Keepin' it on the downlow(country) at HHI - New TR link - pg 31

[glennbo123]

We do the Charleston


Our dreaded check-out day arrived on Saturday, June 28th. Our plan for the day was to drive to Charleston and do a little sight-seeing, and then continue on to Wilmington, NC for the night. We lived in Wilmington from 1996 to 1999 (Marlene was born there), and we wanted to drive through the area, go to Sunday services at our old church, and maybe catch up with a friend or two.


We were up at 6:30, finished packing and had some breakfast.

As we packed up, I realized that there were still a couple of things that I hadn’t properly documented yet. Like this faux-crate, which serves as a coffee table.

And the TV.

I couldn’t remember if I’d taken good pictures of the kitchen, and it’s always important to have those, so that you can look back and remember what you had to work with.

I stopped by the Front Desk to make sure that the room charges were all settled and somewhere in the midst of the conversation I mentioned that we were going to visit Charleston on our way north today, after checking out. The cast member graciously gave me a Charleston tour book. I don’t think we used it for any discounts, but it was a really nice gesture and something to remember if you’re planning any day trips to Charleston or Savannah or other nearby attractions -- you may be able to get some discount books or other planning information from the Front Desk.


After that, Judy and I took the bikes back to the Rec window and cast member Roby (who looks like he walked in straight out of “Dukes of Hazzard”) asked how we were. I said, “Terrible! We have to leave.” He said, “Well do ya still have money, ‘cause there’s always a campground!”


We made our last use of our refillable mugs with some coffee and tea for the road, I took one last picture of the pier, and we drove out at 9:20.

Somewhere between Hilton Head and Charleston we saw this redneck-system for raft transportation. The only thing that was missing was the guy’s arm out the window “holding” it (as if that was possible) onto the roof. Judy took a picture with her phone.

When we got to Charleston, we decided to start our sight-seeing in the Battery area the town. We were looking for parking, which was scarce, and heard a couple of cannon blasts. “What was that?!” Judy exclaimed. Neither of us had any idea. We finally found a spot to park and walked to a park near the water. A bunch of people were gathered, and a band was playing. Now that’s the kind of welcome I expect at every city! Nice job, Charleston!


Here’s a short Instagram clip.

We later learned that it was “Carolina Days” and the band was the Charleston Community Band. The cannon blasts that we’d heard were the start of the celebration.


They played a couple of Sousa marches, which were great. I wished that I could have grabbed a baritone and joined in.

This monument was in the park, nearby.

We walked over to get a view of the water. If I remember correctly, a wedding party was getting set to take some pictures there also, but I don’t take paparazzi-style photos of wedding parties, so this is as much as you get.

We liked this little whimsical statue in Battery Park. I did a google search afterward and found that it is called “Girl”. Can’t argue with that.

On our walk back to the car I took a few photos of some really beautiful houses that I’ll never be able to afford.

continued in next post
Link to next post

 

[glennbo123]

continued from previous post


From there, we drove into the city, found a parking garage, and walked to the City Market. We had to walk a couple of blocks to the intersection where the guide book (that the Front Desk castmember at Hilton Head had given me) said that it should be. We stood there, scratching our heads, and looking for it. In the meantime, I took a picture of this interesting historic building across the street.

Which it turns out, was the City Market! The lower section anyway. We walked a few steps down the street to the right of it, realized that that was the market, and went in through a side entrance.


Inside, it’s probably what you would imagine -- a multitude of vendors selling crafts, artwork, food, clothing, etc., mostly with a southern-theme.

I see that I caught a little stinkeye from that one guy there, when I held up my camera to take a picture of the crowd.


Charleston is kind of known for their sweetgrass baskets, and while beautiful, they are crazy expensive (in my opinion). They ranged in price from $55 for a small one to $300-$600 for the bigger ones, which was a little too steep for us. There were several different vendors throughout the market and they all seemed to be priced similarly, so my cynical-self wonders if there was a little bit of price-fixing going on. Also, one of the first basket vendors we came to saw me getting ready to take a picture and yelled “no pictures!” So, this picture is from a different vendor further in, who may or may not have noticed me taking a picture.

