If you are a nature lover or just want to see the area’s wildlife up close, make sure to visit the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. While the premier attraction may be the refuge’s many alligators, visitors can see a surprisingly diverse set of animals in their natural habitats. Visit in the spring or fall, and you can see a variety of migratory birds on their way up or down the coast. After stopping at the visitor’s center, get back in your car for a “wildlife drive” through the refuge’s four acres of marshland. Make sure to drive slow and take pictures of the gators, hawks, egrets and other creatures you will see along the way. Best of all, admission to the refuge is free. Spend more time taking in the scenery when you visit Sergeant Jasper County Park. The park offers another way for visits to explore the scenic beauty of the area. Take a walk on the hiking trail that surrounds the lake, fish, or play Frisbee golf at “The Sarge” disc golf course. There’s also a playground for kids, and a seating area behind the park’s pavilion offers a great place to relax and take in views of the water.
No need to drive to Hilton Head Island for great golf: The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes offers an 18-hole championship-caliber course. This course makes use of the area’s beautiful lakes and wetlands to provide a challenging yet accessible round for golfers of all abilities. The club also features a 36 acre practice facility, so make sure to warm up before hitting the links. Be sure to call ahead to make your tee time. If you want to play another round of 18, head on over to Argent Lakes Golf Course. Opened in 2011, this mostly par-3 course is open year-round and offers a more relaxing round for players looking to get a feel for the game or as a change of pace from some of the other courses in the area. Enjoy a little slice of southeast culture when you visit town during Hardeeville’s annual Catfish festival. Over the course of the weekend, the festival features activities ranging from live entertainment, rides for kids, food and crafts from local vendors. Saturday highlights include a parade, followed by a car show, catfish cook-off and fireworks.
If you miss out on the Catfish festival, you can still get a taste of local food and culture at Hardeeville’s weekly Farmer & Artist’s market. Held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this weekly market offers visitors the chance to sample locally-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as Carolina pulled pork and other barbeque favorites.
Between golfing, gator-watching and good food, there is much to see and experience in Hardeeville. Book with Choice Hotels in Hardeeville, South Carolina and enjoy some southeastern sun and hospitality.