Hilton Head in November

[Bethislucy]

What should I expect at Hilton Head in November we are looking at the weekend of Nov 14. For just a weekend gateway. We've never been to the resort at all so everything will be new in fact we've only been to Hilton head once for few hours as we were passing through. Will they be decorated for Christmas that early. What type of Disney merchandise do they sell. Best tips any of that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Let's see, we go to HHI resort every November so what can you expect? Not much-like not much traffic, not much of any wait (if any) at restaurants, etc. And as far as being decorated for Christmas, who knows. We've been going every November for about 7 years (our 8th this November). It used to be that when we checked out, the day after Thanksgiving, the resort Christmas decorations were being brought in and put up. A few years ago, we showed up to a fully decorated resort the week before Thanksgiving. Then we started hearing the Christmas music. It seems to move back every year. The resort has a Facebook page, if you use Facebook, with some real nice people and some super CMs (but then, I think they're all super CMs at HHI), so you could ask them. The gift shop (Mercantile) isn't too big, but they have a small selection of Disney souvenirs. Also, look for sales there! I've gotten more DVC sale items at the HHI Mercantile than at WDW. A few years ago, they were changing the DVC logo and I got a nice DVC jacket, regularly $80, for $40. If you want a restaurant recommendation, Gordon in the Mercantile is a chef and really knows his food. We haven't asked Mike the pool guy, but I hear he's a great source for recommendations also. Of course, like others, you'll have to endure a few of my HHI resort Christmas photos.









All these pictures were taken in late November.

 

[Bethislucy]

Thank you!!! I will look up the facebook page. I like the not much part lol I'm really looking forward to just relaxing. Thank you again.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Lovely!

 

[Bethislucy]

I have one more question. Is pool bar open or anything like that? We aren't big drinkers but on vacation I like to have at least one fruity something another

 

[Sasphnx]

I have one more question. Is pool bar open or anything like that? We aren't big drinkers but on vacation I like to have at least one fruity something another

Hi. When we were there in August, I was able to buy a fruity something drink with alcohol in it from the food window near the community hall. As well, the little store beside it sells some small bottled drinks and beer (I think) and offered plastic cups for one to pour them into if you were headed to the pool.

 

[MarkyMouse]

I don't know if this interests you or not but we swim when we go in November and December. The pool is heated and feels great. It is also a wonderful time to enjoy the hot tub! The campfires are wonderful too. The island is much quieter in general with restaurants being much less busy! Great time for fresh oysters as well! I can't wait to get there for Thanksgiving!!!

 

[Funky Chicken]

I am just back from our first stay at HH (3 nights this past weekend)). Resort was at 100% capacity but it never felt that way-we were the ONLY family at the beach house pool until 10:30 AM all three mornings.
Possibly the nicest stretch of weather I have ever experienced on a weekend getaway-air temps in the low 80s, pools heated to 87 according to Mike at the pool, cloudless, dry air, just perfect.
Easy walk to restaurants in Shelter Cove Harbour-San Miguel's was really good as was La Fontana.
We LOVED HH. After one visit it has become our go-to for long weekends. It's a one tank of gas drive for us each way. Can't wait to return!

 

[TIMLEO007]

We went in April this year and already scheduled to return weekend before Christmas, rained every day in April and we still had a great time. TO us it feels like a "summer camp" type environment where everyone can do their own thing and no worries. Just let the kids go off, they will find something to keep themselves occupied, no matter what the age.

Any ideas on a family dinner for 8 near Christmas? Something not over the top expensive?

 

[jerseygal]

I am just back from our first stay at HH (3 nights this past weekend)). Resort was at 100% capacity but it never felt that way-we were the ONLY family at the beach house pool until 10:30 AM all three mornings.
Possibly the nicest stretch of weather I have ever experienced on a weekend getaway-air temps in the low 80s, pools heated to 87 according to Mike at the pool, cloudless, dry air, just perfect.
Easy walk to restaurants in Shelter Cove Harbour-San Miguel's was really good as was La Fontana.
We LOVED HH. After one visit it has become our go-to for long weekends. It's a one tank of gas drive for us each way. Can't wait to return!

Sounds GREAT! Hoping to get a 7 month reservation first week ok June.. Looks SO NICE!

