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.

**Trying something new here, a bit unsure how it works bloglovin that is. Anyone else use it?
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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.**

Harbour Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head

Harbour Club in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island has a very nautical feel, as well as a very southern low country atmosphere. It's located only steps from restaurant and shops with fabulous water views, and still within the confines of the prestigious Sea Pines Plantation; just as Heritage Club is. If you're into boating more then beach activity this is an idea location. Tennis and golf activities are at hand as well.
Looking through the moss covered trees towards the resort you truly feel like you're in the low country. In fact, if you don't look carefully....you could miss it.
A comfortable large lobby area with plenty of common space gets plenty of use. Many social activities take place here for both Heritage Club and Harbour Club.
And what we look and feel more southern then a grand staircase leading to wide balcony's where you sit in rocking chairs and enjoy the serenity? Beyond the beautiful waterfall area is a large cheese game if you feel like making a challenge to another quest.
Sit in the shade and swing, or collect up at the nightly fires and review the days activities with friends, family, and other quests. This area is also used for common social activities between both Heritage Club and Harbour Club.
Relax in the hot tub and gaze out on sound, or take a dip in the pool to the left of this picture.

I would highly recommend this resort to those who prefer a quiet, more adult vacation spot.

*Check back for information on Monarch, Marriott's first time share*

*-*-Families are gearing up for the kids to be out of school, planning vacations, and summer activities, let Flat Stanley help you. He used to have a series here; but now he has his own blog that will be filled with ideas to make every activity a learning opportunity and promises to be fun. He's inviting you all, kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, teachers, and baby sitters to get in the act. Please visit Flat Stanley and Friends, click HERE*-*-

Heritage Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head

The Marriott's Heritage Club at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, is as you can see, in a secluded wooded area. Would be a great place to get in out of the sun during the hotter spring and summer months. It was a bit cool for us in January; but as we traveled about to other areas of the Island we were very comfortable. (if you missed the previous post, scroll back for a color coded map of the Island to help you with locations.........the locations are significant).

Once you enter to register, these marvelous southern style stair cases take you to the 2nd floor common area. It's quite pretty and relaxing. Many of the resorts social activities take place here. A great way to get to know other quests.

Often there are member meetings held here, special events in the game room for the younger set (teens mostly), are located just beyond the bar area here on the 2nd floor. Welcome nights for the adults, and a fun after golf gathering took place here with wine and cheese. They had a golf open one day pairing the quests up, and gave away a few prizes. Very enjoyable.

We like to cook the bulk of our meals in when we travel and find the common spaces like these gas grills are a big asset. The grills are always clean, well lite for nighttime use. Often they too become a source of socialization among the quest while the cooking gets done. We took our Martini's down and sat at the table while waiting on the steaks. I highly recommend it.

An over view from our balcony showing the hot tub on the left, pool on the right. Under the little gazebo is a more private hot tub.........we enjoyed a late afternoon drink here on several occasions before time to clean up and prepare dinner.

**Next blog post will explore Harbour Town and possible Monarch Resorts. Hope to see you soon.**