WE BE Bloggin with LowCountry Joe®

Give a Toast to Papy

Summer 1955

An excerpt from Billie Burns’s book “An Island Named Daufuskie”.

During Papy’s wine making days, he had repainted the Lighthouse kitchen so I went by to see how it looked. As my eyes circled the kitchen, I noticed two five gallon glass jugs of freshly squeezed scuppernongs perched on the wooden extension he had added to the sink, then my gaze lifted upward, and there on that freshly painted snow-white ceilings were bits of grape pulp and seeds where one had exploded. Shocked, I looked at Papy and said, Papy you didn’t!” He laughingly replied, that’s nothing, you should see the Winery. It looks like someone took a dose of salts and did cartwheels.”

Spring 2007

Hilton Heads WineFest, billed as the largest outdoor wine tasting event on the East Coast of the good old US of A is underway. The event kicks off the Island’s Spring Season and hundreds of wine lovers from around the world are streaming thru the gates. They are holding tightly to prized 2007 commemorative glasses…..their ticket to taste over 1000 fine wines, ports and champagnes from all over the world. At the Silver Dew Winery® tent adorned with a big Daufuskie sign I wait with true anxiety….Soon the crowd will get to me and from experience I know that its about to be a proverbial “goat rodeo”. Last year I went through four cases in “little” pours and never stopped talking once. It don’t take long….the first aficionado appears, the crisp clean white tablecloth sops up its first “cab” spill, corks are popping and soon I will hear the first of many comments…. “I didn’t know there was a Winery on Daufuskie……

Now normally the only break I take is to visit the delightful Village of Job Johnnies aligned neatly in a row at the back of the parking lot….This year, however, will be different. You see, the “WineFest Program” clearly is marked …2:15 “Give a Toast to Papy” and I have been asked by the Hospitality Association to “Give the Toast”.

I know this “toast” needs an explanation so please allow me to divert from the festivities a second for an explanation…..The phone rings…Hello Joe this is Ann-Marie from the Hospitality Association……I understand you own the Winery on Daufuskie and that the former Lighthouse Keeper Papy Burn was the first licensed vintner of wine in South Carolina….I pause…..Yes, I respond….Would it be OK with you if we were to give a toast to Papy at WineFest…..”paused controlled exhilaration” SURE…. I calmly say followed by the best set of cartwheels a 62 year old man “taking salts” can do.

OK we are back on WineFest grounds where the grass is now stained in hues of ruby….You must remember no-one can drink 1000 glasses of wine…even though I saw a guy last year that tried….so the rest is discretely distributed on the ground….a great day to be a worm.

Its 2:10 and I am met off stage by my friend and local esteemed radio personality Monty Jet. I have decided to let Monty do the toast with me “adding on” sort of like the TV commercial where the lady talks and the Celebrity does a professional retake. Its time….the band stops….we walk to the mike…all eyes are on us as the appreciative sea of onlookers raise their glasses in unison and proudly proclaim “A Toast to Papy”.

I never had the opportunity to meet Papy but if there was ever a time I felt he was “Close” it was at that moment. Billie Burn said he “had the wit” and the look of Will Rogers and had a twinkle in his eyes….My eyes didn’t have his twinkle but they had a tear. It was so wonderful to have this fine Daufuskie man that I feel so close to, honored in this way. His beloved Silver Dew Winery was finally being recognized and appreciated by folks around the world…… and it was only fitting that the Silver Dew Cabernet Sauvignon we toasted in his honor had just won a coveted WineFest Silver Award.

The festivities are over and I make my way across Calibogue Sound to “An Island Named Daufuskie”. I stop at what Pat Conroy called “an odd looking structure in the curve of the road”. The Silver Dew Winery sign he noted stands out in the moonlight and the bottle of Silver Dew I always leave in Papy’s honor stands alone in silent tribute. In the brick laden building he so loved I once again lift my glass in a “Toast to Papy".

Spring 2008

Once again I will have the distinct priveledge to "Give a Toast to Papy" at Saturday's
Wine Fest. Please join me at 2:15 and lift your glass to a true LowCountry Legend. Afterward, please visit me at the Silvery Dew Winery Tent for your own special taste of "Silver Dew".

