Lowcountry Travel Guide

One of the things we love most about planning destination weddings here in the Lowcountry is introducing our guests to all that this area has to offer. Bluffton and Hilton Head have great choices when it comes to dining, shopping, golf, tennis, fishing, spa and water sport activities and here at Spencer Special Events, we just love helping visitors make their visit perfect.  When you aren't attending welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, the wedding or brunch, be sure to consult our comprehensive guide to the Lowcountry!  It's chalk full of activities for your pleasure during downtime! 

Golf

• Golf Digest has named Hilton Head Island the#10 destination spot in the world for golf.  There are over 20 world class golf courses on Hilton Head Island, and over home to the PGA's Heritage Golf Tournament. Play where the pros play at Harbour Town in Sea Pines, or for a complete listing, visit the Chamber of Commerce website to learn more about both private and public courses. 
• Considered a golfers paradise, the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, The May River Club, is on the banks of the May River at the impeccable, Palmetto Bluff.  With 7,171 yards of green, it's incredibly picturesque.  The rest stations are top notch, complete with iced down cooling towels, snacks and refreshments. 

Tennis 

• Whether you are looking to put together a match with friends, or take a private lesson, we recommend Tennisclub of the Lowcountry at Rose Hill in Bluffton, or Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center on Hilton Head.  To book at TLC at Rose Hill, call Mike O'Regan (we'll provide his number to you!) as this is a private club but is available to Spencer Special Events clients. Clinics, stroke of the day, round robins and more are great activities for tennis enthusiasts during a wedding weekend or extended stay! 

Water Sports/ Hunting 

• Fishing Charters are a popular way for groomsmen or great activity for the guys! There are a variety of tour operators, the best ones are out of South Beach Marina. 
• Our friend Claire started Lowcountry Paddle Tours two years ago. Tour guides have a Bachelors Degree in Zoology or Ecology and are therefore extremely knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and habitats. A great way to explore the Lowcountry! Check out their recent kayak with Dolphins in this YouTube Video here. 
• Rent a pontoon boat out of Palmetto Bay Marina and explore the waters. You'll see beautiful homes, probably dolphins, and our area.  Head over to Daufuskie Island or make your way up the Hilton Head Island coast to see the iconic Sea Pines Lighthouse. 
• Water ski (wave runners) or other water sports are also available at Palmetto Bay Marina on Hilton Head.
• Quail Hunting on Rowe Farms is open Thanksgiving to March 1st. For those looking for this adventure, visit this website! 

Dining 

• The Sage Room on Hilton Head Island offers some of the best cuisine in the Lowcountry.  We love starting with the snow pea martini (delish!), and either the Coco Mahi and House Filet for entrees! 
• More Hilton Head Island favorites: Frankie Bones, The Boathouse on Skull Creek, Bistro 17, Santa Fe Cafe, and Catch 22. 
• The Dispensary in Old Town Bluffton on Calhoun Street is a casual night out with friends. With live music, a great happy hour (tacos for $1!), beers on tap and a fun atmosphere, don't forget to try the truffle french fries! 
• Buffalo's at Palmetto Bluff offers delicious food on the banks of the May River, overlooking the Palmetto Bluff chapel.  Great for those staying on property, or for those that want to explore Palmetto Bluff during the day, it's our favorite lunch spot. 

Nightlife 

• Vineyard55 on Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton has live music Thursday - Saturday starting at 8 pm. With over 20 beers on tap, a wide selection of bottled beers from around the world and an extensive wine selection, this cozy watering hole also serves meat and cheese plates, flat bread pizzas, and other yummy bites.  Casual and fun! 
• For those truly looking for Hilton Head's young and hip nightlife, visit "The Triangle" on Hilton Head.  The Triangle is home to Riley's, One Hot Mamas, The Lodge, The Boardroom and Hilton Head Brewing Company. With music pumping loudly until 2 am, this party scene somewhat resembles college spring break but does the trick when you are really looking for a party or after wedding stop. Cabs line up outside for your return trip!
• Visit Electric Piano Bar where you can sip martini's and sing along to old school favorites on the piano (great if you can't handle the college spring break atmosphere of The Triangle.) 

Shopping 

• Gigi's Boutique located on 40 Calhoun Street in Bluffton offers affordable, trendy styles and all the classics. From beach attire to casual Lowcountry nights out, to formal wear, Gigi's offers styles for sizes 0-16 and all ages. It's our favorite so be sure to tell them the Spencer Special Events gals sent you! 
• Tanger 1 & 2 Outlets offer an Off 5th Saks Avenue, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, J. Crew, BCBG, Coach, Banana Republic and dozens more.  Be sure to pick up a "MORE" card or buy the coupon book to get even further discounts. 

