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Hi Hilton Head, hope you’re having a great weekend! In today's in-case-you-missed-it edition: Homeowners insurance spike warning, Harbour fest fireworks, and resin charcuterie board workshop + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.
Some family trips fade. This one didn't. Twenty years later, I still remember standing under that giant tipping water bucket, waiting to get soaked. That was Great Wolf Lodge, and my family spent the whole weekend like that, drenched and laughing, climbing back up for one more slide. The water park is entirely indoors, kept at 84 degrees year-round, and included with every stay, so the forecast doesn't matter. You can book a discounted family getaway right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing Most popular stories this weekThe three top stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Rising costs ahead: A report released Wednesday warned South Carolina could see the nation’s second-highest homeowners insurance increases over the next decade, with Hilton Head and Lowcountry areas vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding -- read the full report.
Expanding local emergency care: Novant Health opened its second free-standing ER in Bluffton off U.S. 278. It offers 24/7 care with CT and X-ray, easing pressure on nearby facilities, though not a trauma center -- see the new ER details.
Indictments deepen the case: A Beaufort County grand jury indicted seven people in the July 4 Coligny Beach shooting that injured eight. Prosecutors say the investigation continues and more charges are possible -- read the full story.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's 50% off right now.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.* All the crowd favorites: |
02 — From our sponsor Some family trips fade. This one never did.Twenty years later, I can still put myself in that water park: standing under the giant tipping bucket with a crowd of other kids, waiting to get soaked, then climbing the stairs with my family for one more run down the slide. We spent the entire weekend like that, drenched and happy. Most childhood vacations blur together. That one stuck. What I understand now, as the adult who'd be planning it, is why it worked so well. Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park resort, kept at 84 degrees every day of the year, and the water park comes with every overnight stay. No separate tickets, no watching the forecast all week, no rained-out weekend. The big slides keep the older kids busy, the shallow splash areas keep the little ones happy, and nobody has to sit out. Everything else is under the same roof too: an arcade, interactive adventures, daily kid programming, and places to eat. You park the car on Friday and don't think about it again until Sunday. The suites are built for families, with themed rooms and enough space that everyone actually sleeps. Clean, safe, and simple, which on a trip with kids counts for as much as the slides. Your kids will remember the bucket. You'll remember how easy it was. *Plan a getaway they'll never forget → |
03 — On our radar
This week's top findsLocal spotlights your fellow readers loved last week.
Weeknight noodle rescue: When the day runs long and the pantry looks bleak, Saigon Cafe comes through with steaming bowls of pho, crispy rolls, and legit stir-fries that taste like someone’s auntie is in the kitchen. Dine in or snag takeout, then pretend you cooked.
Local sunset therapy: Whether you’re chasing dolphin sightings, a laid-back Buoy Bar hangout, or a plate of market-fresh seafood with bonus sushi, Skull Creek Boathouse nails the hometown vibe. Slide in with a friend, soak up those creek views, maybe catch some live music, and remember why we live here.
Dinner backup plan: Family-owned and local, Giuseppi's Pizza makes weeknights easy with homemade-dough pies, a gluten-free option, and clutch take-out or delivery. When you just want reliable, satisfying pizza without cooking, this Sea Pines staple quietly does the heavy lifting... your couch will thank you.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
A blown engine can cost more than your car is worth: And it almost never warns you. One day it runs fine, the next you're staring at a $7,000 repair on a car you still rely on every morning. That's the kind of bill an extended warranty exists to absorb, the engine, transmission, and electrical failures that wreck a budget overnight. You bring it to any certified mechanic, pay a deductible, and the rest is handled. Enjoy a free year of Elite Benefits and a 30-day money-back guarantee on top. *See everything it covers →
A window quote that takes an hour and costs you nothing: No showroom, no sales runaround, no obligation to buy anything. A design consultant comes to you, measures your windows, walks you through the options, and leaves you with an exact price and timeline, that's the whole visit. Keep the quote as long as you like and decide whenever you're ready, or don't. Booking takes about a minute. *Book your free visit → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Sneak peek at next weekPlan ahead for the next seven days. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🫒 Olive Oil Academy @ Hilton Head Olive Oils & Balsamics (Hilton Head Island) | Monday (7/27) at 11:00 AM – Whether you drizzle like a Mediterranean nonna or still grab whatever's on the end cap, Certified Olive Oil Sommelier Suzanne Brown leads a guided tasting that demystifies extra virgin, freshness, and those peppery finishes. It's $30, BYOB, and oddly satisfying to spot defects.
🎆 Harbour Fest Fireworks @ Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina (Hilton Head Island) | Tuesday (7/28) at 9:00 PM – Harbour Fest Fireworks are lighting the waterfront every Tuesday night all summer, plus a special Fourth of July show. Bring the good lawn chair, stake your spot like a pro, and pretend we don't all know when the finale hits.
🪵 Resin Charcuterie Board Workshop @ Creative Escapes Art Cafe (Hilton Head Island) | Wednesday (7/29) at 2:00 PM – This hands-on workshop turns a humble cutting board into a show-off charcuterie platter with food-safe resin, beach or marble designs, vibrant swirls, and classy metallic accents. Less DIY disaster, more dinner party cred, and finally a reason to discuss brie like it’s strategy.
🏷 Washington Square Wednesdays @ Washington Square (Bluffton) | Wednesday (7/29) at 4:00 PM – Midweek market therapy at Washington Square, where makers, curated finds, baskets from Ghana, stationery, clothing, charm bars, and art line the walk, and Crepes by Patty keeps you fueled. Call it supporting local, not shopping, then slide into Wine Time Bluffton for Wednesday happy hour.
🐬 Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K @ Sea Pines Beach Club (Hilton Head Island) | Thursday (7/30) at 8:00 AM – If you like cardio with views and zero hills, the Dolphin Dash 5K in Sea Pines serves up hard, flat sand your knees will thank you for. Every Thursday, online registration only, $30 adults, $20 kids 12 and under, and you’re done before brunch.
🖼 Closing Reception | Halfway Home Exhibit @ Art League Academy (Hilton Head Island) | Friday (7/31) at 5:00 PM – Toast the closing of Halfway Home, a sea turtle exhibit benefiting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, with artists and patrol members, food and wine, and artwork inspired by Hilton Head’s favorite nesters. Fewer sand gnats, more wine, raffle winners announced, and free to wander in.
🎒 Back To School Fun Day @ Oscar Frazier Park (Bluffton) | Saturday (8/1) at 2:00 PM – Whether your kids are counting pencils or counting minutes to recess, this Back to School Fun Day covers it: free food, prizes, games, a gaming truck, face painting, and a backpack giveaway loaded with supplies. Bouncy houses, mild chaos, and community bragging rights included.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Hilton Head report Weather forecastToday — High: 92°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 89%
Showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 108. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 80°F — Precip: 15%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 106. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 80. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Most popular house this weekThis expansive Palmetto Bluff retreat spans over an acre on the inland waterway in River Road, with sweeping water views and a private dock. Wrap-around porches, an outdoor kitchen, a large backyard, and a serious entertaining setup, complete with wine room, wet bar, and pool table lounge, make it stand out. Two primary suites downstairs add comfort and flexibility.
Take a peek inside → |
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