A Rosy View by Rose Remedy

Summer is fast approaching, one of the busiest times of year in the Lowcountry, but also one of the most fun with an endless amount of activities to choose from. We’re highlighting our top 5 to put on your calendar, below. Happy (almost) Summer!

1. Palmetto Bluff Summer Concert Series

Round up family and friends for an enjoyable night of live music outdoors on the village greens of Wilson Village and Moreland Village at Palmetto Bluff. $25/car.

When: June 6 (Cranford Hollow), June 20 (Deas-Guyz), July 11 (Tell Scarlet), July 25 (The Bushels), August 8 (Bottles & Cans)

Special note: Proceeds benefit Family Promise of Beaufort County, whose mission is to provide temporary shelter, family stability, and permanent housing solutions for homeless families.

Details here.

2. Fireworks at HarbourFest

Shelter Cove’s signature summer event featuring a spectacular show that lights up the sky over the marina at Shelter Cove Harbour. A fun, family-friendly event that’s been enjoyed by thousands of visitors for the last 27 years.

When: every Tuesday, June 13-August 15th

Details here.

3. Bluffton Sunset Party Series

Sundown celebration with live music on the May River, featuring a food court, vendors, wine bar, beer garden, face painting, Kids Zone and more! $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free.

When: reoccurring with different themes; June 16 (5-9pm), July 20 (5-9pm), July 21 (4-9pm), Sept. 16 (4-8pm) 

Special note: a percentage of proceeds benefits local Bluffton charities.

Details here.

4. Last Saturday Lowcountry Bazaar

Enjoy a variety of handcrafted, homemade and homegrown items. Featuring a Bluffton Craft Market, Traditional Livestock Swap, Lowcountry Food Truck Rodeo, Pet Adoption Fair, Plant Swap and Okatie Farmer’s Market!

When: Once a month from June-September; June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30; all from 9am-2pm.

Details here.

5. May River Shrimp Festival

Get your filling of fresh local shrimp and other seafood during the annual May River Shrimp Festival. $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free.

When: July 20-21, 4-9pm 

It’s no surprise that Bluffton has been experiencing an unprecedented level of growth the last several years. New shops and restaurants continue opening their doors each year, boosting the local economy and attracting new residents and tourists in large numbers.

The latest indication of Bluffton’s boom comes from the nonprofit research group Palmetto Promise Institute, which ranked Bluffton the most enterprise-friendly place in South Carolina in a recent report.

Scoring a total of 81.07 points out of 100, Bluffton ranked number one in economic vitality, business tax burden, community allure and transportation infrastructure. Rounding out the top five were Mauldin, Greer, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, with Hilton Head coming in seventh.

As Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka said in a statement, “Bluffton is special because it offers the progressiveness of a larger city with economic tools such as our innovation center, public-private partnerships and a multi-county commerce park while offering small town charm and a coastal lifestyle. Town leaders are very mindful to grow and diversify our economy in ways which also preserve our high quality of life.”

While we’re certainly not surprised by Palmetto Promise’s ranking, it serves as further proof of the Lowcountry’s thriving vacation rental market and Bluffton’s economic and community vitality.

In fact, just this past month, in anticipation of the hot summer season, two new ice cream spots have opened in Bluffton: “Crabby’s Corner”, located at 7 Lawton St. on the side of Mameem & Maudie (it even has a takeout window!), and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop at 6 Promenade St.

Bluffton has received various accolades over the years, including receiving the 2016 Municipal Association of South Carolina Achievement Award, being named a top U.S. retirement destination, as well as a “Southern Dream Town”. It was also ranked Beaufort County’s fastest-growing municipality between 2013 and 2014.

With Springtime comes Spring cleaning and with Spring cleaning comes the opportunity to shed your winter clothes and put on some color! Take advantage of this new season by sprucing up your clothing, accessories and décor at a wide variety of boutique stores in Bluffton. We’ve selected our top 5 below!

