Budget Ideas on Hilton Head Island??

[Styx Fan]

Thanks to the folks who figured out my gibberish about the Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge! I was really tired when I posted that.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Thank you so much...I was wanting to find it!!!

DEARDAISY....I'll put those on my list.....YUM!!!

It was so good. If I can find the pics I took, I'll post them. Lol

 

[TNKBELL]

Thanks to the folks who figured out my gibberish about the Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge! I was really tired when I posted that.

I was so glad you posted it....it sounds like a great place!!!

Dear Daisy....That would be great! I would love to see pics!!!

 

[Lucky4me]

If you're staying in a villa, get the Seashack dinners to go. Call ahead and walk right in front of everyone else to pick up your food!
You can't beat the prices for what you get and their blackened anything is so good! They also have the best hush puppies. I'm drooling thinking about them now.

The Smokehouse for ribs and pulled pork is consistently good and their portions are large.
I agree with the early birds.
Aunt Chiladas has cheap eats at happy hour in the bar and you can also order off the regular menu in there too. We love the boiled shrimp and mexican pizzas.

Hilton Head diner is a good place if you have picky eaters wanting different things. They used to have an excellent bakery in there, but I think that's gone downhill over the years. Don't know why.

There are many places to watch dolphins without paying the price for a boat tour. The pier at Harbor town is one. Walk out there in the afternoons as the boats come in and you'll see a lot. They come right up to the dock.

Pinckney is fun, but can get really buggy.

Zodiac boat tours was probably the best time we had out on a tour. Up close to the dolphins and very informative. I think the boats only fit six.

Don't pay any more than $30 a week for a bike. Look around for that price and talk them down if it's higher, especially if you're getting several bikes. I think Hilton Head Bicycle has the lowest rates, or they did last April when we were there.

There is kids entertainment (family really) at Harbor town every evening and at Shelter cove. I think they have fireworks at Shelter cove in the summer, not sure in the fall or not.

We've been going most years since 1983. It's changed so much, but it's still less commercial and quieter than Myrtle beach or any of the larger beaches in Florida. We love it!

If there's anyway you can get on the island in the morning before you check in- do it! The traffic around 3-4pm coming on the island is insane on 278. We like to get on around 11, check out some of our favorite places, order our bikes, hit the beach and grocery shop right before check in.

Have a great time!

 

[TNKBELL]

If you're staying in a villa, get the Seashack dinners to go. Call ahead and walk right in front of everyone else to pick up your food!
You can't beat the prices for what you get and their blackened anything is so good! They also have the best hush puppies. I'm drooling thinking about them now.

The Smokehouse for ribs and pulled pork is consistently good and their portions are large.
I agree with the early birds.
Aunt Chiladas has cheap eats at happy hour in the bar and you can also order off the regular menu in there too. We love the boiled shrimp and mexican pizzas.

Hilton Head diner is a good place if you have picky eaters wanting different things. They used to have an excellent bakery in there, but I think that's gone downhill over the years. Don't know why.

There are many places to watch dolphins without paying the price for a boat tour. The pier at Harbor town is one. Walk out there in the afternoons as the boats come in and you'll see a lot. They come right up to the dock.

Pinckney is fun, but can get really buggy.

Zodiac boat tours was probably the best time we had out on a tour. Up close to the dolphins and very informative. I think the boats only fit six.

Don't pay any more than $30 a week for a bike. Look around for that price and talk them down if it's higher, especially if you're getting several bikes. I think Hilton Head Bicycle has the lowest rates, or they did last April when we were there.

There is kids entertainment (family really) at Harbor town every evening and at Shelter cove. I think they have fireworks at Shelter cove in the summer, not sure in the fall or not.

We've been going most years since 1983. It's changed so much, but it's still less commercial and quieter than Myrtle beach or any of the larger beaches in Florida. We love it!

If there's anyway you can get on the island in the morning before you check in- do it! The traffic around 3-4pm coming on the island is insane on 278. We like to get on around 11, check out some of our favorite places, order our bikes, hit the beach and grocery shop right before check in.

Have a great time!

Reading your post has me so excited!! Thanks so much for all the info, I'm glad you mentioned the heavy traffic...that's probably when we would have tried to come!! I checked and you are right Hilton Head Bicylcle is the most reasonable at $17 per week, including bike trailers and they also offer great perks like free baby seats, baskets, locks, delivery, and pick up. Our condo comes with 2 bikes to use also.

 

[dis-happy]

If you're going in Sept. (did I read that???) be aware that the Greg Russell show at Harbour Town is only performed during the summer months. The Shelter Cove fireworks are only during the summer as well.