We ended up buying a bag of grits to make at home (wow, apparently Judy really liked the shrimp and grits at Vic’s in Savannah) and we also bought a bird feeder for my mom, who loves watching the birds in her backyard. We ended up giving it to her for her birthday this past year and she loved it. She sent me this picture when she used it as a centerpiece before putting it out for the birds to mess up.

We walked back to the car and ate a lunch from leftovers we’d packed in the cooler -- some chicken breast, pineapple spears, grapes, and cookies. Well, I had the cookies anyway…Judy won’t touch ‘em. Then we left the car still parked in the garage and started strolling in the other direction, where we hadn’t walked yet, just to see what there was to see.


We passed a cobblestone street.

This steeple/tower kind of reminded me of Savannah’s City Hall.

We happened upon this really exciting-sounding museum, and I took this picture for @Captain_Oblivious for when he gets his fill of the history of golf clubs. We would’ve gone in, but you know, we still had some miles to put behind us that day. What a shame that we didn’t have more time.

We passed another basket vendor on the street. I looked at the price tags to see if they were any more reasonable than at the City Market. They weren’t.

We thought this garden was really nice.

And this sign on door has that southern charm, while still getting the point across.

All they needed to add was, “Bless your heart”.


This is the building that had the Postal Museum in it, seen from across the street.

We passed this little park, which I believe is Washington Park...

...because it has a Washington statue in it. I think Washington visited Charleston at some point in time. You know, it took a while to put up all of those “Washington slept here” signs.

Anyway, we walked back to the parking garage and headed on our way. We both thought that Charleston was a really quaint, beautiful city. And actually, really more of what we thought that Savannah would be like. We could’ve spent more time than a couple of hours there, but the day was wearing on and we needed to make some progress north.


As we drove and gauged our timing, we decided to have dinner in Myrtle Beach, so Judy texted one of my sisters who vacations there every year and asked for some restaurant recommendations. She gave us several ideas and we settled on Mr. Fish. My brother-in-law texted us that there was a Mrs. Fish also -- the owners had divorced and started separate restaurants. I may not have the whole story right, but it sure sounded interesting.


The hushpuppies were really good.

Here’s a picture of my dinner. I got the blackened flounder and my trip notes say that it was “acceptable” and the fries were “pretty good”. Judy got the blackened tuna and really liked it.

Mr. Fish was okay, but with all of the choices in Myrtle Beach, I think I’d try someplace else next time. I may also have been a little jaded due to the still-fresh memories of the great meals we’d had earlier on the trip -- Bullies BBQ, Vine, Vic’s on the Waterfront, Low Country Backyard, and of course...Publix fried chicken.


We made it up to Wilmington, NC, checked into a hotel and then went to our former church the next morning. We hadn’t been there in probably over ten years, but a few people recognized us. It was probably difficult without a toddler and baby and diaper bag and all of those other things that were so much a part of us back at that time. The church had really changed as well. It’s kind of weird -- you expect things to always stay the same as you remember them, but of course that’s impossible.


We had lunch plans with some old friends, so had a little time to kill before lunch since we’d gone to the early church service. Despite the lesson of “you can’t go back” that we’d just learned at our old church, we decided to drive by our old house. Here it is, although I apologize that you can’t see it very well -- I was parked in front of my next-door neighbor’s house. I didn’t want to freak-out the new owners by standing directly in front.

Marlene came home from the hospital to that house! (James was born in PA, two months after we moved from here.) I think the house has changed hands a couple of times since we lived there, and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the new owners have kept the lawn watered and tended as well as when we were there, which is a shame. But the palm tree I planted (and mentioned in the Savannah chapter of this trip report) is doing well!


We talked to our former next door neighbor, who was still living there, for a little while, and then caught up with another friend elsewhere in the development. Our neighbor was almost unrecognizable to me due to some apparent health issues, and our other friend had been divorced and remarried since we last saw him. Again, despite the appearance of our neighborhood looking nearly the same as we remembered, things were very different. I am resolving to hold on tightly to the very happy memories I have from our time there in the late ‘90’s. Obviously, that’s all I can do.


