www.hiltonheadisland.com

Comments & Recommendations

These comments have been received either as E-mails sent to us, or from entries made in our Guest Book. Newest comments are at the top of the list.


Our family of 4 just got back from a week in Hilton Head- our first visit. Very impressed overall with the beauty of the island, especially Sea Pines. Highly recommended: Low Country Nature Tours (dolphin watch excursion with a very knowledgeable owner/guide on a small boat that carries 6 max plus the guide, leaving from Shelter Cove), renting a bike for a ride down the beach and through the trails in Sea Pines, eating a "fancy" meal at Charlie's Crab, oceanfront condos at Ocean One in South Forest Beach, shopping and sightseeing at Shelter Cove, South Beach Marina and Harbourtown. Disappointments: long wait for dinner at Salty Dog Cafe, even at 5 PM and an awful Seafood Pot Pie (overcooked shrimp, scallops and mahi-mahi in an acrid sauce and undercooked pastry; but crab legs and she crab soup were excellent); absolutely horrible snow crab legs (watery, no flavor) at Henry's Seafood; overpriced Spirit of Harbortown dinner cruise (no "seconds" on prime rib available ! as advertised, no white meat in the baked chicken and the bartender apparently thought a martini was half vermouth.
rob<lukiecat@yahoo.com> Durham NC USA


My husband and I just came back from HHI for the seventh time in eleven years. We managed to go to places we had never been to before and were thoroughly delighted. We highly recommend the new restaurant "Carolina Grill" located in Office Park outside of Sea Pines. The owner and food are marvelous. Also, for the first time we went to the Harbourside Grill in Sea Pines. I had the best cosmopolitan ever. Also, please check out Sunset Grill along 278. No better way to see the sunset and enjoy good food. We'll see ya next year I hope! (zoedog131@yahoo.com).


I returned recently from Hilton Head Island, The weather was perfect and all except for one evening we had a wonderful time. I invited my Mom and Dad to join me for dinner at Steamers Restaurant located in Coligny Plaza. We waited about 40 minutes for a table which was not too bad for a Saturday night. Once we were seated we placed our order, we ordered simple items soup, salad and chicken fingers for my nine year old. We asked for bread we were told fresh bread was coming out of the oven. Another 15 minutes we wait and ask for bread again. Fifteen minutes later our salad's come out the only problem is our waiter only gives us one set of silverware. I wait ten more minutes for a fork, then our soup is delivered. We once again ask for bread the waiter says oh yea, also he is sorry but there are no spoons for our soup. Another 20 minutes still no bread or spoons. My nine year old has been sitting very still for about 90 minutes now and she is still waiting for her chicken fingers. Our waiter runs by us one more time, and suggests since he cannot find spoons, we could eat our soup with tortillas chips. I was shocked, I told him we will not be eating our soup with chips. I then go to the kitchen in search of spoons and was informed again, there are no spoons to be found. I questioned different waiters on why the restaurant cannot find any spoons and they very quickly asked me to explain this to them. They are quick to snap at me with a declaration that they have to work in a restaurant that never has enough silverware for the patrons and that I should discuss this with the manager. I went to the Manager, actually I waited in line for the manager. Another patron was discussing their dissatisfaction. Five minutes later I can now speak to the manager who stood, smiled and listened. He chucked over the suggestion of us trying to eat our soup with chips, I told him we would be leaving his restaurant. He took my name and phone number and assured me he would call the next day to offer us a complementary dinner for my family. My parents of course said they would never return to Steamers. The next day didn't bring any calls, I wasn't surprised. How unfortunate for families who visit our beautiful island to be treated so poorly in this long standing restaurant. I would recommend Market Street cafe and Mojo pie the waiters are very nice and the food is great they also have silverware! (dharris922@aol.com).


Just returned from camping on beautiful Hilton Head Island. We stayed at the RV Resorts and Yacht Club campground. It is located a third of a mile on the left right after you cross the bridge onto the island. You can camp on the water, fish, boating, and a great restaurant. I recommend Lot 63 on the water, it also has a phone. Happy camping (drhicks@bellsouth.net).