1.     Eggs ‘N’ Tricities

Eggsnitricities is a women’s shopping boutique full of “brocante ristique, funky junk & other good stuff!” They have lots of fun fashion jewelry, handbags, ladies clothing, home accents, furniture, signs, cards and more!

Location: 5 Lawton Street

Check out their website here.

2.     Gigi’s Boutique

Gigi’s Boutique is known for being the “go to” for the latest fashion trends…and is suitable for women of all ages. In other words, they’re a “mother, daughter type of store.” They’re also known for their personalized customer service.

Location: 40 Calhoun Street 

Check out their website here.

3.     Spartina 449

Spartina 449 is an upscale women’s handbag, accessory and jewelry store, featuring locally designed and Lowcountry-inspired products reflecting the color and beauty of the area. And it’s been listed as an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company!

Location: 32 Calhoun Street

Check out their website here.

4.     Mameem & Maudie

A charming shoppe offering women’s and men’s accessories, jewelry, women and children clothing, artisan and nostalgic candy, coffee and even ice cream, Mameem & Maudie truly has a little bit of everything.

Location: 7 Lawton Street

Check out their website here.

5. Bluffton General Store

Closed back in the early 60’s, Bluffton’s General Store has come back to life, selling food from White Oak Pastures, Georgia Grown products, fresh cut bouquets, home furnishings, jewelry, Bluffton memorabilia, local artwork and more!

Location: 12 Church Street

When it comes to the vacation rental market, you’ll often hear terms such as “booming”, “expanding”, “competitive”, etc. We know this to be true from experience, but the numbers continue to confirm just how hot the market is.

Most recently, a report from ReportsnReports.com found that the global vacation rental market is currently valued at more than $144 billion and is expected to surpass $193 billion by 2021.

Competition continues to intensify, requiring vacation rental homes to be not only in tip-top shape, but properly managed with an array of services to offer guests. Indeed, one trend identified for 2017 is that the demand for vacation rental managers will be “on peak.” 

Particularly in the south, where a growing percentage of vacation homes are being purchased, it has become a vital necessity to give the property and guests the due attention and care they deserve in order to stay competitive. 

As a property and vacation rental management company in Palmetto Bluff, Rose Remedy can help you stay competitive by attracting clients, assisting guests with itinerary planning, offering extensive concierge services throughout the duration of their stay, and a whole lot more.

Visitors and guests have a wide array of vacation rental homes to choose from – and, as the data continues to show, those options are only increasing. Hiring a vacation rental manager may be just the thing you need not only to surpass your competitors, but also to maximize your return on investment.

With the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual Restaurant Week fast approaching, we thought we’d take the opportunity to feature 5 of our top picks for restaurants in Old Town Bluffton. From recently opened to local favorites, we guarantee they won’t disappoint.

Bon appétit!

1. FARM

Recently opened in October 2016, Farm is the true epitome of the “farm to table” experience. They grow most of their food themselves on Williamson Lowcountry Farms, bringing you the freshest, most flavorful products and dishes. Their portion sizes are small, intentionally designed to encourage you to explore several, seasonally prepared dishes.

Address: 1301 May River Road

Open for lunch and dinner. Visit their website here (see also their Q&A!)

2. Redfish Bluffton

Opened in 2014, Redfish is an award-winning restaurant, serving dishes with the freshest ingredients and using home grown produce from Bear Island Farms. It boasts a rather impressive wine list, which has won Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award Excellence.” It’s also been voted Best Wine Selection, Favorite Restaurant for Lunch, Best Burger and Favorite Caterer by readers of Hilton Head Monthly Magazine.

Address: 32 Bruin Rd.

Visit their website here.

3. Calhoun’s

Recently opened in September 2016 and described as a “proper Southern tavern”, Calhoun’s offers craft cocktails and a delicious chef-driven menu of Southern plates – from pickled shrimp to grouper po’boys! Plus they have a fun “cookies and milk” dessert: chunk chocolate, nueske’s bacon, bourbon glazed pecans, with sweet vanilla milk!

