Rumor, speculation, and all out crazy talk. These are the Top 10 Myths about Hilton Head island, South Carolina.

1. The Island is named after Hilton Hotel's founder Conrad Hilton

There are plenty of hotels on the island, and there's even a Hilton Resort property. But the island was named by English sea captain William Hilton in 1663 while he was sailing Port Royal Sound in search of land to establish working plantations.

2. Hilton Head Island is in North Carolina

Hilton Head has always been and will always be part of South Carolina. But every day there are hundreds of Google and Yahoo searches looking for Hilton Head in North Carolina.

3. The alligators are friendly

The truth is that alligators will eat anything they will eat any moving thing they can get in their jaws. That includes birds, deer, dogs, and even people. While a gator lazing in the sun may seem docile, you should stay at least 20 feet away at all times. While gators are not known for endurance running, they can have straight line bursts of speed up to 35 miles an hour. If a gator does come after you, quickly run in a right angle direction from your original path. Please note that it is illegal to feed alligators.

4.Everyone that lives in Hilton Head is from Ohio

Close, but not completely true. But you would be amazed by the amount of tourists and residents that come from Ohio. All you have to do is look at license plates during the tourist season.

5. You need a boat or ferry to get to the island

The first bridge to Hilton Head was a two-lane swing bridge built in 1956. The current four-lane bridge opened in 1982.

6. All of the beaches on the island are private

The Hilton Head beaches are in fact public from the ocean to the high water mark, however access to most of the beaches runs through private, gated communities. Public beach access is available at Alder Lane Beach (22 metered parking spaces), Coligny Beach Park (29 metered spaces and 345 long term fee parking spaces), Fish Haul Park (free parking), Driessen Beach Park (207 long term fee parking spaces), Burkes Beach Access (13 metered spaces), and Folly Field Beach Park (52 metered parking spaces).

7. Baby sea turtles make great pets

It is illegal to remove, harm, or harass sea turtles on the beaches. During the summer months loggerhead sea turtles nest along the 14 miles of beaches. One of the ways that the town tries to protect the sea turtles is by the strict enforcement of protection laws. In fact, between May 1st and October 31st no artificial lighting may illuminate the beaches or the dunes after 10 p.m.. If you are staying in an oceanfront home or villa that does not have tinted windows you may get a knock on your door from Beach Patrol asking you to close your blinds or curtains.

8. Hilton Head is only for golfers and beachgoers

In fact, Hilton Head is both rich and diverse in its cultural activities and entertainment. Among the other activities you will find are the Hilton Head Orchestra, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. the Hilton Head Repertory Theatre, the Coastal Discovery Museum, and the Cole-Heyward House Historic Center.

9. You can't eat for less than $40 a day on Hilton Head

Rachel Ray did it - and so can you. In fact there are many great restaurants with fantastic food at reasonable prices.

10. Hilton Head tourism shuts down after Labor Day

In fact, September and October are great times to visit the area, especially if you like to play golf. Average high temperatures are in the low to mid 80's, which makes both mornings and afternoons comfortable golf weather. The water also maintains much of the heat it gained in the summer, making it ideal for swimming. And since most kids are in school during the week, the beaches are less crowded on weekdays.

---