Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in the Fall
One of the Best Places for a Thanksgiving Vacation or Autumn Holiday
Nov 1, 2009
At the southern end of South Carolina, Hilton Head Island stays warmer later in the year than most of the continental United States. Without the high humidity of the summer, the fall is a great time to visit.
After Labor Day, many of the tourists looking for beach family fun depart the island. Fall is a favorite time for golfers and other sports enthusiasts, along with couples enjoying the quiet restaurants and hotels.
Average high temperatures, according to weather.com, are 68 in November and 60 in December, quite warm enough for sports, beachwalking and shopping. Freezes are rare, and snow is a once in a decade occurrence. A light jacket or sweater is all the outerwear usually needed.
Things to do in Autumn on Hilton Head
The beach at Hilton Head is perfect for long walks, and there is less competition for the shells brought in by the tide. Restrictions on dogs on the beach are relaxed. There are even days that are warm enough to lie in the waning sun.
The cooler days are perfect for golf, with a dozen courses on the island and even more just across the bridge to the mainland. The Island is a tennis destination, with dozens of courts at a number of clubs. The island has many paths for bike riding or walking, and nature trails are nearby, including Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge.
There are considerably fewer insects this time of year than summer, but care and bug repellent are still advised. Fishing and recreational boating are still very pleasant, and boat tours run into the winter months, but schedules are lighter. Tourists are advised to check operating times.
Shopping remains open, as the locals and visitors prepare for the Holidays. The Mall at Shelter Cove has specialty shopping and a Hudson Belk, and great deals can be found just off Island at the Prime Outlets in Bluffton.
Thanksgiving on Hilton Head Island
The United States celebration of Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Many people view this as a day to gather with family at one’s home, but for those with the desire and opportunity to spend holiday weekend traveling, Hilton Head offers first- class hotels and restaurants.
Many dining places offer traditional Thanksgiving dinners, with some local flavor added in. The Hilton Oceanfront Resort has an extraordinary feast at its fine dining restaurant, hh Prime.
After Thanksgiving on Hilton Head Island
The traditional beginning of the Holiday Shopping Season begins on Black Friday at the local shopping outlets, but the experienced is a bit less crazed at the island’s slower pace. December gives way to traditional decorating and parties for the locals, as the tourists leave until the warm winds of spring return to coastal Carolina.
HOL101
 |