Address: 9 Promenade Street 

Visit their website here.

4. The Bluffton Room

Opened in 2014, The Bluffton Room is a local fine dining favorite. Committed to reviving the “lost art of dining” and evoking the “feeling of the classic dinner party,” they serve simple American cuisine in an intimate and vibrant atmosphere with delicious cocktails and table-side preparation.

Address: 15 Promenade St.

Visit their website here.

5. The Pearl Kitchen and Bar

Opened in 2016, The Pearl Kitchen guarantees that “every plate achieves that elusive, cuisine-defining balance of sweet, salty, and sour – event dessert.” Offering a bright, fresh and enticing take on seafood and steak, you’re in for an enjoyable fine dining experience with boutique style bar drinks and an extensive wine list.

Address: 55 Calhoun St.

With less than a month to go until the holidays, now is typically the time when everyone starts scrambling to wrap up – or begin! – their holiday shopping.

We’ve put together a few suggestions for places to go in the Lowcountry to find those last minute – but unique – gifts for anyone on your list.

Particularly after the disruption caused by Hurricane Matthew, shopping local this year is a great way of bolstering our community during the season of giving (read about the local initiative at www.shopmorelocal.org).

Happy shopping!

1. Society of Bluffton Artists’ “A Holiday Boutique”

The Society of Bluffton Artists has put on “A Holiday Boutique”, featuring a collection of local gifts, handmade treasures, cards, small paintings and more, available for purchase through December 23rd.

Location: The Center for Creative Arts, 8 Church Street, Old Town Bluffton

Details here.

2. Studio B Marketplace

Offering an eclectic selection of gifts, including art work, jewelry, home goods, knick-knacks and more, Studio B Marketplace is sure to have a little something for everyone.

Location: 1476 Fording Island Road, Bluffton

Check out their Facebook page for more information.

3. The Bleu Companies

This boutique-style shop features everything from artisan jewelry, boots and women’s clothing to antique furniture, artwork, accessories and more. Described as a store with a fused style “where the mountains meet the Lowcountry”, it is one of Hilton Head Island’s most unique stores. 

Location: 807 William Hilton Parkway (right outside Palmetto Dunes Plantation), Hilton Head Island.

Check out their website here.

4. Stock Farm Antiques

In business since 1953, this store is perfect for antique-lovers and for finding that unique, one-of-a-kind gift amidst a beautiful collection of top-quality antiques.

Location: 1263-C May River Road, Bluffton

Check out their website here.

5. Bluffton Farmers Market

Shop for festive holiday gifts and locally grown produce, flowers, treats and more at the weekly Farmers Market in Bluffton, every Thursday from 2pm-6pm. PLUS there’s live entertainment to get you in the holiday spirit!

Location: 40 Calhoun Street, Bluffton

Several weeks have passed now since Hurricane Matthew descended upon the Lowcountry, displacing many from their homes and leaving in its wake an overwhelming amount of destruction and damage.

While the communities of Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County are still dealing with the repercussions – and will, inevitably, for months to come – it has been remarkable to see the strength, bravery, and generosity of so many people in the face of such devastation.

Indeed, as Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka put it, “the collective support and spirit of the Bluffton community is a treasure which no one takes for granted” and we owe a great amount of thanks to the “Bluffton warriors” for their selfless acts, helping others in the midst of their own difficulties. 

Or, as Bill Herbkersman, a representative in the South Carolina House of Representatives, wrote, “There are many people who went far and above beyond the usual limits of neighborliness.”

In times like these, when facing a tragedy largely out of our control, it can be difficult to remain hopeful. Hurricane Matthew brought with it an immense amount of destruction, to our homes, cars, properties and communities.