We still had a little more time to kill, so we drove down to Carolina Beach, which was our favorite beach spot when we lived there. We just kind of rolled through, never getting out of the car, but just wanted to see the beach. A storm had come through and it was a really nasty beach day. Apparently we’d gotten out of Dodge (or Hilton Head, as the case may be) just in the nick of time.

We met our friends for lunch and ate and talked until about 2pm, when we really had to get going. We pretty much drove straight through, except for pit stops, and got home around 10:30. The dog went crazy to be reunited with Judy, and the kids seemed to be mildly happy that we’d returned as well. We showed them a few pictures and our purchases and then hit the hay around midnight.


Well, I think you’ve been able to tell over the course of this trip report that we really loved Hilton Head, the Disney resort there, and the relaxing, laid-back vacation that we experienced. The area has a lot to offer: nature, shopping, great restaurants, an amazing beach, and friendly cast members at the resort. I think it’s in a perfect spot to serve as an oasis on a sad drive home from Disney World, or as a destination of its own. If I weren’t in the midst of paying several years’ worth of college tuition and weddings and who-knows-what-else, I’d scoop up some points there. But for now, I’ll just have to hope for availability at the 7-month mark. Anyway, I guess the biggest testimony to how much we liked it lies in the fact that we booked 3 nights there this summer, as part of our next adventure. And speaking of which, I’ll tell you more about that in the last chapter of this report.



Up next: Our next adventure
Link to next doo-dad

 

[KatMark]

I hate last days, but yours sounded pretty darn good.

I saw your breakfast before you left and it made me hungry.

I've always heard wonderful things about Charleston. Perhaps after we make our move to Florida next year and don't have to take 8 day vacations to Disney, we can venture out a bit.

I love straw baskets...but those prices are crazy.

I'm glad a few people recognized you at Church. Too bad about your "former" grass, but love the palm tree which seems to be doing quite well.

I can't wait to hear about the future plans which I believe are happening soon???

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

As we packed up, I realized that there were still a couple of things that I hadn’t properly documented yet. Like this faux-crate, which serves as a coffee table.

I like it! That's the kind of furniture we prefer.

I said, “Terrible! We have to leave.” He said, “Well do ya still have money, ‘cause there’s always a campground!”

Everyone's a comedian.

The only thing that was missing was the guy’s arm out the window “holding” it (as if that was possible) onto the roof.

I hope duct tape was involved somehow.

A bunch of people were gathered, and a band was playing. Now that’s the kind of welcome I expect at every city! Nice job, Charleston!

The cannon blasts that we’d heard were the start of the celebration.

Man, this Southern hospitality thing is no joke! Although I was hoping the 1812 Overture was in there somewhere.

On our walk back to the car I took a few photos of some really beautiful houses that I’ll never be able to afford.

I got a photo of the same house when we visited!

In the meantime, I took a picture of this interesting historic building across the street.

Which it turns out, was the City Market!

Which you really, really should have known in advance.

Charleston is kind of known for their sweetgrass baskets, and while beautiful, they are crazy expensive (in my opinion).

Agreed. Much better to just get a photo, no matter who yells at you.

Well, I had the cookies anyway…Judy won’t touch ‘em.

Talk about a perfect marriage!

We happened upon this really exciting-sounding museum, and I took this picture for @Captain_Oblivious for when he gets his fill of the history of golf clubs.

Careful. You don't want to make me disgruntled. (Too soon?)

All they needed to add was, “Bless your heart”.

We both thought that Charleston was a really quaint, beautiful city. And actually, really more of what we thought that Savannah would be like.

Yes! I found that I much preferred Charleston. I felt like there was a lot more to see/do there.

Mr. Fish was okay, but with all of the choices in Myrtle Beach, I think I’d try someplace else next time.

Try TBonz Gill & Grill next time.

Despite the lesson of “you can’t go back” that we’d just learned at our old church, we decided to drive by our old house.

I did that once. My parents' old house in Dover, DE. There is no grass, the trees are dead, the rose garden has been torn out, and it had aluminum foil over the windows.

But the palm tree I planted (and mentioned in the Savannah chapter of this trip report) is doing well!

So you have that going for you, which is nice.

I am resolving to hold on tightly to the very happy memories I have from our time there in the late ‘90’s. Obviously, that’s all I can do.

