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outdoors
TROWEL TALK
Boo-tanical gardens
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STRANGE AND SPOOKY PLANTS THAT FLOURISH IN THE LOWCOUNTRY STORY BY ALEA WILKINS
This time of year, jack-o’-lanterns find their place on the porch, “beware” signs warn passersby, and 12foot skeletons loom large. For a dose of holiday “fear” without the kitschy decor, these spooky-looking plants can thrive in Lowcountry homes and gardens while celebrating the season naturally.
Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) Best known for its fanged, gaping trap that snaps shut on unsuspecting prey, the venus flytrap is perhaps the most recognizable creepy plant. Recognized as South Carolina’s official state carnivorous plant, this native perennial famously feeds on insects and other small arthropods that trigger its open traps. Over several days it digests its prey, absorbing nutrients that are scarce in the acidic, nutrient-poor soils of its natural habitat. At home it grows best in containers with plenty of sunlight and consistently moist, acidic growing conditions.
Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) The velvety, wrinkled blooms of cockscomb look uncannily brainlike during spooky season. Named for their resemblance to a rooster’s comb, these plants originally hail from tropical regions but have become a familiar sight in warm-weather gardens. Their blooms, which can reach impressive sizes, come in red, pink, orange, yellow or white. Keep an eye out for pollinators, which are drawn to their vibrant blooms — or zombies, which may mistake the plants for their favorite snack.
Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) No succulent embodies the spirit of the season more than the ghost plant, a small, ashen botanical native to Mexico. Also referred to as mother-of-pearl plant, this succulent forms rosettes that vary in color, depending on growing conditions. Hot, dry weather can turn its pale leaves slightly pink, while some protection from intense sun can shift them toward a bluer hue. As ground cover, it makes a dimensional addition to garden beds, while in a container it makes charming-yet-ghoulish decor. Wherever it’s planted, it looks simply boo-tiful.
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Bat-faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) A purple calyx and a set of red “ears” give this whimsical bloom its name. Native to Mexico and Central America, bat-faced cuphea thrives in hot, humid conditions, making it a colorful addition to Lowcountry gardens or hanging baskets. Its moniker may sound frightening, but the plant is more cheerful than chilling, drawing hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators to the backyard.
Ghost pipe (Monotropa uniflora) Rising from the ground like the undead, ghost pipe earns its name from its pale, translucent appearance. Each spindly stem, generally growing several inches tall, produces a single nodding flower. This unusual perennial is found in forests throughout much of the United States. Unlike the other plants on this list, however, ghost pipe is not a practical choice for the home garden. It lacks chlorophyll and obtains nutrients through a complex relationship with fungi and trees, making it extremely difficult to cultivate. In the Lowcountry it has been documented on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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The fall shift
FRESH COLORS, RICHER TEXTURES AND VERSATILE PIECES EASE LOWCOUNTRY WARDROBES INTO AUTUMN
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PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HRIZUK STYLED BY BAILEY GILLIAM October attire in the Lowcountry is less about layering up and more about shifting the mood. Muted florals, warm golds, rich leathers and earthy neutrals bring fall into focus, while a mix of textures adds depth without the weight. With warm afternoons holding on and cooler mornings beginning, this month’s looks ease into the season through richer color, touchable texture and a few distinctly autumnal details.
Bluffton resident Jennifer Kenwell wearing The Back Door
FRESH FINDS
New season, new mood
October calls for richer color, touchable texture and pieces that nod to the season without getting ahead of the Lowcountry weather. From romantic florals and earthy neutrals to supple leather and Western-inspired details, these finds from local boutiques capture the mood of autumn while staying light enough for coastal days.
Flower power The Amara dress from Island Child gives florals an autumn update with an oversized hibiscus print in rich, romantic hues. A ruffled collar, gathered neckline and waist, three-quarter sleeves and navy glitter buttons make the silhouette every bit as special as the pattern. Bold and playful, it’s a sweet way for little ones to step into the new season.
Earthy elegance Spartina 449 welcomes the season with Tabby, a new capsule collection launching this month in a palette made for October. A green floral dress layered with a warm brown sweater sets the tone, while a leather belt and handbag add richness and structure. Gold jewelry provides the finishing glow, pulling together color, pattern and texture in one effortlessly polished look.
Western romance Brims on the Bluff heads west for October with a look that balances romance with a little rugged charm. A sweeping dark floral dress meets brown cowboy boots and a classic felt hat, pairing soft pattern with Western staples for an easygoing look made for cooler days.
Neutral needs This PAIGE shirt from John Bayley Clothier makes a strong case for going neutral this season. The linen-blend button-down comes in Vintage Dusty Trail, a warm, earthy hue that feels right for October, while its lightweight, breathable fabric keeps things comfortable when Lowcountry temperatures haven’t quite gotten the seasonal memo.
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GET THE LOOK
One wardrobe, endless possibilities Fall style is all about versatility, especially in the Lowcountry, where the weather rarely follows the calendar. The key is choosing pieces that move easily between polished and casual, workday and weekend, and warm afternoons and cooler mornings. Soft textures, sophisticated neutrals and unexpected pops of color give classic 9-to-5 dressing a fresh, modern point of view. Consider it workwear with more personality and plenty of life after quitting time. Hilton Head Island resident Jackie Wells-Lindstrom wears The Back Door (soft knit suiting), Maggie & Me (boots and handbag) and Gifted (jewelry)
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style
style
Simple swaps
The best pieces don’t belong to just one outfit. Starting with the separates from this soft knit skirt suit, a few strategic changes in color, texture and accessories transform the original ensemble into three distinctly different looks.
Dress down
Denim days
Texture play
Keep the tan knit jacket from The Back Door, but trade the matching skirt for a dark blue floral dress from Outside Hilton Head. Brown leather sneakers, also from Outside Hilton Head, relax the look without sacrificing polish, creating an easy combination for in-between October days.
Take the same jacket in a more casual direction with a neutral sweater and statement jeans from Evelyn & Arthur. Studded details on the denim play off the jacket’s warm tones, while tan sandals from Maggie & Me keep the look light, relaxed and ready for whatever the day brings.
This time, let the tan skirt do the work. Pair it with a textured white top from Evelyn & Arthur where an unexpected gold-zip neckline adds a little edge. Leopardprint boots from Maggie & Me introduce pattern and personality, and delicate earrings from Gifted finish the look with just the right amount of shine.
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Sapphires aren’t just for September anymore. Fall in love with these brilliant blues all year long.
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Local Love PICK OF THE PATCH Make your home an elegant, autumnal wonderland with this decorative pumpkin from MacKenzie-Childs, featuring a white and orange pattern and trimmed with gold leaf on the stem. Available at Forsythe Jewelers
BEST BUD Decorate your home for the season with these pretty painted pumpkins featuring a variety of floral designs. They come in a range of colors such as orange, blue, green and pink. Available at Marsh on the May
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Decorate your home for the spooky season with this display featuring a striking Halloween witch, glowing owl lantern, feline companions and glittered pumpkins. A magical statement piece perfect for a mantel, entryway, or Halloween display. Available at Pyramids
ORANGE YOU GLAD Celebrate the changing season with this collection of orange decor.
ROYAL FLUSH Perfect for the fall season, this orange card holder adds a pop of color to your home. Available at J. Banks Design
LET'S PLAY Settle in for a cozy game night with this pink-and-orange, champagne-inspired Oh My Mahjong mat and tiles. Available at Gifted
OIL YOU NEED IS LOVE Mix, serve and store your favorite autumn dressings in this artfully glazed stoneware bottle. Pair the new Walnut EVOO with a limitededition Pumpkin Spice Balsamic for a deliciously simple taste of fall. Available at Hilton Head Oils and Balsamics
FEELING VINE Celebrate the season with VIETRI’s charming covered pumpkins and soup tureens— each lovingly handcrafted and hand-painted in Italy. Beautiful for serving, decorating and gathering around the table all autumn long. Available at Le Cookery
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folklore
Still among us The Lowcountry’s most haunting legends blur the line between history, memory and myth
STORY BY RICHARD THOMAS + PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HRIZUK
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The Lowcountry has never been short on ghosts. For generations, stories of restless spirits, tragic romances, mysterious lights and unexplained encounters have been passed from one storyteller to the next, often attaching themselves to some of the region’s most historic places. Lighthouses, plantation ruins, old cemeteries and moss-draped roads provide the settings, while real people and events often form the threads from which the legends were spun. The stories that follow are rooted in historical people, places and events, but they are legends, not historical accounts. As stories pass through generations of oral tradition, names and dates shift, recollections blur, and documented history becomes intertwined with folklore, legend and myth. What remains is part history, part mystery and part the enduring power of a good story. Whether you believe every eerie detail or simply enjoy the folklore, these tales offer another way to explore the people, places and mysteries of the Lowcountry. The ghost stories on the following pages are adapted and abridged with permission from stories developed for a manuscript entitled Hilton Head Haunted History Tales by local historian, Richard Thomas. WHERE LEGENDS LINGER Beneath live oaks and Spanish moss, the ruins of the Chapel of Ease on St. Helena Island feel made for a ghost story. Built around 1740, the old tabby chapel is one of many historic Lowcountry places where documented history and generations of folklore have become intertwined.
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Forever waiting
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THE LEGEND: Two young lovers separated by tragedy are said to reunite after dark at the Chapel of Ease By daylight, the tabby walls of the Chapel of Ease ruins on St. Helena Island stand silent beneath sprawling live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The old cemetery is peaceful, its weathered stones leaning gently with the passing centuries. But when twilight settles over the island and the marsh begins to breathe its cool evening mist, the old church seems to awaken. In one telling of the legend, the figures who return are a young couple named Eliza and Edgar, whose identities have become intertwined with the Fripp family as the story has passed through generations. The story reaches back to the early history of the Chapel of Ease, built during the colonial era to serve families living on St. Helena Island. As the tale has been passed down, Edgar was a young man from a prosperous planter family, admired for his quiet manners and adventurous spirit. Eliza was equally well born, graceful and intelligent, and before long the two fell deeply in love. The chapel, where the legend says they first met, was to be the site of their wedding. Invitations had been sent, flowers gathered, and neighbors spoke of little else. But only days before the ceremony, Edgar rode to Beaufort on business. Somewhere along the lonely shell road, his horse stumbled. Edgar was thrown violently to the ground and suffered terrible injuries. By the time help arrived, he was dead. When the news reached Eliza, she refused to believe it. Every afternoon she walked alone to the Chapel of Ease, convinced Edgar would come riding beneath the ancient oaks just as he always had. Days became weeks, and weeks became months. Friends begged her to leave the island for a time, but she would not. “This is where he promised to meet me,” she would quietly answer. One autumn evening, as the sun disappeared beyond the marsh, Eliza was seen standing in the churchyard wearing the white gown she had intended for her wedding. A passing carriage stopped to offer her a ride home, but she smiled and politely declined. “Thank you, but I won't be alone much longer,” she said. The next morning she was found beneath one of the great live oaks, her wedding dress stained with dew and her hands folded peacefully across her chest. No one could explain how she had died, and the legend holds that she was buried near Edgar, within sight of the chapel they had never entered together. Not long afterward, strange stories began to spread across St. Helena Island. Travelers returning home after sunset reported seeing a young couple walking slowly through
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A VIEW THROUGH TIME Seen through a window of the Chapel of Ease ruins, the Fripp mausoleum stands beyond the old tabby walls. The atmospheric setting has inspired generations of stories, including a legend of two young lovers said to reunite after dark at the chapel.
the cemetery. The gentleman wore a dark riding coat and carried his hat beneath one arm. Beside him walked a woman dressed in white, her hand resting lightly upon his sleeve. They never spoke, simply wandering among the gravestones before disappearing into the ruins of the old chapel. Others have claimed to hear faint music drifting through the broken windows on moonlit nights. The sound is said to resemble a distant violin playing a wedding march, though no musicians are ever found. Some visitors have even reported seeing two indistinct figures standing together inside the empty doorway, only to discover moments later that no one was there. Perhaps moonlight simply plays tricks through the moss, and perhaps the wind carries strange sounds across the marsh. Or perhaps, as the old story insists, Eliza and Edgar are still keeping the wedding appointment fate denied them in life.
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folklore
The light still burns THE LEGEND: A lighthouse keeper’s daughter is said to linger at Haig Point, waiting for a love who sailed away
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No one can say exactly when Maggie Comer became part of the folklore surrounding the Haig Point Lighthouse. Some versions say she died of a broken heart. Others acknowledge what the historical record tells us: Maggie lived well beyond her years at the lighthouse, married, helped raise a family in Savannah and died in 1930. Somewhere between those facts grew one of Daufuskie Island’s enduring ghost stories. The lighthouse was new in 1873 when Patrick Comer became its first keeper. His daughter, Maggie, grew up overlooking the restless waters of Calibogue Sound, watching ships come and go and helping her family with life at the light station. According to the legend, a lighthouse service engineer arrived aboard a tender to work on the lantern. During his stay, Maggie became enamored with BEACON OF A LEGEND Built in 1873, the Haig Point Lighthouse has watched over Calibogue Sound for more than 150 years. It also became the setting for one of Daufuskie Island’s enduring ghost stories, the legend of Maggie, a lighthouse keeper’s daughter, said to still watch the water for a love who never returned.
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18 Carrier Bluff, Bluffton, SC A Coveted Oldfield Setting with Panoramic Marsh Views and Exceptional Craftsmanship Set along the Okatie River in Oldfield, one of the Lowcountry’s distinctive private residential communities, this custom riverfront home blends timeless Lowcountry architecture, panoramic marsh views, exceptional craftsmanship, and resort-style outdoor living. Designed by renowned architect Gerry Cowart and built by Yestermorrow, the residence was thoughtfully positioned beneath sprawling live oaks to capture sweeping views of the Okatie River and surrounding marsh from nearly every angle. Savannah brick accents, gas lanterns, natural materials, and classic architectural details give the home an authentic sense of place rooted in the character of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Outdoor living is designed to make the most of the waterfront setting. A plunge pool and spa, firepit, IPE decking, screened grilling porch, and outdoor shower create multiple spaces for entertaining or relaxing against a backdrop of marsh grasses, live oaks, and river views. This exceptional Lowcountry property offers a rare combination of custom architecture, river and marsh views, guest accommodations, sophisticated outdoor living, and the natural beauty that defines life along the Okatie River. 4 Beds | 4 Full / 2 Half Baths | 5,181 Sqft | MLS# 505346 | Offered for $2,995,000
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the visitor. Then he departed and never returned. The story says Maggie continued climbing the tower, watching the channel and waiting for his vessel to appear on the horizon. With each retelling, the waiting grew longer and the romance more tragic until Maggie herself became part of the lighthouse’s lore. More than a century later, guests have reported soft footsteps on the spiral staircase, a rocking chair moving on a still evening and doors seemingly opening or locking on their own. Fishermen have told of a woman dressed in white appearing in the lantern room just before fog rolls across the sound. Others claim to have seen her standing motionless in an upstairs window, her gaze fixed on the shipping channel. History gives Maggie a less tragic ending. Family accounts say she married her deceased sister’s widower, Capt. Walter John Thompson, helped raise her sister’s three surviving children in Savannah and died in 1930. She is buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery. Yet on Daufuskie, fact has never entirely displaced folklore. The Maggie who lived a full life and the Maggie who eternally watches the water now exist side by side — one preserved in records, the other in stories. At Haig Point, both versions still linger.
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STILL HIS GROUND The Stoney-Baynard Ruins stand beneath a canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss in Sea Pines. Once part of Braddock’s Point Plantation, the site became the setting for a Hilton Head legend about Isaiah Stoney, whose restless spirit is said to have returned to reclaim the land he lost.
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Get off my land
THE LEGEND: A man who lost the property he worked to own allegedly returned to Braddock’s Point to reclaim it
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Local tradition holds that Isaiah Stoney was born into slavery on Hilton Head Island and later pursued something once unimaginable: ownership of land connected to the plantation where he had been enslaved. In the turbulent years surrounding the Civil War and Reconstruction, land across the Sea Islands changed hands through confiscation, tax sales and government programs. Records involving formerly enslaved landowners are incomplete, and generations of oral history have filled some of the gaps. One such tradition holds that Isaiah purchased a portion of land at Braddock’s Point, only to lose it when members of the Baynard family reclaimed property after the war. The loss, the story says, embittered him for the rest of his life.
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Later versions of the tale place Isaiah in the phosphate industry along the Coosaw River and say he died around the time as the devastating Charleston earthquake of 1886. By then, members of the Baynard family had returned to Braddock’s Point. The original plantation house burned, and a later generation is said to have built again on the property. Then, according to the legend, the voices began. One evening, someone drawing water from a well near the house reportedly heard a faint voice rising from below: “Get off my land.” Soon the warning grew more ominous. Strange noises were heard around the property. Animals and crops suffered unexplained misfortune. Eventually that later house, too, vanished from the landscape, and the ruins of Braddock’s Point were reclaimed by forest. Decades later, as Sea Pines was being developed, stories of strange occurrences around the ruins surfaced again. Workers spoke of unexplained sounds and an uneasy feeling around the old site. Today visitors still report unsettling experiences at the Stoney-Baynard Ruins. Some hear faint sounds carried on the evening breeze. Others describe an overwhelming feeling that they are not alone. Wind through the trees can sound like many things. According to this old island story, one of them is a warning. “Get off my land.”
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Dead men guard their gold
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THE LEGEND: Buried treasure along Skull Creek is said to have a supernatural guardian
BURIED SECRETS As the sun sets over Skull Creek, live oaks and Spanish moss fade into silhouette. The peaceful Hilton Head waterway provides an atmospheric setting for a much darker legend involving buried treasure, two Union soldiers and a dead pirate said to guard his gold from beyond the grave.
