Hilton Head questions

[I'll Never Grow Up!]

I'm planning a surprise 23rd wedding anniversary trip to Hilton Head for my DW and need your help! We've been to WDW many times on our DVC points, but this will be our first stay at HH. We will arrive mid-afternoon on a Sunday, and will have to check out the next day.

DW is the type who likes to be "on the go" at all times. She's also a commando-type planner, mostly because she doesn't like to miss anything, especially when it comes to Disney. Since this trip is a surprise, she won't have the chance to plan out our time there, so I need to know what is there to do around the resort? (I know there is the beach and swimming pools, but what else is there to explore?) Also, are there any Hidden Mickeys to look for?

Where would you recommend we go for dinner? She loves shrimp, I prefer steak. It doesn't have to be a place that is fancy, but good food is a must and atmosphere would be a plus. Maybe even something that would have a waterfront view?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[vernon]

For Dinner I would suggest the Old Oyster Factory, it's about a 5 minute drive from the resort and is on the opposite side of the waterway that backs the DVC resort. You get a very nice view at sunset looking down the creek. It is mostly fish but they do offer meat dishes as well.

As activities go, you really aren't going to have a lot of time if you arrive mid afternoon, spend a hour or so round the pool, get ready for a sunset dinner and leave the next day. The best of the activities is a dolphin cruise, but not sure if the timing will work for you there. Failing that a walk along the beach or get her some copies of Tommie's "treasure trail" instructions and let her sprint around the resort chasing his "pot of gold" LOL.

[BobH]

We went to the Old Oyster House and the parkning lot was filing up at 5pm on a Thursday night. Check the menu on the internet they have a website - can't remember the address. I was suprised to find that they had little in the way of crab dinners on the menu. It was a very good but very busy restaurant.

[BobH]

http://www.hiltonheadisland.com/oldoyster.htm

Sorry I had called the "old oyster house by mistake"
Hope you didn't search on the wrong name. Here it is.

[Deb T.]

Thank you Bob H and Vernon for your replies. That's two votes for the Old Oyster Factory, which seems like a winner to me. Thanks for the link, Bob H. Does anyone know if they take reservations?

Vernon, I don't know anything about Tommie's "treasure trail" or where we can pick up instructions. Could you please elaborate on that a bit?

[Deb T.]

P.S. Yes, I found out!! heehee DH isn't very good at keeping secrets, that's why he's never been able to surprise me! But the good news is that now I can help plan our weekend!

[WebmasterDoc]

Tommy Towery has a great <a href="http://www.members.tripod.com/~ttowery/">HH website.</a> He has created a treasure hunt. Details are available on his site.

Enjoy the resort. It's too bad you won't have more time as there is much to do in the area and at the resort.

Have a great trip!

[baileybrad]

If I were going to have only 1 large meal and preferred seafood, I would choose the Crazy Crab about 7 miles east from the property on 278. There is also a location in Sea PInes but the one on 278 overlooks a lovely lake area and is much larger. The OOF is okay but CC has better food and just as good atomsphere. You won't find CC in the large dining book given to you at check-in. They don't need to advertise.

[sweetp0618]

>>Where would you recommend we go for dinner? She loves >>shrimp, I prefer steak. It doesn't have to be a place that is >>fancy, but good food is a must and atmosphere would be a >>plus. Maybe even something that would have a waterfront view?

Since it's a special occasion, I recommend Chef Gordon's "A Private Affair." He's very flexible and can fix something you both will like. As the name implies, it will be just the two of you and it is romantic. Without a doubt, it is the BEST dining experience on the Island.

You can do a search on this board to learn more!

Happy anniversary!
sweetp0618
Patti:cool:

[BobH]

Old Oyster FActory is first come first serve. They'll give you a pager and you get paged when your table is ready. Check the website. It gives you a good idea of the restaurant.

[jackg57]

I would also choose Chef Gordon for the ultimate dining experience. If he is not available my second choice would be the Spartina Grill. It's a small, quaint restaurant a few miles west of the resort. They make a great "shrimp and grits" and offer a varied menu. Good desserts too!

Have fun. HH is my favorite resort!!!

Jackg57

[Disneyaholic]

I have to agree totally with jackg57! We were just in HH for July 4. Did both Chef Gordon's "Private Affair" and had dinner at Spartina. Both were absolutely spectacular! BTW, Spartina does take reservations -- doesn't have the view that OOF has, butthe food is much MUCH better....

Dottie

HH s my favorite resort, too!

[Candace]

Just returned last night from 6 nites at HH. Though we did not try Chef Gordon on this trip, we did eat at several good restaurants. Spartina Grill was our favorite overall.

[Deb T.]

WebmasterDoc, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for Tommy Towery's website! Wow! It is jam-packed with information! :)

Unfortunately, I don't think we're going to be able to try Chef Gordon's "A Private Affair" because we will be in a studio (no kitchen) for this trip. However, I'm making a mental note of his services for our next trip!

Jackg57, my DH and I will be at the Raleigh DVC meet on Saturday, too! I'm looking forward to meeting you and hearing all about your favorite resort!

Thanks, everyone, for all of your help!

[canda]

I love Old Oyster Factory, and we go there everytime we are at HHI. I would not consider that place for a romantic dinner for two. It is very loud and croweded and they move you in and out really quick. It is not very nice, in the way of table cloths and candles and such. It has great service, but it is not romantic. It is nice to sit by the windows and have a view of the bay, but it is hustle and bustle around. You get this big resturant guide and it has a lot of the menus and you will be able to find the food and ambiance that you want. (most places down there have both shrimp and steak)

[vernon]

Chef Gordon's is now held at the beach house so you don't have to worry about only being in a studio, it isn't done in your unit. Previously it was held in one of the Grand Villas that was used as a promotional venue. If it's available I would say Chef Gordon was the best food I had on my recent trip, IMHO the Old Oyster Factory has the best view.The atmosphere is difficult , in some ways, with Chef Gordon, becaue there is only 2 of you and Gordon is your host you tend to spend a lot of time socialising with him. That may detract if you wanted a "quiet night together" Although he is a wonderful host

[Caedmon]

We were in HH last year (2001)

We spent a lot of time in an Australian Steak place called 'Outback' or something similar. Had to cue at peak times. Its a short drive North of the resort. I think it might be a chain, but to us Brits the service and food were really great.

If your wife is into horse riding there are some good sessions arranged off site by the front desk, and there was also a very good fireworks display as well.

Have a great time