Many travelers think you have to head to the Caribbean for an island getaway, however, there are many islands in the U.S that make for the perfect getaway!

According to the Condé Nast Traveler, readers have chosen their top 10 islands in the U.S. A record 600,000 registered voters weighed in.

For the fourth year in a row, Hilton Head remains the number one island to visit! The Lowcountry’s intriguing island is separated from the mainland by a single bridge. Hilton Head is known for it’s miles of pristine sand, shopping locally-made handicrafts, eating out at restaurants that compete with those in major cities, or sweating it out on a bike trail, paddleboard, or golf course. The abundance of dolphins and marine life solidify you will have a magical experience no matter the time of year you chose to visit.

Here are the other U.S islands that made the list:

2. Maui, Hawaii

3. Marco Island, Florida

4. St. Simmons, Florida

5. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

6. Oahu, Hawaii

7. Isle of Palms, South Carolina

8. Longboat Key, Florida

9. Amelia Island, Florida

10. Lanai, Hawaii

Most people are at least a little superstitious. Thinking that breaking a mirror will bring bad luck is a common belief among many people in the US, whereas they see four leaf clovers as a sign of good luck. Different cultures have incredible stories behind their superstitions.

For many Southerners, there is one superstition that has now become an ongoing trend in various homes. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping sweet tea on a wraparound porch in the South, you might have looked up and found a colorful surprise.

Porch ceilings in the South and now in multiple parts of the Northeast, are almost always painted blue. Specifically, a “haint” blue. “Haint” is an old southern word for a specific type of ghost or evil spirit from the Carolina coast. In South Carolina, haints are malicious ghosts, often seeking to steal or harm naughty children. The blue is meant to represent water, and it’s been said that spirits can’t journey across water. People would paint the ceilings, the window trim and sometimes the doors to keep spirits away.

What started as superstition has since translated into a design trend and even if you don’t believe in ghosts, a blue ceiling adds plenty of benefits from a design perspective. Painting a ceiling blue brings in nature and the sky. Blue also represents optimism.

Another perk of blue paint is it’s believed to keep bugs and birds from nesting. While some think this is due to the heavy doses of lye that used to be in the paint supply, many think it’s a visual trick. If an insect perceives that a ceiling is really the sky, it instinctively wouldn’t nest there.

Next time you are biking, walking or enjoying a run in the Lowcountry, see how many porches you discover with blue ceilings!

Oysters are available to be harvested and eaten during any month out of the year. However, it is commonly known that the best time to eat oysters is during the colder months as opposed to during the summer.

During the summer months oysters tend to be thinner than a regular batch of oysters during Oyster Season. Oysters spend much of the summer months reproducing so those harvested are thin. As the winter months approach and the waters grow colder, the oysters end their reproducing period and grow to their largest size. This begins what many refer to as the Oyster Season. The oysters caught during these months are more plump and at the peak of freshness.

Health Benefits

Most seafood can contribute to a healthy diet, and oysters are no exception. Oysters contain high-quality proteins and vitamins as well as essential minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium. These minerals and others help to boost immune systems and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The enzymes activated by oysters can also help fight cardiovascular disease and help with nerve function. Eaten raw, the taste of these minerals and proteins can be felt more directly in a uniquely invigorating experience. The zinc, calcium, copper, and other elements of the raw oysters help to create the bracing and salty essence of the sea in a physical and edible form.

Making sure the kids are entertained is sometimes not the easiest thing to do – especially while on vacation. That’s why going to a kid-friendly vacation spot is key. Hilton Head Island, SC has been entertaining kids, and their families, for decades. The 12-mile east coast island has summer activities for all ages – even for the parents.

1. Biking around the Island

Riding a bike might be a normal activity for kids at home, but when it is your way of transportation it is a different story! Here on Hilton Head, we consider bikes a way to get from a to b. Going to the grocery store, to lunch and even packed up for the beach! It’s a fun, and active summer activity and a way to keep them occupied without even trying! Just remember to look both ways when crossing the street and that you may not have the right-a-way!

Whether you bring your own bike or need to rent one when you get here it will be a great family activity! Make sure to ask your resort or property manager for recommended bike rental companies!

2. Rent some Jet skis

Now this is a fun summer activity that will have the kids, and you, smiling! You will need to obtain a valid driver’s license, but the kids can be in front or behind to join in on the fun! Speed through the waters of the Lowcountry and see the island from a different point of view. You will have a life jacket on so no worries if you get tossed because you will float right back up! That’s the fun part anyways!

There are plenty of places to rent these from and they can be hour to hour or a full day rental. You might even be lucky and have a dolphin swimming next to you through the water! This is something that the whole family will enjoy!

3. Paddle board through the water

If you are looking for a little less extreme water sport, paddle boarding is exactly what you need! This is a great summer activity and allows you to be right up close to it all. You can paddle through the creeks or right in the May River – just watch out for the boaters! This is also a great evening summer activity because the sky lights up in all sorts of colors preparing for sunset.

There are many different options that include a tour guide or solo adventure so just pick whatever works best for you and the kids! It will be a great time no matter what you choose!

4. The Black Dagger

This is Hilton Head’s first and only pirate ship! It is recommended for ages 2-10, accompanied by the parents of course. Leaving from Harbourtown marina, aboard this pirate ship with the Black Dagger crew and have an hour and a half of pirate adventure! Your kids will be taught how to dress and talk like a pirate, and then will head out into the Calibogue Sound for the adventure.

Make sure the check the weather, rain or shine, as the ship will leave unless the captain fears the safety of his crew! There is also no restroom on the boat so make sure to take care of that beforehand. This summer activity is available every day, all day long so make sure to fit this in your week! It will book up so make sure to get your tickets in advance.  Your children will remember this year-round and be begging to go back!

