SPRING CAME TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND IN JANUARY 2012.

     Spring came to Hilton Head Island in January of 2012 following a mild December.  Occasionally a light fog moved in from the ocean's up-welling, drifting over early budding shrubs and trees decorated with long, trailing beards of Spanish moss.  Sweet-smelling yellow Carolina Jessamine bloomed near tulip trees with velvety purple blossoms.

      The month before, US Airways Magazine featured a 24-page article promoting the art and cultural community on Hilton Head Island, creating  a surge of interest in the local arts community.  It is estimated that the magazine reached five million to six million travelers.  One immediate effect was a Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concert selling out.  Normally Hilton Head is only associated with world class golf and tennis facilities and pristine beaches patrolled by seagulls and protectors of Loggerhead turtle nests.

     Steve Mitchem, vice-president and publisher of the magazine, said he was unaware of the area's artistic attributes prior to meeting with Chamber of Commerce delegates.  "I was amazed at the cultural diversity in the area," he said.  "I think that art and culture define the personality of a community, and I'm glad we could show more of what that area has to offer."  About this time two angels, Dottie and Fred Beard of Sea Pines, underwrote dance performances at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island for the next five years.  The dance series kicked off with a presentation of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

     The Beards first moved to the Carolina Lowcountry part-time in 2002.  Fred has served on the board of trustees for the past five years, currently as vice-chairman; Dottie has volunteered her support on many arts center programs and events, including last year's "Behind the Scenes" costume sale.  Fred is former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh.

     Excitement is building for the 43rd Heritage in April, which has new sponsors: the  Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Boeing.  The Harbour Town Golf Links, ranked #2 most favorite course by PGA TOUR pros will be the usual venerable site.  Some changes are on the planning board, involving Pete Dye.  The changes will include moving and reshaping the 5th green.  Homes, villas and hotels on and off-island are already being booked for the event.  Harbour Town is included in Golf Magazine's 50 Greatest Courses of the last 50 years; Harbour Town Golf Links Pro Shop is ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Golf Shops by Golf World.  Conde Nast Traveler's has placed Sea Pines Resort in their Top 150 U.S. Resorts.  Harbour Town offers a total world-class experience from start to finish.

     The elegant Inn at Harbour Town's Four-Star rating has been renewed by Forbes Travel Guide.  The Inn recently underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.  Only a short stroll to the harbour, unique shops (ladies, don't miss S.M. Bradford on the harbour for lovely clothes), restaurants and "yacht-watching", it is a favorite of many who appreciate a fine lodging experience.  For Inn reservations or for homes or villas, call: 800-732-7463.

      The Hilton Head Island area had the most improved real estate market in the state last year, according to a report that has been released this month by S.C. Realtors.  Low interest rates are thought to be contributing to a turnaround in the housing market.  Historically, low interest rates are among the signs that point to a pickup in the housing market.

     Money is beginning to flow back into our market as buyers take advantage not only of low interest rates but exciting opportunities provided by a large and diverse selection of properties, the only asset class that entices when banks offer virtually nothing and stocks slide down, occasionally up.  We're seeing cash buyers now.  Everyone is looking forward to even more of an up-tick in sales in 2012.

(To read Diann's December post about living on an island, go to the Archives.)