One of the most popular day trips from your base on Hilton Head is to Savannah, Georgia. Depending on your time constraints, the trolley tours give you a lot of info and scenery for the money. The restaurants in the city are well…Read More

One of the most popular day trips from your base on Hilton Head is to Savannah, Georgia. Depending on your time constraints, the trolley tours give you a lot of info and scenery for the money.

The restaurants in the city are well known for their diversity, but my favorite food - steamed blue crabs - is not easy to find, especially early in the spring. Crab season traditionally starts around Memorial Day and goes through Labor Day. Since we visited early in May, steamed crabs were not to be found. We gave up and went shopping instead.

From the City Market trolley stop, it was an easy walk to the restaurant owned by Food Network's own Paula Deen. The line outside the "Lady and Sons" can be formidable, but, if waiting for your food is not your style, there is a store attached to the restaurant where all things Paula Deen can be purchased. We found bibs for the babies, marinades for the aspiring chefs in the family, and beautiful shirts with the Paula Deen "logo" on them.

We also stopped on River Street and window shopped for a few minutes. An ice cream treat topped off the day and we continued our trip on the trolley.

You will notice that many of the buildings on the tour have the SCAD influence. The school is one of the leaders in rehabilitating old ( read "decrepit") buildings and giving them more modern uses.

Savannah is a beautiful and historic city and well worth a day or two of your time.

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The history of Hilton Head is long and varied. There has been evidence found from the Woodland Indians who resided here during the fall and winter months. These artifacts date back from 8,000-2,000 BC. The written history of Hilton Head can be found as far…Read More

The history of Hilton Head is long and varied. There has been evidence found from the Woodland Indians who resided here during the fall and winter months. These artifacts date back from 8,000-2,000 BC.

The written history of Hilton Head can be found as far back as 1526, when Spanish explorers were on their way to the coastal waters of Key West and named it "La Florida". In the 1500s, it was explored many times, including a visit by Capt. Jean Ribouet, a French Huguenot. In August of 1663, English Capt. William Hilton explored the islands and named it "Hilton Head". The head reference comes from the visible headlands at the time. In 1717, Col. John Barnwell was the first white settler on the islands. By 1766, 25 families had permanently settled on the island.

Today it is a major playground in the coastal waters of the Carolina’s. Hilton Head is also renowned for its golf. And yes, they do have some major golf here. Everywhere you go you will find people knocking those little white balls around. A couple of major PGA tournaments are held here. You will find courses designed from such names as Tent Jones, Arnold Palmer, Fazio, and Davis Love. Other than Arnold Palmer I know nothing about the other names, but my uncle, the avid golf fan assures me they design the best courses.

Hilton Head is also big on eco-tourism. During the fall thousands of turtles lay their eggs in the soft sands found here. They have a light out policy during this time which means lights are not allowed on the beach at night. You can take part in efforts to make sure once the eggs hatch the babies make it safely to the water. There are quite a few nature reserves around. You can take dolphin watching and nature tours all over the place. You can request a visitor’s guide, which will give you further information. Most major resorts will help you make tour arrangements.

Hilton Head is a shopper's and food lover's paradise. Food wise you have hundreds of restaurants to choose from on this tiny island. Specialties include BBQ, low country cooking, and some of the freshest seafood you have every tasted. They have restaurants to fit every traveler’s budget. Shopping ranges from well know designer duds than you can find at Shelter Cove to local handmade crafts and food products.

One thing I did notice about Hilton Head is that there seems to be almost an absence of a middle class, though I am sure there is since there is a Wal-Mart here. Speaking of which, you can pick up some great souvenirs that do not break your budget. But when you first drive in, you can tell you are in a poor part of town then almost immediately you see massive, sprawling homes, and gated communities. There are quite a few of those around. In most cases you can visit the gated communities, especially those with attractions, restaurants, and stores. You either go inside the club house and request a pass or you simply pay a fee of about $2-$5 per car at the gate, and you can go on in. While people here may be a bit on the uppity side, they do not refuse folks who want to come spend money in their establishments!

