Coments on Weddings at Daufuskie

My son and future daughter-in-law have reserved a weekend in June, 2008 for a wedding at Daufuskie. People seem nice and knowledgable. Wondered if anyone had been married or attended a wedding at Duafuskie?- comments, suggestions?

Thank You,

ASLIII

Coments on Weddings at Daufuskie

I%26#39;m heading there this weekend for my best friends daughters wedding. I%26#39;ll let you know about my experience and have them post theirs as well.

JC3

Coments on Weddings at Daufuskie

Thanks!! I will look forward to your comments.

ASLIII

I%26#39;m actually getting married there in March 2008 and will gladly share my experiences with you! I would suggest that you go to theknot.com and post a question there- i was able to get in touch wtih a lot of people who got married there and get me many good pointers on what to look out for and to expect.

Best of luck!

Just got back from my friend%26#39;s daughters wedding. It was held outside near the beach and was a beautiful event. The food was excellant as was the staffing and the handling of the event. The villas and houses around the facility are nice and I would recommend staying there. The hotel itself is a bit dated and in need of an upgrade and sprucing up. It was clean.......................just not up to the standards of the rest of the facilities. Getting to the island and off can be challanging and you will need to be sure to communicate this to your guest. One of the groups in our party had all of their luggage lost between the hotel and the ferry.

Overall it was one of the prettiest weddings I%26#39;ve been to and I would recommend it.

I have seen numerous weddings on my visits there..you would find it difficult to find a more picturesque and beautiful place to have a wedding. It will not disappoint...

hotels with bowling alley?best gamerooms?

I know it may seem like a dumb question but....Are there other hotels besides the Coral Beach that have bowling alleys?What hotels or resorts have the best gamerooms? We are traveling for Thanksgiving and we will have several children from several families. This is something to keep them occupied for a little while at night.

hotels with bowling alley?best gamerooms?

Capatain quaters has a bowling alley also but, Coral beach is better IMO.

You may want to look it Dunes village as it has a indoor waterpark and game room to keep the kids busy.

hotels with bowling alley?best gamerooms?

The only two that I know of are Captains Quaters and Coral Beach but as mentioned Coral Beach is way nicer and cleaner than Captains Quaters.

Fall Bike Rally this weekend 10-05-07

Hey guys!

Just curious if they raise the rates for the Fall Bike fest?

Anyone know?

Also -is it as busy as the Spring Bike Week?

Fall Bike Rally this weekend 10-05-07

hey Puppy,

we are leaving tonight for MB - not the bikefest - but

I%26#39;ve posted about this before %26amp; everyone said it%26#39;s not

as busy as spring bike fest.

we got very good offseason rates %26amp; some of the hotels

don%26#39;t allow motorcycles I heard too.

guess it depends what area you stay.

hope this helps.

fergy

Fall Bike Rally this weekend 10-05-07

Hey, y%26#39;all- don%26#39;t you know all the HOGS are in Fayetteville, AR this week and weekend for Bikes, Blues, %26amp; BBQ? It is the next big bike rally behind MB Spring Bike Week. Who knows they may surpass MB this year;-)

Eliza

Hotel Help

My wife and I arriving Oct 24 for three nights - last minute surprise trip for her birthday from Connecticut. Trouble is, most of the finer bed and breakfasts/ inns are already booked or extremely expensive $3-400/night. I did manage to find three nights at the Renaissance Hotel Marriott Historic Dist. and there is also availability at Mills House Hotel (Holiday?). Any comments on either? or another suggestion. Looking to stay mid $200%26#39;s. I did not want a boxy commercial chain hotel feel. Also looking to be in the historic district.

Also we will be driving up from a two night stay in Savannah and we were looking for possibly a plantation type of inn to stay at prior to coming into Charleston.

Hotel Help

I called Mills House on this one - could not believe it! The Mills House is now owned by Holiday Inn. That is something new! The Mills House is located on the corner of Queen and King Streets and is near what is known as Four Corners. It definately not your typical Holiday Inn plastic box. It has been around for many years and is very charming. It is very close to many wonderful ships, galleries and restaurants.

Hotel Help

...I misspoke - it is on Queen and Meeting Streets (just 1/2 block from King Street). Still in shock it is a Holiday Inn!

