The breathtaking resort of Palmetto Bluff offers an endless array of experiences and amenities for those who love a sporting, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Fishing is one of the top activities for resort visitors who enjoy casting a line while exploring the scenic waterways in and around Bluffton, SC. From the sun-drenched shores of the May River to the tranquil waters of the Calibogue Sound, Bluffton offers some of the best fishing in the state. The beautiful coastal waters of the lowcountry offer an abundance of fish and wildlife, creating a paradise for anglers. The May River is home to an abundance of fish species and provides a fun and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all ages and experience levels.
SPOTTED SEA TROUT, FLOUNDER, SHEEPSHEAD, TARPON
The May River is home to a diverse array of fish, including largemouth bass, red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, tarpon, jacks, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and more. Anglers looking for a challenge should try their luck with the larger game fish, such as tarpon and cobia. Redfish are a popular target species among anglers, and they can be caught year-round in waterways in and around the lowcountry, but the optimal time to target these species is in the fall. These fish are known for their hard-fighting spirit, making them a great challenge for anglers of all experience levels. For red drum and spotted sea trout, anglers should target the shallow, grassy areas of the river, as these fish tend to feed on small baitfish in these areas.
Speckled trout are another popular target species, and they can be caught in the spring and fall when the water temperature is cooler. You can also find largemouth bass, spotted sea trout, and black drum. These fish are usually found in the deeper, slower moving sections of the river.
For those looking to catch largemouth bass, the May River is a great spot. The river is full of deeper pools with plenty of structure for bass to hide, making them easy to target. The best time to fish for largemouth bass is in the spring and summer months, when the water is warmer and the bass are more active.
ANY DAY SPENT ON THE WATER IS A GOOD DAY
The natural beauty of the river, with its lush marshlands, mangroves, and estuaries, provide a stunning backdrop for any angling excursion. Looking for a day of fishing with a knowledgeable guide that knows the intricacies of the waterways and some of the best places to cast a line? We highly recommend the crew at May River Excursions who have an ample fleet of available fishing charters, both inshore and river, and some of the top fishing guides in Bluffton and the surrounding waterways. For those who prefer to fish from the shore, the banks of the May River are lined with docks and piers, including the Moreland Dock located in Palmetto Bluff’s Moreland Village, offering plenty of opportunities for a successful catch. There are a variety of spots to cast your line, from the deeper waters of the river to the shallows of the estuary and the vast marsh and tidal creeks.
If you’re looking to cast your line when you’re vacationing in Palmetto Bluff you’re in for a treat. Fishing along the May River is not just about catching a big one, it is also about enjoying the backdrop of the surrounding tidal marsh, the abundance of coastal wildlife and the breathtaking beauty of the South Carolina lowcountry.
STAY IN LUXURY
You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered with a stay booked in our portfolio of luxury vacation homes. Our collection of rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle. Let our Concierge team plan a fishing charter for you and your friends, or have a private chef waiting to cook your catch-of-the-day while you sit around the fire pit with a cocktail, telling stories of the big one that got away. And, while you’re there, why not plan a southern-style happy hour on the porch, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market? With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.
Traditions are the staple of the holiday season, and after celebrating the holidays in the breathtaking resort of Palmetto Bluff, you may just start a new one that includes celebrating here year after year. Palmetto Bluff is one of those places that is a destination in and of itself, and this place is truly magical. It’s 20,000+ acres of natural, wild beauty set on the May River marshes that offers up exquisite luxury, and an endless array of things to see and do. You can soak up fun and family time on the expansive resort property, which includes a nature preserve, tree houses, miles of trails to explore and two charming villages.
While there are amazing activities and experiences to be had at Palmetto Bluff any time of the year, spending the holiday season here is like something out of a storybook. Holiday decor in the South Carolina lowcountry includes the traditional elements of pinecones and boughs from the long leaf pines, hollies and magnolias that are abundant here, plus a creative mixing in of the local flora and fauna, from feathers to antlers to oysters. The holidays are on full display in Palmetto Bluff including along the stunning bridges leading into Wilson Village, decked out in the most perfect Christmas decor that will have you singing, “Fa-la-la-la-la.”
Palmetto Bluff brings holiday spirit to the Lowcountry with events that include Breakfast with Santa, a Christmas-themed concert, and many other family friendly events. Christmas Eve holiday gathering in Moreland Village includes an oyster roast and low country boil. Restaurants in Wilson Village and Moreland Village offer sumptuous dining options and there is a chic spa should the holidays include time for a little pampering. Head to the River House for an dazzling, upscale night out and a sumptuous meal where you can choose to start with caviar or oysters and finish with decadent Hazelnut desserts or an espresso martini all while overlooking the May River.
For more casual fare, you’ll enjoy the “sporting club” atmosphere at Coles in Moreland Village, or the delectable dishes at Buffalos in Wilson Village, and then spend the afternoon window shopping in Wilson Villages charming boutiques.
