A few summers ago, my visiting grandsons were enrolled in the program. It was their first experience sailing and I recall they were somewhat apprehensive about attending. However, after a few days, they became salty dogs of sorts and enthusiastically got up each morning to get to their class.

At the end of the course, they announced that they weren’t going home as planned because this was “the best” and they wanted to stay with us and sail longer. Although it wasn’t possible for them to stay longer, it was great to know that we had chosen a successful venture that they loved.

Beyond the sailing, this program also builds self-esteem. These young people often start with trepidation and little by little are encouraged to be successful sailors. Prior to graduation, they learn to right a turned boat as a safety lesson. Knowing they can handle what appears to be a difficult situation to them helps assure them that they are quite capable of spreading into new ventures.

Did I mention that they also ate their salad before every meal? Now that’s a successful visit!

On the other hand, Bluffton has a quaint old town with art galleries, Farmer’s Market, local-style restaurants like the Squat and Gobble, Pepper’s Porch, and Sippin Cow, outdoor fun on the May River, and numerous festivals and Friday night gatherings. Moss Creek residents are close enough to enjoy both Bluffton and Island activities Moss Creek is also a great place to live. It features 2 private golf courses with a staff that provides great support for learning activities and various tournaments. With a community affiliation to Senior Men’s Golf and Lowcountry Women’s Golf, residents can join these groups to play in golf outings throughout the area, paying only for cart fees.

The Moss Creek Tennis Center is also quite active with inter-club teams and USTA competition at many levels of play. The tennis program not only produces some great tennis for its enthusiastic players but provides a great social base as well. Encouraging spectators, who do not play tennis, often attend to share in the fun. Having one of the few private marinas in the area, residents are entitled to either a wet or dry boat slip with their membership and the option of keeping kayaks which can be launched easily there. The Moss Creek Yacht Club is a socially based group within the community that does not require owning a boat to participate.

As if this weren’t amazing already, Moss Creek opened their second pool a few weeks ago just in time for the summer activities. An enthusiastic group shared in the ribbon cutting festivities. In a few short weeks, the new fitness center will also be opening adding one more special feature to this great lifestyle. Junior golf and tennis camps are held throughout the summer. This is a time for visiting children and grandchildren to participate in a family environment where they can develop their skills in these lifelong sports and vacation with family at the same time.

If you are looking for fitness classes, water aerobics and yoga are available several times throughout the week. There are “High Tide Happy Hours”, “Monday Night Grillers”, “Working Wednesday Golf”, “Cookout on the Veranda”, “Pasta Mania Night”, and “Tapas Wine Friday” – just to name a few. As you can readily see, there is something of interest for everyone.

Perhaps this is one of the best kept secrets in the area because you can have it all including POA fees for about $5,000/year. The math is simple – you don’t have to participate in everything to make this a real value. If you still need another reason to consider Moss Creek, the land is spectacular with views that can be enjoyed by everyone who drives into the community. The tree canopy, tidal marshes, lakes and lagoons, beautiful long golf views, and open park areas abound. So, whatever your view preference, you will likely find it here in Moss Creek.

Be sure to sign in to receive information on available homes in Moss Creek.

For a one time initiation fee of $15,000, a buyer of a homesite or home is a full club member. This includes 2 top-100 rated golf courses, 2 spectacular clubhouses, tennis, community pool and dock, fitness center, and full time security along with clubs and activities for everyone. While the fees are higher than some of the other golf communities, the value is definitely a step up as well.

The sales have exceeded any other golf community in the area. Colleton River has 10 closed home sales in 2010 with 7 additional homes pending. In addition, there are 7 homesites that have closed with 5 more homesites under contract. A number of the lot purchasers are in the process of construction which adds greatly to the activity of the area.

Since many of you like to know what I think about the values, my recommendation is that anyone who is in this club price range should be sure to consider Colleton River. I am referring to the annual fees of $14,650 plus a $2,500 clubhouse assessment that goes through 2017. By all reports, the club is economically healthy and ended the year with a surplus.

I also recommend that if this is a consideration for you, that you let me set up a personal webpage for you to receive some properties that might meet your criteria. I can also refer you to some high-end custom builders who will build a home for you for as little as $180/sq. ft. Getting into Colleton River has never been easier. Why settle for less when the best is attainable?

By contrast, the entire Hilton Head MLS which includes all of the Hilton Head, Bluffton, Okatie areas and more, there were 1,589 homes sold with a current inventory of 3,793. Comparatively, area wide there is more than a 2 year supply of homes on the market – approximately 28 months at current rate.

