It was all set! We had a babysitter (my parents) and my husband and I were off for a romantic three day getaway close to our Atlanta home. The destination? The stunning Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Islands Magazine calls Sea Pines "real...timeless...and magnificent." As we drove in, the beautiful, colorful lighthouse was beckoning, the waves of the deep blue Atlantic ocean were rolling and we were enamored from the start.
We relaxed the first day by doing a little crabbing, a favorite island past time. Once I got past the raw chicken bait, I actually enjoyed myself and got into the spirit of catching these blue-green guys in my own, resort provided bucket. I was not used to catching my own dinner but as the competition flared between me and my husband, I was determined to catch dinner for the entire resort. Six crabs later, I was exhausted and hungry but it is only catch and release at Sea Pines (I later learned) so we headed off to the Topside at the Quarterdeck for the freshest and most amazing seafood that I have ever had. My husband had a thick, huge steak and we both were ready for naps.
A horseback ride after dinner exposed us to the magnificent, untouched Low Country that Carolina is famous for. My horse lazily walked through a beautiful canopy provided by the old, moss covered trees and (I swear but my husband says it's not true) past an alligator or two. We passed a few historic sites and several families fishing (also a resort activity). We ended the evening sitting (ok, lazing) in the lounge chairs overlooking the amazing Atlantic Ocean and listening to snippets of live music coming from the Quarterdeck Cafe. What an evening!
We woke up early the next morning with an 8:00 AM tee time at the PGA tournament golf course. What could be better than teeing off overlooking the pristine Atlantic Ocean on the Harbour Town Golf Links? Maybe the service and the hotel provided caddy. These touches made this an unforgettable experience and a true luxury to play one of America's 100 Greatest Golf courses' as named by Golf Digest. After golf, we enjoyed lunch at the Harbour Town Grill overlooking the 9th hole of the course we just played. With an amazing wine list, we could have lingered all afternoon.
Late afternoon had us on the Alligator Boat Tour. This 'jungle safari' exposed us to the plants and animals of the inland freshwater lakes of the Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve. Although we were a little tempted to tease these reptiles, we quickly learned that they are a forced to be reckoned with. Viewing the American Alligator in all its splendor is a surreal experience. They just stare and we, of course, broke eye contact first.
We dined outside that evening at the Sea Pines Resort Beach Club. We listened to the rolling waves of the ocean in between sets from the musicians. After dinner, my husband and I held hands which is a rare treat for us (with three kids we are always holding children's hands) and just strolled around the resort taking in the surroundings. We ended the evening with a fabulous dessert and luscious coffee drink at the Tartan Room Bar before heading up to the room and dropping into bed, exhausted yet relaxed.
The next morning we dined on savory French Toast at the Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe. We walked off this big breakfast by shopping in the boutiques on the property. With 40 stores to choose from, we found something for everyone and some great things for us as well. Since we were guests of the resort, we were given the Lighthouse Card which granted us an exclusive 10% discount at all of the shops which was an added bonus.
When it was time to depart, I found myself wishing that we had more time. We did not get to ride bikes, take a boat ride, play tennis or even leave the resort. Of course there was no need to leave the resort. We could have spent a week there and still not seen or done everything. Maybe next time we will!
This first-hand account of a Hilton Head Sea Pines vacation was brought to you by Stacie Haight Connerty.