A few weeks ago I had a meeting with one of our newest contributors, Brooke Peck, to discuss some great ideas she had for future content in the magazine. As we sat eating oysters at Hudson’s (a new place to grab the latest issue of CH2, by the way – thank you, Andrew!) and she went through each idea, I was thinking, “We’ve done that.” “We did that.” “That was the June 2018 issue.” “Yep, we did that too.”
When you’ve lived here a long time, you start to think everyone else has too. Brooke and her husband, Daniel, were COVID transplants, moving here about the time everyone else did. As I photographed multiple people for this issue, I listened to their stories – and they were similar to Brooke’s. “We had to get out of (insert state here) – and if you can work remotely, why not work from Hilton Head Island?”
The face of the Lowcountry is changing faster than I can ever remember in my three decades here. I see more young families now – out enjoying all the events this community is producing. Events like Wingfest, Mitchelville’s Blue & BBQ, the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and the new Greek Festival in Bluffton – all of which are mentioned in this issue.
I’m also observing more locals who grew up here, coming back to live and work. A few decades ago, there was very little opportunity to do that after college unless you were in the hospitality business. People like Ella Patrick Halligan, who interned with CH2 years ago, moved to California, and who I recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with at Island Girl, as she takes on a new role for them. (See our collab on page 142.)
Of course, there are downsides to everything. I personally hate to see the number of trees being knocked down for more living space – but I understand there is an urgent need for affordable places that people who support this community can live.
The only constant in life is change – and I remind myself of that daily as my appreciation for this town grows.
Just some deep thoughts for y’all on this “feels like 26 degrees” weather we’re having this morning. I hope the weather is the next thing to change!
Have a wonderful Spring, and I hope you enjoy all the fun content in this issue!
Maggie Washo
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
P.S. You’ll see all of Brooke’s proposed stories in upcoming issues because I know a third of you just got here.
Everyone knows where Hilton Head Island is now – even Mr. Monopoly!