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During the Civil War, Hilton Head became headquarters of the Union Department of the South. Tens of thousands of Union troops passed through the island, while thousands of formerly enslaved people sought refuge and paid work within Union lines. From that turbulent period grew a much older-sounding Skull Creek tale, one involving pirates, buried treasure and a guardian who never left his post. According to the story, a woman whose family had lived along Skull Creek for generations told two Union soldiers about something an ancestor had witnessed long before the war: pirates burying two heavy sea chests beneath a pair of live oaks. But the treasure did not go into the ground alone. The pirate captain supposedly murdered one of his own men and buried the body beside the chests, binding the dead man to the treasure as its eternal guardian. Intrigued, the soldiers supposedly set out one night with a pick and shovel to find it. The two live oaks stood where the story said they would. As the men dug, the sky darkened, and a cold wind swept through the trees. Then a pick struck something solid beneath the sand. At that instant, according to the legend, a brilliant flash illuminated a figure standing nearby: a dead pirate in tattered clothing, holding a gleaming cutlass. The soldiers fled. No contemporary account documenting the encounter is known to survive, leaving the episode firmly in the realm of oral tradition. But the tale of treasure beneath Skull Creek — and something guarding it — endured. People have been searching the Lowcountry for buried treasure for centuries. This particular story suggests knowing when to stop digging.
folklore
Revenge across the sound THE LEGEND: A Revolutionary War killing left a restless spirit searching for vengeance
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In the closing months of the American Revolution, Hilton Head and Daufuskie islands found themselves on opposite sides of a bitter conflict. Patriot militia operated from Hilton Head while Loyalist forces remained active across Calibogue Sound. Among those caught in the violence were Charles Davant and Loyalist militia leader Philip Martinangel. In October 1781, Martinangel led a Tory raiding party onto Hilton Head. Before dawn, his men ambushed a Patriot patrol near Broad Creek. Davant was mortally wounded but managed to remain in the saddle long enough for his horse to carry him home. The killing demanded revenge. Two months later, members of the Patriot militia crossed Calibogue Sound to Daufuskie. Martinangel was killed and his plantation house burned. History records the bloodshed. Legend tells what happened next. Stories began circulating of a ghostly figure wandering the grounds associated with Martinangel. The apparition was said to wear bloodstained clothing and emit a mournful moan that sounded like wind rushing through live oaks before a hurricane. Eventually, the legend crossed the water.
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WHERE THE LEGEND RESTS Mary Dunn Cemetery on Daufuskie Island is believed to be the final resting place of Capt. Philip Martinangele, the Loyalist militia leader killed by Hilton Head Patriots in December 1781.
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A MARKER OF REVENGE A historical marker on Daufuskie Island recounts the death of Loyalist militia captain Philip Martinangel, who was killed by a Hilton Head Patriot force in December 1781. His violent death became the historical foundation for a darker island legend, one in which Martinangel’s restless spirit continued searching for vengeance long after the Revolution ended.
One version of the story tells of a bicyclist riding on Hilton Head in December 1981 — two centuries after the Revolutionary War violence — who encountered a strange figure near the area associated with Davant’s ambush. Gunshot-like sounds reportedly followed as the cyclist fled. No surviving documentation of the episode has been located, leaving the encounter firmly in the realm of folklore. But on nights when strange sounds drift through the trees near Calibogue Sound, the old Martinangel story still gives them a name.
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Buried too soon
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THE LEGEND: Scratches inside the Baynard Mausoleum fuel one of the Lowcountry’s most chilling tales Few fears were more terrifying in the 19th century than being buried alive. Long before modern medicine could reliably distinguish death from certain states of unconsciousness, stories of premature burial circulated widely — and across the Lowcountry several old tombs eventually acquired legends of their own. On Hilton Head that story became attached to the Baynard Mausoleum at Zion Cemetery. The legend identifies the victim as Josephine Baynard, a young member of the prominent family that owned Braddock’s Point Plantation. No definitive historical record identifying Josephine as one of the Baynard children has been found, and versions of nearly the same story are told elsewhere in the Lowcountry. But Hilton Head’s version has one particularly eerie detail: scratches visible inside the old mausoleum. According to the story, Josephine became gravely ill during a diphtheria outbreak. Believing she had died, the family placed her inside the mausoleum and sealed the chamber. Years later, when the tomb was opened for another burial, Josephine’s remains were said to have been found outside the chamber where she had been placed. The horrifying explanation quickly became legend: Josephine had not been dead at all. She had awakened inside the crypt. The scratches on the mausoleum walls became part of the story, said to be the marks of a terrified child desperately trying to escape. Whether those marks have anything to do with a young Baynard — or whether a widespread fear of premature burial simply found the perfect setting inside an old Hilton Head tomb — may never be known. Either way, once you have heard the story, the scratches are difficult to look at quite the same way again.
BEHIND THE IRON GATE The Baynard Mausoleum stands beneath moss-draped live oaks at Zion Cemetery on Hilton Head Island. The 19th-century tomb became the setting for the chilling legend of Josephine Baynard, a young girl said to have awakened after being sealed inside, with mysterious scratches on the mausoleum walls adding an unsettling detail to the tale.
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David Hill was recommended to us by a very dear friend who we’ve known for MANY (MANY) years! Wanting a place on Hilton Head Island and not knowing of a good, reputable realtor was a worry at first until we met David Hill! Our friend was right in her recommendation-----W-O-W!! It was the BEST decision we made! The level of expertise that David demonstrated is, by far, Best in Class! The search for homes was extremely easy and painless and David definitely represented us (the buyers) very well and we would definitely utilize Davids’ expertise in the future should we become sellers! In the meantime, we highly recommend David Hill as your preferred realtor. He will not disappoint!!” —R.R. and D.K., Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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folklore
JOURNEY’S END Weathered headstones stand beneath ancient live oaks at Zion Cemetery on Hilton Head Island, where William Eddings Baynard was laid to rest in 1849. According to island legend, the funeral procession that carried him here never truly ended with ghostly wagons said to still make their way toward the cemetery on dark, rainy nights.
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The funeral that never ended
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THE LEGEND: A ghostly procession is said to still carry William Baynard toward his final resting place
William Eddings Baynard was a wealthy planter from a prominent Charleston and Edisto family who acquired Braddock’s Point Plantation during the 1840s. A deed held by the South Carolina Historical Society places his purchase from the Bank of Charleston in 1845, the same year he acquired the Davenport House in Savannah. The following year he built the family mausoleum overlooking the Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery. Local legend offers a more colorful version of the transaction, insisting Baynard won Braddock’s Point in a poker game. History points instead to the Bank of Charleston. Baynard enjoyed only a few years on Hilton Head before contracting a fever and dying in Savannah in October 1849. According to island tradition, his body was returned to Hilton Head for an enormous funeral. A procession made its way from Braddock’s Point toward Zion Cemetery, accompanied by family, friends and island residents. The sadness of that journey, legend says, never left. For generations Hilton Head residents have told of seeing a ghostly funeral procession traveling toward Zion Cemetery on dark, rainy nights. Witnesses describe shadowy wagons gliding through the mist, while an eerie wailing drifts from the moss-covered oaks and nearby marshes. One story passed down by early Sea Pines employees tells of a grounds worker who encountered “Mr. Baynard’s funeral wagons” in the early 1960s. So shaken was he by the experience, he reportedly tried to resign. He was persuaded to stay, only to encounter the procession again several years later. This time, the story goes, nothing could convince him to remain. The account survived through longtime Sea Pines employees, including Tom Norby and Happy Mitchell, becoming another strand in Hilton Head’s oral history. On the right kind of night, when rain hangs in the air and the island grows quiet, some say the old procession can still be heard making its way toward Zion.
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The headless surgeon
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THE LEGEND: A Confederate doctor killed at Fort Walker is said to still wander the old battlefield
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On Nov. 7, 1861, Union warships opened fire on Fort Walker during the Battle of Port Royal, unleashing a devastating bombardment that helped force Confederate troops from Hilton Head. Among the Confederate dead was surgeon Dr. Edward S. Buist. Accounts of exactly how Buist died differ. Historical reports indicate that he was killed by an exploding shell during the bombardment. Over generations, however, the story became considerably more gruesome. Buist was said to have been struck by a cannonball while tending the wounded, leaving him without his head. That image became the foundation of one of Hilton Head’s darker ghost stories. According to the legend, Buist’s headless figure has been seen wandering the former Fort Walker area, today part of Port Royal Plantation. Witnesses describe a bloodstained Confederate uniform and a figure moving silently through the darkness as though searching for something lost during the battle. The story grew further after graves from the old Union Cemetery were relocated in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Later island tradition held that Buist’s remains may have been among those exhumed and moved. That added a particularly unsettling wrinkle to the legend. Did everything leave with him? Perhaps the apparition searches for something left behind on the battlefield. Perhaps a violent wartime death simply became fertile ground for generations of storytelling. Either way, Hilton Head folklore remembers Dr. Buist, not simply as one of Fort Walker’s casualties, but as the surgeon who never quite left. REMNANTS OF WAR The remains of a Civil War-era steam gun battery stand near the former site of Fort Walker in Port Royal Plantation. The surrounding ground was the scene of intense bombardment during the Battle of Port Royal on Nov. 7, 1861, when Confederate surgeon Dr. Edward S. Buist was killed. His death later inspired one of Hilton Head’s darker ghost legends.
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The warrior beneath Harbour Town
THE LEGEND: A Yemassee spirit is said to guard ground beneath one of Hilton Head’s famous landmarks
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Long before Europeans settled the Carolina coast, Native American communities lived along Hilton Head’s rivers and salt marshes. Among the traces they left behind were enormous shell rings and middens — accumulations of oyster and clam shells marking places where people had lived and gathered for generations. Over centuries, many of those shell deposits disappeared. Shells were removed, burned for lime, crushed for building materials or simply displaced as Hilton Head developed. Island oral tradition has long associated one such concentration of shells with the area around Harbour Town. During the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Yemassee lived along this coast, sometimes as allies of the English and eventually as enemies. Years of mounting tensions helped ignite the Yemassee War of 1715, a devastating conflict that reshaped the Carolina Lowcountry. Centuries later, as Charles Fraser developed Harbour Town and reshaped its shoreline, large quantities of shells were reportedly encountered and moved. Early Sea Pines stories, including recollections attributed to Tom Norby, helped connect those discoveries to an older legend. According to that legend, a Yemassee warrior left Hilton Head to fight and returned to discover that his wife and children had been killed. Unable to find peace, his spirit remained near the place where his family had lived. As Harbour Town took shape, strange stories followed. Workers reportedly spoke of unexplained occurrences around the site, and later visitors climbing the lighthouse described sudden chills, strange cries and the sensation that someone was following close behind them on the stairs. Whether those experiences have anything to do with ancient shell deposits — or whether generations of Hilton Head storytelling simply connected two intriguing pieces of island history — is impossible to know. But legends have a way of attaching themselves to places. At Harbour Town, this one apparently never left.
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WHAT LIES BENEATH The Harbour Town Lighthouse rises above one of Hilton Head Island’s most recognizable destinations. According to island legend, however, the ground beneath Harbour Town is haunted by a Yemassee warrior whose restless spirit has been blamed for unexplained sounds, sudden chills and the feeling of an unseen presence following visitors up the lighthouse stairs.
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The lady in blue
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THE LEGEND: A young woman is said to still tend a Hilton Head lighthouse after a deadly hurricane
BEACON OF THE BLUE LADY The Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse still stands in Leamington, a surviving link to the island’s maritime past. It also provides the setting for the legend of Caroline Fripp, the mysterious “Blue Lady” said to appear near the tower on stormy nights, forever connected to a light she once struggled to keep burning.
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Before GPS and electronic navigation, ships entering the waters between Charleston and Savannah depended on coastal-range lights to guide them through shifting shoals and sandbars. One of those lights stood near what is now Leamington on Hilton Head Island. The historical record identifies Paulson Schwarzer as the keeper associated with the station around the time of the devastating 1898 hurricane. But Hilton Head folklore remembers another keeper: Adam Fripp and his daughter, Caroline. No Adam Fripp appears in surviving Lighthouse Service keeper records, a discrepancy that has never stopped the story from becoming one of Hilton Head’s best-known ghost legends. According to the tale, Adam and Caroline were tending the light when the Great Hurricane of 1898 struck. As the storm intensified, Adam climbed the tower to make sure the beacon remained lit. Caroline later found him collapsed inside. With the hurricane raging and ships depending on the light, the young woman took over her father’s duty. Through wind and rain, she kept the beacon burning. What happened afterward depends on who tells the story. In one version, Caroline survived the storm but became gravely ill and died soon afterward. Other versions allow her a much longer life. The ghost story, however, gives her no retirement. For generations people have reported glimpses of a pale blue figure near the lighthouse site, particularly on stormy nights. Other tales place Caroline’s spirit around buildings said to have connections to the old light station. Witnesses describe unexplained noises, objects moving and fleeting glimpses of a woman dressed in blue. Perhaps Caroline Fripp never existed as the legend remembers her. Perhaps several lives and events became blended together as the story passed from one generation to another. But on Hilton Head, she has become the Blue Lady. Storm clouds, an old lighthouse and a flash of blue are sometimes all a legend needs to survive. LL
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culture
We started this journey a long time ago. We were always doing art. — Bernice and Andy Tate
Shaping the spirits THE ART OF BERNICE AND ANDY TATE STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN MALES
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CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS
The Angel This is no ordinary angel. A large heavenly being, her body swollen with child, spreads her wings over a world peopled by Gullah women and spirits sculpted by artist Bernice Mitchell Tate. Beneath the angel, a conjure woman, swathed in masses of red, blue and orange, leans into a boo hag, her jewel-encrusted bone poised to cast a spell on the unsuspecting. Meanwhile, a warrior woman, with one breast shorn off in battle and spear raised, looks away from her mysterious neighbor, who seems to have shielded herself against the world with blue dreadlocks that hide her face. What’s even more intriguing is that these life-size figures are all created from collaged paper that Tate has snipped, pleated and draped over fabric and mannequin parts she’s scavenged from thrift stores.
To walk through room after room of these figures, caught mid-gesture among wood sculptures from Africa and beyond, is to step into a mystical realm of ancestral spirits from the Sea Islands. Their vividly patterned skirts and shawls come from the designs of hand-sewn quilts made by Tate’s late mother, Veronica Robinson-Mitchell. Women like her mother, Tate points out, sustained traditions brought from African shores throughout the oppression of slavery and established new ones imbued with their beliefs, memories and ingenuity.
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Enter Dr. Buzzard I’d come here to the Tates’ Bluffton home and studio to meet with Bernice and her husband, Andy, both artists, albeit in different mediums — Bernice for her sculptures and collage works, Andy for his illustrations and performance art. A few years back, I’d visited their joint Doctah Buzzard’s Root Works installation — a walk through an imagined “apothecary” fringed in Spanish moss and stocked with the famed root doctor’s cures and hoodoo items like dolls and chicken feet — that they’d staged in Beaufort and Savannah. Over the years they also collaborated on a children’s storybook series and staged exhibitions of Bernice’s women. Meanwhile, Andy, a dedicated historical researcher, produced podcasts and presentations in which he took on the persona of this real-life Lowcountry legend. Now the three of us sit side by side on a repurposed old church pew in their living room among this colorful extended family of women. Talking with the Tates feels like stepping into one of Bernice’s mixed-media collages. They finish each other’s sentences, interject clever observations and quips into each other’s stories and punctuate the conversation with laughter. It’s teamwork that spans 57 years.
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Bernice’s mixed-media sculptures begin with Andy photographing selections of patterns from Bernice’s mother’s hand-sewn quilts and printing them on paper that Bernice cuts and shapes onto her armatures. Afterward, Andy does the grunt work of placing each completed piece in whatever scenario she’s envisioned. And upon an exhibition’s opening, if there’s a piano in the room, you might find him playing his original compositions. [LOCAL Life] Bernice, you spent a good chunk of your life in New York where you were a nurse, met and married Andy and had your son, Derek. What compelled you to move back to the Lowcountry in 2006? [Bernice Tate] I’ve been privileged and done a lot of traveling in my life, but I always say, ‘You went down a dirt road to get to my house and at the end of the day, I’m the daughter of a Gullah farmer.’ My eight siblings and I grew up in Sheldon on the same farm where my father and grandfather did. My parents believed education was the most important thing, and they encouraged us to go out in the world and do well. [LL] The themes of your work, you’ve said, are Womanism and Ancestralism. We see women at work — carrying rice or blocks of indigo dye in baskets on their heads — and we meet conjure women and boo hags. But the one piece you bring to every exhibition is a woman’s pregnant torso, banded with rusted chains and covered in historic ads announcing “NEGROS FOR SALE.” [BT] “Unspeakable Horror” was the first sculpture I ever did, and I have not sold her. I only do women because I want women to know the hardships we went through. I do want them to move forward, to step out and be what they want to be. But let’s not forget. When I was a child, we were poor, but we didn’t know we were poor. My mother made quilts out of scraps of fabric, sacks and whatever she could find. That’s the stuff I put in my exhibitions, like my ‘Sacred Scraps’ exhibition in Aiken, to show where we came from. We honor the ancestors.
