Going to HHI for first time in less than a month

[emmababy]

We arw making our first trip. How far in advance to make tee times or dining reservations? How do we know which places take dining ressies?

We are thinking of eating at Salty Dog, Sea shack, the Grumpy something and somewhere on Tuesday where the fireworks are.

I want to do a dolphin crusie- any recommended companies and do I need to schedule in advance? We are stayin at Sea Pines.

Any other tips of what do or bring?

 

[Simba's Mom]

We always go off season, and even then, DH makes his tee times at least a month ahead, although it probably isn't necessary. The Grumpy place is Grumpy Grouper. Although the food is good (I loved the scallops) we thought the portions were small when we were there for lunch. Sea Shack and Salty Dog are both regulars for us-don't miss the she crab soup at Salty Dog. I don't know where your DH is going golfing, but DH loved both places across from the resort. Come to think of it, he's played almost everywhere on the island he could, and he hasn't met a course he disliked!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Just got back last night from our 4th trip to HHI, 2nd at Disney's HHI resort. We really love the island! We don't golf, so I can't answer any questions about that. As for dining, many places don't take reservations during the summer season. The Sea Shack is one of those. We went to the Sea Shack on Tuesday evening for the first time. The line was 1-1/2 hour wait. Plus, once you order, there are very few tables. We didn't wait; we went to Marley's instead. The food there was very good! And the frozen sangrita is YUMMY! We also ate at Chef David's Roastfish and Cornbread. This place was started by one of the cooks/owners/whatever from the Sea Shack. The menu is almost identical, but he also adds some organic and vegetarian dishes. We went early, between 4:30-5:00pm and were seated immediately. The wait there can also be 1+hours. It was good, but not spectacular. That's all of the dining out we did this time. We ate in the room more this trip since we took extended family with us. We cooked out at the resort one evening. That was very relaxing.

Beginning next week, they will also have the LowCountry Boil at the Beach House one evening a week. We really enjoyed that two years ago. The food was good and the atmosphere very relaxing. They didn't have it this past week, though.

Have a wonderful time at HHI! The resort is beautiful, the beach is lovely, and the whole place is delightfully relaxing.

 

[jasko5990]

The best wings I've ever had were at One Hot Mama's in 2008. San Miguel's Mexican Cafe, which is very close to the HHI DVC resort, was also very good.

 

[emmababy]

Are there any places that do take dining ressies? We have little ones and can't wait 2 hours to eat......

 

[dis-happy]

Eat early and you won't have any wait. Plus, the bonus, most of the good restaurants have Early Bird Specials between 5 and 6 pm (some only until 5:45 pm, so check the restaurant guide).

 

[emmababy]

Thanks everyone! How do we find out about earlybirds? Are there pamphlets on the island?

Do we need to make ressies before we get there for dolphin cruises?

Any tips for the fireworks on Tuesdays?

 

[Barnum01]

Thanks everyone! How do we find out about earlybirds? Are there pamphlets on the island?

Do we need to make ressies before we get there for dolphin cruises?

Any tips for the fireworks on Tuesdays?

If you are staying in Sea Pines, stop at any of the shopping centers on the way in and most every store has a copy of either "The Island Planner" which is booklet size and another dining magazine which is regular size. Both have discount coupons for dolphin cruises, and the larger one has menus for most of the restaurants on the island, including their early bird specials. You shouldn't need advance reservations for the dolphin cruise, but do so after you get settled in wherever you are staying. There are so many of them that you will have your pick, especially if staying in Sea Pines.

May I recommend Hudson's On the Docks for your seafood dining? Again, it may be a wait, but it is well worth it. The only drawback I can see for you is that it is at the top of the island and Sea Pines is down at the toe.

People start reserving spots for the Tuesday fireworks early in the afternoon. Since you have little ones, I recommend getting to Shelter Cove marina sometime late afternoon, early evening and put your name in at one of the restaurants, we love San Miguel's, but skipped it last year. There are street vendors and arts & crafts for the kids (sand bottles and hair braiding, etc.) Shannon Tanner gives two concerts on Tuesdays that your kids should enjoy.

Also, word to the wise, you will not be able to go into the DVC resort for the Tuesday fireworks as you are not staying there for your trip. They station cast members at the entrance to prevent people from coming into it beginning around 4pm on Tuesday afternoons. Don't lie and say you are staying there because they will have the reservation roster with them. Somebody mentioned the Low Country Boil, but again that is only for guests of the resort.

Finally, RELAX! Hilton Head is NOT Walt Disney World. Slow down and enjoy yourself and don't be so anxious. Yes, it's exciting to go there, but the pace is SOOOOOOOO unlike what you must be used to from WDW.

Hope this helps,
Dan

(p.s. I've been visiting the Island every other summer since 1979, so if you have more questions, feel free to PM me)

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Oops, I was the one who mentioned the Low Country Boil. I didn't read the first post thoroughly enough, and I thought the OP was staying at the Disney resort. My bad.

 

[Barnum01]

Oops, I was the one who mentioned the Low Country Boil. I didn't read the first post thoroughly enough, and I thought the OP was staying at the Disney resort. My bad.

No worries. I just didn't want the OP to get her hopes up for going to the beach house and then find out otherwise when she inquired about it. There are several restaurants on the Island that serve a LCB, however.

 

[MinnieGi]

I'll pipe in about golf tee times. We have been going for the last four summers and never make our tee times until we get down there. Its never a problem as its sooooo hot and humid most days that the golf courses are rarely filled plus there are loads of them.

Yes, with little ones try to do early bird specials as the restaurants do fill up. There are loads of dining books on the island that advertise their specials.

We love HHI, you'll have an awesome time!!