My husband, children and I have been visiting Hilton Head for the past 7 years or so and absolutely LOVE it! We love riding the bike trails-especially the Sea Pines and Shipyard trails-so peaceful! We adore Harbourtown-just sit in the red rockers and watch the yachts go in and out! Eat at the Crazy Crab-food great but wait staff not the friendliest on the island. Also Signe's Bakery on Arrow Road is fabulous-and friendly! (wharless@wrlibrary.org).


We have been coming to HHI for 5 years. It is heaven on earth. We recommend the following: The Old Oyster Factory, Shannon Tanner at Shelter Cove, especially for the kids, Renting a bicycle, Alexanders, Spartina Grill, Coligny plaza, especially the kite store, Sticky Fingers Ribs, easy to get sand dollars. Avoid: Crabby Nicks, Little Venice and San Miguel at Shelter Cove. This place is great. Don't miss it!!!! (BretSouthard@aol.com).


I keep seeing so many ppl asking for night life spots so here ya go: definately can't miss:
MONDAY NIGHT: Hinchy's Chicago Bar and Grill in Coligny Plaza
TUESDAY: Karaoke can be found at Casey's Bar and Grill after 9:30 PM (believe me its a great time... get a bucket of beer and sit back and watch!) new orleans rd.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Hincheys, tiki hut, Moneypenny's, The Quarterdeck, Hilton Head Brewing Company (only mini brewery), and Monkey Business (other than Mondays and Tuesdays this place is more of a club). Also popular is The Lodge, which has pool tables and is a cigar bar. Club South Beach (UNDER 18 ADMITTED) advertises laser light shows, dancing to a DJ, and such things as wet T-shirt contests....A bit cheesy but fun none the less. Some of these places start entertainment quite late at night - call ahead for times. SPORT BARS: Callahan's, Casey's, Hinchey's,The Lodge, and The Drydock.
FAVORTIES: hinchey's, tiki hut, callahan's, and the big bamboo.
NO WORRIES... ASK ANY BARTENDER WHILE YOUR DOWN THERE AND THEY'LL POINT U IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR THAT NIGHT! (newyorkgirrl@yahoo.com).


One of the new restaurants we loved was Catch 22- everyone there was very friendly and could not have been more accommodating. The food was great. Had the best breakfast omlettes at Cafe Europa, a wonderful dinner at Fratello's and lots of other great meals at Little Venice, Antonio's, Amigo's, Skillet's, Signe's, and lots more. The staff and patrons at Hinchey's were once again the friendliest, and it was great to see everyone there. Their deep fried stuffed green olives are the bomb, and go great with beer. Also spent time, for the first time ever, at Port Royal and the Westin. The beach at that end of the island is really beautiful, and the Westin staff were all so nice. The rooms weren't that impressive, but the friendly staff and the beautiful pool area made up for that. Hope to see everyone again next year. SMM.


Recent visit has led me to recommend: Spartina Seafood Grill, Brick Oven & Bogies. Avoid: Skillets. Rude owner made day start off very unpleasantly (gnxfan@hotmail.com).


We have been goin to HH for 25 years and love it--our most favorite place to be. We like, Napa, Truffles, Charlestons, South Beach places and a little place in Coligny called Just Pasta. We always stay in Sea Pines and for sure rent bikes! (Hockymom79@aol.com).


We just returned from our trip to Hilton Head. We always try to go to different restaurants each time we go. One of our newest finds was Juleps. It was excellent and one of our newest favorite restaurants. Service was exceptional and our waitress happened to go to my high school back in Philly! Arlene (hqaq1969@aol.com).


We ate at the Captains Table on North Forest Beach Dr. It was the best meal that we had while we were on the island and the people & service was wonderful, our waiter was Nick and he was also really great, we went there a couple times while we were on the island and I would recomend The Captians Table to anyone going to Hiltonhead. Sincerely, Donna from New Jersey (bebop514@home.com).