Spa 

• Voted Hilton Head Island's best massage for 10 years in a row, FACES Day Spa on Hilton Head offers premier treatments and pampering packages.  Study their menu to get inspired with facials, massages, wraps, nail treatments and SO much more! 
• The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a fabulous bridal party or girls day out destination. Book an appointment for a massage, facial or wrap and then lounge in the locker rooms, luxuriously appointed with a steam room, sauna, whirlpool and relaxation room. 

So if you're having a wedding in the Lowcountry or attending a wedding in the Lowcountry, we hope this guide helps make your weekend or extended stay just perfect.   We hope you have a great visit to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina and fall in love with the area has much as we have! 

A Bachelorette Party in the Lowcountry

When it comes to "The Last Fling before the Ring", the concept of the traditional bachelorette party – one wild night out with the girls swigging champagne from the bottle in the back of a limo – has … shall we say .. lost its fizz.

Today’s brides are treating themselves and their bridal parties to full out and fabulous destination Bachelorette Party Weekends that can be tailor-booked to perfectly suit every pre-wedding mood and fancy, especially if your chosen destination is Savannah/Hilton Head Island.   Here are three very different but all fabulous Lowcountry Luxury Bachelorette Party Weekend ideas guaranteed to get you and your girls so very memorably relaxed and ready for the big day! Spencer Special Events boils it down for you today. 

Palmetto Bluff Spa & Relaxation Weekend

For those looking for a little rest and relaxation before the wedding hustle and bustle kick in, a five-star spa weekend at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is the perfect bachelorette party destination. Nestled along the banks of the May River – and just minutes from the beaches of Hilton Head -- The Inn at Palmetto Bluff offers bridal parties the ultimate in southern luxury, dining and pampering. Choose from two, three and four bedroom cottages featuring every weekend amenity, including a world class spa where your bridal party can spend the entire day enjoying the incredible services, steam rooms, saunas and relaxation rooms. The spa has recently undergone some renovation, the new cottage spa duplexes offer superior pampering and are ideal for groups. After a dressy, gourmet dinner at Bluffalos, climb back into casual gear and hang out around an outdoor campfire snacking on S’mores, snapping selfies, and creating a scrapbook full of last fling before the ring memories that will last your bridal party a lifetime. www.palmettobluff.com.

Private Beach House Weekend

If your idea of the perfect bachelorette party weekend is having tons of casual fun in the sun with a few of life’s luxuries thrown into the mix, a private beach house rental on Hilton Head Island is just the ticket. We recommend Island Getaway Rentals for their fantastic knowledge of their properties and tremendous service. (Ask for Amanda!)  Top of the line amenities and extras make these properties truly special, including private pools, oceanfront views, and the very best in interior furnishings. Best of all, these gorgeous private homes are all located within two blocks of the beach or less than a five minute bike ride to the beach. Spend the day with your toes in the sand listening to live guitar (The Tiki Hut) and sipping fun fruity frozen drinks (Pool Bar Jim’s) -- or relaxing by the pool while you nosh on chili cheese fries and share a gallon jug of slushy adult fun from The Frosty Frog). After a nice cool shower, hail a Diamond Cab SUV and head to the outdoor upper deck at  Sante Fe Café for dinner, followed by after dinner drinks and live music at The Jazz Corner at Wexford or The Piano Bar in Sea Pines Center. To wind up your fun in the sun bachelorette weekend, a casual, laid back patio Sunday brunch at Sunrise Café -- featuring the Island’s BEST Bloody Mary Bar -- is a must. PS: The shrimp hash is to DIE for!

 

Savannah City Weekend

For brides who are looking for a little spice to heat up the Southern sweet in their bachelorette party weekend, Savannah – just a 45 drive from the beaches of Hilton Head Island – is the perfect blend of bright lights and historic gentility, making it a fabulous destination. Named one of the Top 30 Hotels in the South by Conde Nast Traveler, The Bohemian Hotel, located on Savannah’s historic riverfront, is one of the hippest and hottest hotels in town, featuring a roof top bar that boasts the best view of the city bar none. Spend the day shopping and lunching on famous Broughton Street, return to The Bohemian in time for Happy Hour at Rocks on The Roof, enjoy a fabulous Italian dinner at Garibaldi’s, and then head out for a hot and spicy Southern night at the clubs on River Street. 

Whatever your style is, we've been in the Lowcountry for over a decade and can recommend some great ideas for you!  At Spencer Special Events, we're happy to point you in the right direction and make arrangements for you too.  Cheers to the bachelorette party!