Gullah culture has its roots in slavery and original Gullah were African slaves shipped across the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa to work in cotton plantations. Plantation owners built their fortunes upon slave labor while slaves created a unique culture which includes language, folktales and superstition. Today, descendants call Hilton Head Island and South Carolina’s Lowcountry coastal region home and visitors to Hilton Head can experience some of the unique Gullah culture.

Gullah religion is deeply rooted in superstition. Most Hilton Head Island graveyards are located near water to ensure spirits will travel back to Africa to be among ancestors. Broken dishes, shells, water pitchers and shiny objects are often placed on Gullah graves to prevent the deceased from returning from the dead to look for former personal belongings.

Language of the Gullah is a combination of a variety of African languages and English. This was developed through necessity since plantation owners forbade African slaves from speaking their native tongue. The Gullah dialect incorporates broken English and African words. Today, it’s a “creolized” version of English.

Distinguished crafts of the Gullah are sweet grass baskets, boat building and quilting. Hilton Head Island visitors can see remnants of the Gullah past including a once segregated school and old churches, all legally protected.

Vacationing on Hilton Head Island can extend beyond the beach and golf courses. Add a little Gullah culture by taking a tour or dining in a Gullah restaurant. These include Gullah Heritage Trail Tours which is a narrated tour through several neighborhoods. Sample Gullah cooking with a visit to Dye’s Gullah Fixins. Or, plan a February Hilton Head Island vacation to participate in the annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration. Learn more about the culture including food, music and art during this uplifting celebration.

Image Source: Hilton Head Island Visitor and Convention Bureau

Meet Henry. He loves slow walks on the beach, Hilton Head Island and taking it easy. He’s also a few inches tall and lives in a shell. Henry is the Hilton Head Island turtle, a loggerhead who enjoys the good life.

The new spokesman will be featured in Hilton Head Island’s new “Escape the Usual” campaign which encourages Hilton Head vacationers to visit his website, www.escapetheusual.com. The site provides potential visitors with general information including destination information and ecotourism activities along with an introductory video.  The site also connects users to Hilton Head Island’s Facebook and Twitter channels. If you Tweet, follow the Twitter hashtag [#hhiturtle] to find Henry.

Hilton Head Island is the quintessential great American vacation getaway for families, couples and anyone else seeking the same. The island offers 12 miles of beaches, five-star dining, shopping, entertainment and a thriving cultural scene. And can’t forget the golf and tennis! The destination has been rated one of the Best Beaches and Best Family Destinations in Southern Living magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards and ranked as a Best Beach and Top 10 vacation rental destination in the 2011 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards.

Henry says start planning your Hilton Head Island vacation now. When the turtle speaks, you better listen.

If listening to tickled ivories is your thing then you’ll appreciate the 2011 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, named a  Top 20 Event for Winter 2011 by the Southeast Tourism Society. This year’s event is March 7 – 12, 2011. Talented young artists travel to Hilton Head from near and far (and by far, we mean from across the globe) to vie for the top spot in the competition.

The annual Hilton Head International Piano Competition celebrates classical piano music and showcases talented young pianists who have gone on to win other national and international piano competitions. These young competitors have the opportunity to share their enthusiasm and talents with aspiring Hilton Head students through the School Ambassador Program.

First Presbyterian Church (540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head) is the location of the 2011 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Following is the program’s schedule:

March 7, 1:30 to 4:40 p.m. and 7 to 9:10 p.m.
Round I – 20 competitors

March 8, 1:30 to 4:40 p.m. and 7 to 9:10 p.m.
Round I – 20 competitors

March 9, 9 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:35 p.m.
Round II – 20 competitors

March 10, 9 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:35 p.m.
Round II – 20 competitors

March 12, 7 p.m.
Round III and Finals
6 finalists with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director Mary Woodmansee Green

Now that you know the schedule, let Resort Rentals International help you figure out where to stay in Hilton Head for a melodic getaway.