Hi all~we are arriving in 2 weeks YAAA!! excited as this is our first trip to the DHHIR ( 5 of us are going) however I am feeling overwhelmed! Couple questions I hope someone can answer~I need some good restaurant ideas, which grocery stores are close by, do you rent a bike and ride it to the beach or just take the shuttle, and what activities do they offer at the resort?
Grocery stores: A huge Kroger is in the neighboring Shelter Cove Town Centre--you can drive there in two minutes, bike it in five, or walk it in about 12-15. On the far side of the town center, there is a Whole Foods. Five minutes away via car, you can hit Fresh Market, and another five minutes past the Fresh Market will take you to Publix. So, you have plentiful options, all within just minutes from the resort.
Bikes: Many people prefer to bike around the island, and with something like 100 miles of bike trails, you can get just about anyplace you wish on a bicycle. The Beach House is 1.5 miles away from the actual resort, and you can bike to it, walk to it, drive to it, or take the shuttle. The bike path actually goes underneath the main road that goes through heart of the island, the Wm Hilton Pkwy. Thus, it is safe to bike or walk there. The only issue some have with biking, other than perhaps being out of shape, is that if you want to take items to the beach, you have to figure out a way to haul them. You can rent bikes from the resort, but not until you arrive which means you risk the chance of there not being any, especially during the summer. You can use other offsite bike rental agencies, and they will deliver and pickup.
Other transportation: By driving or taking the shuttle, there is less issue with hauling beach gear. Should you wish to drive, the front desk will give you a parking pass that will get you through the guard gate on your way to the Beach House. At this time of year, if you wish to drive over, you really need to be at the Beach House before 10-10:15 to get a parking spot as there are limited spaces.
Resort activities: Usually the activities sheet doesn't appear until right before the beginning of the month; however, the one above from June is going to be similar to July's. It should give you an idea of what goes on. Perhaps someone will post the July one when it appears. You will also get one when you check in. You can't reserve/pay for your activities until you get there, anyway. In addition to the paid activities, there are yard games around the resort: corn hole (next to Bldg 18), horseshoes (next to Bldg 13 and behind Bldg 17), putting green (Bldg 20), playground (Bldg 24), basketball (Bldg 16), and bocci ball & giant checkers near Bldg 28. There is a ping-pong table near the Tide Me Over area, and there is a pool table in Murggie's Den at the main building next to the front desk. Over at the Beach House, there is a pool table, ping-pong table, corn hole, and foosball. There are grills all over the resort, both propane and charcoal--you have to provide your own charcoal. Grilling utensils can be requested from by calling the front desk. Further, there are numerous hammocks, benches, and chairs where you can simply relax. Finally, take in fishing or crabbing from the pier near Tide Me Over--just buy or check out your equipment from the guest window near the Big Dipper Pool.
Restaurants: This is a difficult one because there are hundreds of restaurants on the island, and everyone will have his/her favorites. Personally, I don't bother with BBQ, diner, or burger type places--those you can find anywhere. For seafood, you have lots of great choices, and while I will give you my short list, others will surely make other recommendations and will be just as valid.
Fishcamp on Broad Creek--My favorite and you can make reservations unlike many other places. Very good raw bar and a superb shrimp and grits.
Skull Creek Boathouse--Very good, extensive menu, best low country boil around, no reservations. Get there very early or prepare to wait a long time.
Hudson's on the Dock--Also good but like Skull Creek Boathouse, they don't take reservations so be prepared to wait.
Ela's on the Water--Right across the marina from the resort--walk it in 10 minutes. Good food, service, views, and they take reservations.
If you want the best Italian for a change of pace, Nunzio's, Michael Anthony's, and OMBRA Cucina are all excellent with the nod going to Nunzio's as the best. All three take reservations. Finally, for a very good pastry or savory baked item, Hilton Head Social Bakery--also just across the marina--is superb if pricey (raspberry macaron--$8).
Well, I think that about answers all your questions for now. Enjoy!
