Just back from HHI [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 02:21 PM

Quick little trip report from our weekend at HHI :goodvibes

We (DH 39, Me 37, DD14--15 in a month-- & DS11:goodvibes ) drove down on Saturday 10/4. Checked in around 2pm and CM (Natasha?) was great! Very friendly & helpful and found a perfect villa for us that was ready :thumbsup2

We were in 2611 (2br villa), overlooking the Big Dipper Pool. Villa was in great shape, perfectly clean, no issues at all :)
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08002-1.jpg
After settling in, DH & DD went to one of the local parks to play tennis. DS & I hit the pool :cool2: Weather was beautiful, sunny & low-mid 80's. There were only a couple of other people in the pool, we had a great time. I even tried out the water slide :laughing: Then we played some table tennis & shuffleboard.

After relaxing a little while in the villa we all went to Parrot Cove Bar & Grill at Shelter Cove for dinner. DH & I had the all-u-can eat crab legs, yum! DD had the "Parrot Burger" -with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes, and a big kosher pickle ;) (I couldn't get the song out of my head the rest of the nite :rotfl: ) DS had an appetizer sample. Meals were good, service was a little spotty but all in all, it was pretty good.

After dinner, we all went to the park for some family tennis. These were beautiful courts, lights, and empty. Had a good time, stopped at the Piggly Wiggly for a few things that didn't get packed :rolleyes1 and went back to the room. I was surprised that the pool area gets locked up at 10pm :confused: JMO, but if it's ok to swim without a lifeguard from 5pm-10pm, why not leave the area open? Would have been nice to go to the hot tub... The kids did go down and play table tennis & shuffleboard and then called it a night.

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 02:28 PM

Sunday
DH & I went to play golf at Golden Bear (got a great rate at last minute tee times) We left around 9am for a 10:04 tee time. Pretty course, not terribly difficult if you keep the ball in the fairway, but if you go in the rough :rolleyes1 forget it :headache:

Kids were still asleep when we left but they had big plans to check out the Beach House while we were gone. DS was very excited that he got to call the shuttle from the bus stop :laughing: They both said the shuttle driver was wonderful. The driver told them not to even wait the 30 minutes for a shuttle and to just call her when ever they were ready to go back to the resort :thumbsup2 They had fun looking for shells, collecting sea water for DD's biology class. Had lunch over there and came back to the villa to "chill".

We all met back in the villa in the afternoon and went to the pool for a bit. Again, not busy at all. I had a very nice conversation with some UK members while relaxing in the hot tub :flower3:

After showers/naps we headed out for dinner. There are so many choices, that it was hard to decide, but we chose Frankie Bones. OMG it was wonderful! The description was an Italian-American restaurant & lounge with a Frank Sinatra Chicago/NY/Vegas feel. Big deep booths, dim lighting and very "cool" "hip" 50's decor. Service was wonderful and the food :cloud9: Bread came out with a sun-dried tomato flavored butter, yum. DH had the lobster mac & cheese with a 1 1/2 lbs of lobster in it, that was presented with the empty lobster shell (DS named him Bob :laughing: ) I had the Oscar Salmon which was sooooo good! DD had the Tuscan Filet, which was prepared perfectly. DS asked our waitress how big the kids pizza was and if he should get the adult pizza instead. She told him it was the same size and to just get the kids one :goodvibes He ate the whole pizza, it was perfect size for him. Then there was dessert :cloud9: The kids got the Creme Brulee but didn't love the touch of Amaretto. DH & I shared the nutty Irishman Ice Cream Cake. 3 layers of chocolate cake with Frangelico, Bailey's & coffee ice cream between the layers. All covered in chocolate ganache. :worship: Wonderful meal, I highly recommend this :thumbsup2