I%26#39;ve stayed at the Thomas Lamboll House, and it would fit your budget. It%26#39;s walking distance to the battery and to King Street.

lambollhouse.com

Mills House has been a Holiday Inn property for years - I%26#39;ve stayed on Priority Club points for about 8 years or so. It%26#39;s a great property - very convenient and very nice. I highly recommend it.

ocean temperature

I just wonder if water temperature still warm in Myrtle Beach. We are leaving to MB next Wednesday and I want to know if we can swim in the ocean. Thank you for advice.

ocean temperature

The water is still very warm; the air temp. the first part of next week will be near 90.

ocean temperature

Thank you! I%26#39;m so happy that we can swim in the ocean. In October we always go to Florida. This year we waited too long and airlinetickes are vey expensive. We decided to drive (11 hours) to MB. Do you know what kind of water boards our son can use for waves: the slim one or the regular one?

We just got back Sunday- Water was warm ( 80 degrees). - We swam every day

Visiting Charleston/Folly Beach Next Week

My husband and I are staying on Folly Beach Oct 10-14 and are planning on spending our evenings having dinner in Charleston. Based on the reviews and forum postings, it seems to make sense to take a carriage ride on our first day to get a feel for the city. How late into the evening do the carriage rides go? Can we do a post-dinner ride?

Also, so many recommendations about dinners on these forums, but I%26#39;d like some more details and suggestions for chic, not stuffy, and lively restaurants. Thinking NYC style, but of course food quality matters too.

Visiting Charleston/Folly Beach Next Week

We just returned from a weekend in Charleston/Folly. Hubby and I had a very nice dinner at 11 Center Street, which is a wine shop/restaurant in downtown Folly. Sit on the second floor open-air part of the restaurant. We enjoyed seared ahi tuna, mini fish tacos, and brie bites with prunes. Have a great time!

Visiting Charleston/Folly Beach Next Week

Just curious- why would you come to Charleston and want NYC type dining? It%26#39;s CHARLESTON! Enjoy.

I don%26#39;t particularly want NYC style dining, but thought it would be the best way to describe the type of atmosphere I was looking for. We%26#39;re a childless couple in our early 30%26#39;s and would prefer a more lively-same-age atmosphere when dining, though it%26#39;s not absolutely necessary. It%26#39;s hard to gain a sense of atmosphere from some restaurants%26#39; websites.

That said, I am thoroughly looking forward to to my Charleston experience and would welcome any other suggestions!

Gnodule - thanks for the 11 Center Street suggestion! Sounds great!

The carraige ride station is right next to the Market on Market Street. They go to many different areas, and you never know where your carraige will go. It%26#39;s a good way to see parts of the city and get a feel for it though. Market street is also a good starting point to walk around and preview restaurants. You can head down East Bay Street and pass High Cotton, Magnolia%26#39;s, etc. Hank%26#39;s is the best upscale seafood place and it%26#39;s right behind the Carraige place one street north of market. High Cotton and Hanks both have great food as well as a lively bar scene. Neither one is stuffy.

Oh yeah, you will find a fantastic little wine bar on Folly beach with great food and a fun atmosphere. I can%26#39;t remember the name, but it%26#39;s right in the center of town. Look for it. Some nights it%26#39;s nice just to have to walk to dinner. :)

highlight

Restaurant question from first time visitors

We are a couple on vacation who will be staying in the historic district (in two weeks) and will be there a few days.

Can anyone recommend a few nice restaurants that would feature good vegetarian and fish (but not shellfish)

options?Price is not an issue so long as it%26#39;s good and has more of the above options. Thanks.

Restaurant question from first time visitors

Peninsula Grill has fantastic food. It%26#39;s located in the Planters Inn right beside the Market. I%26#39;m not sure if they offer vegetarian dishes, but they may have something that suits your taste.

peninsulagrill.com

Restaurant question from first time visitors

I haven%26#39;t yet been, but I understand The Mustard Seed is an excellent restaurant for dishes that are either vegetarian or light on the meat. There is one in Mt. Pleasant and one on James Island.

I suggest just getting out and walking around. Ask questions of the shop owners...etc. There are sooo many restaurants in the Historic district with great food! You really can%26#39;t go wrong! I%26#39;m also allergic to shellfixh, and I have always found something great to eat!

