Exploring Hilton Head Island

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Having always been drawn to the south in ways of the weather, style, people, and way of life, South Carolina felt like a dream. Hilton Head Island was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city! I kept wanting to describe it as a “sleepy little town,” but I feel like that has a bad connotation to it, and I definitely don’t mean it in a bad way — I mean it in the best way possible. Everything just felt so relaxed!

We stayed in a gorgeous six-bedroom home right on the beach. To grab a bite for lunch or to do some afternoon shopping, we were able to ride our bikes everywhere we wanted to go. Instead of your over-crowded NYC bike lanes in the concrete jungle, Hilton Head had mellow paths surrounded by lush greenery, covered overhead with Spanish moss. Exploring the island by bike was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip! It was so unbelievably therapeutic… Hallie and I ended up biking 14 miles on Saturday without even realizing it.

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Hallie and I arrived later in the afternoon on Thursday and hung out around the house on Thursday evening drinking wine al fresco and catching up with Grace and Elanah. Friday we were up bright and early for the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament — you can read more about that here. And then on Saturday, it was time to explore!

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Lo & Sons Camera Bag / Tieks

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We headed south on two wheels from our house in Sea Pines to the South Beach Marina to eat on the outdoor patio at Salty Dog Cafe. The live music was an awesome touch!

Post veggie burgers, buffalo shrimp, mojitos, and pimento cheese dip, we wandered over to their ice cream shop for a little bit of desert! Vacation calories don’t count, right?

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After wandering around the marina and gobbling down our melting cones, we hopped back on our bikes to head to Coligny to do some shopping.

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Did I mention how scenic the bike paths are? Homes oozing that Southern charm were everywhere we looked!

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After doing some shopping and picking up a few gifts, Hallie introduced me to one of her college hangouts when her friends would come down for Memorial Day Weekend — The Frosty Frog. This place had an entire menu dedicated to frozen daiquiris in just about every flavor you can imagine. So good! But it was one and done for us.. They are quite strong!

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Minnie & Emma Palm Leaf Phone Case

We hopped back on our bikes a little bit more tipsy than when we arrived and made our way back to the house to get ready for dinner!

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hudsons on the dock great outdoor seating on the water hilton head island

Vineyard Vines Dress / Vera Bradley Bag

We ate dinner at Hudsons on the Docks on Saturday night and it was absolutely phenomenal. Caitlin came in on Saturday afternoon so we had a great big group dinner on the water. The food was so, so good and the sunset views were even better! We actually saw dolphins while we were eating… Doesn’t get better than that!

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vineyard vines maxi dress

A few more photos from the trip…

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Like I mentioned yesterday, this was my first trip to Hilton Head Island, but it definitely will not be my last! I’m already itching to go back. Any suggestions for my next trip? Would love to hear what you loved if you’ve visited the island! xo

A huge Thank You to Hilton Head Island for partnering on this post!

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32 Comments

  1. 4.22.15

    I have never been to Hilton Head but really want to go!! What a beautiful area! And I love all your outfits!

  2. 4.22.15
    alexis said:

    I live 30 mins from Hilton Head. I suggest not coming during the summer season. It gets insanely touristy and loses its charm fast. We are lucky enough to have summery weather in the spring and fall so plan a trip then. The crazy crab has yummy food. Savannah and Tybee is a short drive away and there is lots of fun and “southern charm” to be seen there.

  3. 4.22.15

    Loved reading this! HHI is my favorite place ever. I wrote a post about some of my favorite restaurants, etc. a while back if ya want more suggestions for next time:
    http://www.prettyinthepines.com/2015/01/7-things-to-do-in-hilton-head.html

    xo Shelby
    http://www.prettyinthepines.com

  4. 4.22.15

    Those hanging trees make me swoon – how gorgeous! My boyfriend and I have family out that way and we’re always saying we need to make a trip there. I’m not sure what I’m waiting for after those snaps this weekend 😉

  5. 4.22.15

    Hilton Head looks lovely, would love to go there so day! Looks like you had an amazing time there!

    http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com

  6. 4.22.15
    Elana said:

    That looks like such and fun and beautiful trip! I’ll have to go!

