We’ve put out 239 issues of CH2 magazine to date, and this ranks right up there with some of my favorites. Of course, we are celebrating America this month – just like every July – but, since it’s a big birthday, we tried to get red, white, and blue on as many pages as possible. From drinks and dresses to baubles and advertisements, our team splashed this issue with patriotic flair.
It’s no secret that July on Hilton Head Island is the busiest of the year, and our locals really roll out the red carpet for the hundreds of thousands of visitors headed this way. In Faces of Lowcountry Hospitality (page 48), we interview a few residents who put on a good show for our guests. From boat captains and bartenders to lifeguards and chefs, we celebrate those on the front lines of Southern hospitality. Stay tuned for part two of this feature, coming in August!
In the spring, contributor Brooke Peck and I curated a list of activities we thought our visitors might enjoy, and this issue continues that summer fun series with two action-packed adventures. In Shark Week Never Ends on Hilton Head (page 38), the CH2 crew heads out with local shark wrangler Chip Michalove with Outcast Sportfishing. I’ve known Chip for years, but I’ve never actually gone on the hunt with him. Within a few hours, we had several large sharks on the line –and now I know what it feels like to reel in a 100-pound fish. Exhilarating!
For those of you looking for a land-based excursion, I suggest Biking & Beachfront Bar Hopping (page 58). This tour is slightly more athletic than shark fishing and can be just as fun if you don’t overdo it. A word to the wise: You are probably not in college anymore, so proceed with caution. Sample the wares. Don’t guzzle them too quickly. And check the tides before you head out or you could be wading instead of riding.
Photography by Brooke Peck
Our fashion feature took us back to Daufuskie to enjoy the (mostly) untouched beauty of this quirky island. If you haven’t already picked out your fit for the Fourth, head to page 66 for some ideas. This issue also includes great reads about additional summer fun like Carolina Baseball (page 90), the easiest Lowcountry boil you’ll ever not make (Sweetwater Steamer, page 44), and HarbourFest’s return to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina (page 84).
If you are a visitor, WELCOME! We love having you and hope you make memories you’ll cherish for years on our special island. If you’re a local, put on your patience and get out there and make some memories of your own … October is just around the corner. 😉
Happy Birthday, America!