HHI Trip Report, July 27- Aug 2, 2008

[karajeboo]

Say it ain't so! Last day already??? I've enjoyed your report!!!

 

[podsnel]

Hi. My family just got back from HHI Saturday. We did a dolphin cruise also and got to meet Nick. WE actually were allowed to get out of our boat and just watch him all we wanted. Nick acts like he once lived at Sea World. He was so cool to watch. I've enjoyed reading your report, the pictures make me sad to be home. HHI has to be one of my favorite places.

Cool! Where did you get out of the boat? On a dock, or were you in the water with him?

Say it ain't so! Last day already??? I've enjoyed your report!!!

Thanks, Kara! Hope you're staying safe down there, but it sounds like you're prepared, what with all the beer and flashlights you bought!
I hate writing the end of the TR, that's why I've been dragging my heels about it...

 

[podsnel]

Time to get up and out, the morning came too fast (it also came too fast because we stayed up just a little late, and drank just a little bit of wine! We packed up our cars, and took our first photo on everyone's favorite tree-

And then, finally got DN3 in (he REALLY did NOT want to sit on that branch!!!)

For those who don't know, this tree is a frequent stop for family photos- many families have years worth of family pics on this tree (learned this on my DVC Geek tour) and we took these with the hope we would be doing the same.

So, hugs and kisses all around, DBil et al packed into their car and waved good-bye, leaving to spend a day and night in Charleston and then heading on to a dear friend's house in Viginia for an overnight before making it home to Ohio on Sunday or Monday. We, however, had plans to hang at HHIR for the day before starting our drive. The boys were very happy to get some more playtime in the pool and on the slide, while I ran around for some last photos of the resort-
Here are the activity boards:

DS11 acting like DS2 in the baby pool-

My boys played a game they play off the diving board at home, only with a waterslide twist- catch that ball!!

More in the next post-

 

[podsnel]

I felt the need to do a little shopping at this point, and I went back into the BCM to get a sparkly DHHIR shirt for myself as well as about 7 bags of Sugar free Goofy candy gummies for DS14 at home (he loves these, and they help him to pop his ears when we're doing HBOT), some pirate patches and earrings for our cruise in November,Christmas DVC ornaments (woo-hoo, on sale!) and 2 Mickey wine glasses which I had REALLY wanted on my trip to WDW in May (my DGF got some then) but was afraid to carry on the plane. That's the great thing about driving- you can pack the car with all KINDS of souvenirs!!! But the one thing I had been asking about all week, that they still didn't have, was a HHI pin. But, no worries! The CM wrote down my info and said they'd send me one at home when the pins came in!! Yay helpful CM!!! I also got a nice shirt for my cousin Sheree. But I didn't really see anything for Henry, so took a stroll over to Shelter Cove.

I did some window shopping, and then purchased some foodie stuff for Henry in a cute little store. It was very quiet over there in Shelter Cove! Back across the bridge to DHHIR, time was growing short, so I zipped around taking some last minute pics-

By the way, the reason these are fakes is because topiaries don't do well on HHI, they tried and they died, so now it's this (more fascinating facts from the DVC Geek tour! )-

Big Murgie's Den:

For those who haven't been in awhile, the hammocks are all new as of June-

I'll finish up in the next post....

 

[tarheel]

To answer your question about seeing the dolphin named Nick, we followed in the fishing boat that Nick likes to follow everyday. Our boat just docked across from that boat and we got out and watched. We weren't in the water. I think our "captain" likes to have tours during that time because it kills lots of time and is a sure crowd pleaser!

 

[podsnel]

To answer your question about seeing the dolphin named Nick, we followed in the fishing boat that Nick likes to follow everyday. Our boat just docked across from that boat and we got out and watched. We weren't in the water. I think our "captain" likes to have tours during that time because it kills lots of time and is a sure crowd pleaser!

Way to go Capt. Tarheel!!! Yes, a BIG crowdpleaser!!! How can you not love Nick?

 

[marvali]

Enjoyed reading your report and the pics. We spent some time at HHIR this past spring and really loved it. DW and I are returning for a weekend in September to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. DW loves the ocean and the beach, and since we loved the resort we decided that was the place we wanted to go, get away, relax and spend some quiet time together.

Since it will just be the two of us and we don't have to go to a kid friendly place, any suggestions for a nice romantic dinner while we are there? DW loves seafood, especially shrimp. We won't get there until late evening on Friday, so Saturday night will be our only chance for this type meal, so I want to make the best of it! Other than that, we will probably be spending a whole lot of time down at the beach house sunning and playing in the ocean.

 

[podsnel]

Enjoyed reading your report and the pics. We spent some time at HHIR this past spring and really loved it. DW and I are returning for a weekend in September to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. DW loves the ocean and the beach, and since we loved the resort we decided that was the place we wanted to go, get away, relax and spend some quiet time together.

Since it will just be the two of us and we don't have to go to a kid friendly place, any suggestions for a nice romantic dinner while we are there? DW loves seafood, especially shrimp. We won't get there until late evening on Friday, so Saturday night will be our only chance for this type meal, so I want to make the best of it! Other than that, we will probably be spending a whole lot of time down at the beach house sunning and playing in the ocean.

