Will I like HHI?

[Conan the Librarian]

I don't remember everything that I posted, so, I'll have to make this up.
I suppose I should just build a paragraph, save it, and cut and past it when folks ask.

Savannah. It depends on what you are looking for. If you want history, stay in the downtown area. There are many old homes and buildings in the historic district, many have tours. There are the trolley tours also. They are, for the most part, worth the cost, but, you can also get hold of the book "Sojourn in Savannah" that will give you the same information and you can guide yourself. You can get it at most of the shops downtown.

There is good food on the river (we like the River House), but, there are also many places in the area worth trying. Paula Deen's place isn't far from the river, but, be prepared to wait. They recently had a small fire and that slowed things down for a few days. There are also several chain restaurants downtown (Outback, Tony Roma's) in case you aren't too adventureous.

You will also want to visit the Savannah History Museum, Ft Pulaski (about 10 miles east of the city out toward the beach), and even Tybee. Tybee Island, about 13 miles from downtown, is a very nice beach. It's a little more crowded than HH and has more public access. It is not near as elegent as HH in any way. The Lighthouse is climbable, and, across the street is the Tybee Museum and the North Beach Grill.

The North Beach Grill is our 'Cheers'. They know our name and they know what we are going to order (most times anyway). The food is good! The place looks like a dive, but, the guy that runs the place knows food and it always passes the health inspections. It's one of those beach places that you just can't pass up.

That's all off the top of my head. Ask me questions, that will help me guide you better.

Oh, and remember to drive the speed limit in and around Bluffton. The place is a speed trap!

 

[kenics]

I went to HHI for the first time last week.
I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. In fact I LOVE it!
I'm from Oregon, so unfortunately, not an easy place to go.
I kept thinking how lucky those who live closer are to have such a great place to vacation.
In Oregon we have ocean, mountains and desert.
What I loved about HHI was the feeling of having all three in one spot.
I know, no mountains, but the "feel" of the resort and the fishing and kayaking opportunites seemed like it to me. We have a place in the desert called Sun River that reminded me of the biking trails, community feel, and golf experiences that it has, without the dust!
And having the ocean ( a warm ocean, the PNW ocean is COLD) was the icing on the cake.
Like I said, I'm really envious of you that live closer!
Oh, and having Savannah a short drive away even makes it more devine.


Deb

Deb

Deb,

I grew up in Gresham/Troutdale and moved to VA in 2000, now we are in GA. I love love love Oregon, but I sure am enjoying the East Coast. Myrtle Beach, Charleston, HHI, and Savannah are all fabulous. We can drive to Orlando too in a day now. But we keep getting pulled to HHI.


Nic

 

[50 years Too!]

Hey Nic, I know Oregon is beautiful but you know that grass is greener....
Right now it is 10:48 am and 50 degrees! Burr.
Think of that when you miss Oregon.

That would be my dream--to be able to go to HHI, Savannah, WDW, etc for a weekend anytime I wanted. Only thing missing is mountains. My family would miss Hood, but I'm sure they'd get over it!

Deb

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I don't remember everything that I posted, so, I'll have to make this up.
I suppose I should just build a paragraph, save it, and cut and past it when folks ask.

Savannah. It depends on what you are looking for. If you want history, stay in the downtown area. There are many old homes and buildings in the historic district, many have tours. There are the trolley tours also. They are, for the most part, worth the cost, but, you can also get hold of the book "Sojourn in Savannah" that will give you the same information and you can guide yourself. You can get it at most of the shops downtown.

There is good food on the river (we like the River House), but, there are also many places in the area worth trying. Paula Deen's place isn't far from the river, but, be prepared to wait. They recently had a small fire and that slowed things down for a few days. There are also several chain restaurants downtown (Outback, Tony Roma's) in case you aren't too adventureous.

You will also want to visit the Savannah History Museum, Ft Pulaski (about 10 miles east of the city out toward the beach), and even Tybee. Tybee Island, about 13 miles from downtown, is a very nice beach. It's a little more crowded than HH and has more public access. It is not near as elegent as HH in any way. The Lighthouse is climbable, and, across the street is the Tybee Museum and the North Beach Grill.

The North Beach Grill is our 'Cheers'. They know our name and they know what we are going to order (most times anyway). The food is good! The place looks like a dive, but, the guy that runs the place knows food and it always passes the health inspections. It's one of those beach places that you just can't pass up.

That's all off the top of my head. Ask me questions, that will help me guide you better.

Oh, and remember to drive the speed limit in and around Bluffton. The place is a speed trap!

Got it Conan!! Printed and in my "DVC resource" book! You guys are making me real excited now! So glad you all responded!

 

[marvali]

Other than SSR, where we stayed a couple of days when we toured and decided to join DVC, HHIR is the only DVC resort we have vacationed at so far. We went for a weekend in March, and a long weekend in April. We loved it. The only thing we didn't like was the time went way too fast.