We are a couple in our late 20's/early 30's (ha, hubby turned 30 this year)! We tend to navigate towards the more expensive restaurants, so these recommendations may or may not suit your needs. For restaurants, try Brian's, Alexander's (although I think it has gone downhill a bit), Cafe at Wexford, South Seaport Cafe, Truffles, Old Fort Pub (our favorite, try the flights of wine). When you get to the island, get those little books of "things to do". One of them is larger (8 1/2 X 11") and has many menus in them. Also, make reservations!!! They are almost always accepted. Try renting directly through owner. Email me and I'll be happy to give you some names of some reputable people that we've dealt with in the past. Also, this is personal preference, but I love having a condo! more than a hotel room. It's amazing, but you'll spend LESS!! We typically eat in for lunch and breakfast and splurge on dinner. For entertainment, I would highly recommend a dolphin tour. Our favorite was the Commander Zodiac, but it's a bumpy ride, not suitable for young children or those prone to sea-sickness. If you are planning a vacation or would like recommendations, please feel free to email me at mordaunt@nccw.net. Happy vacationing! Amy Mordaunt


We are planning our next trip to HHI and am longing to be there again! A few recommendations that I haven't seen on the Bulletin Board: Tiff and Ran's Ice Cream Parlor at Coligny is awesome.....be brave and do Michael's Mountain & win a t-shirt!! The Frosty Frog at Coligny has the biggest and BEST burger you will ever have (once again, be brave and try the Pig Boy Platter....finish it and win a free lunch!) Kurama Japanese Restaurant.....wonderful service and a great show as they cook at your table! (For the best deals, go as soon as they open for the Early Bird!!!) If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you MUST go to Island Putt & Golf on the corner of Foley Field Rd. It is sooooo much fun! Mini golf, driving range, arcade, bumper cars, 4D theatre, & laser tag.......awesome! Check out the Beach & Tennis Resort's pool and beach-side bar for a great time!! Can't wait to return!!! LOVE HHI!! (kathtodd@aol.com).


My husband and I went to HHI the summer of 1994 for vacation and knew immediately that HHI was the place where we would retire. There are so many great attributes about it such as the beautiful landscaping, no neon signs, strict restrictions regarding cutting down trees. The best attribute we found were how friendly the people were. We try and visit three times a year. We bought property in Palmetto Hall Plantation and are so happy we did. We retire in four years and HHI here we come. Our favorite restaurants are CQ's in Harbour Town and Old Forte Pub in Hilton Head Plantation. We also enjoy "happy hour" at Palmetto Hall Plantation club house on Friday nights. What a great group of people. Our hotel recommendation is The Westin Hotel. I recently brought two friends down and they both fell in love with HHI. There's nothing not to like. My husband and I have found PARADISE in Hilton Head!!!!!!
Connie<NY2HHI@aol.com>Miller Place NY USA


We really enjoyed our week at Hilton Head. We recommend Spartina, the Hoffbrahaus, Fitzgeralds for dinner--take advantage of early specials at all places. Recommended for breakfast and lunch is Cracker Barrel and Harold's Diner (great informal atmosphere!). The only disappointment was the Quarterdeck which had a great view but the service and food left a lot to be desired. We rented bikes for a whole week for $20-a great bargain and lots of nice trails on the island. See you next year Hilton Head!
Mike Hanczar<jodimike@forcomm.net>Beaver PA USA


Two things I highly recommend are a trip to Vino and Vito (in Bluffton next to Home Depot) for a great selection of wines, beers, and interesting foods, as well as great coffee. (Found a $375.00 bottle of wine there -- don't know about you, but all I could say was WOW!) My other recommendation is for the Jazz Corner in the Village at Wexford. My husband and I spent the last evening of our trip there, and it was, without a doubt, the most memorable evening. From the moment we walked in the door, we were treated incredibly. The atmosphere was elegant, intimate, and romantic yet comfortable, the food was outstanding, and the service was without compare! Of course, the music (the Joe Grandsdens Trio) was incredible! I highly recommend the Jazz Corner and will definitely be there on my return!
Monica Leech<swtpea1050@aol.com>Frederick MD USA