  7. 4.22.15
    Lauren said:

    Oh, it looks like ya’ll had such a great time! I’ve never thought about visiting Hilton Head, but it’s being added to my list immediately!

    http://www.lonestarlauren.com

  8. 4.22.15

    Loved following along with y’all’s trip via snapchat – looked like so much fun! Next time you’ll have to come to Charleston. You would love it!!

  9. 4.22.15

    I’ve never been to Hilton Head but your photos look gorgeous! I will definitely be making a trip there!

    xx,
    Susie

    http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com

  10. 4.22.15

    Can we go back NOW???

  11. 4.22.15

    What an incredible trip!!! Seems like the perfect mix of relaxation and fun! I need to book a trip there soon!

    -Kara

    http://www.everydayk.com

  12. 4.22.15
    Meagan said:
  13. 4.22.15
    Lauren said:

    Hilton Head is one of my favorite vacation spots – I was just there last summer! The Salty Dog is one of the best places to go, so glad you enjoyed it!

    Lauren
    http://oliverstwistblog.com

  14. 4.22.15

    My one experience in SC was nothing great but Hilton Head Island looks like an actual dream come true! I hope I can get the chance to go one day and also get that vera bag hahaha. 🙂

    -alex
    skyscrapers & palm trees

  15. 4.22.15

    All these pictures are gorgeous!! Looks like such a pretty and fun place!

    Madison Martine
    http://www.madisonmartine.com

  16. 4.22.15
    Heidi said:

    We are planning a trip here this summer and I am definitely rethinking my plans to book a hotel! I have a great giveaway up on my blog, I hope you’ll check it out!

    Wishes & Reality

  17. 4.22.15

    Lovely photos! Hilton Head Island is so picturesque. I definitely wouldn’t mind living there year round.

    Happy Wednesday 🙂
    http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/

  18. 4.22.15
    Paige D said:

    I’ve been vacationing in HHI since I was a few weeks old! Some of my favorites are Truffles, Michael Anthony’s, Ombra Cucina, Kenny B’s (the praline brownies are to die for), Wise Guys, the Beach Club in Sea Pines, Wexford Shopping (especially the Porcupine), Pure Natural Market, Low Country Produce….the trend you may be noticing is you really can’t go wrong in Hilton Head. One of the best places to vacation on Earth-from someone who has been traveling all over the world!

  19. 4.22.15
    Kayla D said:

    Looks like you guys had a fantastic little getaway!

    xx,
    Kayla
    Eat Play Dress

  20. 4.22.15

    I’ve not been in years, but it’s definitely such a gorgeous place!

    Josh – The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.com

  21. 4.23.15

    I love looking at Southern homes! Never visited the south, but it is definitely on my list!! Looks like a beautiful place to visit and get away from the craziness that life can become 🙂

  22. 4.23.15
    Jamie said:

    So gorgeous! Might have to add this to my must-visit list. I LOVE that camera bag, too! Looks just like a trendy purse.

    Jamie
    http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com

  23. 4.23.15
    Sam said:

    Your post makes me miss Hilton Head SO much. I spent many summers there as a child since my grandparents retired there. Glad you enjoyed it as much as I always did.

  24. 4.23.15
    Alexandra said:

    Gorgeous! Those homes are stunning.

    Warm Regards,
    Alexandra
    http://www.littlewildheart.com

  25. 4.23.15

    Love this! Looks like a beautiful place! Xo

  26. 4.26.15

    Glad you enjoyed HHI, isn’t it beautiful!?

    Xx Taylor
    http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com

  27. 7.21.16
    justin said:

    I live in Beaufort and need to get over to HH more often! There’s so much stuff out there I’ve never checked out!