Completey stuffed, we headed back to the resort for the activity I had been waiting for for 4 years. It was campfire night :banana: On our 1 previous trip, it rained and cancelled the campfire for our trip, so I was really looking forward to this. The kids were down to the campfire pit early and DS answered the CM's trivia question, so he got to be the Bell Ringer and start the activities. There were a bunch of silly songs and DH may have looked at me a little strange as I was singing along :rolleyes1 What can I say, I was a Girl Scout. I've been singing these songs since I was 5 years old :rotfl: All of the kids and families seemed to be having a really good time (except when the smoke would blow in their eyes. It was pretty swirly all evening). When it was time to start roasting marshmallows for the s'mores, the CM's announced that DS & his family would be first in line since he was the bell ringer :yay: I told DH I didn't think I could eat a s'more cuz I was still full, but it was a s'more, I couldn't resisit :guilty: :lmao: We spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the pool & hot tub and out on our deck :goodvibes The kids played a bit more table tennis & shuffleboard :)

Our trip was almost over, we would be leaving in the morning :sad1:

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 02:46 PM

Monday

All packed up and truck loaded up, we checked out around 10 for a leisurely drive home with a few stops planned.

After my research here on the DIS, there was one place we needed to go after we check out. Flamingo's Cafe for fresh doughnuts. Wow! Small, simple place (could easily miss it even when looking for it) but yummy! You pick a glaze (chocolate, peanut butter, honey, raspberry......) and then pick a topping (sprinkles, nuts, coconut, m&m's.........) and then the guy goes in back, makes a fresh hot doughtnut, dips it in glaze & toppings. Steam escapes when you bite into it. Really good, and different from the standard doughnut shop :banana:

After leaving the Island, we stopped at the outlets. Got some great deals at the Reebok outlet, Ambercrombie & Fitch, Holister (with a teen & tween, no way to avoid those stores ;) ) and for me, Harry & David outlet. Their famous pears had just come in, and were: buy one box get the 2nd half off!
Very successful time at the outlets! It was at least 3pm by the time we got on the road, stopped for a quick (not!) fast food lunch and got home around 7:30pm.

It was a good weekend! Really like the resort, but wish there was a little more to do, it's very very quiet in the evenings. I'm sure it's more active in the summer though. Community Hall was pretty quiet and most of the activities were $.

Salome

10-09-2008, 02:50 PM

we were there, sat to sunday, mini-stop while driving home from disney cruise...

I really really loved this resort and I want to go back! Did you went to heard B'lou Crabbe stories saturday night?

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 02:56 PM

Pictures from the trip:

Shadow's paw prints in tile in villa
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08001-2.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08002.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08003.jpg

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08005.jpg

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 03:03 PM

we were there, sat to sunday, mini-stop while driving home from disney cruise...

I really really loved this resort and I want to go back! Did you went to heard B'lou Crabbe stories saturday night?

No, I really wanted to but dinner took to long and the kids wanted to play tennis. We saw him 4 years ago, for his magic show and it was a lot of fun.

Salome

10-09-2008, 03:14 PM

kristler

10-09-2008, 03:28 PM

BEASLYBOO

10-09-2008, 03:37 PM

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 03:38 PM

We are at Hilton Head right now. In fact I am sending this from our room (2211). I can get a decent signal from the wireless hub at the pool area. It's are first time here and so far it's great. We are not big golfers, but wanted a trip to just relax and unwind. Since we have never been before, we thought we would give it a try. Glad both of you had good trips.

Hi! Welcome to the Dis!

We were able to get the wireless signal from our balcony, but it was a little flaky. We couldn't get it at all inside the room.

It's a great resort for just relaxing, have a great trip!

DVC Mike

10-09-2008, 03:46 PM

How long was your drive from Stallings?

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 03:48 PM

View of fire pit from top of stairs by community hall:
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08014.jpg

did you find the Hidden Mickey?
I found another Hidden Mickey by the pool, but didn't have my camera with me at the time. I sent DD out with the camera before we left, but apparently it was too "hidden" for her ;)

Here's Shadow's house up at the Lodge
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08019-1.jpg

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 03:54 PM

How long was your drive from Stallings?

A little over 4 1/2 taking it slow down 601 to I-26. It was 4-4 1/2 on the way home staying on I-26 to I-77 to I-485

CraftyMouse

10-09-2008, 03:54 PM

Dang! Now you've gone and made me homesick! Thanks a lot!

