Francine Ellis

GEM Travel, LLC

Fish & Grits Music Festival - Hilton Head Takeover

Oct 1, 2026 to Oct 4, 2026
Hilton Head, SC

Welcome to the GEM Travel Hilton Head Takeover
October 1–4, 2026

 

We’re glad you’re here.

Join GEM Travel for a special long weekend as we travel together to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for the Fish & Grits Music Festival. This getaway is more than a festival trip—it’s an opportunity to experience great music, rich culture, delicious food, and meaningful connection with fellow travelers.

Along the journey, we’ll stop in Savannah, Georgia, a city deeply rooted in African American history and culture. Savannah is home to historic landmarks, churches, and neighborhoods that tell the story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring influence of the African American community in shaping the city and the region.

While on Hilton Head, we will visit Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the site of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States. Established during the Civil War, Mitchelville became a beacon of freedom, education, and self-determination for newly freed African Americans. Walking this historic ground offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the strength and vision of those who built a community rooted in independence and hope.

Throughout the weekend, expect great conversation, new friendships, and unforgettable moments—from exploring the cultural history of the Lowcountry to enjoying the vibrant energy of the Fish & Grits Music Festival.

GEM Travel will handle the planning so you can simply relax, enjoy the journey, and take in the experiences along the way.

We look forward to traveling with you.

 
A $75 non-refundable deposit per person is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Your seat is not confirmed until the deposit has been received. 

 

What's included in this trip:

  • Roundtrip luxury motorcoach transportation

  • 3 nights hotel accommodations

  •  3 breakfasts at the hotel

  • Snacks provided on the motorcoach

  • Fun on the road with bus trivia and games

  • Entry to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

  • Lowcountry Welcome Social and Game Night
  • Admission to the Fish & Grits Music Festival

  • Time to explore Savannah, GA

    Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey while GEM Travel handles the details.

 

 

What's not included:

  1. Travel Insurance
  2. Lunches
  3. Dinners
  4. Purchases on tour
  5. Purchases at Fish & Grits Music Festival
  6. All other items not listed under inclusions
 

 

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 (Southbound): Depart from Baltimore/Randallstown
  • Arrive in Savannah, GA (Spark by Hilton Savannah South I-95)
 
  • Day 2 (Tour/Site seeing): Mitchelville Freedom Park
  • GEM Savannah stroll  (Savannah, GA)
  • Arrive in Hilton Head, SC (Spark by Hilton)
 
  • Day 3 (Festival): Fish & Grits Music Festival
  • Recommend:

    • lightweight beach chair

    • stadium seat

    • small folding chair

  • Festival Guidelines

    • Clear bags preferred (not required).

    • All bags are subject to search.

    • Bring lawn chairs & blankets.

    • No outside food or drinks allowed.

    • Kid-friendly! Children under 5 enter free.

    • No concealable weapons permitted.

    • Rain or shine event.

    • No refunds or exchanges.

    • Ticket prices, lineup, and details are subject to change.

 
  • Day 4 (Northbound): Depart from Hilton Head
 
 
 

 

Hilton Head Takeover – Payment, Transfer & Cancellation Policy
October 1–4, 2026 | Fish & Grits Music Festival


Pricing

All prices are per person and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, three nights of lodging, entry to the Fish & Grits Music Festival, entry to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, and the inclusions listed in the trip details.

Prices do not include personal purchases, additional meals not listed in the itinerary, beverages, souvenirs, or optional activities.


Deposits & Payments

A deposit or full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your seat on the motorcoach.

Seats are not confirmed until payment has been received.

If a payment plan is available, and will be provided at the time of booking.

DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE.  Pay a little each month and join us in Hilton Head for an unforgettable weekend.


Late Payments

Payments not received by the scheduled due date will incur a $45 late payment fee.

Failure to remain current on payments may result in cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of all payments made.


Declined or Returned Payments

Any returned, declined, or insufficient funds transactions will incur a $45 returned payment fee.

Your reservation may be placed on hold until payment and applicable fees are resolved.


Cancellation Policy

All payments made to GEM Travel LLC for the Hilton Head Takeover are non-refundable.

Once your reservation is confirmed, space on the motorcoach and hotel accommodations are secured. For this reason, refunds will not be issued for cancellations, missed departures, or no-shows.


Seat Transfers

If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to another traveler.

Seat transfers must be submitted in writing via email and approved by GEM Travel LLC no later than 48 hours prior to departure.

Please email the following information to:
francine@mygemtravel.com

Include:

  • Original traveler’s full name

  • Replacement traveler’s full name

  • Replacement traveler’s phone number and email address

Once approved, the replacement traveler will assume the reservation.


Cancellation Requests

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email.

Email: francine@mygemtravel.com

Include:

  • Your full name

  • Hilton Head Takeover reservation

If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please call 443-914-3434 to confirm your request was received.


Motorcoach Travel Policies

Travelers are responsible for arriving at the departure location on time. The motorcoach will depart as scheduled. Travelers who miss the bus will not receive a refund.

GEM Travel LLC is not responsible for traffic delays, weather conditions, schedule changes, or circumstances beyond our control.

All travelers are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner while traveling. GEM Travel LLC reserves the right to refuse transportation to any traveler whose behavior disrupts the group experience.

GEM Travel LLC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.


Available Packages

Double Occupancy
Available until September 1, 2026

$550.00
Deposit: $75.00 per person

Double Occupancy Package Includes

• Roundtrip motorcoach transportation
• 3 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
• 3 hotel breakfasts
• Entry to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
• Admission to the Fish & Grits Music Festival
• Time to explore Savannah, Georgia
• GEM Travel commemorative trip t-shirt
• Snacks on the motorcoach
• Fun bus games and travel trivia
• A welcoming group atmosphere and hosted travel experience

This package price is per person based on two travelers sharing a room.

Come enjoy a weekend filled with music, culture, good food, and great company as we take over Hilton Head together.

Single Occupancy
Available until September 1, 2026

$780.00
Deposit: $75.00 per person

Single Occupancy Package Includes

• Roundtrip motorcoach transportation
• 3 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
• 3 hotel breakfasts
• Entry to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
• Admission to the Fish & Grits Music Festival
• Time to explore Savannah, Georgia
• GEM Travel commemorative trip t-shirt
• Snacks on the motorcoach
• Fun bus games and travel trivia
• A welcoming group atmosphere and hosted travel experience

This package price is per person based on one person in a room.

Come enjoy a weekend filled with music, culture, good food, and great company as we take over Hilton Head together.