words from a local… josh cooke
Attempting to understand why Bluffton locals and long-time residents adore their town is not as easy as one might expect at first thought. To truly understand Bluffton-love, if you will, one must be ready to delve into the minds of those who dare call Bluffton home, ask the tough questions, and with a single purpose seek the truth about their “state of mind” from these rapscallion Blufftonians…
Butterflies, Butterflies Everywhere!
If you have been on Hilton Head Island this September, you couldn’t have missed the seemingly millions of beautiful butterflies out and about. From the parks to the beach to driving down William Hilton Parkway, the Island has turned into a butterfly mecca.
Family Day Strawberry Picking
Last week I took my 15 month old son, Gray, to the strawberry picking fields at Dempsey Farms on St. Helena Island, close to Beaufort, SC. About an hour’s drive from Hilton Head Island, across the marshes of the Lowcountry, St. Helena is rich in history and culture (home of the Penn Center), along with being an active farm community. I love St. Helena, the smell of the salt-air and the “getting away from it all” allow for a sense of calm.
Dempsey Farms is located on St. Helena on the right side of the road toward Hunting and Fripp Island. The land is a true “working” farm and has been in the Dempsey family for generations. The day Gray and I went, Maryann Dempsey was running the stand and gave us the low-down on the land. Two generations ago, they opened the fields to the public to “pick” and now they grow everything from cucumbers to eggplant to tomatoes (see list below) and depending on the harvest, they allow for “pickers” like myself!
When I heard about the farm, I knew I had to take Gray – what a wonderful treat, right in our backyard! Salty Island air, expansive fields and fresh off-the-vine strawberries. Look how big it is, great to let the little ones run!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes — you absolutely can visit Daufuskie Island on a day trip from Hilton Head Island. You’ll need to catch the ferry from Hilton Head Island. Plan ahead if you want to rent a golf cart to get around or join one of the local tours of Gullah cultural sites. Bluffton is also an easy day trip from Hilton Head Island, with historic sites, local shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore.
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Some of the cultural experiences we think you shouldn’t miss include visiting the Coastal Discovery Museum, learning more about Gullah Geechee heritage, exploring the historic churches and Old Town in Bluffton, indulging in a local food tour, and enjoying one of our local events and art shows.
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Absolutely! We’ve assembled a variety of itineraries with something for everyone in mind. Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a golf getaway, or looking to spend more time outdoors, there are plenty of ideas to help inspire your time on Hilton Head Island.