Hilton Head is also one of the cleanest places I have every seen. Everything is so clean and well manicured. They do not have any big looming billboards and business signs seem to blend in with their natural surroundings. While this is very beautiful, it also is a pain for out of towners. You usually spot a sign right about the time you are passing it. I cannot tell you how many times we had to go up and turn around because we didn’t spot a sign until it was too late.

No joke--magicians David Copperfield or Lance Burton could learn a thing or two about making things disappear around here. I love lighthouses and knew there was a lighthouse in the Palmetto Dunes community, which we had access to since we were staying at Disney. The Hilton Head Rear Range Light sits on a golf course at Palmetto Dunes. The light was built in 1881 and is a skeleton light meaning it looks like the skeleton of a lighthouse before brinks are added. It is made of steel and the outside is just a frame. The daughter of a keeper, Caroline Fripp, supposedly haunts the light. We went to the clubhouse and got a map with directions to the light. We drove up and down that place for an hour. I never did find it. How you hide a 90-foot lighthouse is beyond me, but they did. If you are interested in trying to find the light your self you can visit www.palmettodunes.com. Disney guests have access to the community. Other wise you can just go and request a pass to see the light from the clubhouse. It is supposed to sit on the golf course and of course golfers have right-of-way.

Hilton Head is also a great place to day trip to or from. The very lovely and historic city of Beaufort (where a large portion of Forrest Gump was filmed) is only 30 minutes away. Beautiful Savannah, GA, is only 35 miless away. You are also only about an hour from the gorgeous Brunswick/Jeckyll Islands of Georgia. These include St. Simons, Cumberland, and Jeckyll Islands.

Hilton Head is the second-largest barrier island on the east coast. The island is a mere 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. More than 2.5 million people a year visit here. This is truly a beautiful place to spend a few days. You can enjoy walks on the beach, horse rides on the beach, kayaking, shopping, bicycling the area, or just relaxing on the beach. It is the perfect place to soak up some of the Southern rays and just let your cares fade away. If you would like to visit, please go to www.hiltonhead.org or www.hiltonhead.com for more information and for a visitors guide. Please do come enjoy this small piece of Southern paradise.

The outside of the buildings were in good condition and painted nice, however, the insides needed attention. 1. I was somewhat grossed out when my child accidentally dropped the TV remote down in the couch and when I lifted up the couch so my wife…Read More

The outside of the buildings were in good condition and painted nice, however, the insides needed attention. 1. I was somewhat grossed out when my child accidentally dropped the TV remote down in the couch and when I lifted up the couch so my wife could get it it looked like everyone who ever stayed there left there garbage underneath it. 2. One of our guest were shocked pretty bad by the old blender that was there. All he did was pick it up by the bottom to clean the counter around it (while it was plugged in) and BOOM. He was quite upset. 3. Knifes were as dull as the tree branches outside. 4. Pantry door was missing door knob and in the second condo we rented the door for the pantry wasn't even there. 5. Maintenance crew was on top of everything when called. I was quite impressed with the fact that when you called them they were right there and fixed what ever you asked. 6. Check in staff was wonderful. 7. Check in hours of 3:30pm. to 6pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday was a little upsetting. You had to plan your trip to make sure you met the 2 1/2 hour window which didn't allow for any errors when driving there. 8. Seemed very safe and everyone around was very nice. 9. The laundry room was excellent in each condo and being off of the back screened in porch was a good idea. 10. My over all stay was a 6 on a scale from 1 to 10. For those who are going there and having to find the check in...good luck. It took us an hour to find the place because the directions were not very good at all. What help us was when someone told us to look for the mile markers on the side of the road. After the mile marker 10 look for the Burger King...look hard because it is hidden. Once you pull in to the parking lot for it the check in is way in the back of the strip mall looking place tucked back in a corner. If anyone would like, go ahead and contact me and I will give you any insight you need on the place.Close

I couldn't possibly describe this wonderful resort in 500 words. Here is the rest! Enjoy! The living room featured a pull-out couch and two oversized, comfy chairs. You were right beside the kitchen, and there is nothing dividing the kitchen and living room area. The kitchen…Read More

I couldn't possibly describe this wonderful resort in 500 words. Here is the rest! Enjoy!

