Eat your way across this South Carolina coastal town.

Most people come to Hilton Head for pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and family time, but this beach town also has a thriving culinary scene. Naturally there’s fresh seafood aplenty, but you’ll also find Southern-inspired bites, farm-to-table dining, and homemade Italian cuisine. Best of all, many places offer oceanfront dining, so you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Atlantic while you eat (and maybe even enjoy a frozen cocktail or two).

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Hilton Head Social Bakery

Get your French pastry fix at Hilton Head Social, which is owned and operated by award-winning French chef Philippe Feret. There are two locations (the original is at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, and the newest one is near the Sea Pines Circle), both of which serve Insta-ready pastries, decadent desserts, and buttery croissants galore. You’ll feel as if you’ve been magically transported to the streets of Paris.

02

Lulu Kitchen

The menu at Lulu is wide-ranging and delicious, offering American favorites with a Southern twist. Think butter-poached lobster, short rib grilled cheese, and house fried chicken. Come for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch and bask in the cheery, laid-back setting.

03

The Sea Shack

This no-frills, counter-serve restaurant is a gem. Check out the daily “Blackboard” special, or take your pick from grilled, fried, or blackened seafood that’s fresh from the sea. Expect to wait in line during peak summer months—The Sea Shack is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Chez Georges

Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots de bourgogne (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well. Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday, when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.

Nectar Farm Kitchen

For a fresh-off-the-farm feast, head to Nectar Farm Kitchen, where every dish is lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast and lunch menu features Southern classics like sausage biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, and creative Benedicts. Hearty “supper plates and bowls” include Lowcountry cioppino, root beer-braised short ribs, and filet mignon, alongside lighter fare like salads and soups.

06

Coast

With incredible waterfront views and a spacious, twinkly-lit outdoor patio, Coast is a picture-perfect date night spot. Located at the Sea Pines Resort, this restaurant serves all manner of seafood, sandwiches, tacos, and more; there’s also a great raw bar. Wash it all down with a frozen specialty cocktail. During the summertime, there’s often live entertainment.

07

Skull Creek Boathouse

You’ll likely want to linger for some time after you finish eating at Skull Creek Boathouse. The restaurant is known for its scenic location (on the banks of Skull Creek) and fun, relaxed ambiance. Apart from multiple dining areas, there’s an indoor sushi bar with raw oysters, ceviche, and sashimi, and an outdoor bar with Adirondack chairs and killer sunset views. Don’t leave without trying the famed salt and vinegar crab cakes.

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The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar

Billed as an “American bistro with Southern soul,” Lucky Rooster has an exceptional menu that changes often based on seasonality and what chefs can find fresh. Expect refined comfort food like deviled eggs topped with smoked salmon, bacon, tomato, and parsley or scallops and shrimp finished in a cognac cream sauce and served with Charleston red risotto.

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Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Whatever you do, you must try a cup of the Bayside Chowder at Black Marlin; it’s what they’re known for. The fish tacos are a great choice, too, although you may have a hard time picking just a couple items off their broad menu that also includes seafood entrees, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and various pastas. There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating.

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Burnt Church Distillery

Pair a charcuterie board or brick-oven pizza with creative cocktails made from authentic Lowcountry spirits. In addition to great food and drinks, Burnt Church also offers a 7,000 square-foot tasting room, gift shop, humidor, history room, and on-site manufacturing facility—it’s a whole experience unto itself.

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Nunzio Restaurant + Bar

Get your fill of homemade Italian fare at Nunzio. Traditional dishes run the gamut from Pugliese-style meatballs to homemade ravioli to tagliatelle alla bolognese. Round out your meal with a mouthwatering dessert like lemon sorbet or hot chocolate souffle cake served with vanilla gelato.

