Now that we are in the Heritage Classic week – a beloved annual tournament that was postponed for precautions this year – we are reminded of how rich in everyday occasions is our life in Sea Pines. The special occasions here are really kind of normal. And because the Heritage Classic Foundation itself resides right here among The Shops at Sea Pines Center, the source of all that worldwide annual attention is, for us, a daily, “Good morning, Steve.”
Usually the Heritage Classic is Hilton Head Island’s yearly cross-over into summer weather. Even though it normally takes place in mid-April, that particular week has a dazzling tendency to start out in sweater vests and finish in summer shirts – and from there the weather rarely looks back. We often say that the only people who enjoy the Heritage more than the visitors are the PGA contestants, and the people who enjoy it most of all are the residents themselves. With no spectators in-person this year, we may find this feeling all the more true.
So Much to Celebrate
Whether on the course or not, you can feel in every Heritage Classic the great reminder of how very fortunate we are to live here on America’s favorite island. It’s in the air when residents walk the course with all the enthusiasm of people who’ve been looking forward to a vacation all year, rather than who live here within a stone’s throw. What we wear, including the smiles on residents’ faces, is a sign that we are marking a moment of gratitude, for the beauty that lies before us, not just on a getaway, but rather every day.
A Special Spot for Spring
And although our Heritage this year is a bit later than usual, it still seems like a marker of spring, because of the cycle of renewal it brings with it. Nowhere on Hilton Head Island could this be truer than here among The Shops at Sea Pines Center. The sense of rebirth we feel has a lot of markers.
Our unique collection of restaurants and cafés have come through the recent weeks of “The Great Pause” with flying colors. Each one – such as C’est Bon – focused on what it offers uniquely and then redoubled their resourcefulness and ingenuity to serve faithful customers and eager visitors in new ways. Truffles added the casual menu of its sister restaurant, Chow Daddy’s, when takeout became a way of life. Lowcountry Produce added a new system for online ordering and delivery. Adaptations such as these proved so useful that they look like keepers – yet another example of the special becoming everyday. The examples go on.
Birth and Renewal
Our shops and merchants were no less inventive and persistent, prevailing through every challenge. New life came, too, in the midst of it all. Hazel Dean’s celebrated their grand opening in May, and their gourmet groceries, meats, and wines were greeted with a warm customer reception. VIVID Gallery tripled its commitment by opening a new, 3,000-square-foot exhibit space, where the proceeds from purchase of their art photography go straight to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Forsythe Jewelers, a landmark here for decades, will again present the work of an internationally famous designer this Heritage week, when they host a two-day trunk show of Gabriel & Co. today and tomorrow.
It is indeed a little hard to tell the special occasions from the everyday delights here, among The Shops at Sea Pines Center. Moving the Heritage dates, just this once, serves to bring this truth to light. Thanks to you all, neighbors and visitors, longtime customers, and new acquaintances alike, for the blessings that your interest brings. We are so fortunate to be here, and to be offering this. We thank you for taking part.