[LL] Given the importance of tradition, are there any rituals you go through when creating? [BT] My inspiration comes from here. [She points to her heart.] My mother was a quilter, and my grandmother made fancy dresses. So, when I begin a piece, I call on them. ‘Mom, Grandma, how am I going to do this?’ That’s how I create my art. [LL] Andy, you grew up in New York City and worked in international finance technology for Wall Street firms. But given your expertise in African sculpture and performance art, you clearly had your own artistic leanings. [Andy Tate] Art is everywhere in New York — in museums, galleries, on the streets. It was always a part of me growing up, and I would go to the Metropolitan, attend lectures and openings, and had friends who were artists. Along the way, I learned a lot about African art and was perceived as being a kind of curator. [LL] And acting? [AT] I took voice and acting lessons, and I did act Off-Broadway for a while with the Negro Ensemble Company. But I never could really decide what I wanted to do in the theater.” [LL] I read a quote from you that said when you moved down here, you connected with your spiritual guide. [AT] Bernice’s father, Rufus Mitchell, would talk about things like hoodoo and Dr. Buzzard. One time when we were driving on St. Helena, he said, ‘That road is where Dr. Buzzard is buried.’ I said, ‘Let’s go.’ He said, ‘No, no, no. We can’t go down there.’ I was fascinated and started doing research. Stephany Robinson was born in the 1860s and grew up listening to the stories told by the women and old men, and somehow he put it all together. Hoodoo is a plantation religion, and he navigated through life understanding that people needed more than the church. I was always interested in the occult, so I hooked into it, created the character and began giving performances. Most people want to see blood on dragons and all that, but I documented the real story and made him human. As I leave, I turn back to listen to the wind chimes jingling in the trees. That’s when I spot a bottle tree in the yard. Ah, any restless spirits or haints that were trapped inside have surely dissolved in this bright sunshine. The ancestors are smiling down. LL
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Jim and Addison Palmer
The Inlet • Jim Palmer
TWO GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS PAINTING THE LOWCOUNTRY STORY BY CAROLYN MALES
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CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS
It was only fitting that artist Addison Palmer and I had decided to meet up at the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Towering 90 feet above its surrounding plaza, the red-and-white column has stood as “a visual exclamation point” at the edge of Calibogue Sound for 56 years. While developing a master plan for Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head, developer Charles Fraser traveled in Europe, studying harbor towns like Portofino, noting their pedestrian-friendly spaces and how they were organized around a feature that gave them a strong identity. He had wanted an iconic symbol for his innovative resort community with its expansive tree canopies, earth-toned buildings and curved roads. A lighthouse, he decided, would serve as a welcoming beacon. Now, as Addison and I settle into the waterfront’s signature red rocking chairs, he begins our conversation with a jolt. “Our view of the lighthouse might have been very different if it hadn’t been for my father,” he says. Okay, he’s got my attention. In the mid-1960s his parents, Jim and Barbara Palmer, had taken a detour on a road trip from Naples, Florida, and followed a sign to Hilton Head. Barbara would end up taking a job with the Sea Pines Company, serving as a community liaison, while Jim would settle in to paint sky, water, marsh and trees. Their children, Elise and Addison, would grow up here, and at age 12 Addison would launch his own art career with a painting of pelicans flying over the sand dunes that would fetch four figures at the gala island fundraiser, An Evening of the Arts. And the lighthouse? How did it end up with its red-and-white horizontal bands? I’d read about Fraser’s brother, Joe, pointing to a rusty stake as inspiration for the color red, but then Addison puts me on the phone with his father, who tells a more interesting origin story. We connect, and Jim Palmer’s voice comes over the phone from his home on St. Simons Island. “I got a call from Charles Fraser, who wanted me to do a painting of the lighthouse for a holiday card. I went down to meet him in Harbour Town, where we stood at the end of the marsh. I said, ‘Charles, there is no lighthouse!’ ‘Well, it’s going to be there,’ Charles said, pointing to a couple of iron posts sticking up in the ground. So I got the dimensions and came up with a painting. He didn’t tell me the color, but since it was Christmastime, I made the lighthouse red and white like a candy cane.”
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Spreading the word “The Islander,” Addison prompts, nudging me to ask his father about Hilton Head’s first big publication, which debuted at a time when developers and businesses wanted to entice more drivers from the mainland to cross the swing bridge to the growing community. “In those days the Chamber of Commerce sat in a little white building across from Honey Horn, and they’d been putting out a small weekly, which I’d done some drawings for,” Jim replies. “One day I approached them and said, ‘Why don’t we start a magazine?’ They said, ‘You come up with a name and a design, and we’ll do it.’ So I created a cover with the name The Islander. They were pleased and gave me $75.” The Islander, published from 1967-1992, not only served as a promotional organ for the fledgling resort but also as a news source for locals and visitors alike, with articles about the island’s history, people, businesses, environment and events. Jim designed many of the covers, including one he calls a “Girl from Ipanema”-type illustration (featuring Barbara walking down the beach) to draw in more tourists.
The Islander cover by Jim Palmer, with Barbara Palmer as model
Shadows on the salt marsh In the meantime, Jim had been showing his work at The Red Piano Art Gallery on Cordillo Road and taking commissions. But in 1969 he got into what some might term “trouble for a good cause.” He became a behind-the-scenes activist against BASF, a huge German chemical company with plans to turn five miles along the Colleton River into a sprawling petrochemical plant. The company promised Beaufort County and the state investments in the millions, along with hundreds of jobs. Politicians rubbed their hands in anticipation, and some locals applauded the promised employment opportunities. But a coalition of environmentalists, developers like Fraser, residents, artists and, most crucially, Black shrimpers saw the threat to the pristine estuary system. While The Islander documented these events, Jim mobilized some nationally known journalists, like Marshall Frady (writing for Harper’s Magazine), and sports figures like Arnold Palmer, who brought the story to the attention of the Nixon White House. Meanwhile, even though Jim had worked in the shadows, word had gotten out about his role. Facing threats, the Palmers made a middle-of-the-night escape to their property in North Carolina, hunkering down until they felt it was safe to return. Then, in April 1970 the Capt. Dave, a 41-foot shrimp trawler with its Gullah crew carrying a boatload of shrimp and a petition signed by 45,000 protesters, arrived in Washington, D.C., amid great fanfare. The BASF project went on life support, and by 1971 it was dead.
Promo for Jim Palmer
Running man For Addison all this meant that he could grow up in a place that he felt was paradise. He tells me this as we gaze out toward the big Liberty Oak, around which Charles Fraser (who is buried at its base) shaped this part of the harbor. “Back then everybody knew everybody. And you could go from one end of the island to the other and barely see a car.” From the age of 6, he’d been a runner along these same quiet roads. He’d set state records, later earning a spot in Hilton Head High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated with offers for athletic scholarships at different colleges.
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The painting of the lighthouse Jim did for Charles Fraser’s Christmas card
Quiet Presence
Lowcountry Fine Art Photography MARGEAGIN @ GMAIL.COM
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But he’d wanted an art career. Over the years he’d observed his father and renowned local artists like Coby Whitmore and Joe Bowler at work. Then he’d go out with a camera and paint wildlife and landscapes he’d captured on film. He’d gotten commissions and been in gallery shows.
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Now top art schools like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago beckoned. But they had a big drawback. No athletics! Happily, he found what he wanted at Brevard College in Florida — a strong arts and athletics program along with a scholarship, and a beach! Afterwards as his art career flourished, his long-distance running skills gave him a shot at the Olympics, but a blown-out knee injury had cut that short.
'I've soaked in thousands and thousands of sunrises and sunsets' A year later a new adventure, along with the opportunity to experience dawns and dusks in other parts of the globe, arose. Cruise lines like Seabourn and Cunard reached out, inviting him to teach art classes to their passengers. “I ended up going around the world five times,” he exclaims. When asked if he painted markets in Hong Kong or temples in Bali, he says, “It seems as if almost every subject you can think of, I’ve put down on canvas.”
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Home • Addison Palmer
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But today a look at his portfolio reveals the subject that most captures his heart: birds. In fact, it was a painting of an osprey, its wings spread across a nest of twigs atop a channel marker, that won him a spot in the prestigious Birds in Art international show in 2018. “It was like winning the lottery,” he tells me. “People were shocked when they learned I got in on the first try. Many artists had applied 10 or 20 times before they were accepted.” In the 1990s the Palmers left Hilton Head and opened a gallery on St. Simons Island. Today they still live there, but Addison often returns for arts events and to teach at the Hilton Head Art Academy. He’ll also be making that roughly 210-mile round trip to Camellia Art Gallery’s new location in Bluffton, where his kingfishers, egrets, herons, ibises and marshes will share wall space with other large Lowcountry contemporary landscapes, flora and fauna. As Addison and I stand to leave, a visiting couple takes over our rockers. I glance back at the lighthouse with its red-and-white bands, surrounded by folks gazing up, and picture that long-ago day when Charles Fraser and Jim Palmer stood on the banks of the Calibogue, eying those stakes in the ground, envisioning what might be. LL
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THE ACCLAIMED PIANIST OPENS THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S SEASON WITH BEETHOVEN’S MAJESTIC “EMPEROR” CONCERTO
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS
Olga Kern returns in grand style
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STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM
©CHRIS LEE
When the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra opens its new season, it will do so with a pianist and a piece made for the occasion. Internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern will join conductor John Morris Russell and the HHSO for a one-night-only performance on Sunday, Oct. 25, performing Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, better known as the “Emperor” Concerto. The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture. Born into a family of musicians, Kern began earning international recognition at an early age, winning first prize at the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition at 17. Her American career took off in 2001 when she became the first woman in more than 30 years to win the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Since then she has performed with leading orchestras around the world, built a Grammynominated discography and helped guide the next generation of pianists as a teacher and competition juror. Kern previously visited Hilton Head Island as a juror for the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Ahead of her return, she spoke with LOCAL Life about her memories of the island, Beethoven’s revolutionary ideas and why the “Emperor” is the perfect way to begin a season.
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OCTOBER SOUTHERN ESTATES INCLUDING JEWELRY [LOCAL Life] What first brought you to Hilton Head Island? [Olga Kern] I was on the jury of the piano competition. It is a very well-known competition and always produces fantastic winners, talented pianists who go on to the next level of their careers. When they invited me, I said, “Of course I will come,” because I had heard about its reputation. I had a great time. The level of the jurors and participants was extremely high. I also gave a master class and worked with Jonathan Mamora on a Rachmaninoff sonata. I love that piece so much, and I remember that very well. [LL] What stands out most from that visit? [OK] Hilton Head is such a beautiful, special place. I remember the wonderful atmosphere, the talented young pianists and the warmth of the audience, but the island’s natural beauty especially stayed with me. The natural beauty is incredibly inspiring, and I can’t wait to return. [LL] How did you choose Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto for the season opener? [OK] We talked about what would be appropriate for the beginning of the season, and we chose Beethoven’s “Emperor.” I love this concerto. I play all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, and I think this majestic piece is perfect for an opening. [LL] What makes it such a fitting piece for the occasion? [OK] First of all, it is Beethoven’s last piano concerto, and it is such a grand, monumental piece. The incredible first movement is like a symphony by itself. Then it has one of the most beautiful slow movements. It is written in E-flat major, and it is a triumphal piece, especially the third movement, which is so full of life. Near the very end, the music almost stops. It is just the timpani and piano, and it feels as though the heartbeat is stopping. Then, in one moment, it comes back to life and finishes in a very happy, positive way. It is a philosophical piece because it is his last concerto, but at the same time, there is so much light in this music. Audiences leave feeling happy. It is a wonderful piece to open the season because it puts people in a wonderful mood.
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COMMAND PERFORMANCE Olga Kern brings her signature intensity and expressive style to the piano during a performance at Prague’s Smetana Hall.
©OLGAKERN.COM
culture
A GRAND RETURN Olga Kern returns to Hilton Head Island Oct. 25 to perform Beethoven’s majestic “Emperor” Concerto with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at First Presbyterian Church.
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©CHRIS LEE
“To me, it is called the 'Emperor' simply because it is grand and majestic. It is one of those concertos that stands on a pedestal at the highest possible level of genius.
[LL] Why is it called the “Emperor” Concerto? [OK] Beethoven did not give it that title. There are different opinions about its origin, including connections to Napoleon and the political events of the time. But in my opinion, it has nothing to do with the military or politics. To me, it is called the “Emperor” simply because it is grand and majestic. It is one of those concertos that stands on a pedestal at the highest possible level of genius. It has everything. It is perfect from the first note to the last. It is a masterpiece. [LL] What should listeners know before hearing it? [OK] It begins in a very unusual way. During the Classical period, the orchestra traditionally played the introduction before the piano entered. Beethoven experimented with that form. Here the orchestra gives one E-flat major chord, and the piano immediately begins with arpeggios in an almost improvisational way. The piano is present from the very beginning. Only after that does the orchestra begin its introduction. That was revolutionary. Nothing like it had been written before. [LL] How does Beethoven rethink the relationship between the piano and orchestra? [OK] The word “concerto” comes from an idea of competition between the soloist and orchestra. Composers treated it almost as though the piano and orchestra were competing, which is why the orchestra often had such a substantial opening. In this concerto, Beethoven blends them together. He does not write a traditional, large solo cadenza. He gives the piano smaller moments here and there, but everything remains connected to the orchestra. It is more symphonic than competitive. The piano and orchestra become almost like one enormous instrument. [LL] Is there a particular moment you especially love? [OK] I just wish Beethoven had made the second movement a little longer because there is nothing else like it. There are a few bars near the beginning that never return. They are out-of-this-world heavenly music. I always wonder why he did not bring them back. The concerto may be grand, but it passes so quickly. It was a very modern piece for its time, and it remains fascinating to hear. It is a very special concerto, and I cannot wait to present it to the audience on Hilton Head.
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Olga Kern: Beethoven’s “Emperor” When: 4 p.m., Oct. 25 Where: First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island Details: John Morris Russell conducts the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra with internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern performing Beethoven’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor.” The program also includes Tchaikovsky’s passionate “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture. Following the performance, guests can continue the season-opening celebration with a prosecco welcome, three-course dinner and live music. hhso.org
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culture TRADITIONAL LOWCOUNTRY CHARM
The Community Tree The Red-Headed Woodpeckers open my gift baskets of beetle larvae. The Mockingbirds eat worms between my toes. The baby Grey Squirrel crawls from my limbs, a trembling leaf before the first leap. When the Northern Cardinals sing with Carolina Wrens, I produce a musical.
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If one of them goes missing, my bark cracks open. The Great Horn Owl whispers to my empty cavity etched in my ring of faith and family. When Raccoons waddle through moonlight and shadow on nightly raids, I pray.
Praise God of sunlight and rain. Praise God of wild growth. Bless me with the strength to give them shelter to watch their dance for hundreds of years. — Tim Conroy
LOCAL ART & POETRY
843.298.3068 Marge@MargeMcDougal.com charteronerealty.com/agent/marge-mcdougal Great Horned Owl by Bob Speare
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ABOUT THE POET Tim Conroy is a Beaufort poet and retired educator whose work often explores themes incorporating ordinary struggles with spiritual elements. He is the author of two poetry collections, Theologies of Terrain and No True Route, and his writing has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. A founding board member of the Pat Conroy Literary Center, Tim is the younger brother of celebrated Lowcountry novelist Pat Conroy.
ABOUT THE ARTIST Bob Speare is an artist, wildlife photographer and naturalist whose lifelong fascination with the natural world informs his creative work. Before moving to the Lowcountry in 2015, he spent roughly 25 years with Mass Audubon, teaching about wildlife, birding and nature photography. A Lowcountry Master Naturalist and South Carolina Master Gardener, Speare has continued to share his knowledge through birding and photography programs while finding artistic inspiration in the creatures, textures and materials of the natural world.
GENERATIONS G ENERA TIONS B BEFORE US S E FOR EU AT EF RE
A Cu C Culture ultltu ul tur urere Living LiLivivin ing ng Th hro rou oug ugh gh Us U TThrough FEBRUARY 1-28, 1 28 2027
For an entir entire re m month, onth, eexperience xperience tthe he ffood, ood, aart, rt, m music usic hhistory istory and stories that keep our Gullah culture alive on HIlton Head Island.
Come for an event. Discover the Culture. Visit GullahCelebration.org
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WHAT’S FRESH IN OCTOBER?
Fear the Reaper
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SOUTH CAROLINA’S MOST INFAMOUS PEPPER BUILT A WORLDWIDE REPUTATION ON RECORD-BREAKING HEAT STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM
There are hot peppers, and then there is Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper. Wrinkled, bright red and armed with a tiny scythe-shaped tail, this homegrown fireball spent a decade as the hottest pepper on the planet. Yet behind its fearsome looks and legendary burn is a surprisingly complex pepper with sweet, fruity flavor and a story rooted right here at home. From its recordbreaking rise to its starring role in hot sauces, spice blends and daring home kitchens, Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper has become one of the Palmetto State’s most famous homegrown creations. Some South Carolina legends come with a ghost story. This one comes with a warning label. BORN TO BURN With its wrinkled red skin and distinctive pointed “stinger,” Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper looks every bit as fierce as it tastes. Developed in South Carolina, the pepper averages about 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units, making it roughly 200 to 650 times hotter than a jalapeño.
Reap what’s sown Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper was born in Fort Mill, where pepper breeder Ed Currie began developing it in the early 2000s. Currie has described crossing an exceptionally hot pepper from the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent with a Naga-type pepper from South Asia, then selectively breeding the offspring for consistent heat and appearance. Originally known as HP22B, the pepper eventually earned a more memorable name: “Carolina” for its South Carolina birthplace and “Reaper” for the curved tail resembling a reaper’s scythe. In 2013 Guinness World Records crowned it the world’s hottest chili pepper, with an average heat of about 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units. It held the title for a decade before being dethroned in 2023 by Pepper X, another creation from Currie.
