Celebrating Juneteenth on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a place to celebrate food, music, and culture all year long. But when holidays hit, the Lowcountry really knows how to throw festivities like nowhere else. Juneteenth is fast approaching on June 19th and Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to experience it — and not just because of our incredible outdoor spaces, diverse dining, and endless opportunities for family fun. The Lowcountry is also particularly rich in African-American history and heritage that continues to thrive to this day. It is home to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the first self-governed Freedmen’s town in America. Descendents of Mitchelville’s original residents carry on the traditions of their ancestors and promote freedom for all while maintaining an essential connection to the language, art, and storytelling of past generations.
Read on to learn more about Juneteenth, and join us for upcoming celebrations on the island!
Sweetgrass Basket Making at Coastal Discovery Museum
If you have read this blog before, you know that I adore The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn & it’s commitment to preserving Gullah Culture. Every time I hear of an opportunity to expose Gray (2 years old) to Native Island living, I jump at the chance. The latest opportunity came about by participating in the sweetgrass basket-making class at the Coastal Discovery Museum one Saturday. The class, led by Charleston Native, Daurus Niles is taught once a month on Saturday’s and is a way to enjoy a genuine lowcountry experience on your next trip to Hilton Head Island.
The Sea Pines Shell Ring: Exploring 4,800 Years of Hilton Head Island History
Deep inside the Sea Pines Forest Preserve sits one of Hilton Head Island’s oldest human-made landmarks. The Sea Pines Shell Ring began taking shape about 4,800 years ago, when Native communities gathered shellfish and other foods along this part of the South Carolina coast. Over hundreds of years, the shells and other materials they left behind formed a ring nearly 200 feet across.
You can still visit the site today, although much of it is now covered by soil. You won’t arrive to find a dramatic monument rising out of the trees. In fact, it only rises a few feet above the surrounding ground. Beneath the surface, however, is evidence of people returning to this part of Hilton Head Island thousands of years before the Island became the place we know today.
Q&A with Amber Kuehn From Sea Turtle Patrol
Amber Kuehn is the Executive Director of Hilton Head Island’s Sea Turtle Patrol conservation efforts. As a marine biologist, she is deeply committed to conserving and preserving sea turtles and their habitats, especially in the Lowcountry. Recently, Amber took some time out of her very busy schedule to chat with us about her role with Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island, sea turtle education, research, advocacy, and what people can do to help with sea turtle protection efforts. Here are some highlights from that conversation.
Bike Like a Local on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a place that’s rich in nature, historic sites, and top-rated restaurants — all surrounded by views of the ocean and picturesque beaches. And, if you ask us, there’s no better way to explore America’s Favorite Island® than by bike. After all, with over 60 miles of pathways and trails, you can quickly and easily get just about anywhere you want to go on two wheels during your time here. So, if you’re ready to put the (foot) pedal to the metal, here’s a look at everything biking through the Lowcountry has to offer.
Playlist: Summer Road Trip to Hilton Head Island
A summer soundtrack is an essential part of any warm-weather road trip. With the windows down and the music up, you’ll be well on your way to making memories here on Hilton Head Island. And if you’re looking for a little playlist inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together some of our favorite songs in one unforgettable playlist just for you. You’ll hear old classics and new hits that are sure to have you singing along as you enjoy time spent on America’s Favorite Island™.
