Experience the vibrant culture, delicious food, stunning crafts, soulful music, and rich history of the Gullah Geechee people at the annual Heritage Days celebration hosted at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, SC. My first encounter with the Gullah Geechee culture was through the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration while studying at Clark Atlanta University. The elders’ stories, food, artisan crafts, and guided tours deepened my knowledge and appreciation for the culture. Since then, I have been committed to raising awareness through educational trips, film screenings, and informational guides that explore the connection between Africa and the diaspora.
Here are 10 travel tips to help you enjoy the Heritage Days Celebration:
- Arrive on St. Helena Island, South Carolina before the parade starts to avoid traffic. The road leading to the festival site is blocked during the parade.
2. Parking is available but limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
3. Bring your own chair since seating is limited for the outdoor performances, but there is plenty of grass.
4. Take a Gullah Tour to get an authentic experience of St. Helena Island, SC.
5. Satisfy your taste buds with mouth-watering food from the Gullah Grub restaurant.
6. Shop for handmade crafts made by local artisans.
7. Consider staying in Beaufort, South Carolina, the next town over, for a wider selection of hotels that include breakfast.
8. You can only access St. Helena Island, SC by car.
9. If you prefer to fly into Savannah, GA, you can rent a car and drive to St. Helena Island, SC, which is about an hour away.
10. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the delicious food and great company!
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