The living room featured a pull-out couch and two oversized, comfy chairs. You were right beside the kitchen, and there is nothing dividing the kitchen and living room area. The kitchen is a full kitchen. On the side of large island you have a 37-inch TV for guests in the living room. They both had VCR’s at the time and VCR’s in the main lobby. By now, I would imagine they would have DVD players. The kitchen has a small dining table in the corner. The kitchen is tiled and reminds me of a Mexican hacienda kitchen. Very beautiful. You do have a dishwasher, fridge, and microwave, as well as pots, pans, and table wear. You just provide the food. There is a washer and dryer in the walkway in the front. Top-floor rooms have their own spacious deck, which has a picnic table.

The main building is quite rustic and charming. Everyone at the front desk is very nice and helpful. But what else would you expect from Disney? Out front, check out the bushes shaped into Disney characters. They do have a pool in the summer months. They do have daily activities, which are included in the price. They have a fully stocked general store where you can stock up on snacks, beverages, and plenty of Disney merchandise. They offer several restaurants on the premises. They have bicycle rentals on the property. Inside the main building you will find Big Margie’s Den. Here you can watch TV, play checkers, or warm up to the fire in cooler months. Your room key is also your account. Just like at the Disney resorts, you can use it for purchases on your property and it is charged to your account.

Disney guests have access to the Palmetto Dunes, which sits just across the road. It is a gated community, and you will need your Disney parking pass to get in. There you will find a beautiful and pristine beach perfect for swimming or walking hand-in-hand down the soft sand. The Disney Beach Club also features water sports and pools if you are not swimming in the ocean. They do have restaurants and shopping in the area, and of course, golf! They have courses designed by Trent Jones and George Fazio and the Arthur Hills Golf Course.

In front is the Shelter Cove Harbor, which I have a separate entry on. The resort is absolute a must for the whole family. The resort is very affordable. Come here in the fall and enjoy the warm weather and great rates. And a touch of Mickey! For more information, go to www.disney.com.

We arrived at 6pm, now late enough to be dark in the middle of November. We had a bit of difficulty finding our way around. Here’s a tip--check in at the 200 building and not the hotel front desk. But while Murray waited in line…Read More

We arrived at 6pm, now late enough to be dark in the middle of November. We had a bit of difficulty finding our way around. Here’s a tip--check in at the 200 building and not the hotel front desk. But while Murray waited in line to check in the wrong place, I had the chance to look over the amazing and very up-to-date, state-of-the-art fitness facility with over a 1,000 community members that is freely available to RCI guests. Wow, I was in heaven! The club boasts a vast array of cardio equipment, weights, racketball, tennis, and an indoor pool with two hot tubs.

Our arrival became more exciting! Our unit was a two-bedroom loft, and we were thrilled to find out that the unit had its own sauna and whirlpool tub right in our bedroom. We love to have saunas, so this is another wonderful feature for us. The décor and equipment in the kitchen was wonderful--nothing was missing. We even had the sharp knives and a decent sized chopping board, items we often find missing or inadequate. There is a hairdryer in the bathroom, too!

The spacious unit was more than adequate for our needs, and the balconies in both the living area and the bedroom were a great treat!

The resort is close to the beach, and the area is full of stores and restaurants within a very short distance. Hilton Head is a very natural area, with so many trees you need to be sharp to find the stores! The lack of streetlights can be a bit disconcerting at night, but you feel as though you are in the country with all the pleasures of the city. We were blessed with unseasonably warm weather, so all was perfect!

We actually enjoyed the meet and greet on Monday morning and won a good prize. A staff member, Chip, was so helpful in explaining the intricacies of the RCI points system, without the usual pressure to buy.

I was really surprised to find out that this wonderful place was NOT a Gold Crown resort. I cannot imagine why!

Whether you've arrived to find you forgot to pack your bathrobe or just need to pick up that perfect island souvenir, there are enough shops both on and off the island to satisfy even the most discriminating shopper. The Hilton Head Factory Stores I and II…Read More

Whether you've arrived to find you forgot to pack your bathrobe or just need to pick up that perfect island souvenir, there are enough shops both on and off the island to satisfy even the most discriminating shopper.

