Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (September 2026)

Kristin and I went to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for a week in September. It took us 4 and a half hours to drive. Originally, we wanted to invite the Chos, who served refugees in Ohio, to spend time together. But they could not join us because of the unexpected move they had to make due to unwelcome bugs in their house. Instead, we invited the Orrs who live in Simsonville, SC, and they spent three days with us. Haeock and Kristin have been friends and prayer partners for a few years, since we lived in South Carolina. Even after we moved to Georgia, they still remain connected. We walked over to the beach without Danny, who fell asleep after dinner.

We strolled at one of the shopping plazas and found a few interesting sculptures.

There was a live music performance at a restaurant. It was enjoyable.

The next day, we drove to Harbor Town, established when Hilton Head Island was first developed. The name Hilton Head came from Captain Hilton, who explored the island and named one of its coves Hilton Head. Later, this name was used to describe the entire island. I did not know that you had to pay $10 to enter the residential and Harbor Town complex, called the Sea Pines Resort. 

There was a lighthouse, which looked like a candy cane. This has become the symbol of Hilton Head Island. Now it is used as a small museum. 

We ate lunch at one of the French restaurants, and it was excellent. In front of the restaurant, two ladies took a pose.

The next day, we drove to Parris Island, where Marine Basic Training Camp is located. Danny was a Marine, and he wanted to take us there. We saw some newbie Marines marching after they received their training supplies. 

One of the popular places for people to visit was Coligny Beach Park. It is a small park, but connected to Coligny Beach where people hang out to sunbathe and swim. This public beach is part of the 12 miles around the island.

After they left on Wednesday, we walked regularly on the Pathways that stretched 60 miles in total. Noteworthy were numerous oak trees covered with Spanish moss. They looked really old and gigantic.   

We found one restaurant called The Sea Shack. We arrived at the restaurant as the first guests, and soon after 5 PM, the line grew long enough for dozens of people. The restaurant was packed with guests for a while. 

We visited Coastal Discovery Museum. We listened to a weekly special lecture about the people and culture of the island. The museum exhibited many birds and sea creatures, along with the Gullah people and their culture. Gullah people are descendants of West and Central African slaves who have preserved their culture, living in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. 

Before we left Hilton Head Island, we went to visit Coligny Beach Park again. We sat on the swing to keep the memory. 

Both Kristin and I liked this place better than Myrtle Beach. Kristin suggested we come to this island every year, if possible. Lord willing. I am grateful for the opportunity for us to be able to travel and visit many places. Thank you, Lord! - Jeffrey