BJ's Wholesale or Costco at HHI?

[Fitswimmer]

I just got invited to spend Labor day week at HHI with a friend of mine who is also a DVC member. We were wondering if there were any bulk stores on HHI, like BJ's or Costco. We're staying in a 2 bedroom with her sister, BIL and DD(1). Since none of us are made of money, we thought we'd use the kitchen there to make meals. It's hard to take a one yr old out to eat anyway.
Any other suggestions from those of you that frequent the resort?

 

[Disneyaholic]

No Costco or BJs, but there IS a Sam's.

Are you driving or flying? If you're driving there IS a Costco in Charleston that would only be slightly out of your way, if you take the back roads (scenic route) from Charleston to Hilton Head.

Also, if you're driving, you can save some money if you bring a lot of staples from home -- ketchup, mayo, spices, salad dressings, etc. Those end up costing quite a bit at the grocery store and you end up having to throw out the extras. If you're driving, you can also bring some meals already prepared from home -- a frozen container of meatballs and sauce, for example, will make a great meal AND can be used to keep the other items in your cooler chilled.

As far as "regular" grocery shopping on the island, you can expect to pay a little bit more than you probably do at home. There is a Super Wal-Mart near Bluffton off of 278 (a little difficult to see...) that would probably be a good place to go for good prices (although it takes a little longer to get there).

With a little advance planning, you should be able to do a fairly economical trip. Just don't be surprised if all the great restaurants and fresh seafood beckon you once you get there.

 

[Fitswimmer]

We are driving, and anticipate that it should take about 15 hrs from NJ. Is that about right?
I have a 4Runner, so I can fit LOTS of stuff in it and I will bring as much as I can down there so we don't have to spend $$. Good idea about the frozen stuff! Bringing frozen sauce will give us at least one meal, maybe 2!

 

[CMedley78]

We just got back from HHI yesterday, and we bought food from the Piggly Wiggly in the Shelter Cove shopping plaza. We spent about $50 for the week for breakfast and lunch...much better than the $20 we spent just on lunch the first day we got there. Also, we went to Wal-Mart to buy bottled water and some other necessities, and, of course, being Wal-Mart, we didn't break the bank. Bottom line is that you have plenty of options for purchasing food and other goods down there. Have fun...it's great in HHI!
Colleen