By now, I am sure that you are beginning to see why I have called this to your attention. It is great that Hilton Head Plantation remains strong in the marketplace. Many of my clients report astonishing stories of problems they have encountered in other communities in states outside South Carolina.

As a result, buyers are requesting that their search be in stable communities. With low annual fees, diverse styles and price ranges of properties, and a strong real estate market record, this is one plantation that should be considered. It is very appealing to primary residence and second home purchasers because there is no short term rental.

Don’t hesitate to contact me for additional statistics if you have an interest in a specific area or Hilton Head real estate in general. I will be happy to provide them to you.

The golf course is difficult, features small greens and focuses on target golf instead of length and is absolutely beautiful besides. Following the Masters, golf is on everyone’s mind and the viewers continue by attending and watching the Heritage on the Harbour Town Links Golf Course.

Many viewers have been attending and/or volunteering here for 10 – 20 years or more and are totally committed to the event. Having the right mix of people must be an important element to a potential sponsor.>/p>

The players who participate love playing here. While the course can be challenging with wind and the skill needed to execute the perfect shot, it is still one of the professional’s favorites. They love the ambiance, the accommodations, and oh yes, the great restaurants. It is a great time to relax and refocus at the same time for the golfers after completing the first major of the year.

Hilton Head Island is, and hopefully always will be, a destination for visitors and relocation. A sponsor could enjoy great name recognition right from the start. Let’s all keep watch for that perfect company who will appreciate all that the Heritage of Golf and Hilton Head Island has to offer.

The Wall Street Journal has praised Ms. Wu as a “most mature and sensitive pianist. Her reputation as an elegant and exciting musician continues to grow. While she has had many awards, in 2009 she made her debut in the New York Alice Tully Hall as the winner of Juilliard’s William Petschek Piano Debut Recital Award, was named Artist of the Month by MusicalAmerica.com and was awarded a Vendome Virtuosi prize at Lisbon’s prestigious Vendone Competition.

She has played with the Philadelphia Orchestra in a benefit concert under the direction of Charles Dutoit. Ms Wu continues her education at “The Juilliard School”.

Please mark your calendar for this 7:30, April 20th event. This is one more pleasant surprise for those who are considering moving from a cultural rich area to Hilton Head Island or neighboring Bluffton communities. Honestly, there is much more in store for you than you could have imagined.

All kinds of organically raised produce are available. A meat vender sells grain fed beef without the addition of hormones. Free range eggs and local honey can also be purchased. There is even a vendor for freshly made pastas.

If that isn’t enough, you can get some great barbecue, all kinds of crepes, and local seafood and chowders. All of this while enjoying some music in the background. Try to go early enough to enjoy lunch – the market officially opens at 2:00 and is right on Calhoun Street.

There always seems to be plenty of parking as people come and go with their purchases. Take a little extra time to enjoy some of the nearby galleries featuring local artists or visit an antique shop. Then take a stroll towards the river where you will pass by the pre-Civil War, Church of the Cross. Now that’s a fun afternoon. See you next week…

This is a partnership between The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The Directors of the program are Krista Dunton, 2009 LPGA Teacher of the Year and Jean Harris, 2006 LPGA Teacher of the Year. In addition, the program will feature other instructors from both the LPGA and PGA professionals.
Some of the goals are not only to teach golf but to develop existing skills through other sports activities and encourage new friendships while learning a great life sport. Rose Hill Golf Club in Bluffton is an active participant.

This year’s roster filled quickly attracting more than 70 young girls. More volunteers are needed to assist in this wonderful program. No golf experience is required – just an interest in helping young girls learn the game as there are many tasks that do not involve golf. However, if you have a passion for golf, there is also a place for you.

Girl’s Golf is just one more way that the Hilton Head and Bluffton communities will exceed your expectations.

They chose the Bluffton’s Children’s Center. It was in need of new carpeting, classroom materials, easels and computers. In addition, they showed up on a cold February day with tools, rakes, shovels, plants and playground equipment. They made beds for plantings, sandboxes, and a pagoda.

A new computer was donated along with several older computers that were set up for the children and staff. All in all, it made a huge difference in the Bluffton Children’s Center.
Now, several of the members continue to go over to the center to read to the children regularly. For those of you who are concerned about what you will do with your spare time after relocating here, have no fear. You will find many new friends who will help you with ideas about making a real difference in the future of the Bluffton Community.

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!