The Hilton Head Factory Stores I and II are located before you cross the bridge in Bluffton (across from Colleton River Plantation). In these, you'll find several specialty shops and major retailers such as Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Strassberg Children, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Oneida, Bali, and on and on. You get the idea. Many offer one-of-a-kind or close-outs, and they're a perfect choice for Christmas shopping.

On the island, familiarize yourself with all the various plantations. Stop by a welcome center or grocery store and pick up several brochures that list all the shops and restaurants on the island.

Coligny Plaza, located at the end of Pope Avenue by the ocean, has a myriad of specialty shops and boutiques, as well as restaurants, a hardware store, grocery store, and a drugstore/Internet cafe. We always stop at Tail Waggers and pick up a treat to bring back to our dog.

In Sea Pines, at Harbourtown especially, you'll be amazed at the delightful shops there. Harbourtown Christmas offers an ornament sure to become an heirloom, plus they have many items unique to Hilton Head. I never leave HH without at least one ornament for our (very large) Christmas tree.

At the top of the famous lighthouse, you'll find nautical memorabilia appealing to all ages. Prints, clothing, postcards, and plush await those who opt to climb to the top.

Most retailers will ship your purchases at a very reasonable fee - a great idea if you don't want to worry about carrying the item(s) around all week.

At the Walmart store in Indigo Run, you'll find a very reasonably priced selection of HHI and South Carolina souvenirs. They have sweatshirts, T-shirts, frames, caps, and tons of other novelties, and most everything in the store is under $20!

Also on the island are several secondhand shops. If you have time, these are a wonderful opportunity to find that one-of-a-kind cocktail dress to wear to your party back home - at a fraction of the price you'd pay new.

This trip, I bought a HHI charm to add to my charm bracelet featuring the island and a diamond. It's a constant reminder of where I wish I could be. There are several jewelry stores all over the island.

Grocery shopping on HHI is a pleasure. Most stores offer a vacation card to pass on savings to their "temporary" residents. Take advantage of these - you'll save a lot. And don't forget to stop by the seafood markets and pick up some fresh shrimp!

The island is also home to some very pampering spas and salons - why not indulge yourself while your husband is on the golf course? Most offer last-minute appointments too, and all have a wide range of services in all price ranges.

Day trips into Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah will net you an even greater "catch."

So while Hilton Head is a perfect place to relax and unwind, it also affords you ladies (and gentlemen) a wonderful opportunity to find some cherished gifts and memories to take back home and share with friends and family. Just don't forget something for yourself!

Our family traveled to Hilton Head Island on March 6-13. The weather was cool (upper 50s, lower 60s) during the daytime and got down in the 30s and 40s at night. When traveling to this area in March, we suggest wearing clothing that can be…Read More

Our family traveled to Hilton Head Island on March 6-13. The weather was cool (upper 50s, lower 60s) during the daytime and got down in the 30s and 40s at night. When traveling to this area in March, we suggest wearing clothing that can be layered to deal with the fluctuating temperatures. A lightweight jacket is strongly suggested, as it also rained a couple of different times and was very windy and cold one day.

When traveling on Hilton Head Island, make sure you get to your lodging destination in the daylight. The traffic circle can be kind of tricky if you've never experienced one before. Also the signs for the various plantations (Sea Pines Plantation, Shipyard Plantation, etc.) have wooden signs that are close to the ground and not very well lit. They can be difficult to read at night, especially if you are not familiar with the area.

The quality of golf courses varied quite a bit. Eagle's Point, The Crescent, and Shipyard were in the best condition. The courses at Point Royal weren't in the best condition. It might just be because it was early in the season. There are several golf packages available and are worth purchasing.

Be sure and stop at the visitor's center and pick up the dining guide and other very helpful brochures that they have there. The visitor's center is located on Highway 278 on the mainland. Make sure you have plenty of one-dollar bills. Highway 278 has a toll bridge over the island. It cost $1 over and $1 back. You can opt to take Business 278, which does not have a toll, but it is the long way around. The traffic on 278 is heavy in early morning and again around 4:30pm, so plan ahead.

