The Island Packet
By Mandy Matney
Online Article Here

Ah, spring has sprung in the Lowcountry.

Well, not officially. That’s March 20 this year. But the weather is warming up, the azaleas are popping out, the days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener and, well, the pollen is pretty much everywhere.

On top of all that, the Lowcountry social calendar is filling up.

With the awesome festivals, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and endless outdoor activities, March is looking pretty epic this year.

Here are 10 things to do around Hilton Head and Bluffton this March.

Soak up spring at a daffodil farm.

Daffodils are already blooming here in the Lowcountry. Make a trip to U Pick Daffodils and make the spring season a little brighter.

Sip up at the 32nd Annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival March 8-12

This event is a wine lover’s paradise with two days of sipping, strolling, wine, more wine and a little dining, too. The Sip and Stroll kicks off Thursday, March 9, in Harbour Town where you can get a taste for the big event. Saturday’s public tasting offers wines from more than 250 (!) wines for you to try, a waiter’s race, a bartender challenge and a silent auction.

Celebrate St. Paddy's island style at the Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 12

Get your green on early this year on March 12 for the 34th annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick's Day Parade. A crowd — estimated at 25,000 in past years — lines Pope Avenue for this festive community event of parades, live music and parties. Hilton Head Town manager Steve Riley is this year’s parade marshal.

Shuck and slurp oysters

while the getting is good.

Though you can safely eat oysters year round in the Lowcountry, March is generally the last month for oyster roasts. Here are a couple events to get your shuckin' and slurpin' in before the season ends:

Shop local and eat fresh at a farmer's market or U-Pick farm.

March is an excellent month for fresh produce in South Carolina with the warm breezy weather and new spring fruits and vegetables in season. Check out these local spots:

Dempsey U-Pick Farm: 1576 Sea Island Parkway St. Helena Island (open for strawberry season

Farmers Market of Bluffton: Thursdays 1-6 p.m. F Carson Cottages in Old Town Bluffton, 40 Calhoun St.

Port Royal Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Ribaut Rd, Port Royal

Go big at Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day, March 16- 18

One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country is just a short drive — or boat ride — from Hilton Head and Bluffton. More than 500,000 people will invade Savannah for the four-day Irish event with green beer, live music and shenanigans. Don’t miss the parade, one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the nation, through the historic district on March 17. Here’s everything you need to know about parking and transportation.

Chow down at Wing Fest March 25-26

Hilton Head Island Wingfest kicks off Friday, March 25 with a laser show in Shelter Cove Community Park. The big event takes place March 26, also at the park. Chow down on sweet, spicy, tangy and delicious chicken wings from more than 15 local restaurants as they compete for the 2017 Best Wing of Hilton Head. There will be a wing-eating contest, live music, kids activities and TVs so you won’t have to miss March Madness.

Get active — and explore the outdoors

Get ready for swimsuit season (that’s kind of already here, but whatever) by signing up for a fun run or a not-so-typical outdoor workout. Here are a couple to choose from:
Annual Sandalwood Run for Hunger: March 25 at Fish Haul Park Hilton Head
Shamrock 5K Run: March 18 at Coligny Plaza Hilton Head
Kayak Cardio: March 25 at Island Water Sports Hilton Head
Beer and Yoga: March 4 Southern Barrel Brewery