PEPPER PIONEER Pepper breeder Ed Currie holds a basket of Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reapers, the South Carolina-born peppers he developed at his PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill. The famously fiery Reaper held the Guinness World Record for hottest chili pepper for a decade before Currie’s even hotter creation, Pepper X, claimed the title in 2023. ©PUCKERBUTT PEPPER COMPANY
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New Flavors to Fall for. NECTAR FARM KITCHEN
Raspberry Carolina Reaper Jelly Sweet meets serious heat in this fiery jelly from SERG Group culinary director and partner, Alan Ford. Ripe raspberries and sweet bell peppers balance the Carolina Reaper’s infamous burn, creating a sweet, spicy spread with plenty of personality. Spoon it over cream cheese, pair it with a cheese board, or brush it onto grilled meats. Yield: 10 to 12 4-ounce jars.
DIRECTIONS [1] Wearing disposable gloves, finely chop the peppers in a food processor. Avoid breathing directly over the processor when removing the lid. Reserve 1/4 cup of the chopped peppers. Place the remaining peppers in a saucepan with the raspberries and water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. [2] Press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or jelly bag. You should have about 2 cups of prepared juice. [3] Return the juice to a clean pot. Add the vinegar and reserved chopped peppers. Let cool for 15 minutes. [4] Stir in the pectin, and bring the mixture to a full boil. Add the sugar, return to a full rolling boil, and boil hard for 2 minutes, stirring as needed to prevent scorching. Remove from the heat, and skim away any foam. [5] Carefully ladle the hot jelly into clean, heat-safe jars, leaving room at the top. Cool, cover and refrigerate. The jelly may initially appear loose but should continue to set over the next one to two days.
Feel the burn Like other chili peppers, Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper contains vitamins and minerals, but its claim to fame is capsaicin, the compound responsible for its extraordinary heat. Capsaicin is also used in topical products designed to relieve certain types of pain. At the concentration found in a Reaper, however, even a small amount can cause intense burning and digestive distress, making careful handling and portioning essential.
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Storage note: This recipe is presented as a refrigerated jelly, not a shelf-stable preserve. Keep refrigerated.
Vanilla Matcha
1 North Forest Beach Drive #A7 Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head, SC 843.715.3770
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INGREDIENTS 5 Carolina Reaper peppers, deseeded 2 sweet red bell peppers 1 sweet green bell pepper 12 ounces frozen raspberries, defrosted 2 1/4 cups water 1 cup vinegar 1 3/4 ounces powdered dry pectin 4 cups sugar
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eats Hotter than hot
LOCAL LIFE TEST KITCHEN
Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper doesn’t actually set your mouth on fire, but your brain may beg to differ. Capsaicin activates TRPV1, a receptor involved in detecting heat and pain, essentially sending the nervous system a heat-and-pain warning signal. The result can include intense burning, watery eyes, a runny nose, sweating and flushed skin. Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper averages around 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units, compared with roughly 10,000 to 23,000 for a serrano pepper and just 2,500 to 8,000 for a jalapeño. That makes the Reaper roughly 200 to 650 times hotter than a jalapeño. In other words, this is heat on an entirely different scale.
Carolina Reaper Hot Honey Chicken
Homegrown heat
INGREDIENTS (hot honey) 1/2 cup honey 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1/16 teaspoon Carolina Reaper pepper, minced
Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper may have a fearsome reputation, but Hilton Head gardener David Cribb says the plants themselves are surprisingly easy to grow. “The best time to plant them is as soon as you know the frost is cleared,” Cribb said. He points to March as a possible starting point locally, once the threat of frost has passed and temperatures have warmed. From there he keeps things simple with consistent water and fertilization and plenty of sunshine. “Full sun,” he said. Reapers are slower producers than familiar peppers such as cayennes or jalapeños, but once established, the plants can continue producing throughout the warm season. Seeds can sometimes be difficult to DRIED AND DANGEROUS Drying Smokin' find, though Cribb said plants are often available Ed's Carolina Reapers concentrates their at big-box stores and local garden centers. Cribb fiery potential and makes them easy to keep said he doesn’t typically wear gloves simply to pick on hand. Crumble a tiny amount into chili, the peppers, but he offered one important piece of soups or stews, grind them into powder for advice after handling them: Keep your fingers away spice blends and dry rubs, or steep a small piece in sauces and marinades. from your mouth and, especially, your eyes.
Sweet before the sting Believe it or not, Smokin Ed's Carolina Reaper is more than pure pain. Before the heat takes over, the pepper offers noticeable sweetness and a fruity aroma. That complexity makes it particularly well suited for hot sauces, marinades, salsas and spice blends, where a tiny amount can flavor an entire batch. Its fruity character also pairs naturally with ingredients such as mango, peach and berries. Reapers can be fermented into hot sauce, dehydrated into flakes or powder or used sparingly in salsas, chutneys, curries and other chile-forward sauces. The key word is sparingly. With Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper, a sliver can season an entire pot — and another sliver can make it nearly impossible to eat. Try it: • Blend a tiny amount into homemade salsa or hot sauce. • Pair with mango, peach or other fruit for a sweet-and-fiery sauce. • Add a pinch of dried Reaper powder to chili, soups or stews. • Mix a small amount into a dry rub for grilled or smoked meats. • Use sparingly in pepper jelly for a sweet-and-fiery spread.
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Crispy fried chicken gets a fiery-sweet finish in this Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper take on hot chicken. A touch of the famously potent pepper turns honey into a glossy glaze with serious heat, while white bread and tangy pickle chips provide the classic cooling counterpoint. The key is restraint. With a Carolina Reaper, a little goes a very long way. Serves 4. INGREDIENTS (chicken) 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
INGREDIENTS (for serving) 4 slices white bread Dill pickle chips DIRECTIONS [1] Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl with the buttermilk, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. [2] Make the hot honey. Wearing disposable gloves, combine the honey, butter, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt and minced Carolina Reaper pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter melts and the ingredients are combined. Do not boil. Taste cautiously, and add more Reaper only if desired. Keep warm. [3] Bread the chicken. Combine the flour, paprika and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Remove each thigh from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour. [4] Fry. Heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. Working in batches, fry the chicken until deeply golden and the thickest part reaches 165 degrees, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Transfer to a wire rack. [5] Glaze. While the chicken is still hot, generously brush both sides with the warm Carolina Reaper hot honey. [6] Serve. Place each piece of glazed chicken over a thick slice of white bread, and top with dill pickle chips. Drizzle with a little extra hot honey for those willing to tempt fate. Safety note: Carolina Reapers are exceptionally hot. Wear disposable gloves when handling fresh peppers, avoid touching your face or eyes, and wash utensils and surfaces thoroughly afterward. Avoid heating or blending large amounts of fresh Reaper in ways that can send capsaicin into the air. Start with an extremely small amount, and increase only after tasting.
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eats
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
LOCAL FLAVOR
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A taste of magic
Recipes, rituals and superstitions reveal the mysterious side of the kitchen STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM
Food has always come with a side of storytelling. Recipes are passed down through generations, ingredients take on mysterious reputations, and kitchen rituals endure long after anyone remembers why they started. For our Legends & Lore issue, Local Flavor is exploring the superstitions, strange traditions and little bits of magic simmering beneath the surface. We’re casting a spell with Black Marlin’s voodoo shrimp, embracing the dark side with black garlic and tracing the curious origins of culinary customs, from breaking wishbones to tossing salt over your shoulder. After all, every good dish has a story, and some come with a little superstition on the side.
Under the spell There’s no single recipe for voodoo shrimp, and that may be part of its magic. The name is often associated with Louisiana-inspired shrimp dishes that draw on the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun and Creole cooking. One particularly famous version was served at Uglesich’s, the beloved family-run New Orleans restaurant that operated from 1924 to 2005 and built a devoted following for its inventive seafood. The spell changes from kitchen to kitchen. Some versions combine cayenne, hot sauce and Worcestershire with butter or cream; others bring beer, herbs or additional spices into the mix. Some arrive saucy over rice or grits. Black Marlin takes a different approach, wrapping jumbo shrimp in bacon, firing them on the grill and balancing the smoky spice with bright papaya vinaigrette. There may be no official formula, but big flavor seems to be the one requirement.
MORE THAN SHRIMP Don’t let leftover voodoo spice go to waste. Its smoky, sweet and spicy blend works as a rub for grilled chicken, fish or pork or as a seasoning for roasted potatoes and vegetables. Sprinkle it over corn before it hits the grill, toss it with fries or add a pinch to rice or grits for an extra kick. Because a little voodoo can work its magic on just about anything.
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BLACK MARLIN BAYSIDE GRILL & HURRICANE BAR
Voodoo Shrimp Sweet, smoky, spicy and just a little tropical, voodoo shrimp is a popular appetizer at SERG Group’s Black Marlin Bayside Grill. The recipe from general manager Randy Aleman starts with jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon and marinated overnight in a bold housemade voodoo spice blend of curry, coriander, thyme, cayenne, paprika and brown sugar. On the grill the bacon turns crisp and smoky, while the shrimp stay tender and juicy. A bright papaya vinaigrette with peppers, ginger, cilantro and jalapeño cuts through the richness with a fresh, fruity finish.
VOODOO SPICE
INGREDIENTS 1/8 cup black pepper 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon white pepper 1/4 cup granulated garlic 1/4 cup onion powder 1/4 cup yellow curry powder 1/4 cup dried thyme 1/8 cup kosher salt 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup coriander 1 cup paprika
FRENCH FLAIR
Lowcountry Style
DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
PAPAYA VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS 15 ounces papaya puree 1/8 cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup diced green and red peppers 1 tablespoon jalapeño 1 tablespoon green onion 2 teaspoons grated ginger 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Set aside until ready to serve.
BACON-WRAPPED SHRIMP INGREDIENTS Shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on Bacon Voodoo spice Oil Papaya vinaigrette
DIRECTIONS [1] Wrap each shrimp with one piece of bacon. Soak wooden skewers in water to help prevent burning, then skewer each bacon-wrapped shrimp through the tail and body. [2] Combine the voodoo spice with enough oil to create a marinade. Pour over the shrimp, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. [3] Remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp, until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are cooked through. [4] Remove from the grill, drizzle with papaya vinaigrette and serve.
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WHAT THE PROS LOVE We asked local chefs and restaurateurs their kitchen superstitions:
PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE “In my family, if anyone ever gives someone else a knife, the receiver has to pay for it with a penny. It’s so the knife won’t sever the friendship between the giver and the receiver. It is a custom my father held with every knife he gave and is still carried on in our family.” – Leslie Stewart
MICHAEL ANTHONY’S CUCINA ITALIANA “I toss a pinch of salt over my shoulder before service.” – Chef Will Overacre
HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS “We eat collards and Hoppin’ John on New Year's Day.” – Andrew Carmines
CACTUS STREET CANTINA “I don’t let people stand over me and watch me cook because I think the person’s energy can affect the outcome of the dish.” – Chef Adolph Aguilar
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SIGNATURE DISH
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Simply swordfish
A BRIGHT LEMON-CAPER SAUCE LETS THIS FRESH CATCH DO THE TALKING
Every cook has a signature dish, the recipe friends request, the one that always makes an appearance at gatherings or the meal they can practically make from memory. Each month we ask someone in the local community to share theirs, along with the story behind it, then nominate another local cook to keep the chain going. This month Geist Ussery passes the plate to Tonya Hudson, owner of Benny Hudson Seafood, who shares a simple preparation that lets fresh swordfish take center stage.
THURSDAYS 12PM UNTIL 4PM
TONYA HUDSON
Swordfish with lemon-caper sauce Meaty swordfish needs little embellishment when the fish is fresh and the preparation is simple. Tonya Hudson pairs grilled swordfish steaks with a buttery lemon-caper sauce that brings just enough brightness and briny bite without overpowering the fish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley finishes a dish that's elegant enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. INGREDIENTS 3 swordfish steaks (about 1 1/4 inches thick) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 large lemon, peeled, cut crosswise into eight 1/4-inch slices and seeded, juices reserved 2 tablespoons nonpareil capers, drained Sea salt Ground white pepper 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, for garnish DIRECTIONS [1] Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns light brown, about 3 minutes. [2] Cut the lemon slices into quarters. Add the lemon pieces, reserved juice and capers to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and cook, gently shaking the pan several times, until the lemon and capers are heated through, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. [3] Heat a grill, or preheat the broiler. Brush both sides of the swordfish with olive oil, and season with sea salt and white pepper. [4] Grill or broil the swordfish about 4 inches from the heat, turning once, until lightly charred on the outside and cooked to your liking, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. [5] Transfer the swordfish to a serving platter and leave the steaks whole, or cut them into thick strips. Spoon the warm lemon-caper sauce over the top, garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Tonya’s tip: Don’t overthink swordfish. Its natural flavor does most of the work. The key is not to overcook it. Look for fish that is opaque and just beginning to flake but still feels firm and springy when gently pressed.
ONE WEEK SCHEDULE CHANGE: OPEN WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 12-4PM & CLOSED ON THURSDAY 8TH” Farm, fresh local produce, flowers, meats, dairy, seafood, honey, baked goods, pastas, sweets, specialty foods, & prepared food to enjoy at the market or take home. Educational lectures, community outreach, kids activities, yoga, & more! Fun for the whole family!
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SECRET INGREDIENT DARK TRANSFORMATION Ordinary garlic takes on a dramatic new identity when aged for several weeks under carefully controlled heat and humidity. The process turns the cloves jet black and gives them a soft, almost jammy texture, replacing raw garlic’s sharp bite with sweet, tangy and deeply savory flavor.
i
Black magic
BLACK GARLIC LOOKS MYSTERIOUS, TASTES SURPRISINGLY SWEET AND BRINGS DEEP UMAMI TO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING
www.michael-anthonys.com
843.785.6272 Orleans Plaza . 37 New Orleans Road Hilton Head Island . SC 164
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If regular garlic keeps vampires and other creatures of the night away, imagine what black garlic can do. This jet-black ingredient may look a little sinister, but its flavor is anything but scary. Sweet, tangy, savory and loaded with umami, it can bring unexpected depth to everything from steak and pasta to salad dressings and even chocolate desserts. Despite its appearance, black garlic isn't a special variety of garlic, nor is it simply roasted. It starts as ordinary garlic that spends several weeks in a carefully controlled warm, humid environment. During that time chemical reactions, including the Maillard reaction responsible for many of the browned, complex flavors we love in cooked foods, transform the cloves. They darken, soften to an almost jammy consistency and lose the sharp, pungent bite of raw garlic. What emerges tastes remarkably different from what went in. Black garlic is often compared to balsamic vinegar for its sweettart depth, with flavors reminiscent of molasses, tamarind, dried figs and raisins. Beneath all that sweetness is a deep savory quality that hints at its garlicky origins without the familiar raw-garlic heat. The trick is to treat black garlic as an ingredient of its own rather than a substitute for fresh garlic. It won't provide the same aromatic foundation as a clove sizzling in olive oil. Instead, use it where its concentrated sweet-savory character can stand out. Mash the soft cloves into a paste before adding them to sauces, dressings and dips, or blend them with a little liquid to help
distribute the flavor. Because their natural sugars can scorch, black garlic is generally best added toward the end of cooking rather than exposed to prolonged high heat. Black garlic also can be made at home with ordinary garlic, steady warmth, controlled conditions and plenty of patience, but the process takes weeks. The reward is a familiar ingredient transformed into something darker, sweeter and far more mysterious.
join us for exceptional coastal cuisine featuring an excellent wine selection, full bar, outdoor seating and entertainment open daily at 5pm sunday brunch 11-2 call for reservations 843-802-4744
Black garlic, shiitake & zucchini pasta Earthy shiitake mushrooms, tender zucchini and sweet-savory black garlic give this pasta plenty of depth without a heavy sauce. Caramelized shallots add sweetness, red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick, and a generous shower of Parmesan ties everything together. Fresh basil adds a bright finish to all those rich, earthy flavors. Serves 4. INGREDIENTS 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced 2 small zucchini, spiralized or cut into thin matchsticks 2 shallots, thinly sliced 4 black garlic cloves, mashed into a paste 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh basil leaves, for garnish DIRECTIONS [1] Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain. [2] While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned around the edges. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate. [3] Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shallots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and beginning to caramelize. Add the zucchini and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 2 minutes, just until the zucchini begins to soften. [4] Add the mashed black garlic and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the black garlic dissolves into the liquid and forms a light, glossy sauce. [5] Add the drained pasta and half of the mushrooms to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated, adding more pasta water a little at a time as needed. Stir in the Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. [6] Divide among four bowls. Top with the remaining browned shiitake mushrooms, additional Parmesan and fresh basil. Pro tip: Black garlic can scorch because of its natural sugars. Add it after the shallots and vegetables have cooked, then loosen it with pasta water rather than frying it directly in the hot pan.
20 hatton place | hilton head island 843.802.4744 | celestehhi.com
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A taste of superstition
Humans have always been a superstitious bunch. We knock on wood, avoid walking under ladders, eye black cats with suspicion and think twice before opening an umbrella indoors. So, naturally, some of our strangest beliefs have followed us into the kitchen and gathered around the dinner table. For centuries food has represented far more than sustenance. It has been used to summon good fortune, predict marriages, protect against evil, encourage prosperity and even promise a longer life. Many of these beliefs have faded into folklore, but the rituals they inspired are still surprisingly familiar. Why do we break wishbones, throw salt over our shoulders and blow out birthday candles? Here's the history behind some of the culinary superstitions we just can't seem to shake.
