Centered around history, etiquette, gatherings and some sort of delicious Southern food, hospitality at Palmetto Bluff thrives. From the Wilson Era to the Union Camp era, and now present day, each period of the Bluff offers a multitude of tales that build its sense of place and reinforces the dedication to welcoming friends, family, and guests. With so many stories, we have highlighted some of the most exciting anecdotes from each era that will not only unveil the rich history of hospitality Palmetto Bluff has always offered, but also the fun had while making it.
The Wilson Era: The Party Queen, Mrs. Wilson
In 1902, Richard T. Wilson, a wealthy New York Banker, purchased Palmetto Bluff and began construction on a four-story grand mansion to be finished in 1910. His wife, Marion Wilson, was a New York Socialite, with her name always appearing in the newspapers for her lavish parties with exclusive guests and epic entertainment. One newspaper appearance in particular stands out the most with the headline “Mrs. R. T. Wilson Summoned to Court.” After spending most of her winters in Palmetto Bluff, Mrs. Wilson decided to spend the winter of 1921 back home in New York City. During a snowstorm one winter night, Mrs. Wilson hosted an extravagant dinner party with live music. Her neighbors in the apartment below had had enough of her celebrations, calling the police after objecting ‘to the sound of cello and violin after midnight.’ When the policemen arrived and knocked on the door, the music quieted, and Mrs. Wilson opened the door. Being the prime example of a proper hostess, Mrs. Wilson famously invited the two policemen in to the party, creating the perfect gossip material for the New York Times and a textbook instance of how good hospitality should never falter.
The Union Camp Era: The Real Big Carol
Palmetto Bluff’s official food truck, Big Carol, is a staple at events and gatherings around the Bluff serving delectable culinary creations. The true Big Carol, the inspiration behind the food truck name, was the head chef of Union Camp, a hunting retreat in the early 1970’s for clients of the Camp Paper Company. Big Carol was known by the guides and guests alike for her excellent and decadent Southern dishes and “best fried chicken in the world.” Not only was she known for her food, but also her kindness, making sure the not only the guests, but the guides were well-fed and satisfied. With a legacy of great food, hospitality, and dedication to her staff and guests, Big Carol defined what a true Southern-food experience should be.
Present Day: The story behind the Artillery Punch
Known as a deceitful and delicious brew, Montage Palmetto Bluff’s signature cocktail, “Artillery Punch” has been part of the Southern culture for more than two centuries. Brought to Palmetto Bluff by third-generation Savannahian and Montage food and beverage manager, Ross Hardigan, Ross developed the cocktail based on his grandmother’s original recipe. She only gave it up after a lot of cajoling and a few glasses of wine. The origins of the Artillery Punch come from the infamous Chatham Artillery Punch. The Chatham Artillery is one of the oldest military organizations on record in Georgia. In times of celebration, the ladies of the camp would make this this punch and officers of the artillery would sneak in and add a mix of spirits resulting in a memorable brew with one heck of a kick. Taking an original recipe and putting a unique twist on it, Palmetto Bluff’s Artillery Punch gives a nod to its historic past with a modern twist.
Marie McConnell Director of Member relations, Palmetto Bluff Club Where are you from and how did you get here? I am from Buffalo, New York—born and raised. Go Bills! My husband and I got married at Sea Pines in Hilton Head in 2012 and fell in love with the ...
Nestled amidst the tranquility of Palmetto Bluff, Longfield Stables stands as a beacon of serenity amid lush green pastures and the gentle presence of grazing horses. Its picturesque setting makes it a haven not only for the esteemed Palmetto Bluff Club Member...
The Conservancy is looking forward to another summer of fun with our upcoming kid's programs! Wild Child Camp and Junior Naturalist Camp will have dedicated weeks in June. Registration is $200 per child for the week. To participate, parents must fill out t...
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Photographs by Patrick O’Brien Words by Rob Collins Designer Rob Collins of King-Collins offers a first look at Crossroads, Palmetto Bluff’s new nine-hole reversible golf course. It is a feat of design. One routing, The Hammer, is a whirlwind of angles and u...
Story by Katie Epps Photographs by Joel Caldwell Beneath Palmetto Bluff’s sprawling oaks lie twelve cemeteries that serve as the final resting places for hundreds of people and nine dogs. Five of these cemeteries were started as burial grounds for enslaved...
Putting Down Strong Roots The Grove seamlessly combines curated style with courtyard living, welcoming the lush beauty of the Lowcountry at every doorstep. With twelve homesites meticulously designed to maximize outdoor living, Palmetto Bluff Builders offer...
Learn about the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and how we keep the vision of our land in place.
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