LowCountry Joe

Sea Pines Real Estate is "HOT"

WOW......Talk about 'HOT"......I was updating my "Fresh Daily" WEB Site stats this morning and pulled up Sea Pines from the MLS.......Low and Behold.......There was seven (7) homes pended this week alone for a total of almost Twelve Million (12,000,000) Dollars........I did a further check and found fifteen (15) more  in the pending column with an additional  value of approximately sixteen million ($16,000,000). If I can still add without a calculator......That comes up to about twenty eight million $28,000,000 in pended sales.  Further research shows an additional  eleven (11) homes in the 2008 sold column totaling fourteen million ($14,000,00.00).

I dont know......maybe there is something in the Sea Pines water so I plan on going down this afternoon and have a drink.

LCJoe

A fact filled article on Hilton Head Plantation

In the last twenty three (23) years I have sold in all of Hilton Head's Plantations. Hilton Head Plantation has always been one of my favorites. I guess that's why Mary and I lived there for fifteen (15) years. The following article that will appear in February "Homes and Land"  is "well stated" and tells it all.

As a side note, referenced Realtor, Dianne McClusky and I have, joined forces in the marketing and sale of Hilton Head Plantion.

Hilton Head

Plantation

In Money magazine’s 2007 list of the Best Places to LiveHilton Head Island

scored high in nearly every category with job growth showing nearly 10 percent between 2000 and 2006.  For the thousands that call the Islandhome, most would cite great schools, safe streets, excellent cost of living and a true sense of community as their reason for setting down roots.

Each year, more than a million visitors explore the area.  Families spend time on the resorts, golfing, playing tennis and walking along the pristine beaches.  Some, like the residents of Hilton Head Plantation, live a resort lifestyle secured behind a gate where natural beauty abounds and access to every amenity is close by.

Located on the north end of Hilton Head Island, the property is comprised of 4000 acres of parks, lagoons, lakes, marshes, seven miles of leisure paths, two conservancies and miles of beach.

“Since its beginnings in 1973, Hilton Head Plantation has offered property owners a chance to experience the fun and excitement of resort life without compromising the community’s basic residential nature,” says RE/MAX Realtor Dianne McClusky.  “Where else can you find four championship golf courses, two miles of beaches, a wildlife conservancy, bike/walking trails, a family-oriented country club and full-service, deep water marina on the Intracoastal Waterway.”  Denise McAllister, communications coordinator at Hilton Head Plantation believes the family atmosphere is an important factor of the community’s growth.

Community

“There is always someone jogging, walking or biking,” she says.  Hilton Head Plantation is also known for its mix of all age groups and lifestyles from young families to retirees.  Eighty-five percent of residents live on the plantation full-time with most participating in one of the more than 30 groups and clubs including Artists Association, Avid Gardeners, Couples Dinner Bridge, Dance Club, Dog Club, Farmer’s Club, Fishing Club, Ladies and Men’s Bridge, Movie Club, Power Squadron, Tennis Social Group, Whooping Crane Pond / Cypress Conservancies, Woodcarvers and Yacht Club.“Selling property in Hilton Head Plantation is easy.  All it takes is sharing some of the incredible views,” says Realtor Nancy Presley with the Carolina Realty Group.  “Boaters are amazed at the fabulous Skull Creek Marina, and it seems that there is something for everyone.”

Bounded by the Intracoastal Waterwayand Port Royal Sound, many Hilton Head Plantation residents are active boaters.  Skull Creek Marina, located within the community accommodates boats up to 200 feet with 200 floating slips. 

“Hilton Head Plantation is made up of people who are mainly permanent residents or second home owners,” says Realtor Sherry Pecora with Charter I North Realty. This beautiful gated community includes Pine Island Beach, and a full service marina. Its board of directors is committed to preserving this pristine setting.” 

For those who prefer land activities, Hilton Head Plantation has three clubhouses – Plantation House, the Dolphin Head Rec Building and Spring Lake Pavilion.  The community swimming pool is located at the Spring Lake Recreation Area which also boasts an open park, a playground and a stocked fresh water lagoon, a favorite fishing spot for residents.   The Spring Lake Tennis Facility has an active membership and is equipped with 12 Har-Tru courts.