FOOD FOLKLORE
SCORE A CROSS INTO YOUR BREAD THE SUPERSTITION: A cross keeps the devil away from your dough. Scoring bread helps it expand as it bakes, but medieval European bakers gave the practice a supernatural purpose too. Cutting a cross into dough was believed to bless the bread and keep evil forces from interfering with the loaf.
BREAK A WISHBONE THE SUPERSTITION: Get the bigger half and your wish comes true. The tradition is often traced to the ancient Etruscans, who considered chickens lucky and reportedly preserved their wishbones so people could touch them while making wishes. The custom eventually evolved into two people pulling the bone apart, with the larger piece earning its owner a wish.
THROW SALT OVER YOUR SHOULDER THE SUPERSTITION: Spill the salt and bad luck is coming unless you toss some over your left shoulder. Once an extremely valuable commodity, salt has long symbolized preservation, friendship and protection. Throwing spilled salt over the left shoulder was said to repel or blind an evil spirit lurking behind you.
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EAT 12 GRAPES AT MIDNIGHT THE SUPERSTITION: Twelve grapes bring 12 months of good luck. In Spain and parts of Latin America, revelers eat 12 grapes as midnight arrives on New Year's Eve. Each represents one month of the coming year and a wish for good fortune throughout it.
BLOW OUT YOUR BIRTHDAY CANDLES THE SUPERSTITION: Make a wish and blow out every candle in one breath. Ancient Greeks offered round, illuminated cakes to Artemis, goddess of the moon, while the German tradition of Kinderfest later helped establish candles on birthday cakes. Eventually, blowing them out while making a wish became part of the celebration, with the smoke said to carry wishes toward the heavens.
KEEP GARLIC CLOSE THE SUPERSTITION: Garlic keeps vampires, demons and other evil forces away. Garlic's supernatural reputation predates Dracula. For centuries it has been associated with protection from evil in cultures across Europe and beyond. In Greece garlic has traditionally been used to ward off the evil eye and is sometimes hung near entrances for protection.
DON'T CUT YOUR NOODLES THE SUPERSTITION: Long noodles mean a long life. Longevity noodles have been eaten during Chinese birthdays and other celebrations for centuries. Their length represents longevity, making cutting or biting through them symbolically unlucky. Slurping is encouraged.
EAT BLACK-EYED PEAS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY THE SUPERSTITION: Black-eyed peas bring luck and prosperity. This beloved Southern New Year's tradition has accumulated several origin stories over time, including Civil War-era tales connecting the humble peas with survival during food shortages. Today they're often joined by greens for money and golden cornbread for wealth.
CRACK OPEN A DOUBLE YOLK THE SUPERSTITION: Two yolks could mean twins or a wedding. A double-yolk egg has long inspired predictions about what comes next, with folklore linking the unusual find to marriage or the birth of twins. In reality, it simply happens when a hen releases two yolks in quick succession, but that's not nearly as fun.
BEWARE OF 13 AT THE TABLE THE SUPERSTITION: Thirteen dinner guests are bad luck. One explanation points to the Last Supper and its 13 diners, while Norse mythology tells of a feast disrupted when Loki arrived as an uninvited 13th guest. Either way, you might want to find one more dinner guest. LL
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FROM SCRATCH
A wicked good chili
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THIS SMOKY, CREAMY WHITE CHICKEN CHILI CASTS ITS SPELL WITH POBLANOS, JALAPEÑO, LIME AND PLENTY OF CRUNCH STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEA WILKINS
Autumn in the Lowcountry rarely dips below 60 degrees, but LOCAL Life publisher Lori Goodridge-Cribb finds plenty of reasons to make this cozy stovetop classic. Her white chicken chili combines smoky poblano peppers, creamy white beans and warm spices for a savory base. Then she adds shredded rotisserie chicken for a simple-yet-delicious protein hack. Fresh lime juice, cilantro and jalapeño brighten the dish, and a generous handful of homemade tortilla strips (which come together in 15 minutes or less) finishes the bowl with a satisfying crunch. It’s comfort in a bowl, no matter the weather.
White chicken chili INGREDIENTS 2 cans white beans 1 large white onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeño pepper, diced 2 medium poblano peppers, chopped 2 limes, juiced 1 rotisserie chicken, meat shredded 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, tortilla strips DIRECTIONS [1] Drain and rinse white beans. Pour half into a bowl, and mash with a fork until broken up and slightly creamy. [2] Add a drizzle of oil to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add peppers, onion and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened. Add cumin, coriander and chili powder, and stir to combine. Add chicken broth, lime juice and white beans (whole and mashed). Simmer for 20 minutes. [3] Stir in rotisserie chicken and cilantro, and continue simmering until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls, then top with more cilantro, sour cream and tortilla strips for serving.
Watch & learn
Watch Lori prepare this white chicken chili recipe on From Scratch, LOCAL Life's cooking series on YouTube @LocalLifeSC.
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MASH MADE IN HEAVEN Mashing half of the white beans before they hit the pot creates a naturally creamy base for the chili, no heavy cream required.
FINISHING TOUCH While the chili simmers, slice store-bought tortillas into 1/2-inch strips. Place on a baking sheet and coat with oil and a pinch of salt. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until the strips are golden and crispy. Sprinkle over soups, salads and more for the ultimate crunchy topping.
P R E S E N T S
From Scratch an online video cooking series featuring publisher Lori Goodridge-Cribb
COMPANY’S COMING. The table needs setting. The oven is warming up. And LOCAL Life publisher Lori Goodridge-Cribb is right there with you. Each month on From Scratch, Lori invites readers into her kitchen to share a seasonal recipe made for gathering. She believes the best memories happen around the table, and she is happy to show you exactly how she brings it all together. For October, she is preparing her own creamy white chicken chili.
Follow the recipe on the left, then head to LOCAL Life’s YouTube channel at @LocalLifeSC to watch the full episode. You will pick up smart kitchen shortcuts, simple hosting ideas and a few well-earned stories from Lori’s years of cooking for family, friends and anyone lucky enough to pull up a chair.
To see Lori in action and watch every episode of “From Scratch,” scan the QR code or visit LOCAL Life’s YouTube channel at @LocalLifeSC.
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FRESH FOOD + NOW OPEN + HOT PRODUCTS
Fresh on the scene
The Lowcountry dining scene continues to serve up something new. From fresh openings and new concepts to African flavors, dock-fresh seafood, social gatherings and spooky pop-ups, here’s what’s opening, what’s coming and what’s worth knowing around the region.
BY BAILEY GILLIAM
NOW OPEN
One More Row Coffee Co.
Dub’s Seafood Co.
Coffee, meet crafting. One More Row Coffee Co. is a new coffee bar tucked inside Low Country Shrimp and Knits, which recently moved into a larger space on Kitties Landing Road. Owner Tracy Winslow added the coffee concept with espresso drinks, teas, pastries and flavored syrups ranging from pistachio to toffee. Tables and couches give customers space to settle in with a latte, a knitting project or both. shrimpandknits.com.
The catch doesn’t travel far at Dub’s Seafood Co. The new seafood stand next to Alvin Ord’s sells wild-caught Lowcountry seafood harvested from its own local boat six days a week, connecting customers more directly with the fishermen behind their dinner. The business emphasizes responsible harvesting and stewardship of local waters. Shoppers also can catch Dub’s every Saturday morning at the Port Royal Farmers Market. Find them on Facebook.
10 KITTIES LANDING ROAD, BLUFFTON
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1421 RIBAUT ROAD, PORT ROYAL
Luci’s Cafe FESTIVAL CENTRE AT INDIGO PARK, HILTON HEAD Breakfast, lunch and locally roasted coffee are on the menu at Luci’s Cafe, a new family-owned spot in the former Corner Perk location at 45 Pembroke Drive. The cafe serves brunch favorites alongside Corner Perk coffee and handcrafted drinks made with house syrups. The opening marks a longtime dream for owner Lucio, who spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry as a chef and general manager before opening a place of his own. Built around food, faith and family, Luci’s was created as a welcoming gathering place for locals and visitors. luciscafe.com.
Catch the Vybes FOOD TRUCK West African flavors are hitting the road with Catch the Vybes, a new food truck serving dishes rooted in tradition and culture. The menu features specialties such as egusi with fufu, jollof rice with plantains and beans, and plantain porridge with chicken or turkey. Locations, menus and specials will rotate, giving adventurous eaters plenty of reasons to follow along. catchthevybes.com.
Dunkin’ 1002 FORDING ISLAND ROAD, BLUFFTON Bluffton has another place to fuel up along U.S. 278. Dunkin’ opened its third Bluffton-area location at 1002 Fording Island Road, adding another drive-thru for coffee, doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches and quick bites.
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NEWS & NOTES COMING SOON
7 Brew Coffee NORTHRIDGE PLAZA, HILTON HEAD Another drive-thru coffee concept could be headed to Hilton Head. 7 Brew Coffee has proposed redeveloping a portion of the Northridge Plaza parking lot for its first island location and is working through the town approval process. If approved, the coffee stand would be the chain’s second Beaufort County location, joining its existing shop on Fording Island Road in Bluffton.
Sea Eagle Market rolls out new food truck Sea Eagle Market has a new set of wheels. The Beaufort seafood market recently added a new food truck to its catering and festival operation after passing its original concession trailer along to another growing local food truck business in June. Look for the new truck at festivals, community events and catered gatherings, serving the local seafood favorites Sea Eagle Market is known for.
Halloween haunts Starbird Something wicked is stirring at Starbird. From Oct. 1-31, the Hilton Head cocktail bar will transform into The Haunting at Starbird, a Halloween pop-up filled with candlelight, cobwebs, creepy details and appropriately spirited drinks. The themed cocktail lineup includes eerie creations such as the Liquid Lobotomy served from an exposed skull, plus plenty of oddities, mystery and mischief planned throughout the month.
New law puts shrimp origins on the menu Starting Oct. 28, South Carolina restaurants and other establishments serving ready-to-eat imported shrimp will have to say so. A new state law requires imported shrimp to be identified on menus and entrance signs, giving diners more information about where their seafood comes from while drawing attention to local shrimpers competing with lower-priced imports. Closer to home, the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association plans to launch its “Only From Our Waters” certification program to recognize restaurants serving local and American wild-caught shrimp.
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Tin & Tallow gets social Tin & Tallow is taking its name literally with the launch of The Tallow Social Club, a new event series designed to bring people together over food, drinks and shared interests. Plans include bourbon nights, ladies nights, tastings, tap takeovers, coffee events, mahjong mornings and more. Some gatherings will be casual drop-ins, while others will be ticketed experiences with guided tastings and limited seating. Despite the “club” name, there’s no membership required. The first events will be announced soon.
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9/16/26 9:22 AM
DINE IN • ORDER ONLINE • 843.715.2500 DOWNTOWN.SALTYDOG.COM
There’s A New Dog In Town
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TRY THESE
Dishes with legendary potential
Hungry for something different? This month’s finds range from crispy pan pizza and a filet mignon burger to Lowcountry seafood, steakhouse indulgences and bakery sweets. Here are a few dishes worth adding to your must-try list.
Jackie’S Ice Cream Parlor
homemade ice cream • shakes • banana splits hand tossed pizza • kid’s menu • burgers • hot dogs pasta • salads • sandwiches • salty dog classics exciting new dishes from Chef Akhil James
GOLDEN HOUR Hogshead Kitchen and Wine Bar lets a beautifully prepared piece of fish do the talking, pairing it with golden risotto and fresh greens. Creamy risotto, crisp greens and tender fish make for a simple combination that looks as good as it tastes.
PAN PERFECTION Radici has rolled out a new lunch menu and the pizza al Tegamino deserves attention. This Turin-style pizza is baked in a small, oiled metal pan, giving it a light, airy interior and a golden, crispy bottom. Consider it another very good reason to do pizza for lunch.
BOIL OVER The Salty Dog gives the Lowcountry boil a snow-crab upgrade with its Snowcountry boil. Local shrimp, andouille sausage, corn and potatoes share the pot with a half-pound of snow crab legs, with everything tossed in Old Bay garlic butter.
Just Off Palmetto Bay Road Near The Sea Pines Circle
ORIGINAL HOME OF PELICAN PICTURES MOVIE THEATER: Circa 1978
6 Target Road • Hilton Head Island • 843.715.2500
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SICILIAN SWEET Save room at Nunzio Restaurant + Bar for the cannolo Siciliano. A crisp pastry shell is filled with creamy ricotta, chocolate, orange zest and pistachio, delivering a little crunch, creaminess and citrus in every bite. BUTTER BELIEVE IT WiseGuys offers plenty of ways to dress up its 14-ounce Delmonico ribeye. Choose black truffle, cowboy or Roquefort compound butter, or finish your steak with cabernet demi-glace, béarnaise or au poivre. The hardest part may be picking just one.
FANCY BURGER Filet mignon gets a more casual calling at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte. The bistro burger puts grilled filet mignon on a potato roll with Boursin cheese spread and fresh greens. Who says a burger can’t have fine-dining credentials? CREAMY MEETS BRIGHT Burrata gets a bright, citrusy counterpoint at Pomodori Italian Eatery. The burrata e pesto pairs creamy cheese with kale pesto and preserved meyer lemon tapenade for a starter that balances richness with plenty of freshness.
COASTAL COMFORT Skull Creek Boathouse gives Carolina catfish a Southern-on-Southern treatment. The fish is blackened with Cajun spices, topped with house-made pimento cheese and served with Savannah red rice and collard greens. TOP IT OFF Can’t decide between steak and seafood? At The Pearl Kitchen + Bar, add two blackened scallops to an 8-ounce filet mignon for a serious surf-and-turf combination. Whipped potatoes, asparagus, oyster mushrooms, blistered tomatoes, Gorgonzola butter and red wine demi complete the plate. SWEET STRIPES Meet the banderilla at Pan Casero Tradicional Mexicano. A staple of the traditional Mexican panadería, these long strips of flaky puff pastry are sprinkled with sugar and baked until crisp. Pair one with coffee for an afternoon treat. BAGEL MEETS BURGER Rain-N-Bagels proves bagels aren’t just for breakfast. Its Angus beef burger trades the ordinary bun for a cheddar bagel, then piles on roasted red peppers, grilled onion, spinach, Havarti and jalapeño honey mustard for a sweet, spicy and savory combination.
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WWMD
What would Margaret drink? Margaret Pearman, a certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, curates the acclaimed wine program at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte. This month she raises a glass to California’s ghost wineries and the bottles bringing their stories back to life.
Drink with the ghosts CALIFORNIA’S FORGOTTEN WINERIES ARE BACK FROM THE DEAD
COLD DRINKS. HOT EATS. TONS OF TVS. THE ONLY PLACE ON HILTON HEAD TO WATCH THE GAME.
CELLAR SECRETS Tucked beneath Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, this private tasting room offers an atmospheric glimpse into California's wine history. Stone walls, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and candlelit warmth make an appropriate setting for a winery founded in 1857.
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Speakeasies have made Prohibition stylish. Hidden doors, secret passwords and cocktails let us play at the illicit glamour of the 1920s. But in California wine country, Prohibition left behind something intriguing: ghosts. Not the chain-rattling kind. The wine kind. “Ghost winery” describes historic California wineries that fell silent, many during or around Prohibition, then sat abandoned for decades. Their stone walls, caves, cellars and vineyards became remnants of an earlier wine era. Some disappeared. Others came back to life. Buena Vista is a prime example. Founded in Sonoma in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy and recognized as California’s first premium winery, its stone buildings and caves remain a link to early winemaking. At Frog’s Leap in Rutherford, history lives on through the Adamson Winery barn, built in 1884 and among Napa Valley’s oldest surviving winery structures. High above Sonoma Valley, Mount Peak Winery represents another comeback. Established in the 19th century before going dormant, the Mount Peak name was revived more than a century later. Like the best legends, these places blur the line between what’s gone and what remains. Buildings crumble. Generations pass. Yet vines grow, cellars survive, and old wineries get another chapter. This October, forget the haunted house. I’d rather drink with the ghosts.
TRY THESE Buena Vista Chardonnay: Full and rich, with just enough oak to bring warmth and texture. A natural fit for fall. About $70 Frog’s Leap Merlot: One of the estate’s flagship wines, with depth, balance and character that prove just how compelling Merlot can be. About $50
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Mount Peak Gravity Red Blend: Sourced from high-elevation vineyards, this Cabernet-driven blend is bold, structured and made for fall. About $50
Spirited sips
TWO HAUNTINGLY GOOD COCKTAILS TO SUMMON THIS SPOOKY SEASON STORY BY BAILEY GILLIAM Every good legend deserves a spirit, and this month we’re taking that idea literally. In honor of our Legends & Lore issue, these Halloween-inspired cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka bring a little mystery to the glass.
Something to Fall for.
Dark magic
Tito’s Smoky Spirit Dark, fiery and appropriately mysterious, Tito’s Smoky Spirit looks like something conjured over a cauldron. Blackberries bring tart sweetness, jalapeño delivers a flash of heat, and a crack of black pepper deepens the spice, while cranberry and orange add a tart, citrusy lift. A rosemary sprig provides the final witchy flourish. It’s just the thing for sipping after dark, preferably with a horror movie playing or a scary story close at hand. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Tito’s Handmade Vodka 3/4 ounce cranberry juice 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice 4 blackberries 1 slice jalapeño 1 crack of black pepper 1 blackberry, for garnish 1 rosemary sprig, for garnish DIRECTIONS [1] Muddle the blackberries and jalapeño in a shaker. [2] Add the vodka, juices, black pepper and ice. [3] Shake well, then strain into a glass over fresh ice. [4] Garnish with a blackberry and rosemary sprig.
