Many writers believe a setting is merely a location; however, a setting is not just a location, but everything that would describe a location as a place. The seven elements that a writer should focus their setting writing on are the local restaurants, local shops, local events, local activities/entertainment, and culture. When a writer is writing about a setting, if they wish to truly bring the setting to life for their readers then they should strive to incorporate as many of the seven elements as possible in their chosen setting.  

Hilton Head Island 

One location that many writers choose to use as a setting is South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island. This location has an abundance of the seven elements and is a popular destination in the United States. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has a population of about forty-thousand people and is part of the state’s Lowcountry region. It is well known for its abundance of beaches, golf courses, and rich heritage.  

Local Restaurants & Local Shops 

Hilton Head Island is filled to the brim with eateries, restaurants, and shops. Popular areas that a writer should make sure to include in a Hilton Head Island setting are Coligny Plaza, Shelter Cove, and Harbour Town. These three locations all feature a variety of local and chain shops and restaurants that are popular with both locals and tourists.  

Local Events 

Hilton Head Island is known for its large variety of in-season events. During the on-season (June – August) the island tends to be packed with tourists and the tourism industry takes advantage of that with numerous local events. The most well-known of which is Harbour-Fest at Shelter Cove Harbour. The festival occurs weakly during the on-season and features fireworks, live music, and family-friendly shows. 

Local Activities/Entertainment  

With regard to local activities and entertainment, writers should make sure to consider the different beach and water activities that the island offers as well as the numerous parks. An important fact about the different beaches on Hilton Head Island is that all the public beaches have specific hours in which they allow dogs to roam the shore and swim in the ocean. This is a fact that many non-local writers remain unaware of which often causes dog characters to be left at home during beach scenes. 

Three of the more popular on-island parks that a writer should consider including are Coligny Beach Park, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, and Jarvis Creek. The three parks each have beautiful scenery and Coligny Beach Park even connects right up with a beach. 

Culture 

The island is also home to a rich Gullah culture that can be explored at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The museum plays host to different exhibits like the butterfly encounter, wildlife exploration, and historical culture. For writers who wish to share a bit about Hilton Head’s Gullah culture, the Coastal Discovery Museum is a must-include setting element. While the Island has a rich Gullah culture that is worthy of writer exploration its more recent culture has transitioned to one that is primarily based on tourism due to the economic income that the island receives from the numerous tourists it hosts every year.