The Culture & People That Shaped America’s Favorite Island® - Full-Time Travel

The Culture & People That Shaped America’s Favorite Island®

The Culture & People That Shaped America’s Favorite Island®

By Esme Benjamin

Travel is almost always a great experience, but there is one specific thing that can make a trip extra enriching: connecting with the history and culture of a place through its people. Understanding the stories behind a particular landmark, dish, craft, song or tradition deepens your connection to the destination, making the entire trip more memorable. On Hilton Head Island, that understanding begins when you connect with the Gullah community – descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to America in the 1700s who later settled on Hilton Head Island as free people, profoundly influencing culture in the region and beyond.   

“Gullah culture is deeply rooted in the Black American food, music and spiritual traditions and Hilton Head Island in particular has Gullah cultural treasures like no other Sea Island," says Courtney Young, President/CEO & Founder of ForeSight Communications and an 8th Generation Descendant. "A visit to Hilton Head Island not only includes the beach, it allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Gullah community, providing experiences that you will never forget.”

A Brief History of the Gullah People on Hilton Head Island

Michael Smalls, owner of Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets Creations, 7th Generation Basket-Sewer | Courtesy of Hilton Head Island

The Gullah people were brought to South Carolina from West Africa as enslaved people in the 1700s. During the intense battles of the Civil War, they escaped plantations and fled to the Union Army’s Hilton Head Island outpost. Labeled “contrabands of war,” these men, women and children were housed in overcrowded campgrounds until, with the help of Union General Ormsby M. Mitchel, they were able to establish an independent town with all the infrastructure necessary to start new lives as free people. Mitchelville, as it became known, made history as the first self-governed town of freed Africans in the U.S., and would serve as a template for future freedmen towns across the country.

Deep Dive Into Gullah Culture

Queen Chapel A.M.E. Church founded in 1865 | Courtesy of Hilton Head Island

For years, the Gullah people lived in relative isolation on the sea islands of South Carolina, experiencing little interference from outsiders. As a result, the community’s culture – a melting pot of traditions, languages and skills from their West African homelands – flourished. When you visit Hilton Head Island you’ll notice all the ways this distinctive culture still shapes and influences life in the Lowcountry, from historic churches and sweetgrass basket sewing to mouth-watering Gullah dishes and the ubiquitous Gullah phrase "kum ba yah" (come by here). 

To delve deeper into the history and culture of the region’s Gullah community, join the Gullah Heritage Trails Tours. Owned and operated by the Campbell Family (fourth generation Gullah Hilton Head Islanders who Courtney Young calls "the keepers of our island’s history"), this tour weaves through scenic Gullah neighborhoods and visits off-the-beaten-path historic sites, giving you a deeper understanding of Gullah life, then and now.

Try Authentic Gullah Cuisine 

Gullah Heritage Music Series, one of many events during the annual Gullah Celebration | Courtesy of Hilton Head Island

Gullah chef Sallie Ann Robinson once described Gullah food as “belly filling, put a smile on your face good!” Forged from a blend of traditional West African cooking styles and America-grown ingredients, it’s impossible to overstate what a huge impact Gullah cuisine has had on southern fare. Dishes like shrimp 'n' grits and shrimp and okra gumbo both have roots in Gullah cooking.

Celebrate Juneteenth on Hilton Head Island 

Performance at the Gullah Market, Arts, Food and Craft’s Expo during the annual Gullah Celebration | Courtesy of Hilton Head Island

This year will mark the 7th annual Juneteenth Celebration on Hilton Head Island, and Explore Mitchelville is set to host three days of events. On June 17th, join Joe McGill from the Slave Dwelling Project via livestream as he explores the living habits of the people of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. On June 18th, settle in with a fish dinner picnic and watch a screening of Lift Every Voice and Sing presented by BLKFreedom, a documentary about the importance of the Black national anthem. And on Juneteenth itself, June 19th, enjoy a full-day of historical reenactments, food vendors, art stalls, children’s entertainment and live performances from a plethora of acts including the Grammy-nominated trio The HamilTones at the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

Buy Tickets for June 18th & June 19th Events >>

This email was sponsored by Hilton Head Island

In the latest episode of our podcast, author Meg Stafford joins her daughter on a high school project to Nepal and Bhutan researching happiness. It was a mother-daughter trip that pushed Meg outside of her comfort zone. She found herself avoiding avalanches while climbing to Annapurna basecamp and dodging paint at the Holi Festival in Kathmandu. It also gave her the opportunity to examine what it means for a parent to love and to let go. 🎧 Link in bio to listen! ...