Just a bit of important information about Hilton Head Island - The locals try their very best to keep HHI at its most natural state without turning it into a "neon palace" such as Myrtle Beach. There are no lights allowed to be installed along the…Read More

Just a bit of important information about Hilton Head Island -

The locals try their very best to keep HHI at its most natural state without turning it into a "neon palace" such as Myrtle Beach. There are no lights allowed to be installed along the coast in order to keep the endangered sea turtles coming to nest there. There are no huge signs to the Island's WalMart, MacDonald's, Wendy's, etc.! All of the signs are built low to the ground and with soft (natural) colors. Make sure you have maps! Nothing is permitted to be constructed "above the tree lines." It's difficult to navigate the island when you are there for the first time.

If you enjoy all of the amenities of Myrtle Beach, but would appreciate a more toned-down version - you will LOVE HHI! It's very family oriented, with a lot of adult nightlife as well. Because of their desire to keep it natural, it is still very beautiful and peaceful - especially the Shipyard Plantation. (That's my personal favorite place.)

Because the locals are trying to keep it natural, you will also have a difficult time finding a beachfront resort... there aren't many because of the sea turtles. In my opinion, it's worth the short walks to get to the beach, understanding their desire for beauty.

If you love the beaches on the East Coast, and haven't been to HHI - try it - you'll fall in love with it!!

The first time my parents told me they were taking me to downtown historic Bluffton, I was very surprised when they parked and said "we’re here!"… Huh? Where is it? I’m used to well-lined streets with sidewalks and little row buildings… Nope. Well,…Read More

The first time my parents told me they were taking me to downtown historic Bluffton, I was very surprised when they parked and said "we’re here!"… Huh? Where is it? I’m used to well-lined streets with sidewalks and little row buildings… Nope. Well, it’s very small, and there are only few blocks. Calhoun Street is the center point. There are a few shops located in converted old houses. It doesn’t look like much, but you have to look deeper, past the unbelievable amount of churches the town boasts being home to…

The shops are quirky, creative, fabulous, and fun. A few of the shops have front yards and porches just littered with odd items, some for sale and some I am not so sure about!

This little street will not be little forever. They are already planning the works for more development of the area, especially with the huge population growth that has occurred in Bluffton with all the spill of Hilton Head Island and the new, major development going on in called Palmetto Bluff.

Some of the shops you have to see:

The Store: Yep, that’s the name: The Store. Everyone there knows where it is, so just ask. It looks like it may be an antique or second-hand shop, but nope, it’s all new, neat home décor and gift items. There is also a wine shop in the back.

Egg-centricities: Quirky, fun gifts, jewelry, home décor, and clothes

Pluff Mudd: Local art gallery with fun gifts and also a framing studio

Sassy Girl: Sterling silver jewelry and accessories. Website: www.sassygirljewelry.net

There are also a few eccentric galleries and a new home décor and furniture shops.

There are some restaurants, located a few blocks away, worth checking out, and they include Peppers Porch, which has a fabulous southern Sunday brunch--not intended for those on Weight Watchers--and the Squat and Cobble, which serves pizza and burgers, etc.

My husband and I went to Monkey Business to see the band "Seven Mary 3" who performed live. It was awesome! I called to see if tickets were available and the man on the phone was very nice and helpful. He gave me…Read More

My husband and I went to Monkey Business to see the band "Seven Mary 3" who performed live. It was awesome! I called to see if tickets were available and the man on the phone was very nice and helpful. He gave me directions and suggested we arrive early to get tickets since it was open seating and seats would surely fill quickly. He was right.

We arrived an hour before the show and found a nice table for 2 with bar stools in front of the stage behind the dance floor. We were close to the bar, an exit door, and the restrooms. Surprisingly, the place was well-ventilated and the cigarette smoke was not too bothersome (neither of us smoke). Everyone who worked there we encountered was very courteous and professional. The bar was stocked nicely and the drinks were a good value for the amount of alcohol in them. I can't remember the seating capacity, but the bar is very well laid out and comfortable. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good nightclub near Sea Pines/Wexford/Shipyard.