste and budget. You’re also welcome to strike up conversations with the artists themselves to get a deeper understanding for their inspiration.

While you‘re admiring wood carvings, watercolors, photography and ceramic art, enjoy the scenery at Shelter Cove Marina, too. Stroll through the shops in this Mediterranean-inspired village and enjoy lunch at one of several cafes overlooking the water, such as Ela’s Blu Water Grille or San Miguel’s. On a warm day, an Italian Ice from Frosty’s is also a real treat.

Shelter Cove Harbour is located right across the highway from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, so throughout both days, the Palmetto Dunes Dunes Buggy van will be available to shuttle folks back and forth between the resort and Shelter Cove Harbour for free. Catch the Dunes Buggy at the free patron parking lots located at the adjacent lot behind the HS1 building and the chamber lot behind the arts center. The Buggy will drop you off at Neptune Circle in Shelter Cove.  

Or free to pedal over by bike (Hilton Head Outfitters will be happy to rent you one!). There’s a safe pedestrian tunnel under William Hilton Parkway.

The 4th annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour is perfect opportunity to take a little or a lot of artistic inspiration home with you. You’ll find Hilton Head Island inspires artists and patrons alike.

We understand that planning a wedding is stressful, especially if it’s a destination wedding far away from where you live. No worries. Our wedding services staff can help. 

Palmetto Dunes is a popular place for Hilton Head weddings and earlier this year the users of WeddingWire.com voted Palmetto Dunes tops in Hilton Head for both catering and as a wedding/reception venue. Here’s what some of our recent brides have had to say: 

• “The wedding day went off without a hitch… Literally there was nothing that went wrong on our entire day (besides one of the groomsmen realizing he left his suit at home!).”
• “We fell in love with Palmetto Dunes the minute we saw it! We got married barefoot on the beach and had the reception at the Dunes House following the ceremony. Everything was outside on the beach! What a beautiful location to get married … We would highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for that perfect beach wedding!”
• “Our wedding in Palmetto Dunes … was as magical a day as we had dreamed. We had a very personal sunset ceremony with one of the most scenic views imaginable. We highly recommend the staff at Palmetto Dunes Resort.” 

Here at Palmetto Dunes, we have any wedding venue you might desire: indoor, outdoor or overlooking the ocean. We built our Dunes House specifically for weddings and other special events, though our resort guests also enjoy it as a beach-side dining destination. You can also choose from the Shelter Cove Pavilion, Center Court Conference Center or even a courtside ceremony at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. 

We’ve planned more weddings than we can count. We know where to find the potential snags and how to deftly skirt them and can connect you with any kind of vendor you might need from getting your marriage certificate to finding a minister. We also have the catering facilities to accommodate any number of guests.

Finally, our goal is make sure you’re relaxed. After all, we’re a resort. It’s what we do. Enjoy some tennis or golf with your bridal party or out of town guests while you’re here, too. With our help, even as the bride, all you’ll have to do is arrive on time. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort will sweat all of the details and then some.

For us, planning weddings at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island is a piece of cake …wedding cake! Contact us for more information about planning a Hilton Head wedding at Palmetto Dunes.

Here at Palmetto Dunes, we love families. Nothing lights up our day like seeing a child enjoying the wonders of our resort and summer fun is definitely one of our specialties. After all, we’ve racked up a wall’s worth of plaques naming us one of the world’s best resorts for family vacations.

 We have children and teens programs and activities for all ages and all skill levels. Some are a few hours, some a few days. Some are fairly structured, some aren’t. All offer lots of activity and plenty of fun!

For little golfers, try our “Little Swingers” program, which teaches golf basics while singing songs. More intensive is the five-day Palmetto Dunes Junior Golf Academy and, in between, we have clinics for various ages, practice rounds with an instructor and special prices for golfers under age 17 to play our three designer golf courses. We even have Family Golf School, which whole families can do together. Watch the video below to see some little golfers in action.

We’re proud of our tennis programs for the younger set, too. Our tennis clinics start with players ages 4 and up and includes Junior Tennis Camp for ages 9 to 17 and the Junior Grand Slam for tournament-level players. There are lots of clinics, tournaments and practices to choose from, as well. Here’s another great video clip of our tennis program for kids:

We take advantage of the fact we’re on an island, too, with all kinds of boating and fishing activities that set sail from Shelter Cove Marina. You can see science in real life here in Hilton Head. See dolphins up close on our dolphin cruise or learn how to crab with our Lowcountry experts. How about family ski day where you have your choice of ski instruction, kneeboarding or tubing or let them try out paddleboarding with a few lessons in our calm inland lagoon system.

No matter what strikes your kids’ fancy, they’re sure to find something at Palmetto Dunes that will keep boredom at bay, as well as keeping them active and engaged during your Hilton Head vacation. 

Relaxing is a rare commodity these days, but a visit to Palmetto Dunes can give it to you in spades. Whether a long bike ride or canoeing through a calm lagoon brings about peace of mind or you’d rather kick back and let someone massage away the stress, we’ve got something for you.

Here at Palmetto Dunes, we offer a number of spa packages for those who are attracted to the relaxation offered by the lure of facials, salt scrubs and massages with a little activity mixed in.

If you’d like to combine romance with your relaxation try one of these two options:

Our Anniversary Celebration package lets you celebrate your years of togetherness with a getaway to the beauty that is Hilton Head Island. Enjoy 7 days and 6 nights in an ocean view villa so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Take in Hilton Head’s 80 miles of paved bike trails with bike rentals and paddle through our 11-mile saltwater lagoon system by kayak. Unwind with an individual or couples massage, as well as a luxurious facial treatment or therapeutic body scrub. Then get the blood pumping and see if you can best your significant other on the tennis courts.

Or if you’re just beginning your life together, consider a Mini Moon at Palmetto Dunes. Many famous folks like Prince William and Princess Kate are opting to take an abbreviated honeymoon that consists of a long weekend right after the ceremony, saving the longer getaway for later. Our Mini Moon includes 3 nights at the resort, a $100 gift certificate for a romantic dinner, an individual or couples massage, facial treatment or body scrub, one-day bike rental (try pedaling our 3 miles of beach), double kayak rental through the lagoon and two hours of tennis court time daily. Choose to be as active or relaxed as you want with our Mini Moon!

If it’s not a romantic getaway you seek, but just a relaxed adventure, try our Sun ‘N Fun Island Escape Package. It packs in active relaxation and plenty of spa time. The package offers 4 days and 3 nights accommodations, one round of golf per person (don’t stress about your performance, just relax and enjoy the beautiful views!), one day bike rentals, single kayak rentals to explore the lagoon, two hours of tennis time daily, a signature massage at Spa Soleil, facial treatment or body scrub, and as many beautiful views as you can take in!

So however you like to de-stress and relax, we’ll find a way to make it happen here at Palmetto Dunes. Call us at 866.380.1778 to book your getaway.

Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for a wedding: a romantic retreat with plenty of sand, surf and beautiful views. Of course, Hilton Head Island also is one of the best golf destinations in the world. Why not combine the two?

You’ll certainly persuade the groomsmen to bound cheerfully to Hilton Head Island if you promise them a round or two of groom’s golf. Gather the guys, smoke a cigar or two and try to beat your buddy with a lower score.

Just choose which of our three designer courses you’d like to play. The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is known for its #10 hole overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Hilton Head Island. The George Fazio course demands accuracy and more than a few sand shots, and the Arthur Hills course put the world’s best players -- Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson -- to the test as college players.

Add a round to your festivities and we’ll treat you like pros: cart signs with your grooms’ names, complimentary yardage books and gifts for all players. We’ll even set up contests, such as longest drive and closest to the pin, for your groomsmen. We also offer a full menu for golf groups, and if there’s at least 12 in your party, the bride and groom play for free!

Want more info? Contact our group coordinator, Michael Royer, at 866.306.4330 and he'll be happy to set up your golf outing. Then, tell your groomsmen and let the taunting begin!

Weeknights on Hilton Head Island are back to the way they should be -- centered around Shannon Tanner’s family-fun evening performances, now in their 24^th year, at the Shelter Cove Harbour gazebo.

While not the official start of HarbourFest (which begins in June), Shannon, known for his beanie hat -- propeller and all -- begins his spring set of performances Tuesday-Saturday now-Memorial Day at 6:30 p.m. After Memorial Day, he’ll perform twice in the evenings Monday-Friday at 6:30 & 8 p.m.

How did Shannon get his start? As a teen, he helped out on his dad’s shrimp boat that docked at another Hilton Head Island landmark, Hudson’s. One night after work, he played his guitar and, much to his surprise, attracted a crowd of tourists. A star was born.

But this star is pretty good at sharing the spotlight with children and their parents (many of whom were children themselves watching Shannon some 20 years ago). From one devoted parent who’s been returning year after year to Shelter Cove: 

I am the father of two girls and we have been vacationing at Hilton Head every year for the last 13 years. We have seen your show (usually multiple times) every year and I want to thank you for what you do. I commented to my wife and kids (now 22 and 26) that it is incredible to me that you must have done 1,500-2,000 shows over the years and each show seems like the first one you have ever done. You are amazingly upbeat and devoted to putting on a great show.

Because of his infectious levity, larger stars have shared their stages with him like Amy Grant, the Beach Boys, America, and Toby Keith. He’s also had the honor of performing private shows for President Ford, Vice President Dan Quayle and Henry Mancini, to name a few.

Come to Shelter Cove this spring to hear Shannon--and everyone else--sing “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “Twinkle Little Star Rap” and “Down to the Island.” We promise you’ll be humming it in your head all year…

Shannon’s not the only thing going on in Shelter Cove this spring. Some other upcoming events to add to your calendar include:

• Nash Gallery Art Fair, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Hilton Head Taste of Summer Craft Beer Festival, May 19, 2-6 p.m.
• 4^th Annual Hilton Head Art Festival, May 26-27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Spring is hoppin’ at Shelter Cove. See you there!

We know it happens. You arrive on Hilton Head Island and you suddenly get the urge to cast a line into the lagoon or the surf, but you didn’t pack your gear and tackle. 

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. We have six surf-casting rods and 10 lightweight spinning rods available for daily rental and plenty more gear and tackle for sale, too. In fact, we just received a new shipment, so the selection is broad. Check out our G Loomis rods, for example.

OK, so now you have your rod. What’s next? Bait. We suggest frozen mullet or squid, or a few choice selections from our line of Berkley Gulp artificial bait. But before you get that bait wet, you’ll need a saltwater fishing license. We can hook you up with the DNR and you can get a license over the phone.

So, what might you find on the other end of the line? The latest area fishing report said spottail bass is plentiful because of the warm winter. Creek and river fishing has been better than normal for this time of year around docks, rocks, and trees.

If you’d rather fish out to sea, we lead fishing excursions into the lagoon and offshore. We also rent a virtual flotilla of fishing boats and crabbing vessels.

If you’re itching to be fishing, stop into Hilton Head Outfitters. We can get you rigged up in a hurry.

It’s springtime and that means it’s the perfect time to bring your tennis game to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – and Hilton Head Island.

Shortly after the Heritage PGA Tour golf tournament put Hilton Head Island on the map in the 1960s, tennis stars lobbed the island into the tennis stratosphere and Hilton Head has remained a popular, world-class tennis destination ever since.

One of the most popular places for tennis on the island is the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. Recently named the No. 1 tennis resort in the Carolinas and among the top 10 in the nation by Tennis Magazine, Palmetto Dunes is also ranked No. 2 in the world for instruction and events, No. 3 in the world for junior programs and No. 5 in the world overall by our guests via Tennis Resorts Online.

When you book your home or villa through Palmetto Dunes, you can play tennis for free two hours every day. You have your pick of 23 clay and two Nova ProBounce courts at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. Six courts are lighted for night play, just perfect for those warm South Carolina nights.

Atop all of that is a packed schedule of Hilton Head tennis tournaments from February to November. This spring and summer includes the 6^th annual Banana Open Junior Challenge, a singles tournament for boys and girls on May 4-6; the 33^rd annual Banana Open for men and women competing in singles, doubles and combo mixed doubles from June 1-3. Don’t forget the 5^th annual Palmetto Dunes Tennis Fall Classic from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 that features men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

And if you’d like to improve your game, join our weekly complimentary tennis exhibitions Mondays at 5:30 p.m. to watch our pros battle it out on Centre Court while you enjoy cocktails. On Tuesdays, we also offer Demo Days at 2 p.m., where you can try out the latest in racquet technology and ask our pros any questions you have.

Join us for a game, set or match. Tennis, Hilton Head Island and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. That’s a classic combination.

When you come to Hilton Head, park your car and don’t go back till it’s time to go home. Leave the transportation to us!

Starting April 1, our popular Dunes Buggy is back and ready for the busy season. This free transportation for resort guests travels throughout Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour. That means you can go from the beach to shopping without ever setting foot on your gas pedal.

Destinations include the golf courses, restaurants within the resort, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, Hilton Head Outfitters, the General Store, pro shops, Shelter Cove Marina and all the restaurants and shopping within Shelter Cove.

If you need to hitch a ride aboard “the buggy,” call 843-689-4222 and we’ll dispatch on a first-come, first-serve basis usually within about 10 minutes of your call. Give us a little more time during the busy weeks of the Heritage and Fourth of July, please ☺. The Dunes Buggy runs all summer through September.

And lest you be tempted to head to your car, remember we’ve got bikes, kayaks and hey, your own two feet, to get you where you need to go here in Hilton Head. You’ll enjoy the views a lot more and burn off a few calories while you’re at it.

See you soon on the Dunes Buggy!

Not only is Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort a great place to play golf on Hilton Head Island, it’s a great place for children under age 12 to learn from one of the nation’s best golf instructors.

Palmetto Dunes’ director of golf instruction and former PGA Tour professional Doug Weaver was named by U.S. Kids Golf as one of the top kids golf teachers in the country. Weaver was one of 50 instructors awarded an honorable mention in the awards, which honor professionals for their expertise and commitment to developing the game of golf in youth.

Palmetto Dunes offers an array of junior instruction from afternoon clinics to week-long programs as part of the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. There are sessions for every age and skill level. Golf clubs are available if needed.

