In November of 2013, my in-laws purchased a home in Long Cove Club on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Kevin and I joke with my father-in-law (Rich), that we really appreciate him buying us a beach house! We love visiting Hilton Head every few months to experience “The Salt Life,” so I wanted to give you all some tips and suggestions if you ever visit!
The locals will tell you that they avoid going out, pretty much anywhere, during the weekends in peak season (Memorial Day – Labor Day) since the island is so crowded. Most people have to drive into Hilton Head Island (HHI) because the airport is teeny-tiny and only a flight or two come in a day. Therefore, traffic can be a bit of a problem, ESPECIALLY on Saturdays which is when most travelers check-in and check-out. Even with the traffic, summers in HHI are a party and incredibly fun! There are many bars, restaurants, golf courses, and seasonal activities to check out. However, going to Hilton Head in the off-season is delightful as well. You may not be able to sun bathe, but year-round the weather is generally cooperative enough to take a walk along the beach any time, and you avoid the crowds. Plus hotels are much more affordable in the off-season AND the weather isn’t as humid.
We have been to Hilton Head several times now, but going for the 4th of July was special this year. Rich has really adjusted to island-life. He has a social calendar that is hard to keep up with these days! For the 3rd and 4th, we were part of Rich’s entourage and did some bar and party hopping. One of our favorite watering holes in HHI is the Tiki Hut. This bar is right on the beach, and is open during the day and at night. It is tucked away at the Hilton Head Holiday Inn, but even if you are not staying there, the Tiki Hut is open to the public. If you are interested in staying at a hotel in HHI, I might consider this one if you are looking for a good time. A lot of fun events go on in this part of the island! Since it is peak season in July, the Tiki Hut hosts concerts on the beach at night. It was a lot of fun to go have a drink and listen to some fun dance music! We also enjoy going to the Tiki Hut during the day to have a Strawberry Daiquiri and watch (or play) corn hole and beach volleyball or just sit on the beach!
The reason this 4th of July was special was because I attended my very first Low-Country Boil! Basically, this is South Carolina’s version of a New England clambake – not that I’ve ever done that either. I’m from the Midwest, we grill brats and burgers for the 4th of July…
ANYWAY, one of Rich’s friends invited our family (Rich, my sister-in-law and her fiance, and my husband) to join in on his annual tradition. The “boil” part consists of shrimp, crab legs, sausage, corn and potatoes. The hosts spread big newspaper on several tables in the house (it was raining so outside didn’t work) and everyone just grabbed a beer, butter, and some paper towels and dove right in! What fun!
Fireworks for 4th of July on the island were really great, as well! We attended another party hosted by Rich’s friends who had a fantastic outdoor view of Shelter Cove and the fireworks set off from the barge! I felt so southern this weekend, and I can’t wait for more fun in Hilton Head next time!
All Our Bags Are Packed 