Trail Partner
How Your Advertising on the Lowcountry Oyster Trail Itinerary Can Grow Your Business…and Bring a Whole Lot of New Customers Right to You.
The Lowcountry Oyster Trail (LOT) is all about creating the ultimate Lowcountry travel experience for those embarking on the “Trail” – offering customized itineraries for people to personalize their adventure by doing (and eating/drinking) the things they love best. So while we hope that everyone on the LOT loves or learns to love oysters, we’ve also made sure that history, arts, outdoor adventure and more are all among the choices to be made in crafting a to do list of LOT fun and learning opportunities.
On the Lowcountry Oyster Trail, there’s a customized experience and special itinerary for everyone – and, as a Trail Partner, your spot on one of our customized itineraries is guaranteed to reach exactly the potential customers that you’d like to reach. Looking to reach the many Foodies, Gourmands and Epicureans who will be blazing a trail on the LOT? We’ve got an itinerary specially created for them … and a spot on that trail just waiting for you to become one of the “stops”. Want to showcase your business to the many Adventurers who are looking to add an element of adventure to their oyster experience? We’ve got itineraries for that, too. We’ve also created special itineraries geared towards those looking for a more Historical & Cultural experience – and, for those looking to make their oyster experience a true Family Outing—no problem, plenty to do for young, old (and in between).
In addition to different itinerary categories for you to choose from, Trail Partners also have the opportunity to become part of either a 3 Hour Tour, 24 Hour experience or Two-day excursion for each category. For oyster-lovers and everyone else, there are so many choices and so many different ways to customize their experience. And for our Trail Partners, so many different ways to gain exposure for their business — and experience exciting growth – as part of the Lowcountry Oyster Trail.
For more information about our individual itineraries, click here. And to discuss how you and your business can become the next stop on any one of our customized itineraries, call or email us today for more information and current availability.
P.S. Although it seems like our Trail is ALL ABOUT OYSTERS, we realize your business may not be and that’s OK- you should still be on the trail… want to know why? Give us a call… Or, check out our Shell Ring Sponsors here.
Stay Here: Anchorage 1770 Inn
There is a reason Anchorage 1770 Inn has recently been named the Top Inn in America by Coastal Living, Southern Living and named one of the “52 Places to Go in 2016” by The New York Times. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town – the Anchorage 1770 Inn is the perfect spot to experience Lowcountry living at its best!
This dreamy four-story waterfront inn is full of character, amazing views, Lowcountry charm, romance and loads of personality with personal touches. Built in 1770, Anchorage 1770 Inn has a long history as part of the fabric of the Beaufort Historic District. Over the years the inn has served as a private residence, a hospital during the civil war, a tourist home, and as a restaurant. Today, this beautifully restored B&B offers locals and visitors the pleasure of the past — with all the luxuries of the 21st century.
In 2014, owners Frank and Amy Lesesne fell in love at first sight and purchased this “Queen of the Bay” – beginning the significant renovations we see today. Now the inn is complete with 15 bedrooms, 13 in-suite bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, an elevator and a top deck overlooking Beaufort’s historical harbor & downtown. Amy and Frank pride themselves on providing the ultimate Lowcountry experience filled with as much luxury and adventure as each guest desires. Sip drinks on the sprawling upper deck, enjoy in-room massages, yoga on the front porch, historic carriage tours, gourmet fare and world class fishing – these are just a few opportunities you will have while visiting this historic inn. The inn even has two-dog friendly rooms – so you won’t have to leave your best bud at home!
Each room is unique, with details ranging from four-poster beds, to stunning fireplaces and expansive hand-painted ceilings. If you’re looking for some casual reading, the history of the mansion is a fascinating series in itself… a classically elegant historic small-town vacation and a nature-lovers paradise all in one. Guests of this fabulous Lowcountry retreat will experience the absolute perfect balance of the urban and natural pleasures of this historic town.
While at the Anchorage, don’t forget to dine at The Ribaut Social Club, a fine dining and social space for Beaufort locals and visitors to mingle over cocktails and innovative regional cuisine. Originally established in 1891, this club once hosted performances, grand parties, dances and even some gambling! Every dish tells a story of the Lowcountry. Be sure to try their refreshing chilled cucumber and dill soup – a perfect dish to escape the summer heat!
Insider tip: Don’t miss the nightly happy hour up on the mansion’s top deck, with sunset views over the Beaufort River and cold refreshing cocktails!
Eat This: Hudson’s Seafood House on the Dock
Nestled on the docks of the Port Royal Sound, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Dock is the perfect spot to bring your family and friends for a true Lowcountry dining experience. Hudson’s brings local, fresh seafood straight from their docks to your table by employing the largest fishing fleets on Hilton Head Island. If you are lucky, you’ll see a Hudson’s shrimp boat unload its catch; watch the sorting process as the shrimp make their way to the restaurant tables.
There are just two remaining commercial shrimping operations on Hilton Head, and one of them will use Hudson’s dock for free, in exchange for the restaurant getting first pick of the freshest shrimp in the area. You will even see the chef head out to the docks each time the boat returns, to check up on the daily catch. They grow and harvest their own oysters, and even have a state-of-the-art seawater system to shed out soft shell crabs in the spring – ensuring they are at the highest quality & serving up the best seafood available.