But, it also brought with it a spirit of resiliency, exhibited daily not only by the first responders, emergency workers and town staff who continue to rebuild the community, but also by neighbors, business owners, friends and family who continue to support each other through generous, selfless acts.

Summer may be coming to a close, but the Lowcountry is heating up with some festival favorites, many of them in their 3rd, 6th or 12th year! We’re giving out a rose of approval to our particular favorites in Bluffton, plus an inaugural with a good cause. Check them out below (and don’t forget to register accordingly)!

1. Bluffton Rotary Walk for Water

Join the Bluffton Rotary Club for their inaugural Walk for Water at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park to raise funds for the club’s International Project in Miramar, Peru. A great chance not only to raise awareness of the importance of clean water, but to help make a difference for members in an impoverished community.

When: Saturday, September 24

Details here. 

2. Palmetto Bluff Buffalo Run

Register for the third annual Buffalo Run, a 10k, 30k, or 50k race benefitting the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. The course winds through the beautiful maritime forests of the Bluff and has been a big hit among locals and visitors!

When: Sunday, October 9th

Details and registration here. 

3. Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

A local favorite for the 12th year running, you have a full week to enjoy the myriad activities, cuisine, culture and art of the historic Bluffton community, not to mention the deliciously fresh and locally harvested seafood. And you’ll definitely want to attend the Streetfest which includes a fine art show featuring over 100 artists from 10 different states.

When: Various events from Saturday, October 15th through Sunday, October 23rd.

Details here.

4. Bluffton International & Craft Beer Fest

For the sixth year in a row, enjoy a wide variety of “new, interesting, exotic, bold and seasonal beers” from more than 40 breweries across the U.S. and the world. While 2016 will offer fewer beers than the past, it will feature more unique and exotic beers from fan favorites!

When: Saturday, November 5th

Details here.

5. Music to Your Mouth Festival

This nationally esteemed culinary festival is turning 10 this year…and it’s going to be spectacular! Featuring a “marathon of mouthwatering events” with both innovative and traditional Southern food, drinks and music, it’s a true festival that you’re not going to want to miss. 

When: Various events from Wednesday, November 16th through Sunday, November 20th. 

Details and tickets here.

One of our favorite things about the Lowcountry is watching the sky transform into a palette of beautiful, majestic colors and patterns during an evening sunset. Particularly in the summertime, the light and reflections are truly breathtaking, encapsulating all the natural beauty the Lowcountry area – including Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff and Bluffton – has to offer.

So, as the summer season slowly winds down, we’re taking a look back at some of the best Lowcountry sunsets we’ve seen in the past couple months. Because, who doesn’t love a beautiful sunset?

1. Skull Creek Boathouse, Hilton Head Island (June 2016)

2.     Shelter Cove Harbour, Hilton Head Island (July 2016)

3.     Hilton Head Island Plantation (June 2016)

4. Palmetto Dunes Beach, Hilton Head Island (June 2016)

5. Palmetto Dunes Beach, Hilton Head Island (July 2016)

There are a lot of exciting things happening in Bluffton these days. For instance, take just this past couple weeks:

-       The Bluffton Flyover – nearly 15 years in the making – officially opened, helping alleviate traffic between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island

-       Sandwich shop Alvin Ord’s had a soft opening at a new location in Bluffton on May River Road (grand opening is July 26th), amidst a flurry of local restaurant openings over the last year

And then there are the recent announcements of things to come:

-       A new Alzheimer’s residential care facility is planned to open in Bluffton’s Buckwalter Place by next year

-       Bluffton’s Don Ryan Center for Innovation and the New York-based nonprofit organization Girls Who Code will be offering a “Girls Who Code” club this fall, providing free computer science training programs for young women in middle and high school

Given all of these new developments and more, it comes as little surprise that Bluffton beat 25 other municipalities of similar size – with populations between 10,000 and 20,000 – to win the 2016 “Municipal Association of South Carolina Achievement Award”, which celebrates the town’s success in implementing long-range strategic planning initiatives in Old Town while maintaining its historic charm.