Golf
Hilton Head Plantation is a golfer’s private paradise with four highly regarded courses designed by the world’s greatest golfers.  Three of the courses were designed by Rees Jones.  The Country Club of Hilton Head is a Rees Jones course that offers an 18-hole course with practice greens, driving range, putting green and chipping and bunker green.  Private lessons are offered by PGA professionals.   Another Rees Jones designed course on the plantation is located in the Bear Creek Golf Club.  The club is private with membership limited to just 250 and boasts “no tee times, no reservation requirements, no fees for carts or for range balls, and there is no tipping.”

The third course designed by Rees Jones is Oyster Reef Golf Club.  It also offers 18-holes of championship golf.  In 2006, it was named Golf Club of the Year by the Low Country Golf Course Owners Association.

Before there was Tiger, there was Gary Player, one of the world’s top golfers, ranking third overall in total professional wins behind Roberto de Vicenzo and Sam Snead.  The private Dolphin Head Golf Club was designed by Player and is one of the area’s most challenging courses. 

Natural Beauty

The Ocean is perhaps the most sought after component of Hilton Head.  On Hilton Head Plantation’s Pine Island Beach, residents take in the fresh salt air, fish, and sun or just walk taking in the calls from the birds and splashing of the waves.

Gardeners have their own private sanctuary in the form of Seabrook Farm.  Plots are available to residents interested in growing their own vegetables or flowers and members of the Farmer’s Club are always on hand to assist.The entire Hilton Head Plantation is protected by various covenants that ensure the natural beauty stay preserved.  There are also two conservancies set aside to encourage the growth of flora, fauna and wildlife.  The Cypress Conservancy is 50 acres with large cypress trees, deer and birds.  Whooping Crane Conservancy is comprised of 127 acres and is home to osprey, owls, hawks and more.

Hilton Head Plantation is a full experience.  No amenity is excluded and each individual can find comfort in their interests and in the community.“This is a wonderful place to call home and create a treasure box of memories. We have enjoyed living in this paradise since 1988,” adds Dianne.

.

Mid-Island Fun; Shelter Cove & Palmetto Dunes

As a former long time resident of Hilton Head Island I must express my excitement about Shelter Cove &  Palmetto Dunes. This area has something for everyone's interest; golf, tennis, beaches, shopping, boating, tours, dining and happy hour.

The harbor of Shelter Cove provides breathe taking views of Broad Creek, easily seen from the restaurants and shops that circle the harbor. One can easily get lost trying to decide where to have a cocktail or purchase a unique gift from the Carolina LowCountry, a nautical map possibly. Entertainers dot the landscape during the evening hours during the summer. Be sure to look up on a Tuesday night to see the sky painted with fireworks.

The Shelter Cove Park now is the home to all of Hilton Head's festivals, my favorites are the Wine, Wing and Chili. a great place to be on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Local restaurateurs take pride in presenting their cuisines at these events. The park had to be created because over the last few years attendance has soared. 

A villa could be rented or purchased at Shelter Cove if your appetite craves the water and good times.

Palmetto Dunes with it's signature golf courses is always a favorite among linksters. I have fought the wind along the ocean and lost, but still came back for another thrashing. President Clinton played here during multiple New Year's holidays. The sun worshipers are privied to private beaches that reinforce why most people visit Hilton Head Island, it's beautiful beaches. If you like fried chicken, you need to lunch at the Palmetto Dunes General Store, trust me you will not be disappointed. 

For nightlife, there is the Hilton, a legend and favorite of guests and islanders for over twenty-five years. Please paste the link below to view a video of Shelter Cove/Palmetto Dunes.

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=592845

David D'Arcy

HILTON HEAD'S PALMETTO BAY MARINA

This beautiful oasis on the south end of Hilton Head Island I discovered in August of 1999. I promptly bought a two bedroom condo on the third floor in Palmetto Bay Marina Villas, or affectionately known to cab drivers as "guard gate, no guard." My view was unobstructed of Broad Creek and the surrounding marina. My purchase price was $133,000 and I sold it in 2005 for $292,000, not a bad investment.

