Charter One Realty Blog

COVID-19 in the Lowcountry: Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort Restaurants Reopening

With Summer officially in full swing, Hilton Head restaurants are reopening their dining rooms to serve locals and tourists once again. While outdoor seating remains the preferred location based on COVID-19 safety recommendations, many Lowcountry restaurants are opening their doors with certain precautions in place.

For example, some restaurants are maintaining a 50% capacity protocol to maintain social distancing. Others are limiting party size, so we recommend calling ahead to find out if they can accommodate larger groups. Additionally, many are requiring reservations so there is no congregating while waiting for a table. 

As we continue our coverage of the ways Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort are coping with COVID-19, today’s…

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Meet the Agent: Katie Gambla

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

Katie Gambla: When I was younger I wanted to be an architect but ended up heading in different directions. Being from Beaufort, there are so many different kinds of properties that have fascinated me, and I always knew I was interested in knowing about as many properties in the Lowcountry as I could and I wanted to know how real estate works. I knew I wanted firsthand knowledge of the business for myself and my family and friends.

Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the business. How did the first year go?

Katie Gambla: Real estate is the most challenging career I have ever had and most of it you learn on your own as you go. My first year I just…

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COVID-19 in the Lowcountry: Hilton Head Outdoor Activities

Locals and visitors alike know that the best part about the Lowcountry is being outside. Whether you spend an afternoon on the water, the links of exploring one of our many public parks, Hilton Head outdoor activities offer views and terrain unlike anywhere else. 

As we continue our coverage of COVID-19 in the Lowcountry, this article focuses on safe ways to enjoy outdoor activities in Hilton Head and Bluffton.

If you aren’t sure about what’s open, what regulations are in place, and other possible changes, we have you covered! Check out our top five list of Hilton Head and Bluffton outdoor activities below: 

Hilton Head Island Outdoor Activities

1. Pinckney Island Wildlife Preserve

Looking for something steeped in nature and…

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Meet the Agent: Dianna Sroufe

Originally from Cincinnati, Diana Sroufe and her husband fell in love with the Lowcountry and decided to make it their home in 2000. Outside of helping clients find the perfect Lowcountry property, Diana enjoys golfing, kayaking, boating, and finding treasures at local thrift stores. Catch up with Charter One Realty agent, Diana Sroufe describes her path to real estate, what makes her neighborhood special, and some of her favorite aspects of life in the Lowcountry. 

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

Diana Sroufe: Having been in the mortgage business in Ohio for years when I moved to the low country I wanted to remain involved with real estate but with the buying and selling process.

Charter…

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COVID-19 in the Lowcountry: May 18th Reopening

After more than 45 days of closures, the close-contact businesses in the Lowcountry are preparing to open on Monday, May 18th. Our community is wondering how we can safely patronize the small businesses that desperately need our support. 

While some can’t wait to get out, the majority of residents are hesitant. White House coronavirus task force medical expert Dr. Fauci testified this week on the consequences of reopening too quickly. Increased human contact will increase the spread of COVID-19; it’s inevitable. We cannot stay closed forever, so venturing out with proper precaution can help our community slowly get back to work. 

So, how do you keep the Lowcountry on the up and up while also keeping safe? With great care, it IS possible to ease…

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Meet the Agent: David Carroll

Charter One Realty agent, David Carroll, got hooked on real estate early and set the record for first-year real estate sales at $5.5 Million. After that first year, it was clear that David had found his calling. We spoke with David about his path to real estate success, life in the Lowcountry, and the changes he has seen in Hilton Head over the years.

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

David Carroll: I spent my first 5 years on the Island in the Regime Management Business, learning hands-on about every aspect of property ownership, as well as the characteristics of all the areas. My evolution from management to sales seemed to be predestined.

Charter One Realty: Tell us about your start in the…

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COVID-19 in the Lowcountry: Callawassie Island Spotlight

Callawassie Island is a private island community situated directly between Bluffton and Beaufort, SC. As we continue our COVID-19 coverage, we are featuring ways the Lowcountry community has shown resilience in times of struggle. 

Callawassie Island stands out due to its unique location and equally unique response to the challenges presented by the pandemic. Completely surrounded by water and accessible only by a private causeway, Callawassie Island was the first South Carolina community recognized as a Wildlife Habitat in 2007. Quite literally a “hidden gem”, they take the responsibility of member and employee safety very seriously. 

Before we share the special ways they’ve been supporting the local community, consider catching up on our…

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Experiencing Palmetto Bluff in a New Way

Palmetto Bluff is a premier community that lines the May River, tucked among the tidal marshes in a hidden corner of Bluffton, SC. As we continue our coverage of the ways Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort are overcoming the challenges of COVID-19, we have found inspiring stories of resilience. 

Today, we feature the many ways Palmetto Bluff pivoted to ensure their dear members continued to, “enjoy the best of classic Lowcountry traditions within a majestic, beautiful, stimulating and protected environment.”

If you’d like to catch up on the rest of our Lowcountry COVID-19 coverage, check out:

• The feature nonprofit organizations dedicated to our residents,

• The fantastic ways our local restaurants are helping those in…

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Meet the Agent: Christina Forbis

If you fancy morning beach walks in Port Royal Plantation, you might see Charter One Realty agent, Christina Forbis, and her husband with their two dogs in tow. It's a daily ritual, and Christina says her home wouldn't be a home without them.

We spoke with Christina about her path to real estate success, favorite Lowcountry restaurants, and what she loves about her neighborhood on Hilton Head Island. 

Charter One Realty: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?

Christina Forbis: About 20 years ago my husband and I started investing in small, long term rental properties. I was happy in my career as a Conference Sales Manager but often thought I'd like to one day have my own business.

Charter One Realty: Tell us about…

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COVID-19 in the Lowcountry: Outdoor Dining Now Open

Social distancing is of the utmost importance as the Lowcountry eases back into business. With the highly anticipated reopening of our restaurants comes some safety regulations: outdoor dining only. This ensures staff can enforce safe distance between customers. Being outside reduces exposure as compared to being in a dining room.

As we continue our coverage of the ways Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort are coping with COVID-19, we look forward to sharing this next installment! Today’s feature is a guide to all the local eateries who have opened their doors - well - opened their patios!

If you’d like to catch up on the rest of our series, check out our feature nonprofit organizations dedicated to our residents, the fantastic ways our…

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