For the person looking for a wonderful dinner with a spectacular view of the water and the sunset, nothing can beat Cafe Europa - under the lighthouse in Harbour Town. In fifteen years we have never been disappointed!
Sandy<baney3@aol.com>Fairfax Station VA USA


I definitely reccomend renting/bringing bikes! I rode my bike everywhere! and my favorite resturant was the hilton head brewing company, and guissepi's is a great place to stop for a quick lunch. Visiting shelter cove at night is a great place for live entertainment and italian ice cream :)
Jamie L.<aandfmaniac@aol.com>Rochester NY USA


We ate at many great restaurants such as The Kingfisher for Crab legs and Crab legs only as my husband discovered, Stellini's for Italian and then we found a little place called the Main street Cafe and Pub. It is a great place if you are looking for a little bit of everything. It apepars to be more of a local place and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff. Main Street Cafe is really a must if you are in town. We really enjoyed our stay on the island it is a great place with lots to do (cpatbar@aol.com).


Just want to say that the bartenders and wait staff at Hinchey's are always the best- friendly and fun and down to earth. Forget the Wild Wing; since it moved from Coligny it hasn't been the same and this year the service, attitudes and food was the worst ever. Fitzgerald's and Cafe Europa are really good- Fitzgeralds has been tops on our list for years. A visit isn't complete without the combination fajitas and margaritas at Aunt Chiladas, drinks at the Tiki Hut, and breakfast at Skillets. (no E-mail address given).


Cafe Europa is very good. Avoid Steamer's and CQ's. Be sure to ride bikes in Sea Pines and check out the frozen drinks at Salty Dog. Palmetto Dunes is a good choice for places to stay (wired4u@bellsouth.net).


Favorite breakfast place is Skillets, seafood is Kingfisher. Love the outlet malls. Quite a longway from Nebraska for us but worth the trip and will do it again in the spring (s41236@aol.com).


Celebrated our 33rd Anniv. with a brief 5 day visit to Hilton Head. We have been annually visiting HHI for more than 25 years now. Wild Wings (great environment, best wings, really fine wait staff), Hilton Head Micro Brewery (great meals and sandwiches but the pizza is the blue ribbon item, staff not as personal as in last several years), South Beach Marina resturant ( inside is a good choice to protect your clothing and due to the sprinkles or rains that often occur), Alexander's (has lost it's spark and is principally interested in making money). Wish we had made it to Old Fort Pub and sorry to see that the Chart House no longer graces the island! For breakfast Skillets and HH Diner win our vote hands down. We can never understand how those two restaurants can have such perky and personable wait staff's so early in the morning! (laidback2@hiltonheadisland.com).


