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A Summer Family Adventure on Hilton Head IslandBy Denise A. Manning
Hilton Head Island, home to some 30,000 people, is
shaped like a sneaker. Enormous parcels of the island are sectioned off into
gated communities. Unfortunately, not everyone is allowed access to
everything. Some of the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing are
located behind those gates. However, Sea Pines Plantation, a large gated
community, is accessible for a $5.00 entrance fee if you are not staying
If you and your family are planning more than a weekend on Hilton Head, you will have the opportunity to sample not only the restaurants at your hotel but all the other delicious possibilities at meal time. Cracker Barrel and Fuddruckers are both quality family standbys if you aren’t interested in trying something new. For those looking for a change, Publix Supermarket makes subs and wraps right at their deli and they are always fresh, delicious, and perfect for lunch on the beach. Another place to get great lunch sandwiches is Gruby’s New York Deli. It isn’t exactly like what you find in New York, but their hot pastrami on rye is to die for. Harris Teeter and Fresh Market, both smaller supermarkets, have sushi available which is also another easy beach option. Thankfully, among the many dinner alternatives, are several upscale, family friendly restaurants. Il Carpaccio, a trattoria, serves gourmet pizza along with very sophisticated Italian food. Their Carpaccio Di Manzo appetizer is a delicious presentation of sliced raw beef tenderloin with mushrooms, shaved parmesan, and celery in a lemon and oil dressing. A delectable pasta entrée combines egg noodles, leeks, smoked salmon, vodka and cream. Who needs dessert? If you are looking for seafood with a view, The Old Oyster Factory serves oysters every way imaginable as well as chicken fingers and other interesting fish specials. The two story restaurant and bar sits directly on a picturesque expanse of Broad Creek and its salt marshes.
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When
you think of Hilton Head Island, you usually think of a Mecca for golf and
tennis players. Fortunately, by the middle of June, all the hardcore jocks
have departed leaving a beach paradise for you and your family. Although Sea
Pines Plantation seems to be “the” place to stay, stray from the herd and
consider three other, very appealing options that have a great deal more to
offer. 
there.
It is located at the toe of the sneaker and has several interesting spots to
visit, but the beaches are average at best, and there are no waves to frolic
in. As you head toward the heel of the sneaker, the water is cleaner and
deeper and there is always more of a breeze. The size of the beach itself
changes considerably from low tide to high. Although building a family
sandcastle can be entertaining for a day or two, fishing, sailing, and bike
riding on the beaches and the leisure paths are other intriguing choices.
The ocean water temperature throughout the summer months is usually in the
80’s and the waves can be big enough for body surfing. The Hilton, the
Marriott, and the Westin each have prime waterfront locations that have more
opportunities than you can imagine for your family. 
The
Hilton, located in Palmetto Dunes, another touristy gated community, is the
furthest southwest of the three but has managed to maintain the shoreline in
an impressively eco-friendly way. The hotel itself is set back from the
beach, but the extensive decking, pool layout, and connected fish ponds make
the slightly longer walk to the sand manageable. You won’t be able to resist
stopping to gawk at the enormous gold fish. If parents need a rest from
playing in the sand, they can sign their kids up for the Seaside Adventure
Club which offers a full day of fun. Of course, the hotel offers golf and
tennis for those who want to sneak in a round or a game. 
The
Westin is by far my favorite of the properties for two very specific
reasons: “The Heavenly Bed” and the beach. “The Heavenly Bed” is the
Westin’s standard bed preparation which includes a feather bed, a feather
comforter, and crisp white sheets boasting an outrageously high thread
count. Crawling into that magnificence after a day of playing hard with your
family is fabulous beyond words. This hotel is located almost at the heel of
the sneaker at the very edge of Port Royal Plantation, a more residential
community. The beach is far less crowded than at the other two resorts. The
deck and the pools are similar to the Hilton’s but with the added charm of
local art. Displayed throughout the hotel property are playful pelican
sculptures created by Walter Palmer, a Hilton Head resident. The Westin also
has an excellent program for kids, tennis courts, and several golf course
opportunities.
Although
you may be tempted to remain at the hotel throughout your stay, you simply
must do some other exploring. If shopping is your thing than just over the
bridge on the mainland are two large outlet clusters that have everything
from Mikasa to Motherhood Maternity. On the island is a small mall with a
Talbots and a Saks Fifth Avenue. “Adventure Cove” is a place where everyone
in the family can find an activity he or she enjoys. They have a driving
range, mini-golf, laser tag, batting cages, bumper cars, a virtual coaster
ride, and a parachute jump simulator. Their indoor “playworld’ will keep you
busy for hours, even on a rainy day. For those who love to be out on the
water, the Coastal Discovery Museum has a dolphin tour out on Broad Creek
that kids of all ages will enjoy. The museum also offers short sessions,
classes, and tours on the history and wildlife of the island. Additionally,
several groups offer half and full day kayak tours (no experience necessary)
as well as two and three day sessions for those wanting to develop their
skills.
Some
excellent, more adult oriented options include a Caribbean influenced eatery
called Red Fish that serves conch fritters that simply melt in your mouth.
If you are looking for something a bit more traditional, the Old Fort Pub
offers creative yet refined fresh seafood dishes. Before indulging yourself
with the shrimp and lobster pasta topped with herb cream sauce, you can sip
one of their famous martinis while overlooking both the tranquil waters of
Skull Creek and the ruins of a Civil War fort.