But what makes lessons at Palmetto Dunes so special is the contagious enthusiasm for the game. At the heart of every class is showing students how to apply the skills they already have to golf. For example, if they like soccer, some of those basics apply to golf.

Weaver has perfected the teaching techniques at Palmetto Dunes through experience as a former PGA Tour professional and a U.S. Open record holder. He also is a Golf Digest South Carolina Top 10 Instructor.

“The principles of golf not only teach athletic skills, but are true lessons for life,” says Weaver. “I enjoy helping children build their golf, and life, skills and am so excited to have been recognized for doing a job that I love.”

Palmetto Dunes also offers golf instruction that caters specifically to men, women or families. Pick up some skills you can put to the test on one of three courses in the resort: the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course that bumps against the Atlantic Ocean for the best ocean views on any course on Hilton Head Island, the bunker-laden George Fazio Golf Course that beckons you to lift your game a notch, and the Arthur Hills Golf Course that features the historic Leamington Lighthouse.

Hone your game from some of the best instructors in the country at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island.

If you’ve been lucky enough to have visited us here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head, you’ve got a chance to let others know about this paradise! Travel + Leisure is conducting a reader’s choice survey on the world’s best resorts through March 31. We’d love it if you’d show Palmetto Dunes a little love by filling out this survey.

Palmetto Dunes is no stranger to these pinnacles of luxury. A survey of thousands of readers of Travel + Leisure Family named our Hilton Head Island resort the No.1 Family Resort in the United States and Canada.

Readers of Travel + Leisure Golf named us among the World's Best Golf Resorts. Forbes and Golf Magazine put Palmetto Dunes in the upper echelon of resorts, too. Tennis Magazine just named the resort the No. 1 Tennis Resort in the Carolinas and among the top 10 in the nation in its March 2012 issue.

Palmetto Dunes Resort isn’t one to rest on previous accomplishments, though. We raise the bar in service and accommodations standards every day for our guests.

In their survey, which takes only about 5 minutes to complete, Travel + Leisure asks you to rate the rooms, amenities, service, food, overall value and if the resort is suitable for business, family travel or romantic get-aways. Plus, they reward your efforts by entering you into a drawing for a $10,000 trip to the destination of your choice.

So take a quick lunch break and fill out the survey for us here. We truly thank you and look forward to seeing you here soon!

We're starting to see the spring breakers trickle onto the Island and into our beautiful resort. Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we have a little something for everyone, especially those families who want to stay active during their spring break vacation. From golf to stand-up paddle boarding, we’ve got all kinds of activities to enjoy while you’re in Hilton Head.

We’re heading into our busiest seasons and we can’t wait to see all the families invade the Island and our resort, participating in all the activities we have to offer. To get you excited for fun and sun we’re highlighting one of our amazing Hilton Head vacation rentals that you could stay in on your next Hilton Head vacation. Go ahead, close your eyes and picture yourself here…

 8 Brigantine is a gorgeous home located walking distance from the ocean and it also has its own pool for those early morning or late night swims! This home is perfect for a multi-family or extended family vacation, a popular trend at Palmetto Dunes, since it can sleep 15 people in its five large bedrooms. It even includes bunk beds for the kids. The screened porch is perfect for an early morning cup of coffee or a late night glass of wine to unwind.

This house has some unbelievable amenities, like the flat screen TV, a garage, a grill and a garden tub. The kitchen is beautiful with plenty of room to have more than one chef cooking up lunch or dinner. Being so close to the ocean and having beach access allows you to pack up the family quickly and easily and head out to the sun and sand.

This beautiful home still has a few available weeks this spring and summer and is just waiting for a group like yours to stay in it. So go ahead, check it out and turn that daydream into a reality! And don’t forget you can now book golf and bikes all at the same time online. Plus, when you book through Palmetto Dunes, you get the best deals on all our activities, personal check-in, concierge assistance, repair help for your home if you need  it and more. Hope to see your smiling face soon! 

If you’re looking for a fishing guide, lesson and just someone to talk fish with, Trent Malphrus, we like to call him “Captain Trent,” is your man! He’s been fishing since he could walk and started working as a guide when he was 12 years old.

Growing up on Hilton Head Island, Trent had some of the best fishing surrounding him and he literally knows every nook and cranny of our waterways. We’re so pleased to say he truly believes the best Hilton Head fishing is in our 11-mile lagoon system!

February is a tough month to catch inshore fish so we’re thrilled that March is only a few days away! Trent says that March is just the beginning of some of the best fishing for the year. The longer days and shorter nights lets the fish know spring is on its way and the water begins to warm up slowly but surely.

What Trent is most interested in is all the live bait still left in the creeks. Since the winter was not cold enough for the bait to migrate to warmer water, they have remained here in Hilton Head’s creeks. What he does know is that our lagoon system will start to see Black Drum, Red Fish and Speckled Trout, all for you to catch!

The lagoon system in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort holds some of the biggest trout on the east coast and there’s a lot of them. Trent’s largest catch ever was in the lagoon, a Red Drum that weighed in more than 50 pounds!

Captain Trent has worked with people of all ages and can help anyone reel in a big one. When his son was just 3 years old, Trent helped him snag a Red Trout and Black Drum. His oldest client was a 91-year-old fly fisherman who caught three Tarpon, which Trent says was an amazing experience.

Want to know more about Trent? Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters and set up a fishing excursion with him. It’s well worth it! 

The people of Hilton Head have worked hard to preserve the beautiful beaches and landscape and it’s apparent in the amount of wildlife that inhabit our Island. From the ocean to the lagoon to the marsh, there are amazing creatures that love Hilton Head as much as we do! Let us give you a sneak peek into some of the wildlife you could come across on your next vacation.

Birds Galore

When you get off your plane or out of your car, look to the sky and you’re sure to see birds everywhere. From seagulls to the beautiful ibis, Hilton Head is full of winged friends. Shelter Cove Harbour and other piers will have brown pelicans waiting to glide above the water looking for a small fish dinner. While sun tanning or playing on the beach, you’re likely to see large birds like ospreys or even bald eagles.

Spot a Gator, But Leave Him Alone

One of the beset known reptiles on Hilton Head is the alligator. They mainly live within lagoon systems so we’ve seen quite a few here at Palmetto Dunes, but if you leave them alone, they won’t bother you. You might even see one lazing in the sun off the side of one of our golf courses.

A Rainbow of Fish

The lagoon is also full of large, beautiful fish, such as red fish, trout, bluefish, black drum, flounder and even tarpon. The smooth, calm waters of the lagoon system make fishing and crabbing excursions fun and successful at the same time.

The Friendly Dolphin

Head into the big water on one of our dolphin cruises to catch a glimpse of their majestic beauty. Many of our dolphins are very people friendly and may swim alongside the boat or come up to the boat for a bite to eat. We’ve even heard tales of dolphins coming right up to people in our marsh creeks. You could swim with dolphins without even planning it! But always remember, they are wild animals.

Turtles and More

During the spring and early summer, if you walk the beach at night you might see a loggerhead momma turtle waddling up to the dunes creating a nest for her babies. Hilton Head has laws to protect the little guys and to make sure they have a safe hatching season and can make it to the ocean.

There are plenty more animals on the Island, like deer, frogs, toads and plenty of crustaceans. So the next time you’re here, take a minute to look around you and enjoy all the wildlife surrounding you on our beautiful island.

There’s some great shopping throughout Hilton Head but within Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort there are some must see shops.

Shelter Cove Harbour doesn’t just host HarbourFest, Shannon Tanner and summertime fireworks; it’s also the home of a variety of interesting shopping. Located on beautiful Broad Creek, the waterfront shopping at Shelter Cove Harbour makes for a fun day! Here are some of the stores you need to peruse the next time you’re in town.

Clothing and Accessories

Camp Hilton Head- This cute store has great Hilton Head hats, tees and beach bags. If you’re looking for a vacation souvenir, this is the place.

Neptune’s Kids- Carries a wide variety of clothing, games and gifts for kids of all ages. Your children will surely fall in love with this store.

Taffeta- If you’re looking for a beautiful outfit for a special night out or want to check out the latest fashions from Europe, come on in.

Home and Garden

Christmas on the Harbour- Get in the holiday spirit year round with some of the best Christmas decorations like ornaments, nativities and holiday stem wear.

Neptune’s Niche- Unique home and garden accessories as well as a selection of glassware, artwork, jewelry, woodwork, ironwork, pottery and textiles by Lowcountry artists.

Art and Photography

The Golf & Boat Club/ Bolton Smith Gallery- Original artwork by R. Bolton Smith and resort wear.

LaBelle Image Fine Art Gallery- A popular art gallery featuring original work by artist Richard Riverin and unique art to complement the existing décor of your home.

Legacy Design Photographers- Looking to capture your family vacation memories? The team at Legacy can create beautiful images of your children, engagement photos or family reunions!

Nash Gallery- This gallery showcases some beautiful wood, metal, glass, ceramic and handmade jewelry from North American artists.

Salon

Salon Shelter Cove- If you’re looking for a new do, a blow out or even a Keratin treatment while in town, this salon will help you out. Walk-ins welcome!

Shelter Cove has something for everyone and we hope you spend a day walking in the sun from store to store enjoying the day. Don’t forget that there are also 7 wonderful restaurants for you to sit and have lunch and dinner! What’s your favorite store in Hilton Head?

Close your eyes and imagine yourself waking up to no alarm clock, throwing on your flip flops and sitting on your porch to enjoy your morning with a hot cup of coffee. Doesn’t that sound pretty amazing? We know that even on vacation many enjoy starting their morning off with a great cup of “joe” and we want to help you find the perfect coffee shop on Hilton Head.

For those of you who don’t want to leave Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, we totally understand and that’s why our homes and villas come with a coffee pot in them. You bring your favorite brand of beans and let the coffee pot do the rest. If you’d like to take a little morning walk or bike ride, The General Store serves up a great cup of coffee, and if you’re the first to check-in on Foursquare in the morning, you could get your cup for free! Both hotels located in Palmetto Dunes also have wonderful breakfast buffets and plenty of coffee.

If you’d like to get out and about in Hilton Head, here are some great local coffee shops to try:

1. Frosty’s in Shelter Cove Harbour doesn’t just serve Italian Ice and fudge, they also pour a great cup of coffee.
2. If you’re a Starbucks addict, you can get your fix on Hilton Head! There’s one in the Piggly Wiggly on Shelter Cove Lane, as well as bigger stores with seating and WiFi on either end of the island, including one at 430 Highway 278 and the other at 11 Palmetto Bay Road.
3. Pino Gelato won Hilton Head’s Small Business of the Year award in 2010 and they’re still going strong! Beyond amazing gelato, crepes and cannolis, they serve espresso and coffee drinks!
4. If you’re headed to Coligny Plaza, try Java Joe’s, Sweet Carolina Cupcakes or Ronnie’s Bakery at Coligny! All three locations serve up a mean cup of joe.

We hope to help you wake up each morning of your Hilton Head vacation with the best jolt possible. Do you have a favorite coffee shop here in Hilton Head that we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear! 

The March issue of Tennis Magazine named Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center the No. 1 Tennis Center in the Carolinas and we couldn’t be more thrilled! The magazine considers the quality of tennis instruction, number of courts and clinics provided in determining the rankings. They also take into account the lodging, dining and other amenities that are included with your tennis vacation.

Our 25 courts -- 23 clay and 2 Nova pro bounce , 7 of which are lighted for night play -- made it to the top spot beating out several resorts in North and South Carolina. Beyond the quality and number of courts, Tennis Magazine called out our wide variety of tennis lessons and clinics. From our Junior Programs, such as our Short Shorts Clinic, to our Daily Round Robins, we have lessons and programs for the whole family. Plus, last year, we added a shortened court for children’s play to follow new tournament regulations.

Between February and November, our tennis center will play host to nine tournaments, bringing some amazing talent to Hilton Head Island.

Beyond all the courts, classes and tournaments here at Palmetto Dunes, we also offer two hours of free tennis court time daily to all our resort homes or villas guests, in addition to giving them the best deals on activities within the resort.

We’re so proud of our wonderful tennis team and look forward to hosting you for the perfect Hilton Head tennis vacation at the best tennis resort in the Carolinas! 

From the golf course to where to eat and drink we’ve compiled tips and information from the staff at Palmetto Dunes to help you get the most out of your visit to our resort.

Golf

1. “Golf shots at Palmetto Dunes Resort feel different than in many parts of the country for two reasons: the grass is different and so is the soil.” – Doug Weaver, Head of Golf Instruction
2. “When putting on Bermuda grass at Palmetto Dunes Resort, you have to consider the grain of the grass, which is influenced by slope, sunset and nearby water. Lessons with the instruction staff can lead to significantly improved putting.”  – Doug Weaver, Head of Golf Instruction

Tennis

1. “Guests at the resort don’t have to travel with their racquets. Our demo racquets are available for use in all our clinics, lessons and round robins and can even be rented for personal play.” - Brian Kiggans, Head Tennis Professional
2. “Starting the first Monday in March, the Tennis Center begins their Monday Night Pro Exhibitions at 5:30 p.m. During that time, we offer a discount on retail merchandise in the Pro Shop. Starting the first Tuesday in March, the Tennis Center kicks off Demo Days at 2 p.m. and demo day discounts are offered as well.” – Jackie Reynecke, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center

Dining

1. “It’s 5 o’clock and you’re on the beach; just walk directly up to The Dunes House and enjoy a beachy cocktail. No shoes required!” –  Chris Fleury,  Director of Food & Beverage
2.  “You have to try the fried chicken, green beans and macaroni at The General Store. They cook all items fresh each morning!” – Frank Gaston, The General Store and Hilton Head Outfitters
3. “The grill at the Arthur Hills Course makes Liz’s homemade New England clam chowder daily! It’s delicious.” – Amelia Johnston, Marketing Coordinator

Activities

1. “When the weather is warm, the best time to go fishing is in the morning; you’re bound to get more bites. Also, a great tip for fishing inshore during the colder months is that the first quarter and last quarter moon produce more fish.” – Captain Trent Malphrus , Palmetto Lagoon Charters
2. “When you book your accommodations through Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, you get the best deal on the whole island on golf, bikes, tennis, kayaks and so much more.” – Karen Morris, Director of Sales

Misc

1.  “Visit the Rotunda, also known as the Welcome Center. We have an on-site concierge available seven days a week to answer all your Hilton Head questions.” – Jennifer Carlin, Revenue Manager

If you’ve never stayed with us before, feel free to ask us any questions you have by emailing customerservice@palmettodunes.com or you can “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and we’ll answer your questions there.