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Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

Boasting beautiful views of Port Royal Sound, this iconic seafood joint has been around for more than 50 years. Seafood doesn’t come fresher than this—Hudson’s sources its fish and shrimp directly from one of only two remaining local fishing fleets on Hilton Head. Always order the specials, which can change multiple times a day depending on what’s being unloaded from the boats.

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Johnson Creek Tavern

Satisfy your craving for pub grub at this low-key hangout on Harbor Island. Lunch and dinner options at Johnson Creek Tavern are simple but so satisfying. Start with hot crab and shrimp dip, then choose between a shrimp burger, crab cake sandwich, or fried flounder sandwich. You won't go wrong with any. Kick back with a cold beer or glass of wine and stay awhile.

When driving along South Carolina’s coastal waterways, wetlands and estuaries, you may find yourself spotting a small, strange-looking bird with a long, curved beak.

Those little birds are white ibis.

White ibis are primarily year-round residents in the Carolinas that may also be found around golf courses and near its lagoons.

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If they do happen to migrate south, they tend to go to Florida, Cuba or northern South America (Columbia), said Kay Grinnell, President of the Hilton Head Audubon.

As adults, they are medium-sized, striking birds that are all white in coloration with black wing tips, which are only visible during flight, with orange/red long decurved bills and facial skin and blue eyes.

As juveniles, these birds are different in color. Juveniles typically appear from fall through winter and are brown above and white below, sport a streaky brown neck., with orange-pink bills and legs. In addition, immatures, which are the first summer birds, are a splotchy brown and white above as they molt into their adult plumage, according to All About Birds.

White Ibis feed in shallow water in groups and their diet consists mainly of crustaceans, which include snails, small crabs such as fiddlers and crawfish. Their long, narrow, curved bills are perfectly shaped to put down into crab or snail burrows to find their prey. White ibis will also dine on insects, frogs, marine worms, snakes and small fish.

To feed, ibis will insert their bills into soft muddy terrain and feel for prey. When they do, they will pinch the critter between their bill and pull it up to be swallowed and eaten.

White Ibis can be found year-round along the southeast coast up to North Carolina, most of Florida and the Gulf Coast as well as the southern coasts of the Baja peninsula, Grinnell said.

Ibis birds are colony nesters in mid to late summer and prefer to nest in trees on an island.

As for the Beaufort County area of the South Carolina coast, Pinckney Island’s aptly named Ibis Pond has nesting ibis in July, August and sometimes into September, Grinnell said.

These birds do prefer to change their nesting locations each year; thus making it unpredictable but not impossible to locate their new nesting site.

Nest sites usually are constructed 2-15 feet above the ground or water, sometimes higher or occasionally on the ground. As for the nests themselves, both males and females participate in the nest’s construction. Male ibis bring the sticks and the female builds the nest, according to the National Audubon Society.

First breeds for these social birds begin at 2 years old. Afterward, a female Ibis will lay approximately two to three eggs, occasionally up to five, which are pale blue-green to white and are adorned with brown specks. After the eggs have been laid, both males and females cover “nest duty,” where the eggs will incubate for an average of 21 days, continued the National Audubon Society.

Once hatched, the Ibis nestlings are unable to hold their head up, and have closed eyes but will develop quickly. The nestlings will be ready to flap their wings and attempt short flights at four to five weeks and leave the nest at six to seven weeks to forage with adults, Grinnell said.

Every autumn as the seasons begin to change and temperatures begin to cool, South Carolina roadways, like many others across the country, start to undergo a colorful transformation of the local fauna.

Some fall enthusiasts even travel to certain points of the U.S. to see the natural beauty of the changing colors in person.

Where should you visit most in the Palmetto State to view such a spectacle?

The Blue Ridge Mountains are the prime location to view the vibrant colors of fall, but more specifically, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway was voted as South Carolina’s best drive for fall foliage in 2023 following a survey of 3,000 individuals to determine America’s top 140 drives for fall foliage this year by Gunther VW Coconut Creek.

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway in South Carolina was ranked the fourth best scenic drive to view fall foliage nationwide out of a list of 140.

