HILTON HEAD ISLAND

February 18, 2015

Although we had day trips to Savannah and Charleston, Hilton Head Island was our home base last week. The weather was mostly in the 60s. Not warm enough to get in the ocean, but a welcome change for these Michiganders. Most of our time was spent exploring, tennis, and eating. I must also add that as a family without cable, watching HGTV is a special treat whenever we are away. I discovered and fell in love with Chip & Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper.

And continue to dislike House Hunters and not understand why anyone cares in the slightest about the premise of that show. I am a privileged girl in that my husband also likes HGTV.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND from Rachel Schultz-2 copy

We ate at four restaurants on Hilton Head, which I will rank from best to worst.

The Lucky Rooster: This was our splurge, fancy meal. It was fantastic. The battle between it and The Collins Quarter from Savannah was very close for favorite restaurant all week. We loved our sweet potato gnocchi appetizer (blue cheese fonduta, roast brussels sprouts, bacon lardons, toasted pecans). We split the winter shrimp and grits (Carolina shrimp, andouille, butternut squash, red Russian kale, creole mustard sauce) and the lucky burger (creek stone ground beef, thick bacon, white cheddar, pickled red onions, red pepper jam, arugula, hand cut garlic and parmesan fries). That was the best burger of my life, people. And I guess the shrimp and grits were the best of my life too, but that is saying less because I have only eaten shrimp & grits three times. We were completely full. But could not pass up how amazing what this chef was laying down, so we ordered a great french toast dessert that was coated in frosted flakes.

The Lowcountry Backyard: On yelp, this is the highest rated restaurant in all of Hilton Head. I would call that a little out of place, but it was still worth our time. The eating area really feels like a backyard. We played ring toss and a giant, outdoor version of kerplunk while we waited for our food. We had shrimp and grits and a crab burger. Both were good, but not life changing. We could ride our bikes here from our resort so that combined with the backyard games made it a really pleasant, casual lunch.

The Salty Dog Cafe: We knew going into this that visiting here was not for the culinary achievements. The staff were really friendly and we ate overlooking the water. It is a Hilton Head icon so you have to do it. And apparently I even have to buy a shirt too.

Skullcreek Boathouse: Food is worse than Salty Dog and its only allure is being on the water. I would scrap this one if we did it over again.

We also went to Frozen Moo which is an ice cream place in Coligny Plaza with 92 flavors. It was another bike-able destination and right by the beach. We also walked through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. I think learning about very old civilizations is really interesting and the Indian Shell Ring was totally nuts.

We liked Hilton Head a lot and at the end of our trip were asking ourselves if we want to be people who visit the same vacation spot over and over or always try new places. I like the assuredness of knowing we like a location and there are not going to be any nightmarish surprises in the accommodations. But the adventurer in me wants to see more!

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Comments

  • I see you are still wearing that green quarter zip that’s mine… glad it’s getting use!

    • Rachel Schultz

      Always & forever!

  • Mary Cooke

    My family has a time-share in Hilton Head and I have been 24 summers out of my 25 years. It has a special place in my heart! I love reading your food reviews- I have not tried Lucky Rooster or Lowcountry Backyard so I will look them up this summer when I go!

    • Rachel Schultz

      You will love it!

  • jaci

    We luv Hilton Head and The Lucky Rooster. Foodies are we!!!

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