Do you have a great tip for visiting Palmetto Dunes? 

In just a few weeks, Hilton Head Island will be sipping some of the best wines around. March 5-10 is the 27^th Annual Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival and it’s now one the largest tented wine events on the East Coast. For six days winos and foodies will invade the island to sample amazing Lowcountry dishes and outstanding wines.

The Festival kicks off March 5 with a “Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinner.” There will be a few of these throughout the week with time and location coming soon. Can you imagine anything better than talented local chefs pairing each course with a different glass of wine?!

If you’re interested in expanding your wine knowledge, then Friday night’s Grand Tasting and Silent Auction is perfect for your palate. Proceeds from the silent auction benefits educational opportunities for students in the hospitality programs of study at the University South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry through the John T. and Valerie Curry Educational scholarship fund.

Saturday, March 10 wraps up the fun with the big Wine and Food Festival from Noon to 3 p.m. The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn will turn into a wine lover’s dream with the opportunity to mingle with winemakers, sample hundreds of wines, listen to live music and snack on some amazing hors d’oeuvres. Admission is $45 and includes access to all tastings and a souvenir wine glass.

Start planning your Hilton Head trip to Palmetto Dunes for this awesome event. We’d love to see  you here to enjoy spring-like weather, fine wine and delicious food! 

We’ve heard from so many of you who are already counting down the days, weeks or months until you hit the beaches here in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Spring break is right around the corner for most and summer will be right behind! We’re getting just as pumped as y’all about the beach season and to get you even more in the mood, we’ve come up with a list of must-do activities while you’re visiting us at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

One of the most beloved Palmetto Dunes locations, The Dunes House, plans to re-open in late February, just in time to feed the spring breakers and summer vacationers the best fish tacos and drinks around with an unbeatable oceanfront view.

March not only brings us the spring breakers but also the Tennis Welcome Exhibition and Happy Hour and Demo Days.  Every Monday night at 5:30 p.m., we get our employees and guests together to enjoy cocktails and lemonade while watching our tennis pros play on Centre Court. If you really enjoy tennis, then our Tuesday 2 p.m. Demo Days is the perfect way to test the newest equipment and ask our pros any technical questions you may have.

Summertime brings lots of activities unique to Palmetto Dunes like stand up paddle boarding and our amazing surf school. Learning to paddle board can be tough in the ocean waves so we provide lessons on our calm 11-mile lagoon system!

Our surf school has taught tons of people to hang-10 over the past few years and it’s back this year to teach a whole new crew. Even if you’ve never even attempted to stand on a board, our instructors will have you surfing before you know it. Just check out these young surfers.

Summer wouldn’t be complete without HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour and nightly performances by Shannon Tanner, a Hilton Head summer tradition that families return to enjoy year after year.

We can’t wait to see you all this year and hope you’ll enjoy all the Palmetto Dunes classics, while also trying a new activity or event! Oh, and you might have so much fun that you see fireworks! 

When most people think about Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort they think about the beautiful beaches, three amazing golf courses, miles of paved bike paths and exceptional tennis. While we’re incredibly proud to be known for all of these activities, we also want you to take advantage of our many sailboat charters out of Shelter Cove Harbour just across the road. We have two exquisite sailboats and three fun filled cruises that will please the whole family.

The Schooner “Welcome”  offers a variety of options, including a relaxing sunset cocktail and hors d’oeuvres cruise ideal for catching the marsh breeze and enjoying the amazing views of Hilton Head. For those interested in the wildlife surrounding our island, the Eco Cruise is for you. Hitting the seas each afternoon allows you to encounter a wide variety of marine wildlife like sea turtles, marsh birds and majestic dolphins. Finally, the “Welcome” provides a fun-filled family experience with the Pirates Adventure Cruise. Sail the high seas with a pirate as your guide while learning to hoist the sails and steer the ship. Ahoy matey, it’s a good time indeed!

If you’re looking for a more private sailboat charter, we have the smaller 40-foot “Special-K”. Take your time sailing around Hilton Head Island with an experienced captain and crew. Whether you’re interested in learning more about how to sail or you want to surprise your spouse with a romantic private ride, the “Special-K” is a great choice.

The next time you’re in Hilton Head consider taking an adventure to the high seas and come aboard one of our fabulous sailboat charters! 

January is the month where many Americans are gung-ho with their list of New Year’s resolutions. Lots of people are hitting the gym and checking out the health food isles at the grocery store, but we’ve also heard many people say they also resolve to spend more time with family. If you’ve been trying to get your immediate, or extended, family together for a while or want to plan a family reunion, why get the gang together at Palmetto Dunes?

Between our beautiful homes and villas, three world-renowned golf courses, tennis, bikes, fishing, shopping and the beach, every person in your family will be happy and entertained. What many people don’t realize when deciding where to stay Hilton Head is that when you stay with Palmetto Dunes, you get the best deals available on all the activities at the resort, as well as lagoon activities and boat charters out of Shelter Cove Harbour. You also get two free hours of tennis time each day!

Shelter Cove Harbour, just across the road from the resort, is also a great place to take the fam, because there are plentiful restaurants to enjoy each night and a variety of shops to peruse. Our group planners can even help create a special dinner at The Dunes House or a more formal party to celebrate your family reunion.

So, ring up your family, start matching up calendars and settle on a date. Then give us a ring at 866-744-7558 or click here and we’ll handle the rest.

We hope to see your whole gang here soon! 

So you’ve set the date, picked the location and asked your friends to be in your wedding party but you just can’t ask the boss for an extra week off for your honeymoon quite yet.

The honeymoon is the icing on your wedded bliss cake but for many it’s extremely challenging to plan more time off after the wedding planning week amidst work or school schedules. That’s why we’ve created the Mini Moon Package.

This mini vacation after your nuptials will give you the much needed breather you need but will allow you to go back to work or school without taking too many extra PTO days! This package is also ideal for those looking for a long weekend getaway to rekindle the flames for Valentine’s Day with all the spa, food and romance you could want.

 The Mini Moon package includes:

• 4 days /3 nights in a resort view villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
• One $100 Dinner certificate to your choice of Bistro 17, Conroy's, HH Prime or Ela’s
• A 50-minute couples massage (includes 20% gratuity) 
• Luxurious Facial Treatment or Therapeutic Body Scrub for 2  (includes 20% gratuity)
• One-day bike rental for two to explore miles of paved pathways beneath towering live oak trees and to ride on three miles of pristine beach
• Two hour double kayak rental to paddle along a peaceful 11-mile lagoon waterway
• Two hours of tennis court time per day per villa or home at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
• Preferred rates and priority access to all resort activities and amenities

Be bold and follow in the footsteps of William and Kate and Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries (except try to stay married longer than 72 days) and try our new Mini Moon. Call us at 866-744-7558 for more information and make sure to visit us at www.palmettodunes.com . 

We’re gearing up to see lots of people on the Island and throughout our resort in the next several months. Between Valentine’s romantic getaways, spring break travelers and summer vacationers, we’re going to be seeing lots of you.

But you’ve got to get here first and so we’ve gathered some great tips on packing, as well as traveling with children to help you get here without a hitch.

Packing tips for the pros:

1. Ladies protect your bras by using these cleaver cases by CupCase. This way you won’t have to bend the underwire or worry about creases. They’re stylish too and can be put in the suitcase or carried alone as a bag.
2. If you don’t want the soles of your shoes to touch your clothes while in your suitcase, place them in a cheap shower cap.
3. Pack your bikinis in one of these cute bags so they’re easy to find and they’re also waterproof so you can pack wet suits at the end of your trip.
4. Pack baby powder because it’s known to get sand off your skin quickly and easily!
5. Also, don’t worry about packing your beach chairs, umbrellas or fishing rods because Hilton Head Outfitters has all of those for rent!

Here are also just a few awesome traveling with children tips:

1. Want to pack healthy strawberries as a snack but don’t want the mess with the kids biting the tops off? Go ahead hull strawberries quickly with just a plastic straw!
2. If your kids love cut apples but they brown too quickly, cut the apple and while it’s still all together place a rubber band around it to prevent browning.
3. It seems like everyone has an iPad and iPhone these days and here’s a great lists of travel game apps that will certainly keep the kids -- young and old -- busy!

Do you have any great packing tips or ideas for traveling with kids? Please share! We hope to see lots of you in the next several months! 

We know that many of you are experiencing chilling temperatures, snowy skies and icy roads. While we can’t make it summer any earlier and we can’t raise the temperatures to the lovely mild days we’re experiencing here on Hilton Head, we can give you live updates and visuals of the beach every day! We have two webcams set up on the resort, one at The Dunes House and the other at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Course.

If you’re in need of a little golf action on a cold day, check out the webcam at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. This beautiful course was renovated in 2002 to reshape fairways, trees, greens and bunkers. We were also able to improve the natural draining of the course by linking it to our 11-mile lagoon system. The Jones Course has 11 holes that run by the lagoon and 10^th hole has a spectacular view of the ocean! This webcam is sure to make you want to pack up your clubs and head down to Hilton Head.

If you’ve had a rough week and need a minute of rest and relaxation from work, then check out The Dunes House webcam. The Dunes House is known for their awesome fish tacos and amazing view of the ocean. This webcam is situated in the perfect place to give you a view of guests enjoying lunch and watching the waves rolling in! If you’re a romantic, check this webcam on the weekends for a chance to see a wedding happening live on the beach!

We want to bring you a little piece of Hilton Head and all that Palmetto Dunes has to offer whenever you want it by maintaining these webcams. The best part is the next time you’re here you can tell your family or friends to tune in to see what a great time you’re having on vacation! 

The Gullah culture is all around us here in Hilton Head but it’s in full bloom each February when we celebrate Gullah Heritage month. Gullah is more than a language or the name of the people; it’s a way to preserve the traditions and struggles of those West Africans who were brought to South Carolina and Georgia as slaves.

Since 1996, The Gullah Celebration has been celebrating and honoring all things Gullah on our Island by holding daily events from February 1- 25. The overall goal of the Celebration is to raise awareness and funds to support minority-owned businesses and to bring this historic culture to tourists.

Each event showcases an aspect of the Gullah culture, such as food, music, arts and history. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful voices of Gospel singers, the intricate weavings of sweetgrass to make a basket and the amazing tales coming from a group of storytellers.

Put on by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association, Inc. and Native Islanders Property Owners Association, these events are sure to provide entertainment for your whole family. Saturday, February 4 will bring one of the most popular events, The Taste of Gullah, which gives you the opportunity to taste classic Gullah dishes for only $10.

Many events are free and open to the public, and we hope you’ll check out the complete list of all the happenings during Gullah Celebration Month. If you’ll be with us in February, be sure to make time taking in a little bit of the history that truly makes Hilton Head something special! 

We’re kicking off 2012 with four wonderful tournaments for all our golf and tennis friends out there. While we know many of you are stuck in snow and ice, why not head to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and spend a little time outside in milder temperatures at one of these entertaining events.

On  January 21, we’ll hold the Martin Luther King Golf Tournament at our Arthur Hills course. Locals will invade our golf course to play in honor of the great Martin Luther King Jr. Next, during the first weekend in February, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center will host the No-Snow Tennis Classic from the 3^rd – 5^th of the month. Grab your racquet and head down to Hilton Head for some great tennis play with a guarantee of no snow!

We’ll also honor all those in the food and beverage industry in Hilton Head with our annual F&B Golf Tournament on February 16. This will be the tournament’s 8^th year at our George Fazio course and you can enter now by simply clicking here. This tournament is all about the locals and at least one person from your team needs to be in the food and beverage industry.

The 26^th Annual “Luck of the Irish” Doubles Tournament will bring us into March with tennis teams that are sure to please. We hope to see lots of men’s, women’s and mixed doubles team this year. It’s only $45 per person for one event or $55 a person for two events. You can register your doubles team by clicking here and filling out the entry form.

We feel very lucky to have such amazing events happening this winter season and to be able to engage with all the Hilton Head locals and out-of-towners through these events. Whether you “love” tennis or golf, we hope this blog post got you on “par” with some tournaments to enjoy this year! 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so why not get your love something different this year? Forget the extravagant floral arrangements, the chocolate and stuffed animals and think about a romantic retreat to Hilton Head, South Carolina. We’ve worked out an amazing package for all the love birds out there and it’s the perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day.

This package includes:

• 4 days /3 nights in a resort view villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
• One $100 dinner certificate to one of our wonder restaurants
• The Omni’s Ocean Tides Spa Massage- choose a Calming Currents 50-minute massage, a Couples 50-minute massage, or a Coastal Cabana Massage
• Luxurious Facial Treatment or Therapeutic Body Scrub for 2  (includes 20% gratuity)
• One-day bike rental for two to explore miles of paved pathways beneath towering live oak trees and to experience riding on three miles of pristine beaches
• Two hour double kayak rental to paddle along a peaceful 11-mile lagoon waterway
• Two hours of court time per day per villa or home at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
• Preferred rates and priority access to all resort activities and amenities.

You and your honey will be relaxed, rejuvenated and in love with the fact that you can do all these activities without ever leaving our resort. This romantic package provides relaxation, adventure and wonderful accommodations. We look forward to making your Valentine’s Day the best it’s ever been! 

It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about spring and summer vacations and we hope you choose Hilton Head. We’re offering some great deals if you book your vacation here at Palmetto Dunes early and we wanted to highlight one of our wonderful Hilton Head rentals.

We know you want to spend your vacation in total paradise and 2526 The Morrings is pretty darn close! This two bedroom, two and a half bath villa comfortably sleeps six people, perfect for a family or group.