 

[TNKBELL]

If you're going in Sept. (did I read that???) be aware that the Greg Russell show at Harbour Town is only performed during the summer months. The Shelter Cove fireworks are only during the summer as well.

Thanks for the info, I kind of figured that might be the case, oh well, we are used to traveling off-season, it's less crowded then, so it's worth a few casualties.

 

[Princess Nancy]

If you are NOT staying at the Disney Hotel, can you still go to the disney beach?? I would love to get some Mickey Bars!!!

Oh Definitely. It is a Public area. Parking is tight.

We went to the beach and then walked up to their pool area. The pool area sounds like a ton of fun. the kids really wanted to go in. It is only accessible with your key. We walked around to the side and got Mickey Bars.

One rainy night, we went to the Disney resort. We walked all around, checked it out and went to the gift shop. Filled with Disney stuff and the mickey bars were available there.


I don't know if I am allowed, but my parent own a timeshare and a 3 bedroom house. PM if you want a link. I am partial of course, but I think they are great.

 

[Green Tea]

If you don't have your usual grocery store there on the island, be sure to sign up in the store you use for their shopper card. You'll get sale prices as a frequent shopper even if you only use it for the week.

Which plantation or neighborhood is your rental in? If you have not been before, most of the island is divided into plantations with a guard house at the entrance. Usually on bikes they don't stop you but in a car, you have to have a place you are heading. Even if you are just looking around and seeing the houses and such. Look to see which hotels/restaurants are in various plantations. You can say you are heading there.

 

[TNKBELL]

Oh Definitely. It is a Public area. Parking is tight.

We went to the beach and then walked up to their pool area. The pool area sounds like a ton of fun. the kids really wanted to go in. It is only accessible with your key. We walked around to the side and got Mickey Bars.

One rainy night, we went to the Disney resort. We walked all around, checked it out and went to the gift shop. Filled with Disney stuff and the mickey bars were available there.


I don't know if I am allowed, but my parent own a timeshare and a 3 bedroom house. PM if you want a link. I am partial of course, but I think they are great.

If you don't have your usual grocery store there on the island, be sure to sign up in the store you use for their shopper card. You'll get sale prices as a frequent shopper even if you only use it for the week.

Which plantation or neighborhood is your rental in? If you have not been before, most of the island is divided into plantations with a guard house at the entrance. Usually on bikes they don't stop you but in a car, you have to have a place you are heading. Even if you are just looking around and seeing the houses and such. Look to see which hotels/restaurants are in various plantations. You can say you are heading there.

Princess Nancy, I think we will try to check out the gift shop and get our Mickey Bar fix!! Thank you!! We already booked a unit at Coral Reef Resort, but thanks for the suggestion!

Green Tea, I'm not sure which plantation we are staying in....is there a way to tell? We are staying here: http://www.thecoralresorts.com/coralreef
It's kind of like that at the Disney resorts, when you drive up, they want to know why you are there. Thanks for the info, we really hope to bike everywhere, but we need to get in shape first!!

 

[Green Tea]

Princess Nancy, I think we will try to check out the gift shop and get our Mickey Bar fix!! Thank you!! We already booked a unit at Coral Reef Resort, but thanks for the suggestion!

Green Tea, I'm not sure which plantation we are staying in....is there a way to tell? We are staying here: http://www.thecoralresorts.com/coralreef
It's kind of like that at the Disney resorts, when you drive up, they want to know why you are there. Thanks for the info, we really hope to bike everywhere, but we need to get in shape first!!

I looked. You are in Shipyard. Love Shipyard. There is front gate onto the main highway and one on the side that exits to North Forest Beach area. Port O Call which is another of the branded resorts that you are a part of has a gate onto NFB Avenue that you can walk or bike in and out if if you get the gate code. If it isn't provided to you, ask at Port O call for it.

The hotel in your plantation is the Crowne Plaza. That is probably where your beach access is, unless you go thru Port of call in which case you have to cross the street to get to it. There is parking at the hotel for beach goers. And plenty of bike space too

 

[andijean]

I am subscribing to all your tips. We are going this summer for the first time and I am used to over planning like our Disney trips. It has been so hard to find tips and info so I am familiar with things before we go. So, keep all your info coming. I am keeping notes!

 

[MEM]

Oh Definitely. It is a Public area. Parking is tight.

We went to the beach and then walked up to their pool area. The pool area sounds like a ton of fun. the kids really wanted to go in. It is only accessible with your key. We walked around to the side and got Mickey Bars.

One rainy night, we went to the Disney resort. We walked all around, checked it out and went to the gift shop. Filled with Disney stuff and the mickey bars were available there.


I don't know if I am allowed, but my parent own a timeshare and a 3 bedroom house. PM if you want a link. I am partial of course, but I think they are great.