Thanksgiving in Charleston

It%26#39;s months away, but we had to book our flights because of the holiday travel crunch. What will the weather be like? Should we look for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or try the local cuisine? Any suggestions on restaurants? We plan to stay at the Doubletree Suites, since we won%26#39;t have a car and plan to get around by walking whenever possible.

Thanksgiving in Charleston

Many of the downtown restaurants and most of the hotels will have a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner menu available. Most of the locally owned places will not decide on their menus (some if they will open or close) until around the first of November. They usually run ads with their menus asking for reservations for about 2 weeks in the paper. Many have a price fixed inclusive menu.

The weather can be anywhere from warm and sunny to cold and rainy that time of year so plan to dress in layers.

Thanksgiving in Charleston

Ditto%26#39;s to SCBlossum. You shouldn%26#39;t have a problem finding a restaurant that is open, and serving a traditional thanksgiving meal as well as their normal menu. I would recommend calling the concierges desk at the doubletree at the beginning of November...by that time they should have a decent list of who will be open and what they will be featuring. Weather is a toss up...should be warmer than the Keystone state for sure.

Thanks to both of you. Will pick up the planning in early November.

Dears:

Thank you for your wonderful comments. Last year we had thanksgiving in Savannah at the Hyatt with riverfront rooms to watch a holiday light yacht parade. Is there any similar hotel or events in Charleston? (Family members from 3 generations-with one child- 20 months)

Thanks,

Kristin

Hmm... no one ever responded to the last post about the yacht light show in Savannah. Sounds neat!

My family (four generations) will be staying in Folly Beach over Thanksgiving. We would like to have Thanksgiving dinner somewhere in the Folly/Charleston area. Only three generations will be dining: ages range 21 to 90. A nice view would be an added plus.

Any ideas?

There is a parade of boats but it is not the week-end of Thanksgiving. I am trying to remember which week-end in December...maybe someone else remembers. All the boats have Christmas lights and go all out!

The best view/Thanksgiving Dinner Special would probably be the Holiday Inn Riverview. The view is great from the restaurant and bar. They do advertise a special Thanksgiving menu each year but I have never known anyone to go to it. I have eaten lunch there on several occasions and it is ok but nothing wonderful so I cannot advise you on their special menu.

HI sounds like a good idea. My husband and I have been meaning to have a drink at their bar. The bad thing is - my mom has an issue with heights, so I was thinking more along the lines of Shem Creek or a first-floor view. Let me know if you can think of anything.

you%26#39;ve already got me craving oyster dressing here.

Middleton Place Plantation has a wonderful Thanksgiving Brunch. You can chose to tour the gardens after or before also, to work off that fantastic food. Make reservations fast however, every year they fill up quicker and quicker.

Correction to my original post, Middleton Place holds not a brunch but a ';traditional thanksgiving dinner'; where reservations are required. The restaurant will also be open for limited seating featuring a limited dinner menu and some Thanksgiving speacials.

Reasonable hotel near Double Tree

Please help...need cheaper hotel/motel close to Double Tree for 8th %26amp; 9th Oct.

Also, how many miles from Double Tree to downtown?

Thanks

Reasonable hotel near Double Tree

DoubleTree is downtown. Downtown spreads over many streets. All hotels downtown probably will be pricey. You might search out Inn%26#39;s such as http://www.elliotthouseinn.com/ which has a room for $169/night

Reasonable hotel near Double Tree

Andrew Pickney has a room for $129/night booked through there site http://www.andrewpinckneyinn.com/accomm.html

Sea Cabins or Shipps Cabin II?

What are your opinions/experiences with these condos? How do they differ in location? Also, anyone know anything about the erosion problem in IOP? I

Thanks!

Sea Cabins or Shipps Cabin II?

anyone?

Sea Cabins or Shipps Cabin II?

Most of these condos are very nice and only 1 block off the beach, I live only 4 blocks away and you%26#39;ll have PLENTY of beach especially if you venture north or south away from the crowds around the pier

Thanks for both of your responses!

Thanks for both of your responses! Toclarify- are you saying the beaches will be more deserted if I travel farther away from the main part of the beach? I guess my problem is that I want the luxury of being on a secluded beach and I want restaurants near by so I don%26#39;t have to cook.

I stayed in the Sea Cabins and loved it! Great to be ocean front without spending a small fortune. I also liked being within walking distance to all the resturants and shops. They are individually owned so look through picutes online and be sure to pick one that has been remodeled...