 The location is ideal within the resort because you’re very close to The Dunes House, the beach and you’re right at the pool. The master bedroom has a king bed while the guest bedroom comes with two queen beds. The kitchen is open to the living room and den, allowing you to easily cook dinner while chatting with your family.

For those early birds who book now, we’ve got  a great deal if you stay 5 or more nights. Call us at 866-744-7558 and you’ll only pay $250 to reserve your vacation, plus we’ll throw in free bikes and two hours of tennis court time each day! Your remaining deposit won’t be due until February 15, 2012.

This 2012 Early Booking Special won’t last forever but the memories in this beautiful villa will! We hope to see you all in Hilton Head soon! 

It’s said that 1 in 5 grooms propose to their wife each holiday season. With all the love and joy in the air between Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s, it’s no surprise to us! If you’re one of the lucky couples who’ve decided to head to wedded bliss this holiday season, you might want to consider a Hilton Head wedding as the perfect place to tie the knot.

Whether you want a quiet beachfront affair surrounded by close friends and family or a lavish event in a beautifully-decorated venue with hundred of guests, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort can help. Anne Graves, our catering and events manager can make your wedding dreams come true. If you’d like to see some of the beautiful Palmetto Dunes weddings we’ve had throughout the resort, take a look at our online testimonials.

 We also encourage you to keep connected with us on Facebook and Twitter as one bride, Marie, did. She was able to ask questions each day the week in advance of her Hilton Head wedding on Twitter, tweet us updates on the excitement while they were in town and then post all their amazing pictures on Facebook and Twitter to share with our online family. We enjoyed Marie’s wedding both online and offline!

We hope to hear from all you newly-engaged couples so we can help create your dream wedding. Please give Anne a call at 866.650.4130 or you can fill out a request form. Happy wedding planning from all of us at Palmetto Dunes!

Most people will start 2012 with a list of resolutions like:

1. Eat healthier
2. Work out 5 days a week
3. Be more organized
4. Stop procrastinating

We’d like to offer you a resolution list that’s not only more fun to achieve but also gives you tasks you can complete with your friends or family.

1. Try kayak fishing - The calm waters of our lagoon system make the perfect atmosphere for beginners to learn how to keep balance in their kayaks and reel in one of hundreds of huge red fish swimming beneath.
2. Become a pirate for the day - Grab your eye patch and hit the high seas on a sailboat out of Shelter Cove Harbour. Our Pirate Adventure cruise is only $30 a person and gives you the opportunity to help hoist a sail or take the wheel! 
3. Explore a little history- The historic Leamington Lighthouse sits on the Arthur Hills course and was built in 1879. This little piece of history is said to be haunted, and we dare you visit around Halloween for a fright!
4. Take a 2-wheeled day trip- Hilton Head Island is perfectly built for bikes. There are more than 50 miles of bike paths throughout the Island, and Palmetto Dunes has a little more than 5 miles of paths within the resort. Spend the day seeing all our island has to offer while also working on that boring “lose weight” resolution that’s on everyone’s list each year! Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters to rent the perfect bike for you and the whole family.

We hope these resolutions spice up your usual list and that on the very top of your 2012 list it says: Plan a Palmetto Dunes vacation! Happy New Year and we hope to see you all in 2012! 

While most of the country is bundling up and sitting by their fireplaces, here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we’re out and about playing in 70-degree weather. From tennis and golf to fishing and kayaking, the activities don’t slow down here in Hilton Head when winter rolls in. To keep our winter visitors, active we’ve got some great seasonal deals for the tennis, golf or outdoors fanatic.

Hilton Head Outfitters is offering unlimited biking, kayaking and canoeing throughout the winter.  For $49 per person you can rent a bike for the whole month or you can buy a bike for 25% off! Guests can also buy a year membership for $300 per couple or $199 per person, and enjoy unlimited kayak and canoe rentals!

Winter is actually the best time to start fishing in our lagoon system, because red fish, speckled sea trout and sheephead are bountiful. Head on over to Shelter Cove Harbour to take one of the many fishing charters with Captain Trent Malphrus. You’re sure to reel in a big one!

If tennis is more up your alley, you can purchase a monthly membership through February for only $200 per person that includes two hours of court time per day. Finally, if you’d like to play with us AND stay with us, we’ve got a 30-night resort accommodations package that includes golf, bikes, kayaks and tennis starting at only $1,200 per person. We think that’s a deal!

 Call us 866-744-7558 and find out all the ways you can save this winter season! 

December is a month full of shopping, decorating, eating and being with family. Watching movies together is a holiday tradition for many families who gather and watch the same flick year after year. Here at Palmetto Dunes some of our favorite holiday movies are, of course, based around a vacation! Check out our list and see if any of our favs are on your list too!

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) - This is the ultimate holiday vacation movie that will have the whole family in hysterics! The Griswolds prepare for Christmas by inviting their entire family to their home. As all the family members arrive from their travels you quickly see the Griswol’s genuinely just have the worst luck!

Home Alone (1990) - A true holiday classic, Home Alone is based on the McAllister family and their decision to vacation in Paris, France for Christmas. Things go haywire for their son, Kevin, when he’s left home alone on accident. While being home without his whole family seems incredibly fun at first, Kevin ends up spending Christmas Eve protecting his house from two crazy burglars!

The Holiday (2006) - If you and your family are more into romantic comedies, then this contemporary Christmas movie will do the trick. Two heartbroken women decide to switch houses in different countries for the holiday. Iris leaves her home in London to move into Amanda’s LA home, and Amanda travels to London to stay at Iris’ cottage. Both women might start their season off with boy-troubles but by Christmas they have both fallen in love!

So, hit the TV guide, Red Box, Netlfix or your movie collection and enjoy. Happy Holidays! 

If you’ve ever been to Hilton Head, then you know the most common form of transportation is bike! This 2-wheeled ride and Christmas have a long history together, as the bicycle is one of the most common items on a child’s wish list for Santa.

Hilton Head Outfitters has the new craze in bikes that’s on lots of kids’ lists this year. It’s called Zike! The Zike combines a normal bike with the workout of an elliptical machine. These super kid-friendly bikes have been featured on The View and Extra.

You can get the Zike in 4 different versions:

1. The HotShot- Great for ages 5-9 because it’s small but fast enough to keep them entertained. Adding the stepping motion increases balance and coordination while making fitness fun for children.
2. The FlyBy- This Zike is a step up from the HotShot with double chains for more speed! The handle bars are adjustable and it’s made specifically for kids 8-10.
3. The SlingShot- This hybrid scooter is more advanced and made for children older than 10. The speed on this Zike rivals a BMX bike!
4. The Saber- If your child is looking for the mack-daddy Zike, the Saber is the answer. With seven speeds and larger tires, your child will be zooming by their friends riding “normal” bikes.

All these versions come in multiple colors, including blue, green, red, yellow and more. If a bike is on your child’s Christmas list this year, why not try something different and fun with the Zike?! We guarantee they will have a speedy good time. 

It’s that time of year again … time to deck the halls and trim the tree!  Most of the decorating decisions come down to white or colored lights, which ornaments will be on the front of the tree and what bows to put on your wreath. Why not try something a little different this year with a beach-themed holiday? Here are a few ideas to make your winter décor feel a little more tropical.

1. Shell Wreath - Instead of the traditional holly wreath with a red bow, you can decorate your door with a wreath made of shells. Whether you use Styrofoam and attach shells collected from your last vacation or simply add shells to a more traditional wreath, it will look give everyone who comes through your door a little taste of the coast.
2. A Boat Themed Mantel- Coastal Living magazine has a great example of how you can combine garland, stockings and a small boat to give your mantel that warm, and nautical, holiday feeling.
3. The Beach-Themed Tree-  To give your tree a little taste of the beach, try only white lights and lots of white, clear, silver and blue balls. Fill in the spaces with beach-related ornaments, such as boats, crabs, beach chairs and flip flops, to really give your tree that vacation vibe.

This holiday, instead of just wishing you were out of the snow and in the sand, bring the beach to your home with your decorations. We’d love to see how your family decorated this holiday season so please feel free to share your pictures with us on Facebook! Happy Holidays. 

We thought it would be fun to share a little bit of history about the resort that so many of you call home, home away from home or vacation heaven.

It all started for Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort back in 1967 with the first major project being the development of the lagoon system. One year later, in 1968, development began on our championship Robert Trent Jones golf course

The early 70’s brought the addition of the Inn Villas, Beach Villas, Water Oak Villas, the Chimney Cove development and the groundbreaking of the Hyatt Hotel. In 1973, the Fazio course was started and the Jones pro shop was expanded. The following year our wonderful Tennis Center was completed and the end of the 70’s allowed us to finish Ocean Cove Villas, Turnberry Village and the Fazio Tennis Courts. We ended the decade with the acquisition by Greenwood Development Corporation.

The 80’s brought more growth in our accommodation arena by adding Captain’s Walk, Captain’s Cove, St. Andrew’s Common and more. In 1980 construction began on Shelter Cove Marina, making it an exciting year for us! Three years later came the dedication of Shelter Cove Harbour and the popular King Neptune sundial, the largest working figurative sundial in the world... In 1986, the Arthur Hills Course opened, completing our acclaimed, award-winning golf trifecta.

Over the past ten years, the resort built a new Tennis Center in 2001, and in 2002, the Robert Trent Jones course was completely renovated.

Look how far we’ve come since 1967! Who knows what will be in our future, but we look forward to all the great things to come and providing our guests with more activities than ever. 

Lots of women come through the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center each year, and one complaint that we’ve heard a lot is about their tennis bags. They are often too large and bulky for the average woman to haul around. That’s why we started carrying the very stylish and sleek Life Is Tennis JETPAC bag.

Designed by a female tennis player for women, these bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes while also allowing you to pick from lots of fun patterns. The Winter collection provides prints such as Enchantment, Reptilian and Silver Vogue. Here at Palmetto Dunes we carry many different styles, including small and large slings, as well as totes.

So this holiday season give the gift that will make dreams of days spent in our tennis clinics and nights spent on our lighted tennis courts. The Life Is Tennis bag is a must-give this holiday season for all the lady tennis players in your life! 

While winter may slow down most of the country, visitors to Hilton Head can stay active no matter the time of year. With daytime temperatures averaging between 50-60 degrees during the winter, it’s great weather to get outside and play a round of golf with us here at Palmetto Dunes.

This winter we’re offering two new golf packages and programs that will not only help improve your game but will bring a little piece of Canada to our Island.

If  you’re  looking  to improve your golf game while the weather is milder, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is offering a new “Five Ways to Better Golf” assessment and coaching package. Led by Doug Weaver, Palmetto Dunes’ director of golf instruction, guests receive assessments of the following five systems of their golf game: mental, full swing technical, short game technical, equipment and fitness.

Hailing from Granby, Quebec, Michel Dion, joins our golf team this winter to help with instruction. Winter brings many of our Canadian golfers to Hilton Head and Dion’s experience and French-speaking abilities will bring a whole new dynamic to Palmetto Dunes.

Spend your winter with us improving every aspect of your golf game, and we’ll have you looking like a star in time for spring and summer!  

Reel in the right holiday gift this year for the fishing fanatic in your life.  The Palmetto Dunes Ships Store has the perfect fishing shirt: Bonehead by Columbia. The Bonehead collection is made of cotton poplin, creating that lived-in comfort feeling. It also features mesh-lined vents on the shoulders to help keep you cool when you’re reeling in the big one!

For those super sunny fishing days, you can always use the hook and loop on the collar to keep the sun off your neck. If all these features aren’t enough, there’s also a hook and loop closed fly pocket at the chest, a utility loop, a rod holder loop and a tool holder all on this shirt to help keep your hands free to work with your rod lines and lures.

This amazing shirt is available for men and women, short and long sleeve and in several colors.  If you order or pick up this gift before December 31, you can also take advantage of a 20% discount at The Ships Store.  

Stocking Stuffer Special: If you need a fishing stocking stuffer to go with the Bonehead shirt by Columbia, you should pick up a Tervis tumbler. We have a large selection of cups, lids and handles here in Hilton Head! 

It’s quickly becoming that time of year when you sit at the table to give thanks, hear holiday music on the radio and spend hours of your weekend wrapping gifts. The holidays are full of fun here on Hilton Head Island, and if you’re planning a trip here before 2012, you won’t be bored or disappointed.

The holiday excitement begins with Thanksgiving here at The Dunes House in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. We’re serving up a traditional style Thanksgiving Day feast so if you’d be thankful for no cooking and no clean up, this is the perfect option for your family! If you’re staying that weekend, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is hosting the Community Christmas Tree Lighting to move us directly into the Santa spirit.

Come celebrate this joyful season with us at Shelter Cove Harbour Friday, November 25 by getting your picture with Santa, live entertainment and even free ornaments from Christmas on the Harbour for the first 200 children. The fun continues into Saturday with holiday sales and amazing deals from many of the shops in Shelter Cove.

Want to feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland while you’re here on the Island? Then the Hilton Head Winter Wonder Festival on December 9 is a must-add to your calendars. From 4-8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Park, you can roast marshmallows, create holiday crafts or even hunt for the golden candy cane. This event is a wonderful family-friendly festival that allows parents and grandparents to come for free with their children!

For more information on events happening while you’re here on a fabulous winter vacation, click here!

It might be freezing outside and you’re thinking more about wearing scarves than swimsuits but this Christmas why not get the family a present that will warm everyone’s heart? A trip to Hilton Head Island!

Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort you can find the perfect home or villa located near the ocean, golf course or lagoon depending on how your loved ones want to spend their vacation.

2118 Windsor Place has an oceanfront view and plenty of space for your whole family. The large open balcony is a great place to drink your coffee in the morning or wind down at night to the sound of tbhe ocean breeze. Enjoy views of the ocean from your private balcony overlooking an oceanfront pool with a spa, barbecue area and children's pool.

We know that many families love to gather in the kitchen and this unit has a spacious kitchen that’s open to the living and dining room. Another great feature is that all four bedrooms have their own private bathroom, making it easy for everyone to clean up and get ready after a day in the sand. The Arthur Hills golf course is a short walk away for all the golfers in the family, and you can enjoy two hours of free tennis court time each day you stay with us!