I grew up in SC, about 30 miles from Myrtle Beach. The first week of November may be 40s, or it may be 80s. HH is VERY bike friendly. If you like the outdoors and you like to ride bikes, rent them for your whole stay (much cheaper than daily). You can ride them pretty much anywhere. The trails dedicated to cycling are extensive. There are companies that will deliver them to the resort, along with bike helmets if you don't want to go looking.

Shopping and restaurants run the whole gamut. There is an outlet mall on the way in, and shopping mall within about a mile of HHIR.

The thing we liked about the resort is it is very relaxing. When you are there it is like you are in another world away from the hustle and bustle that can be just a short distance away. Try to request one of the villas towards the end of the resort (like building 30 or 31 I think) with a marsh view.

You can just sit out on your balcony and watch the rabbits and squirrels and birds.

They not only have kayak tours, but dolphin tours and nature walks, marsh tours at low tide, and if you are so inclined, you can take a dinner cruise out of the harbor right next to the resort.

And yes, I would suggest if you want to take a day trip, even though Charleston is a beautiful city it is a longer drive than Savannah. There is a lot to do to fill your day either place though.

Relax, you will really enjoy your stay and be glad you went.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Other than SSR, where we stayed a couple of days when we toured and decided to join DVC, HHIR is the only DVC resort we have vacationed at so far. We went for a weekend in March, and a long weekend in April. We loved it. The only thing we didn't like was the time went way too fast.

I grew up in SC, about 30 miles from Myrtle Beach. The first week of November may be 40s, or it may be 80s. HH is VERY bike friendly. If you like the outdoors and you like to ride bikes, rent them for your whole stay (much cheaper than daily). You can ride them pretty much anywhere. The trails dedicated to cycling are extensive. There are companies that will deliver them to the resort, along with bike helmets if you don't want to go looking.

Shopping and restaurants run the whole gamut. There is an outlet mall on the way in, and shopping mall within about a mile of HHIR.

The thing we liked about the resort is it is very relaxing. When you are there it is like you are in another world away from the hustle and bustle that can be just a short distance away. Try to request one of the villas towards the end of the resort (like building 30 or 31 I think) with a marsh view.

You can just sit out on your balcony and watch the rabbits and squirrels and birds.

They not only have kayak tours, but dolphin tours and nature walks, marsh tours at low tide, and if you are so inclined, you can take a dinner cruise out of the harbor right next to the resort.

And yes, I would suggest if you want to take a day trip, even though Charleston is a beautiful city it is a longer drive than Savannah. There is a lot to do to fill your day either place though.

Relax, you will really enjoy your stay and be glad you went.

OMG!!! Did you say a dinner cruise!!! Since we don't know the area, I think Savannah would be better to visit. Does the resort sponser the nature walk? I have the link to book a kayak tour, I think they also do the dolphin tour. http://www.outsidehiltonhead.com/ Thanks for all this info!!

 

[marvali]

OMG!!! Did you say a dinner cruise!!! Since we don't know the area, I think Savannah would be better to visit. Does the resort sponser the nature walk? I have the link to book a kayak tour, I think they also do the dolphin tour. http://www.outsidehiltonhead.com/ Thanks for all this info!!

If you notice on the activities board for one of the days we were there, the Secrets of the Marsh is one of the things they offer at the resort. You can book kayaking and dolphin tours through the resort, or find your own. Same with bikes. My kids all loved the evening of magic, and even went a second time when we went back. And B'Lou Crabbe (the local resort entertainer) can also tell quite a tale. His Ghosts and Legends is very entertaining, even for me who grew up a few miles from him (didn't know him though) and knew a lot of the stories. There are other nature walks and things sponsored by the resort. Just check the activity sheet they give you at check-in.

We just had a great time being a family. I played a lot of horseshoes, shuffleboard, ping pong and basketball with my DSs, which I probably won't have the opportunity to do much longer as they are getting older. We won't get the chance to do much of that when we get to WDW where the parks tend to dominate their interests. It is a totally different, laid-back vacation, which made for some great quality time together.

Oh, and the Family Feud listed on the board has a lot of nature questions about things you will learn on the different tours related to local birds, the dolphins and the turtles that frequent HHI. We hadn't been on the tours when we played, but it was still fun and we knew a lot of it anyway since we are a big scouting/camping family.

The dinner cruise is right next door. I don't think HHIR has anything to do with it directly, but I'm sure they can help you get it scheduled. The CMs are great, friendly and very helpful.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

If you notice on the activities board for one of the days we were there, the Secrets of the Marsh is one of the things they offer at the resort. You can book kayaking and dolphin tours through the resort, or find your own. Same with bikes. My kids all loved the evening of magic, and even went a second time when we went back. And B'Lou Crabbe (the local resort entertainer) can also tell quite a tale. His Ghosts and Legends is very entertaining, even for me who grew up a few miles from him (didn't know him though) and knew a lot of the stories. There are other nature walks and things sponsored by the resort. Just check the activity sheet they give you at check-in.