I have the MOST limited amount of knowledge about restaurants in HHI, but if it were me with my DH on an anniversary dinner, I think the Old Fort Pub looks pretty romantic from what i have seen written on these boards and on foodie sites- here's a review I found:
OLD FORT PUB
HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
681-2386

Old Fort Pub is arguably the most elegant restaurant on Hilton Head. While ranking in the upper echelon as far as cuisine, it certainly exudes the class and creativity of all the Lowrey Group restaurants. If you don't order wine anywhere else, at least do so here, as the wine list is a perennial award winner, this year being recognized with the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

The “Pub” features some of the best Continentally inspired food on the Island, and is always blessed with a top chef – something the Lowrey group achieves on an amazingly regular basis. As with so many restaurants on Hilton Head, seafood is important here, but there is something about the classic and cozy atmosphere that seems to make us want to search out some of the other dishes and enjoy a big bottle of red wine. However, should you desire lighter food and lighter wine, it is there for you as well. If any problem exists, some servers can be a touch too slow. Nevertheless, Old Fort is consistently in our top 10 for the Island.
Food Rating: A- Overall Rating: A- with some servers, B+ with others

Can any Dis experts out there back up this review, or offer something more romantic and delicious?

 

[Let'sGoAgain!]

Old Fort Pub IS a great restaurant for a special dinner.

A few other suggestions are:

Alexanders (in Palmetto Dunes, on the way to the beach house)

Charlie's E'toile Verte (haven't been there yet, but seriously considering it for DH's birthday in September).

Charley's Crab (near Hudson's on the north end)

Sunset Grille (recommended by locals)


I know it will be one of the above for the birthday dinner, just not sure which one yet.

 

[podsnel]

Old Fort Pub IS a great restaurant for a special dinner.

A few other suggestions are:

Alexanders (in Palmetto Dunes, on the way to the beach house)

Charlie's E'toile Verte (haven't been there yet, but seriously considering it for DH's birthday in September).

Charley's Crab (near Hudson's on the north end)

Sunset Grille (recommended by locals)


I know it will be one of the above for the birthday dinner, just not sure which one yet.

ooh- Charley's Crab- when we went to Hudson's and they told us the wait was about 2 hours, I made DH and DBil go over to Charley's Crab to see about the wait....they came back and just said, "We can't eat there". I wonder why?????

 

[podsnel]

Guess who I just met at a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway?

CAMMIE!!!! How cool is THAT?! Please notice the sign behind us! Also, I'm laughing because she just said, "We are SOOOOO disGeeks!!!"

Well, I guess we are!

Very nice, very fun, Dis GEEKS!!!! Thanks for meeting me, Cammie- I LOVED obsessing over WDW with you at a freakin' REST STOP on the parkway!! Can't wait to do it again in November at WDW with more of our Geeks!!!

 

[TigerKat]

Ellen & Cammie - So cool you two hooked up!! I must say I'm a bit disappointed that there is no alcohol in either of your hands, but you're both excused if you were driving. I can't wait to meet y'all in November. Geeks we are and proud of it!

 

[Camster0307]

Holy cow, woman! You're quick - can't believe you've posted a pic already!

Ellen was such a doll and drove up the parkway to spend an hour with me before my drive back to Mass. - thanks Ellen! And your boys are adorable!

And I'm happy to say that we can both vouch for each other in saying that we're not "creepy internet freaks" - just normal moms who enjoy a passion for Disney!

Kathy - Nope, no drinks. I'll save that for our meet in Nov.! But, seriously, I may have to try to put more time aside; I can't believe Ellen and I talked for an hour! How am I going to tear myself away at the ESPN Club when we meet again?

 

[TigerKat]

Kathy - Nope, no drinks. I'll save that for our meet in Nov.! But, seriously, I may have to try to put more time aside; I can't believe Ellen and I talked for an hour! How am I going to tear myself away at the ESPN Club when we meet again?

Hopefully we can arrange to spend more time together, I can't wait!

 

[podsnel]

Cammie, that hour FLEW by, I could have sat there chatting it up and laughing with you all day!!! We are all going to have alot of fun in Nov- hope we can work out some more time together, Kat!!

 

[TigerKat]

Cammie, that hour FLEW by, I could have sat there chatting it up and laughing with you all day!!! We are all going to have alot of fun in Nov- hope we can work out some more time together, Kat!!

Aren't you leaving the day I get there?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Hey Ladies! Wow, what a great DIS meet...even for an hour! Doesn't it seem like you can never be at a loss for words with a DIS friend?

I can't wait to meet everyone in Nov...even if I'll be drinking virgins... See my signature...

 

[podsnel]

Hey Ladies! Wow, what a great DIS meet...even for an hour! Doesn't it seem like you can never be at a loss for words with a DIS friend?

I can't wait to meet everyone in Nov...even if I'll be drinking virgins... See my signature...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

That's WONDERFUL news!!!

When is baby 2 due?

Wow- you may be drinking virgins, but, you'll be able to eat EVERYTHING at F & W- and THAT will be fabulous!!!!

Kat- we fly out on Sunday night-
E

 

[Camster0307]

Hey Ladies! Wow, what a great DIS meet...even for an hour! Doesn't it seem like you can never be at a loss for words with a DIS friend?

I can't wait to meet everyone in Nov...even if I'll be drinking virgins... See my signature...

OMG! THAT IS SOOOOO WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Judique]

Old Fort Pub IS a great restaurant for a special dinner.

A few other suggestions are:

Alexanders (in Palmetto Dunes, on the way to the beach house)

Charlie's E'toile Verte (haven't been there yet, but seriously considering it for DH's birthday in September).

Charley's Crab (near Hudson's on the north end)

Sunset Grille (recommended by locals)


I know it will be one of the above for the birthday dinner, just not sure which one yet.

I've been to all of these and I like Sunset Grille the best. We've been to SG 5 times now and have always had excellent food. Gordon recommended it a few years ago.

Edited to add: I did NOT like Etoile Verte.