So call us now at 866-744-7558 and get the whole family a gift they will truly enjoy. Also, when you book early, you’re eligible for some really amazing deals!

Not sure what to get the golf lover on your list? Let Palmetto Dunes help with our holiday gift guide! Our first suggestion: the new TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron!

This iron delivers distance with progressive top lines and a thinner face. They’ve also designed shafts specifically for each head and every iron has been reinvented by TaylorMade. Another impressive upgrade is that the weight of the club is lower and wider for a higher level of forgiveness. You’ll never hear the golfer in your life complain about turf-drag or shortened ball flight with this club, reaffirming that you bought them the right holiday gift.

All of our golf pros are really enjoying the new TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron and would recommend it to any level of golfer. You can call us now 843.785.1136 or stop by our proshops for more information or to pick one up. We can’t promise that your golfer’s clothes will be wrinkle free, but we can promise that this iron will be a welcomed addition to their golf bag! 

We don’t want your vacation in Hilton Head to feel like an episode of Gilligan’s Island or Lost. We know that sometimes it can be confusing to get around the Island, and we want to provide you with the best Hilton Head maps to help you navigate the perfect vacation.

If you’re looking for a general map of Hilton Head Island, try the Chamber.  Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour are located directly in the middle of Hilton Head Island off of 278 West. Once you make it in the resort, the Welcome Center can provide you with helpful maps of the resort, Shelter Cove or directions to any location on the Island.

For those who want to prepare in advance, we have several maps that will let you know your location at all times. If you’re staying with us at Palmetto Dunes, we have maps for each section of the resort from the villas at Windsor Place to Captains Quarters. If you’re coming to participate in many of the activities, we provide this map can help you get to all three golf courses, Hilton Head Outfitters and even the Conference Centers. We even have a special map for all the bikers out there outlining all the biking trails on the entire Island!

So the next time you’re here don’t spend any of your time wondering how to get to Shelter Cove Harbour or The Dunes House, let us do the work for you! 

Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we love our guests! Whether you stay with us year-round, visit for a week or come for the day to enjoy our activities we value you all. One special guest, Austin, touched our hearts when he came for a fishing excursion with Captain Trent Malphrus.

For more than six years, Austin has been battling acute lymphocyte leukemia, which he was diagnosed with at 8 years old. After three years of treatments, his love of basketball was taken from him but a newfound passion for hunting, fishing and music was awakened inside him. The Make-A-Wish foundation granted his wish and sent the DeGroot family to Hawaii on a deep-sea fishing adventure. Due to strong winds and intense waves, they were unable to go on the fishing trip.

Since then the family has found their outdoor retreat a little closer to home, here in Hilton Head Island. They’ve been coming to the island for the past five years and Austin has gone after the “big catch” each year. On the last visit they came to visit us at Hilton Head Outfitters and we set them up with fishing extraordinaire, Captain Trent.  Finally, Austin was able to reel in the big one: a redfish!

After a great day on the Palmetto Dunes lagoon fishing, Austin said “Mom, my life is fulfilled I've done everything I've ever wanted to do!” We’re very thankful to have been a part of Austin’s big day and great catch and hope to see the DeGroot family on the island for many more years to come!

There are so many things to be thankful for here in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The gorgeous weather, the beach, fishing, biking, great golf and tennis and all the amazing people! If you’re looking to skip the early snow this year and have a warm Thanksgiving, come celebrate with us at Palmetto Dunes. The average temperature here in November is upper 60’s to mid 70’s, making it great weather to hit one of our three golf courses, walk the beach or to play tennis all day!

Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated in a big way at our beach front restaurant, The Dunes House! On Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, from 11 am - 5 pm you can enjoy a huge Thanksgiving buffet your grandmother would be proud of. You can also pre-order a meal for carry-out. Just call us at 843-686-9623 or email us at carryout@palmettodunes.com.  The best part is you don’t have to cook or clean up when you’re done!

The buffet is $27.95 per person plus tax and gratuity and $13.95 for kids 12 and younger. Here is the menu for Turkey Day:

Thanksgiving Menu at The Dunes House:

Mix Greens Salad with House Dressings
New England Clam Chowder
Citrus Brined Deep Fried Tom Turkey
Oven Roasted Organic Free Range Turkey
Corn Bread Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Honey Glazed Baked Bone in Spiral Ham
Miss Liz's Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
Candied Yams
Garlic Mash Yukon Gold Potatoes
Fennel and Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib
Desserts include: Frankie Mae's Famous Pumpkin Pie, Keylime Pie,
Southern Bourban Pecan Pie, Sweet Potatoe Pie and Cookies.
Regular menu will not be served at this time.

We’ll also be hosting a holiday kick-off celebration the day after Thanksgiving and we’ll be sharing information soon with all the details. Whether you join us or celebrate at home, happy Turkey Day!

You work hard to stay in shape when you’re at home, and you certainly don’t want to let all that hard work go to waste by stopping on vacation. No worries. When you come to Palmetto Dunes, we’ve got you covered. Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to run, bike or even try something new, like beachfront yoga! Here are some options to help you return with the same, or better, beach bod that you arrived with:

Hilton Head Outfitters offers a wide variety of bicycles to rent. Guests can bike through the smooth streets, which are perfect for a calm, breezy ride. If you’re up for more of a challenge, try a vigorous ride on the beach, which can burn up to 500 calories an hour! Another Palmetto Dunes activity that really gets the blood flowing is Cardio Tennis!

If you are a yoga enthusiast, you’ve got plenty to choose from. With many yoga studios around the island, you’re sure to find the right fit!  Our favorite is oceanfront yoga. What could be a better workout than practicing poses with the waves crashing serenely in the background? Beach Yoga is available in front of the Dunes House on Palmetto Dunes taught by Pamela Eaton.

If you’re interested in visiting a more traditional gym, there are several on the island to try.  We have an Anytime Fitness, Beach City Health and Fitness and Players Club Fitness Center to name a few. But, if you’re looking for an awesome challenge we suggest trying CrossFit. Our own tennis maven, Jackie, attends each morning and highly recommends it!

So whether you’re into tennis, biking, running or lifting here in Hilton Head Island, we’ve got all you need to get your sweat on! Let us know if you try any of our suggestions and how they “work out”.

Are your kids dreaming of their spring or summer spent at Palmetto Dunes? Reading a book about the beach is a great way to bring those memories to mind, while encouraging a love of reading at the same time.

Head to the library or the bookstore and turn it into a fun outing as you look for your “beach book.” Here are a few children’s books set at the beach that we highly recommend.

• Great for younger children, Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Berkes, tells the tale of a little girl collecting seashells at the beach. Filled with colorful illustrations, the book teaches children to count the shells the girl collects.

• At the Beach is another great beach-inspired read. Written by Anne and Harlow Rockwell, this book is a fun way to excite your child for an upcoming vacation to the beach. It’s full of images explaining all the many activities you’ll enjoy by the sea.

• Perhaps our favorite pick takes place not exactly at the beach, but in the ocean itself.  The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is a classic for children of all ages. The spectacular illustrations combined with a great moral about sharing make this a must-read!

So cozy up with your little ones this fall and dream of days at beach. Happy reading!

Halloween is in just two short weeks, which leaves little time to find a costume. For those who are super busy and don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on a cool get-up for Halloween, we’ve got you covered with some Palmetto Dunes-inspired costumes for the whole family!

1. Dad as a golfer:

-polo shirt

-khaki shorts/pants

-golf shoes

-sweater to tie around your neck

-golf glove

2. Mom as a tennis player:

-tennis skirt/dress

- visor

-tennis shoes

-racket

3. Child as a Surfer:

-bathing suit

-cover up

-surfboard: can be made out of cardboard and painted by your child

-shell necklace or a lei

4. Toddler as a Sea Turtle:

- green hooded sweatshirt

- green sweatpants

- 2 large sheets of dark green felt

- light green and tan felt

- 2 large googly eyes

- pillow stuffing or newspaper

- fabric glue

This costume requires a little more work than the other three but is still very easy and super inexpensive to create. Follow these simple steps from HGTV and don’t be afraid to get a little creative with it!

These are just a couple ideas that are fun and can be pulled together with items in your closet. Got more cheap and easy costume ideas? Tweet us an idea or a picture @PalmettoDunesSC or post to our Facebook page!

Visiting Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and need to stock up on groceries for the week? Look no further than the Resort’s own Palmetto Dunes General Store! Palmetto Dunes General Store, located at 1 Trent Jones Lane, is a great place to pick up anything you need for your Hilton Head vacation.

Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Palmetto Dunes General Store has everything you need from groceries to a fine selection of cigars. It’s the island’s one-stop-shop with something for everyone. The store offers a large selection of ice cream and candy for those young at heart. And for those with more discerning tastes, Palmetto Dunes General Store has a great wine and beer section. The store is even the perfect place to pick up a few gifts! It’s always stocked with T-shirts and hats that make great souvenirs.

The Palmetto Dunes General Store is not just your average market. It also offers some delicious meals. Breakfast and lunch are served every day starting at 6 am. The store has a large menu full of Southern classics and unique specialties. Stop by for a homemade cinnamon roll or have a plate of the “Best Fried Chicken” on the island.

The Palmetto Dunes General Store is the best place on the island to pick up anything you may need for your stay. We hope to see y’all there!

Palmetto Dunes has everything: beautiful beaches, challenging golf courses…and even our own ghost. Residents of the island have been telling the creepy tale of the “Blue Lady” for years. This ghostly apparition is said to haunt the outbuildings surrounding the Leamington Lighthouse located on the Arthur Hills Golf Course and is apparently not too fond of stormy weather.

Caroline Fripp and her father, Adam, tended the lighthouse in the late 1890s. In 1898, a major hurricane hit the island without warning. Legend has it, that night Caroline and Adam stayed in the lighthouse trying to keep the light bright for a ship that was dangerously close to the shore. Sadly, Adam dropped to the floor and suffered a heart attack. Caroline took her father to their nearby house and on his death bed he asked her to keep the light burning throughout the storm.

When Caroline returned to check on her father he had already passed. It’s been said that she paced back and forth between the lighthouse and the keepers house for several days wearing the same blue dress she had on during the storm and calling out for her deceased father. Some sources have said that Caroline died of shock a few years after her father’s death but others say she lived a long life warning others of high tides and storms and always wearing blue.

Today, the story lives on. Many have reported seeing the “Blue Lady” or feeling her presence on stormy nights. So beware, the next time you visit the Leamington Lighthouse, you might just meet the ghost of Caroline Fripp, a spirit that awakens with the sound of wind and rain!

Vacation is all about relaxation. Wondering where to wind down on Hilton Head? We’ve got all the info you need on spas in the area and the best packages and treatments!

At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, you can choose from many vacation packages that include relaxing massages, facials or manicures. If your main goal is playing golf in the morning and chilling out all afternoon, then our “Tee for Two” package is a great choice. We also have all the spa treatments you could dream of in our “Silver Celebration” and “Romantic Retreat” packages.

If you’re staying with us and looking for a quick fix, there are many options within the resort or close by. Try the Spa Soleil at the Marriot Hilton Head right here in Palmetto Dunes. They even have a teen spa, which makes for a perfect mother-daughter getaway. The Hilton Hotel also has a phenomenal spa in house that’s worth the walk or bike ride.

So the next time you’re staying at Palmetto Dunes, take a little time for yourself and escape to the spa.

Our Robert Trent Jones Course was the first golf course built at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, and it’s a favorite of many. In fact readers of Golfweek magazine voted it among their favorite courses in the Southeast.  The course offers 18 holes, 11 of which wind alongside an 11-mile lagoon system.  The Jones course is most famous for its par-five 10^th oceanfront hole, one of only two on the Island.

Built in 1967 by Robert Trent Jones and significantly reconstructed in 2002 by longtime protégé Roger Rulewich, this course aims to please. After reshaping tees, elevating fairways and improving the drainage system, the course re-opened and was named the 2003 Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association and is ranked four stars by Golf Digest. The Jones course plays 7,005 yards from the championship tees.

And that’s not all! The course also claims the largest pro-shop at Palmetto Dunes, and one of the largest on the Island. From Nike and Adidas to Burberry and Travis Mathew, we have it all. After you purchase those new clubs make sure you hit our free custom club fitting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! We hope to “tee” you soon.

Got a hankering for a Louisiana PoBoy or some authentic Cajun gumbo? Hilton Head Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of these down-home delicacies; however, this month, The Island Recreation Association will be bringing the Bayou to us!

Starting at 11 a.m. on October 15, Shelter Cove Community Park will turn into Bourbon Street for the annual Cajun Food Festival. The fest is chock full of fun for the whole family. There will be Cajun cuisine sure to please everyone from fried oysters to red beans and rice.

Keep your children happy by letting them hit the “Kid’s Zone”, complete with moon bounces, arts and crafts. While the kids are having a blast, don’t forget to visit the Outdoor Business Expo, which is new to this year’s festival. During the Expo, businesses from around the area will be showcasing new products and services throughout the day.

Proceeds from the Cajun Food Festival will benefit the Island Recreation Association’s Scholarship Fund, which assures that every child, regardless of financial hardship, will be able to participate in recreation. Good food, good people and a good cause? What more reason is there to check out this year’s Cajun Food Festival? For more information visit www.islandreccenter.org or call (843) 681-7273. We hope to see you at our version of the Bayou!

Shannon Tanner holds a special place in the hearts of all who’ve visited Palmetto Dunes, as well as Hilton Head locals and those strolling through Shelter Cove during the summer season. Although summer has come to a close, he’s keeping his musical act in motion by heading into the school systems with his “Wish to Be Just Who You Are Shannon Tanner School Tour.”

This anti-bullying campaign uses Shannon’s music to teach children important life lessons and the impact of bullying on kids. Shannon says the inspiration came from  some of his own childhood memories, as well as the ever-growing number of cyber bullying reports.

Shannon has been performing at our HarbourFest event for 24 years and we hope his anti-bullying campaign shapes the lives of children for many years to come! Check out this amazing video below of Shannon performing at Roaring Brook School!

