Named after Gaspard de Coligny, a 16th Century French Admiral who sponsored several explorations of the Hilton Head area, this small shopping and recreation area is the heart of the downtown. It features a variety of unique shops, from clothing stores to tempting bakeries (it even has a dog-friendly one lovingly known as Tail Waggers). You can browse the many small kiosks, check out the latest fashions, or simply window shop for jewelry at The Bird's Nest. When hunger strikes, Coligny Plaza is home to a bevy of restaurants, delis and cafes like Earle of Sandwich-- but save room for dessert from an ice cream parlor or fudge shop! If all the eating has left you in a food-coma, stop by the Coligny Theatre for a screening or head to the nearby Coligny Beach for some sun.