The dog went crazy to be reunited with Judy, and the kids seemed to be mildly happy that we’d returned as well.

Sounds about right. The dog gets just about everything in the will, right?

Well, I think you’ve been able to tell over the course of this trip report that we really loved Hilton Head, the Disney resort there, and the relaxing, laid-back vacation that we experienced. The area has a lot to offer: nature, shopping, great restaurants, an amazing beach, and friendly cast members at the resort. I think it’s in a perfect spot to serve as an oasis on a sad drive home from Disney World, or as a destination of its own. If I weren’t in the midst of paying several years’ worth of college tuition and weddings and who-knows-what-else, I’d scoop up some points there.

It really looks great! I've been thinking it would be a great place to try for a long weekend sometime. They sometimes have great rates in November. Of course, I'm sure nothing's open and the weather is crappy, but I guess you get what you pay for.

Up next: Our next adventure

 

[JanaJohn]

Charleston is kind of known for their sweetgrass baskets, and while beautiful, they are crazy expensive (in my opinion). They ranged in price from $55 for a small one to $300-$600 for the bigger ones, which was a little too steep for us.

We were there several years ago and I feel lucky my DW decided to only get one of the "less expensive" baskets. It was small but she still loves it and has it on display in our breakfast room much of the year.

 

[udflyer00]

Glenn,

Thanks for the awesome trip report. Our family has only been to HHI once since we've been DVC members. Although I was very hesitant to go, once we did I really had a blast and have been trying to figure out how to work it back into our vacation plans. We hope that next summer is that window. However, as the resort doesn't have a lot of rooms, and we don't own there I'll be calling as soon as my 7 month window opens up with the hopes we can once again vacation there. Seeing your pictures was really cool, it brought back those fun memories. We have 4 kids and had a room in the 1st building to the right lookout at the pool from the pier, and it was an awesome spot. Up in the morning, down the stairs, around the corner and bam the kids were swimming. Hopefully we'll be able to get a room again next summer!

Mark

 

[ddstratton]

I'm finally caught up again, just in time to catch the tail-end of your report. Sounds like a lovely last day, though. A very relaxing vacation, over all.

 

[glennbo123]

Guess My ADRs!


Sorry, I’ll have to come back for replies, but I had this idea and wanted to kick it off...


Before I post info. about our next trip, let’s make this interesting -- guess my ADR’s! Glennbo stalkers will have an advantage, but that’s a true statement for just about anything. Anyway, here are some clues:


We have 8 ADRs over 5 days (not counting arrival and departure days).

None are on arrival or departure day.

5 are in parks; 3 are at resorts.

6 are new for us; 2 are places we’ve eaten before.

Both “return” places are only our second time eating there.

1 of the “return” places I thought it’d be a while before we’d be back.

In 1 theme park we have no ADRs.

2 parks have 1 ADR.

1 park has 3 ADRs.

A couple restaurants are known for some spice.

1 is included for my high-school graduating daughter who has a favorite country.

1 is more known for its desserts than its entrée’s.

1 is just beastly.

1 is stately.

1 never gets to the feature presentation.

1 could deliver, but doesn’t.


Those are enough clues to get you started, probably too much actually. Let’s hear your guesses!


Link to next chapter

 

[glennbo123]

I hate last days, but yours sounded pretty darn good.

As far as last days go, it wasn't too bad. Got a little sightseeing in.

I saw your breakfast before you left and it made me hungry.

It's after 9pm and I could go for that breakfast right now.

I've always heard wonderful things about Charleston. Perhaps after we make our move to Florida next year and don't have to take 8 day vacations to Disney, we can venture out a bit.

It's probably a little far for a day trip up and back, but throw in an overnight (or two) and it'd be a nice little trip.

I love straw baskets...but those prices are crazy.

I agree, they looked really nice but I just couldn't justify the amounts they were asking.

I'm glad a few people recognized you at Church. Too bad about your "former" grass, but love the palm tree which seems to be doing quite well.

I'd been by the house another time since we moved away and the grass looked about the same so I kind of expected that. I'm not sure why they didn't keep it up, since we had a sprinkler system. That palm tree was heavy way back then, probably 18 years ago. I can't imagine what it weighs now. Well, it doesn't need to be replanted so no need to wonder, I suppose.

