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Enjoy peak season fun at off-season rates

One of the many blessings of Lowcountry living is the subtle, yet noticeable change of seasons. As the steamy days of summer give way to crisp autumn breezes, it's officially sports season- and that doesn't mean parking it in front of a flat screen. Sunshine and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for such pursuits as tennis, golf, cycling, jogging, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, or strolling along the beach. If you're lucky enough to live here, you can take full advantage of un-crowded conditions and off-season discounts.

If you're coming from out of town, you may be surprised to learn that many people consider fall and winter to be the optimal times for enjoying Hilton Head Island. In fact, average temperatures here in off-peak months are quite comparable to those of other well-known resort cities-such as Las Vegas and Palm Springs. With average high temperatures of 70 degrees in November, 64 degrees in December and 60 degrees in January, there's enough warm sunshine to enrich all sorts of outdoor sports and recreation. By March, still well before the full onset of summer crowds, the thermometer is climbing with a pleasant spring breeze to double your pleasure.

Pick your playground

There's no better place to enjoy all your favorite sports than Palmetto Dunes. Golfers can enjoy a world-class experience at any of the three, exquisitely designed courses which showcase the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course has been rated among the best courses in the entire Southeast by readers of Golfweek Magazine. It has the distinction of being one of only two courses on Hilton Head with an oceanfront hole-the signature par-five 10th with its spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic. The George Fazio Course is regarded as one of Hilton Head's most challenging, and it stands alone as the only par-70 course on the island. Recently honored by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association as the "2009 Course of the Year," the Arthur Hills Golf Course provides a blend of natural beauty and challenge, with its carefully planned layout over rolling dunes brushed by maritime breezes.

If tennis is more your speed, Palmetto Dunes stands out. With a number of packages tailored towards players of all ages and skill levels, this is the place to come to improve your game or find a little friendly competition. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center boasts 23 clay courts and two Nova ProBounce courts, eight of which are lighted for night play.

Save time for a little fishing, though, as a coastal experience wouldn't be complete without it. Palmetto Dunes Outfitters offers fishing adventures on the resort's extensive lagoon system, where a variety of hungry fish await. Inshore fishing trips can also be chartered through the Outfitters; or for a broad range of options, prospective anglers can choose from a number of action-packed fishing charters and tours-both inshore and offshore-available through the Shelter Cove Marina. Cold waters in fall and winter mean plenty of chances to land snapper, grouper, redfish, trout and black sea bass.

For those interested in taking a more passive role in the natural world, there is much to be observed in terms of local flora and fauna. Perhaps one of the best ways to do this is by exploring the island's many miles of bicycle and multi-use paths. A variety of bicycles can be rented through Palmetto Dunes Outfitters, including beach cruisers, tandem bikes and even jogging strollers.

Kayaking is popular as well, in no small part because of the calm tidal waters that are fun and easy to explore. The cool months are undoubtedly the best time to do this, and kayaks can be rented through the Outfitters, as well as through Shelter Cove Marina.

Of course, one of the main reasons people gravitate to Hilton Head Island is the beach-all 14 miles of it. Believe it or not, unseasonably warm days are liable to crop up well into December, making the beach at Palmetto Dunes Resort the perfect place for walking, bike riding or just basking in the sun.

No matter what activities you enjoy, you can have it all at Palmetto Dunes during the pleasant fall and winter months. Find special rates on accommodations, golf packages, tennis and much more at palmettodunes.com. Check out current weather conditions and get a sneak preview of the scene at Palmetto Dunes Resort via live Web cam at palmettodunes.com/hilton-head-web-cam.php.