A Special Paradise on Hilton Head Island

I visited South Carolina this past week for work and had a nice visit with my friend Sheila Armstrong, of The US Cultural Heritage Tourism Marketing Council.

Sheila and her husband Bob (a previous Ford Executive) where at the airport to greet me. We went to their lovely home where we enjoyed wonderful grilled salmon, green salad with pears, pecans, feta cheese and a Sheila's homemade dressing.

My room for the weekend!

After a wonderful tour of their "Southern Home" I am in love with her use of shells, and very natural colors using calming whites and taupe's that make you feel so at peace.  Their home color scheme will definitely be going into my "Inspiration Book" for later use!

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place. it's so green and there commerce is located throughout the 15 mile Island in small malls. We visited consignment furniture stores (at my request), antique stores, lovely home decor, jewelry and even a bead store. I bought some beach clothes for my grandsons, some specialty cooking items and on the car ride back Sheila told me the history of the Island and some of the most historically significant Southern places on it. I couldn't have had a better guide had I paid for a 45 minute boat ride complete with paid guide. ;)

Saturday night we joined Bob for a "Locals dinner" where the place was so crowded we could hardly talk and the people so colorful to watch.  I'm sure it's one of the joys of living near, or in my case visiting, the ocean is being able to easily, and daily, enjoy its assets…the beach (or walk that morning,) the water (the lagoons all around their neighborhood) the seafood (the wonderful dinner I was experiencing) and the tranquility of the gently rolling surf (I could hear in the back ground during my stay).

  

We had a wonderful and fresh meal at the Master of the Sea Grass Grille

Sea Grass Grille Carolina Tomato Pie

Tomato Pie  - Sea Grass Grille's version of this summer-time treat.

2 medium tomatoes, slices

½ oz. fresh chopped basil

4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

4 oz. shredded Asiago cheese

4 oz. shredded Gruyere cheese

2 oz. mayonnaise

1 prebaked pie shell (lightly browned)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While pie shell is baking,

toss all ingredients except tomatoes in a medium bowl. Mixture should have a thick, paste

consistency. Beginning with the sliced tomatoes on the bottom, alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese mixture, ending with cheese mixture on top.

Bake in oven and bake until top layer bubbles and browns (approximately 25-30 minutes). Let rest before serving (about 15 minutes). Makes 8 appetizer slices or 5 entrée portions.

My favorite part about walking on Hilton Head Island’s beaches is the scenery.  I love all the colors provided by the natural setting and the pristine quality of the beaches.  Walking along you can smell the fresh sea foam and look out to the clean surf as it washes onto the light-brown colored sand.

I am thankful to have such wonderful friends who will host my short visits and share with me what they love about their area.  Thank you Sheila and Bob for your outstanding hospitality.