This Christmas will be bitter sweet for most Forest Beach real estate owners and their guests that visit the area during the holidays. The Dove Street neighbors are moving their traditional Holiday lights next year. Forest Beach is an eclectic neighborhood that has tremendous small town charm. Consisting of beach cottages and oceanfront estates, it is one of the few non-gated communities on the Island. This affords Hilton Head Islanders and tourists alike to enjoy the display of the Dove Street lights every year.

The Dove Street Lights started 20 years ago in celebration of one of the Forest Beach property owners' new baby. The neighbors and friends lit their 40 foot magnolia tree in white lights honoring their new arrival. Other neighbors decided to join in and decorate their trees and homes. Each year the array of lights has expanded. Visitors enjoyed the lights so much they offered to help pay for the electric bills.  The Forest Beach neighbors didn't accept the money, but did realize there were others in need. They took the donations and started giving them to Deep Well a local charity organization. This tradition continues today.

This spectacular light show now attracts thousands of drivers that wind their way through the narrow, tree canopied streets. It has grown so large that is not manageable for the small quaint community. The co- founders are talking with Hilton Head Island officials and several rotary clubs to move it to a town venue such as the Crossings Park. In the true Hilton Head fashion, they are hopeful to make this even more of a community event with more Islanders and charities getting involved.

The Dove Street lights are a perfect example of what the Forest Beach community and Hilton Head Island is all about. This is a great time of year to become part of a community. There are many Forest Beach real estate opportunities as well as Forest Beach foreclosures. If you are in Forest Beach over the Holidays and have an interest in real estate, 101 Dune Lane is an outstanding oceanfront home, just waiting for a buyer. Don't wait   any longer to become  part of a community that truly gives back.

This September morning, with cooler weather in the air, I decided to take my new camera down to Forest Beach to catch the Sunrise. Of course, I took advantage of the free parking at one of the Town of Hilton Head’s many beach parking areas. I then used the entrance to the Coligny Beach and Water Park to access the beach.

 Not surprisingly, there were quite a few vacationers and locals alike with the same idea in mind. After spending 20 minutes watching the sun rise and seeing pelicans and seagulls diving for breakfast, I stopped on the boardwalk and snapped a shot of The Breakers and Sea Crest Villas.