We just had a great time being a family. I played a lot of horseshoes, shuffleboard, ping pong and basketball with my DSs, which I probably won't have the opportunity to do much longer as they are getting older. We won't get the chance to do much of that when we get to WDW where the parks tend to dominate their interests. It is a totally different, laid-back vacation, which made for some great quality time together.

Oh, and the Family Feud listed on the board has a lot of nature questions about things you will learn on the different tours related to local birds, the dolphins and the turtles that frequent HHI. We hadn't been on the tours when we played, but it was still fun and we knew a lot of it anyway since we are a big scouting/camping family.

The dinner cruise is right next door. I don't think HHIR has anything to do with it directly, but I'm sure they can help you get it scheduled. The CMs are great, friendly and very helpful.

I meant to tell you that your pics look wonderful! Thanks for sharing these...they are truely Kodak moments! I can't wait..thanks again.

 

[kenics]

also I have wanted to try this, but St Patty's day is HUGE in Savannah, I think the 2nd largest parade/celebration in the States. I believe you can take a cruise from HHI over there for the day and have a ride back. I am not sure if it is Disney that offers it, or they just arrange it. But how fun would that be?!?!?

 

[Conan the Librarian]

ST Pats day in Savannah is insane! Be prepared for lots of sloppy drunks and college people. We usually leave town for Parade day (unless I am lucky enough to work that day).

The boat ride from HHI to Savannah would be wonderful though.

 

[PooooohBear]

Just our 2 cents worth...

This past weekend (6/14), we were driving home from WDW to NC and called Member Services from our car to see if there was availability to stay the night in HHIR...40 points later we had a studio booked for that night.

After spending 1 night & morning walking around the resort, the adjacent restaurant/pier area and visiting the Beach for about an hour, DH & I are hooked and have decided to buy in.

We found the resort to be very welcoming, the staff lovely (we spoke to 6 different CM's who could not have been friendlier) and it just had a nice feel to it, which I'm having trouble describing.

We cannot wait to go back.

 

[smjj]

Boy am I glad I found this tread. We are wanting to go to HH in the off season. My wife and I both thought it was on the beach. Just how much trouble is it to get to the bearch from the resort? She really likes the beach and wants to stay there. Could VB be a better choise??..smjj

 

[RobDoc]

Just our 2 cents worth...

This past weekend (6/14), we were driving home from WDW to NC and called Member Services from our car to see if there was availability to stay the night in HHIR...40 points later we had a studio booked for that night.

After spending 1 night & morning walking around the resort, the adjacent restaurant/pier area and visiting the Beach for about an hour, DH & I are hooked and have decided to buy in.

We found the resort to be very welcoming, the staff lovely (we spoke to 6 different CM's who could not have been friendlier) and it just had a nice feel to it, which I'm having trouble describing.

We cannot wait to go back.

Welcome Home! Glad you discovered the "secret" at HH - the staff is collectively the best at any DVC resort and they truly contribute to the ambiance offered by the theming and location for the resort!

Boy am I glad I found this tread. We are wanting to go to HH in the off season. My wife and I both thought it was on the beach. Just how much trouble is it to get to the bearch from the resort? She really likes the beach and wants to stay there. Could VB be a better choise??..smjj

If you really want to be on the beach, VB may be a better choice. However, it is just over a mile from the HH resort to the beach - an easy walk, bike ride, drive or shuttle trip from the resort. IMO, the HH beach is superior to the beach at Vero - it has a nice wide span, with gentle slope and no rip tides to worry about. You can walk for miles in either direction from the Beach House or enjoy a wonderful swim in the surf (from about late May thru mid October).

The resort itself is themed as a 1930's fishing lodge and is located on it's own private island in Broad Creek at HH - a tidal marsh area affected by the tide. We have enjoyed watching Dolphin, sea otters and even manatee in the marsh right from the resort in addition to a wide variety of birds including osprey.

While the resort has no full service restaurant, there are about 6 within walking distance and about 300 others within a 15 minute drive. The resort does have a snack bar near the main pool as well as another (plus a bar) at the Beach House.

If being on the ocean is of great importance to you, then VB may a better option, but we've found the location of the HH resort to be great for other reasons and the beach is still very easily accessible.

Enjoy! You can't go too wrong here since VB is also a great resort.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Just our 2 cents worth...

This past weekend (6/14), we were driving home from WDW to NC and called Member Services from our car to see if there was availability to stay the night in HHIR...40 points later we had a studio booked for that night.