“[T]he historic area [is] a walkable community with a really good mixture of residential development, shops, art galleries and restaurants,” Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka said.

Needless to say, Bluffton’s Old Town Master Plan, adopted in 2006, continues to impress and has led to explosive growth; according to a new Census Bureau report, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort metropolitan area was ranked the 12th fastest-growing area in the nation between July 2014 and July 2015.

Whether you’re visiting Bluffton for the summer or live here year-round, there are a lot of fun things to take advantage of during one of the Lowcountry’s busiest times of year.

We’ve listed our top five below, with a little bit of something for everyone. Happy summer! 

1.     Outside Palmetto Bluff Dolphin Tour

Enjoy a beautiful Lowcountry backwater tour, discovering hidden creeks and undeveloped islands, all while enjoying the friendly splash of dolphins that you’ll be able to reach out and touch. The tour lasts two hours and ranges from $85.00-$110.00 (believe us, it’s well worth it!)

For more information, visit here.

2.     Palmetto Bluff Outdoor Concerts on the Village Green

A Palmetto Bluff favorite, pack up your car with a picnic, chairs, family and friends and head to the Village Green to enjoy an outdoor concert under the live oak trees (six Tuesday nights throughout the summer).

Gates open at 5pm, concerts begin at 6:30pm. $25/car, which benefits Family Promise of Beaufort County, whose mission is to provide temporary shelter for homeless families. See the lineup here.

3.     Weekend Concerts at Bluffton’s Roasting Room Lounge & Listening Room

Above the Corner Perk Café in Bluffton, you’ll find the recently opened “Roasting Room” and lounge, featuring a full bar with eight beers on tap. It was constructed with the intention of featuring local musicians who write and play their own music – and they have a stellar lineup scheduled for every weekend this summer. Check it out here. 

4.     May River Shrimp Festival

An annual Lowcountry tradition, the May River Shrimp Festival returns to the Oyster Factory Park in Bluffton on July 14-15. You won’t want to miss this celebration of all things shrimp with a spread of delicious local shrimp, shrimp boat tours and a shrimp heading contest, in addition to live music (Executrix & The Chiggers on Thursday, Souls Harbor and The Horan Brothers Band on Friday), a craft beer garden, an arts & crafts village and more. Tickets are $5; children 12 and under are free.

For more information, visit here.

5.     Bluffton Farmers Market

Last but not least, you can never go wrong with the Bluffton Farmers Market. More than just a market with fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs, it has become a community event where family and friends gather together to enjoy delicious food, listen to live music and enjoy the hot Lowcountry sun.

With summer fast approaching, now is the time to plan your ultimate summer vacation. We think Palmetto Bluff makes the perfect destination – and aren’t the only ones: it’s consistently receiving recognition as a top resort situated in one of the fastest growing metro areas in the U.S.

There are many reasons to choose from, but we’ve highlighted below why we think Palmetto Bluff makes the perfect summer destination. Happy vacationing!

1. The May River

Palmetto Bluff is situated along the May River, providing access to some of the Lowcountry’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife. Visitors can canoe, kayak, paddleboard and fish throughout the many water trails, and can even take a scheduled cruise on a restored 1913 60-foot motor yacht! 

2. Fire pits & s’mores  

Guests have access to three outdoor fire pits under the branches of ancient oak trees in Wilson Village with a beautiful view of the May River. Sit back and relax in lounge chairs around the fire, or request the makings for a delicious s’mores! 

3. Outdoor concerts

Each Tuesday night, visitors gather under the oaks on Palmetto Bluff’s Village Green to listen to local favorites while enjoying a majestic Lowcountry sunset. Bring your own chairs and pack a picnic, or purchase food and beverages there. This year’s lineup features:

Deas-Guys, June 7

Cranford Hollow, June 21

Colby Deltz Band, July 12

Lowcountry Boil, July 26

The Accomplices, August 9

Plus proceeds benefit Family Promise of Beaufort County, which provides temporary shelter for homeless family and children.