Hilton Head is full of events, activities and wonderful restaurants, but we’re also only a short drive from historic Bluffton, S.C. The week of October 16-23 will bring the perfect opportunity to visit Hilton Head and check out the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival too! In its seventh year, this festival celebrates local seafood, history, art and, most importantly, Southern hospitality.

The 15-minute drive to downtown Bluffton is a great day trip and you can participate in events such as kayak tours, Iron Chef competitions or oyster roasts. Make sure you take your children too, because the Palmetto Animal League will have pets to adopt or play with. If you’re more of the workout junkie, this festival has you covered with a 5K on Saturday, October 22.

The days and evenings will be filled with tons of entertainment from jazz musicians and singers to best selling authors. Your children will be amazed by the juggling work of Ben Matthews and the Carolina Clowns from Charlotte, N.C. Don’t miss Saturday nights’ fireworks spectacular that will be the perfect end to a great event.

Let us know if you go and what you enjoyed the most!

The weather is starting to cool down which means it’s a great time to get a group of friends or bring your loved one on a golf getaway here at Palmetto Dunes. There’s no better time to play golf than in the fall here in South Carolina. We have tons of beautiful Hilton Head rental homes and villas that overlook one of our three award winning golf courses but 951 Inverness is a must-see villa!

Remodeled in 2009 and situated on the 12^th hole of the George Fazio course, this three-bedroom, three- bath villa is perfect for a group or a family. After a morning on the fairways you can cool off in the community pool that’s only a short walk from your villa or chill out by watching TV on the flat screen in the living room!

Make sure to take advantage of our other activities, such as the two hours of free tennis court time and discounted bike rentals, that you receive when you book your villa through Palmetto Dunes. Another great bonus of renting with Palmetto Dunes is that you can enjoy lunch, dinner or mid-afternoon cocktails at The Dunes House!

951 Inverness is ready to make your fall golf outing perfect, so check out its availability, gather up your gang of guys or group of gals and call us at 866.380.1778. Fore!

Vacations used to be a time to turn off your phones and completely get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These days, it’s tough to get away without turning off your smart phone!

Our advice: Put your phone on silent but keep it charged just enough to take advantage of these apps to make your Hilton Head vacation more interesting, informative and less expensive!

1. Hilton Head Island - The Official App: Released by the Hilton Head Visitor Convention Bureau, this free app allows you to book dinner reservations, find the best hotel or resort for your trip and look up Island events.
2. Foursquare - This popular geo-location tool is used by our team here at Palmetto Dunes to reward our wonderful guests. Check in at our golf courses, tennis center or Shelter Cove for great deals on all our activities!
3. TideApp - Our guests are always curious about high and low tides and this smart phone app lays it all out for you so you don’t come back from a beach walk to find your towel floating in the ocean!
4. Twitter - Having this social media application can truly help you have a great Hilton Head vacation! By following us, you can ask questions about where to eat, drink, activities to try or anything else you might want to know. We’re on seven days a week, so even if you’re here on the weekend we will be able to help you out! Tweet us today @PalmettoDunesSC!

So on your next adventure to Hilton Head keep your phone on and connect with us to create your perfect trip! We hope to see you soon.

If you’ve been to see us for a summer vacation, spring break or quick getaway in the last year and a half then you’ve probably seen the famous Charles Fraser statue. The life-sized bronze statue of Charles Fraser and his alligator, located at Compass Rose Park, is part of the public art fund created by The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 2010. The goal of the fund is to install public art and sculptures to beautify our Island.

This year the public art fund is bringing 20 pieces of outdoor sculpture to the Coastal Discovery Museum from September 25 through December 31. There will be works of art from local, national and international artists, and by the end of the year one piece will be selected to remain in Hilton Head and become a permanent part of our public art collection.

If you’re planning a visit between now and the end of the year, this is a free, must-see walking tour of some fantastic art. So whether you’re into modern, classic or contemporary, come to Hilton Head this fall and winter and get artsy with us!

Designed by American professional golfer and golf course architect George Fazio, this Palmetto Dunes course is often perceived as the most challenging Hilton Head golf course. Fazio, known for his uniquely-shaped bunkers, designed long par-4s beset in water hazards and bunkers.

The George Fazio Golf Course is the only par-70 course on Hilton Head Island and requires players to not only be precise in their play but to be prepared to play long. Starting play off with a 432-yard 1^st hole and ending the game with a 462-yard 18^th hole gives you an idea of how demanding the course can be.

In 2010, the course underwent grass replacement to promote consistent year-round play for our golfers. We replaced the TifDwarf Bermuda grass with a more shade-tolerant, Diamond Zoysia grass, a warm-weather grass that handles salty soil and high traffic well. This upgrade has created a more enjoyable and consistent experience for players on all 18 holes of the George Fazio Course.

Ranked among the Nation’s Top 100 Courses, the Fazio course at Palmetto Dunes was built in 1974 and is still referred to by many visitors and locals alike as their favorite course on the Island!

See a complete Course Map and get some tips from the pros on playing this course.

Have you ever been walking the beaches here in Hilton Head and seen some amazing sandcastles? We’ve seen some masterpieces grace our sand, for sure, and we want to share some sandcastle building tips with you! And hey, if you want to start building before you get to the beach, we’ll give you some at-home ideas too!

The Tools You’ll Need: A shovel with a long handle, a bucket, a few carving tools like a spoon, a plastic knife and a fork!

Location, Location, Location: Make sure not to start your sandcastle too close to the shoreline or all your work will be destroyed by the incoming tide! Keep in mind that you’ll need water to hold your castle together so don’t go too far from the ocean unless you want a good workout.

Get to Digging and Building: Start by digging a hole far enough down to reach the water table (where the sand is damp). Using very wet sand and your hands, create a base for your castle. Stack sand blocks on top of one another until you get your sandcastle the height and width you want.

Decoration Time: After you’ve built the base, it’s time for the fun part. You can use the knife to chisel in a brick pattern and the spoon to scoop out openings for a door. Another cool technique is to make a “drizzle” roof by taking super wet sand into your hand, hold your hand over the desired location and let the sand drip down. You can also use coral, shells and other washed up items to jazz up your creation!

So get to building and share your castle pictures with us on Facebook!

This month Hilton Head Island is hosting the 2011 Ecotourism and Sustainability Tourism Conference. This is the first time the conference has been held in the southeast and we’re excited they decided to come our way!

From September 19-21, the Westin will fill up with businesses and individuals who are interested in conservation and sustainability.

As expected, the entire event will promote “green” by only serving fair trade organic coffee, using recycled paper products and equipping businesses to make sustainable changes. We as an island have already taken strides by implementing Hilton Head Island Difference, which connects companies and people who are looking to create a healthier, safer and sustainable world with projects.

For more information on the conference, check out this interview with Susan Thomas, vice president of our Visitor and Convention Bureau.

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon or just need a vacation with your honey, we want to help you plan the perfect beach date. We suggest starting off your day with a nice bike ride through the resort. We have more than 5 miles of paved bike paths at the resort with beautiful natural surroundings for you to explore.

On your ride, stop by the General  Store and pick up sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks and a towel or blanket for a nice picnic to take to the beach. Next, stop by Hilton Head Outfitters where you can rent your beach chairs and an umbrella. Then head toward the sand and surf to enjoy a relaxing picnic while you watch the dolphins frolic and unwind watching the waves.

Cap your day with a romantic dinner. A couple of of good options include Alexander’s in the resort, which is known for its extensive wine menu, or Ela’s in Shelter Cove, which has outstanding view to accompany their menu!

If you need even more relaxation, many of our packages include spa treatments, champagne and other sweet activities to try. We even offer a Silver Celebration package for couple celebrating 25 years of marriage.

What’s your favorite romantic activity when in Hilton Head? We hope to see all you love birds here soon!

The Arthur Hills course, ranked 4.5 stars by Fodor’s Gold Digest, features a series of rolling dunes, as well 10 holes on the water. Named the South Carolina Course of the Year in 2009, the course was designed to encourage precision.

The dunes create many opportunities for off-balance lies and the ocean breezes present an additional challenge. TravelGolf.com says, “There is very little sand on the course, making the hazards a little harder to pick out. Beware the swales, tight fairways and lots of water.”

Most people recognize the Hills course by the Leamington Lighthouse that sits on the 15^th hole. The lighthouse, built sometime between 1879 and 1880, was part of a navigational system of lights guiding ships into Port Royal Sound. It’s the only historic lighthouse on Hilton Head and one of only a few surviving in the state of South Carolina.

Don’t forget we serve breakfast and lunch at the grill and we dish up a mean New England Clam Chowder that you have to try. We hope to see you all out at the Hills course and if you have any questions ask for our head pro there, Clark (he’s wonderful).

A few months ago there was the social media craze “planking” where an individual lies in a plank position in unusual places and then posts the image on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This term has taken on a whole new meaning recently in the fitness and water activities world.

Many people are taking their love of paddleboarding and combining it with yoga. Floating yoga is new to the South but has been all the rage in Hawaii for some time now. Standard yoga moves such as the plank, crunch or downward dog are a bit more challenging when performing the moves on water!

There are a few places in nearby Charleston, S.C. that are offering paddleboard yoga classes and we’ve seen a few brave souls tightening their cores here in Hilton Head giving it a go. Would you like to see one of these classes come to Palmetto Dunes? Would you try it?

What’s more Southern than peach pie and tomato sandwiches? To be sure you don’t miss out on your trip to Hilton Head, we want to fill you in on some of the area’s best farmer’s markets.

Every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. through Dec. 22, the Farmer’s Market in historic Bluffton, S.C. offers up fresh fruits, veggies, chocolates, peanut brittle and dry aged beef. Make sure to also check their website for some recipes straight from the farm to your vacation table.

Beyond the amazing produce and goodies you can buy, they have amazing BBQ meals, fresh-squeezed lemonade, delicious kettle corn made to order and fun activities for the whole family!

If you’re looking to stay a little closer to Palmetto Dunes, the Hilton Head Island Farmer’s Market at Historic Honey Horn is a must try. It’s held each Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October 31. They will also have several Holiday Markets if you’re in town during November or December. Shop for fresh eggs, lettuce and watermelon from the people who actually grew them!

So get out there and take the family to enjoy a wonderful day of excellent food and great times. Let us know what you pick up and what delicious meal you whip up when you get home to your villa!

Fall means football, falling leaves and cooling temperatures but here at Palmetto Dunes, it also means lots of tennis. Over the span of three months, we host four diverse tournaments with a mixture of locals and visitors – both young and old!

To kick off the fall tennis season, we’re hosting the 3rd Annual Palmetto Dunes Tennis Fall Classic Sep. 2-4 and if you’re interested in playing you need to register by Sunday, Aug. 28. We end the month with our 26th Annual Banana Open Challenge that showcases top Banana Tournament players from across the southeast.

If you’re with us in November, come out and play in our 17th Annual Wild Wing Café “Nutty Buddy” Tennis Classic. This tournament is open to visitors and locals in mixed doubles or men’s and women’s doubles teams. The fall tennis season is wrapped up Nov. 18-20 with the David M. Carmine’s Memorial Tennis Championship. This tournament is open to all adults but juniors must have a current USTA membership to participate.

Want to stay up to date on all tennis events and tournaments at Palmetto Dunes? Find them on our website along with downloadable entry forms! Keep in mind that if you’re looking for a great fall getaway, every vacation booked through Palmetto Dunes directly includes 2 hours of free tennis court time daily! We hope to see you on the courts this fall and out and about in our beautiful resort!

If you’ve ever been to Hilton Head or seen a picture, you know that biking is a huge part of our island life. With more than 5 miles of bike paths in Palmetto Dunes and more than 50 miles of paths on the whole island, it’s no surprise Hilton Head was recently awarded the Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community award from the League of American Bicyclists.

Only 130 communities across the country have received this award, and we are only one of three resort communities on the East Coast who boast the silver level honor!

Here at Palmetto Dunes we rent more than 4,000 bikes a week in the peak summer months at Hilton Head Outfitters and it’s one of the most popular activities at the resort. As soon you turn into our gates, you’ll likely spot lots of folks enjoying the natural beauty of the resort on bike. You can also rent helmets, seats, lights and other accessories at Outfitters.

The next time you’re in town make sure you see Hilton Head by bike and enjoy one of the most bike-friendly communities in the country!

Here at Palmetto Dunes we have three award-winning golf courses that we love to brag about. What you may not know is that besides the courses themselves, we also have three amazing pro-shops located on each course!

Our main pro-shop is located at the Robert Trent Jones course and is the largest on the island with a wide variety of merchandise. At all of our pro shops, you can find the newest up-and-coming designers, like Travis Mathew, and many of the classics, such as Cutter & Buck and Underarmour. All three also have the latest equipment from Titleist, Cobra, Cleveland, TaylorMade and Nike.

Beyond our collection of clothing and equipment, each pro-shop also has a grill inside that is open daily for lunch and dinner. Every Thursday the Jones course has all you can eat tacos from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m! Need something warm before a cold tee time? Come by the Arthur Hills grill and try a bowl of Liz’s homemade New England clam chowder. It’s delicious!

Have you been to our pro shops? Did you find something you can’t live without?

We are always looking for new and creative ways to reward our guests and residents. This summer we decided to take to our smart phones and jump on the popular trend of “checking in” on Foursquare. We saw that lots of people were already using their phones to check in at many of our locations, so we created some specials to make checking in even more fun.

Whether you’re a golfer, tennis enthusiast, outdoorsman (or woman) or water lover we have a Foursquare deal tailored for you. It’s super easy to unlock these specials with just a simple download of the mobile app for any smart phone or you can sign up online at Foursquare.com!

Take a look at our current check-in deals and feel free to Facebook or tweet us what specials you’d like to see next!

Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center: “Get an extra hour of court time every 3^rd check-in!

Arthur Hills Course: “Get a free bag of range balls on your first check-in”

The Dunes House: Mayor Special (for the person who frequents the location the most often) “Thanks for being our Mayor! If you check-in during happy hour you receive one free frozen drink off the drink menu. Enjoy!”