We stayed at Sea Cabins last year and are going back this year and staying in the same condo. Don%26#39;t know anything about beach erosion - there was plenty of beach last year in September.

I don%26#39;t know anything about Sea Cabins, but I can address the beach erosion issue. We stayed in Seascape in Wild Dunes July 14-21, 2007. Properties affected by the beach erosion are Ocean Club, Seascape, Tidewater, Port-o-Call, and Summer House inside the Wild Dunes resort. There is no beach access at all except for a few hours around each low tide. The only thing protecting the properties are 50-gallon sand bags, which are everywhere. It is an awful problem - the pictures shown by some of the realty companies look better than actually seeing it in person. Do not stay in this area unless you are looking for a discount and do not care about beach access. We had to drive down to the south side of Wild Dunes to enter the beach.

So far as I know Shipps Cabin 11 is in Sea Cabins..it is a condo rented out by the Shipp family. We are staying in their other condo next qweek..very good folks to deal with.

Hotels near Double Tree

Please help me....looking for hotel/motel close to, Double Tree Guest Suites, 181 Church St. Charleston , that is less expensive.

I am flying in, from Texas, for Job fair being held, at the Double Tree, 8 Oct. I just need safe, clean room under $100 per night, if possible. Also, should I rent a car or use Taxi service?

I appreciate all advise, thanks.

Hotels near Double Tree

You might want to stay outside the downtown area and take a taxi. Try some of the hotels in West Ashley on Savannah Hwy., or maybe Mt. Pleasant.

Since you are coming from Bellville, Texas - is the little German bakery still there about a block off the square? Great little tucked away town!

Hotels near Double Tree

SCBlossom....thank you much, for the advise...I appreciate it.

And yes Mam/Sir, Newman%26#39;s bakery is still right there, about a block off the square...I%26#39;ll have to let them know you said howdy...

Thanks again..

Archeology dig

Is there somewhere near the charleston tri-county area that adults and children (ages 9-12) can actually get involved in some type of archeological dig?

Thanks,

Teresa W.

Archeology dig

This is a nice website. I%26#39;m not sure if they have a minimum age for kids, but if your kids are too young, someone there might have another suggestion for you.

www.passportintime.com

I didn%26#39;t see a current project listed for that area, but they have had projects in South Carolina in the past. Most of their projects are in the summer.

I hope this helps!

Lily

Archeology dig

You might also want to try this site:

www.archaeological.org

This link takes you to the search page for projects in the U.S. and around the world:

www.archaeological.org/webinfo.php?page=10016

highlight

walking to and around Mt Pleasant

We%26#39;ll be staying at the French Quarter Inn in November and will spend most of the time in the historic district, but we%26#39;d like to see the Ravenel bridge view and go to Shem Creek Bar %26amp; Grill and/or Mustard Seed for lunch or dinner. Is it realistic to do this by walking (we won%26#39;t have a car) or are things too far apart? I%26#39;m considering taking the Charleston Water Taxi but am not sure where that would put us in relation to the bridge, the two restaurants mentioned above, and the historic village of Mount Pleasant.

Thanks for any help you can give.

walking to and around Mt Pleasant

I am not an expert but we did spend three days there this past week. The highlight was walking the bridge! We measured 3.3 miles from the parking lot at Patriot%26#39;s Point all the way over....6.6 roundtrip. No wonder I got blisters! It was worth it, however, as the view is fantastic. I believe the water taxi lands at Patriot%26#39;s Point which is not near Shem%26#39;s. If there are other stops, I don%26#39;t know about them.

We ate at Shem Creek and also at Hyman%26#39;s which is in walking distance for you. Hyman%26#39;s was much better, IMO. I also thought it was better value for the money, very reasonable. Wish we%26#39;d had more days to try other places like Magnolia%26#39;s. (You%26#39;ll find a coupon for free crab dip at Hyman%26#39;s on the tourist maps.)

The entrance to the bridge for walking is not too far from the French Quarter if you are into lengthy walks.

walking to and around Mt Pleasant

Thanks for the info, HokiePog. We can walk 3.3 miles but roundtrip would be too much, so maybe we can take the water taxi to Patriot%26#39;s Point and then walk back across the bridge. Can a local expert and/or recent visitor tell me if Mustard Seed or any other good places for lunch are near Patriot%26#39;s Point?