After spending 1 night & morning walking around the resort, the adjacent restaurant/pier area and visiting the Beach for about an hour, DH & I are hooked and have decided to buy in.

We found the resort to be very welcoming, the staff lovely (we spoke to 6 different CM's who could not have been friendlier) and it just had a nice feel to it, which I'm having trouble describing.

We cannot wait to go back.

Wow! You must have been swept off of your feet! Rumor has it that the best CM's are at HHI! Seems like you have corroborated that rumor! I'm hoping I love it as much in November....I'm really looking for a fall getaway!

 

[podsnel]

What a great thread to read 1 week before our 1st trip to HHI!! You have all gotten me even more excited!!! I loved a PP's description of the resort feeling like you are camping, but with lovely accomodations- that is EXACTLY how I imagined it would be!

 

[apulk]

We became members of DVC HHI in 1997 and have gone at least one a year since then. We have never felt like it was an ordeal to get to the beach. Granted we always drive and have our car handy. Also -- not having a restaurant onsite isn't a problem either. I think I read that HHI has something like 254 eateries. Vero has to have one since it is so remote. Also -- I concur, I think the beach is better (unless you are looking for big waves). We joined when our two oldest were very little and the relative calm waters/waves of HHI was very comforting. We have stayed in quite a few seasons -- and each season has a different feel. Summer is great beach time. You can still swim in the heated pools year round but by late October it is starting to get cool (but one time a week before Thanksgiving we found it pretty nice). Went New Years week once and it was "freezing" -- about 50 as a high. The kids still got into the pool a few times but mostly we relaxed, shopped and just hung out together. We generally spend a week in the summer but I don't know I would want to spend a week on HHI in the Winter/early spring -- at DVC or any other place. At least not with kids. Would feel a little too slow I think.

More pictures below if you would like.

http://web.mac.com/apulk/DVC_HHI_Site_/Welcome.html

Andy

 

[BigEeyore]

Great website Andy! Thanks so much for putting that together. It is true that it's hard to find pictures of HHI DVC, so I loved looking at your pictures.
We just booked a long weekend there in September - a last minute thing that we got very lucky on. Can't wait!

 

[tammymacb]

Just our 2 cents worth...

This past weekend (6/14), we were driving home from WDW to NC and called Member Services from our car to see if there was availability to stay the night in HHIR...40 points later we had a studio booked for that night.

After spending 1 night & morning walking around the resort, the adjacent restaurant/pier area and visiting the Beach for about an hour, DH & I are hooked and have decided to buy in.

We found the resort to be very welcoming, the staff lovely (we spoke to 6 different CM's who could not have been friendlier) and it just had a nice feel to it, which I'm having trouble describing.

We cannot wait to go back.

We did the same thing! DH and I went for a quick overnight ( we live 2 hours away ) and fell in love. We added on enough points to stay 4-5 nights high season in a 2 bedroom. Eventually, I may sell off some more BWV points and add more HHI.

The folks at the resort are wonderful. It's relaxing, lovely and so much less stressful than whirling at the parks.

It's my favorite DVC resort.

 

[marynvince]

November is NOT prime time there. It's a little far north.

Now while I will be FLAMED for this I don't really like DVC at HHI. I LOVE HH and am looking at buying a Marriott TS there, but the DVC location just does nothing for me. I want to be CLOSE to the beach not a bus ride away!

Average high begining of Nov is low 70s, end of Nov mid 60s so temp will be Nice. Definitely warmer then up north. I've been to the outer banks over Thanksgiving and it's not bad.

We too are driving distance and really hoped to like this resort. Made our first trip this past June and it was perfect. While you won't want to walk to the beach, it is a quick disney bus or car ride away. Kids wanted to go to the beach everyday and I never found the distance to be bothersome. The resort itself is setup quite nicely, very intimate and private feel. CMs are among the best disney has to offer. Had never been to HHI and was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.

Kayaking was great using Disney, got very close to dolphins.

Carol hates DVC HHI and takes great pleasure in trying to swing people her way.

 

[Flyerfan]

Just our 2 cents worth...

This past weekend (6/14), we were driving home from WDW to NC and called Member Services from our car to see if there was availability to stay the night in HHIR...40 points later we had a studio booked for that night.

After spending 1 night & morning walking around the resort, the adjacent restaurant/pier area and visiting the Beach for about an hour, DH & I are hooked and have decided to buy in.

We found the resort to be very welcoming, the staff lovely (we spoke to 6 different CM's who could not have been friendlier) and it just had a nice feel to it, which I'm having trouble describing.

We cannot wait to go back.

I want to do that. We are driving to WDW in November and usually have an overnight down and back home. We already have our nights booked but I would love to stay at HHI for our overnight on the way down. Only problem is, if I cancel my hotel, it's going to cost us $25 fee. DH will just shake his head because I am the queen of last minute changes. Oh, but I really want to experience the resort. What to do...