While it is easy to find information regarding the statistics of Sea Pines, today I would like to focus on the nostalgia of this community. For many Hilton Head enthusiasts, Sea Pines is their first introduction to the Hilton Head area.

Charles Fraser envisioned this community at the onset to be something very special and was determined to make it a world class resort. Being a strong supporter of maintaining the natural beauty, he believed that from the air the homes should not be visible or barely visible. His focus was to develop beautiful golf courses that would wind through the plantation and allow the numerous trees to enhance the landscape.

He also envisioned the yacht basin that is now a main focal point of Sea Pines known as Harbour Town. The Harbour Town Lighthouse has become an identifiable attraction to people throughout the world. Visitors delight in climbing the stairs of the lighthouse to wave to friends below. Ice cream from the adjacent ice cream shop is the perfect treat after the lighthouse tour.

The Liberty Oak tree in Harbour Town is the gathering place for families singing with Greg Russell on summer evenings. Little ones are invited on stage to sing along with Greg who can also create interesting and entertaining dialogue to the delight of the parents and other visitors of all ages. The playground has been developed to blend into the natural setting. It is fun to see youngsters as excited about climbing the tree house as their parents were years ago, providing lots of photo and video opportunities.

As adults, a trip to Sea Pines would not be complete without a drink on the veranda at the Quarter Deck watching the brilliant sunset over Calibogue Sound. Sailboats gracefully moving in the evening breezes, parasailing adventurists towed behind boats against the setting sun, and pelicans and other shore birds flying to roost can only enhance the stunning view.

Let’s not forget the extensive network of bike trails that connect the entire plantation. Friends tell me they come to Sea Pines for a week, park their car, and don’t drive again until it is time to return home. Biking is often mentioned by clients who want to purchase a property to share with their family because they recall the fun they had riding as children.

South Beach is a “kick your shoes off” kind of area and has always been one of my favorites. Whether you are having a cold one at the Salty Dog, arranging for a fishing charter, taking kayaking lessons, or just want a great lunch or dinner, this is the place. The Tower Beach is located here and is a little more secluded than other beach areas. Since the beaches are not private once you are on them, you can ride your bike at low tide from South Beach to Port Royal if you are of the notion. Plan a lunch at the Westin or at Coligny Beach and then return via the many inland bike paths.

The Sea Pines Beach Club is the beach that is the biggest attraction. The Ocean Deck overlooks the Atlantic and serves outdoor lunch and dinners. Being convenient to the beach wherever you are in Sea Pines brings vacationing families back year after year to the area.

Since the high season is summer – just the opposite of our Florida neighbors – many residents and visitors have learned to appreciate the off-season beach. The rules are relaxed for our canine friends who love chasing balls into the surf or leaping in the air for a frisbee. Personally, I enjoy the cooler days when you put on a light jacket or sweater and see only a few people during your walk. Those who are there are genuinely friendly and it is a great way to meet some new people.

I would of course be remiss if I didn’t discuss the unbelievably challenging golf courses in Sea Pines. The world famous Heritage of Golf is played on the Harbour Town Links Course. The tournament is fun to watch and for some, a great venue for volunteering from young students carrying the score signs to retirees performing numerous tasks wherever they are needed.

Many people return for the outstanding tennis and golf readily available. They love telling their children and grandchildren about the lessons they took or some experiences from matches they played right here in Sea Pines. My grandchildren look forward to the time of the day they call “story time” when everyone shares some memory of previous family outings.

Many of the families visiting today first came to the island as children. They love returning with their families to enjoy the same cherished memories. It can be playing the same golf courses, riding bikes over the same trails, walking the same beaches, or crabbing in the same favorite spot.

Whatever the opportunities were as children can timelessly be enjoyed today. It is the location of choice for many retirees who look forward to children and grandchildren visiting year after year to pass both the memories and nostalgia to future generations. If this sounds like the perfect lifestyle to you, email me and I will recommend some properties for your consideration.

For those of you who read my newsletters and articles regularly, you will remember that we have an 8’ average tidal change here in the Hilton Head area. Friday afternoon, just beyond the 18th green at the Verizon Heritage PGA Tournament at Sea Pines there was a small power boat among the many sailboats and yachts in Calibogue Sound.

Earlier in the day, the young skipper clearly wanted to get a better view of the golf and moved forward in the line of craft blocking his view. However, he neglected to watch the tide moving slowly out. Of course, suddenly it was too late.

We watched as they pushed against the sand and mucky soil with an oar and eventually got out and walked around looking for a solution. I am afraid that all that this accomplished was a dirty boat.

At this point, there is no solution but to wait the hours it takes for the tide to come back in and free the boat. I was quite pleased to note that it was gone on Saturday when we went over to the 18th to watch as the golfers came in.

Although I felt badly for all on board, it did provide entertainment for all of us waiting for the next group of golfers to arrive that Friday afternoon. Just remember – if you have a boat or decide to watch from a friend’s boat next year, check out the tide schedule and be watchful of the changes in water level.

If he had been completely at the edge of the tide and had gotten stuck it could have been worse. The further ashore you are, the longer the wait. At that point it wouldn’t hurt to wish for a tide at least as big as the last one!