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A Culinary Tour of Hilton Head Island

How to eat your way through South Carolina's favorite Lowcountry getaway.

Located off the coast between Beaufort and Bluffton in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Hilton Head Island is a salty sea breeze getaway where wide beaches beckon, there are no bright street lights or vivid colors, and the buildings are often nestled in among the native live oak trees. Incorporated as a town in 1983, Hilton Head Island has been welcoming vacation travelers for decades, with their seafood being a main draw.

The island was once home to multiple commercial oyster processors, and Hudson's Seafood on the Docks , owned by Andrew Carmines, is a second-generation family-owned restaurant built atop a peninsula where one of those oyster plants once sat. Carmines has been shucking oysters since he was six, and checking in the shrimp deliveries right off the restaurant's dock since he was 13, making him an expert in all things seafood. Each year, the restaurant not only purchases close to 120,000 pounds of local shrimp, but also buys and serves local fish, oysters farmed by Carmines himself, and soft-shelled crab when it's in season. The best seat in the house is actually at the outdoor bar or patio, where seagulls cruise in the breeze overhead, freshly fried and butterflied shrimp arrive hot to the table, the oysters are cold and briny, and whatever is the whole fish of the day needs to be ordered for the table, especially if it's topped with mango salsa.

Tucked in across the island, the Fishcamp on Broad Creek offers Lowcountry traditions and stunning waterfront views that seem so iconic they could be a movie set. Spanish moss sways in the breeze from huge oaks that reach over the water, and there's a dock to wander out on while waiting for dinner to arrive. And keeping with the tradition of Fishcamp, that means Lowcountry Boil, a simply classic dish of boiled shrimp, corn on the cob, summer sausage, and potatoes, sprinkled with seasoning and served with melted butter and cocktail sauce. It's peel and eat shrimp 2.0, but the real secret is meandering through the dish, dipping a potato or two in the cocktail sauce, then drizzling some butter over the corn and taking a bite of sausage before peeling a sweet local shrimp. It's simply more than the sum of its parts.

For fancier seafood with Adriatic inspiration, chef and owner Nunzio Patruno from Italy's Puglia region calls the island home and at Nunzio , his namesake restaurant, serves local seafood among other Italian specialties (including Penne Baresane and Vitello Piccata) in a azure-colored dining room off New Orleans Road. There are local shrimp with cannellini beans, linguine with assorted seafood, and plenty of San Marzano tomatoes, and chef's specialty catch of the day, often garnished with herbs and other vegetables grown outside the kitchen door by the chef himself.

But Hilton Head Island isn't all seafood. The island is abuzz with praise for Nectar Farm Kitchen , a locally-focused breakfast and lunch eatery whose items include a grain bowl with pickled shiitake mushroom and a soft boiled egg, tomato handpies, a sangria that had one table asking for the recipe, and plenty of pancakes, smothered chicken, biscuits, and gravy. Light, bright, and with a small gift shop selling local honey and other honey-related gifts, Nectar is a great spot to score some gifts for the dog sitter or take home a souvenir of your own.

More souvenirs are available at One Hot Mama's — chef Orchid Paulmeier's signature BBQ sauces to be exact — a BBQ restaurant with a downhome atmosphere and some seriously good barbecue served on metal trays. Paulmeier melds her Filipino heritage with Lowcountry flavors and says "sweet, spicy, and saucy is the One Hot Mama's way," whether that is the baby back ribs, pulled pork barbecue, or even the sassy bits of bacon in the crust of the fresh pecan pie.

If all of this calls for a little outdoor recreation, there are beaches to explore, dolphins to watch on boating expeditions (the island is famous for their abundance of dolphins), and more than 60 miles of natural trails to explore by foot or on bike. With the wind in your hair and the mild winter temperatures, it's easy to get out and explore, and as a reward for all that fresh air, grab a croissant from Hilton Head Social Bakery , made by chef Philippe Feret, a motorcycle-loving second-generation baker who was previously the executive chef of the renowned Windows On The World Restaurant. Hilton Head Island is more than beautiful views and beachfront condos — there are some lovely bites and sips just waiting to be discovered.

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MIXOLOGY AND TAPAS TOUR

Quick Details

DURATION: 2.5 hours

WHEN: Thursdays. Click the “View Calendar” button at the top of the page to view our tour calendar

TIME: Tours begin at 2:30pm on Thursdays

COST: Adults $74.95

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Learn about the amazing craft cocktail and craft beer scene on the island as you enjoy samplings of yummy cocktails and tasty tapas after meeting some of the islands best mixologists. Watch, learn and discuss the secrets of making exciting cocktails.

WHO: Over 21

CAPACITY: We limit the tour size to maintain a personalized intimate experience. Each guest will have time to interact with the tour guide and or mixologists/ restaurant staff for a one of a kind experience.

WEAR: Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes

WEATHER: Tours are held rain or shine

VENUES: Tours are unique and destinations rotate to keep this tour fresh and tasty.