4. Picturesque biking & hiking trails

Covering a vast 20,000+ acres, Palmetto Bluff has an expansive, beautifully manicured trail system that connects adjoining neighborhoods to parks, recreational activities and the main village. Guests can go exploring on foot or bike, or visit the Bluff’s Longfield Stables to saddle up on horse!

5. Easy access to other popular Lowcountry destinations

The numbers are finally in. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has released its 2016 “Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey,” as it does each year in the beginning of April.

While last year saw a record-breaking number of sales – with a peak of 1.3 million – this year’s survey of more than 2,000 buyers found that vacation home sales declined in 2015 (down 18.5 percent to 920,000). However, they still remain at their second highest amount in nearly a decade.

Similarly, vacation home sales accounted for 16 percent of all transactions in 2015, down from 21 percent in 2014, but still the second highest share since the survey’s inception.

Interestingly, if there’s one place that the vacation rental market continues to boom, it’s the South: nearly half of all vacation homes bought last year were in the South – 47 percent, up one percentage point from last year and from 41 percent in 2014.

Furthermore, investment purchases increased for the first time in five years by 7.0 percent to an estimated 1.09 million – and purchased properties from investment buyers were more likely to be in the South (37 percent) than anywhere else.

As NAR reports: “Perhaps encouraged by rising housing demand and home prices, over 80 percent of both vacation buyers and investment buyers believe that now is a good time to purchase real estate.”

Anyone familiar with Hilton Head Island, Bluffton or Palmetto Bluff – places that continue to experience robust economic and population growth – would certainly confirm that there exist an endless amount of lucrative investment opportunities in the Lowcountry.

Spring is in the air and the Lowcountry is springing alive with warm weather, blooming flowers and a calendar full of outdoor events and activities.  

Whether you’re a local on Hilton Head Island – or from neighboring Bluffton and Beaufort – or a visitor on Spring break, you’re bound to find something of interest to enjoy the beauty and spirit of the Lowcountry.

We’ve listed below a few of our favorites, organized by date, perfect for adults and children alike. Happy Spring-ing!

1. Lowcountry Home and Garden Show

What: an annual show presented by the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association, featuring more than 80 exhibiting home and garden experts, creative do-it-yourself workshops, cooking demonstrations from local and nationally recognized chefs, and dozens of the area’s finest custom homes and communities on tour. 

When: Friday, March 18 - Saturday, March 19 from 10am-5pm; Sunday, March 20 from 11am-4pm 

Where: Buckwalter Recreation Complex, 905 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton

Admission: free; for more information, call 843-681-9240 or visit www.lowcountryhomeandgardenshow.com

2. Harbour Town Spring Fest

What: Family-friendly event featuring a Sidewalk Sale with Harbour Town shops, live music from local favorite ‘Deas-Guyz’, nautical activities, children activities and great dining.

When: Sunday, March 20 from 11am-6pm

Where: Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island

Admission: free

3. Coligny Outdoor Market

What: Have fun shopping local vendors and enjoy dining options served al fresco thanks to a variety of food trucks. Arts and crafts and bounce houses will be available for children, and Souls Harbor will perform as the sun goes down.

When: Friday, March 25 from 2-7pm

Where: Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island

Admission: free. See here for more information.

4. Easter Bunny Wagon Ride 

What: Enjoy refreshments with the Easter Bunny before a spring exploration of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. 

When: Friday, March 25 - Sunday, March 27 from 3:30-4:30pm.

Where: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island

Admission: Reservations are required and can be made by contacting The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children 12 and younger.

5. Easter Beach Pail Deliveries

What: Surprise your children with a personalized, bright, colorful Easter Beach Pail filled with toys and treats delivered to your home or villa by the Easter Bunny himself.