The scenic byway winds through the Palmetto State’s upcountry and spans along SC Highway 11, which follows along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic viewpoints of rolling hills, forests, lakes and the vibrant fall colors that accompany them.

During this time of year, the deciduous trees in the area turn bright reds, oranges and yellows.

“The byway’s charm is not just limited to its landscapes. Along the route, travelers can explore historic sites, local orchards, and artisanal craft shops, offering an immersive experience into the culture and heritage of the region,” detailed the study.

Following the survey, two other South Carolina scenic drives made the list.

The second most popular in the state, placing 48th overall, was the Falling Waters Scenic Byway.

This scenic, 13-mile-long stretch travels through a portion of the Upstate, provides an immersive experience for those traveling through the destination and is located primarily in the Sumter National Forest area.

Sassafras Mountain (US 178) was ranked third in the state and also voted 72nd nationally. This scenic route follows the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers higher elevations than the other two as Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina, provides expansive panoramic views of the surrounding foliage.

As for the overall scenic roadways throughout the nation, the top five include:

1. Seneca Trail US Route 219, West Virginia

2. Falls Road (MD Route 25), Maryland

3. Allegheny Scenic Drive, Pennsylvania

4. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, South Carolina

5. Rim Rock Drive, Colorado

As Tropical Storm Sean stirred and lost strength in the Atlantic on Friday, a disturbance hundreds of miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands had one local meteorologist watching closely.

A “broad” area of low pressure in the tropical Atlantic was kicking up a “few” disorganized showers and thunderstorms, and had a 70% chance of forming into a named storm within a week, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Friday report. The center forecast that the disturbance’s environmental conditions were expected to become increasingly more “conducive for development by the end of the weekend” as it churned westward across the central tropical Atlantic.

“It looks like this will be the first feature to take the low road through the tropical Atlantic in a while,” wrote Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison. “Computer models are in general agreement that this could be a hurricane for the Lesser Antilles in a week or so. While models agree that it will turn northward once it reaches the eastern Caribbean and stay over the Atlantic, this is not assured and I can’t promise that it will never affect SC.”

He called it “cautious optimism” and predicted the disturbance would likely be deemed Tammy, the next storm name on this year’s list.

Tropical Storm Sean and an upper low between Bermuda and the Azores will peter out and be of no concern for the South Carolina coast, Strait added. In fact, Sean was weakening faster than forecast, Charleston Meteorologist Neil Dixon said Friday.

While the past few days brought steady rains to the Lowcountry, Dixon reassured that as early as Monday, skies will clear. But be prepared for the chill going into next week as a cold front passes through.

“We may be waking up to temperatures in the 40s,” Dixon said, noting that the highs could needle to the 60s.

On Friday, Beaufort County warmed up to about 77 degrees and was under a hazardous weather outlook for rougher-than-normal seas bringing a moderate rip current risk, according to the National Weather Service.

Saturday morning: Patchy fog that clear by 10 a.m., otherwise sunny skies and a high of 80.

Saturday night: Clear with a low around 60.

Sunday morning: Sunny with a high near 73.

Sunday night: Cloudy with a low around 56.

This story was originally published October 13, 2023, 11:41 AM.

Are you looking for a special place to spend an evening for an anniversary, first date, business dinner, celebration or more?

Here is a list of the 10 best-ranked fine dining restaurants on Hilton Head Island, according to Yelp.

Nunzio Restaurant + Bar

Ranked 10th overall, Nunzio Restaurant + Bar is open daily at 18 New Orleans Road on Hilton Head Island and offers guests the opportunity to experience homemade Italian cuisine through traditional meals and desserts.

The Italian restaurant offers fresh, simple and local dishes, according to Nunzio’s website, and displays a lively bar scene with Italian charm.

Nunzio is owned and operated by its executive chef, Nunzio Patruno, who designed the restaurant’s experience based on his love for the cuisine and wonderful wines.