Robert Trent Jones Course: “If 10 people check in at once, get 10% off one item at the pro shop!”

Hilton Head Outfitters: “Congrats! For checking in with us, you get a 20% discount on kayak rentals. Hope you have a great time!”

George Fazio Golf Course: “The Mayor can get 20% off his greens fee for the day.”

The General Store: “The first person to check in between 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. gets a free large coffee with their breakfast purchase!”

Shelter Cove Marina Ship’s Store: “Get 20% off the anything in the store with the exception of convenience items for checking in!”

So go be our friend on Foursquare and start checking in!

Next month is the start of two months full of tennis tournaments here in Hilton Head, S.C. While we’re preparing for four tournaments hosted here in September and October, one of our team members is preparing to head west for a California tournament!

Our very own Mary Jackson, group coordinator at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, is headed to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Nationals in Rancho Mirage, Calif.! At the tournament, held Oct. 14-16, she will represent the Southern Section in the 4.5 Senior Women’s division. This is a huge honor and one that Mary and her team worked very hard to achieve.

Here is a blurb from Hilton Head’s Island Packet newspaper about their win: “The senior 4.5 women's team from Palmetto Dunes Tennis Club brought back a title Tuesday from the USTA League Southern Section Championships in Mobile, Ala. The team finished 5-0 in the tournament and lost just one court in the five matches, wrapping up the championship by breezing to a 3-0 victory in the finals against a squad from Atlanta.”

We’re so proud of Mary and her entire team and wish them the best of luck at USTA Nationals. If you want to come learn from some of the best, check out all of our wonderful tennis clinics here at Palmetto Dunes!

One of the most popular forms of transportation here on Hilton Head Island is biking, and the majority of bikes around the island are beach cruisers! Between the salt water in the air, sand and humidity, it’s important to keep your two-wheeler maintained.

Before you take your bike out for a ride, always check your tires for pressure, tread and make sure your chain isn’t dried out. Simple fixes include adding air to your tires or lubing up your chain with a little oil. By avoiding these little maintenance issues, you’ll be able to keep your bike up and running for years!

Due to all the salt in the air, we recommend storing your bike indoors, especially if you only get the bike out during the summer months. It’s a good idea to spray your bike off after your ride to rid it of the saltwater and sand contaminants. It’s important to also remember that Hilton Head Outfitters rents a great selection of different types of bikes for adults and children if you don’t want to worry about the maintenance part at all!

What does Labor Day mean to you? Is it the official end of summer, a day off work, the last day to wear white or the beginning of college and NFL football season? Well, here at Palmetto Dunes it means one last chance at a summer getaway for the family. Labor Day weekend is full of fun activities here at the resort, specially crafted with your entire family in mind.

This Labor Day treat your loved ones to learning a new skill or polishing up an existing one. How about three days of our Family Golf School? Golf is a timeless skill to learn, and one of your kids will thank you for sooner or later. The program was designed by our resident golf pro and former PGA tour professional Doug Weaver. We also have great opportunities to practice your tennis skills with our junior and adult clinics.

After all that practice, it might just be nice to spend this last weekend of fun and summer biking or kayaking our 11-mile lagoon system. Sometimes just telling you how fun our activities are just isn’t enough, you have to see it yourself! Check out this video highlighting the adventurous family fun here at Palmetto Dunes!

Don’t you just want to hop in the car now and head our way? We understand… Come on down!

Summer is winding down but that doesn’t mean the fun is done here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort! With cooler temperatures and seasonal fish coming through the Atlantic Ocean, fall is a great time to plan a fishing trip. The gang here at Palmetto Dunes offers several fishing charters year round and Captain Trent Malphrus is a genius behind the reel and rod!

For the more experienced fisherman, chartering the 34-foot True Grit is the perfect choice. Fishing charters range anywhere from three to 10 hours, depending on the fisherman’s preference. But don’t worry if this sounds a little advanced for you. At Palmetto Dunes, there’s something for every level of fishing enthusiast. Palmetto Dunes even offers party fishing trips. The Captain Hook is a 70-foot party boat, which boasts restrooms and seated fishing areas.

The autumn months bring many varieties of fish. From Sea Trout to Tarpons and even Barracuda, you’re sure to reel in something big while you’re here! So start thinking about your trip now, and we’ll “hook” you up.

The British Open ended July 17 with a win from Irish player Darren Clarke, who, at 42, became the oldest Open champion since 1967. What you may not know is that he played The Open with the R11 driver by TaylorMade, a driver you can find right here at our pro shops at Palmetto Dunes.

The R11 can activate the three dimensions to distance with Moveable Weight Technology, Flight Control Technology and the Adjustable Sole Plate. All these aspects came in handy for Clarke’s big July 17 win.

Did you know TaylorMade products have been used in 32 worldwide victories, surpassing all other brands?

If you’re looking to play like a champion, come try it out at our free custom golf fitting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. See you on the greens!

What will you be doing this Labor Day weekend? What about participating in Hilton Head’s annual Celebrity Golf Tournament?

At the tournament, amateur golfers are paired with a different celebrity each day of the three-day event. Celebrities include a variety of sports figures, news anchors, dancers, comedians and more. Here’s the complete celebrity roster list.

The first round, which takes place at our very own Robert Trent Jones Course, is Friday, September 2, followed by the Pete Dye Course at Colleton River on day 2 and Harbour Town Golf Links on day 3.

Opening day of the tournament is also Greenwood Appreciation Day to honor Greenwood Communities and Resorts for being a part of this Labor Day golf event for over 30 years. We are so proud to be a part of the Greenwood family and the location of Round 1 of this year’s Celebrity Golf Tournament!

Since 1979, The Celebrity Golf Foundation has raised more than $3.8 million for our community’s children. This year, the event’s proceeds will benefit 20 children’s charities in the Lowcountry.

Sound like fun? Make it a family affair this Labor Day weekend. Let the kids get active at Palmetto Dunes with golfing, tennis, surfing and more while you hit the links.

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy it than relaxing at the beach with a great book? We know that choosing the perfect beach read can be difficult, but luckily Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is here to help!

We’ve searched for the best new books of the summer from some of our favorite authors, including Pat Conroy, Mary Alice Monroe, Dorthea Benton Frank and Emily Giffin. So we’re are throwing the Beach Book Bash (#BeachBookBash), a party on Twitter, full of trivia and fun prizes. A few lucky Twitterers will receive signed copies of our favorite books and one will even win a Kindle!

The Beach Book Bash will be July 20 from 8-10 p.m. EST, and there are many ways to join in on the fun. You can start entering to win the Kindle RIGHT NOW in lots of ways:

1. Tweet about the Beach Bash, including the hashtag #BeachBookBash

2. Blog about the Beach Bash and posting that to the Palmetto Dunes Facebook page

3. Post videos on our Facebook page about why you need a Kindle

4. Or during the party, answer a trivia question correctly!

The Grand Prize winner will be announced on July 21at 2 p.m. EST on both our Twitter and Facebook pages, and it could be you!

And be sure to join in on the party for your chance to win signed copies of our favorite authors’ books.

Visit our Facebook page for the full details! See you at the bash.

Visitors to Palmetto Dunes this summer will find a great new option for dining at Shelter Cove Harbour. Ela’s, located directly above the Ship’s Store, serves up fresh seafood and steak with a wonderful Italian twist and amazing water views to boot.

Master Chef Kal Rabadi greets local fishermen daily to decide what will be on his menu that evening. And vinophiles will gush over the extensive wine menu!

They’ve only been open less than a month and already have a celebrity following! In fact, Paula Abdul dined there on her recent Hilton Head trip. But celebs aren’t the only ones giving Ela’s a thumbs up; the locals are giving it great reviews too. Here’s what one of our Facebook friends had this to say about his visit:

“Tried [Ela’s] this past week and it was one of the better meals we've had on hhi in a very long time...still in it's infancy in a few areas, but they've got what it takes...owners are on site every night and the chef is terrific...we're rooting for them to succeed!”

You can find them on Facebook and OpenTable, so make sure to check them out the next time you’re down this way! If you ever need any other recommendations for dining in Hilton Head you can always tweet us @PalmettoDunesSC or check out our Tempt Your Palate blog post from earlier this season!

Hilton Head Island is looking for families and groups to be featured on "Getting Away Together," a PBS reality show that will be aired in 2012. If your family or group of friends is in dire need of a vacation, this is your chance! All you have to do is tell them why your group deserves the vacation!

Is your clan kooky? Is your family just outright hilarious? They want to hear what makes your group special, and you could be on your way to a dream getaway. Who wouldn't want a documented vacation on Hilton Head Island? From golfing, spas and beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone on this unique Island.

To submit your story, check out all the details here and good luck!

Most people know Palmetto Dunes by the amazing array of activities we offer, like our world class golf. You can pretty much do anything you want without ever leaving our resort. What some don’t know is that we directly manage many of the beautiful homes and villas on the property, as well. By renting your Hilton Head vacation rental through us, you get great discounts on all those activities you love like bikes, kayaks, tennis and tee times!

If you’re still looking for that last-minute summer vacation with your family, we have just the villa for you! 755 Queens Grant is a completely updated unit featuring two bedrooms and two baths. It’s been remodeled with plenty of upgrades, such as new flooring, appliances and cabinetry.

This unit also features three beds and a sleeper sofa so you can fit the whole family! It’s walking distance from golf, tennis, shopping and, of course, the beach. When you come home from a long day of fun and sun, you can relax in the living room that comes complete with a flat screen TV, DVD player and Direct TV.

The best part is this villa still has a few availabilities in August and September! So give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we’ll set you up!

If your kids are looking to try something new and exciting this summer then head down to Hilton Head Outfitters and sign up for our surf camp! The classes are 90 minutes long and available for all ages. Captain Byron Sewell gives private attention to all attendees and brings his radical experience to the class!

Captain Byron was born on Hilton Head Island and has been a competitive surfer for 12 years. He has 5 State Championship titles and has even won an East Coast Championship. When he’s not in Hilton Head helping your child catch a wave, you can find him either in Hawaii or in Costa Rica from November through May running a surfing adventure guide.

Every class starts with a 10-minute yoga stretch to get everyone loose and in the right frame of mind. All classes are full of laughter and he ends each session with a watermelon seed spitting contest! So get your children out there for fun in the surf so they can tell everyone they’ve been surfing in Hilton Head. Cowabunga dudes!

Here’s some good news for all of our athletes out there: playing other sports can help your golf game! The reason? The motion involved in other athletic activities, such as swinging a tennis racket, hitting a baseball or throwing a Frisbee, are very similar to the mechanics used in a golf swing.

An article in Golf Tips magazine encourages readers to hold a football and pretend to be a quarterback handing off a ball to the running back. This motion is similar to the initial takeaway of a golf swing. “Just as you would with a football handoff, the takeaway begins with the rotation of the body to the right and the club out in front of the chest.” By practicing motions with sports you’re already comfortable with, you can start breaking down the individual motions in a golf swing.

Our resident golf pro at Palmetto Dunes, Doug Weaver, is an avid believer in this athletic approach to improving your golf game. Weaver says, “You will play better tennis if you play golf and vice versa.” At Doug’s junior clinics, the kids do football drills, soccer drills and even hula hooping to help them loosen their hips and improve their follow-through motion.

So remember, the master of another sport CAN master golf too.

We love hearing what our guests have to say about their stay here at Palmetto Dunes or their experience doing all of our wonderful activities throughout the resort. Here is a collection of some great stories provided by our guests about their Hilton Head activities and why they loved doing them at Palmetto Dunes!

“My family just returned from a fantastic beach vacation on Hilton Head Island at Palmetto Dunes. We have vacationed all along the beaches of the East Coast and this was by far our favorite vacation of all. We have three kids between the ages of 5 and 12 and there was something for each one of them to enjoy, from canoeing to junior golf lessons to the surf camp. This is a perfect place for active families. The accommodations were wonderful, and we will definitely be back next year. The picture I posted is one of my 10-year-old's favorites from the trip -- he wants to learn how to sail next year. Thank you Palmetto Dunes!” -- Erin Milton

“We have been coming to Palmetto Dunes for five years in January and February. We love it! Golf and biking are two of our most favorite activities.” - Glen Field

“In early October I booked an afternoon inshore redfish trip with Trent. It was everything I hoped it could be. We started by sight casting to fish on the flats which was fun, then on the tide change moved to deeper water and live bait, which yielded several fish landed well over 35lbs.! A marvelous experience with an excellent guide!” -- Tim Stricker

“My friend, Kim, and I kayaked for the first time at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in August. We had a blast! The people at Outfitters were so nice and made us feel safe. We will definitely kayak again next summer!”

We love hearing what our guests have to say and hope that you give some Palmetto Dunes activities a try the next time you’re down in Hilton Head!

There are lots of great activities to do on the beach from swimming and building sand castles to jogging and surfing, but a great way to get in some family bonding time is to turn the beach into a game board!

The Island Beautification Association has named our plantation entrance the best-looking planted garden fronting William Hilton Parkway. The association judges the entrances from a moving vehicle in order to fairly visualize the impact of the plants.

According to The Island Packet, “It was a close contest. All agreed that the entrance plantings grow more beautiful each year. And the winner, with a score of 95 percent, is Palmetto Dunes. The plantation has that mix of sun-loving dwarf duranta, croton, pentas and hibiscus married just right with the softer colors of geraniums and angelonia, while the green of ‘Pringles’ dwarf podocarpus gives out a welcome cooling effect.”

We knew our entrance was awesome and glad someone else noticed! Congrats to the Palmetto Dunes POA who maintains the entrance and keeps it looking beautiful!!

While many women are purchasing golf-related items for the dads in their life, they should be the ones hitting the links this month! June is Women’s Golf Month and we have some wonderful ways to celebrate golf in Hilton Head.

Get a group of your girlfriends together for 4 days/ 3 nights of golf, sun and fun with our Group Golf Getaway package. This package gives you the opportunity to try all three of our courses in addition to discounts in all our pro shops!