I can't wait to hear about the future plans which I believe are happening soon???

Yes. Phase 1 starts Tuesday!

I like it! That's the kind of furniture we prefer.

I like the kind that's been beat up with a set of keys and a screwdriver. Hard to tell if any new dings have been added.

Everyone's a comedian.

Yes. Although I think he would've taken his own advice.

I hope duct tape was involved somehow.

I didn't get a close enough look, but a roll of duct tape was probably run around the raft, through the window, out the other side, and around again a couple of times.

Man, this Southern hospitality thing is no joke! Although I was hoping the 1812 Overture was in there somewhere.

I hear ya! We probably missed "Dixie".

I got a photo of the same house when we visited!

That's funny! Some of those houses must get photographed half a dozen times a day.

Which you really, really should have known in advance.

You expect me to plan this like it's a Disney trip or something?

Agreed. Much better to just get a photo, no matter who yells at you.

Shoot (digital photos) first, ask questions later.

Talk about a perfect marriage!

As long as she buys 'em, which she does, then yes.

Careful. You don't want to make me disgruntled. (Too soon?)

Dr. Banner?

Yes! I found that I much preferred Charleston. I felt like there was a lot more to see/do there.

It seemed like more of the city had that "quaint" feeling.

Try TBonz Gill & Grill next time.

Will do.

I did that once. My parents' old house in Dover, DE. There is no grass, the trees are dead, the rose garden has been torn out, and it had aluminum foil over the windows.

Ah, wow. I'm guessing that was because of the radiation?

So you have that going for you, which is nice.

That palm tree will receive total consciousness on its deathbed.

Sounds about right. The dog gets just about everything in the will, right?

Yeah, now he does!

It really looks great! I've been thinking it would be a great place to try for a long weekend sometime. They sometimes have great rates in November. Of course, I'm sure nothing's open and the weather is crappy, but I guess you get what you pay for.

I don't know, I get a sense that a lot of the restaurants stay open year-round, not like the Jersey and Delaware beach towns. Although I'm not 100% sure about that.

November could potentially still be nice beach weather. I remember when we lived in NC, October could still have great beach days with perfect water temps.

 

[MEK]

c





We passed another basket vendor on the street. I looked at the price tags to see if they were any more reasonable than at the City Market. They weren’t.

I remember how outrageously priced those baskets were. I know they must take forever to make, but I have to wonder how many they sell. After I learned all about these baskets I was exploring in my mother's basement and guess what I found? See the second row of baskets on the fence and the second one from our right? Yup - found that cool basket in my mom's basement and now its mine. Price - FREE!

I also thought it was SO obnoxious how people in the south got SOOOOOOOO uptight about pictures. Ugh. It drove me crazy. Other than that, Charleston has to be the prettiest city in the US. I was drooling over all those amazing houses.

c

WHAAAAAAAAAT?????? You had a house with a PALM TREE????? And you had to move to Pennsylvania? I'm sorry. Bummer man!

Loved your TR. HHI and the south are SO awesome. Thanks for allowing me to relive some of my memories from my last HHI trip. I am thinking about when to take my next one.

 

[glennbo123]

We were there several years ago and I feel lucky my DW decided to only get one of the "less expensive" baskets. It was small but she still loves it and has it on display in our breakfast room much of the year.

Hey John, I didn't realize you were following along...I think you posted on my last report.

Yes, if she's like my wife, I'm sure she reminds you about how much money she saved you! But seriously, that's great that it gets used/displayed so often.

Glenn,

udflyer00/Mark Thanks for posting!

Thanks for the awesome trip report.

I'm glad you think so...thanks for the compliment!

Our family has only been to HHI once since we've been DVC members. Although I was very hesitant to go, once we did I really had a blast and have been trying to figure out how to work it back into our vacation plans. We hope that next summer is that window.

I know what you mean. The week-long trip in this report was really nice and relaxing, but if we ever want to use our points for Disney...well, there's only so many to go around, right? We're dealing with that this year by driving to WDW and stopping at HHI for a few nights on the way back.

However, as the resort doesn't have a lot of rooms, and we don't own there I'll be calling as soon as my 7 month window opens up with the hopes we can once again vacation there.