Skull Creek Boathouse

Landing ninth on the list, Skull Creek Boathouse offers a waterfront experience with scenic views of Skull Creek, a relaxed atmosphere, an indoor sushi bar, local seafood, multiple dining areas, an outdoor bar and sunset views. The popular restaurant is located at 397 Squire Pope Road and is open daily.

Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar

Coming in eighth for the best fine dining on the island, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar is a self-proclaimed American bistro with southern soul. The establishment uses fresh ingredients sourced from local and regional farms, purveyors and waters. Lucky Rooster’s menu changes seasonally based on ingredients, tides and the staff’s inspiration at the time. The restaurant can be found at 841 William Hilton Parkway Unit A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

The Jazz Corner

Placing seventh on the list, The Jazz Corner features live jazz shows in a “moody space, accompanied by over-sized martinis & contemporary Southern food,” according to Google.

The “iconic and award-winning jazz club and restaurant on Hilton Head Island” has interested fine music and cuisine connoisseurs since 1999. The locale features some of the finest entertainment from around the globe and is paired with Southern-inspired cuisine.

The Jazz Corner can be found in the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway. The establishment is open daily and reservations can be made online at https://thejazzcorner.turntabletickets.com/.

Sunset Grille Waterfront Dining

Ranked in sixth place overall for best fine dining on the island, Sunset Grille is a casual fine dining restaurant established in 1996. Guests have the option to enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch at the establishment voted by Garden & Gun magazine to have one of the Best Bloody Marys in the South. Sunset Grille offers sunset and water views perfect for a romantic fine dining experience. Located at the Hilton Head Harbor Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway and overlooking Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, Sunset Grille can be found at 43 Jenkins Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

Chez Georges Bistro & Bar

Placing fifth, Chez Georges is a French bistro that illuminates the elegance behind French cuisine. Chez Georges acts as a gathering place for families and friends, which serves traditional bistro staples while incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients from around South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Chez Georges can be found towards the south end of the island in Orleans Plaza at 37 New Orleans Road Suite J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

Ranked fourth on the list, Hudson’s is a waterfront locale, which can be found off of Port Royal Sound, featuring outdoor water views for an iconic Lowcountry dining experience. Evening sunset views on the property also allow for an optimal fine dining experience and atmosphere. Hudson’s can be found at 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. The restaurant seats guests on a first come first serve basis, meaning that reservations or calling ahead are not accepted.

Charlie’s Coastal Bistro

Placing third for its culinary excellence and fine dining, formerly known as Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, Charlie’s Coastal Bistro focuses on fresh, local seafood with a French, Lowcountry flare. The establishment hosts a quaint French country atmosphere while guests enjoy their premier fine dining, lunch or dinner experience. Charlie’s Coastal Bistro can be found at 8 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Bowdie’s Chophouse

In second place for the overall best fine dining on Hilton Head Island, Bowdie’s Chophouse is a steakhouse and bar that has a single South Carolina location on Hilton Head. Bowdie’s goal is to bring the rustic elegance and high-class dining of the locale to small-town communities that the owners know and love and is described as the “type of high-class quality you’d expect to find in Lower Manhattan” by the chophouse’s website. In addition to the restaurant’s extensive and mouth-watering menu, Bowdie’s Chophouse also offers a full wine selection and signature craft cocktail menu that will pair nicely with your meal. The fine dining establishment is open daily, opening at 5 p.m., and is located at 11 Palmetto Bay Road #104, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Sage Room

Landing in first place as the best fine dining restaurant in the ranking, Sage Room features elevated American fare and notable wines. The atmosphere presents itself as casually upscale featuring an open kitchen and chef’s table for guests to view as they enjoy their meal. Sage Room features a variety of unique appetizers, diverse cuisine from four corners of the world, and nightly innovative specials. A full bar and eclectic wine list make the list for this restaurant, which can be found at 75 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.