Chapter 9 - The Water Is Wide

Usually this time of year I am sharing with you all the authors and books I've learned about from the Savannah Book Festival. This year with the virus still an issue, there was no in-person Savannah Book Festival. Instead they had a number of author events online. While I understand, it wasn't quite the same.

Dave and I took the opportunity to head a little south for a week of R&R in early February and headed to Hilton Head. Crazy, you might say, you live at the beach! Well yes, but it is a different beach and we were away from all the things we have to think about and do at home like laundry, cleaning, yardwork and errands. So for a week we just kind of took things easy. Dave worked from "home" in the morning, we ate lunch out at some fabulous places, and we visited Hilton Head, Beaufort, Bluffton and, of course, my dear Savannah.

To be honest the first time we came to Hilton Head about 20 years ago, I didn't love it. I didn't even really like it. The stores and commercial buildings are beige and set back from the road. At the time we didn't have GPS and it was difficult finding places. About 5 years ago we stopped here on our way back from Savannah and I've been a fan ever since. When we come down for just a night or a long weekend we stay at The Beach House, a Holiday Inn property right on the beach. It has a terrific restaurant, a great tiki bar with live music, and, of course the beach to recommend it.

This time we stayed at an RCI property call SeaCrest. It is an older condominium resort but clean and across the street from the beach and Coligny Plaza where there are shops and restaurants. So while I read books (3), wrote blogs (3), and did some (very little ) bookstore related stuff, here are some more places we visited, restaurants where we ate, and places we shopped while here.

Restaurants - Who knew Hilton Head had so many great restaurants? Here are just a few...

The Frosty Frog - We ate here back in November and revisited it this time. It is not very distinguished, just a sports bar in Coligny Plaza but they have super cold beer and great pizza. For our first evening in town, it was definitely the place for us.

Charlie's Etoile Verte - When we have been in Hilton Head before, our timing has been off to visit this little French restaurant. We joined the lunch crowd this time and had a wonderful French themed lunch. We started out with the House Pate' and Dave had lamb, I had chicken. We will definitely go back.

Michael Anthony's Market Cafe' - This Italian restaurant is the little sister to Michael Anthony's full sized restaurant but the bistro atmosphere is just perfect for us. They have small plates and for lunch that is just perfect. We ended up buying a few entrees to warm up back at the condo from their large selection of frozen entrees.

Hilton Head Diner - If you are looking for comfort food, this is the place to be. The restaurant has all the charm of the diners we remember from our youth and the food is good and plentiful. We had both lunch here and breakfast.

The Cottage in Bluffton - We drove into historic Bluffton one day and had lunch at this terrific little restaurant. Dave had the best Jambalaya he's had in a while and my Turkey Panini was so big I had part of it for dinner later. We also ended up taking home one of their Rustic Apple Tarts. All their baked goods are homemade.

Churchill's Pub in Savannah - Savannah is only a half-hour trip from Hilton Head so a visit was imperative. We had lunch (are you seeing a pattern here?) at Churchill's Pub. Their Churchill burger was killer and Dave was very happy with their Fish and Chips. Bartender Georgy made me a terrific Churchill Bloody Mary that matched the burger perfectly.

Shopping - It was February, mostly cold and rainy, so there wasn't a whole lot to do but go shopping and eat. We love thrift stores and independents and always try to shop and buy when in these stores. Here are some of the best we've found.

The Church Mouse - This lovely thrift store has furniture, glassware, art, books, and household appliances as well as clothing. The money goes to support a number of charities in and around Hilton Head.

St. Francis Thrift Store - Another all encompassing thrift store with numerous charities supported, this store had a whole section devoted to furniture. They also frequently have sales.

Maye River Gallery - We went to Bluffton where I was fortunate enough to meet Susan Hinrichs, a wonderful artist and big reader. The Gallery has a full complement of art and jewelry and Susan was a delight to speak with. Prices were reasonable and I'd dare you to walk out without buying something.

By Hand, Ink - In the Sea Pines development there is a wonderful little bookstore called By Hand, Ink. While Bobbie Hahn, the owner, is a calligraphist by trade and much of her work is showcased in the shop, the bookstore itself is cute and well curated. I can understand how the Sea Pines community is very happy to have her in residence. I, of course, picked up several books!

As you can see we had a terrific week! If you've been to Hilton Head, what are some of your favorite places?