WHERE : We begin in the Park Plaza area on Hilton Head’s south end. Exact starting location provided at the time of purchase.

BE THERE: 15 minutes early. Will provide location details after your prder is complete.

The Mixology and Tapas Tour is the perfect way to get the party started or for that pre dinner excursion on Hilton Head. It’s like having a mobile cocktail party on the #1 Island in the United States – Hilton Head Island. While walking in between stops your guide provides insight of the craft scene both past and present.

Ready to dive in to the Mixology and Tapas Tour on beautiful Hilton Head Island?

Great! We are excited to go on this journey with you! Check the availability and buy tickets online for the popular Mixology and Tapas Tour featuring some of the best mixologists and tastiest tapas in the entire Lowcountry! Walk, talk, relax and learn from the best – while enjoying the #1 island in the United States!

TIP: Perfect for bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, birthday parties, office outings, after golf outings, after a day at the beach, or pre-game or pre-dinner excursion to get the evening started.

48 Hour Food Tour of Hilton Head Island

With an island destination as popular has Hilton Head Island is, inevitably you get people visiting it in a variety of ways. Most commonly are families, who load up their mini vans somewhere significantly North of here and make their way down for a Saturday check in.  Any number of restaurant owners can set their calendars by their arrivals. Oh, June 22 nd ? The Callahan family from Santa Claus, Indiana will be here for dinner. Party of 5.  Dad will have the prime rib.

Count on it.

But that obviously isn’t the only way our island is ‘consumed.’ There are a fair amount of business travelers who will work their way through a few days then pop in on either their favorite restaurant or a particularly new hot spot that has blasted on to the food scene. There have been a few the last two years.

Then there are the couples who may fly in from a big city up North and spend a quick weekend here. Flights are short enough to be here mid-afternoon if you work a half day in say, Washington DC, so the itineraries are popular.

That got me to thinking. If I hopped a jet in Philadelphia for a weekend on Hilton Head Island and I wanted to eat my way around as a first timer, where would I send a couple? Loaded question isn’t it? If you asked 10 people to develop their own weekend eating agenda for a couple you’d undoubtedly get 10 different paths.  That’s a good thing. Options are always a plus.

But this is my column. So I get the honors of drawing the map around the island sending some first timers here there and everywhere to get a taste of what Hilton Head has to offer. My 48 hours for first timers might look something like this:

Arrival Friday afternoon:

Java Burrito Company

The common thought here is to race somewhere beachfront. Stick your feet in the sand and enjoy a fruity drink. I certainly have no problem with that and Pool Bar Jim’s is as good of a choice as any. But if you want to avoid the sand and the heat and the crowds for a hot minute, then Java Burrito Company in the Wexford Village is a good choice.

JBC is without question one of the most popular lunch spots on the island. The line out the door every day during the lunch rush will tell you that. I like it for the variety. Sure, you can get a burrito. Sure you can get some tacos. But I like their champagne offerings and the coffee bar. Sometimes all you need is a Caramel Macchiato. But then maybe one of the two of you wants to nosh on something. Java Burrito Company checks a series of boxes. It’s a solid choice for a hit and run before you check into your room.  Other options: Tiki Bar, Hudson’s or Delisheeyo if vegan is your thing.

Dinner Friday Night:

The Sage Room – I don’t typically dabble in favorites. Where I end up is largely dependent on what I am in the mood for. But if I had to name 2-3 favorites on the island, this would be one of them. Matt Jording and his wife Carol have had this high-energy restaurant on lock down since practically day one. The kitchen sits in the middle of the room. All dishes prepared for the world to see. It’s no wonder the most popular seats in the place line the bar that faces the kitchen. All of it is good, but the scallops are legendary on the island. Two weeks ago I text a local chef asking him who has the best steak on the island and I got a one word response. “Sage” Reservations highly recommended.  Other options: Jazz Corner, Alexanders, Sea Pines Beach Club

Saturday Morning Brunch

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café

Old school? Yes. Consistently fabulous? That too. Paul and Leslie Stewart opened Sunrise back in 2002 after working in F&B on the island for seemingly forever. They started slow but have built a solid reputation with locals looking for a strong cup of coffee in a diner style mug and a beautiful benedict. All of their dishes are made to order and done well every single time. On the weekends, depending on what time you roll up in there, you are going to wait for a table. It is very popular.  What to order? It’s eggs. It’s all great and a perfect way to start your day. Depending on how much Molly Dooker you enjoyed last night at The Sage Room.

Saturday Lunch

The French Bakery

If brunch isn’t your thing and you want to sleep and and roll up on lunch, The French Bakery mid-island at Shelter Cove Towne Center is a great choice. They’ve really got it all at The French Bakery including eggs, omlettes and French Toast, but they also offer crepes, sandwiches on fresh baked bread, burgers and of course salads. Their ‘signature’ chicken salad sandwich on homemade Cranberry Apricot bread was a good as advertised. The Monte Cristo is also everything it should be on a sandwich you don’t see much on menus anymore. Full bar too.  Go for it, It’s the weekend.

