Harbour Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island

Due to the number of photo's in this post, I opted for small photo's, but do click to enlarge them. All pictures are always clickable so you can see them better. But, using smaller photo's helps bandwidth and blog loading issues.
A very famous lighthouse, that's really NOT a lighthouse. The red and white 90 foot lighthouse was built in 1970, never served as a lighthouse...not a beacon to welcome weary ships in from their dangerous journeys at sea. It was built at Braddocks Point after Lawton Stables (formerly Lawton Plantation) was moved; as development for the area was in full swing. Shops, lodging, boat docks and of course The famous golf course, Harbour Town Golf Links where the famous Heritage Golf Classic takes place. If you've ever viewed this on TV, you've seen this lighthouse. It's the most recognized and photographed item on Hilton Head Island.
In the inside of the Lighthouse is a museum with historic pictures and memorabilia, as well as 2 gift shops. A gift shop on the bottom where you purchase your tickets, and a larger gift shop at the top. One u-tube video claims there are 114 steps to the top. Pete Dye with the help of Jack Nicklaus (the one I recognize in the picture) helped design the course.

Tried to get a photo through the glass without the glare of the flash didn't quite work. But, light is limited inside the Lighthouse and time to take photo's with lots of folks on the steps coming and going is difficult. I count 45 stars on this flag. Our flag got it's 45th star when Utah was added in 1896. The 45 stars remained until 1908, 12 years later. 3 US Presidents served under that flag, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was the only one not from Ohio.
The views from the top include the shopping area, some forest area, and some lodging.It's quite windy on top, so flag is always blowing.Looking towards the golf course you can see the long boat dock area.This boat dock area is right off the front side of Lighthouse
To the right of above boat dock area is a parking lot and wonderful beach area. As you can kayaking is popular.
And at the very point, almost looking straight down from The lighthouse an outside eating area from one of the many eating establishments in Harbour Town.

Robert Irvine's Eat Hilton Head

Red, hot, and dark. Those were the first things that came to mind when we sat down in our private circle booth for 2 at Robert Irvine's Eat! It's small and in a little shopping mall; a bit hard to find...but then many restaurants are in Hilton Head. That's apparently by design. The restaurant is quite dark, which is why the quality of the pictures is poor. I was surprised to see it so dark as our reservations were at 7 and it was through the week. Plus watching him on his many TV shows, he's often talked about the importance of not having a restaurant so dark it's patrons can't see the menu or wonder how clean the place is. Everything is red and black, very um-comfortably dark. Even the food looks red which isn't as appealing visually as it could be.

These pictures would be even more red had I not made some adjustments on the computer to the picture. We were there during restaurant week, so that made the pricing less of an issue then it otherwise might have been. It was pricey, and quite pretentious. The tables are nicely spaced but still it was loud, causes me to have to lean in to hear my hubby. I don't like the new trend of loud being equated with hip and good. The restaurant was only half full, which made me wonder how loud and uncomfortable it would be on a good night.

Since they weren't busy, and we had reservations we expected much better service then we got. There seemed to be a prevailing opinion in the air. Because they're owned by a celebrity they don't have to perform, that you'll be wow'd by them, by the food, and by the experience. We weren't. I had red pork chops as you can see. Actually do wonder what they really looked like. It was Fennel brined double cut pork chops with asparagus. I'm afraid I don't remember hubby's meal which is the previous picture. The food was good. The atmosphere and the service, not so much.

We were full and took our deserts with us to have back at our condo. This was a Carmel something. We each had a bite or two and pitched. Really not good.

Chocolate, peanut butter raspberry something...don't recall the exact name. Again we each had a bite or two, but found it easy not to finish it.

Summary, glad we went during Restaurant week, makes the sting less. Would I return or recommend? No and No. It is suitable for family's with children? NO

Be sure and pop back in next Monday, for Monday Menu on the 21st.

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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