Four More Guests

When Lighthouse Keeper Nadia Wagner welcomed the cast and crew of the Today Show to the Harbour Town Lighthouse on May 19, the most unusual thing about the occasion was how normal it was. One reason for business as usual, when Nadia greeted the nationally known weathercaster Al Roker, was that Nadia had so much practice. “Did you know I have been having coffee with you for the past 30 years?” she asked.

Being a regular viewer was not the only reason Nadia was well prepared. The Today Show cast – Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin – were about the two-million-and-first through two-million-and-fourth guests that Nadia has welcomed there at the door of the lighthouse. It is estimated that Nadia has personally welcomed more visitors than anyone else to our famously hospitable island.

Central to Any Itinerary

Today taped video segments in selected spots on the island to support a live feed that it telecast on Friday, May 20, in the relaxed third hour of their morning telecast. The crew had come to Hilton Head Island for the scenery, the interest, and the fun, just as any visitor would do. Naturally, they made the lighthouse a central part of their plans.

Remarkable, when you think of it, is how little we had to do differently to be camera ready. We’ve had a lot of practice, and so it makes sense that going on television across America was a day we took in stride.

Passing the Tests of Time

At 70 years, Today is the longest-running morning TV show in history, airing since January 14, 1952, and the fifth longest-running TV program of any kind. In 1969, when the Harbour Town Lighthouse was completed, Today already had an average daily audience numbering millions of viewers in its 17th year. Even now, as channels have proliferated and competing shows have prospered, Today gathers an audience of well more than four million viewers a week.

Dawn to dusk, day after day for decades, the lighthouse has served as more than a symbol of our island paradise. For many it is a touchstone, a must see.

Never Better than Now

The lighthouse offers more ways than ever to make your visit worthwhile. In addition to the best views of the Lowcountry and the waters of Calibogue Sound, the most stirring sunsets, a Shoppe at the Top with unique souvenirs, and a Maritime Gift Galley on the ground floor for mementoes that get passed down through generations, the Lighthouse is now the gateway to a new version of the Quarterdeck bar and restaurant that is bigger and better than ever.

There is no better way to enjoy America’s favorite vacation island than the ways you will find here, and there is no better time than now. We look forward to welcoming you to the Harbour Town Lighthouse.