Believe me, I had that 7-month date on my calendar. Somebody was walking a reservation ahead of me, as I would watch the availability and see none, and then it would open up day by day. I think they were shooting for 4th of July weekend, which was after what I wanted, and we were able to get all of the days we were after. But it was a little stressful for a while, and I was disappointed when I thought we'd only have 2 nights there. Then our waitlist came through and I got the 3rd night.

Seeing your pictures was really cool, it brought back those fun memories. We have 4 kids and had a room in the 1st building to the right lookout at the pool from the pier, and it was an awesome spot. Up in the morning, down the stairs, around the corner and bam the kids were swimming. Hopefully we'll be able to get a room again next summer!

That sounds awesome. I'll bet they had a blast!

I'm finally caught up again, just in time to catch the tail-end of your report. Sounds like a lovely last day, though. A very relaxing vacation, over all.

Hi Darla! I'm glad you were able to get caught up. It was probably the most relaxing vacation I've ever had.

 

[glennbo123]

I remember how outrageously priced those baskets were. I know they must take forever to make, but I have to wonder how many they sell. After I learned all about these baskets I was exploring in my mother's basement and guess what I found? See the second row of baskets on the fence and the second one from our right? Yup - found that cool basket in my mom's basement and now its mine. Price - FREE!

I didn't see one basket being sold, but I'm sure they do sell enough.

Well, how awesome is that?! That's a price I can handle. If I were to explore my mothers' basement, I would find canned pickles, canned corn, canned beans...

I also thought it was SO obnoxious how people in the south got SOOOOOOOO uptight about pictures. Ugh. It drove me crazy. Other than that, Charleston has to be the prettiest city in the US. I was drooling over all those amazing houses.

I didn't have any issues with taking pictures other than in that market. Whatever.

Oh yeah, the houses were so nice. I don't even want to imagine their price tags.

WHAAAAAAAAAT?????? You had a house with a PALM TREE????? And you had to move to Pennsylvania? I'm sorry. Bummer man!

Yeah, can you imagine? It was intended as a 3-year assignment from the outset. It wasn't in our plans at first and so we were a little reluctant to go...and then we didn't want to leave!!

Loved your TR. HHI and the south are SO awesome. Thanks for allowing me to relive some of my memories from my last HHI trip. I am thinking about when to take my next one.

Thanks Mary Ellen! Thank you for all of the good recommendations and the info. I got from your report to help me prepare!

Don't forget to play "Guess My ADRs", see post above.

 

[stitch'sgirl]

Guess My ADRs!


Sorry, I’ll have to come back for replies, but I had this idea and wanted to kick it off...


Before I post info. about our next trip, let’s make this interesting -- guess my ADR’s! Glennbo stalkers will have an advantage, but that’s a true statement for just about anything. Anyway, here are some clues:


We have 8 ADRs over 5 days (not counting arrival and departure days).

None are on arrival or departure day.

5 are in parks; 3 are at resorts.

6 are new for us; 2 are places we’ve eaten before.

Both “return” places are only our second time eating there.

1 of the “return” places I thought it’d be a while before we’d be back.

In 1 theme park we have no ADRs.

2 parks have 1 ADR.

1 park has 3 ADRs.

A couple restaurants are known for some spice.

1 is included for my high-school graduating daughter who has a favorite country.

1 is more known for its desserts than its entrée’s.

1 is just beastly.

1 is stately.

1 never gets to the feature presentation.

1 could deliver, but doesn’t.


Those are enough clues to get you started, probably too much actually. Let’s hear your guesses!

This reminds me of those logic puzzles that come in a book. (I always pass on crossword and suduko books and go for the logic ones.) I am in as soon as I get in the car for a drive to Mackinac Island this weekend. This obviously needs some uninterrupted thought...I better bring my earbuds along!

 

[afwdwfan]

We lived in Wilmington from 1996 to 1999 (Marlene was born there), and we wanted to drive through the area, go to Sunday services at our old church, and maybe catch up with a friend or two.

Cool! Looks like a good plan!

We were up at 6:30, finished packing and had some breakfast.

Not a bad breakfast for the last morning in Hilton Head.