When: Friday, March 25 -Sunday, March 27

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. $40 per pail.

6. Easter Egg-stravaganza

What: Island Rec presents a community-wide Easter Egg Hunt in addition to a “Kids Zone” with bounce houses, concessions and other entertainment.

When: Saturday, March 26 from 10am-1pm (Egg Hunt begins at 11am sharp)

Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island

Admission: adults free; $10 for ages 2-12

7. Salty Dog Annual Easter Egg Hunt

What: Children under the age of 12 are invited to join in the Easter fun at The Salty Dog Café with the Easter Bunny and Jake the Salty Dog for the Salty Dog Annual Easter Egg Hunt. They’ll be able to enjoy lots of prizes and candy, as well as face painting. 

When: Saturday, March 26 from 10am-12

Where: The Salty Dog Café, South Beach Marina Village, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island

Admission: for more information, call The Salty Dog Café at 843-671-2233 or go to saltydog.com

8. The Open House at Palmetto Bluff

What: Explore the custom homes of Palmetto Bluff at an Open House day-long event, offering a rare opportunity to tour the intricately designed Lowcountry homes located along South Carolina’s May River. 

When: Saturday, March 26 from 10am-4pm

Admission: free; for every person that attends, the Bluff will donate $5 to Bluffton Self Help. See here for more info. 

9. Easter Egg Hunt in Harbour Town

What: The Sea Pines Resort and shops in Harbour Town present an annual Easter Egg Hunt tradition with the Easter Egg Bunny

When: Sunday, March 27th at 11am

Where: Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island

I recently came across an article in U.S. News & Report entitled, “The Pros and Cons of Investing in a Vacation Home.” It’s an interesting read that seeks to provide a balanced perspective on how a vacation home can end up being either a smart or risky investment.

One point in particular is worth examining, as it provides the key to understanding why the Hilton Head Island and surrounding Lowcountry vacation rental market is booming.

Jeff Brown writes: “One vacation destination can be very different from others, so experts urge deep research on factors like price trends, the pace of new building, and access to interstates, airports and amenities like beaches, ski slopes, restaurants and natural wonders.”

Mr. Brown makes a good point. Not every state, city or location is conducive to lucrative investments. In fact, you are much more likely to generate significant returns on a vacation home in a popular vacation destination than you are in place that does not maintain a growing tourism population.

This is precisely what makes the Hilton Head Island and surrounding Lowcountry vacation rental market – including Beaufort, Bluffton and Palmetto Bluff – rife with investment opportunities. Consider these statistics:

-       Tourism is an $19 billion industry in South Carolina, up from $18 billion in 2014

-       Hilton Head Island was named one of the “Top 50 Rising Destinations Worldwide” by Fodor’s Travel

-       The combined metro area of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort was ranked the 13th-fastest growing in the U.S., with a population that rose 2.4 percent between July 2013 and 2014.

-       The population of Hilton Head Island grew by 7.5 percent from July 2010 to July 2014, reaching a milestone of over 40,000 full-time residents.

Furthermore:

-       USA Today named Palmetto Bluff one of 10 best luxury family vacation destinations in the world

-       Bluffton has been named a “Southern Dream Town” among a list of 10 “Small-Town Escapes” by Garden & Gun Magazine

-       Even the host of Entertainment Tonight noted Palmetto Bluff as a top vacation destination that people should know about

As for the beaches, Hilton Head Island has repeatedly garnered accolades for its 14-miles of beautiful, pristine, white sand beaches. And, located just a short distance from an airport that changed its name to reflect the large number of passengers headed to the island (the Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport), accessibility certainly isn’t an issue.

With 2015 officially behind us, it’s time to look ahead to bigger and brighter possibilities and opportunities – especially if you’re a vacation rental homeowner.

Market research analysts at Technavio recently predicted that the global vacation rental market will reach $169.7 billion by 2019, with the highest rental adoption rates in Europe and North America.