;)

Glad you had a great time.

bobbiwoz

10-09-2008, 04:01 PM

Gorgeous pictures, sure hope I can visit HHI DVC someday!

Bobbi:goodvibes

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 04:24 PM

Officially Jealous, I've tried at the 7th month mark to get a week in Summer and for the last two years I haven't been successful. This is the only DVC resort that we haven't been able to visit!

I may have to buy in if I want to go during popular times!

Sounds and looks like you had a wonderful time, thanks for the trip report.
Summer does seem to be really hard to get. I will say, it was perfect weather for this trip. I packed pants & hoodies just in case and never took them out of the suitcase. Sunny & mid 80's. Maybe you could go during early fall?
Dang! Now you've gone and made me homesick! Thanks a lot!

;)

Glad you had a great time.

Sorry ;)

Gorgeous pictures, sure hope I can visit HHI DVC someday!

Bobbi:goodvibes

Thanks :goodvibes

One more picture that I forgot. When we got to our villa I found this on our bed:
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll230/ChelleinNC/HHI%20trip%20Oct%2008/HHItripOct08001-3.jpg

I was told it was a squid, because it only had 6 arms/legs. At the check in desk, there was an adorable towel elephant on the counter :)

Let'sGoAgain!

10-09-2008, 05:26 PM

I was surprised that the pool area gets locked up at 10pm :confused: JMO, but if it's ok to swim without a lifeguard from 5pm-10pm, why not leave the area open?

I think it's for a couple of reasons... The poolside villas (like you had) are right at the pool. People who have small children who go to bed early (or who go to bed early themselves) might not appreciate the noise from the pool. Also, there is no recreation staff at that time of night. From 5 - 10 pm, even if there is no lifeguard on duty, there are still recreation CMs working (for events like the campfire), in case of an emergency.

:)

ChelleinNC

10-09-2008, 05:33 PM

I think it's for a couple of reasons... The poolside villas (like you had) are right at the pool. People who have small children who go to bed early (or who go to bed early themselves) might not appreciate the noise from the pool. Also, there is no recreation staff at that time of night. From 5 - 10 pm, even if there is no lifeguard on duty, there are still recreation CMs working (for events like the campfire), in case of an emergency.

:)

I can understand that, I'm just used to the other DVC resorts with quiet pools and hot tubs that are officially open till midnight (and often used until much later :rolleyes: )

Connears

10-09-2008, 05:37 PM

We also love HHI and added on in 2002 there(OKW owner since 1994). We also LOVE Frankie bones..I had the lobstr mc & cheese also..so yummy! Love your pics and now we just have to count down to June 2009 at HHI(but we have xmas week at OKW in between). thanks for the report.

Connears

njmeisje

10-09-2008, 07:28 PM

Gosh, I just love that place. Can't wait for our week in July next summer! Thanks for the photos - place looks great. Glad you had a great time.

lsutigger2

10-09-2008, 10:12 PM

iloveokw

10-11-2008, 11:12 PM

ChelleinNC

10-12-2008, 09:04 AM

Great trip report. We love the DVC at HH and added on so we could go every June. Where were the public tennis courts??? Just spent all weekend watching DD play in a high school tennis conference match and would love to be able to have her get some games in next June. Thanks. So glad you enjoyed your trip.

:banana:
Thanks!

I think it was called Chaplin Park. Turn left out of the resort, and go 2 lights (at the Exxon station). Turn right and then a left into the parking lot for the courts. They were beautiful courts, and since DD plays on the HS tennis team, I've seen quite a few courts lately :rolleyes1 these blew away a lot of the "club" courts that I've seen :goodvibes

ChelleinNC

10-12-2008, 09:20 AM

Can you tell me where Frankie Bones and Flamingo's Cafe are?? We are headed to HH in about four weeks. I can't wait. We were going in Sept. but H. Gustav changed our plans. It is truly my relaxing place.

Did you like having a room pool side?

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Frankie Bones, turn left out of the resort and it's in the Main St Village towards the north end of the island. It's up in the Hilton Head Plantation area.

