Sweet Summer Days
The season of porch sittin’, sweet tea drinkin’ and boatin’ is here and there’s no better way to enjoy it than getting out and about. From luxury to laid-back Lowcountry life on the docks, the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry are full of fun for everyone in the family. Choose from these exciting endeavors and enjoy some new experiences this summer!
American Prohibition Museum:
Make your way to the American Prohibition Museum, Savannah’s newest attraction featuring flappers, gangsters, a speakeasy and more. Don’t miss the ribbon cutting on June 13 and the Grand Opening, July 19 and 20! Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for children. (912) 551-4050.
Kids Bowl Free at Station 300:
From May to September, kids can bowl free at Station 300! All you have to do is go to kidsbowlfree.com and register. After paying a small one-time fee, kids get two free games of bowling every day all summer.
Pasta Picnic with The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe:
Sandwiches, barbeques, burgers and hot dogs might be what summers are known for, but this year switch it up and try something new. Pick up some fresh pasta from The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe near the Bluffton Post Office and savor it in the shade at Oscar Frazier Park. (843) 540-2095.
$5 Movie Theater Tickets:
Did you know Tuesday is Discount Day at Cinemark? Throughout the day, tickets are only $5 on Tuesdays (plus tax), excluding XD and IMAX shows. When the days get too hot, head to Buckwalter to cool off with friends at the theater. Visit cinemark.com for showtimes.
Surf Lagoon Water Park:
When the playgrounds get steamy, it’s time to head for the waterslides and lazy rivers. Located off I-95, about a mile from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Surf Lagoon Water Park in Pooler promises lots of laughs and splashes.
Sultry Summer Nights
As the sun sets, the cicada and cricket choirs begin to sing and hot, humid days become serene summer nights. Take advantage of the cooler evening hours to discover why the South is beloved for its romance. Here are our favorite calm and casual evening activities for a delightful date night:
Beauty on The Bluff:
The Church of the Cross is an iconic Bluffton landmark and there’s no better place than the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street to watch the sun set over the May River. Bring a chair, pack a picnic and toast the view!
Promising Nights in The Promenade:
An abundance of lively outdoor patios await at the eateries on Promenade Street. Afterward, take your date on a stroll through Old Town Bluffton to enjoy the live music found around every corner.
Tuesday Festivals & Fireworks:
Hilton Head Island is a happening place in the summer, and Tuesday night fireworks over Broad Creek are sure to excite the whole family! Head to Shelter Cove Harbour for HarbourFest or Shelter Cove Community Park for Summer Jams for a night full of family-friendly fun.
Wine & Dine:
Dress to impress and enjoy fine dining at the May River Grill or The Pearl this summer with excellent coastal cuisine in an ambiance-filled environment. Everyone needs a nice night out. Make this yours!
Educational Adventures
School may be out for the summer, but learning never stops—especially with these fun-filled options!
Spartina Dolphin Research Trips:
Spend some time on Captain Amber’s boat, Spartina, learning about the local waterways and their many inhabitants. With several choices of two-hour expeditions, there’s a lot to learn! Schedule a voyage of discovery at spartinacharters.com.
Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery Lab:
Open on Mondays and Wednesdays, the Discovery Lab is a fun educational experience for kids of all ages. Get a closer look at live Lowcountry animals and learn about the history of the area through hands-on, interactive displays and games. (843) 689-6767.
Programs at the Port Royal Sound Foundation:
From birding, kayak tours and eco-boat excursions to story time and Tuesday talks, The Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center offers a variety of educational and recreational activities for kids to enjoy. (843) 645-7774.
Learning & Laughter at Local Libraries:
The opportunities to learn are abundant and diverse at Beaufort County Libraries, where you’ll find everything from family movies to summer reading and 3D designing (and printing) to LEGO robotics. Visit the Bluffton Branch this summer and discover something new! beaufortcountylibrary.org.
Coastal Heritage Society’s Museums:
With all kinds of interactive activities and engaging tours that take families back in time, the Coastal Heritage Society knows how to make history fun. Get a see-three pass and gain admission to three of their five museums, which include the Savannah History Museum & Battlefield Memorial Park, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum and Old Fort Jackson. Visit chsgeorgia.org for a calendar of events.
Military Explorations
Buckled between the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Air Station in Beaufort and Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart Army Base in Savannah, Bluffton is right in the middle of a lot of military action. Rally the troops and strap on your boots for these excursions!
A Peek at Parris Island:
March on over to the Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot to discover the rich legacy of the Marine Corps and expansive history of the Port Royal region. This 10,000-square foot facility features historical accounts, timelines and information about the origin and impact of the Marine Corps. For hours of operation visit parrisislandmuseum.com.
Cannon Firings at the Forts:
From cannon firings to re-enactments, Savannah’s Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski both offer incredibly immersive experiences. Stand tall, listen up and don’t miss out!
Fly with the Mighty Eighth:
If the Air Force is your mission of choice, head out to Pooler, Georgia, where historic information awaits at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth. Learn about pilots, planes, and the impactful role of the Eighth Air Force.
Hit the Target at the Gun Range:
What’s better than getting in on a little shooting action? Civilians are welcome at both Palmetto State Armory in Ridgeland, Palmetto Indoor Range in Hardeeville and BoJax Shooting School on Palmetto Bluff Road. Indoor and outdoor ranges.
Savannah Military Tours:
Georgia’s First City is saturated with tours, but not many guides have the knowledge the veterans and military-enthusiasts of Savannah Military Tours do. Hop in their air-conditioned van and discover Savannah’s proud military heritage while visiting sites that honor servicemen and women. (912) 433-0452 or savannahmilitarytours.com.