I would not attempt to walk from the historic district to Mt. Pleasant - for a variety of reasons.

Thanks, Bud...didn%26#39;t consider safety factors as we%26#39;ve only gone that way by car. The CARTA runs to Mt. Pleasant. We got a brochure but didn%26#39;t try it out. Maybe local experts could help out on best transportation to where freedshop would like to go.

Based on what you are all saying, it sounds like a better plan would be to take the water taxi to Patriot Point, walk to the top of the bridge (I assume that%26#39;s about halfway), then walk back to Patriot Point and take the water taxi back to downtown Charleston. Does this make sense? Are there any good lunch places near Patriot Point or is it better to go back downtown for lunch?

There is food available at Patriots Point but it has never looked like something I would really want to eat , so I have never tried it! There is the Boulivard Diner about half way between Patriots Point and Shem Creek which is very good. It is owned by the same people that own Mustard Seed. They usually have a blue-plate special and a variety of entrees, veggies etc. as well as a good selection of sandwiches. My favorite is ham, homemade pimento cheese and fried green tomato sandwich on sourdough! It is across the street from Andolini%26#39;s Pizza which is also good. A taxi ride to either should not be too much.

There is an old fashioned soda fountain in the old part of Mt. Pleasant (not easy to find) and the Post Office Restaurant is there, too.

Mustard Seed is very good but is further away. It is open for lunch and dinner.

Thanks, SCBlossom, that%26#39;s very helpful. Guess we need to decide if we want to get a taxi to eat on the Mt. Pleasant side or just go back to downtown Charleston for lunch. Maybe we%26#39;ll save Mustard Seed and Shem Creek for a future visit--it%26#39;s clear there is more to see and do in the Charleston area than we%26#39;ll have time for in this visit!

Finally Picked A Hotel, Now Other Questions

We finally picked a hotel...the Patricia Grand!! Actually I was at the end of the rope over trying to pick a room, only to discover it was out of our price range or it has nothing but bad reviews. So, my twin sister just opened up the Myrtle Beach vacation guide and picked something. Has anyone ever stayed at the Patricia Grand? Any suggestions on what floor to stay on? We asked for the highest floor possible and they say it would be between the 17th and 19th floor. Does anyone know if some of the rooms have been updated lately and if so do you think it would help to call and ask for one of those rooms?

Now onto my other questions, does anyone know if there is a bowling alley {outside of the other hotels} in Myrtle Beach? If so, does anyone know where? We all love bowling.

Does anyone know where there might be a public park where there is basketball courts? That%26#39;s another love for us.

Finally, does anyone know if there is a Shoney%26#39;s in Myrtle Beach? It%26#39;s my nephew%26#39;s favorite.

Thank you all for everything. I will write a review for Patricia Grand when I get back.

Finally Picked A Hotel, Now Other Questions

Heading South on 17 business on the old air force base property is a basketball court.You can see it from the road.

Finally Picked A Hotel, Now Other Questions

For bowling and Shoney%26#39;s info, try this:

Open a web browser, in the Address Bar, type ';Google.Com';

in the box that appears on the google page, type:

';bowling myrtle beach'; and document the results

click the ';back'; button

type ';shoneys myrtle beach'; and document the results

Can%26#39;t comment on the Patricia Grand, but this site does have a lot of reviews (use the search feature upper left-hand side). I personally don%26#39;t like to stay above the 10th floor as you start to feel detached from the beach. Personal favorite is floors 5 or 6. Close enough to observe, but still feels private. Plus walking 5 or 6 floors is an option if the elevators are slow/broken (a common theme in beach hotels).

There is a bowling alley in Surfside (next town from MB) - not a far drive past the airport.

Theres also Pepper Geddings Recreation Center,I believe its on Oak St. for basketball. Dont know if its only indoor or do they also have outdoor courts. Your family got game?

Think I past a Shoney%26#39;s around N 21st ave and Route 17

which is walking distance from Patricia Grand

My Avon lady stays at the Patricia Grand every year and swears by it.

There%26#39;s a bowling alley off of Hwy 501 called Waccamaw Lanes I think...it%26#39;s near the old Waccamaw outlet place.

