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Hi Hilton Head, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Oyster festival, a community center groundbreaking, a marathon, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Officials mark new start: Beaufort County broke ground on January 7 on the Wesley E. Felix Community Center in St. Helena, launching construction of one of two recreation facilities at 179 Ball Park Road — read the full story.
Parades, flavors, and classics: From Macon’s cherry blossoms to Amelia Island’s classic cars, 2026 is packed with Southeast festivals. Hilton Head families can look forward to real snow fun at Hilton Head Snow Day — check out the full lineup.
A showcase of global storytelling: Beaufort Film Society has announced official selections for the 20th Beaufort International Film Festival, with 54 films and five screenplays chosen, ahead of February festivities in Beaufort — get all the details.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Coastal traditions take center stage: Beaufort Oyster Festival is in full swing, celebrating Lowcountry oysters with food, drink, and culture. After kickoff events on Jan. 9, mini events continue this week and will culminate with three-course restaurant menus across northern Beaufort County on Jan. 18. Prices vary by location. Get all the festival details.
Fresh cut, zero fuss: Overdue for a tidy-up or ready for a reset? The Proper Barber blends old-school vibe with modern precision, delivering dialed-in haircuts, straight-razor shaves, and sharp beard trims, so you roll into the week looking put-together without overthinking it.
Strollable nature break: On Hilton Head’s south end, Audubon Newhall Preserve offers 50 acres of maritime forest, short easy loops, labeled native plants, and a pond overlook. It’s peaceful, dog-friendly if leashed, and ideal for a quick reset when you want nature without a big trek.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏃 Drill & Play Weekend Clinic @ Shipyard Racquet Club | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 AM – Trade ball hoppers for brainpower at this weekend clinic for 3.5 and up, where coaches hone your singles tactics, doubles patterns, and on-court decisions. Less cardio carnival, more chess with topspin, and you’ll leave with smarter patterns, fewer hero shots, and a smug backhand.
🦪 Beaufort Oyster Festival 2026 @ Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park | Saturday (1/17) – Beaufort’s Oyster Festival is taking over Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park with piles of oysters, live tunes, and 5th Annual Oyster Boogie to justify that second tray. It’s salty, local, and low fuss, the way weekends should be. Bring a friend, a glove, and appetite.
🏃 Daufuskie Island Marathon & Half @ Haig Point, Dafuskie Island | Saturday (1/17) at 8:00 AM – Run Daufuskie on a USATF-certified marathon or half that qualifies you for the big ones while cruising past Haig Point Lighthouse, Freeport, Historical Society, Tabby Circle, and Atlantic views. Make it a no-bridge runcation, then enjoy included food, engraving, and photos, spectators can eat too.
☕ Cars & Coffee @ University of South Carolina Beaufort | Saturday (1/17) at 8:00 AM – If your ideal morning smells like fresh coffee and gasoline, this third-Saturday ritual at USCB Bluffton is calling. Expect gleaming classics, a few sneaky sleepers, and plenty of friendly bench racing, all courtesy of the Lowcountry Oyster & Motorcar crew. No egos, no burnouts, just good conversation.
📚 Story Time @ Barnes & Noble | Sunday (1/18) – Barnes & Noble is hosting story time, which means you sip a latte while someone else does the funny voices. Bring the kids or grandkids for picture books, giggles, and a blissful stretch of seated entertainment, plus comfy chairs and that new book smell.
🍹 Tiki Beach Party @ Tiki Hut | Sunday (1/18) at 1:00 PM – A tiki beach party returns with dancing on the sand, tropical beats, and stiff Painkiller cocktails. Break out the floral shirt, pretend the HOA can’t stop you, and let the good judgment take a night off. Cheesy, yes, and you’ll love it.
🍺 Gears and Beers @ Shellring Ale Works | Sunday (1/18) at 2:30 PM – Porsches meet pints at Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal, where the Coastal Empire crew talks torque, shine, and IPA notes without a single burnout. Bring your car pride or just your curiosity, and RSVP positive only to Bill at [email protected].
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Hilton Head report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 48°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 48. Northwest wind around 15 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 3 to 14 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 52°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 52. West wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.
This house is wild
Refreshed single-story home infused with natural light and designed for seamless indoor outdoor living. The Great Room features a vaulted wood ceiling, a fireplace, and open dining. Smooth ceilings and rich wood floors add warmth and continuity. The kitchen pairs granite countertops with a wood-top center island and stainless appliances. Each of the three bedrooms includes a customized closet system and a private en suite bath.
Set back from the street for privacy, the home extends onto a full-length rear patio overlooking low maintenance grasses, flowering shrubs, and mature hardwoods. Sweeping golf course views define the backdrop. Located within oceanfront Port Royal Plantation.
Take a peek inside →
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