HHI Advice from the Experts

[DizDays]

Hi all,

My DH and I are headed to HHI next week (21 JAN) for a week. First time there. What are the must see/must do things you recommend?

What restaurants are worth a visit? (or perhaps should be stayed away from?)
What sights and/or activities should be checked out?
Where might I find good/fun/unique shopping?
What would I regret missing if I don't get there/do that?

Thanks in advance! I love these boards - always a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Cheers!

 

[gracelrm]

Let me start by saying I've never been to HH this time of year. But we've probably been five or six times in October and once in Dec. If the weather is predicted to be nice while you are there, I would definitely suggest renting bikes. The island is great to get around on bikes, with bike lanes all around.
If you are up for a day trip, Savannah is only about 45 minutes away and a fun place to spend the day. Take a trolley ride to get a great tour of the city and then hit some of the high points on your own. Seems like Charleston is about 2 or so hours away and it's nice for a day too. The market in Charleston is nice to visit and the horse & buggy rides around the city are very informative as well.

When we are at HH, we generally spend time at the beach, pool, biking and maybe a dolphin tour or kayaking - those may or may not been what the weather will allow while you are there.

We enjoy eating at The Old Oyster Factory at sunset once per trip. Aunt Chiladas is nice for having a little bit of everything. The resort should give you a restaurant guide at check-in - those are very helpful in deciding where to eat. Also, asking at the store if Gordon is working is a good plan as well.

I hope you have a good trip.

 

[DizDays]

Thanks for the great information. I'm excited and can't wait to check out some of the things you suggested. I appreciate your help.

 

[backyardponder]

We were there for our first time in December. Loved it.

B'Lou Crabbe is their entertainer, a fantastic story teller, singer, and magician. Try to attend as many of his events as possible.

If you have them, bring binoculars. I sat for hours on our balcony watching birds in the marsh.

Our favorite eat out meal was at Dye's Gullah Fixins. You need to call for a reservation since Dye only cooks enough for those coming to eat. Wonderful Gullah food!

Our favorite eat-in meal was the fresh shrimp we bought at a stand just before the bridge. We pan cooked them in butter (don't tell my cardiologist) mixed in with seasoning they sold us.

There's no lack of restaurants in the area. Enjoy!

 

[Simba's Mom]

We're birders, so we spend LOTS of time watching birds there. We're really into nature, so we'd recommend a visit to the two boardwalks at Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, also there's a park at the end of Beach City Road (can't remember the name), and Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a lovely walk. I love eating seafood when we're at HHI, so for resturants I'd recommend Sea Shack, Skull Creek Boathouse, Kenny B's, Salty Dog, and Captain Woody's. For a soup and sandwich type lunch-Main Street Cafe. Bakery-it's gotta be Signe's. Big pancake breakfast-Stack's. Sorry, no recommended shopping-as long as DH controls the car keys, I don't do much shopping!

 

[Conan the Librarian]

The weather here has been very mild, so, plan on a blizzard!
(actually the local forcast is for 70s and 50s, so, it will probably be nice)

If you come over here to Savannah, go to Mrs Wilkes for lunch. Be there early or be prepared to wait.

On HHI, I like One Hot Mama's, Signe's and Pazzo (it's across 278 from the resort...walking distance).

You can always get a good food at the Tide me Over and Signals. If Joyce is cooking, you will get extra good food. Get a burger and onion rings. Slap Your Mama Good! They also have sweet potato fries that are very nice indeed!

If you want to cook out (we like the big grill up by Big Murgie's Den) go to the Fresh Market for your meat. Same prices as most other stores, but, just better meat.

 

[DizDays]

Thanks for the information and ideas - especially for Savannah. I know we'll spend at least a little time there as my DH has some business to do at the college there. THANKS!

 

[sweetinmaine]

Thanks for the great info! We're heading to HHI in May...can't wait!