The Charter One Blog

Hilton Head Island is a wonderland of things to do and places to see. Between our majestic golf courses, beautifully serene beaches, world-class restaurants and endless shopping, visitors come back time and time again and always find something new to enjoy. 

Just the same, there are times when its fun to hop in the car and explore the beauty of the Lowcountry surrounding Hilton Head Island. From quaint southern hospitality to breathtaking natural beauty, the Lowcountry offers a wealth of pleasant destinations for your next day trip from Hilton Head Island.

So join us as we explore some of the best places in the Lowcountry you can visit while staying on the island.

Bluffton, South Carolina

Long thought of as the “little brother” community

While it may seem far away, the holiday season will be here before we know it. Charter One Realty is proud to partner with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation again this year in support of their mission to "DELIVER" smiles through the giving of new and unwrapped toys to children.

It doesn’t cost much to put a smile on a child’s face, BUT a smile that YOU create through giving is worth more than anything!

Without the support of the community and local businesses, this project would not be successful. The sales offices listed below will graciously accept new and unwrapped toys between now and December 14th. We welcome your donations, Monday – Friday between 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM. Lets’ make this project a great success for the children and families in

Hilton Head Island has a long history of supporting the arts, not only through its famed galleries and theaters, but through the support the town has given to artists and their creations. Historically a haven for the arts community, the island has long been home to famed artists including commercial illustrator Joe Bowler, author John Jakes and musicians like Duncan Sheik.

But it’s in the town’s support of the visual arts that we find one of the most impressive displays of community support. The public art fund was created by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to promote public art throughout the island, and works hand-in-hand with the town of Hilton Head Island to create eye-catching sculptures all across the island.

Right now, the 2018 Public

As far back as you can see in our history, you will find the oyster playing a huge role in South Carolina. The most visible reminders we have of the Paleo Indians who once called Hilton Head Island home are the massive shell rings they left behind. Scholars are split as to whether the rings hold any ritualistic significance or if the Indians just happened to discard their shells in a ring around camp, but either way, they clearly went through some oysters.

Fast forward a few centuries, and you will find oysters playing a huge role in the antebellum period of South Carolina’s history. The structures from that period were largely made from a material called tabby, which was composed of oyster shells. Once again, we see these bivalves playing a large role

The island’s most exciting automotive event is set to return with another year of non-stop fun and excitement for everyone from gearheads to those just looking to see and be seen. Since its humble beginnings as a simple car show to one of the premier events of its kind in the southeast, the Concours has continued to innovate with new additions, new directions and new events that celebrate the art of the automobile.

If you haven’t been out to the Concours, there’s never been a better year than this year. In addition to the many antique and vintage cars lining the greens and fairways at Port Royal Golf Club, this year’s event will encompass a whole week of events and activities. Such as:

The Savannah Speed Classic

One little-known fact about

Charter One Realty has announced that real estate professional, Ann Walton has joined the company as an Agent, partnering with Rich Reed of the Lowcountry Specialists team. Ann and her team will be working out of the Promenade Office of Charter One Realty, located at 1 Promenade Street in Bluffton, SC.

Ann Walton is redefining the real estate selling and buying process by offering a boutique-style experience to her clients with exceptional, high-touch client service and an innovative marketing approach using the latest technologies. Drawing from 20+ years of sales success as a Global Sales Executive for a Fortune 50 multinational technology company, Ann is solution-oriented and works enthusiastically on behalf of her clients with a high level of ethics

Days at the pumpkin patch aren’t just about collecting a Halloween decoration – they’re about bringing together family to bond and relish in the beautiful fall season. The process of pumpkin-hunting for carving can be as much as fun as finding the perfect one to garnish your doorstep. Either way, here are a few tips for selecting the perfect pumpkin.

1. Go Orange - Traditional pumpkins should completely orange. A little bit of green could mean that something is wrong with the pumpkin and it might not ripen any further.

2. Shape and Size Matter - Round or oval pumpkins are the easiest to carve. Medium and large pumpkins work best for carving and provide the most seeds for roasting. Small pumpkins are better for cooking.

3. Have a Good

It’s Time & an Opportunity to Give Back to the Community

Many of us retire from lifelong jobs and move to the Lowcountry to relax and enjoy our new lifestyles. For most of us, this euphoria is temporary and time & lack of purpose become the enemy. Golf and tennis can’t be the total answer and most of our retirees have time on their hands.

Why not use this extra time and our capabilities to give back to our communities by supporting one of the area’s non-profit charities. Believe me, this kind of work offers instant gratification that you are contributing and making a difference.

Did you know there are over 150 local non-profit organizations in the Lowcountry? For me, charity works gives me renewed purpose and keeps my attitude about aging,

Today, at Governor McMaster's 2:30 p.m. press conference, a mandatory evacuation for Beaufort County will begin tomorrow, September 11, 2018, at noon. Click here to watch his press conference. We will continue to monitor and update our clients as the storm continues to develop. Below are resources you can use to stay informed.

Beaufort County, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton Hurricane Re-Entry Hotline: 1-800-963-5023
* If you live in a gated community, please note that your POA/HOA may not be open for re-entry even if the county or town is open.

Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources join the Town of Bluffton for the 30th Annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep on Saturday, September 15 from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. All Lowcountry residents, visitors, and business owners are invited to participate in the event to clean the banks of our beautiful waterways. The sweep begins at the Oyster Factory Park on the May River (63 Wharf Street) and litter pick up, by land and sea, will take place around the Historic District of Bluffton and the May River. Thousands of volunteers across the state participate annually in this event, which is South Carolina’s largest one-day, volunteer, litter cleanup of beaches, marshes and waterways.