The idyllic town of Bluffton, SC brings a magical holiday spirit all its very own, with a feeling reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. With its close proximity and easy travel to & from Palmetto Bluff, the streets along the charming downtown historic district of Old Town Bluffton are filled with incredible restaurants and quaint local shops. The Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., Friday, December 2 at Martin’s Family Park and is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The Town of Bluffton will be hosting its 51st annual Bluffton Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 2rd, 2023 at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District. Beginning in front of Town Hall and parading through downtown Bluffton, the Bluffton Christmas Parade is an annual “must see” event and offers fun for the whole family. The parade starts at 10am, so bring a chair and get there early for a prime spot along the viewing route.
This exclusive lowcountry resort pulls out all the stops to sprinkle holiday magic and deliver holiday spirit to everyone that stays here during the holiday season. But why stop there? With dazzling lights, exquisite cuisine, and lots of Champagne, Palmetto Bluff is also the perfect spot for ringing in the New Year. The resort’s scenic setting and tranquil atmosphere set the tone for a prosperous and plentiful year and is the ideal backdrop to help you herald the start to a new year.
And, with Luxury Simplified Retreats, our team can create a holiday wonderland for your family in Palmetto Bluff before you even check in! Our portfolio of luxurious vacation homes make the perfect backdrop for your holiday festivities and we can have a glittering holiday tree decorated and waiting for you before you arrive, a holiday happy hour set up on the porch for your arrival, and your holiday dinner prepared by a private, local chef – simply inquire with our Concierge team after you book and they’ll take it from there. View our Guide to Exclusive Guest Experiences and start planning your holiday getaway today.
There are few places that offer a vacation for the sportsman and outdoor lover that deliver breathtaking scenery and untouched landscape, while still respecting the nearly 20,000 acres of pristine land that make up the luxurious Palmetto Bluff resort development. Created in a way that honors the land, the dedication to wildlife and land conservancy is much of the overarching mission at Palmetto Bluff.
This secluded location, near the coastal South Carolina island getaway of Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff feels like a place where time moves at a slower pace and vacation days feel endless. This part of the lowcountry offers jaw dropping vistas, with its expanse of maritime forests, tidal estuaries, winding waterways, and arching oaks draped with Spanish moss. Home to an array of flora and fauna, there’s something to be discovered every step or bike pedal along the way.
Palmetto Bluff has two distinctly different town centers — Wilson Village, the charming town center that overlooks the May River to the north and Moreland Village four miles south. They’re connected by water, starting along the May River in Wilson Village and then via Cauley’s Creek as it flows into Moreland Village. There are boats that you can rent, that motor around the Inland Waterway, a meandering freshwater estuary that winds throughout the resort and many of its neighborhoods.
Whether you are staying in Wilson Village or in Moreland Village each have their own distinctive feel and each boasts restaurants and activities within walking distance. Wilson Village, the charming town square of Palmetto Bluff, is like a page from a small town storybook. Here you can find an ice cream parlor called Melt, plus many of the iconic landmarks that make Palmetto Bluff so memorable including the Chapel, the “old ruins,” the Post Office, the River House and the dock where the Grace is moored.
By Land or By Water
Mornings at Palmetto Bluff are best spent on a bike, enjoying the quiet along the miles of trails. The leisure Maritime Trail takes you through the Lowcountry forest while the Long Leaf Pine Trail winds through pine uplands. With 32 miles of coastline, this is a perfect place to rent a kayak or canoe…or use that bicycle!
Midday might find you lounging by the pool or booking a dolphin Cruise to nearby Dafauski Island, accessible only by boat. The powerboat-based Dolphin Discovery Tour covers a wide area and highlights the habitat of local bottlenose dolphins while the Full Tide Discovery Tour is a favorite among photographers because it explores some of the more remote islands.
Afternoons are decidedly meant to be spent on the porch. “Porching” is after all, an actual activity at Palmetto Bluff – and considered an authentic Southern tradition. As the resort explains, “In the South, we’re accustomed to taking a break in the afternoon to relax and pause the day.”
Nights spent under the Stars
As the day winds down, almost on cue, the pinks and violet hues of dusk bring out the twinkling of fireflies, and ease into evenings meant for cocktails around the fire pit and nights under the stars. There are a host of dining options in Palmetto Bluff from Buffalo’s in the heart of Wilson Village, Octagon, or the River House, and to Canteen, a quaint and casual sandwich shop located Moreland Village. Renting a private vacation home in Palmetto Bluff gives you the freedom to enjoy casual meals at home, or sumptuous dinners cooked by a private chef and plenty of porch time with a glass of wine.
Gather with family and friends for delectable takeout from Flame Food Truck. Take a sunset cruise on The Grace, Palmetto Bluff’s very own restored 1913 60-foot antique motor Hinckley yacht. Later in the night in Wilson Village, you’ll find s’more carts nearby to make your own s’mores over the fire.