I am a 51 year old African American woman who has just returned from a two week stay in Hilton Head, S.C. My boyfriend and I stayed at the Villamare condominium complex in Palmetto Dunes. Using Hilton Head as our base, we took side trips to Savannah, Ga. and to Charleston, South Carolina. Finally, we spent two days in Beaufort. The scenery was beautiful. The low-country is some of the most beautiful terrain we have ever seen. We loved Beaufort! It's a very southern little town with beautiful homes and a two block section of shops and restaurants. As an African American woman with a sense of history, I found that the traditional tours only gave you a glimpse of the history of the cities with regard to slavery and the civil war. They were good to take but lefr much out that would be of interest to Americans of African descent. The Black History tours filled in the blanks. For example, I never knew that Sullivan Island in Charleston was the "Ellis Island" for African slaves. I learned through the Gullah tour that three quarters of the slaves brought from West Africa to this country came through the ports of Charleston. I also learned that while the architects of some of the most beautiful homes in Savannah and Charleston were Caucasians, the actual builders of these cities were African slaves.On the traditional tour, a building was pointed out as the custom house in Charleston. On the Gullah tour. we learned that slaves were sold on the front steps of that building for years until an ordinance was passed outlawing the sale in that location. To get around it, the auctioneers moved the sales around the corner!! This is information for everyone, not just African Americans! Finally, the food. I am a caterer and food service director by profession. My favorite meals were the wonderful shrimp prepared in a variety of ways. I recommend T-Bones in Charleston. We tried Hyman's seafood and did not care for it. The best meal was at the Planters Inn Grill. We loved everything!! In Hilton Head, we liked Alexander's at Palmetto Dunes, Charlies Crab (not Crazy Crab) and Charlestons. For those who may be going to stay in Hilton Head, we visited the Hilton and Hyatt resorts, the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Resort and the Westin Resort We believe a summer resort should look summery with light colored walls and furniture that speaks of the tropics. We were dissapointed with the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza because the lobby was full of very dark mahoghany wood and the courtyard didn't look as good as one you would find at Embassy Suites. The public pool area, however, was very nice with strategically placed chairs, a bar and floating birds. The carpeting was loose in the hallways at both the Hilton and the Hyatt. The furniture was dark and the rooms were small. These oceanfront rooms rented from $260-$500 per night and did not compare to Villamare @ $200 per night. The best looking hotel was the Westin. The lobby was light with beautiful chandeliers and a lovey balcony that ran around the perimeter of the lobby. The public pool area was also beautiful. The oceanfront hotel room was a bit of a disspointment with standard hotel furniture that didnot have a summer resort feel. Hope this information helps a future traveller (KAYE3836@AOL.COM).


For a great meal, great service and beautiful sunset, try the Tavern on Skull Creek. That's a must visit if you are celebrating a special date or want a terrific menu. Other places that we enjoy are the Old Oyster Factory (but go early if you have kids, or don't like to wait) and Kingfisher's in Shelter Cove has good food as well. Ron Hahn (hahn_ronald@yahoo.com).


When you go, DO go to the Old Oyster Factory if you are looking for the BEST seafood. Others were good but did not compare to Old Oyster Factory. For Mexican, definately go to Aunt Chilada's. Great food, great service. Try their fresh guacamole...out of this world!! Visit HHI and vacations will never be the same! (Angelacamp@aol.com).


Just a few thoughts...Once again, our favorite restaurant is Hilton Head Brewery. Another good place to eat is Abes, which has been around since 1968, and is a hidden treasure (caters to locals and does not advertise much). Steamers was a BIG disappointment (the food and service were both mediocre). Another disappointment was the Quarterdeck which has a good view of Harbour Town, but the food is average at best. Cafe Europa is good, but too pricey for children. San Miguels is our choice for Mexican food. As usual, when in Hilton Head, rent bikes for enjoyable transportation on the bike trails and beach. Bob.


My husband and I just got back from Hilton Head this weekend and loved it once we got use to getting around. Our favorite place was the "Salty Dog Bar" on south beach. Loved the "Crazy Crab" and "Club Europa," next time we will stay longer and try more restaurants and golf (dajandjij@aol.com).


On my recent visit to Hilton Head we tried several of the restaurants recommended by other visitors at this site. Our winners were Cafe Europa at Harbour Town where we enjoyed a sunset dinner watching dolphins and sailboats beneath a glowing red sun, Truffles at Sea Pines Centre, and the fried oysters at Steamers in Coligny Centre. We also would recommend the fresh seafood at Barnicle Bill's stand on 278 for an "eat in" meal. The scallops were huge and sooooo fresh and the shucked oysters were fabulous! Bon Appetit! (gloriaellen@hiltonheadisland.com).


