Take a step back in time at one of the Coastal Discovery Museum’s two locations.  Nationally acclaimed, the Museum should be your first stop for all things Hilton Head, the place to go to gain a better understanding of the Lowcountry’s cultural heritage and history, its plant life and wildlife, and its residents, both past and present. 

    The Museum is now headquartered on historic Honey Horn, located at 70 Honey Horn Drive, at the corner of Gum Tree Road and William Hilton Parkway (US 278), the north entrance of the Cross Island Parkway.  The Museum officially moved to this treasured facility in October, 2007.  There is no charge to just stop in and view the spectacular landscape and old buildings at this 69-acre property on the banks of Jarvis Creek.

    For history lovers, Honey Horn was originally a 17th Century cotton plantation (around 1805).  Its name is rumored to be a mispronunciation of “Hanahan,” one of the plantation’s former owners.  The 1,000-acre property became a private hunting preserve after the Civil War. After passing through many hands, the Town of Hilton Head bought the property in the late 1990s.  In addition to being the Museum’s new home, the park is now used as a venue for concerts and community events, and contains the only original plantation house on the Island that is still standing today.  It is considered one of the most historically significant spots on the Island. 

    The newly renovated 6,000-square-foot Discovery House contains all new permanent and temporary exhibits as well as the fun KidsZone.  Take a walk on the designated trails that feature colorful interpretive panels detailing the flora and fauna of the region.  The Museum combines the talents and experience of Museum staff and volunteers, who coordinate year-around history and ecology tours and programs. The selection is endless – whatever you are interested in, the Museum covers it:  beach walks, land tours or water cruises, guided nature tours and historical trips. 

    Don’t miss stopping at the Museum’s satellite location in the Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Center at 100 William Hilton Parkway (US 278, Mile Marker 1). Return visitors will know this building as the original Museum location overlooking three acres on the picturesque Jarvis Creek.  The facility houses numerous exhibits and a museum store which stocks an array of unique gift items, Lowcountry specialty foods, and artwork by local artisans.  It is noted for having one of the best selections of Lowcountry books around. 

    Both Museum locations are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    For more information about Museum events, schedules and information on tours and activities, call 843-689-6767.

    Also see “Things To Do” #3, #45, and #62.

Photo courtesy of Coastal Discovery Museum