When it comes to outdoor activities, you are spoiled by the variety of choices. Take a hike or get out onto the water. Play a game of pickleball, tennis, or golf. There are eight tennis courts, two bocce courts, a basketball court, a bowling alley, six pickleball courts and the May River Golf Course Palmetto Bluff’s 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature design.
For the Kids
Fishing from any of Palmetto Bluff’s many docks is a fun-for-the-entire-family activity, and a chance for kids to try their hand at reeling in “the big one.”
Kids can take climbing a tree to a whole new level, and the Mount Pelia treehouse in Wilson Village is particularly fun: It has a zip line, a rope swing, and a boardwalk. Or, you can climb with your kids at sunset to the top of the five-story tree house along Cauley’s Creek.
Our team can help plan for your kids ages five to 12 to participate in a private art lesson with a member of Bluffton’s Art Conservancy.
Plan your Lowcountry Retreat
You’re sure to enjoy your stay in Palmetto Bluff when your trip includes all the comforts offered in our Luxury Simplified Retreats vacation homes. Our collection of luxurious rentals features incredible amenities and superb locations. There are so many things you can do on the property and the scenic, breathtaking backdrop of the Lowcountry surrounds you in Palmetto Bluff, with gorgeous oak trees, vast waterways and a laid-back, serene lifestyle. But why not experience a vintage voyage in a 1930’s Bentley, or travel by private water taxi to explore the Bluffton Farmers Market, With our Guide to Exclusive Experiences, these are just some of the ways you customize your stay for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind vacation – and we have a team of people ready to help you plan it all.
Palmetto Bluff is a beautiful place but also a remote location for a second home. Since it is both considered to be one of the premiere private resort communities in the Southeast, and is set among some of the most breathtaking landscape along the May River in Bluffton, SC it’s an easy choice as a second home destination. After building our own full-time residence, and with three additional investment properties currently underway here, we honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else. But, for those who own a second home here, who looks after it when you’re away?
When you decide to travel and spend time in Palmetto Bluff, it’s only natural that you wish to arrive at a home ready to enjoy. Before you even arrive there is maintenance to be arranged, staging and decoration to be finalized, concierge supplies to be stocked, chefs and outings to be arranged and oh, did I mention, gardens to be weeded and bug sprayed, and perhaps even the pool cleaned? This isn’t the way we’d want a vacation to begin and we don’t imagine you do either.
Our Home Services team evolved from the frequent need for our own home management as we travel abroad a fair amount ourselves. As homeowners we understand needing a professional and trusted company to see to it that our home is well taken care of when we are away. While Luxury Simplified was already up and running in Charleston, SC and the surrounding barrier islands, it has now been fully launched in Palmetto Bluff.
Because we believe in an “all under one roof” approach, we have brought together:
- a home maintenance service, licensed, insured and best of all on site in Palmetto Bluff
- a vacation concierge to stock your home with all those essentials and arrange your events and exploration.
- a construction company, Simplified Construction, for renovations, extensions and new builds, classed as “A Grade” for operation in the community by the Palmetto Bluff DRB.
- a licensed real estate brokerage to work with you in the event of changing interests in your real estate needs
This is our company, Luxury Simplified Home Services. Multiple award-winning, ranked by Air DNA as among the top 3 in the Carolina’s in STR rental management, awarded by Historic Charleston Foundation for our work in historic preservation in the city, and most recently published by Architectural Digest for our first custom home build in Palmetto Bluff. We are a family owned and operated company and reside full-time in Palmetto Bluff. We work hard and are dedicated in providing personalized property management to our homeowners.
What should you expect from a luxury property management team? First it is to protect your investment and make owning your home worry free and enjoyable. This includes a wide range of services from weekly or monthly property checks, detailed reporting, and vendor oversight, to receiving and securing deliveries at your home on your behalf and home preparation before you arrive.
Wondering who will be there in case of an emergency at your home? We will. In your absence we are on call 24 hours a day. Why worry you with immediate problems? That’s what we’re here for.
Experienced in servicing the most high-end, luxury homes and with an extensive preferred vendor list in the area, we approach our oversight of each property from the perspective of the homeowner, not from that of a contractor or vendor. Our primary role is to safeguard the property for our owners and to communicate with them before, during and after their stay. That means we will coordinate bidding work as needed, meet with service contractor to give access to your home, stay until the work is complete, and lock up following their departure.
Expecting a restful vacation? We will ensure your home away from home is always cared for and protect your family investment. While our Bluffton-based company includes vacation rental management, construction & renovation, and design services, the primary focus of our company is oversight of non-rental property management for absentee homeowners in Palmetto Bluff and along coastal South Carolina. Do I have you intrigued at all on how we can help smooth the way for you locally? Then let us have a quick discussion on how we may be able to help that happen.