Drop-dead gorgeous
Tito’s Terror-tini
Don’t let its polished appearance fool you — the Terror-tini has a sinister streak. Lemon and simple syrup create a crisp sweet-and-sour base, while pomegranate juice sinks through the cocktail in a dramatic blood-red swirl. Finished with a cherry, it strikes just the right balance between eerie and elegant — an easy choice for Halloween parties, horrormovie marathons or an evening spent swapping your favorite local legends. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Tito’s Handmade Vodka 1 ounce lemon juice 3/4 ounce simple syrup 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice 1 cherry, for garnish DIRECTIONS [1] Add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. [2] Shake well, and strain into a chilled martini glass. [3] Slowly pour the pomegranate juice over the back of a spoon to create a blood-red layer. [4] Garnish with a cherry.
Open daily from 7AM until 3PM 101 Pope Avenue, Coligny Plaza 843.342.4800 SEPTEMBER 2026 + LocalLifeSC.com
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THE 2026 HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL SHIFTS INTO AN ENTIRELY NEW GEAR STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN
HERITAGE IN MOTION The Lowcountry Driving Tour puts Concours cars on the road for a scenic journey through Hilton Head Island. This year’s tour runs from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, taking participants along scenic island corridors and past historic landmarks while combining automotive history with Lowcountry culture and camaraderie.
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©HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL
©HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL
With the notable exception of a certain golf tournament, few events on the calendar can claim to define our community as profoundly as the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. Let’s start with the name itself. Just as the mouthful of sponsors that surround the golf tournament’s name are usually jettisoned in favor of everyone just calling it “The Heritage,” the motoring festival is simply known in local circles as “The Concours.” The difference here is that simply calling it “The Concours” tends to put the focus on the main event: the two days, October 31 and November 1, when more than 200 rare and incredible vehicles pull up to Port Royal Golf Club’s Planter’s Row course, while forgetting that there is far more to the motoring festival. The first attraction comes October 30, when the Lowcountry Driving Tour serves as one part parade, one part love letter to the island. From 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., you’ll be able to cruise alongside some of these amazing cars on a relaxing journey through the island and its many historical landmarks, immersing yourself in Hilton Head’s culture along the way. That first day’s festivities will culminate in Motorcars & Music, an open-air performance by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks starting at 6 p.m. on the 18th fairway. Even the main event itself is often misconstrued, even by diehard locals. “I still think a lot of people assume they come Saturday, see the cars, and Sunday is essentially a repeat. It isn’t,” said spokesperson Kelly Broome-Smith. “Saturday, October 31, is the Car Club Showcase, when clubs and enthusiasts travel to Hilton Head to fill the field with an incredible range of automobiles. Then overnight the field completely transforms. Sunday, November 1, is the nationally judged Concours d’Elegance, with an entirely different collection of vehicles and a completely different experience. So someone can absolutely come both days and have two very different days at the festival.” Essentially, you drive on Saturday for show, you drive on Sunday for dough. Running through both days, however, are a score of special exhibits that set our Concours apart as a multidimensional celebration of motoring. You’ll note that the word motoring applies to far more than just cars. “This year we have the boats coming back, which will be a great showing,” said Special Exhibits Chairman Huntley Tarleton. “I introduced the boats 15 years ago, and it’s a group that really loves coming to our show.” Those boats also add to the experience at Locals Lane (sponsored by this very publication). Dedicated to those who hang their hat here, this special pass gives residents a SOUL IN THE SPOTLIGHT American Idol winner and platinumchance to vote for their favorite boat as well as enjoy special offers and benefits. selling artist Taylor Hicks brings his “We welcome collectors and guests from across the country each fall, but this event signature blend of Southern soul, belongs to the Lowcountry,” said Executive Director Rick Sabol. “Locals Lane is our way of blues and rock to Hilton Head Island inviting Beaufort County residents to experience this hometown event in a whole new way, for Motorcars & Music, a special with special access, exclusive perks and a few well-deserved bragging rights. We want our benefit concert kicking off Concours neighbors on the showfield with us, because they’re not just our guests. They’re the people weekend at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 30 on the 18th fairway of Port Royal Golf Club. who make this place, and this event, so special.”
©HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL
CLUBS TAKE THE FIELD The Car Club Showcase brings together everything from vintage classics to contemporary performance machines, giving enthusiasts a chance to see some of the region’s finest club-owned vehicles in one place. This year’s showcase runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, along the first and 18th fairways of Port Royal Golf Club’s Planter’s Row course, with invited clubs competing for awards.
Cruise the collections We locals shouldn’t pat ourselves on the back too hard. We know full well that the real draw is the cars, and some special collections that will run both days prove it. This year’s honored collector, Ivan “The Car Nut” Ruiz, will be bringing out a selection of the gorgeous Maseratis that made him famous. Motorsports Collector Robert Dyson will have a curated collection of racing cars, including the world’s first successful six-cylinder racing car, a 1904 Napier L48 “Samson.” And those are just two of the featured collections. Part of the festival’s mission this year is appealing to a new generation of car collectors who are less enthralled with gas lamps and wooden chassis than they are with American horsepower. Examples include Pinnacle collector Stephen Plaster, who will be showcasing “The Car That Was Too Dangerous to Sell,” a 1969 Chevy Yenko Camaro, as well as Velocity Collectors Mike and Debbie Rogers’ 2017 Lamborghini Huracán. “Even my son, who’s 24, loves the old stuff but is enjoying seeing these rare cars from the ’80s and ’90s, so with the Velocity Collectors we wanted to have more of those modern vehicles,” said Tarleton. “That’s really what the younger crowd wants to see. And honestly, the older crowd too.” Those younger visitors will not only find a newer breed of car on the grounds of the Concours, but they’ll also experience an introduction to the broader world of motoring. “There is a real need for the next generation of restorers, technicians, designers, craftspeople and preservationists. We want a child to leave this event curious, not only about the car they might someday drive but about who designed it, who built it, how it works, who restores it and why preserving these machines matters,” said Broome-Smith. “I think the heart of 2026 is really this: honoring the history of motoring while making sure there is a next generation excited enough to carry it forward.” That new energy also comes from a new sponsor, Lowcountry GT. Founded by local Steve Menzies, profiled in last month’s edition of LOCAL Life, the organization is all about bringing the Concours to the next level. “We’re really excited about this year’s event,” Menzies said. “I’m on the board and working with a great team of people who are truly committed to the automotive world. With the 25th anniversary of the Hilton Head Island Concours coming up, it’s a special time to be involved.”
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More than just a car
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Every car ever built has had the capability to take you somewhere. That’s the basic job description. But some cars don’t just take you somewhere down the road. They take you somewhere in your soul, a place that you may have forgotten. They take you back to a time when the promise of youth lay all around you, even if the financial opportunities didn’t. Few know that better than Mike and Debbie Rogers, this year’s Velocity Collectors at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival. For them, the true beauty of a car lies in the story it tells you when you turn that engine over. It’s a journey Mike has felt with every one of the dozens of cars he’s added to the collection over the years. “My equation for adding a car is to look at somebody who went into the dealership when that car came out, and at 20 years old were just slobbering all over themselves, thinking about how badly they want it. They just didn’t have the money,” said Mike. “So 30 years down the road, that 50-year-old has made some money, and he’ll pay five or six times what that thing would have cost him brand new. But he does that just to relive his youth. To be able to take his sweet wife he’s shared a home with for 40 years out for a drive on Sunday.” Viewing a car through the eyes of the person whose story it may eventually tell is a byproduct of the Rogers’ constantly shifting collection. Growing up on the west side of Charlotte, Mike saw Datsun Z cars coming and going from his father’s body shop. “He made a living buying and selling them, and I would go to my dad’s body shop and work till 5 o’clock. Then I would leave there and go to UPS and work till 10 o’clock. And I did that solid for two years, but unlike a lot of other kids, I always had nice cars,” he said. “These old collector cars are assets. I mean, they’re tangible assets. The whole key to collecting cars, in my opinion, is rarity.” In what is every car collector’s dream, he found that his wife, Debbie, immediately understood how a collection could become self-sustaining with the right buyers. “I started getting into cars when I met him. He took me to Barrett-Jackson one year, and I sat there and watched an entire week of people filing in and filing out, spending ungodly amounts of money on cars, and hearing their stories,” she said. “They’d talk about being able to enjoy the cars, sell them and make money. People always have great stories.” While they are happy to sell some of the collection and turn a profit, there are precious machines in their garage that tell stories of their own and are thus off the table. During the Concours d’Elegance they will share their stories with the crowd as this year’s Velocity Collectors. For example, there’s the 2007 Ferrari 599 he’ll have on display. During an era when Ferrari fully embraced Formula One-style paddle shifters, his is one of just 30 that were built with a manual transmission. The bulk of his cars, however, will tell the singular story of an automotive genius named Carroll Shelby. “He was an American icon. I mean, this guy was John Wayne and Elvis Presley all melded together. He was a badass, salesman and a self-promoter who did a lot of great things,” said Mike. “He was a California hot rodder, and he would take different cars, put big motors in them and make hot rods out of them.” Shelby’s legacy is written across hundreds of different models, some of the rarest of which will be on display as part of Mike’s collection. There’s the 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, one of about 10 that remain in the “narrow hip” design. There’s the 1999 Shelby Series 1, whose expensive Aurora V8 engine, carbon-fiber body and aluminum chassis proved too expensive to mass-produce, leaving just 249 in existence. There’s one of just 25 50th Anniversary Shelby 427 S/C Continuation Cobras. And the kicker: Shelby’s swan song, the Shelby 1000 Mustang, built just months before his death. For Mike and Debbie, the Concours is a chance to share these stories with an appreciative audience while enjoying a weekend with their fellow collectors. “It’s something we can do together. We’ve got friends at these shows that we do not see unless we’re at a car event. So it’s always like a little reunion,” said Debbie. “You see people you haven’t seen all year … and you just spend a long weekend catching up with people and looking at beautiful cars.” ©HHICONCOURS.COM
THE INCREDIBLE FLEET OF VELOCITY COLLECTORS MIKE AND DEBBIE ROGERS HAS A STORY TO TELL
SHELBY SANCTUARY Mike and Debbie Rogers’ collection is rich in automotive history, with Carroll Shelby’s legacy taking center stage. Among the rarities is a 1999 Shelby Series 1, foreground, one of just 249 produced. A selection from the Rogers’ collection will be featured at this year’s Concours, where the couple will serve as Velocity Collectors.
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THIS YEAR’S HONORED NAMEPLATES PROVE VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF AUTOMOTIVE LIFE
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GRACE, PACE AND SPACE Jaguar takes center stage as the 2026 Concours’ Honored Marque, with a special display tracing the British automaker’s evolution through decades of distinctive design, engineering and performance. This classic XK roadster embodies the sculpted lines and sporting elegance that made Jaguar one of the world’s most celebrated automotive nameplates.
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The curved swoosh of a bumper wrapped around a wheel in the logo of the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival may evoke the aerodynamic flair and bold styling of a certain era of automotive design, but its focus has always been much wider. From antique brass-and-wood horseless carriages that represent the art form’s primordial past to the technological marvels now prowling our roads, the Concours has always been a celebration of every step in that journey. There are the classic hot rods that would inspire an entire generation of racers, the European masterpieces that elevated automotive design and the American muscle cars that defined a nation. And beyond what it can do on four wheels, this open-air salute to motoring has always made room for boats, motorcycles and more. In essence, the Concours is a love letter to the things that move us. The cars being honored this year are a perfect example. Each represents a wildly different interpretation of the automobile, with a shared love of motoring at their intersection. This year’s Honored Marque, Jaguar, represents the subtle sophistication and refinement of luxury automobiles.
BUILT FOR ADVENTURE The Ford Bronco celebrates 60 years at the 2026 Concours, honoring six decades of rugged design and go-anywhere spirit. Introduced for the 1966 model year, the Bronco evolved from a compact off-roader into an American automotive icon, earning generations of fans on the trail and the show field.
“We’ll be bringing together exceptional Jaguars representing the history and evolution of the marque, including some truly unusual and significant examples,” said Concours spokesperson, Kelly Broome-Smith. “For someone who loves design, engineering and automotive history, this should be a beautiful display.” Contrasting with the upscale British sensibilities of Jaguar is the high-octane Americana of Pontiac, celebrating 100 years during this year’s Concours. “That gives us another wonderful opportunity to look at an American marque across generations and remind people how much cultural history is wrapped up in these cars,” added Broome-Smith. And sometimes a car isn’t about wrapping yourself in luxury or burying the needle on the freeway. Sometimes a car is about setting off into the untamed wild to see just how far it goes. In celebrating 60 years of the Ford Bronco, the Concours is showing it doesn’t mind a little mud on the fenders. “I think this will have enormous appeal beyond the traditional Concours audience,” said Broome-Smith. “The Bronco has become such an enduring piece of American automotive culture.” A car can elevate the ordinary drive into something unforgettable. A car can pin you back in your seat as it puts hundreds of horses to work under the hood. A car can take you through the winding trails of the unknown. No matter how, a car exists to move you. In honoring this trio of wildly different automobiles, this year’s Concours is inviting you along for the ride. PURE PONTIAC POWER Pontiac marks its 100th anniversary at the 2026 Concours, celebrating a century of American performance and personality. From stylish cruisers to tire-smoking muscle cars, the marque became synonymous with horsepower, and the view under this hood offers a fitting reminder of that legacy.
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OPERATION PATRIOTS FOB’S DINNER FOR THE HEROES REMINDS US ALL OF THE PRICE OF LIBERTY
©STEVE MACK
STORY BY BARRY KAUFMAN
CENTER STAGE Former NFL center Bart Oates speaks at a 2011 event in New York City. The three-time Super Bowl champion and former New York Giant will deliver the keynote address at OPFOB’s Dinner for the Heroes on Nov. 7.
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Twenty-five years ago, everything changed. What those hateful acts of 9/11 did to our country can never be understated, fully understood or forgotten. But one aspect of that dreadful day’s impact that often goes unexplored is the generation that answered the call when our nation needed them most. Moved by images on TV and memories of those lost in the attacks, they signed up to serve, ready to sacrifice during the decades of war that followed. Few can understand those who stood up in our darkest hours like those men and women themselves. We can try, but ultimately it’s a language they alone speak. Operation Patriots FOB was formed to take that connection and turn it into something positive: to give these brave warriors a place to come together after their war is over, meet with others who had also prepared themselves to give all in the cause of freedom and realize that they are not alone. Former NFL player and three-time Super Bowl winner Bart Oates has seen firsthand how OPFOB can reach veterans and serve them through shared experience. “My son is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne and after meeting with OPFOB, they GIANT ACHIEVEMENT Bart invited us both down to visit. Oates suited up at center for the New York Giants from 1985 We spent a weekend at the to 1993, helping the team win FOB, and the outreach, the Super Bowls XXI and XXV. He way they just help these guys, later won a third Super Bowl is amazing. I saw my son relax with the San Francisco 49ers because he was around people and was inducted into the with common experiences,” Giants Ring of Honor in 2022.
©ABACA PRESS
A HERO HONORED President Donald Trump presents the Medal of Honor to retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr. during a June 18 ceremony at the White House. The decorated Vietnam War veteran will be the special guest at OPFOB’s Dinner for the Heroes on Nov. 7.
said Oates. “People come back from war, and even if they are physically unscathed, there are a lot of emotional issues. And there’s a comfort and familiarity at OPFOB. They were all complete strangers, but there was this automatic connection and friendship. It really resonated with me.” Oates will share his experiences as the keynote speaker during OPFOB’s fifth annual Dinner for the Heroes on Nov. 7, which this year doubles as a solemn remembrance of 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. Oates has a close connection to New York City, having spent eight of his 11 years in the NFL as a center with the Giants, bringing home two Lombardi trophies. Like many of us, he watched the towers come down on TV and then watched his child go off to fight. “I’m not the guy who was at Ground Zero. I didn’t go to Iraq. I played football. But I think I represent the majority of Americans who have appreciation and respect for everyone who was involved,” he said. “We didn’t know if he was going to come back or not. We just knew he was in harm’s way, so we just relied on our faith.”
12th Annual Night on the Sound is presented by our 2026 Sound Stewards
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uun ndd n Sound Sooou Night N ggh h n tth the h Niiig htt oon heeS
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 6PM • Tickets $275
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Oates’ perspective as a parent will inform his keynote speech and add to an evening that will also feature guest of honor and Medal of Honor recipient Maj. James Capers Jr., USMC (Ret.). Held at “The FOB,” the organization’s private retreat in Ridgeland, the event raises funds to support its mission to prevent veteran and first responder suicide by restoring purpose, building community and creating lifelong connections. This year’s Dinner for the Heroes also serves as a tribute to one OPFOB volunteer who has always gone above and beyond. “Craig Ostergard really brought this dinner to the table for us. It’s his signature event. He always led the charge in terms of sponsorships and programming, really getting into the nitty-gritty details. We’re taking this on for the first year without his leadership, so we wanted to honor what he did for this event,” said Stephanie Brown, founder and CMO of OPFOB. Now called the Craig Ostergard 5th Annual Dinner for the Heroes, the event will still count Craig among its presenting sponsors, along with his wife, Andra, as well as Robin Howell, John and Diane Hynes, and Hilton Head BMW. “This is our fifth one, and it’s grown every year,” said Brown. “We’re already at capacity.” To learn more about OPFOB’s mission and lend your support to the heroes who came back changed by their sacrifices, visit opfob.org.