What is special about this place is that you enjoy everything you came to Hilton Head Island for, but not having to fight the crowds. Most visitors have no idea this place exists under the Cross Island Bridge. My favorite experience was observing and listening to Carolina Thunderstorms roll up the creek around 5:00 pm during the summer time, what a show. As the evening paints the skies you enjoy a nice breeze flowing from the creek to cool your piece of Hilton Head Island. Why did I sell? I want to restore a historic home in downtown Savannah and this will help provide the means for me to do so by the end of 2007.

Other attractions, are the four wonderful restaurants that are only a five minute walk, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the patio that is shared by Captain Woody's and the Black Marlin you can take in the views and sip your cocktail, listening to music and enjoying the company of others on into the early morning hours. Even today, I still find myself visiting this area, even though i live in Savannah.

From October to March, an oyster roast is held here on the first saturday of each month. Bring your favorite hot sauce and enjoy. Say hello to my friend Kim, who manages the Black Marlin and to Shannon, Russell and Mike over at Captain Woody's. If you are real lucky, you may see the straw hat and the grey beard of LowCountry Joe enjoying some Carolina nectar. Please click the link below to view my video slide show of Palmetto Bay Marina.

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=548704

David D'Arcy

Lowcountry tastes: The Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Lowcountry tastes: The Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Next time on Hilton Head ya gotta chek out the Black Marlin Bayside Grill. The following Island Packet article "says it all". And if you are on a budget you can't beat the Happy Hour prices. Order the hot buffalo shrimp taco. Its not big but it is ever so tasty. And while you are at it say hello to Woody, the bartender. A fine gentleman and a fantastic bongo player. LowCountry Joe is a frequent happy hour visitor. Just look for the old guy with the beard and hat.

Island Packet

Published Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Within the confines of Palmetto Bay Marina, this restaurant and bar offers its clientele some real dining choices beyond the impressive lineup on its menu.

In the mood for a more formal dining experience? Inside the restaurant is an elegant and intimate dining area. The Black Marlin has just the area for a family dining experience sampling local seafood. And if your idea of going out to eat is casual and al fresco, they have an outside terrace and the Hurricane Bar.

Part of the Southeast Entertainment Restaurant Group, The Black Marlin opened its doors in November 2005 as Hemingway's Bayside Grill. According to manager Kim Seaglund, the restaurant was renamed The Black Marlin Bayside Grill this past March, expanded it menu, and now includes a weekend brunch featuring items such as Smoked Salmon Benedict ($8.75), Bananas Foster French Toast ($6.75), and Shrimp Hash ($9).

During a recent al fresco family lunch at the Black Marlin, my wife selected two fish tacos ($5.99), and a friend asked for the Chef's Salad ($8.99). My father ordered his favorite, the Bayside Seafood Roll ("Blend of chilled lobster, sweet bay shrimp and lump crab tossed in seasoned mayo with lettuce and tomato on a toasted hoagie roll," $12.99), and I couldn't resist the exotically named Black Marlin Super Torta ("Hot layers of breaded chicken breast, ham, chorizo, queso blanco, tomato, guacamole and chipotle mayonnaise on rustic bread," $9.99).

One word of advice: If chocolate

is a genuine craving for you and not just something sweet to eat, try the Chocolate Pudding Cake ($6) for

dessert.

"Why Buy Now" Real Estate Symposium

Over 500 Realtors flocked to a "Why Buy Now" real estate symposium on Hilton Head recently. An overall  slow market prompted the informal "get together" and from all indications it was a huge success. Unfortunately, I was with  customers that particular day and was not able to attend. The Island Packet was kind enough, however, to run a feature story highlighting the event. Real Estate factors discussed that favor our LowCountry Market were noted. I share them now with you. Have a great day. LC Joe

FACTORS FAVORING THE LOWCOUNTRY REAL ESTATE MARKET

• The Sunbelt is growing. South Carolina's population is predicted to grow 25-30 percent by 2030.
• Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are drive markets and won't be affected by fluctuations in air travel.
• Interest rates are at a 40-year low.
• A lack of available land will drive prices up on existing properties on Hilton Head Island.
• Real Estate on Hilton Head is still much less expensive than other resorts.
• Land planning and design covenants put in place by the town control growth and aesthetics.
• Hilton Head Island is a World Class destination with hospitals, good schools, arts and culteral centers.
• Hilton Head was recently named number six (6) on MSNBC's Web site for top ten (10) family-friendly beaches.