Flamingo's Cafe, turn right out of the resort. Go towards Sea Pines, straight thru the traffic circle and turn left into the shopping center right before the Sea Pines guard gate. It's in the shopping center with the Harris Teeter & Mellow Mushroom. Go past those, and Flamingo's is on the far end of the shopping center next to the UPS shop. While they do the doughnuts in the morning, it's also a Mediterranean Cafe for lunch and dinner.

We really liked the pool side room, it wasn't loud at all, then again it really wasn't busy. We were able to pick up the Wi-Fi signal from the balcony and when the kids were down at the pool area, we could watch them or toss down the goggles they forgot :rolleyes: We had a marsh view room (bldg 27) last time we were there, and it was nice but the bugs can be bad. I actually asked when we checked in how the bugs were and she said "they're getting better, let's put you in next to the pool" No problems at all with bugs there, and we often had the door open to the balcony. :goodvibes

It is a very relaxing place, hope you have a great trip! :goodvibes

Laxmom

10-12-2008, 01:36 PM

Loved the TR!! We are heading down for spring break! It'll be our first trip home and we can't wait! We love HHI!

MinnieGi

10-12-2008, 02:47 PM

Loved your view from your villa! You made me "homesick" with your other HHI pictures. We will be taking our third summer trip to HHI in June '09 and just so enjoy the atmosphere of the resort as well as HHI itself.

LVSWL

10-12-2008, 03:02 PM

Glad you had a good time! We were there last June, and will be back at HHI for ten days in June 09. HH is my happy place!:)

lsutigger2

10-12-2008, 03:03 PM

Thanks for the info on Frankie Bones/Flamingo's! I'll add them to places we might want to try.

I'm not real picky about view from the room, as long as I'm on vacation!!
I think I would enjoy the pool view. I do spend quite a bit of time on the balcony. got to love those rocking chairs.

WebmasterDoc

10-12-2008, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the report and the photos. We were also at HH this weekend just leaving the resort this morning. :)

DisDaydreamer

10-12-2008, 04:21 PM

We wonder if there is really a dog? Is Shadow real or a legend of the resort?

Maybe. We have seen him on a few occasions. Always with a handler walking all around the resort. I am guessing he doesn't live on property and visits occasionally.

Welcome to the DISboards.

Thanks for the great report Michelle.

Salome

10-12-2008, 08:17 PM

thank you!

We bought t-shirts with Shadow on it for our kids but we did not see her/him? But we did not stay long enought I guess...

We just fell in love with this resort! We are not members (yet) and visited the BCV and Vero Beach but this one is special and really makes me regret that we did not join last year...but with the drop of our dollar it is not going to happen soon...:sad1:

ChelleinNC

10-12-2008, 08:31 PM

We didn't see Shadow while we were there, but there were kid activities scheduled to play with Shadow's toys :confused3 It was for small kids and listed in the activities sheet.

Laneychris

10-12-2008, 08:57 PM

Great report and pics

WebmasterDoc

10-12-2008, 09:05 PM

It was our first time and me and my husband enjoyed very much but son fell asleep and daugther not interested at all (she is 4)

We wonder if there is really a dog? Is Shadow real or a legend of the resort?

I love your photos, make me wish we were still there...

Yes, Shadow is real (and also a legend!). Her caretaker is B'Lou Crabbe who offers stories, songs and magic shows at the resort.

http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/Shadow_marsh2.jpg

http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/Shadow_pet.jpg

podsnel

10-12-2008, 09:23 PM

Thanks so much for writing about HHI! I loved it there this past summer and can't wait to go back again- I'm going to have to check out that donut shop, and that mac and cheese sounds AMAZING!!!:thumbsup2 Glad you had a good trip, loved looking at the photos-

Ellen

Salome

10-12-2008, 10:15 PM

Yes, Shadow is real (and also a legend!). Her caretaker is B'Lou Crabbe who offers stories, songs and magic shows at the resort.

Thank you! OK now I understand why he talk about her on his CD (we bought it also..) but since the title is " Hard to believe" I was not so sure...Thanks again and for the photos, I will show them to my children...She is beautiful!