Celebrate Gullah Celebration on Hilton Head Island, SC

President’s Day Weekend on Hilton Head includes…

Friday, February 17, 2012

Gospel Concert

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m.

Central Oak Grove Baptist Church

Saturday & Sunday, February 18 – 19

Arts, Crafts & Food Expo:  A Total Gullah Experience

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive

The two-day Arts, Crafts and Food Expo offer cultural demonstrations, i.e. ,sweet grass basket sewing, and fishnet weaving, authentic Gullah and African crafts, as well as an offering of traditional Gullah foods and musical entertainment.  There are also more than 40 vendors on hand selling authentic Gullah crafts and food, activities for children and staged performances every half hour.

President’s Day Weekend

3rd Night Free!

Hilton Head Vacation Club is offering a third night free.  Yes….buy two nights and get that the third night free!!!

Rates Starting At $20

Per Person/Per Night!*

Village - Walk to the Beach!

(sleeps 4) - $238/3 Nights

Spinnaker

FREE GOLF & TENNIS INCLUDED

(sleeps 6) $338/3 Nights

Plus many of our properties feature

Complimentary Beach Cruiser Bikes!

Book TODAY - space is limited!

Call 800-444-4772 or e-mail vacations@hiltonheadusa.com

Must book by 5:00pm est on Wed 2.15 for stays 2/16/12 – 2/21/12.

*Based on 4 people in a Village Studio .

Stays are subject to availability and 11% tax. All accommodations include cable, wireless internet and local and long distance calling in the rate.  Limited availablity, other restrictions may apply. Must be booked by 2.15.12.

By Tuzy Wall

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration presents history, art, culture, food and horse racing as part of the annual festivities this year. If you’re not familiar with Gullah, the Gullah people are the descendants of the West Africans who were brought to the coastal islands in bondage and the celebration seeks to preserve the essence of their ancestors’ struggle, spirituality and perseverance through this celebration.

Now in its 16^th year, the over month long event hosted by the Native Island Business & Community Affairs Associates (NIBCAA) showcases traditional arts and crafts of the Gullah people such as sweet grass baskets and the weaving of cast nets, as well as folk art, indigo dyed- fabrics, jewelry, mixed media and other arts and crafts by local Gullah artists.

The festivities are centered around the four weekends in February, with the exciting Marsh Tacky Run and Exhibition scheduled for Sunday March 18 at Coligny Beach. Marsh Tackys are sturdy little horses that were the work horses for the Gullah people used to plow fields, for transportation as well as sports. The breed was kept alive by local aficionados and now their heritage is celebrated by this annual popular race along the shores of the Atlantic.

The kick-off event on February 1 is the Opening Reception for De Aarts Ob We People Art Exhibition and Sale at Walter Greer Gallery. The month long event features leading Gullah artists from the Lowcountry. Although there is a charge for the Opening Reception of $15.00, the admission is free during normal gallery hours throughout the month.

The opening weekend commences with Gullah cuisine and gospel on tap. Saturday, February 4^th, enjoy a traditional Gullah home-cooked breakfast featuring, among other delectable dishes, shrimp and fried fish, caught fresh from our local waters; plump, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits; and, of course, the iconic southern dish – grits. The joyous Gospel concert raises the house that evening at the First African Baptist Church, which celebrates its 150^th anniversary this year. First African Baptist Church was an important place for the people of Mitchelville, the nation’s first village created for freed slaves. Founded in 1862, before the Emancipation Proclamation, the church provided a center for the people to discuss important issues such as self governance, the organization of schools and the purchase of land, as well as served as the hub of spiritual and social gatherings.

President’s Day Weekend boasts events such as a Gospel Concert on Friday night and a Gullah Expo of food, crafts, music and performance on Saturday and Sunday at Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.

Each weekend of the celebration features more fabulous, authentic Gullah food, their lively music, arts and history held at various venues throughout the island. Down load a brochure at http://www.gullahcelebration.com for a complete schedule and details.

Make plans to getaway to Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Accommodations offers special rates in February from just $79/night. Call 8oo-444-4772 and mention “Gullah Special” to receive these rates.

By Tuzy Wall

Winter has its “Dark Days” but here on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – that moniker just does not seem to fit. Not only do we have plenty of sunshine and a temperate climate but we also have an abundance of large live oaks which keep their green leaves during the winter; plenty of evergreens; and lots of palms and semi-tropical foliage. No stark winterscape of bare branches against a bleak sky here. Not intending to rub it in to those north of us, mind you, just passing this along with the best of intentions!

What’s more, there’s lots to do on Hilton Head Island in January. Learn something new for the New Year. Take a design, painting or drawing class at the Hilton Head Art League or a craft class at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Or, sign up for a jewelry making class at High Tide Beads. If you prefer outdoors, it’s a great time of year to learn kayaking or rowing and there are plenty of tranquil waterways to traverse here.

If you’re a foodie at heart (and who isn’t?), The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s Restaurant Week is January 21 to 28 with over 50 restaurants participating with outstanding deals on Pre-Fixe menu selections. But here’s a tip: restaurants offer wonderful values all month long with BOGO’s (Buy One, Get One), seasonal specials and food and beverage promotions. Locals love January!