©MIKE RITTERBECK
UNITED FOR A CAUSE Guests are shown at last year’s OPFOB Dinner for the Heroes. The annual gathering brings the community together to honor veterans and first responders while raising funds to support OPFOB’s mission.
Save the date What: The Craig Ostergard 5th Annual Dinner for the Heroes When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 Where: Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Details: $300 per person. Special guest Maj. James Capers Jr., USMC (Ret.), is a Vietnam War veteran and the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor. Former NFL player and three-time Super Bowl champion Bart Oates will deliver the keynote address. opfob.org
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A feast for the senses
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©HISTORIC BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL'S STREET FEST In Bluffton art and seafood have always made a pretty good pair. The Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival returns Oct. 9-18 for 10 days of coastal flavors, creativity, live music and unmistakable Bluffton character. It all builds to Street Fest on Oct. 17-18, when Old Town transforms into an open-air gallery and food crawl with more than 100 juried artists, restaurants, food vendors and musicians filling the streets. With so much to see, taste and discover, consider this your cheat sheet to the grand finale: five festival foods worth seeking out and five standout artists to find along the way. THE ART OF THE CROWD Street Fest fills Old Town Bluffton with more than 100 juried artists, local food, live music and plenty of festival energy. The signature weekend and grand finale of the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival takes place Oct. 17-18.
FOOD WORTH FINDING Palmetto Kettle Corn Sweet, salty and just a little fiery, Palmetto Kettle Corn’s signature Sweet Heat puts a spicy spin on a festival classic. Each batch is handmade in small quantities for that fresh-from-the-kettle crunch. Traditionalists can stick with the classic while caramel, cheddar and other sweet and savory varieties make it easy to snack your way through the lineup. Samples are encouraged, so taste before choosing your bag.
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The Sugaree A little taste of Maine has become a Bluffton festival tradition. The Sugaree, a Bluffton bakery and cafe, serves a true Maine-style lobster roll generously packed with tender lobster meat, lightly dressed and tucked into a buttery, toasted New England-style split-top bun. The local favorite returns for its 15th festival appearance. Find the booth, say hello, and grab the lobster roll that keeps festival-goers coming back.
©LISA STAFF
PARTNERS IN SMOKE Marquith “Roscoe” and Danielle Green bring two family food traditions together at Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ. Roscoe commands the smoker while Danielle brings her Alabama roots to the sauces, sides and flavors that round out their festival-ready menu.
Bluffton Oyster Co. October is prime time for local white shrimp, and few names are more closely tied to Bluffton seafood than Bluffton Oyster Co. The family-run waterfront operation has been part of the town’s seafood story since 1899, serving up a taste of the Lowcountry that’s about as local as it gets. Seek out the fresh local shrimp, then make room for the company’s famous local oysters, another festival favorite worth getting a little messy for. Southern Spice Deli & Catered Events Whether it’s a shrimp burger slider or a steaming bowl of seafood chowder, this popular Hardeeville deli and catering company knows how to make fresh local seafood shine. Don’t overlook the sides either. Tomato-cucumber salad and fried garlic cheese curds make this a booth where ordering more than one thing is highly encouraged. Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ Smoke is the star at Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ, where pitmaster Marquith “Roscoe” Green serves up a hearty lineup of slow-cooked Southern favorites. His signature Roscoe ribs helped earn him the title of Rib Champion on Discovery+’s “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring,” but they’re just the beginning. From smoky meats and barbecue classics to satisfying sides, the menu is built for festival appetites. Come hungry, grab a plate, and taste the barbecue that put Roscoe on the map.
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ARTISTS WORTH ADMIRING Stephanie Lavender Stephanie Lavender brings color, texture and a touch of coastal glamour to her distinctive mixed-media art. Inspired by the landscapes and lifestyle of South Florida, her work combines unexpected materials, intricate craftsmanship and bold design to create pieces that are as tactile as they are eye-catching. Michael Allen Greenville artist Michael Allen brings the natural world into vivid focus through richly colored oil paintings. Birds, wildlife and underwater scenes come alive in saturated color and striking realism, capturing the beauty and detail of the natural world. Shelby Dillon Bluffton artist Shelby Dillon channels a life of travel into colorful, expressive works filled with bold brushwork and patterns. Her paintings and mixed-media pieces draw inspiration from water, tropical landscapes and the simple pleasure of slowing down and taking it all in. Rachael Newman Water, sky and solitude define Bluffton artist Rachael Newman’s atmospheric seascapes. Soft horizons, distant boats and shifting light create a sense of stillness, giving her coastal scenes a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality.
©STEPHANIE LAVENDER
Winthrope Hiers Guyton photographer Winthrope Hiers finds extraordinary moments in wildlife, landscapes and familiar Southern scenes. His careful use of light, timing and composition transforms recognizable subjects into fine-art images that invite a second look.
PALM PERFECTION Look closely at Stephanie Lavender’s Palm Royale, and the details begin to reveal themselves. The 42-by-60-inch mixed-media work combines hand-cut, hand-painted Portuguese cork with individually set glass mosaic, creating layers of texture and shimmer inspired by life along the South Florida coast.
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©PEACH PATROL
JUST PEACHY Bluffton-based Peach Patrol brings its freewheeling mix of rock, jazz and blues fusion to this year’s Street Fest. The five-piece band will close Stage 2, located at Bridge and Calhoun streets, on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Julie Gribble
©BLUFFTONARTSANDSEAFOODFESTIVAL.ORG
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC Saturday, Oct. 17 Main Stage (Martin Family Park) The Close, 10 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Spike Ivory, 12:45-2:30 p.m. Bottles and Cans, 3-5 p.m. Stage 2 (Bridge and Calhoun) Delta Circle, 10 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Julie Gribble, 12:45-2:30 p.m. Gary Byrd Band, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 Main Stage (Martin Family Park) John Brackett, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. The Nice Guys, 1:45-4 p.m. Stage 2 (Bridge and Calhoun) Domino Theory, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Peach Patrol, 1:45-4 p.m.
IF YOU GO WHAT: 22ND ANNUAL HISTORIC BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL When: Oct. 9-18 Street Fest: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 Where: Old Town Bluffton What to expect: More than 100 juried artists, local seafood and Lowcountry cuisine, live music and entertainment Admission: Free to Street Fest Details: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
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Arts & Culture
Featured artist: Kathy Tortorella October Artist of the Month When: Times vary, Oct. 14-16 Where: FLOW Gallery + Workshop Details: Discover the beauty and wildlife of the Gulf Coast through oil painter Brandon Finnorn’s vibrant work during his artist residency at Palmetto Bluff. palmettobluff.com
When: Times vary, Oct. 5-31 Where: Maye River Gallery Details: Take in expansive Lowcountry vistas captured in pastel and oil by featured artist Kathy Tortorella. mayerivergallery.com
Dear Evan Hansen When: Times vary, now-Oct. 25 Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Details: Winner of six Tony Awards, this powerful contemporary musical follows a lonely teenager whose longing for connection sets off a chain of events that changes his life. artshhi.com
Love Where You Live When: Times vary, Oct. 4-31 Where: SOBA Gallery Details: Explore featured artist Julie Jones’ work in “Love Where You Live,” and meet the artist during a reception from 4-6 p.m., Oct. 10. sobagallery.com
OTHER EVENTS Vitamin String Quartet: 4 & 7:30 p.m., Oct. 5
OTHER ARTS & CULTURE EVENTS Young Frankenstein When: Times vary, Oct. 30-Nov. 15 Where: May River Theatre Details: Get ready for monstrous laughs as Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein" brings madcap comedy, memorable music and beloved characters to the stage. mayrivertheatre.com
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Now-Oct. 23: “All Creatures Great and Small” at the Sea Pines Community Center Now-Oct. 31: Habersham Artist Community at USCB Center for the Arts Now-Oct. 31: Lisa Tupper at Beaufort Art Association Gallery Now-Nov. 1: “A Better Life for Their Children” photo exhibit at Coastal Discovery Museum Oct. 9: 2nd Annual Port Royal Plein Air Invitational at Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace Oct. 13-Nov. 23: “Long Story” at the Hilton Head Library Corridor Gallery Oct. 16-18 & 23-25: “Barefoot in the Park" at Coligny Theatre Oct. 18: Rock N Ribs 2026 at Coligny Plaza Oct. 28: Pasture to Palette opening reception at the Sea Pines Community Center Gallery Oct. 29-Nov. 21: Between Tide & Sky at Four Corners Art Gallery
Primary Trust When: Times vary, Oct. 30-Nov. 8 Where: HHPS Main Street Theater Details: Experience Lean Ensemble’s “Primary Trust,” a funny, tender and moving play about friendship, resilience and finding the courage to begin again. leanensemble.org
2026-2027 | 45th Season HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
John Morris Russell, Music Director
YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY MUSIC. ONE VERY SPECIAL EVENING. Celebrate the opening of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s 45th Anniversary Season with internationally acclaimed pianist Olga Kern and Music Director John Morris Russell. And the evening doesn’t end with the final note.
Continue the celebration
HHSO 45TH
ANNIVERSARY GALA
at Wexford Country Club COCKTAILS � DINNER � MUSIC � LOWCOUNTRY SUNSET All in support of the Symphony’s future
OCTOBER 25 Opening Concert at 4 PM � Gala immediately following hhso.org 843.842.2055
Join us for the music. Stay for the celebration.
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Charity & Community
10th Annual SIPS Party When: 5-8:30 p.m., Oct. 16 Where: Palmetto Bluff Farm Details: Sip, bid and give back during an evening featuring auctions and a wine pull, all benefiting Bluffton Self Help’s programs and services. blufftonselfhelp.org
Night on the Sound When: 6-9 p.m., Oct. 17 Where: Port Royal Sound Foundation Details: Spend an evening on the water with live music, signature drinks and local flavors while supporting efforts to protect the Port Royal Sound watershed. portroyalsoundfoundation.org
Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival When: Oct. 9-18 Where: Locations vary Details: Experience 10 days of Lowcountry seafood, art, music and culture, culminating with Street Fest and its juried fine art show featuring more than 100 artists. For a complete schedule, visit blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Daufuskie Island History & Artisans Tour: 8 a.m., Oct. 9, Church of the Cross May River Ducks Unlimited Fall Frenzy: 5 p.m., Oct. 9, Martin Family Park Bluffton State of Mind Supper Soirée: 6 p.m., Oct. 10, Calhoun Street Art in the Park: A Celebration of All Things Local: 11 a.m., Oct. 11, Martin Family Park Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade: 4 p.m., Oct. 11, Wright Family Park Oyster Fest: 5 p.m., Oct. 11, Oyster Factory Park May River Boat Tours: 8 a.m., Oct. 12-18, Calhoun Street Public Dock Dinner & Learn: Cherish Our Waterways: 5 p.m., Oct. 12, Waddell Mariculture Center May River Oyster Farm Tour: 10 a.m., Oct. 13 & 15, Calhoun Street Public Dock Okàn Dinner & Art Exhibit: 6 p.m., Oct. 13, Okàn Author Night: Cherishing Bluffton’s Past: 5:30 p.m., Oct. 14, Rotary Community Center Symphony Under the Stars: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 15, Martin Family Park Bluffton Self Help Sips & Seafood Party: 5 p.m., Oct. 16, Palmetto Bluff Farm Russo’s Fresh Seafood: 6 p.m., Oct. 16, Russo’s Fresh Seafood Old Town Oyster Run 5K: 8 a.m., Oct. 17, Oyster Factory Park Street Fest: 10 a.m., Oct. 17 & 18, Calhoun Street Take a Kid Fishing Tournament: 10:30 a.m., Oct. 17, Wright Family Park Children’s Art in the Park: 11 a.m., Oct. 17 & 18, DuBois Park Rockin’ on the Dock: 6 p.m., Oct. 17, Oyster Factory Park
16th Annual Italian Heritage Festival When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 17 Where: Coastal Discovery Museum Details: Experience Italian culture and cuisine with live music, arts and crafts, a kids’ zone, a silent auction and plenty of family-friendly fun. iachh.org
Pups on the Patio When: 4-6 p.m., Oct. 14 Where: Poseidon Details: Meet adorable adoptable dogs and spend a pet-friendly afternoon supporting Hilton Head Humane. hhhumane.org
Fun with the Fox
Jeep Island
When: 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6 Where: Community Center at The Shops at Sea Pines Center Details: The fifth annual Fun with the Fox brings together experts in Parkinson’s research for a discussion on the latest progress toward better treatments and a cure. Mark Frasier, chief scientist of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, will be among the featured panelists. Hosted by Hilton Head Island photographer Jeff Keefer and presented by VIVID Gallery, the evening includes refreshments from Lulu Kitchen. Each guest will receive a signed copy of Keefer’s Where Sea Meets Sky. All ticket proceeds benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation. FunWithTheFox.com
When: Oct. 9-10 Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park and other locations Details: Join fellow Jeep enthusiasts for a Show + Shine, live music, family fun, vendors, raffles and the new Slider Showdown, all benefiting the Island Recreation Association’s Children’s Scholarship Fund. islandreccenter.org
Concert for the Kids When: 5:30-9 p.m., Oct. 21 Where: Poseidon Rooftop Details: Catch live music by local favorite Pretty Darn, enter raffles and enjoy family-friendly fun while supporting The Children’s Center. childrenscentersc.org
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Meet & Greet: 5-7 p.m., Oct. 9, Lincoln & South Brewing Company Main Event, Show + Shine & Slider Showdown: Noon-3 p.m., Oct. 10, Lowcountry Celebration Park Official Afterparty: 3-7 p.m., Oct. 10, The Bank
OTHER CHARITY & COMMUNITY EVENTS
2026 Crescendo When: Times vary, Oct. 10-Nov. 23 Where: Locations vary Details: Immerse yourself in Hilton Head Island’s vibrant arts scene during more than a month of concerts, performances, exhibitions, festivals, historical experiences, hands-on activities and special events. culturehhi.org
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Oct. 6: Town of Port Royal Police Department’s National Night Out at John S. Parker Park Oct. 9-11: Habersham Harvest Festival in Habersham, South Carolina Oct. 10: Renegade Paws Rescue Adoption Event at Petco Bluffton Oct. 10: Hilton Head Humane’s Paws & Pastries at Sprout Momma Oct. 16-18: 2026 Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens in Beaufort Oct. 17: Gullah Food Festival at the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island Oct. 17: Boots, Barbecue & Oysters at the Golf Club at Indigo Run, benefiting PEP Oct. 17: Downtown Halloween Celebration at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Oct. 20: 2026 State of the Region at Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Oct. 23: Pumpkin Patch at Shelter Cove Community Park Oct. 24: Mac & Cheese Festival at Lincoln & South Brewing Company Oct. 24: Haunted Hallows Festival 2026 at Naval Heritage Park Oct. 25: Community Halloween Party at Hilton Head Humane’s Hilton Head Campus Oct. 30: Circle of Caring Gala at Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa
HHSO Gala When: Oct. 25, following the opening night concert Where: Wexford Hilton Head Details: Toast the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s 45th anniversary with a prosecco welcome and elegant three-course dinner following the season-opening concert. hhso.org
Remarkable gastroenterology care
Sarah Barbina, MD
Michael Gilbreath, MD
Ankit Patel, MD
Madeline Russell, MD
Hilton Head
Hilton Head, Hardeeville
Hilton Head, Hardeeville
Hardeeville
Mandy de Bruin, AGACNP-BC
Christy Nelson, AGNP
Julie Sim, AGNP
Hilton Head, Hardeeville
Hilton Head, Hardeeville
Hardeeville
Accepting new patients at all locations Digestive symptoms can be uncomfortable, concerning and disruptive to daily life. Whether you’re dealing with occasional discomfort or managing a chronic condition, Novant Health’s gastroenterology specialists are here to help. Using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, our team provides expert care and symptom relief for a wide range of digestive conditions. We help you find answers and get back to the activities that matter most.