5. Ride the Zip Line

Hilton Head is home to our very own zipline and aerial adventure course! This course is rain or shine so a great summer activity for those rainy beach days. It is located at Broad Creek Marina and available every day of the week!

This 2-hour eco-adventure zipline tour lets you soar through the trees and is surrounded by great views of the water! It is available for ages 10 and up and will accompanied by a tour guide during each course. You will fly through the sky with heights up to 75 feet! Call ahead to book as summer is their busiest time and then review their requirements and policies on their website prior to your arrival!

6. Kayak with the dolphins

This is a great kid-friendly summer activity to always fit into your vacation! You can have a tour guide to take you through the water or rent them on your own. You will most likely be surrounded by our sweet dolphin friends so don’t be alarmed if they come up to say hello!

You can make this an all-day adventure, or just a couple of hours. Depending on where you want to go! Any part of the water is worth seeing up close so you can’t make the wrong decision!

7. Surf the waves

Although people don’t vacation in Hilton Head for great surfing, depending on the tides, we do have some great waves! If the kids have never tried it, this is the perfect place for them! You can schedule a surf lesson or just rent them one, but if they have never tried – we would suggest a lesson!

Locate one of our great surf shops and ask what time they suggest to get to the beach. They will tell you all of their secret spots to get that perfect wave! The kids will have a blast!

Summer Activities for the Toddlers

Since most of our suggested summer activities require a certain age, we wanted to mention some great things to do with your toddlers! The Sandbox is a great indoor facility for those rainy days. Shelter Cove has a great public playground that they will love and also has some great places to dine. Climbing the Harbourtown lighthouse is also fun for the whole family and gives you the best view on the island! While in Harbourtown, you should stay and listen and singalong to the famous, Gregg Russell who plays under the Libery Oak during the summer nights.

Everything you do during your summer vacation will be remembered, but having those special summer activities to keep the kids busy are always a necessity. Try something new and make them a summer tradition. And always schedule your tours and rentals before-hand so there is no stress once you arrive on your summer vacation you wait for all year long!

Even though Summer Is supposed to be a time of kids being out of school and at home, summer camps and sleeping in, most people look forward to their summer vacation all year. There is always time for your family’s summer activities, sports and camps, but always make time for that one (or two) week trip that you and your family can enjoy!

Children and You Are Out of School

The stress of school can be big for all of us. No matter if you are the child, mom or the teacher, the school year affects all of us. Even though most receive a fall break, holiday vacation and a nice spring break, there really isn’t anything like a summer vacation.

A summer vacation to a child might feel the same as they check out the minute they leave those school stairs. But, this vacation always has its traditions.  The staying up late, no real plans, salty air and sandy feet.

To a mother, the ability to not plan one solid thing for a week might just be the top reason. Being able to throw a swimsuit on each kid, grab a chair and sit until golden hour is somewhat of a dream! No car pools, no scheduled lunches and definitely no after school activities. What are you waiting for?

And not to forget our teachers. The summer vacation is good for the mind and soul. To sit back, relax and not dodge snot balls for an entire week will make anyone smile! And there are spots on the beach, at least in the best vacation spots, with no children. There may not be many, but I can bet you will find it!

Because Work Can Wait

We live in a world today that is expected to be available 24/7. This means email on, phone on and able to jump in a meeting no matter when or where. We are not sure when this happened, but this stressful, non-ending work day can be put on hold!

A summer vacation for all of our working people is just what the doctor ordered! Not only is it physically needed, but mentally as well. There is always someone that can step in to help or the world can wait for you to get some sun, relax and boost your creative mind while on your best summer vacation yet.

Summer Activities are The Best!

As you grow up, one of the things that are always remembered are those summer vacations. Either with family or a family friend, there is always some sort of activity or day that you think back to. Some of our favorite summer activities include sandcastles, bike rides and late summer nights.

The beach is a great summer activity for the whole family. You can play a game of flag football, build a sandcastle bigger than your house or grab a good book and sit the entire time. Any of these deserve to be done! A family bike ride is also a loved summer activity. You can ride to the beach, shops in town or to dinner to get some extra energy out or just feel the great salty outdoors- just make sure to check the weather!

Late summer nights are also thoroughly enjoyed by all. You can bring the kids to local live entertainment where they can sing and dance or get a babysitter so you can have some much-needed adult time. Don’t forget that summer vacations are best celebrated with a morning of sleeping in!

 You Have Something to Look Forward To

There really isn’t anything better than thinking of that warm, summer air while at home during the winter. Not only the winter months, but the school days can seem to drag on forever so booking a summer vacation can give you something to keep you going! You can work on your summer bod, pick out some outfits for your family photo and plan your activities so there is no stress when you arrive!

 For the Family Time

Life goes by so quick – nothing makes you realize this like a family photo at the beach or a Christmas card. A Summer Vacation at your favorite spot or a new vacation spot allows you to make those memories that you will remember. Allow you and your family to enjoy those moments, splurge on some ice cream and see the smiles that only the beach can bring out!

You don’t want to look back to your summers and realize no one had a day off. To look back and say, “Those baseball camps really took up our time”, or “I really needed to work all of those hours”. You want to look back, see and hear all of those memories that your summer vacation made. Life is too short not to

A Summer Vacation is like a reset button. Allowing whoever needs a break to take one. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, when you hear summer vacation, we all get that burst of excitement. Whether it’s the next school year or your 9-5 job, a summer vacation will give you the energy to get back and appreciate what you have! So, find your vacation spot, book the condo and get ready to have a week off from whatever life is throwing at you!