Hilton Head Island and Bluffton News

SIX OAKS CEMETERY TO BE PART OF WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Some folks would call what John Hunter does this time each year a major undertaking and a huge amount of stress.

LOOKING BACK AT LOCAL HEADLINES JANUARY: The Lowcountry was welcomed to the New Year with a powerful overnight storm on Jan. 3 that left thousands without power. Severe storms and a cold front brought heavy rain and heavy wind. Wind gusts reached 49 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TOWN

BRIDGE AT CALHOUN FILLING UP

We’ve seen The Bridge at Calhoun take shape over the past year, and now developer Matt Cunningham said the mixed-use center at the corner of Calhoun and Bridge Street is finally full of activity.

THE COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND

On this enchanted island tucked in the Atlantic and surrounded by sprawling, rich coastal lowlands, there's a way of life that's very aware and appreciative of the crown jewel we've been given. We take good care of the sea turtles. We work to preserve and present the unique history of the land and its peoples throughout time.

SGT. JASPER PARK SHOWCASES LOWCOUNTRY’S BEAUTY AND ABUNDANT RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Tucked behind Coastal Carolina Hospital, just a stone’s throw from US 278 and Interstate 95, sits a hidden gem that showcases much of the natural beauty and outdoor recreation that makes the Lowcountry great. And it’s largely unknown, even to some longtime residents.

A sleigh full of ideas for the perfect present.

PALMETTO ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES BRIGHT IDEAS GRANTS WINNERS

Palmetto Electric Cooperative and Palmetto Electric Trust awarded $44,133 in Bright Ideas grants to 49 teachers in southern Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties in 2022. Earlier this year, teachers submitted 85 proposals for innovative classroom projects.

1. Hilton Head Island names Director of Cultural Affairs

Natalie Harvey has joined the town of Hilton Head Island as its new Director of Cultural Affairs. She will develop a plan for enhancement of the entertainment, arts, culture, and heritage assets of the island. Harvey brings 25 years of experience to the position, spending those years at the Coastal Discovery Museum, where she held positions as vice president of history, vice president of programs, and most recently, vice president of collections and interpretation.

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IS A WHIMSICAL FAMILY TRADITION
Montreal, December 1954. Edward (Ernie) Monahan, to the delight of his children, places a few tiny reindeer and other miniature Christmas figurines into an empty fireplace.

LED BY BURNT CHURCH DISTILLERY, WATTERSON BRANDS BUILDS BUSINESSES, BRINGS JOBS, AND GIVES BACK  TO THE LOWCOUNTRY

BY BARRY KAUFMAN | PHOTOS BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.

A guy moves to the Lowcountry from the Midwest, having amassed a successful career up north. He’s thinking about retiring but knows that his Type-A personality doesn’t make that even remotely possible. So he decides he’s going to stretch his creative muscles a little and see what he can come up with.

ANSON MILLS LEADS CAROLINA GOLD RICE REVIVAL

BY JAMES A. MALLORY | PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Carolina Gold rice’s reestablishment in the Lowcountry is an oft-told story. Thanks to Columbia-based Anson Mills, the Antebellum staple is showing up in restaurants around the world.

The company specializes in what owner Glenn Roberts calls heirloom genetics, researching and reintroducing plants lost over time.

A & A CHRISTMAS TREES HAVE BEEN A LOWCOUNTRY PILLAR FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS 

The day after Thanksgiving is a big day for the Youngblood and Doe families, and it has nothing to do with Black Friday sales. It’s the day their Christmas tree farm opens for the season. 

Cars fill the parking lot and line the road as families search for the perfect tree at A & A Christmas Trees in Okatie.

OUTDOOR OVENS HAVE SOARED IN POPULARITY

BY TIM WOOD

Outdoor pizza ovens are the pandemic cooking trend that shows no signs of cooling off.

This is a hobby that didn’t even exist 20 years ago, as manufacturers were solely focused on the commercial restaurant builds. The demand for the must-have addition to your outdoor kitchen was already steadily growing, but once lockdowns began, sales went through the roof.

FESTIVE HOME IDEAS TO LIVEN UP THE HOLIDAYS
‘Tis the season for decorating. There’s immense joy in brightening up the holiday season with beautiful and festive décor. 

The Lowcountry offers many choices for holiday decorating, including colors and fragrances that can be used to welcome the season.

LEARN THE ARTFUL SKILLS TO SHOWCASING THE PERFECT PRESENT

Everyone enjoys receiving gifts during the holiday season. But wrapping them? Not so much.

RYAN | WIECHERT WEDDING
Kelly Ryan and Scott Wiechert were recently married in Savannah, Georgia at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They had their reception at Bethesda Academy. Kelly and Scott met in Savannah at rooftop bar, The Grove. Scott proposed to Kelly in her hometown of Hilton Head Island in front of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Scott is a Marine Scientist in the U.S. Coast Guard and Kelly is the VP & Marketing Director at her family’s business Weichert, Realtors®- Coastal Properties.

Couple enjoys memorable Coastal Discovery Museum wedding
Hannah and Carl Casalbore met in the summer of 2018, a chance encounter when Carl was visiting friends at the same apartment complex. He caught Hannah’s eye while she lounged at the pool watching him play with some children. She had the idea the kids belonged to the couple near him, so she struck up a conversation.

WHAT’S TRENDING IN WEDDING RINGS
Engagement rings are as unique as the couples who are betrothed. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind expression, with today’s design choices more brilliant than ever, from elegantly simple, to bold and prominent.