Call one of the numbers below to schedule an appointment or scan the QR code to learn more. Novant Health Gastroenterology 35 Bill Fries Drive, Building F, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 | 843-681-6668 300 New River Parkway, Building 6, Suite 11, Hardeeville, SC 29927 | 843-208-3400 1010 Medical Center Drive, Suite 100, Hardeeville, SC 29927 | 843-591-1390 © Novant Health, Inc. 2026 9/26 • HH4548674692b
AREAS OF FOCUS • Relief for digestive symptoms • Care for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • Treatment for liver and gallbladder conditions • Evaluation of bowel changes and GI bleeding • Colonoscopy, EGD, and capsule endoscopy • Advanced testing and procedures
ItalianHeritageFestival_1026_BUILD.pdf
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happenings
Food & Drink
Hilton Head Olive Oils & Balsamics events Brush up on your culinary skills with classes and tastings covering everything from salad dressings and olive oil blends to sourdough and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. hiltonheadoils.com UPCOMING EVENTS Salad Dressing 101: 2-3 p.m., Thursdays Olive Oil & the Mediterranean Diet: 2-3 p.m., Oct. 5 & 19 Sourdough with Marina: 1-3 p.m., Oct. 6 Appy Hour: 2-3 p.m., Oct. 9, 16, 23, 27 & 28
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An Evening at Bowdie’s Chophouse with Heitz Cellar
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When: 6 p.m., Oct. 7 Where: Bowdie’s Chophouse Details: Savor a five-course dinner paired with selections from Heitz Cellar for an elegant evening of exceptional food and Napa Valley wines. bowdieschophouse.com
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October 17, 2026 Culinary events at The Sea Pines Resort Wine dinners, oyster roasts, tap takeovers and more are on the menu this month at restaurants throughout The Sea Pines Resort. seapines.com/events UPCOMING EVENTS Jazz Night at the Harbour Town Clubhouse: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 16, Harbour Town Clubhouse Tap Takeover: 5-8 p.m., Oct. 20, Fraser’s Tavern Heritage Farm Benefit Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m., Oct. 21, Heritage Farm Día de Muertos Tequila Dinner: 7:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 29, Sea Pines Beach Club Oyster Roasts: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays starting Oct. 10, Coast, Oceanfront Dining Pint Night: 5-9 p.m., Thursdays, Fraser’s Tavern Lobster Bake: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays, Harbourside
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Aperture Cellars Wine Dinner When: 6-9 p.m., Oct. 15 Where: Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar Details: Discover the wines of California’s Aperture Cellars during a special dinner pairing exceptional pours with a thoughtfully prepared menu. alexandersrestaurant.com
Cooking School at Michael Anthony’s When: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., select dates Where: Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana Details: Sharpen your kitchen skills with hands-on classes and chef-led demonstrations at Michael Anthony’s popular cooking school. Visit online for menus and additional class offerings. michael-anthonys.com
west end version
UPCOMING CLASSES Oct. 8: Fall is in the Air! Cooking Demo Oct. 9: Apple Harvest Cooking Demo
OTHER FOOD & DRINK EVENTS Oct. 8: Dessert Cocktails at Hilton Head Distillery Oct. 11: Barre to the Bar at Shellring Ale Works Oct. 15: Cigar Night at Shellring Ale Works Oct. 15: The Art of Tiki Cocktail Class at Hilton Head Distillery Oct. 19: Sip & Craft: Halloween Wine Glass Set at Burnt Church Distillery Oct. 21: St. Francis Wine Dinner at Old Oyster Factory Oct. 27: Sip & Craft: Chunky Pumpkin Workshop at Burnt Church Distillery Oct. 29: Boos & Booze Cocktail Class at Hilton Head Distillery
2027 S Sson Tickets
WEEKLY FOOD EVENTS Tuesdays: Battles & Bread at Wine Time Bluffton Tuesdays: Tasty Tuesdays at Rollers Wine & Spirits Wednesdays: Pasta Night at Wine Time Bluffton Wednesdays: Wine Tasting at Wine Time Washington Square Wednesdays & Thursdays: Outside Hilton Head Happy Hour Cruises at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Thursdays: Thirsty Thursdays at Rollers Wine & Spirits Thursdays: Jazz on the Patio at Okan Thursdays: Featured Wine Tasting at Wine Time Bluffton Fridays: Friday Uncorked at Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace Sundays: Mimosas & Melodies at Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace Sundays: Lowcountry Tailgate Party at Skull Creek Boathouse
Celeb Celeb ting ting 25 Yrs OCTOBER 2026 + LocalLifeSC.com
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happenings
An Exclusive Offer for LOCALS ONLY:
Lectures & Classes SOBA art classes
LOCALS
LANE
Get creative at SOBA Gallery with hands-on classes in watercolor, acrylics and abstract painting. For a complete schedule, visit sobagallery.com. UPCOMING CLASSES The Beachcomber: 3-Hour Watercolor Workshop: 1-4 p.m., Oct. 15 Beginners Acrylic Painting: 1-4 p.m., Oct. 19 & 26 Abstract Painting Your Way: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 31
Guided Play Mahjong with Andrew Baldino When: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 6 & 20 Where: Nectar Farm Kitchen, Old Town Bluffton Details: Sharpen your mahjong skills over great food and friendly competition with guided and independent play options for experienced players. nectarfarmkitchen.com
OTHER LECTURES & CLASSES LIBRARIES FOR KIDS INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Oct. 19: Author Series with Cele and Lyn Seldon
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Available exclusively to Beaufort County residents, this pass comes packed with perks, including: • VIP Lanyard • $20 off VIP Parking • 10% Discount on official festival merchandise • A locals-only vote in the “Life on the Water Exhibit Presented by Butler Marine” boat competition. Kids and students under 18 get in free, making it an easy way to share the excitement with the whole family. To join, visit hhiconcours.com/locals, confirm your Beaufort County zip code and register online. Then pick up your lanyard at the show entrance, and get ready to see your hometown event in a whole new light.
hhiconcours.com/locals 198 LocalLifeSC.com + OCTOBER 2026
HILTON HEAD AUDUBON EVENTS Oct. 7 & 26: Fall Shorebird Walk and Wildlife Beach Area Tour at Fish Haul Beach Park Oct. 9: 2026 Lantern Making Workshop at Public Service Electric Oct. 22: Origin and Lore of Bird Names at Hilton Head Library Oct. 24: Introduction to Lowcountry Bird Identification at Coastal Discovery Museum BEAUFORT COUNTY LIBRARY EVENTS Oct. 7: Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry and His Legacy of Literacy at the Bluffton Branch Oct. 14: Adult Craft: Book Pumpkins at the Hilton Head Branch PAT CONROY LITERARY CENTER EVENTS Oct. 22-25: 11th Annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival Oct. 29: An Evening with Rena Winchester ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD EVENTS Oct. 12: Introduction to Painting with Pastels Oct. 28: Wind Down Wednesday: Fantastic Felted Works WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL HILTON HEAD EVENTS Oct. 16: Michael Ratney: A New Saudi Arabia in a Volatile Region Oct. 30: Kurt Volker: Russia’s War on Ukraine: How Will It End? HISTORIC PORT ROYAL FOUNDATION EVENTS Oct. 15: Third Thursday at Live Oaks Park MEMORY MATTERS EVENTS Oct. 8: Mark Sennet: A Celebrity Photographer Turns His Lens to Alzheimer’s HERITAGE LIBRARY EVENTS Oct. 16-17 & 23-24: Ghosts and Myths of Hilton Head Island USCB EVENTS Oct. 22: Lunch with Authors featuring Katherine Reay at Belfair Clubhouse COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM EVENTS Oct. 15: Discovery Night at the Museum: Create an Indigo Scarf Oct. 29: Discovery Night at the Museum: Pumpkins, Posies & Prosecco
PROFESSIONAL THEATER IN THE HEART OF HILTON HEAD
happenings
Markets & Shopping ONSTAGE NOW THROUGH
OCT 25
OCT 5 | 2 SHOWS!
The romance of Bridgerton, the genius of Taylor Swift, and the cinematic magic of Danny Elfman—plus much more— brilliantly reimagined for strings. Book your tickets today!
NOV 5 & 6 | 2 SHOWS! Get ready to Boot Scootin’ Boogie the night away with this powerhouse female vocal trio, performing the greatest, most beloved hits in Country Music from today and yesterday.
UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES AWAIT!
26 27
THEATER SERIES
2027
SEP 23 – OCT 25
DEC 2 – JAN 3
APR 28 – MAY 30
JUN 23 – AUG 8
20 27
BEST SEATS. BEST PRICE. W H E N YO U S U B S C R I B E & SAV E SCAN TO LEARN MORE AND SUBSCRIBE!
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Bluffton Farmers Market: Noon-4 p.m., Thursdays, 68 Boundary St. Farmers Market at Coastal Discovery Museum: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays, Coastal Discovery Museum Port Royal Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, Naval Heritage Park Beaufort First Friday: 5-8 p.m., first Friday of each month, downtown Beaufort Hilton Head Community Market: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturdays, Shelter Cove Community Park Habersham Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m., third Friday of each month, Habersham Marketplace, Beaufort Side Hustle Brewing Co. Farmers Market: 1-5 p.m., third Sunday of each month, Side Hustle Brewing Co. Forsythe Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, Savannah River Street Art Market: 10 a.m., Oct. 16-18, Savannah Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 7 & 21, Palmetto Bluff Farm
Anniversary Celebration 20 26
FEB 3 – FEB 21
FARMERS & ART MARKETS Shop fresh produce, local foods, handmade goods and original art at these Lowcountry and Savannah markets.
LocalLifeSC.com + OCTOBER 2026
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 10 Where: Coastal Skin Studio Details: Celebrate Coastal Skin Studio’s anniversary with one-day-only specials, surprises and more. coastalskinstudio.com
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Roberto Coin Trunk Show When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 22-24 Where: Forsythe Jewelers Details: Explore Roberto Coin’s newest fall collections and one-of-a-kind designs during this special three-day trunk show. forsythejewelers.biz
happenings
Music & Entertainment Music & Taste on the Harbour When: 6-9 p.m., select Thursdays Where: Shelter Cove Community Park Details: Catch live music by the water while enjoying specially priced bites and drinks from Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants during this free outdoor concert series. sheltercovehiltonhead.com UPCOMING LINEUP Oct. 8 & 15: Deas Guyz
Roots, Rhythm & Soul When: Times vary, Oct. 10-11 Where: USCB Center for the Arts Details: Experience the gospel, jazz, soul and rich Lowcountry musical traditions of Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Singers during this uplifting performance. uscbcenterforthearts.com
Music with Friends on the Bluff When: 7-8:30 p.m., Oct. 19 Where: Longfield Equestrian Center at Palmetto Bluff Details: See legendary singer-songwriter John Oates in an intimate setting while supporting The Outside Foundation and honoring the legacy of Dr. Jean Fruh. outsidefoundation.org
HHSO events The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 45th season with outdoor concerts, a performance by acclaimed pianist Olga Kern, an anniversary gala and more. hhso.org UPCOMING EVENTS Symphony Under the Stars Bluffton: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 15, Martin Family Park Symphony Under the Stars Hilton Head: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16, Lowcountry Celebration Park Olga Kern: Beethoven’s Emperor: 4 p.m., Oct. 25, First Presbyterian Church 45th Anniversary Gala: 5:30 p.m., Oct. 25, Wexford Country Club HHIPC BravoPiano! Recital: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 30, SoundWaves
OTHER MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS Oct. 10: Outlaws for a Cause Charity Concert at Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill Oct. 11: Fripp Island Friends of Music presents Nicole Henry at the Fripp Island Community Center Oct. 17: SC Ballet’s Disco Inferno Oct. 17: Music on Malphrus: Rod Macdonald at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry Oct. 18: Beaufort Symphony Orchestra presents German Masters at the USCB Center for the Arts Oct. 27: Halloween Costume, Dance & Pizza Party at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio
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FOLLOW THE OYSTER TO THE 21ST ANNUAL Follow the Oyster TO FOLLOW THE OYSTER FOLLOWHISTORIC THE OYSTER TO BLUFFTON The 22ND Annual THE 21ST ANNUAL THE 21ST ANNUAL ARTS & SEAFOOD Historic BLUFFTON Bluffton HISTORIC HISTORIC BLUFFTON FESTIVAL Arts Seafood ARTS & SEAFOOD ARTS & SEAFOOD OCTOBER 10-19, 2025 Festival FESTIVAL FESTIVAL OCTOBER10-19, 9-18, 2025 2026 OCTOBER OCTOBER 10-19, 2025
Celebrate 22 years of tradition with plenty of activities showcasing locally harvested seafood and Lowcountry cuisine while highlighting the rich history and culture of the area. The celebration culminates with a juried fine art show and street fest on October 17th and 18th.
blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
Cocktails on the Coast
happenings
Sports & Outdoors
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7 4 TIL 8 PM
Lace up for a busy month of runs and walks, with opportunities to get moving, have fun and support local causes.
POSEIDON
UPCOMING RACES Oktoberfest Pub Run: 6 p.m., Oct. 7, Local Legend Brewery Lowcountry Breast Cancer Walk: 9 a.m., Oct. 10, Old Town Bluffton NAMIWalks Lowcountry: 9:30 a.m., Oct. 10, Shelter Cove Community Park Old Town Oyster Run 5K: 8 a.m., Oct. 17, Oyster Factory Park
October races
HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Sea Pines adventures Join us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, breathtaking views, and an exciting auction featuring incredible items — all while supporting SOAR’s Special Olympics athletes. Tickets are limited so please register early.
Get outdoors this October with festive wagon rides, Halloween fun and a moonlit adventure at The Sea Pines Resort. seapines.com
If you can’t make the event, you can still participate in the LIVE AUCTION ONLINE. Scan to visit the live auction page.
Scan for tickets for Cocktails on the Coast
UPCOMING EVENTS Halloween Wagon Ride: 11 a.m., Oct. 24, Heritage Farm Halloween on the Harbour: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Oct. 25, Harbour Town Night at the Preserve: Full Moon Wagon Ride: 7:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 26, Heritage Farm
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy events Explore the wilder side of Palmetto Bluff with nature programs highlighting spiders, nocturnal wildlife and even a few ghost stories. Visit palmettobluff.com/ conservation for a complete schedule. UPCOMING EVENTS Brown Bag Lunch: Spiders: Noon-1 p.m., Oct. 14 Explore PBC: Creatures of the Night: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 23 Brown Bag Lunch: Ghost Stories of the Bluff: Noon-1 p.m., Oct. 28
OTHER SPORTS & OUTDOORS EVENTS Oct. 10: Tom Reilley Memorial Golf Tournament at Hilton Head Lakes Oct. 21-25: Multihull Regatta Hilton Head Island 2026 at South Carolina Yacht Club Oct. 26: Tee It Up For Life Golf Classic at Palmetto Hall Golf Club
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SUPPORT SOAR & OUR ATHLETES
happenings
SAVANNAH EVENTS
FALL IS FOR PLANTING! Cooler temps + warm soil = the perfect conditions for strong, healthy roots. Stop by the nursery and get your fall planting started — plant now for a beautiful spring!
15% OFF
all in stock painted pumpkins *Labor & delivery not included. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.
Now-Nov. 7: “Mamma Mia!” at The Savannah Theatre Oct. 6: CAAMP at VyStar Pavilion Oct. 8-11: 75th Annual Savannah Greek Festival at St. Paul’s Creek Orthodox Church Oct. 9: ZZ Top at VyStar Pavilion Oct. 10: Savannah Wiener Dog Races at Plant Riverside District Oct. 10: Blues, Brews, BBQ & Bourbon at The Park at Eastern Wharf Oct. 10: Garba Festival at VyStar Pavilion Oct. 10: SC Ballet’s “Dracula” at Johnny Mercer Theatre Oct. 15: The Red Clay Strays at Enmarket Arena Oct. 16: Savannah Ghost Pirates Opening Night at Enmarket Arena Oct. 16: Mark Paul at Johnny Mercer Theatre Oct. 17: Humane Society’s 7th Annual Fall Fair at the Humane Society for Greater Savannah Oct. 17: Ty Myers at VyStar Pavilion Oct. 18: The Doobie Brothers at Enmarket Arena Oct. 24: Trick or Treat on River Street Oct. 24: The Big Bash Fall Festival at Tanger Outlets Savannah Oct. 24-25: 21st Annual Wag-O-Ween in downtown Savannah Oct. 24-31: SCAD Savannah Film Festival at SCAD Oct. 27: “The Wiz" at Johnny Mercer Theatre Oct. 29: Ocean to Table: Lowcountry Boil at UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium Oct. 29-Nov. 8: South Georgia State Fair at the Fairgrounds Oct. 30: Fine Arts Showcase at SCAD Oct. 30: Gavin Adcock at Enmarket Arena
SAVE THE DATE Nov. 1: Hilton Head Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K at The Sea Pines Resort Nov. 2: Swing Fore the Symphony at Wexford Golf Club Nov. 5: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at Hilton Head Christian Academy Nov. 7: SOAR's Cocktails on the Coast at The Rooftop at Poseidon Nov. 14-15: 12th annual Bob Masteller Jazz For All Ages Music Festival at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head
Sparkle Hour by Kessler Fine Jewelry When: 5-7 p.m., Thursdays Where: Kessler Fine Jewelry Details: Sip handcrafted cocktails, sample sparkling bites and browse Kessler’s fine jewelry collections during this weekly happy hour. plantriverside.com
Tuscan Harvest Festival
Celebrating over 35 Years in Business! 109 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island Monday–Friday 8AM–4PM & Saturday 9AM–1PM
843.682.2624
BrunoLandscapeAndNursery.com
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When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 5 Where: Le Cookery Details: Meet VIETRI master artisan Cristian Massaro and watch him bring his craft to life while enjoying live music, cocktails, bites, demonstrations, special discounts and holiday shopping. lecookery.myshoplocal.com
October Southern Estates and Collections When: Times vary, Oct. 27-29 Where: Everard Auctions & Appraisals Details: Browse and bid on fine and decorative art from Southern estates and collections, with an early look at the auction offerings during a special preview reception on Oct. 20. everard.com
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#partingshot
Do you see what I see?
Lowcountry Visitor Center & Museum, Yemassee
The Lowcountry has a way of revealing things when you least expect it. While waiting for a photo shoot at the Lowcountry Visitor Center & Museum at historic Frampton Plantation, photographer Michael Hrizuk looked up into the moss-draped canopy and found something looking back. “I looked up, and it looked right back at me.” With his camera gear in the van, he reached for his iPhone and captured the eerie face hidden among the branches. No Photoshop. No AI. Just sunlight, Spanish moss and a centuries-old Lowcountry landscape with something hiding in plain sight. Do you see it? HIT US WITH YOUR BEST SHOT Have you taken a great local photo? Send your high-res image to info@wearelocallife.com or upload it at locallifesc.com/partingshot. 208
LocalLifeSC.com + OCTOBER 2026
NAVARRA & VENETIAN MEDALLIONS
ROBERTO COIN TRUNK SHOW Thursday - Saturday, October 22nd - 24th | 10am-5pm
The Shops at Sea Pines Center 71 Lighthouse Road | Hilton Head Island 843.671.7070
@forsythehhi