History

In 1663, English sea captain William Hilton landed on and named Hilton Head Island. Commissioned by a group of Barbados planters to find new land on which to plant sugar and indigo, Hilton soon claimed the island in the name of the British Crown. The Spanish were the first confirmed visitors, in 1521, and in the 1560s, French Huguenot colonists sought refuge on Hilton Head Island, fleeing persecution in their homeland. The Huguenots christened Port Royale Harbour, now known as Port Royal Sound. They soon moved to more protected water, settling in an area that today is known as Beaufort, S.C. John Barnwell became Hilton Head Island's first English settler in 1717 after receiving a grant of 500 acres in what is now Hilton Head Plantation. On November 7, 1861, the Island became the scene of the largest naval battle fought in American waters. More than 12,000 Union soldiers and Marines landed on the island, and in less than five hours, the Union fleet captured Fort Beauregard near Beaufort and Fort Walker on Hilton Head Island.

Why you should go

Hilton Head Island is the quintessential modern resort community. It's a wonderful mix of golf and tennis resorts set amid beautiful Lowcountry scenery, with old oaks, marshland vistas and beautiful beaches. All the usual vacation amenities are available: shops, great restaurants, bike trails through woodland settings, kayak tours, fishing, boating.

Main attractions

* Sea Pines Plantation Lighthouse: In 1956, Charles Fraser realized that Hilton Head Island had more to offer than timber. Armed with vision, energy and modern air conditioning, he created a master plan for a resort community, Sea Pines Plantation. His efforts were aided by the construction of a bridge to the mainland the same year. The Harbour Town Golf Links hosted the first Heritage Classic in 1969, and the lighthouse was completed in 1970. It overlooks the Calibogue Sound and is surrounded by a harbor, shops and restaurants. www.harbourtownlighthouse.com/

* Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn: Renovated plantation house serves as a museum of cultural and natural history of Hilton Head Island; eco- and historic walking tours offered; environmental classes for kids and art displays. http://www.coastaldiscovery.org/

* Coligny Beach Park: In the heart of downtown Hilton Head Island, the provides public beach access in the midst of a major shopping area, Coligny Plaza. Conveniences such as restrooms, showers and vending machines will be found here. The Town of Hilton Head Island added a water fountain perfect for children to run through. And added pathways and park benches make this a wonderful spot to stroll, relax, eat an ice cream cone on the way to the beach. www.scgreatoutdoors.com/park-colignybeachpark.html

How to get there

It's about 290 miles and takes 4 hours, 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Regular flights are available to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Links of interest

* www.hiltonheadisland.com

* www.hhisland.com/

* Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce: www.hiltonheadisland.org