Hilton Head In January

[sandygirl]

We will be using points to visit Hilton Head this January over the MLK long weekend. We haven't been there since we joined DVC in Fall 2001.

What is there to do at this time of year? Any suggestions?

We plan a day in Savannah GA. Other than that I don't know what we are doing besides spending quality restful time as a family together.

Darlene

 

[RobDoc]

Depending on what your personal wants may be, there is still of lot to do in January at HH. Weather will range from 40's to 70's - so swimming (in the heated pool) will still be an option. The beach will still be there - even if the ocean is too cool to swim - so long walks are a very good option. There are miles of bike trails and the beach sand is great too for bike rides. Golf and tennis can be enjoyed throughout the year.

There are lots of dining options and many of the shops, boutiques and outlet stores are open thru the winter. There are many galleries on the island to enjoy as well as museums and historical locations. Horseback rides are also available at nearby Lawton Stables at Sea Pines.

Many of the water related activities can still be enjoyed - fishing, shelling, nature walks, crabbing, Dolphin tours and canoeing can all be arranged thru the recreational staff at the resort.

One other activity very important both at HH and at the resort in particular (and very often overlooked by many) is relaxing. I tend to enjoy taking a book, sitting on the balcony and trying to read while watching the osprey, dolphin, manatee and sea otters in the marsh - unless I doze off first.

Have a great trip - I know you'll find plenty to fill your days.

 

[dis-happy]

It's in the 70's today, so you never know!

Definitely rent bikes for touring around. Also a nature walk through the Discovery Museum would be fun for your family. Get crab nets and go crabbing from the dock. Take long walks on the beach. Another option to consider is horse back riding. Don't forget to visit Harbour Town, play on the playground and climb the lighthouse for the fabulous view. You're sure to have a good time. If it rains you can watch or rent a movie, go bowling, or check out one of the gourmet ice cream places.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Could someone elaborate, please, on crabbing? Where do you get the crab nets? And where exactly do you crab? Do you go out the wooden pier by Community Hall? If you can rent the stuff you need, how much does it cost? And do you just throw the crabs back? And last time, we saw a few people fishing from that pier. Can you rent fishing equipment (including bait) at the recreation window? If so, do you know how much? It might be a fun thing to do for a while.

 

[RobDoc]

You can purchase a crab net at the resort (not sure if they rent them). Bait is usually chicken necks (easily available (and very cheap) at the nearby grocery store, but lots of other things will work. You can crab right off the resort pier behind Community Hall and you can enjoy the crabs you catch - the resort can even advise how to prepare them!

As for fishing, I don't think the resort rents any gear - but they can arrange a charter. We have enjoyed fishing trips in Broad Creek that past several trips and have caught Red Fish, Spanish Mackeral, Jacque and a wide variety of sharks and rays. Most are catch and release unless they are of specific legal size - the 50" Red Fish was tto large to keep, the Spanish Mackeral was legal (and delicious).

I think you could find some inexpensive gear at the nearby Walmart and fish off the pier or beach (not sure what success you'd find, but that's not always important when fishing ).

The recreation staff can suggest these and many other activities of interest for guests of all ages.

Enjoy!

 

[dis-happy]

You can go to Wal-Mart and buy a crab net and string for about $5. At times you can pick up bait there as well (there's a freezer in the fishing/sports dept. near the nets), but I usually buy them cheap at Publix. Attach the chicken to the hook and lower the net into the water (off the pier or dock). You want the net to lay flat on the bottom. Wait a few minutes (5-10 minutes) then raise it up from the string quickly. Usually you'll find some blue crabs or hermit crabs trapped inside. If you bring a bucket and tongs you can hold them and let the kids look at them before setting them free.

Nature lesson: Look at the bottoms of the blue crabs. If the shape is the Washington Monument it is a boy crab, if it looks like the Capitol Building it is a female. Sometimes you'll see females with egg sacs attached----these must be released by law. If the crabs are big enough you can take them home and steam them---we've done this a couple of times but don't find the effort really worth it.

Fun thing when setting them free: place them on the dock and watch them scurry into the water.

Final thought: when crabbing bring wet wipes to clean the raw chicken off of your hands.

 

[sandygirl]

WOW! Great suggestions everyone. I know we will do some relaxing but I like the idea of crabbing and exploring, too.

Thanks!
Darlene

 

[3DisneyKids]

Great! Looking forward to an HHI trip...