I stopped by the Front Desk to make sure that the room charges were all settled and somewhere in the midst of the conversation I mentioned that we were going to visit Charleston on our way north today, after checking out. The cast member graciously gave me a Charleston tour book. I don’t think we used it for any discounts, but it was a really nice gesture and something to remember if you’re planning any day trips to Charleston or Savannah or other nearby attractions -- you may be able to get some discount books or other planning information from the Front Desk.

Good information.

Somewhere between Hilton Head and Charleston we saw this redneck-system for raft transportation. The only thing that was missing was the guy’s arm out the window “holding” it (as if that was possible) onto the roof. Judy took a picture with her phone.

Always interesting to see some of the innovative ways people strap things to a car.

It took me a little bit to realize this was taken out the back window. I was about to ask which one of you was in the wrong lane!

We were looking for parking, which was scarce, and heard a couple of cannon blasts. “What was that?!” Judy exclaimed. Neither of us had any idea. We finally found a spot to park and walked to a park near the water. A bunch of people were gathered, and a band was playing. Now that’s the kind of welcome I expect at every city! Nice job, Charleston!

We walked over to get a view of the water. If I remember correctly, a wedding party was getting set to take some pictures there also, but I don’t take paparazzi-style photos of wedding parties, so this is as much as you get.

Where's @MEK when you need her?

On our walk back to the car I took a few photos of some really beautiful houses that I’ll never be able to afford.

Just keep playing the lottery...

Also, one of the first basket vendors we came to saw me getting ready to take a picture and yelled “no pictures!” So, this picture is from a different vendor further in, who may or may not have noticed me taking a picture.

Because your picture will de-value her over priced baskets?

Well, I had the cookies anyway…Judy won’t touch ‘em

You 2 have the perfect marriage...

We thought this garden was really nice.

I think Washington visited Charleston at some point in time. You know, it took a while to put up all of those “Washington slept here” signs.

It always amazes me to think about how many places were visited by some of our forefathers. I mean, just think about how big of a deal it was to just go a few miles down the road back in those days.

She gave us several ideas and we settled on Mr. Fish. My brother-in-law texted us that there was a Mrs. Fish also -- the owners had divorced and started separate restaurants. I may not have the whole story right, but it sure sounded interesting.

Even more interesting if they're located right across the road from each other.

I got the blackened flounder and my trip notes say that it was “acceptable”

There's a ringing endorsement.

We made it up to Wilmington, NC, checked into a hotel and then went to our former church the next morning. We hadn’t been there in probably over ten years, but a few people recognized us. It was probably difficult without a toddler and baby and diaper bag and all of those other things that were so much a part of us back at that time. The church had really changed as well. It’s kind of weird -- you expect things to always stay the same as you remember them, but of course that’s impossible.

Seems like a nice morning all around. Getting to visit the old church and see the neighborhood and some old friends. Things definitely change, but it's great that you have those memories.

Well, I think you’ve been able to tell over the course of this trip report that we really loved Hilton Head, the Disney resort there, and the relaxing, laid-back vacation that we experienced. The area has a lot to offer: nature, shopping, great restaurants, an amazing beach, and friendly cast members at the resort. I think it’s in a perfect spot to serve as an oasis on a sad drive home from Disney World, or as a destination of its own.

Thanks for the TR and all the information about Hilton Head. It looks like a great place. And we actually did consider looking into going there this summer for our family vacation, based partly on your TR. - We ended up choosing to go elsewhere to save some money though. One of these days we might just give it a shot.

Before I post info. about our next trip, let’s make this interesting -- guess my ADR’s! Glennbo stalkers will have an advantage, but that’s a true statement for just about anything. Anyway, here are some clues:

Ok, I took about 2 minutes to think about it. I'm sure I could do better, but here's what I'm going with. I feel very confident in at least 1 of them.
Via Napoli
Be Our Guest
Spice Road Table
Yak & Yeti
Teppan Edo
California Grill
Boma
Narcoosees

 

[glennbo123]

This reminds me of those logic puzzles that come in a book.

Yes, I was kind of going for that. I mean, it helps to have read my previous trip reports to know where we've eaten before, what country Marlene likes, etc. but for some others that would just be a flat-out guess, I tried to put him some other clues.