24 0

Istanbul`s beauty lies in its historic architecture, the Bosphorus Strait`s scenic charm, vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, rich cuisine, Sufi traditions, captivating sunsets, street art, and its unique blend of cultures as a crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Reel: @samisrt
...

159 0

Sweeping mountain views of the Dolomites, beautiful wildflowers, and the most delicious dinner included with your stay at @hotel_dolomitenhof_u_altepost.

Reel: @tc.travels
...

257 3

In the latest episode of our podcast, Christine Winebrenner Irick, entrepreneur (@lotussojourns) and podcaster (@souloftravelpodcast) shares the story of her first big trip to Asia. In the midst of a period of rebirth, as her career and marriage were crumbling, Christine took inspiration from Alex Garland`s book, The Beach, and set off for Thailand with one good friend and no solid plans. What unfolded was a perspective-shifting experience that would, in Christine`s own words, "reveal who she would become." 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#tttcm #traveltok #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast #thailand #travelthailand
...

41 0

Is it too early to think about Fall? Daydreaming of autumn in Patagonia.

Reel: @ramirotorrents
...

693 5

A lovely town on the French Riviera, Menton is known for its beauty, mild weather, colorful buildings, and lemon production. Enjoy beaches, history, and a laid-back vibe.

Reel: @sofikulin
...

101 0

Full-Time Travel`s sister brand, @kingdomgolf, invites you to a join special guests from the world of golf and entertainment, including Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sörenstam, for a luxury island experience. Play the incredible courses at Wexford and Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club. ⛳️ Link in bio to reserve your spot at the 2023 Kingdom Cup on Thursday, September 21st thru Sunday, September 24th. ...

49 4

One night in the desert inspires a corporate worker to follow her dream of becoming a travel journalist.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel journalist, podcaster, and entrepreneur Yulia Denisyuk (@insearchofperfect) shares the story of a career-altering trip to Morocco. It`s an ode to the power of looking for signs when you need confirmation you`re on the right track. If you`re harboring a dream but it never quite feels like the right time to make the leap, this episode is for you. 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#fulltimetravel #travelreel #ftt #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast
...

23 1

Submerged beneath the ocean waves or inside a kaleidoscopic aquarium, these rare underwater restaurants serve meals alongside a cast of aquatic creatures. Book a table and enjoy a whole new spin on dinner and a show. ...

121 1

Bike through the world`s largest salt flats in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

Reel: @islayjoy
...

1113 8

Known for its stunning sand dunes that create a landscape resembling white sheets (lençóis in Portuguese), Lençóis Maranhenses is a unique national park located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

The park`s most iconic feature is the series of turquoise lagoons formed by rainwater that collects between the dunes. These lagoons are a stark contrast to the surrounding white sands and provide a refreshing oasis for visitors.

Reel: @melly_ba
...

1971 208

A travel entrepreneur rows 3,000 miles in 36 days, completely unsupported.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel entrepreneur, Jimmy Carroll (@jimmyalexandercarroll), shares his experiences of participating in the world’s toughest rowing race: the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

For 36 days, Jimmy and his three teammates rowed in alternating two-hour stints for 24 hours a day, through storms, sleep deprivation, and an unexpected attack from a 12-foot blue marlin. It was an experience that pushed them to the limit of their resilience but one that was also full of profound beauty and awe.

🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#thetripthatchangedme #fulltimetravel #ftt #travelpodcast #podcast #jimmycarroll
...

114 7