Hilton Head:what wouldn't you miss?

[Luv2Dream]

We just got a DVC discount cash ressie for a Friday and Saturday night at Hilton Head on Columbus Day weekend in a 2 bedroom. I am QUITE excited about this and I was wondering what I shouldn't miss doing during those two days/nights. I will have my 6 yo DD with us so please keep that in mind. Thanks for all your suggestions!

Also, how about your best restaurant suggestion! Anybody going to be down there on Columbus Day weekend?

[Macnjac87]

hmmmmmmmmm, what not to miss.... everything!! My DD loved the butterfly houses, the pirate scavenger hunt, campfire, KidsNiteOut to the movies, pool games at the Beach House!!! You will love love love the resort= did you see the thread with my slideshow from my July trip? We are counting the days until Easter ourselves!!!

[Luv2Dream]

No I didn't see your slide show but I'll go take a look right now! Thanks for the suggestions!

[Macnjac87]

Also, we wonderful meals at Fitzgeralds, Outback Steakhouse and Taste of Thai (which we did while the kids were at Disney's Kids Nite out!!)

[Luv2Dream]

Jackie, Super awesome slide show! My DD is really excited now and can't wait to go on the slide(she was too young last trip). We went to HH in May 2002, but I always love other people's suggestions as things change over time. Thanks for yours.

[Happy Birthday Cat]

It's not at Disney's resort but I wouldn't miss going down to Sea Pines Plantation and walking up to the top of the lighthouse. If you have a golfer in the family, it's even better because you can look down at the 18th hole of where the Heritage is played. What a view!

HBC

[vernon]

Dolphin cruise ( preferably one just before sunset) , great way to see the island and if your lucky (like us) and get a young dolphin riding the wake of the boats it's a wonderful sight.

[StevieD]

Rita's Italian Ice at Coligny Plaza!!!

[VMS]

We would not miss "A Private Affair" with Chef Gordon. Our trip next spring will be our 3rd annual, and we make sure Chef Gordon is in our plans!

[Marisa'sMom]

How exciting! I was hoping to be joining you Columbus Day weekend, but DH said, "no". We're making a trip to WDW in November, I guess I need to quit being so spoiled!:p

One of our favorite places to eat is the Old Oyster Factory. It's on the marsh and the food is great. I hope you all have a great time!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc

[DizMare]

Try the Spartini Grill! Chef Gordon suggested it to us and it was wonderful. We went during early bird time and had a terrific meal, pretty reasonably. Great service, too.

Spartini Grill
70 Marshland Rd
689-2433

[Disneyaholic]

Originally posted by DizMare
Try the Spartini Grill! Chef Gordon suggested it to us and it was wonderful. We went during early bird time and had a terrific meal, pretty reasonably. Great service, too.

Spartini Grill
70 Marshland Rd
689-2433

Spartina Grill closed earlier this year. :( It was our favorite restaurant on Hilton Head.

However, some of the former employees have reopened it with a new name: Garden Oak Grill. It has some of the same items as before, and some new ones. We were there over Labor Day weekend and enjoyed it.

The interior is brighter than Spartina was. I think they're going through some growing pains, but hopefully as time goes on things will fall into place. I think -- but couldn't prove it -- that it may be just a bit pricier than Spartina was as well.

Definitely worth checking out!!

[DizMare]

Ack! Thanks for the heads up, Disneyaholic! I'll have to check out the under new management place next summer. So sorry the original owners couldn't make a go of it.

[Disneyaholic]

Originally posted by DizMare
Ack! Thanks for the heads up, Disneyaholic! I'll have to check out the under new management place next summer. So sorry the original owners couldn't make a go of it.


Actually, the reason they left was to move to southern California to open up a place. I think it's restaurant/retail. I don't remember all the details. But the next time I have a trip planned to southern California, I'm going to be sure to find out if they're still there and check it out!

[mickeys#1fan]

I'd never had frozen custard before. It's tastier than ice cream and more refreshing.

[Luv2Dream]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! I'm looking forward to a great time.....short but sweet

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi!

I second the Dolphin Cruise - it was great. Also sign up for things asap as we missed out on a few 'cause it was full (but then we waited till very late). Also don't miss the unbirthday party for your child if there's one while you are there. They told me to come back about 10 minutes before it was over to see what they were doing and bring a camera. If they are still doing the same thing - it's cute!

Have a wonderful time!

[Disneyaholic]

Oh, another place definitely worth trying is Hilton Head Ice Cream! It's all homemade and delicious.

I don't know if this will make you want to go or to stay away, but secret service agents used to always come in to get ice cream to bring back to Bill and Hillary (yes, THAT Bill and Hillary) when they are at that Renaissance weekend every year!

So much to do -- you'll have a great time!

[dizneykids]

Luv2Dream...We'll be there! We arrive 10/8 and depart 10/12 (dh has a conference in Savannah).

VMS...what is "A Private Affair" with Chef Gordon?

Re: Dolphin Cruise for those of you who've done one....Did you do Disney's or book one on your own?

How far is it down to the beach? We have a 4yo...is it a long trek?

Finally, any recommendations re: which buildings to request? We are in a 2BR.

Thanks, y'all!

[ZerasPride]

Dizneykids - you asked about the Private Affair with Chef Gordon. My husband and I have booked this dining event for our anniversary in a few weeks. Chef Gordon will prepare a private meal for your party at the Beach House. The price is $150 for two people (I believe it's $50 per person if you have 3 or more people). He has a menu that he will e-mail you or allow you to choose your own. We have opted to create our own meal and he has been very accommodating. If it sounds like something you'd be interested in booking, Chef Gordon's email address is cheflcc@cs.com.

[Disneyaholic]

To answer some of your other questions...

We have always done the dolphin tour through the resort. They use smaller boats, so you can really get close (if the dolphins will cooperate). We have never had a bad experience.

The beach house is 1.3 miles from the resort. Walking is probably not an option with a 4 y.o. You can bike it (get a bike with a child carrier or a tag-along), drive, or take the resort shuttle. Having the beach house makes it seem like 2 vacations in 1!!

You really can't go wrong with your location. The resort is small, so you're never very far away from everything. At this time of year, you might want to request a pool view room. (I would never do this during high season because of the noise, but I've had it in the off season and it's kind of neat to be close to all the action.) Marsh view is always nice, but there certainly is nothing wrong with the island or marina views! Once you see how the resort is set up, it will be easier to understand.

Be sure to let us all know how you like HH!!!