When you’re on vacation, eating great food is half the fun! At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour, we have plenty of wonderful places to dine whether you’re looking for a casual stop on the beach or a gourmet meal overlooking the water.

This week, we wanted to share some of the best Hilton Head appetizers from around Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove.

Dunes House Chicken Nachos
Take a break from the beach or ride your bike over to the oceanfront Dunes House within the resort. Our appetizer pick from this fun outdoor restaurant is their Chicken Nachos. Indulge in tortilla chips smothered in grilled chicken, queso, black bean relish and jalapenos. Sour cream and salsa is served on the side. Tip: Get plenty of napkins!

Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza Sliders
At Big Jim’s restaurant, located at the Robert Trent Jones course, try the sliders. It’s the perfect appetizer to share with a group of buddies! Choose from three smoked pulled pork or smoked chicken sliders with cole slaw and pickle OR three Angus beef sliders with smoked onion and pickle.

San Miguel’s Guacamole Dip - Shelter Cove Harbour
This is one of the best guacamole dips on the island complete with fresh avocados blended with tomatoes, onions and spices and served with their flour tortilla chips. Enjoy the view, a  margarita and chips and guac!

HH Prime’s Shrimp & Grits (Omni Hotel at Palmetto Dunes)
You can’t come to the Lowcountry without eating shrimp and grits -- it’s a Southern staple! HH Prime, located within the Omni Hotel at Palmetto Dunes, offers a plate full of jumbo shrimp and grits made with smoked cheddar cheese, tasso ham and sherry butter sauce. Delicious!

Ela’s Blu Water Grille, Shelter Cove Harbour – Mama’s Fried Green Tomatoes
Another Southern must-have is fried green tomatoes! Get your fill at Ela’s Blu Water Grille, a Shelter Cove restaurant with a fantastic view. Your tomatoes will come lightly fried and crispy and served with Creole sauce, the owner’s family tradition.

Alexander’s Seafood Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Oysters
If you’re a visitor to the island, you may not have been exposed to the joy of eating oysters! We consider it a delicacy down south. Alexander’s, located within the gates of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, offers North American cold water oysters on the half shell in half dozen or a full dozen. You can also try their Oyster Baked Oyster Combination of three Rockefeller oysters topped with bacon, spinach and hollandaise sauce and three Savannah oysters topped with shrimp, crab, scallops, bacon and cheddar cheese. This dish will make anyone a fan of oysters!

Which dish sounds the best to you? Which appetizer are you dying to try? We hope you enjoy dining at Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head when you visit us this spring and summer. Bon Appetit!

There’s lots of reasons to visit Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island year round: fabulous views of Broad Creek, a wealth of shopping, a variety of restaurants offering all range of fare, and last but not least, its musical entertainment. We can’t think of a better spot on the island to sip a cold drink, listen to live music and watch the sun set over the harbour!

Throughout Shelter Cove Harbour there are many different opportunities to enjoy live entertainment all throughout the week, especially during the spring and summer seasons. During April and May, Shelter Cove Harbour is hosting Music on the Harbour from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays featuring a different musical act each week at the Statue of Neptune. Check out the full schedule.

San Miguel’s, a great place to order a margarita and munch some yummy fish tacos, offers live entertainment seven nights a week from 5-9:30 p.m. during the summer months. Plan on a wait at this hot spot but use your time to shop or stroll the boardwalk.

Bistro 17 is a French restaurant, offering crepes, seafood, steaks and salads. They also have a puppy menu if you’d like to bring your pooch along! Bistro 17 will offer live entertainment Monday-Saturday from 6- 9 p.m. this summer.

Ela’s Blu Water Grille is popular among locals, tourists and celebrities alike! Both Paula Abdul and Jane Seymour have dined at this gourmet restaurant when visiting the island. Ela’s, known for its fantastic view, will be hosting musical acts Tuesdays, and Thursday-Saturday from 7-10 p.m.

Scott’s Fish Market is a great spot for more casual fare and great views of Shelter Cove Marina. Their friendly Caribbean atmosphere puts you in the perfect island mood! The restaurant will bring in live entertainment every night from 5:30-9:30 p.m. during the summer months.

Lastly, Parrot Cove Seafood Grill and Bar is another great casual dining restaurant, which serves seafood, pastas, prime rib and sandwiches along with a very kid-friendly menu. Parrot Cove will offer live musical entertainment on weekends from 6-9 p.m.

No matter where you go in Shelter Cove, you’ll easily find a spot to kick back, relax and enjoy some good fare and great tunes. Let us know your favorite spot for live music and food at Shelter Cove!

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.

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!

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 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! 

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!

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!