There are a couple of Shoney%26#39;s in Myrtle Beach and one in Surfside that I know of. I can%26#39;t remember what they are next to but I know they%26#39;re on 17 Business.

Not sure which to visit...

I%26#39;m looking for a nice warm place to spend February vacation, God-willing, this year...I%26#39;d like a hotel that has, at minimum, an outdoor pool and in an area that%26#39;s family friendly. Is Myrtle Beach a good place to visit? I%26#39;m also thinking of maybe somewhere on the North Carolina coast--would that be better? I%26#39;d like to get away from the typical Florida vacation and find something that%26#39;s affordable but also nice and family friendly. I%26#39;m also interested in side-trips to learn about Southern history and culture...

Any ideas?

Not sure which to visit...

vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/鈥orth-myrtle-beach

vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/鈥uter-banks

Check the above; I%26#39;d recommend either. or%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

http://www.villagerealtyobx.com/

http://www.southernshores.com/

http://www.hatterasrealty.com/

http://www.northmyrtlebeachtravel.com/?c=586

http://www.century21thomas.com/index.htm

http://www.white-realty.com/

http://northmyrtlebeach.com/

Not sure which to visit...

SC Coast will not be warm enough for outdoor pools in February.

While Myrtle Beach is beautiful, February is probably not what you consider warm, average daytime temps are 60 but can be colder. North Carolina coast would be even chillier. While warm to Boston standards, it%26#39;s certainly not poolside weather, indoor pool would be better. If your ok with that side trips to Charleston would be nice. Lots to see, downtown Charleston will probably remind you a little of Boston with some cobblestone streets and there are plantations to visit. If you go and haven%26#39;t gotten sick of Christmas a visit to Callahan%26#39;s in Callabash, NC (short drive from Myrtle Beach) is in order. Lots of knick knacks and Christmas decorations and if you collect the Village Houses, this is the spot to buy.

Wow...thanks so much for all the advice (and the links)... I%26#39;d welcome 60 degrees in February but you%26#39;re right...that%26#39;s not really outdoor swimming weather. What%26#39;s the beach like down there on 60 degree days? Here in the Northeast, on the coldest of days, you%26#39;ll see people jogging or walking the beaches...

You%26#39;ll see people out and about, especially if sunny but not many because of the time of year, mostly older people. I%26#39;m from upstate but I go there every New Years. We%26#39;ve had anything from blistering cold 30%26#39;s to 80 degrees on New Years Day. End of January and February though tend to be when the cold settles in although there is always the chance of having 70 degree weather just as there is a chance of only having 40 degree weather. March will start to have more 70%26#39;s but then April can swing back like it did this year. BTW I do know New England weather as I grew up in Norwood but I%26#39;ll never go back...too cold for me ;-)

I%26#39;d go with Myrtle Beach. No matter what the weather is you%26#39;d find something to do. Shopping , shows, dining........

This is the North Myrtle Board. You might want to look in area south of Myrtle Beach. Garden City, Surfside, Murrell%26#39;s Inlet, Pawley%26#39;s Island.

Would be a short drive to MB shows, shopping and dining plus a quick hop south to Georgetown and/or Charleston for the Southern history part of your request.

Question about Surf temperature

I have only been back a couple weeks, and I am already looking forward to my next NMB trip....anyway. I have a question. What is the water temperature in April ? Is there a place top or website to check the surf temps ?

Thanks

Question about Surf temperature

myrtlebeachinfo.com/mb-cvb/鈥limate.html

In April the water temps will still be a bit chilly. Usually June before they really get up to comfortable level.

Looking for things to di in Hilton Head

We will going to Hilton Head in late Feb. My wife and I are not golfers. Can you recommend things to see and do?

Also we are thinking about relocating around the Hilton Head area. Can anyone recommend some good comunities?

Looking for things to di in Hilton Head

If you like to fish, there is a fishing boat out of South Beach in Sea Pines that goes about 13 miles out and only costs about $60/person for a three hour trip. Compared to chartering a boat that is cheap. Also, there is a sightseeing cruise out of the Shelter Cove yacht basin that is interesting. You can rent bicycles at most resorts on the island and I have seen places where you can rent kayaks. However, we have only been to HHI in March and August, so I don%26#39;t know if any of these things are still closed in February or not.

Consider a trip down to Savannah one day. It isn%26#39;t that far and the Historic District is awesome.

