The Village At Palmetto Dunes Condominiums

Hilton Head Island: A Southern Paradise!

by VeronicaG

"Beaches and Family Fun!"

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina was the site of many of our summer family gatherings. The first two times we stayed here we rented a condo with a community pool. Thereafter, our family rented houses on the beach which were better suited to the various ages of our group. All of us were free to pursue our own activities and that seemed the best way to go.

Palmetto Dunes was our favorite spot on Hilton Head Island. The beach was pristine, shopping closeby and there were plenty of restaurants to choose from. Several times we rented bicycles by the week--the streets and bike trails made it easy to pedal around. A golf course was located in this area, too.

Since we always journeyed to Hilton Head in July, we faced hot, humid vacations there. Our solution was to spend time on the beach in the morning and in the late afternoon. The mid afternoon was spent shopping. The stores were air-conditioned so it was perfect for this time of the day. We saved the evening for dining out, playing mini golf or walking the beach, etc.

One year when renting a condo with our family, an alligator was on the prowl. Many local cats had disappeared. An early evening walk on a golf trail led us to a wild discovery--an alligator strolling on the same trail ahead of us. You can bet we high-tailed out of there fast!!

We have many happy memories from our family get-togethers here in Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island. We'd recommend it to anyone!

No Shots Fired in Anger

by grandmaR

We saw Fort Mitchel as a part of the Coastal Discovery Museum tour. The fort is located inside Hilton Head Plantation which restricts access.

Fort Mitchel was built in 1862 to interrupt trade between the South and England, but it never really saw that much action

It was one of two earthen forts (the other was Fort Holbrook). The walls were of dirt rather than masonry because of experience at nearby Fort Pulaski. The earthen mounds are now home to live oaks. Walkways on them provide a place to look out to Port Royal Sound and Pinckney Island.

The marker in photo 5 says:

"Accompanying the Union invasion force was Captain Quincy Adams Gillmore, US Army Engineers , 1849 West Point graduate, who immediately after the reduction of Fort Walker was sent by General Sherman on reconnaissance to to determine essential fortifications for securing the island against Confederate counterattacks. Among others, Gillmore recommended a small fort capable of mounting five or six cannons to be built atop the bluff overlooking Skull Creek just south of Seabrook Landing.

"Work on Fort Mitchel began early in 1862 under the direction of Captain Gillmore, who was promoted to brigadier General 28 April 1862 for his engineering work which resulted in the reduction of Fort Pulaski near Tybee Island Georgia. Construction on the fort was accelerated when rumors surfaced that the Confederate gunboat Savannah was en route via inland waters to attack Seabrook Landing coaling station.

"General Sherman was relieved of his command 30 April 1862 amid considerable criticism for what the northern press called "pick and shovel soldiering.

"Kentuckian Major General Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel, 1829 West Point graduate was named commanding Officer, Department of the South 17 September 1862, arriving 22 September on the steamer Arago. He ordered the construction of Mitchelville for the care of black contrabands. Though well liked by his command, he contracted yellow fever and died 30 October 1862. Fort Mitchel was named in his honor.

Play miniature golf with the kids

by mikelisaanna

In addition to its famous golf courses that are geared towrds adults, Hilton head also features a number of miniature golf courses that the kids will enjoy. Unlike many other US miniature golf courses, the ones on Hilton Head do not feature any moving obstacles (windmills, etc.). The reason for this is the island's very strict zoning laws, which, believe it or not, have a subset of rules about what can and can't be installed on a miniature golf course!
The miniature golf courses on Hilton Head feature miniature water hazards and sand traps, which we seemed to end up in just like we did on the adult golf courses. Despite the different course format, Anna still had fun, as did her cousins who played with us.

[phot to come]

Hilton Head Island Page

by bhodgson

What a great place to visit all year around. Most people head there in the summer and late spring but not us! our favorite time is late december and early January. The weather is mild and there is lots to do inside and out! I like the winter weather. I understand that is wonderful in the summer too although it can get hot.
By now the weather is great and the coats are off except all of the people are there and it can get conjested! If you are headed here this summer-use the cross island express. It is worth the toll to avoid all of the traffic and lights! ENJOY!