November at Hilton Head Island

Searching for a little Salt Water Therapy!

Check out Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island has been ranked the #1 Island in the US by readers of Travel & Leisure Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler for the past several years and even ranked #2 Island in the world by readers of Travel and Leisure in 2017. With 12 miles of sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, from South Folly Field beach, Forest Beach to Driessen and every beach in between. http://hiltonheadisland.org

The perfect weekend getaway

We didn’t arrive until after sunset which was a disappointment, and didn’t make it up for the sunrise. However we did enjoy a walk on the beach that morning to soak in a little salt water therapy. Being the off season and pretty cold there were very few people on the beach, and we had it pretty much to ourselves. It was a very quiet relaxing walk on a beautiful white sand beach with only the sounds of birds, waves and of course me talking Ronnie’s ear off. Just what we needed.

We found a a great hotel located a short walk across the street to the beach, the rooms were comfortable and the staff was outstanding. They was friendly, helpful, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the area. They gave us great recommendations on dining, sightseeing and getting around. I definitely recommend it for an overnight, weekend or longer. We used our IHG one Rewards points at the Holiday Inn express Hilton Head. What a great way to earn free nights while traveling. Sign up at http://ihg.com you will be glad you did.

The hotel is located just a short walk across the street.

Preservation of the Endangered Turtles

This is a big part of Hilton Head Island along the beach are areas marked off for the turtle nesting, and signs like the one above educating people on how we can protect the sea turtles nesting grounds. I have seen baby turtles hatch out on Melbourne beach in Florida. It is an awesome sight watching the tiny turtles making their way to the sea. It’s amazing that they instinctively know what to do when they hatch. If you ever get the chance to witness this you will never forget it.

Every year between May and October, sea turtles visit the beaches of Hilton Head Island to lay their eggs. In 2022, 423 nests were laid on these pristine beaches. There are two volunteer organizations, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island and Turtle Trackers, who work hard every morning and evening during nesting season to protect sea turtle nests and ensure the hatchlings can make a safe journey from the beach to their ocean home. Follow the attached link to learn how you can help preserve these endangered turtles, http://hiltonheadisland.org

Harbour Town Marina and Lighthouse

We spent the afternoon checking out Houbour Town Marina and Sea Pines. Most of the boat trips were closed for the season. The Lighthouse was open but we decided not to take the 144 steps to the top. I know we missed out on that, however the pier had magnificent views of Calibogue Sound.

Day passes to enter Sea Pines Plantation are $9 (cash only) or complimentary for guests of The Sea Pines Resort. Many establishments will offer a credit for the fee with a minimum purchase. Parking is a challenge even during the off season.

When visiting Hilton Head a trip to The Harbour Town Marina is a must. Offering visitors a variety of options from shopping, dining, entertainment, watersports, fishing charters, sightseeing cruises, and a covered pier. The Coastal Discovery Museum features heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens. The Harbour Town Light house standing at 90-foot, with its red-and-white striped tower is the visual centerpiece of the popular Sea Pines. Its light flashes white every two and a half seconds and helps mark the Inland Waterway and Calibogue Sound. If you are up to it you can climb the 144 steps to the top you will walk through a museum like setting where you will learn about Hilton Heads rich history. Between the island and mainland, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh hosts deer, alligators and birds.― Google http://hiltonheadisland.org

Here are a few of the Highlights of Harbour Town:

Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground

140 Lighthouse Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.785.3333

Pirates of Hilton Head

149 Lighthouse Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.363.7000 

Vagabond Cruise

149 Lighthouse Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.363.9026 

Liberty Oak

147 Lighthouse Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town

7 Lighthouse Ln.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.785.3333 

Evening at Simmons Fish Camp

Finishing out our weekend we enjoyed dinner that evening at Simmons Fish Camp. The fish camp has a unique history that you can read about on their menu. They have indoor and outdoor dining we chose to dine outside overlooking the water. A very romantic setting on the back deck with twinkle lights, a fire place, couch seating, a bar, and a band. We listened to the band play while we enjoyed a nice glass of Pinot Grigio.

We began our meal with a delicious lobster bisque and then feasted on the shellfish tower filled with six each of three different oysters, Blue Point, James River, and their featured oysters. Which were Local May River Oysters and a dozen shrimp. What a lovely evening spend with my love. http://fishcamphhi.com

Hope you enjoyed our weekend as much as we did. If you get a chance please visit Hilton Head Island for yourself. There is plenty to do and enjoy as a couple or bring the entire family.

Be sure to check out more travels on our blog. http://backroadsoflife.com

Ron and Lynn