Since I don%26#39;t live in the area, I don%26#39;t know a lot about communities to relocate to, but if you are retirement age there is a really nice place called Sun City Hilton Head that is designed for retirement living and has tons of amenities. I would retire there in a heartbeat but I%26#39;m not retirement age yet!

Looking for things to di in Hilton Head

As a resident on the island, I can help you.

Sea Pines and Shipyard plantations are operated as resorts so have a lot of weekly vacationers. If you don%26#39;t mind new neighbors every week in the summer, some of whom are not good neighbors, you can look there.

Palmetto Dunes is a little different. They have a resident only section ';Leamington';, and many of the rental properties are on the ';Inverness'; side. So there is less ';hassle'; with the neighbors constantly coming and going on the ';Mariners'; side.

Since you are not golfers, you should avoid ';Long Cove'; and ';Wexford';. Their annual costs are in the $12,000 range, since all owners must maintain the cost of the golf course, and marina. The same is true about some of the developments just off the island. They are ';Belfair';, ';Berkeley Hall';, ';Colleton River';, and ';Oldfield';.

On the island many permanent residents live in Hilton Head Plantation, and Port Royal. Hilton Head Plantation for example houses 9000 of the roughly 30,000 permanent residents. Also to be considered though pricier is Indigo Run, and Palmetto Hall.

There are several ungated communities also. North Forest Beach is mostly homes, though many close to the beach are short term rental properties. ';Point Comfort'; is a very nice community with it%26#39;s own docking and fishing areas. It is just off Palmetto Bay Road. There are also homes in the Folly Field area mid-island.

If you are looking off island, look at Moss Creek, Rose Hill, The Crescent, and Eagle%26#39;s Point for gated communities. There are also quite a few other less expensive communities available in both Bluffton and Oakatie.

Finally the original poster suggested ';Sun City';. I have to agree with him about what he said. If you are over 50, and an active senior, it%26#39;s a great place to live.

Many of the gated communities, I mentioned in this lengthy also have activities for their residents. That%26#39;s why Hilton Head is a great place to live!

We own a Penthouse on Hilton Head in Hilton Head Plantation which is a gated community that is rarely on the market (there has only been one other penthouse than this one offered for sale since they were built in 1990 and we just posted it on Craigslist on October 4th and reduced it to $749,000. It%26#39;s 2000 sq ft and has incredible water/marina/sunset views. We are motivated because we%26#39;ve found a house in Bluffton closer to my husbands place of employment. I%26#39;ve also attached the link but I%26#39;m not sure whether or not it will work. Please let me know if you have any interest and I can send you more information/pictures. Thanks, Valerie tomvalhhi@aol.com

hiltonhead.craigslist.org/rfs/439787857.html

if you want to experience nature first hand check out native guide tours in bluffton. the kayak guide service is second to none, and you will see things you seldom hear. much less see. it%26#39;s a beautiful area.

Vegetarian food

My husband and I will be visiting Charleston for 4 nights, the middle of October. Our question: Where can be find vegetarian food? I%26#39;ve been checking restaurant menus online, and often there is nothing for us but a green salad. I know about the Italian places. Those are always good for us. And breakfast food. (But we%26#39;re staying at the French Quarter Inn. They%26#39;ll be giving us breakfast!) So... Grilled veggie sandwiches, vegetable stir fries, veggie burgers, grilled cheese, Mexican, Chinese or Indian restaurants? It doesn%26#39;t have to be a vegetarian restaurant. Just one that is willing make up a plate of their vegetable side dishes. We do eat eggs and dairy. Help!

Kim

By the way, I love this forum. I%26#39;ve been learning so much. Can%26#39;t wait to visit. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom.

Vegetarian food

Several suggestions for you: for a more formal dinner, try Basil; it%26#39;s an AMAZING thai restaurant on the corner of Ann and King Streets and they serve veggie and tofu dishes (the only set back is this restaurant is a stretch from the French Quarter Inn, but believe me, it is well worth it). If you like Italian, Fulton Five or Cortile del Re are the best in the city (both are located near the intersection of Fulton Lane and King Street) For a casual dinner, try the Bull %26amp; Finch, which is right on Market Street; they have a delicious veggie burger and a great selection of specialty fries. Good lunch options are: Papa ZuZu%26#39;s located almost on the corner or King and Calhoun Street (this looks like a hole in the wall, but their mediteranean pizzas are to die for) and also Five Loaves Cafe, located inside Millenium Music also at the corner of King and Calhoun Streets, they have a good selection of soups and salads. Enjoy your time in Charleston and eat well!

