FAMILY BIKE TRIP IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Blue skies, a green forest, colorful flowers, and a lazy river are what entice visitors to Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina. Located in the low country between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia is a pristine village, surrounded by bluffs. This quaint village is a nature lover's dream and a safe heaven for bikers. Victorian by design, the village is comprised of antique shops, clothing boutiques, a few cafes, an ice-cream parlor, a coffee shop and a church. Traffic congestion, fast-food chains, and shopping malls are non-existent in this peaceful community.

Touring the village on a bicycle is an easy mode of transportation along the wide, bricked sidewalks. Biking the Bluff is more of a challenge but certainly fun. For hiking enthusiasts the 20,000 acres of woods are a natural sanctuary. Other activities include; racquet ball, bocce ball, croquet, tennis, boating, kayaking, fishing, kids camp, history tours, beach excursions, yacht charters, art classes, hunting, archeology, and fitness training.

If you prefer a more pampering vacation the village Spa is the place to be. Outdoor verandas in each room of the Mansion overlook lush gardens, which helps guests to relax. Treatments such as the amazing grace bodywork massages, cotton body wraps, and facials are available.

For devout golfers, the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course is a main attraction. From March 1 May 31, 2007- the Golf and Spa Escape is $900.00 per night, based on a 3 night stay. You will receive a daily breakfast in your room or at the signature River House Restaurant, two rounds of golf per person, complete with a personal caddy, a golf cart, and one 60-minute post golf massage per person.

A variety of accommodations await you at the Palmetto Bluff Inn. One, two, three and four bedroom homes are ideal for a couple, large families or small groups. The Cottages all beautifully designed with Jasmine scented pine floors, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, large bathrooms with a steam room, and spacious screened porches that overlook the May River. The decor is elegantly done in shades of cream, and pale green.

Dining at the Inn is delightful. Fresh catfish with almonds is a favorite among guests. At sunset, the Jasmine scented mist rises from the river, which is abundant. Chirping crickets and croaking bullfrogs remind you of the natural surroundings.

River cruises are available in the afternoons. The Grace River Cruise and Dolphin watch is a must for children. You cruise the May River past Buck Point, the estates of Kirk Bluff to downtown Bluffton, and the Bluffton Oyster Company. Upon return you will pass the salt marches of Palmetto Bluff and Potato Island while watching for the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. The fare is $30.00 per person and $15.00 for children age 3 to 12.
My favorite is the May River champagne cruise that explores the waters surrounding Palmetto Bluff. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the cruise. The cost is $95/per person.

The favorite among golfers is the crab cake golf mixer. Crab cake competitors meet at the Golf Shop at 4:00 pm for this weekly 9-hole golf event. Following the round, participants gather in the May River Golf Grill to enjoy the event's namesake crab cakes. The cost is $75.00 per person.

Children love the Fireworks cruise which starts in July and goes through August. The 2 hour cruise cost $35.00 per adult and $20.00 per child.
This is a perfect Honeymoon getaway or a family holiday.

Learn more about this author, Patricia Dexheimer.
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