Shopping in Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head

Most people love to eat and shop while on vacation, right! Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is no exception. Thought here is much to do to stay busy and or relax if you want to; there are plenty of places to shop and dine and enjoy yourself. I've referred to The Island as the shape of the foot with Sea Pines in the toe area many times in my posts. (if you missed seeing a map to know what I'm referring to CLICK HERE). Sea Pines was the first area on The Island to be developed with a focus on scenery and preserving and protecting nature and wild life.
The Shops at Sea Pines Center are accessible by foot, by bike, by golf cart and car and even here at a shopping center you see the focus on a respect of nature and it's in inhabitants. Though some of the shops aren't open in the off season (we've been there in January and February), there's quite a selection in season. There's clothing, jewelery, decorative accessories, antiques, books, a full service day spa, a post office, market, realtor, gas station, bike rentals and 2 restaurants.

In season the free trolly stops here every 20 minutes from 10am til 12 midnight.
Enjoy pizza for lunch or dinner at Giuseppi's (even in the off season), or plan a nice evening out with a wonderful menu at
Truffles Cafe has 2 locations at Hilton Head. One outside Sea Pines Plantation in addition to this one. Suggest making a reservation during the season, but that's less of a need during the off season. It's not the place for young children; but more of adult night out. Not dressy dressy, in fact they list themselves as a casual upscale dining experience. They received The Open Table award at this particular location in 2011. Upscale to me, is best without children. Upscale also means expansive wine list and interesting menu...you'll not be disappointed on either of those points.

Wanna Horse Around, visit Lawton Stables in Hilton Head

Lawton Stables located at 190 Greenwood Drive in prestigious Sea Pines Plantation doesn't reveal it's self to you on first glance. The sign reads pony and trail rides open 7 days a week, lessons and boarding. Well that doesn't seem particularly special or unique. But, there's quite a story behind these stables. Lawton Stables wasn't always at this location, in fact it was moved here back in 1969. But, it's beginnings go back much farther. Lawton Plantation was initially a large plantation in Braddocks Cove (the toe area of the Island). The Lawton family had come from England and were well off with both land holdings and slaves; not just here on Hilton Head Island.The government seized the plantation for back taxes. There was the main house, some out buildings, and 50 slave quarters in 1867, 2 years after the end of the bloodiest war this country has ever fought. When The Civil War was over, many slaves were left in the area. Often unable to care for themselves without the land owners and overseers. Through a commission the Port Royal Experiment began. Freed slaves were given the right to remain on the property, sometimes they lived in their previous quarters, sometimes they lived in the main houses. Depending on what was remaining after The Confederates vacated.

2 teachers, Eliza Summers and Julia Benedict from New York arrived in Hilton Head in 1867 and took up residence in the main house on Lawton Plantation. They worked hard and long hours to educated the Freed Slaves. The main house doubled as school, and a church. During the day the ladies taught the children of the Island, at night the adults when they were done working in the fields. They taught them to read, write, how to plant crops to sustain their families, how to sew and take care of their clothes. Not an easy task with the difficulties of living in the low country with snakes, mosquitoes, and rats. The teachers had to take their shoes with them to bed, to have something to throw at the rats that entered the house after nightfall, even though the house was built on stilts.Due to restrictions, a dislike and lack of respect for the man who was in charge of the commission, Eliza and Julia left Lawton Plantation after six months. But, even in that short period of time, they had made a huge difference in the lives of The Islanders. The restrictions included telling the ladies what time they had to go to bed, what time to be up, not to entertain males and other things they felt were inappropriate.

Once the Lawton family paid back taxes, they were reinstated as the owners. Their presence at the stables at the original location was maintained until 1969. In 1969, they were removed to the current location to make room for development in Sea Pines for a golf course. The golf course in Harbour Town is The Harbour Town Links Course, the location of the famous Heritage Classic so many of us have seen on TV with The Lighthouse in the background. The main house and slave quarters have long since vanished through the ravages of time.