 

[Bethislucy]

I don't know if this interests you or not but we swim when we go in November and December. The pool is heated and feels great. It is also a wonderful time to enjoy the hot tub! The campfires are wonderful too. The island is much quieter in general with restaurants being much less busy! Great time for fresh oysters as well! I can't wait to get there for Thanksgiving!!!

We will probably swim & hit the hot tub. It's a girls relaxing weekend so that sounds great.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We will probably swim & hit the hot tub. It's a girls relaxing weekend so that sounds great.

Um, good luck with that! Although we've had "hot tub" years, weather-wise, I can also clearly remember the year we got there to freezing (literally-it was 32 degrees and icy) temps. I still tease DH because it was so cold, he even cancelled his planned golf one day, and DH LOVES golf. I'm at work now, where photobucket's blocked, but later I'll post some photos.

Hope against this-



That's steam rising from the heated pool.

 

[Bethislucy]

you must have hit South Carolina on a rare year. I live just 3 hours away and we don't normally get that cold till mid dec.

 

[lsutigger2]

We will be arriving Nov 12 for a weeks stay. I am so excited This will be our sixth stay!

So all of this is great information for us. In 2010 we arrived the day after Christmas and it was snowing! The resort was very festive. Several of the villas had Christmas decorations on the porches. DH also had to wait to play golf until tlhe greens had defrosted!

I hope everyone enjoys their stay!

 

[Bethislucy]

We will be arriving Nov 12 for a weeks stay. I am so excited This will be our sixth stay!

So all of this is great information for us. In 2010 we arrived the day after Christmas and it was snowing! The resort was very festive. Several of the villas had Christmas decorations on the porches. DH also had to wait to play golf until tlhe greens had defrosted!

I hope everyone enjoys their stay!

We are checking in Nov 13th

 

[Simba's Mom]

Darn-it seems like several people who are going are getting out before we get there. We don't arrive until November 24th, but are staying until December 3rd.

 

[MrsM]

Is there anything special that goes on over Thanksgiving at Hilton Head? We've always gone to WDW over Thanksgiving but we're thinking we'll skip next year to save the money on tickets and dining. Hilton Head seems like a more affordable option and still a chance to get away but I'm afraid my 4 kids would bored silly since when we visit during the summer they spend 90% of their time in the pool and beach!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Is there anything special that goes on over Thanksgiving at Hilton Head? We've always gone to WDW over Thanksgiving but we're thinking we'll skip next year to save the money on tickets and dining. Hilton Head seems like a more affordable option and still a chance to get away but I'm afraid my 4 kids would bored silly since when we visit during the summer they spend 90% of their time in the pool and beach!

Yes, there are several things, but since we tend to be "just sit and read/rest, or take a stroll to enjoy the weather and scenery"types, someone else may be able to tell you more. I know that on Thanksgiving afternoon, there's the traditional "Turkey Bowl", tag football game, at the Beach. CMs participate. What's cool is that, usually on Wednesday afternoon, there's an activity in community hall where you make your t-shirts to identify which team your on (I don't remember the exact team names, but they're "Thanksgiving-y, like Turkey and Gravy? I think there's also a community hall activity earlier in the week where you can make a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. And in the past, the resort has offered a precooked Thanksgiving dinner delivered to your villa. There's also some "Golden Turkey" hunt on Thanksgiving day, where the people who choose to participate follow clues to find the turkey and whoever finds it gets some prize (we've never won, so I don't know the prize). I know a family here who've gone to HHI for about 13 Thanksgivings and participated in things. Yoo, hoo! Kristen-can you help?

 

[ajwolfe]

This thread has me super excited about our trip next year. Ready to try something new and this sounds like the ticket!! Keep the info coming.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Temps here have been running a little on the cool side the last few weeks, specially when we had that 3 week run of rain. It rained every day, almost all day long, for 3 weeks.

Lately, we have been having warm days and cool nights. We usually sleep with the windows open and aren't freezing when we wake up. Today the high was in the low 70s and it will be in the low 50s tonight.

The attached is a Shutterfly album of a Thanksgiving stay in 2007. Lots of family, but, also, lots of photos of the resort and the island.

King Neptune is still there and I am sure he will have his beard again this year.

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/r...c77662c6996276141d224b0f78&sid=0IZuGTRuxasWVW

(I know it's a lot of photos, but, view and enjoy!)