(I always pass on crossword and suduko books and go for the logic ones.)

I made a sudoku solver with an Excel spreadsheet and macro. Judy said, "what's the fun in that?!" I said, "making the Excel spreadsheet/macro sudoku solver."

I am in as soon as I get in the car for a drive to Mackinac Island this weekend. This obviously needs some uninterrupted thought...I better bring my earbuds along!

I'm glad you're into it! Mackinac should be great, have a fun weekend.

Cool! Looks like a good plan!

I wonder if @Captain_Oblivious knows of any movie quotes regarding plans..."The Hunt For Red October" comes to mind.

Not a bad breakfast for the last morning in Hilton Head.

Can't let all that bacon go to waist. Oops, Freudian slip, I meant "waste".

Always interesting to see some of the innovative ways people strap things to a car.

I'm not sure how it was attached exactly, I just figured that they would have deflated it first.

It took me a little bit to realize this was taken out the back window. I was about to ask which one of you was in the wrong lane!

Sorry, I probably should've mentioned that.

"He says we're going the wrong way..." "Oh, he's drunk. How would he know where we're going?"

Where's @MEK when you need her?

Seriously!

Just keep playing the lottery...

Fingers crossed.

Because your picture will de-value her over priced baskets?

My guess is that she was worried that I'd see some design she had and copy it with my own handiwork. She needn't have worried.

You 2 have the perfect marriage...

Can't argue with that!

It always amazes me to think about how many places were visited by some of our forefathers. I mean, just think about how big of a deal it was to just go a few miles down the road back in those days.

I know! I can't believe they went anywhere. I'm just to sit here until somebody invents a car, dangit.

Even more interesting if they're located right across the road from each other.

Yeah, I'm not sure where the other one was though. I didn't go looking for it.

There's a ringing endorsement.

I didn't remember it being bad necessarily, but I wasn't really wow'd. So I just went with what I wrote down at the time!

Seems like a nice morning all around. Getting to visit the old church and see the neighborhood and some old friends. Things definitely change, but it's great that you have those memories.

They were good times! Back when we only had two little tykes and were enjoying the southern climate.

Thanks for the TR and all the information about Hilton Head. It looks like a great place. And we actually did consider looking into going there this summer for our family vacation, based partly on your TR. - We ended up choosing to go elsewhere to save some money though. One of these days we might just give it a shot.

That's understandable. Money is a limited resource! If we didn't have the points to use, I'm not sure that we ever would've gotten there. I hope you do get there some day, I think your kids would enjoy it. It might be even better as they get a wee bit older and can appreciate some of the nature activities more.

Ok, I took about 2 minutes to think about it. I'm sure I could do better, but here's what I'm going with. I feel very confident in at least 1 of them.
Via Napoli
Be Our Guest
Spice Road Table
Yak & Yeti
Teppan Edo
California Grill
Boma
Narcoosees

Gotcha!

 

[KatMark]

I'm going to guess these:

Biergarten
Via Napoli
San Angel Inn
Be Our Guest
Plaza
Narcooses
Sci Fi
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Beaches & Cream

 

[glennbo123]

I'm going to guess these:

Biergarten
Via Napoli
San Angel Inn
Be Our Guest
Plaza
Narcooses
Sci Fi
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Beaches & Cream

Um, isn't that 9?

 

[KatMark]

Um, isn't that 9?

Who said I could add? Take off The Plaza (I changed that to Beaches & Cream)

 

[melk]

Thank you for your great HH TR! My 7 month window will open up in September so hopefully we will be going in April. Thanks go to you for reviving my interest in visiting there! I will need to go back through your report and take note of the restaurants you liked there. Although I think the kids will be bringing friends, so not sure just how much eating out we'll be doing.

Have fun on your upcoming Disney trip. Looking forward to reading about it!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I wonder if @Captain_Oblivious knows of any movie quotes regarding plans..."The Hunt For Red October" comes to mind.

Average Russkie, son, don't take a dump without a plan.

ADR Guesses (not that I have any idea what I'm doing):

Spice Road Table
Sanaa
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Be Our Guest
Via Napoli
Chefs De France
California Grill
Beaches & Cream