"Gone to Carolina in my mind..."- James Taylor
So far I have written about trips that involve quite a bit of planning, quite a bit of money, and you can't just jump in the car and go. This week I wanted to hit a little bit closer to home, and share with you all why HHI is near and dear to my heart.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is roughly 5 hours away from Raleigh. It is a fabulous island with incredible southern charm. There are endless options in terms of places to stay, restaurants, and activities. What I love about HHI is that you can vacation within your vacation. So what the heck does that mean? If you want to take a day and take in some different scenery, Savannah is a short 45 minute drive away. How cool is that?! Another option, is to hit up Charleston, SC either in your way in or out of the island. Charleston is about 2 hours away from HHI.
So why HHI? Why is this island so special to me? Well, let me tell you...
Will and I started vacationing to HHI with his cousin Hannah and her family back in 2010. I immediately fell in love with the island, in particular the community of Palmetto Bluff. Palmetto Bluff is an extremely exclusive community home to immaculate homes, delicious restaurants, and this sweet little chapel that celebrities have been married at. Will, Hannah, and myself would always take a day and go to Palmetto Bluff, and specifically visit The Chapel. We would take pictures and just simply admire the beauty of the Bluff.
Fast-forward two years to June 11, 2012. It's another typical HHI vacay with Will's family. Will and Hannah let me know that we are going to go to Palmetto Bluff so I get ready. We ride over, camera in tow. As we are walking into The Chapel I jokingly say to Will, "You got a ring in that pocket?!" He ignored me and just kept walking. You see, at this point Will and I had been dating for 5 years. We had looked at rings a few months prior and to be completely honest, I was praying for a Palmetto Bluff proposal.
As we walk into the church, I notice something is different. There had apparently been a wedding the weekend prior, and the chapel was still beautifully decorated with flowers, and a giant wooden cross was hanging in the windows. My breath was taken away. Hannah took control of Will's camera and was snapping candid shots. Will called me over to the front pew and as he takes me by the hands I start to realize that this could be THE moment. Denial immediately sets in because Will is a known pranksters and I can't tell you how many times he fake proposed. As he's giving me his speech, I keep saying, "Will, stop. I know you are playing and it's not funny..." Then he opened the box. My jaw dropped and the camera started flashing! I was engaged! In the Chapel at Palmetto Bluff! Three years ago and I still get excited sharing our story.
So, there is a lot to do in HHI other than getting engaged. Here is a list of my favorite places:
Lodging: Palmetto Dunes- Palmetto Dunes has an huge variety of homes to stay in. There are oceanfront homes as well as homes that are a short walk away from the beach. Bike trails, a golf course, tennis courses, and lagoons available for kayaking, you can't go wrong staying at this resort!
Restaurant: Skull Creek Boathouse- if you are in the mood for some delicious seafood and some killer drinks, with an amazing view, look no further. The outdoor seating at SCB is incredible. Relax right on the water with some crab legs...does it get any better? SCB has an awesome bar called Marker 13 that serves up any and all drinks you can think of. From margaritas, to draft beer, frozen concoctions, and beer cocktails- the selection is endless! Check out their menu here! They also have an awesome selection of t-shirts. I am a tourist t-shirt FREAK! I buy a t-shirt whenever I can! I have 2 from SCB if that tells you how much I like them!
Shopping: Harbour Town- Harbour Town will meet all of your dining and shopping needs! Whether you are looking to do some serious shopping, or just browse for a souvenir, Harbour Town is the place for you! There is also a lighthouse to explore as well as restaurants and lodging!
Ultimate Souvenir Shop: The Salty Dog Cafe T-Shirt Factory- The Salty Dog Cafe is a restaurant and outdoor bar located on Sea Pines Drive in HHI. You have to go to The Salty Dog to get a t-shirt. You MUST! They are super cute and just a HHI staple. Their restaurant serves seafood and you can drink at the outdoor bar. I promise you will love it!
Activities: Biking, fishing, boat tours, kayaking and more! The activities are endless in HHI! Check out this awesome website for all things HHI!
