Just Back from First Trip to HHI (Long)

[wintergreen]

Quick report on our first trip to Hilton Head this past weekend. We had rescheduled the trip from the last weekend in Sept. b/c of threats from hurricane Jeanne. As a result, had to take a studio instead of a 1BR.

We had a great time. After a flight delay out of Washington, we arrived in Savannah on Saturday at about noon. Got the rental car and drove to HH. Stopped at the Bluffton Diner for lunch. Arrived at HH, and checked in. Had a choice of studios, and opted for one in Bldg. 16 (part of a 2 BR lock-off). Studio was spacious, and comfortable.

We immediately went and rented bikes for the duration of our stay. Biked over to the Beach House, and spent about an hour on the beach. Had to leave quickly, as it started to rain. Our bike ride back to the resort in the pouring rain was actually the highlight of my 2 DS's trip! Went straight to the Big Dipper, and after waiting for about 5 minutes, the pool was reopened (thunder). After a swim, a few trips down the slide (now my favorite DVC slide!), and a quick soak in the hot tub, we headed back to the room to change for dinner. Walked across the bridge and had dinner at Scott's Fish Market. Made it back to the resort in time for B'Lou Crabbe's Magic Show in the Community Hall.

On Sunday, we got up, had a quick breakfast at Tide Me Over, then went on the Pinkney Island Nature Walk with CM Christopher. We were the only one's on this particular excursion, and had a great time. Saw some endangered storks and an alligator. Went back to the resort, changed clothes, and biked back over to the Beach House. Had lunch at Signals, then hung out on the beach for a couple of hours. Finished the visit with a bike ride on the beach (now that's something I've never done before!). Biked back to the resort, and had a quick swim in the pool before heading to the Old Oyster Factory for dinner. We had a table with a lovely view of Broad Creek, and the food was great! Back to the resort for a viewing of one of my favorite Disney movies from childhood "That Darn Cat" with Hayley Mills.

Monday morning we went to The Cracker Barrel for breakfast, then back to the resort to check out. Took the girls for a round of mini golf at the Pirates Adventure (can't remember the exact name). We had gotten coupons for free rounds for the kids at the Old Oyster Factory the night before. After mini golf, we went back to the pool. DH went to Giuseppe's and got us pizza for lunch. We wrapped up the trip with the Dolphin Discovery cruise before heading back to the airport in Savannah.

All-in-all, a great trip, and we can't wait to go back for a longer visit in the future!

 

[Patty3]

Thanks for the trip report. We are also from Northern Virginia and were at HHI in July for the first time. We drove and it took us approximately 8.5 hours with a stop for lunch. I was curious as to what airport and airline you used? How bad were the price of the tickets? I am glad that you had such a great time, we loved it there and would love to go back again next summer!

 

[dis-happy]

Glad you had such a lovely trip!!! We've been going to HH in the summers for 15 years now, and you did all my favorite things! I even love "That Darn Cat"! Hope you get to plan another trip soon.

 

[wintergreen]

Patty3,

We flew out of Dulles and into Savannah on United Express. One of the reasons that we did this trip was that United was having a fare war a few months ago when Independence Air started up. We got the tickets for $138 each. That being said, I was not at all impressed by United Express. Both of our flights were delayed and the new terminal (G) at Dulles for United Express was an absolute zoo! Next time we will try Independence Air, or, if we go for a week, we will probably drive.