Vegetarian food

I have to agree with the cicra1983 on all of their choices. Expecially Basil~ that is a local fave! In addition to those ideas if you want a fun low key nothing fancy Mexican restaurant La Hacinda on King Street local place with lots of college and young adults. Have a great time in our beautiful city!

Thank you, circa1983 and O%26#39;Meila. Your recommendations sound wonderful. We arrive in less than two weeks. Can%26#39;t wait!

Agree with all the previous recommendations. In addition, I have found (through dining with vegetarian friends) that most of the upscale restaurants with good chefs will make a special vegetarian dish for you upon request. If you are interested in going to one of those places. You may want to call ahead just to make sure.

Some suggestions are Slightly North of Broad, High Cotton, McCrady%26#39;s, Peninsula Grill, Magnolias.

Have a great visit.

If you would like to try a few down-home, country style, southern vegetables, go to Boulevard Diner in Mount Pleasant. The speckled butterbeans and mashed sweet potatoes are wonderful, as well as the fried okra. The place is nothing fancy (an old dairy queen building), but it is a great place to sample true southern cooking! They will sell just a vegetable plate. We always go there when we go to Charleston -- for non-vegetarians, the cajun meatloaf and crab cakes are great!

If you haven%26#39;t left yet....

Second the recommendation of Cortile del Re.

We also liked Meritage for tapas. You can have several choices to share and won%26#39;t need to ask for any special preparation.

Have a wonderful time!

for a nice casual lunch PAPA ZUZUs is my favorite, very fresh mediteranean food. A hole in the wall sort of place but we love it! Located on King Street near CofC. Look for the fresh tomatoes in the window. Also Jestine%26#39;s Kitchen( corner of Wentworth and Meeting, I think) has low country home cooked foods. vegetables, grits, corn muffins etc. Both of these spots are not fine dining but really good. Lots of character ...

Five Loaves Cafe 943 937 4303 by far offers the best vegeterian cuisine anywhere on the penninsula. With everything from fresly prepared sandwichs on fresh bread to stirfrys and homemade pasta. Its to die for

Charleston advice

Our annual girls%26#39; trip is in 2 weeks this year to Charleston area and the Carolinas. Can someone recommend which plantation to visit and which carriage tour? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. We have 3 days there.

Charleston advice

Middleton Place is by far my favorite. Be sure to go on the house tour. I would not suggest the carriage ride out there, however. The restaurant is great and the lunch is a 3 course meal for a reasonable price. Sandwiches and salads are available at the Garden Market by the parking lot for a picnic. They have a great gift shop.

The carriage rides downtown all leave from the same place and seem about the same to me. Someone else may have some other comments. I used to have a downtown office and left the windows open on cool days. The carriages would often pass by and I could hear them describing Charleston%26#39;s history and pointing out all the wonderful things to see in downtown.

Go to the visitor%26#39;s center first and purchase a passport (?Heritage Passport?) that can save you quite a bit on many of the things you will want to see and do.

If you are here before Halloween, go to some of the ';haunted houses'; that benefit some of the charities. If they have the one this year at the Old Jail, it is really good!

Wear flats that are COMFORTABLE and easy to walk in. The sidewalks and cobblestone streets can be tricky! Pack an umbrella because it often rains here - sometimes just a quick pop-up shower. It keeps everything so green!

Charleston advice

We have always enjoyed the Old South Carriage Company (the ones who wear the red sashes!) - they give wonderful tours with lots of interesting little tidbits of information! And yes, make time to do a ghost tour - I think Bulldog Tours have the best!

Thank you!

drayton hall would be my vote. it%26#39;s wonderful on the river.

Im gonna vote for Magnolia Plantation, because the gardens were lovely and you get the tram ride around the property to go see wildlife, like the gators..lol Also make sure to hit up the marketplace and farmers market in the downtown sqaure on Saturdays. Yes wear tennis shoes because there is alot of stuff to see. Boone Hall was also nice, which is where they filmed the series North and South, and the movie the Notebook. Have fun girls!