Start off 2011 right by considering the purchase of your vacation Hilton Head Island home. If you have ever dreamed of that Hilton Head Island Home or Hilton Head Island Villa, now is the perfect time to pursue that dream. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than a half million people bought vacation homes last year. Many are taking advantage of low real estate prices and mortgage rates combined with the potential revenue and are purchasing that home or villa. Historically baby boomers have led the purchases, but the current market is enabling younger purchasers.

Sea Pines Resort and Palmetto Dunes Resort both offer inclusive resort amenities complete with beach, golf, tennis, water sports, shopping and dining without leaving the resort. Shipyard Plantation is private and has more of a community atmosphere with beach access, golfing, dining and is conveniently located to shopping and dining. Forest Beach is considered the downtown area with beach, shopping and dining.

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.

Ocean Wood is an oceanfront community located on Hilton Head Island in the North Forest Beach Area.  This small community of 13 homes has its own oceanfront pool and gazebo.  Vacationers and locals agree that this is one special community.  While there are some Hilton Head foreclosures, we haven't seen any currently in Ocean Wood, although there are some great buys. 

In addition to the great location, what makes this neighborhood so special is that its perfect to reside there full time or use as a rental/second home.  Imagine waking up and watching the sunrise over the Ocean, enjoying a stroll on the beach, then hopping on your bicycle for lunch at Coligny Plaza.  If you would like to learn more about Ocean Wood on Hilton Head Island, please contact me.

Yesterday, as I was walking along Forest Beach, I noticed a lone figure sitting in the sand watching a beautiful sunrise. It was the first day of Fall, and it turned out to be a gorgeous day with a slight breeze, temperatures in the 80’s and Carolina Blue Skies. 

The figure was a young woman and I imagined that she was contemplating her day’s activities on Hilton Head Island. As an Island resident for over 30 years, I can tell you that September and October are two of the best months to visit our paradise. You will find vacationers and locals alike playing golf and tennis. Our uncrowded beaches offer a wonderful opportunity for biking, fishing, bird watching and sunbathing.

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.