HHI is a great place to get away to for a weekend getaway with your love, or a fun vacation for the whole family! You'll love the charm and hospitality that you can only get in the south!
-Cassie
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is roughly 5 hours away from Raleigh. It is a fabulous island with incredible southern charm. There are endless options in terms of places to stay, restaurants, and activities. What I love about HHI is that you can vacation within your vacation. So what the heck does that mean? If you want to take a day and take in some different scenery, Savannah is a short 45 minute drive away. How cool is that?! Another option, is to hit up Charleston, SC either in your way in or out of the island. Charleston is about 2 hours away from HHI.
So why HHI? Why is this island so special to me? Well, let me tell you...
Will and I started vacationing to HHI with his cousin Hannah and her family back in 2010. I immediately fell in love with the island, in particular the community of Palmetto Bluff. Palmetto Bluff is an extremely exclusive community home to immaculate homes, delicious restaurants, and this sweet little chapel that celebrities have been married at. Will, Hannah, and myself would always take a day and go to Palmetto Bluff, and specifically visit The Chapel. We would take pictures and just simply admire the beauty of the Bluff.
Fast-forward two years to June 11, 2012. It's another typical HHI vacay with Will's family. Will and Hannah let me know that we are going to go to Palmetto Bluff so I get ready. We ride over, camera in tow. As we are walking into The Chapel I jokingly say to Will, "You got a ring in that pocket?!" He ignored me and just kept walking. You see, at this point Will and I had been dating for 5 years. We had looked at rings a few months prior and to be completely honest, I was praying for a Palmetto Bluff proposal.
As we walk into the church, I notice something is different. There had apparently been a wedding the weekend prior, and the chapel was still beautifully decorated with flowers, and a giant wooden cross was hanging in the windows. My breath was taken away. Hannah took control of Will's camera and was snapping candid shots. Will called me over to the front pew and as he takes me by the hands I start to realize that this could be THE moment. Denial immediately sets in because Will is a known pranksters and I can't tell you how many times he fake proposed. As he's giving me his speech, I keep saying, "Will, stop. I know you are playing and it's not funny..." Then he opened the box. My jaw dropped and the camera started flashing! I was engaged! In the Chapel at Palmetto Bluff! Three years ago and I still get excited sharing our story.
So, there is a lot to do in HHI other than getting engaged. Here is a list of my favorite places:
Lodging: Palmetto Dunes- Palmetto Dunes has an huge variety of homes to stay in. There are oceanfront homes as well as homes that are a short walk away from the beach. Bike trails, a golf course, tennis courses, and lagoons available for kayaking, you can't go wrong staying at this resort!
Restaurant: Skull Creek Boathouse- if you are in the mood for some delicious seafood and some killer drinks, with an amazing view, look no further. The outdoor seating at SCB is incredible. Relax right on the water with some crab legs...does it get any better? SCB has an awesome bar called Marker 13 that serves up any and all drinks you can think of. From margaritas, to draft beer, frozen concoctions, and beer cocktails- the selection is endless! Check out their menu here! They also have an awesome selection of t-shirts. I am a tourist t-shirt FREAK! I buy a t-shirt whenever I can! I have 2 from SCB if that tells you how much I like them!
Shopping: Harbour Town- Harbour Town will meet all of your dining and shopping needs! Whether you are looking to do some serious shopping, or just browse for a souvenir, Harbour Town is the place for you! There is also a lighthouse to explore as well as restaurants and lodging!
Ultimate Souvenir Shop: The Salty Dog Cafe T-Shirt Factory- The Salty Dog Cafe is a restaurant and outdoor bar located on Sea Pines Drive in HHI. You have to go to The Salty Dog to get a t-shirt. You MUST! They are super cute and just a HHI staple. Their restaurant serves seafood and you can drink at the outdoor bar. I promise you will love it!
Activities: Biking, fishing, boat tours, kayaking and more! The activities are endless in HHI! Check out this awesome website for all things HHI!
HHI is a great place to get away to for a weekend getaway with your love, or a fun vacation for the whole family! You'll love the charm and hospitality that you can only get in the south!
-Cassie
The Chapel at Palmetto Bluff where Will proposed!