Hilton Head Island, SC – Hilton Head could calm even the most tense Type-A executive. It is not just the temperate climate or the 12 miles of the Atlantic coast or the commitment to green space that dates back to one of the island’s original visionaries, Sea Pines developer Charles Fraser.
Time slows down in Hilton Head, perhaps because you never rush to make an appointment or daylight saving time. Even the PGA Tour pros talk about their April annual visit to RBC Heritage as a chance to relax after a busy week at the Masters.
If you plan to spend a long and peaceful weekend in South Carolina, Hilton Head is the ideal place to start your visit. See how it can be.
Day 1
Wake up in AAA Four Diamond comfort at The Inn & Club in Harbor Town and take a short walk to the first tee at Harbor Town Golf Links, the design that revolutionized golf architecture when it opened in 1969 with its narrow corridors and emphasis on strategy and shot. Golfweek ranks Harbor Town No. 2 in the state and No. 19 nationally among resort courses. Or if you prefer ocean views, take the bus to the Atlantic Dunes, a fabulous Davis Love III reimagination of the island’s original golf course. It ranks 110 on the Golfweek resort list.
After golf, head to the Lowcountry salt pans to fish for cobia and red fish. The island’s experienced guides know how to find the “nervous waters” in the shallow waters where the fish bite.
Before leaving the island, make reservations at Coast at Sea Pines, which, true to its name, is located on the seafront, with indoor and outdoor seating. Coast, appropriately, places great emphasis on fresh seafood. After dinner, head up to the Ocean Lounge for an after dinner drink and even better views of the Atlantic waves crashing on the beach.
Atlantic dunes
Day 2
Head north to Florence for a game at the South Carolina Country Club, a club full of amenities with an Ellis Maples design that is considered one of the best Midlands layouts. From there, head to Lynches River County Park for a relaxing canoe or kayak trip along the Revolutionary River Trail. Depending on how ambitious you are, you may want to hire a guide for an extended trip or night tour.
In the heart of the city, the boutique Hotel Florence is convenient for dining and entertainment. This includes Da Massimo Ristorante Italiano, a small, intimate and authentic bistro just 1 mile from North Irby Street.
Hotel florence
Day 3
Heading west towards the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will finally reach the expansive Rock Golf Course & Resort, at the base of Pinnacle Mountain. Whether you’ve arranged a tee time at The Rock, the centerpiece of the 500-acre resort, or are just out for a walk, you’ll inevitably be drawn to Gauley Falls, near the eighth fairway.
A little further west, Devils Fork State Park, on Lake Jocassee, offers numerous options for couples and families looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. The 7,500-acre mountain lake is ideal for boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding and even scuba diving.
At the end of the day, relax at the Appalachian Ale House on Main Street in Pickens, where you can exchange stories about your journey with local craft beers.
Devils Fork State Park
Originally published