⛱️ Why go?

• Hilton Head Island is one of top 10 family beach destinations in the country. The environment is known for being laid back, calming, and welcoming.
• Looking to take a dip in the ocean? The water is typically warm enough for a swim June-August. Seasonal activities open during these months as well, making summer the most popular time to visit.
• Before planning your trip, check out HHI’s website with attractions, events, and special offers.

🦪 Act like a local

• Food: The Old Oyster Factory is a waterfront seafood spot voted one of the “Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants” by Opentable.
• Drink: Salty Dog Cafe is a great outdoor spot to grab drinks on the water and listen to live music. The drink menu spotlights the blender bar with options like a kiwi colada and a coconut freeze.
• Outdoors: Kayaking tours are a great way to get out in nature and get up-close with wild animals, especially dolphins.
• Relax: Find public beach access across the island to sit in the sand and listen to the waves.
• Explore: Harbour Town has shops, restaurants, boat tours and cruises, playgrounds, and the historic Harbour Town Lighthouse.

🏨 Where to stay

• Vrbo: This oceanfront condo sleeps six + has a pool and grilling area. (~$199/night)
• Airbnb: Five guests can stay at this condo with private beach access, pools, and tennis courts. (~$123/night)
• Splurge hotel: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort has access to three championship golf courses, bike trails, and dining. (~$400/night)

• Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $60-$80 | Laugh the night away with the Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian.

• Pulping & Sculpting Series - Cardmaking | Friday, Jan. 12 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Terra Gallery, 6631 Dale Dr., Dublin | $30 | Create three paper sheets or cards with inserts and envelopes provided.
• Ohio State Wrestling vs. Illinois | Friday, Jan. 12 | 8 a.m. | Covelli Center Columbus, 2640 Fred Taylor Dr., Campus | $0-$20 | Get loud for the Buckeyes in this Big Ten showdown.
• Echo Spirits Distilling Co. Tour and Tasting | Friday, Jan. 12 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Echo Spirits Distilling Co., 985 W. 6th Ave., Grandview | $0-$5 | Learn about the distilling process and sip a few spirits along the way.

• “Mean Girls” Beer Tasting | Saturday, Jan. 13 | 4-8 p.m. | Grandview Theater & Drafthouse, 1247 Grandview Ave., Grandview | $45 | Watch the new “Mean Girls” musical on the big screen and enjoy a custom-printed glass + 10 beer samples.

• Bundle up, CBUS. An incoming polar vortex will bring wind chill temperatures in the negatives from Saturday, Jan. 13 through Tuesday, Jan. 16. Snow and potential rain mixtures are also predicted in this timeframe. (The Columbus Dispatch)

• CAPA will invest $14 million to transform the Central Presbyterian Church at 132 S. 3rd St. into a new music and events center. Plans are to demolish the church-add on and preserve the main church if approved by The Historic Resources Commission on Thursday, Jan. 18. (Columbus Business First)

• Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop is open at 545 S. Otterbein Ave. in Westerville. The family-friendly coffee shop features a cozy atmosphere with ample seating and a full kids menu to compliment the adult coffee options.

• Jasmine Fusion Grill is opening inside of We Got Meat at 5833 Sawmill Rd. on Friday, Jan. 12. The Dublin spot will be open for takeout and delivery only, and will feature Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. Browse the menu.

• Crimson and North Country Charcuterie were named as finalists in the coffee and charcuterie categories of the Good Food Awards, meaning they passed sustainability standards. Winners will be announced in April.

• Chris Young — a Grammy-nominated country artist with hits like “Famous Friends” and “I’m Comin’ Over” — is coming to KEMBA Live! for an outdoor show on Friday, May 3. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m.

• Did you know 35,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky CBUS survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.

• 350+ recovered artifacts from the wreck site.
• Full-scale room re-creations like icebergs, decks, and cabins.
• A replica boarding pass to become a Titanic passenger and experience the journey on-board.