There’s nothing better than having a pro teach you the basics or help you perfect that swing and we have just the pro to help you here at Palmetto Dunes. Doug Weaver, who’s graced the greens at the US Open and was previously a PGA TOUR player, has several dedicated programs just for the ladies. Besides enhancing your short game, putting or working on your full swing you can also receive a $25 spa gift card to help you unwind!

Ladies, pack up your clubs, shoes, visors and khakis and come see us in Palmetto Dunes this month for some great golf and great fun!

Check out this great golf video too!

While some of you may be just one state away from our beautiful beaches, others of you may be driving from the northeast, Midwest or even farther. We know that hearing the words “Are we there yet?” every 10 minutes is not any parent’s idea of a pleasant drive. So we’ve compiled a few tips to keep the younger members of your family occupied as they head to and head home from Palmetto Dunes.

License Plates

This is an oldie, but goodie. Make a list of all the states before you get in the car (or look it up on your iPhone or iPad J) and charge the kids with looking for license plates from each state. See how many you can spot.

Car Colors

Let each member choose a car color. Then challenge your crew to be the first to spot 10, 15 or 20 cars of that color.

Eye Spy

This is a great game for preschool and even toddler-age kids. Each person takes a turn “spying” an item and telling everyone the color (“Eye spy with my little eye something [insert color]…”). Then each family member takes a turn guessing until they are correct. Then it’s that person’s turn to “spy” something.

Car Scavenger Hunt

Ask your kids to draw pictures or write words on index cards for 50 or so items they might see while driving to Palmetto Dunes. Let each child randomly draw an equal allotment of cards. The first person to match up all their cards with items they spot wins!

Word Game

Have each family member think of a word at least 10 letters long. Then, look for the letters, in order, on any signs you pass. The first person to find all their letters, in order, wins!

Grab Bag

Consider heading to the Everything’s a Dollar store before you head out. Grab a bunch of toys, workbooks, cards and a few treats and pack them all in a grab bag. Whenever someone wins a game or needs something new to break up the trip, let them pick an item out of the grab bag.

What games have you found that work well to keep your kids occupied in the car?

With a backdrop itself a work of art, Hilton Head will host the annual Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour Memorial Day weekend May 28 and 29. The free event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day .

Many couples dream of a beach wedding with the tide rolling behind them and their toes in the sand. The team at Palmetto Dunes helps that dream come true for many a bride and groom every year. Here’s what many of them had to say about their amazing ceremonies:

When you think of Hilton Head Island, what comes to mind? Beautiful beaches? Relaxing getaway? We want you to think lots and lots of stuff to do when you think of Hilton Head, and especially Palmetto Dunes.

If you’re a Beaufort County resident, it’s time to take advantage of our Thursday afternoon Golf Fest event. Join us each week from 3:30 to 4 p.m. (time varies seasonally) and learn more about each of our three golf courses over a period of three weeks. It’s only $20 to play 9 holes and we provide chicken wings and beer afterward! Golf Fest is a way for Beaufort County residents to experience our courses and meet our pros – and learn more about becoming Palmetto Dunes golf members. If you’re interested, contact Samm Wolfe at the George Fazio Course at 843-816-1571.

There’s no doubt that kids of all ages (including adults!) love Shannon Tanner, a longtime fixture at Harbourfest in Shelter Cove Harbour, our hallmark event of the year. Tourists and locals come from near and far to do the “crazy hair dance” and see Shannon don his trademark beanie each summer night while singing song after family-friendly song. But one recent visitor had an even more memorable experience than most: bonding with his daughter in a moment that he’ll never forget. This father wrote us to tell us how his 8-year-old daughter was upset that she was missing her school’s father/daughter dance because of their recent Hilton Head vacation. A little sad, she and her family headed out to Harbourfest and found themselves along with many families enjoying the fun that is Shannon Tanner. He writes: “It was about that time in the show where you asked the little girls to grab their dads for a song you were about to do. For the first time in the day she got excited and grabbed my hand and dragged me up to dance with her. You then sang a song I had never heard before and it was a moment in my life that I will never forget. It was Cinderella. As I listened to the words, I related to the song and couldn't hold back my emotions as I held my little girl while we danced together.” Later that night, she told him she was so happy because she got to dance with her dad after all. “I melted right then and there,” said the dad. “I have since downloaded the song from iTunes and can't listen to [it] without remembering that night and getting emotional.” We’re so glad that this family will have happy memories of Shelter Cove, Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head forever, and we hope you’ll come make your own memories, as well.

What’s better than a week off from work, relaxing on the beach and sleeping in? Why, bragging about doing all those things on social media so your co-workers, friends and boss can drool while they sit at their desks and cubicles, of course! But here at Palmetto Dunes, we’ll give you even more reason to get “social” with us while you’re on vacation. Heck, you can save money and hear first about all the cool things we have going on. Are you on Foursquare? This smartphone app lets you “check in” at different locations to get special deals, earn badges and try to become “the mayor.” Be sure to check in at the tennis center, golf courses and see what goodies are in store for you! You can also use the location-based service to read recommendations for others or get tips on the best burger and happy hour specials around town! If you have a question about anything Hilton Head, please “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and we’ll be happy to find the answer. We also love seeing pictures of your family enjoying a bike ride on the beach or playing cornhole so please share your experiences and photos on our Facebook page or tweet about it! We’ll also keep you updated about many events and special deals we have going on year round here at Palmetto Dunes. Did we convince you to get social yet?

If you’ve ever played the Robert Trent Jones course on a Thursday then you’ve definitely seen and, if you’re lucky, had the pleasure of meeting Starter, Sammy Mulrain. Sammy has been with us at Palmetto Dunes for more than 30 years and he is one of very few people who can say they’ve never missed a day of work. Sammy’s never even been late! Sammy, who is 95, might have gotten his work ethic when he stormed Normandy in World War II or maybe even when he played baseball with “The Scooter” himself, Phil Rizzuto. After living across the world, he moved to Hilton Head, S.C. and we are so grateful he did. Sammy gives back to our community by working with several non-profits in the area. For example, he spends his own time collecting lost golf balls, which a local church can then sell as a fund-raising activity. Sammy won the 2009 Employee of the Year award from Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association, a much deserved recognition, but to us here at Palmetto Dunes, but he’s Employee of the Century! We love ya Sammy!

One of the benefits of staying at Palmetto Dunes is having everything right at your fingertips. The beach, bikes, golf and fishing are all within walking or biking distance from your villa. The same goes for food. Whether you’re craving burgers, burritos or a seafood diner paired with wine, it’s available at Palmetto Dunes or across the street at Shelter Cove Harbour.

If you’re headed down to Hilton Head in May, we hope you’re here in time to catch a local favorite annual event, the Rib Burnoff and Barbeque Fest. This year’s event will be Saturday, May 14 from Noon-4 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive.

We’ve hired a new executive chef here at Palmetto Dunes and we’re very excited to introduce him. Meet Curtis Lincoln!

Here in Hilton Head we rarely have a day where it’s too cold to play golf, but some days the heat can be a bit of a factor. For those summer days on the steamier side, we help cool you down with specialized cooling golf carts.

from Tennis Resorts Online. The oceanfront resort was the only resort in Hilton Head ranked in the top 5 for instruction, junior programs and children’s programs and in the top 10 for overall resorts. These rankings mean a lot to us, because they are generated from actual visitors to resorts across the globe.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort was also named No. 2 in the world for Best Instruction and Programs and ranked 8th in the world for Top Tennis Resorts. We also scored top marks for our junior and children programs, ranking it 3rd in the world for Best Overall Children’s programs and 4th for Best Junior Tennis programs. We are so proud of our Tennis Center and hope to see you all on the courts soon!

Did you know you can ride your bike almost anywhere in Hilton Head? The island has more than 50 miles of paved paths and, of course, plentiful beaches for exploring on two wheels.

On Saturday, May 21, 450 athletes will test their strength, endurance and mental toughness by participating in the Hilton Head Triathlon presented by CalU. Beginning at 7 a.m., you’ll see these men and women complete a 500-meter swim, 20-km bike ride and finish up with a 5k run.

Tuesday we were lucky to have a visit from two-time Heritage champion Boo Weekley. The Jones Pro Shop had a crowd lined up out the door to get Boo’s autograph and picture! He graciously signed a picture for every person who came and posed for photos with some of our golf team members.

Calling all tennis aficionados 18 and younger. It’s time for the annual Palmetto Dunes Banana Open Junior Challenge! This Hilton Head tennis tournament, in its fifth year, kicks off Friday, April 29 and runs through Sunday, May 1 at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. The tournament benefits the Charles P. Darby Children’s Research Institute at MUSC.

We love the almost year-round sunshine here on the Hilton Head coast, but those super sunny days can present some challenges when it’s time to hit the tennis courts. Serving into the sun can be tough. One way to keep the sun out of your eyes without hindering your game is with a pair of sunglasses made for tennis.

As with just about any sport, music instrument or creative endeavor, kids gravitate toward what offers early successes. That’s one reason why kids playing tennis at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center will appreciate the kid-sized tennis courts.

Mike Choma makes a Hole in one at the par 3 eight it was playing 186 with a sever left to right cross wind I knew it was very good from the start

I enjoyed my recent golfing experience at Trent Jones. The course is wonderfully manicured, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the club house dining and bar area. The staff served our group promptly with a smile. I will return to play the course and tell all of my friends about the beautiful golf course.

Every April, the world stops and gives thanks for the beauty that is Mother Earth – and one of her greatest gifts, we believe, is Hilton Head Island.

When you vacation at Palmetto Dunes, you’ll be hard pressed to find yourself bored. But just in case there’s a moment that finds you wondering what to do next, we have 5 great don’t-miss activities that are part of the ultimate Palmetto Dunes experience. Stay tuned for future posts on more top activities at the resort!

Kevin Cisneros, McKenzie Siders and Chris Alcantara are ready to Get Their Plaid On with Sir William Innes at the Clubs for Kids, Arthur Hills Course, on Mar. 5. The boys are junior golfers at the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head.

We attended the "Where Does the Power Come From" Golf Exhibition for the second time on February 28th. I found Doug Weaver's explanation of the golf swing and his approach to teaching golf very sensible and understandable. During last years' vacation the Short Game Class for which we registered after the Golf Exhibition was rained out but we did get to take the class during this year's vacation. "Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice make perfect." Doug's Short Game Class not only taught me how to putt, chip, and pitch; it taught me how to properly learn putting, chipping, and pitching. In the class Doug clearly explains the reasons for the fundamentals of each aspect of the short game and he shows how to practice those fundamentals. Along with his handout notes, I feel I am well equipped to practice perfectly in order to learn how to putt, chip, and pitch well on the golf course. Remember "Lessons are not given; Lessons are taken!" Ask Doug lots of questions. He has the answers. Phillip and Joanne Seymour, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada.

My parents celebrated their 50th anniversay this year and we wanted to give my Dad the ultimate gift. I contacted Doug Weaver, Palmetto Dunes Director of Golf Instruction and he packaged an extraordinary day of golf! My Dad said this was phenomenal, best gift we ever gave him and he is hinting for more! Thanks Doug, your the best!

Super powers, that is. When we started planning our destination wedding in Hilton Head, we knew it was going to take an extraordinary team to pull it off. Enter our all-star wedding planners - Nicole Guy and Ann Czerniak, assisted by Super Father-of-the-Bride, Brent. These wedding planning superheroes should have been equipped with capes because they made the impossible possible while creating a never-before seen wedding in Palmetto Dunes. Our wedding was monumental. The planning was done, from start to finish, in 4 months. I find this to be an incredible accomplishment, because we were doing it via phone and e-mail from 900 miles away. Nicole understood our vision from the beginning. We love Hilton Head Island, and we wanted to bring our dearest friends and family there to show them exactly why we loved it. A boring ceremony and banquet room reception just didn't fit the bill. Nicole helped us think outside the box and for the first time in Palmetto Dunes history, we were married on the 11th tee box at the Robert Trent Jones golf course, overlooking the ocean. Adding to Palmetto Dunes history was the entrance of the Bride. Accompanied by the William Tell Overture, my dad and I came riding in on SEGWAYS! Nicole helped us get in contact with the right people shout out to Shane! and we pulled off our top secret entrance. Even though the views out on the golf course were incredible, no one in attendance will forget the view of my dad and I bounding in on those crazy machines, in full wedding attire. The reception was, without a doubt, exactly what we envisioned. Our dream was to have a Southern BBQ on a deck overlooking the ocean. And that is exactly what we did. The setting was perfect The Dunes House was all decked out, with our garden lights and heat lamps (early March is cold on the beach!). Leading up to the wedding, Ann worked closely with the chef to make sure we had our ideal Southern BBQ meal, complete with She Crab Soup (as requested by my husband) and Key Lime Pie (for me). My family is still raving about the food, as it is hands down, the BEST wedding meal ever. Ann helped make this an unforgettable night - she even stashed a few biscuits with honey butter on the side for me to take home that night. YUM! The entire staff at Palmetto Dunes helped to create an unforgettable wedding weekend. From arranging the rental houses for both of our families, coordinating the golf outing for the men to the aforementioned Segway training and wedding planning I couldn't find a single complaint. It truly was the wedding of our dreams, and I have Nicole Guy and Ann Czerniak to thank. And a special thanks to Nicole and Ann for dealing with our craziness and humoring the overzealous Father of the Bride. You guys are amazing!

The Hills course at Palmetto Dunes is the best on the island - we come every year and it's our first choice

The Hilton Head Island Middle School Special Olympics program and the PD Golf Academy have partnered to produce 3 medals in the 2010 SC State Special Olympics Golf Tournament and 1 silver medal in the 2010 National Special Olympics Golf Tournament!

 The Palmetto Dunes Junior Golf Academy has hosted classes year-round where 4 students have been preparing for the Special Olympics. PD Golf Instructors Christian Waters and Brandon Waters trained, traveled and competed with the Olympians and were awarded medals as well. Austin Alvarez, a golf professional friend of Doug Weaver filled in for Doug Weaver while he watched his son in the State football playoffs.

We had such an amazing wedding weekend! Nicole couldn't have been more accommodating and wonderful through the wedding planning process. Enjoy these couple of pictures. I hope everyone has a fabulous experience like my husband and I did!!