First Trip to HHI. What should I know?

[MapleGirl]

DH and I are going to HHI for restaurant week at the end of January. We've never been before. We're die-hard WDW fans, so I'm a little nervous about doing something so different from what we're used to (we are commando-rope-drop people). It's just the two of us. Any ideas for what we should do/not miss?? We like shopping, eating, nature, going for walks, bird-watching, historic sites and gardens. We're not really into golf or beaches. We really like to walk around and explore.

Here are my thoughts so far:

• 1 day/evening in Savannah (we fly in late Saturday morning... Maybe a ghost tour, brunch at Mrs. Wilkes)
• We love gardens... maybe a nice garden tour?
• Outlet Shopping
• Kayak around the salt marshes (tour?)
• Tour Bluffton and have tea at The Cottage

Any locations/restaurants/activities/tours you'd recommend? Does anyone have a copy of the activities sheet from the resort?

 

[sleepydog25]

Your thoughts about activities seem good. Do keep in mind that the pace of your vacation will be slower; however, that's rather the point about going to HHI. We, too, do rope drops and visit 2-3 parks a day while at WDW. HHI is much calmer, more relaxed. Take time to enjoy the small joys found there.

As for restaurants, here are my recommendations based on our visit to HHI in early July:
1) OMBRA Cucina Rustico- Superb Italian place located five minutes or so away from the Disney resort. We primarily ate seafood while in HHI, but our last night we opted to go for upscale, northern Italian cuisine and loved this place. If it's a special occasion, be sure to let them know. Top recommendation? The Bolognese. Rich, unctuous, and satisfying.
2) Skull Creek Camp - Fresh seafood with an extensive food menu and bar menu, as well. Can get crowded, so best to go a little early.
3) Hudson's Seafood Dock - Their daily specials change as the ships come in. Looks a little dumpy at first glance, but it's actually very clean and has excellent food. The floors are uneven but the food is divine.

There are others, but these stood out to us. Have fun!
P.S. You can get Mickey waffles at the QS!

 

[Sasphnx]

We were there in August and took a 2 hour catamaran tour from the people that run the pau Hana/flying circus tours. It was great. I was also grateful that we went on the marsh-walk activity run thru the recreation desk.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Ok, it will be cool...maybe cold. The pool will be open anyway (heated). There won't be many water tours on HHI, but, it will be quiet. We've stayed there several times in January/February and just loved the slow pace.

Savannah. It will be quiet here too. Mrs Wilkes 5* choice. Very smart.

Do the ghost tour. They are a hoot.

If you can find a copy of Sojourn in Savannah (a tour book of Savannah) get it. It's a great guide.

If you need further touristy info or advice, write me a PM. I run a library here and we do lots of tourist info questions.

 

[rseeb]

I would recommend Scott' Fish Market or San Miquels they are right across the marina and within walking distance plus you get a DVC discount. In addition, in October they have live bands and other events on certain nights.

A good sunset tour to take would be with Capt Mark on the Holiday also across the marina from the resort. A very pleasant cruise and we were lucky to see quite a few dolphins.

There is a Tanger Outlet mall you could visit, plus you could head the opposite way and visit Harbour Town and visit the lighthouse.

 

[jerseygal]

Your thoughts about activities seem good. Do keep in mind that the pace of your vacation will be slower; however, that's rather the point about going to HHI. We, too, do rope drops and visit 2-3 parks a day while at WDW. HHI is much calmer, more relaxed. Take time to enjoy the small joys found there.

As for restaurants, here are my recommendations based on our visit to HHI in early July:
1) OMBRA Cucina Rustico- Superb Italian place located five minutes or so away from the Disney resort. We primarily ate seafood while in HHI, but our last night we opted to go for upscale, northern Italian cuisine and loved this place. If it's a special occasion, be sure to let them know. Top recommendation? The Bolognese. Rich, unctuous, and satisfying.
2) Skull Creek Camp - Fresh seafood with an extensive food menu and bar menu, as well. Can get crowded, so best to go a little early.
3) Hudson's Seafood Dock - Their daily specials change as the ships come in. Looks a little dumpy at first glance, but it's actually very clean and has excellent food. The floors are uneven but the food is divine.

There are others, but these stood out to us. Have fun!
P.S. You can get Mickey waffles at the QS!

Thanks again for the mention of Ombra Cucina! Saw this mentioned in another post and took "note" of it for a future trip! LOVE Italian one night on vaca!

 

[Dean]

DH and I are going to HHI for restaurant week at the end of January. We've never been before. We're die-hard WDW fans, so I'm a little nervous about doing something so different from what we're used to (we are commando-rope-drop people). It's just the two of us. Any ideas for what we should do/not miss?? We like shopping, eating, nature, going for walks, bird-watching, historic sites and gardens. We're not really into golf or beaches. We really like to walk around and explore.

Here are my thoughts so far:

• 1 day/evening in Savannah (we fly in late Saturday morning... Maybe a ghost tour, brunch at Mrs. Wilkes)
• We love gardens... maybe a nice garden tour?
• Outlet Shopping
• Kayak around the salt marshes (tour?)
• Tour Bluffton and have tea at The Cottage

Any locations/restaurants/activities/tours you'd recommend? Does anyone have a copy of the activities sheet from the resort?

Mrs. Wilkes is not open on weekends or holidays. I agree with the ghost tours, we enjoy doing them for the history and lore if nothing else. I'd do a trolley tour just to get an overview. Many of the house museums were on either Groupon or Living Social as well as one of the trolley's. For HH I'd say Sea Shack, Salty Dog, Alexander's, Redfish, Old Oyster Factory, Skull Creek and Wiseguy are the first to come to mind. Not sure about doing water activities in Jan or even if they'll be going on then. HH is a great area for biking and golf as well.