So, while you’re in Hilton Head, do as the locals do and head to Hudson’s on the Dock for some of the freshest seafood in the area. To make sure you have the best experience, we have highlighted our favorite menu items to order while you sit back & enjoy the views of the Port Royal Sound against the setting Lowcountry sun. The view from Hudson’s is almost as good as their food.
One rule though – You MUST leave room for dessert!
What to order:
- Be sure to ask about their “best of today’s fresh catch,” as their specials are pretty incredible, and come straight off the boat to your table.
- Anything with shrimp in it. Hudson’s extremely fresh shrimp are served up steamed, broiled, fried or stuffed. We think any style is perfection, but try their New Orleans style BBQ Shrimp, made with butter, cream, Cajun spices and Worcestershire sauce – it is sinfully delicious! For a simple shrimp dish, you can never go wrong with their shrimp cocktail, where you can really taste the true freshness of this daily catch.
- Their char-grilled oysters, are a MUST TRY! This sinfully delicious, char-grilled version is placed directly on the grill in its shell & cooked in its own juices, then topped with Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic and flash broiled. They also have fantastic steamed, fried & raw oysters.
- Their Fried Green Tomato Plate is a true work of art, topped with onion & bacon jam, tomato chutney, goat cheese, arugula and a balsamic glaze, this dish is one of the reasons so many of us keep coming back for more!
- Sure, hushpuppies are a southern staple, but no one does it better than Hudson’s. Shaped more like tots than spheres, they are tender with a crunchy crust topped with sugar for added sweetness. Why are these hushpuppies so delicious? Most restaurants pre-make theirs, while Hudson’s cooks every single batch to order.
- Can’t decide what to order? You can’t go wrong with their “Can’t Decide Sampler” (for two), oysters hudson, oysters rockefeller, stuffed mushrooms, mini crab cakes and blackened scallops to get the most out of your Hudson’s experience.
- Hudson’s, She Crab Soup is a tradition at Hudson’s & probably the best soup you will ever taste. This thick & extremely flavorful soup is topped with a bit of sherry to round out the taste. You cannot go wrong with their Seafood Gumbo either, a Cajun style gumbo made with dark roux and loaded with the freshest of seafood, sausage and seasonal vegetables.
- We told you to leave room for dessert! Hudson’s is known not only for their fresh catches, but for their decadent desserts. Our favorite desserts include their Key Lime Pie, Mud Pie “Enough for Two” (if you like to share) and their signature, not to be missed, Bessie’s Peanut Butter Pie.
This island institution seats over 345 people and serves the islands finest seafood to more than 1,000 guests on a typical summer night. Next time you make your way to Hilton Head Island, do as the locals do and sit at the tables topped with blue and white checkered cloths and devour buckets of fresh seafood & take in the beautiful views of the Port Royal Sound for a true Lowcountry experience.
Location: 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: 843-681-2772
Website: hudsonsonthedocks.com
Hours of Operation: OPEN DAILY; Lunch from 11 am – 4 pm, Dinner from 5 pm – until, Brunch on Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm and Happy Hour from 4 pm – 6 pm.
The Trail Beckons: A Lot of Great Reasons to Become a Partner or Sponsor of the Lowcountry Oyster Trail
With the launch of the Lowcountry Oyster Trail, the “Sea to Fork” culinary movement is expected to grow by leaps and bounds – offering oyster lovers a way to truly immerse themselves in a unique culinary and educational oyster experience unlike anything else in the region. It’s a truly exciting time for food lovers and travel enthusiasts far and wide, who will be flocking to the Lowcountry to experience all that the Lowcountry Oyster Trail has to offer. And it’s also an exciting time for local business owners and organizations – as the launch of the Lowcountry Oyster Trail offers the opportunity to get involved in what could be the biggest boom to local tourism the Lowcountry has ever seen.
There are two ways to get involved with the Lowcountry Oyster Trail. As a Trail Partner, your business will actually be a part of — and a stop on — the Trail. Or, as a Trail Sponsor, you can be part of this unique initiative and gain significant exposure for your company even if you don’t have a business that can be part of the Trail itself (sponsors can be corporate sponsors, small companies, organizations or individuals.)
Why become a LOT Trail Partner or a LOT Trail Sponsor? There are a LOT of great reasons … and a LOT of great options. As a Trail Partner, you’ll not only be part of a team dedicated to dynamic tourism and economic development of the region, but you’ll be helping to grow your own business through having your own business profile page integrated on all of our Lowcountry Oyster Trail materials, including the LowcountryOysterTrail.org website and mobile applications, the LOT Google map and part of all promotions and advertising driving people to the Lowcountry Oyster Trail. As a sponsor (or part of our “Shell Ring”) you’ll have the option of a number of different levels of sponsorship (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Levels) — each providing you with specific sponsor benefits and added visibility for your business (all sponsors are acknowledged on the LOT brochure/map and included in email blasts/monthly newsletters, and Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsors are also listed on the LOT website as a sponsor with a link to your website, among other benefits.)
Ready to show the community – and tourists from all over the country – how proud you are of our Lowcountry Oysters … while showing them how you and your company are committed to being part of this exciting new initiative? Interested in showcasing your name, and your business, to the many Lowcountry residents and visitors who are expected to “take to the Trail” beginning this Fall? There are so many ways for you to be involved – click here to learn more about our partnership opportunities and different levels of sponsorship. Or call us anytime at 888.587.4593 and we can provide you with any additional information that you might like.
Happy Trails to all … and we hope you’ll join us “on the trail” as you consider the many benefits of becoming a Partner or Sponsor in the months ahead!