Saturday afternoon break

The Sand Bar

A margarita straw poll on the island will probably get you a handful of answers. There are a few good ones here there and everywhere. My favorite is at The Sand Bar. The Sand Bar is an interesting spot. It’s got all the vibes of a beach front restaurant, but it’s several hundred yards at a minimum from the first grain of sand. The good news is you can walk around Coligny Circle and be on that said in about 6 minutes. The drinks are all the usual suspects. The fruity stuff, the strong stuff, the beachy stuff. I’ve had them all but I always drift back to their margarita. Owner Erika Waronsky tells me they try to make as much as they can at The Sand Bar from scratch.  Especially the margaritas. In the summer they go through boxes and boxes of limes, squeezed every morning. No pre-made mixes here. They taste fresh. They taste great. They are my go to when I need to cool off and I’m down near the beach.  Other options: Holy Tequila’s Margaritas are solid, Monica Collins at Lucky Rooster is an island mainstay behind the bar.

Saturday Dinner

Chez Georges Bistro

George Casalicchio had the bright idea to open a classic French bistro on the island. Fair enough. What he didn’t count on was having to during in the heart of a global pandemic. But he did. Chez George opened Summer 2020 to magnificent reviews from practically day one. On and island that relies largely on word of mouth advertising with locals, the word got out pretty quickly that Chez George was legit.  Now, a year later George and his staff remain a model of consistency in a beautiful atmosphere.

The talent behind the bar is arguably the best on the island and the wine list is large enough to satisfy as well. The food? Everything I’ve had there I’ve loved. In fact, the last time I was there, we ordered more than half the menu just to graze and sample. We did and we ate it and liked it. You’ve got to start with Mussels Pistou.  After that? Steak Frites, Seared Duck Breast, Veal chop, you name it.  Chez George is a great spot for dinner on the island.  Other options: Ombra Cucina Italiana, Pommodori, Red Fish of leave the island and drive up to Bluffton to FARM. One of the best restaurants in the region.

Sunday Snack before you go….

The possibilities are really endless here. If you wanted to try another brunch, I might suggest Nectar. Right next door is one of my favorite burgers on the island at Marley’s Shrimp and Burger Shack. You know, one of those smash burgers with all the gooey goodness running down your wrist? Yeah. That’s Marleys and I love them.  If you wanted to go lighter and just want to snack on something before you make your way to the airport then I have saved my best for last.  

Hilton Head Social Bakery is maybe the best bakery in the State. Certainly one of the best in the region. Owner Phillip Ferrot is a once upon a time New York City chef who decided to slow down a little bit and set up shop on the island. He’s been a hit since day one. The pastry case will transport you directly to 6 th arrondissement in Paris. Colorful, rich and decadent. The desserts here are stunning as are the fresh breads and of course, coffee. A perfect pit stop before you go. And you can even take some of it with you.

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Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Map Marker Location: Broad Creek Marina

Hilton Head Island Sunset Dinner Cruise

Experience an unforgettable dining experience on a 2-hour sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise in Hilton Head Island. Imagine indulging in delicious hibachi-style cuisine while enjoying the stunning views of the Lowcountry’s waterways, and a breathtaking sunset as the backdrop.

Our skilled chefs will dazzle you with their culinary prowess as they prepare your meal right before your eyes on the onboard hibachi grill. Sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of Hilton Head Island while savoring every bite of your meal. The food will be served food truck style in a relax setting aboard our custom catamaran boat.

We have a bar on board that will offer local beers and wines. Don’t miss this chance to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones on our Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise.This is unique experience is perfect for all ages!

The menu will consist of steak, chicken, shrimp, mixed vegetables, fried rice, and salad.

Related Activities

• Map Marker Broad Creek Marina
• Hour Glass 90 minutes
• Users All ages

Sunset Celebration Dolphin Cruise

Nothing beats catching a Hilton Head Island sunset from the water. Come aboard our brand new state of the art boat as we cruise the low country water ways as the sun fades away.

• Map Marker Hilton Head Harbor
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• Users 6+ years

Sunset Guided Kayak Tour

Join Island Head for this beautiful sunset tour of Skull Creek. Your tour guide will enrich your mind with historical and wildlife knowledge. Book online today!

Hyundai announces first vehicle to be produced at Metaplant

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The first vehicle to be produced at the Hyundai’s new Metaplant has been announced.

Production for the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 will start later this year. The Metaplant will eventually be the only facility building IONIQ 5 models for the U.S.

Hyundai says it will be the latest model of their all-electric SUV but their design for it won’t be unveiled until later.

Hyundai Motor Group says they are investing $7.59 billion to develop the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. They say it will create 8,500 direct jobs.

According to Hyundai, they plan to also produce Genesis and Kia vehicles in the future.

Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.

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