Attributing such growth to the rise of the sharing economy and expansion of online distribution, Technavio notes a key point for vacation rental owners to keep in mind:

“The vacation rental business is becoming more complex and necessitates the micro-management of processes to improve competitiveness,” the report states.

Indeed, particularly in a popular vacation destination like Hilton Head Island or Palmetto Bluff, the need to stay competitive is not only crucial, but necessary to survive.  

While vacation rental owners might once have been able to squeak by with managing everything on their own, doing so today would preclude them from obtaining increased bookings and rental income, ultimately diminishing their competitive edge.

As Technavio notes in their report: “[Vacation rental management services] can increase the rental income for hosts and provide a stress-free travel experience for renters, improving the overall environment of the market.”

Vacation rental homeowners on Hilton Head Island and Palmetto Bluff who utilize our vacation rental management services would agree: it’s mutually beneficial for both them and their guests. Our innovative management service bodes particularly well for owners who don’t have the time or wherewithal to list and market their home online, as we promote their home across all major vacation rental websites at virtually no cost.

Research confirms: it’s a burgeoning market out there – and we can help you take advantage of it!

As the famous holiday song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Spending the holidays in the Lowcountry is particularly wonderful, as there are lots of fun events, markets and places to go to get in the holiday spirit.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites, below. The Lowcountry may not be in a “winter wonderland”, but we certainly know how to spread holiday cheer!

WHERE TO SEE THE BEST LIGHT DISPLAYS:

·      Dove Street Festival of Lights

It’s back! The Dove Street Festival of Lights has been a Hilton Head Island holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Featuring over 75,000 lights with a new 30-foot lit tree, families can stroll through Shelter Cove Community Park, full of stores, restaurants, nightly entertainment and more.

The Festival of Lights is open to the public each night from 6-10pm through January 2, 2016. The Deep Well Project, Programs for Exceptional People (PEP) and Island Recreation Center will be accepting donations on site.

Learn more here.

·      Harbour Town Lights

Another beautiful display of lights is in Harbour Town, which also boasts a 30-foot lit Christmas tree and includes illuminated seasonal figures. Consider giving back to the community and helping the non-profit, volunteer-based The Deep Well Project by dropping off a canned good or unwrapped children’s toy in the “Well” by the Liberty Oak Stage.

Learn more here.

·      Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Station #3

This display is hard to miss as you drive along the William Hilton Parkway/Route 278 on Hilton Head Island. It seems to grow brighter and more whimsical each year, offering a dose of holiday cheer to each passerby.  

WHERE TO DO YOUR SHOPPING:

·      Bluffton Farmer’s Market

We’ve featured the Bluffton Farmers Market before and always look forward to discovering new “goodies” each time we go. You’ll find a variety of fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants, as well as handmade crafts and artisan qualify foodstuffs. The market also hosts Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and has a lively, festive atmosphere with performances by local musicians. It’s open every Thursday from 2-6pm (or dusk).

Visit their website for all the details.

·      Farmer’s Market at Sea Pines Center

Find a little something for everyone at the Farmers Market at Sea Pines Center, featuring local vendors offering a variety of goods, including food, handmade trinkets and artwork. Open every Tuesday from 10am-2pm through December 29, 2015.

Learn more here.

·      South Beach Christmas Village

In addition to sparkling lights and festive decorations, the Christmas Village at South Beach Marina in the Sea Pines Resort is a fun place to do some holiday shopping. They also offer free pictures with Santa every Friday and Saturday night from 3-7pm until Christmas.

Learn more here.

A FEW MORE OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS…

·      Outdoor Movie At Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Bluff will be showing the holiday classic, Elf, on Palmetto Bluff’s Village Green at 6pm on Friday, December 11th. Gates open at 4:30pm for a mix and mingle with Santa. Get the details here.

·      Outdoor Movie at Harbour Town