September on Hilton Head Island is a perfect combination of two seasons. The Atlantic Ocean water temperature is still 80 degrees, perfect for swimming or water sports. The average daytime high of 84 is still summer-like, but the cool evenings are perfect for outdoor dining. Some of the best outdoor dining spots to enjoy are Red Fish, Santa Fe Cafe and The Salty Dog Cafe.
And this month, catch the Burgers and Brews festival on the 28th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Local restaurants will cook their best burgers in a fun-filled, festive atmosphere with live music.
If golf is your sport, you’ll find amazing conditions and courses set up to accommodate the beginners and challenge the pros.
Here are some of autumn’s best lodging deals in the region:
- South Carolina's Sea Pines Resort offers an array of accommodations, from rooms at an inn to four-bedroom villas, all with the affordability of a vacation rental yet with the amenities of a full-service resort. The "Getaway" package includes overnight accommodations; dinner entrées for two at Harbour Town Grill or Topside Water Restaurant; lunch entrées for two at Harbour Town Grill or Topside Water Restaurant; a 10 percent discount on food at Sea Pines restaurants; complimentary bicycles for two during the entire stay; one complimentary portrait session on the beach by the certified professionals at Memory Lane Portraits; two hours of complimentary tennis per day at The Sea Pines Racquet Club; complimentary wireless internet; preferred golf rates at The Sea Pines Resort's three championship golf courses (including Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage - South Carolina's only PGA TOUR event) and a $50 credit for stays of seven nights or more. Rates start from $149, based on a three-night stay in a 2-bedroom deluxe villa. For more, visit http://www.seapines.com/vacation-rentals/specials/fall-winter-getaways.aspx.
Hilton Head Island has been ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including “Best Buddies Trip Destination” and “Best Food and Drink.” Here are a few golfer & wallet-friendly packages:
- The newly renovated Sonesta Resort (http://www.HiltonHeadGolf.net) offers a "Stay-and-Play" package which includes a two-night stay, two rounds of golf at any of seven Heritage Collection courses and daily lunch at the clubhouse. Rates, based on double occupancy, start from $155 per golfer, per night. This offer is valid on stays through Oct. 31.
- Just over the bridge in the charming mainland town of Bluffton is the acclaimed Old South Golf Links. A "Fall Fling" package includes a two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, two rounds at Old South Golf Links and one round at Hampton Hall Golf Club. Golfers also enjoy a choice of one breakfast or lunch at Old South Restaurant. Rates from $325 per person. Valid on stays from Sept. 22-Nov. 10.
- A "Fall Stay-and-Play" package from Palmetto Dunes (http://www.PalmettoDunes.com) includes a three-night stay and three rounds at each of the resort's championship courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Enjoy air-conditioned carts, two hours of complimentary tennis court time (daily), preferred rates on all other resort activities as well as dining and merchandise discounts. Based on quad-occupancy in a two-bedroom resort view villa, rates start at $126 per golfer, per night, including taxes and resort fees. Valid on stays through Nov. 30.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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