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Traffic on the island can be very heavy at times, especially durring tourist season which runs from April to August. If you are planning on exploring the island your best bet is to rent a bicycle from any of the many bike rental shops and enjoy the scenery at a leisurly pace instead of trying to fight the traffic.
If you are interested in exploring nearby Bluffton expect about an hours drive time durring peak hours. Route 278 or William Hilton Parkway is the main road across Hilton Head Island. You will discover that finding locations on the island can be tricky. The buildings share similar architecture, green roofs, sand colored siding.
The island's attempts to blend buildings in with natural surroundings, though worthy of praise, has led to some problems. Many buildings are hidden from view from the roads. Local laws regarding the reduction of signage street lights and billboards makes it difficult at times to find the place that you are looking for, this especially true if traveling at night. Small mile marker signs dot the highway in an attempt to provide a point of reference to visitors
The traffic circles on the island can be a challenge for those not accustomed to them. Which is just about everyone who visits the island since these kind of circles or roundabouts as the are called in Australia are not very common in the U.S. Just remember to merge into the circle as you would from a yield intersection. Most importantly do not stop your vehicle in the circle, this is known to cause accidents.
\ Pollen in the area is extremely dense durring the summer months. A fine greenish-yellow powder covers everything here durring the spring and summer months. If you have allergies be prepared with a good supply of anti-histamines and other allergy medicine. In the summer months bugs are a nuisance on the island.
Mesquitos are very numerous due to the surrounding marsh lands and island lagoons. Chiggers are like little ticks that leave a nasty bite, don't make the mistake of playing with the spanish moss that sometimes falls from the oak trees, as this moss is often home to nests of chiggers. No-see-ums are tiny flying insects which are very annoying, they look like small grey fleas and leave an itchy bite. Sand fleas are prevelant on the beaches.
If you have never seen a palmetto bug then you are in for a treat! "Palmetto bug" is a cute sounding name for what in reality is a giant flying cockroach! The first time I saw one , I freaked out a bit, not sure if they bite , but the gross out factor alone makes them worth mentioning. Bring a good supply of insect spray when visiting in the summer months.
Alligators live on the island and pretty much keep to themselves. It isn't uncommon for an alligator to take a stroll on the golf course or warm themselves on a hot sidewalk though. They might even have a swim at the local pool from time to time. If you a considering a vacation which includes gorgeous weather, miles of beaches, world class golf, entertainment and dining then explore the many offerings available on Hilton Head Island.
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