The present day Lawton Stables offers much to locals and visitors alike. It's a full service Equestrian facility. Boarding and training for locals, weddings and birthday parties, and summer camps are some of the options. For vacationers to The Island, they can visit, ride, and shop and enjoy the beauty of the area. A complete renovation took place in 2008. There's even a free small animal farm for your enjoyment. Riding along the bike trails I passed the stable more then once in my treks. Next time, perhaps I'll stop and have a look in the gift shop that is filled to brim with horse related memorabilia.

Sites and Sounds of South Beach, Hilton Head

South Beach is located at the very southern tip of Hilton Head Island is Sea Pines Plantation. When you look at a map, not only is it in the toe area, it looks to be the point of the big toe! South Beach is a located in Braddocks Cove on Caliboque Sound. The sites and sounds may vary a bit depending on the time of the year you visit South Beach.
You may be welcomed by colorful, talkative Parrots...but don't get too close. You may hear sounds of the sea gulls overhead (best to wear a hat), people laughing, music playing, while the aromas can be hot dogs, hamburgers, barbeque and pizZa.
Come and spend the day eating, drinking, shopping, fishing, or relaxing. You can rent boats.
You can just meander, or find a sunny or shady spot to enjoy a meal with friends.
Some area's are peaceful and serene, while others full of life and activity. It's whatever you make it.
Though you may not be able to read the sign (unless you click to enlarge the picture), this is one of the most sought after establishments. We were there in January, early in the day; when as you can see it's not very busy or crowded. This is The Salty Dog Cafe. You can't go anywhere on Hilton Head Island without seeing someone wearing a Salty Dog t-shirt, or hat. It's legendary. You can eat at The Wreck of the Salty Dog, The Salty Dog Ice Cream Store, The Salty Dog Pizza Place, or here at THE Salty Dog Cafe.

You can have your picture taken with Jake, The Salty Dog. You can read how it all came to be in any number of books. Buy the kiddo's a coloring book that also tells the legend and how Jake secured his place in nautical history.

Jake and his master, Captain John loved to fish. Captain John made his living from fishing. One day while out fishing, a huge storm came up capsizing their craft, The Salty Dog. Jake swam and swam with his friend Captain John holding on for 3 days and 3 nights until he safely reached the shores of South Beach. The towns people were so excited they built a gathering place to honor Jake, The Salty Dog Cafe. The book is adorable with wonderful illustrations, be sure and pick one up when you're there. Everyone loves South Beach, it's appropriate for all ages.

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Marriott's Monarch Resort, Hilton Head Island

Marriott's Monarch at Hilton Head Island, like Harbour Club, and Heritage Club (see two previous posts) is nestled inside the prestigious Sea Pines Plantation. Unlike Harbour Club and Hertiage Club, it is also on the ocean. Monarch is where it all began for Marriott. Marriott got it's start in time shares in Hilton Head and has a huge presence there. Additionally Monarch was the first of all Marriott's time shares. Though it's the oldest, don't let that fool you. It has resently gone a complete rehab. Marriott has on going projects so no facility/resort ever get's truly outdated.
Monarch is the largest of the 3 resorts inside Sea Pines with 4 buildings and a much larger resort area then the other two. Because of it's size, and it's location on the beach; it is more suitable for families with children. The 4 buildings are Magnolia, Dogwood, Camellia, and Azalea...are you getting a feel for the place yet? It's quite pretty with wonderful landscaping that attracts birds and butterflies. While I feel it's more suited to families with children then the other 2 in Sea Pines; it is also quite serene and large enough; it seem you would be able to find quiet-if that was your interest. The lobby can accomodate social gatherings of good size, as you can see by the picture.

Grab a book and rock away in the shade of The Pines and relax. This is the back porch area.I mentioned birds and butterflies...it's a a bit of a bird santuary.
The pool, the bar, and pretty pond area. One of the pools, I should say.
Another pool provides a great view of the ocean below.The buildings you see down the way, are the 4 villas at Monarch from the beach view.

While I can't say I've stayed here, or viewed the inside of the villas, I was indeed impressed with what I did see.

**Parts of the blog theme have been missing for about a week. I blieve it's tied into the many changes blogger and Google are making. Things like scheduled posts haven't been working well. Trying to play through, hoping it will come back on line. The plane white is rather boring. If not, I'll be on the look out for a new travel blog theme.**