Sensitive question about HHI, Nags Head, and Maine

[jakezmom]

This may be a sensitive issue to some and I appreciate all responses. I would appreciate anyone who has insite to please respond. Thank you in advance!

Here is my issue. The principal at the school where I teach (and my best friend) is black. My husband and I are both white but we have two adopted children- our 5 yr old daughter who is black and our 2 year old son who is Chinese.

My best friend and I travel with our families a great deal together. She said that the last two vacations we took together were great but her family felt uncomfortable. We went skiing in Colorado and in Vermont. She felt uncomfortable because there was not another black person/family around the entire resort. I used to never notice these things but now having children that are a different race, I now notice.

My question is this. I want to plan a vacation for 2007 to either Nags Head, Hilton Head, or Maine. If we were to go to any of these places, will there be any minorities or black families to be seen? I do not want to schedule another vacation where my friend and her family will be uncomfortable again.

PLEASE give me any information about this issue. I have never been to any of these areas but am wondering if there are black tourists in Maine, HHI, or Nags Head.
I have to start planning soon so thank you to all who understand and respond to this.

[Dave M]

For all who might post here:

Please confine responses to the questions posed and avoid expressing opinions on the social issues involved so as to conform to TUG BBS posting rules, which prohibit discussions of controversial religious, social and political issues.

Dave M
TUG BBS Administrator

[Dave M]

In Hilton Head, you'll find a variety of races represented at the popular beaches, such as adjacent to Coligny Circle (south end of Pope Avenue), and in restaurants.

[davhu1]

I think part of the reason the that skiing is not a favorite sport among Afro Americans.

I see a lot more Afro American families in beach rersorts (Myrtle Beach, Nags Head, Ocean City and Atlantic City). Race would not be a concern in these areas.

Two of my Afro American collegues own timeshares in or near beach resorts. None ski.

[elaine]

HHI draws from along the East Coast---you will find mix of people--also, ifyou go later in summer (mid-Aug), you will get more from DC north to NYC because most FL, GA, SC, NC schools have started back. We usually go to HHI the last week of Aug. and good number of vacationers (if they have kids)are from NorthEeast.
OBX has a big draw from the DC area (but more on the VA side)--I think that you would also find a mix there. Also, the DC area has a higher % of adoptive families (as well as mulitple births), because DC has a higher than average percentage of infertility (not my opinion---discussed in the news), so you might very well find some other adoptive families in the mix at Nags head.

Also, one note---there are some ski areas that have African-AMerican ski weeks/weekends--if your friends want to ski again and would feel more comfortable, they could call around to ski resorts and find out which resorts/mountains offer this.

[KenK]

I've also seen several Black Familys on Hilton Head, in the Barony, when we stayed there in Oct. They also ate breakfast at the Buffett when we were there. Their kids were friendly and we watched them on the beach.

Also, in Williamsburg, Manor Club.....in the pools and at the Dining Room...but the only reason I noticed was because the dad of one of the kids in the pool asked about restaurants. We also recommend the Surry House, which was a disaster for us...

Never went to Nags Head.

Never really thought about noticing this.

[BassAngler]

Let me share my Maine input as I am a Maine resident.

The population in Maine is pretty much Caucasion folk and quite a few Native Americans. The state does however draw tourists from many of the East Coast metro areas so we certainly see a fair share of minorities visiting our state.

Let me be very clear on one thing...Maine people are probably some of the LEAST prejudice people I have known. I can say that from past expeirience because I grew up in a metro area and have traveled extensively in my life. Maine also has a fair share of "mixed" families that I have seen due to adoption and such.

I know we aren't supposed to base an opinion but I would say that coming to Maine should not be a problem place to visit for a family that appears slightly different than the norm!

Then, what is normal?! What is different?! Nothing!

Come have fun and enjoy our beautiful state!!! As the state motto goes..."Maine, the way life should be!!"

Everyone is welcome!!!

[pedro47]

I think you will find diversity in all three (3) places. Your traveling partner is a high school administrator. I think he has seen it all in working with other school administrators, children and their parents in the public or private school system.

I have travel from Maine to Florida on the east coast in the past 35 years.
Both business and pleasure. The minority population in Maine is very small compare to South Carolina.

Personally we like Hilton Head Island for the diversity and the feeling of home folks.

[mepiccolo]

When I moved to New Jersey years back (have since moved back to California) I was dismayed to be told quite often that it was very segregated. When I arrived there it did seem to me that the different races tended to live in segregated neighborhoods of their same race. With this said, I can't say I ever personally experienced anything racist (I am Mexican) But I was dismayed to pretty much only see people of my nationality at the back of restaurants and not "out and about". It was a pleasure to be "out and about" "representing" and people were nothing but kind (I actually heard, "I've never met a Mexican before" quite a few times!) I guess I find it hard to understand your friend because in this day and age no one is making her feel unwelcome but herself and I hope that your children learn to be color blind and confident regardless of where they are.

[MULTIZ321]

Jakezmom,

Gullah culture is alive and well on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area
Scoll down the page to see a list of historic black churches on the island.

at the Coastal Discovery Musuem site check out the History of Hilton's Headland Tour and also the Fort Howell and Mitchelville Tour

if you go to Hilton Head Island - you can also check out
De Gullah Creations
Johnnie Mae Mitchell, Partner
Brenda Haines, Partner
The Mall at Shelter Cove
24 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843-686-5210
www.degullahcreations.com

here's some more info on Beaufort, Bluffton & Hilton Head

and about Gullah Heritage

Can't offer any help on Nagg's Head or Maine.

If you decide to go to Hilton Head Island - have a great trip

Richard

[labguides]

We adopted our daughter from Korea in 1979. We have never felt out of place anywhere in USA or Europe.

[JudyS]

I don't know much about these three areas. However, I would like to second the idea that perhaps skiing doesn't attract a diverse crowd, and that may have been the problem.

[derb]

When I stayed at Kings Creek in Williamsburg, I was struck by the high percentage of black families, maybe 40%, that stayed at the resort. The resort is very nice and does have 3 bedroom units.

[jakezmom]

I want to thank everyone who responded to my post. It is priceless information. I truly am grateful to all of you! I don't know how I would have gotten the information on my own- Thank God for Tuggers!!

[Carolinian]

Both of the resorts I currently own at on the OBX have black owners, some of whom are active in the HOA's. An OBX resort I used to own at, has recently had a black HOA president. I don't think you and your group would feel uncomfortable.

[LisaH]

We visited Hilton Head in summer 2004 and stayed in Spinnaker at Shipyard. We are Chinese and two of our neighbors were black families. We didn't feel our of place and the black families seemed to enjoyed the stay as well.

[BeantownFlyer]

[Message deleted for failure to heed my warning and for violations of TUG posting policy. Dave M, BBS Administrator]

[Dave M]

This thread appears to have answered the OP's question and has run its course. Thus, I am closing it.