I'm a DVC member who stayed at Disney's HHI resort - parking is for Disney guests only and you need a room key to access the beach too.

 

[HeatherC]

Next month when we go we plan on trying a restaurant that seems to get great reviews and is very reasonable. It is called Roastfish and Cornbread. They have a website to see the menu.

Also planning on trying A Lowcountry Backyard. Has anyone been to either of these?

 

[TNKBELL]

I looked. You are in Shipyard. Love Shipyard. There is front gate onto the main highway and one on the side that exits to North Forest Beach area. Port O Call which is another of the branded resorts that you are a part of has a gate onto NFB Avenue that you can walk or bike in and out if if you get the gate code. If it isn't provided to you, ask at Port O call for it.

The hotel in your plantation is the Crowne Plaza. That is probably where your beach access is, unless you go thru Port of call in which case you have to cross the street to get to it. There is parking at the hotel for beach goers. And plenty of bike space too

Green Tea, you are a wealth of information!! Thank you so much!!

I'm a DVC member who stayed at Disney's HHI resort - parking is for Disney guests only and you need a room key to access the beach too.

Good to know, thanks!

Next month when we go we plan on trying a restaurant that seems to get great reviews and is very reasonable. It is called Roastfish and Cornbread. They have a website to see the menu.

Also planning on trying A Lowcountry Backyard. Has anyone been to either of these?

HeatherC, please let us know what you think when you return, both sound yummy and interesting!


I also found out that there is a Chick-fil-a(budget stretcher...and I love the sandwiches!) and a Dollartree(for stocking the laundry/bathrooms).
You are all the best and I am so thankful for all your tips!!!! You guys ROCK!

 

[deezeealum]

We have been going to HHI for 38 years, every summer it's our home away from home. As a pp said Gregg Russell and the fireworks at Shelter Cove end Labor Day weekend, so unfortunately those won't work. Definitely take advantage of early bird specials or go out for lunch. Much cheaper! Also go to the website celebratehiltonhead.com. You can register and you receive a FREE card with greqt discounts. Lot's of 10-20% off restaurants and rentals. Bikes are a great way to see the island too. Pickney is supposed to be great altohugh I have never been. I would avoid the restaurants in Harbour Town. Many are completely overpriced. That being said we did have a fantastic meal last summer at the Topside at the Quarterdeck but a splurge. Go to the many harbours and check out the impressive boats. Free if you don't have to pay for a guest pass. Also a HUGE recommendation, pick up on your first day (maybe at your check in) a REstaurant guide. They have menus of almost every restaurnat on the island as well as specials. I would highly recommend Marleys Ice cream right outisde of the Sea Pines gate. I think HH Ice Cream is not nearly as good as it was before they moved to their current location. Anyone feel free to PM me if you need any more info or ideas. Have a great time at one of our 2 Happy Places!

 

[deezeealum]

OH and I forgot WIld WIngs Cafe. We always do wing take out to save on tip, and drinks!!! can't wait to go back this August!!!!!!!

 

[TNKBELL]

We have been going to HHI for 38 years, every summer it's our home away from home. As a pp said Gregg Russell and the fireworks at Shelter Cove end Labor Day weekend, so unfortunately those won't work. Definitely take advantage of early bird specials or go out for lunch. Much cheaper! Also go to the website celebratehiltonhead.com. You can register and you receive a FREE card with greqt discounts. Lot's of 10-20% off restaurants and rentals. Bikes are a great way to see the island too. Pickney is supposed to be great altohugh I have never been. I would avoid the restaurants in Harbour Town. Many are completely overpriced. That being said we did have a fantastic meal last summer at the Topside at the Quarterdeck but a splurge. Go to the many harbours and check out the impressive boats. Free if you don't have to pay for a guest pass. Also a HUGE recommendation, pick up on your first day (maybe at your check in) a REstaurant guide. They have menus of almost every restaurnat on the island as well as specials. I would highly recommend Marleys Ice cream right outisde of the Sea Pines gate. I think HH Ice Cream is not nearly as good as it was before they moved to their current location. Anyone feel free to PM me if you need any more info or ideas. Have a great time at one of our 2 Happy Places!

Thanks for all the info...I tried to find where to get the discount card on celebratehiltonhead.com but couldn't find anything but a $29 fee card to get discounts that were more geared to residents. Do you have a specific link that goes right to the page on the site? TIA!

 

[deezeealum]

sorry about that!!! i have had the card for awhile and never hd to pay for it. TRy this website for some discounts. http://www.placestosavehhi.com/. Also when you pick up your restaurant guide pick up the Places to Go and any other free brochures. THey have numerous disocunts and things to do.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

All this info is making me want to go there this summer! Think I'll look at the HHI disney website. Do they ever have codes or specials?