For the best muffins, scones and ice tea on the island (not to mention ice cream, sandwiches, and coffee) try Ice Cream and Coffee Beans in Sea Pines Center. This small business is run by a lovely lady named Bonnie who makes everyone feel welcome and bakes the best fresh muffins we've ever had. Try it for breakfast. We bike there every morning and have for years. Tim & Arlene, Minneapolis, MN (aandrews@frontiernet.net).


Just returned from HHI. We LOVED Fitzgeralds but were disappointed with Steamers at Coligny Plaza. We really enjoyed a day trip to Beaufort where we ate simple but great fresh seafood on the patio of a restaurant by the bay. I enjoyed the small shops in downtown Beaufort much more than those at Harbour Town. Very impressed with how clean and wide the beaches are (RCleeland@aol.com).


I have been going to Hilton Head Island for 16 years and it is the best spot to vacation on earth. Truffles, in Sea Pines, is by far the best resturant on the island with great food, great atmosphere, and wonderful staff. You will love it!!! (JKanter2@excite.com).


We have so many favorites such as Salty Dog Cafe and PJ's Deli in Shelter Cove. Crazy Crab used to be on our list, but this year we had a surly waitress and our food was just so-so. I had crab cakes they were mushy and only lukewarm, so I have room now to try some of the other great restaurants that I was just reading about in the recommendations. By all means, if you go to HHI, be sure to bike through Sea Pines, it is what made me fall in love with HHI. Of course, take a bike map. We got turned around the first year and biked so long my legs were sore the next day (shermpa@ecr.net).


Before we left for Hilton Head Island, we wrote down all of the restaurants recommended by previous visitors and we followed the list. We went to Alexanders, Truffles, Napa, and the Old Oyster factory. All of the restaurants were great . We also went to Harbor Town like everyone said to do and it was a lot of fun. Hilton Head is very nice and friendly. I am glad this website is available it made all of our choices much easier (cmliga@aol.com).


The restaurants that my family and I went to were awesome including Captain seafood (best seafood there is on the island), Little Venice, San Miguels and Stellini. BUT there a restaurant called QuarerDeck on harbour town. They may give you a good look at the harbour but they're trying To RIP YOU OFF! They give you frozen vegetables for an expensive price. So I advise you not to go there!!
Derek Wei<www@something.com> Toronto Ontario CANADA


We spent Thanksgiving on HHI and loved it. Favorite rest.=Alexander's (3 times in a week}; also, the Smokehouse for really good ribs; and, Napa for sophisticated food and service. The people we met were great and the food, overall, was very good. If you have a chance, take a catamaran ride on the Flying Circus. Good boat and Captain - and lots of porpoise - We shall return (RHUTCH6486@AOL.COM).


Hilton Head hasn't forgotten those of us who travel and vacation in recreational vehicles. Outdoor Resorts in Hilton Head has two of the nicest parks you'll find anywhere. One is for motorcoaches only and is located on Arrow Road about two blocks from Sea Pines Circle. The other is on William Hilton Parkway and accommodates towed vehicles as well. Both are conviently located, first class resorts with easy access for large vehicles (larry.owens@worldnet.att.net).


Sam Miguels and the Original Guiseppi's Pizza should be on-line. Also, I'd like to have the opportunity to e-mail the restaurants via their website to give them my glowing comments about my family's visit to their restaurant (i.e. Old Oyster Factory, Sweet Sensations). Thank you! Patty Trudics Akron, Ohio (ptrudics@neo.rr.com).


We loved riding our bikes to Coligny plaza everyday, playing putt putt, and the food is great! Our fav. restaurants are the Crazy Crab, and Cafe Europa. With so many recommendations for the Hyatt, I will definately try it next time. The best part of HHI is the relaxing quietness of the island. No neon lights, or wild souvenier shops. We feel comfortable letting our kids play in the yard, or ride bikes, without worrying about their safety. It is the cleanest and safest, and most beautiful beach resort anywhere!! (tsbsingletary@yahoo.com).


Sea Shack (Executive Park). This is the best seafood on the island!!!!!!!! Needs more advertising. Fast, friendly service, and a menu that's fairly priced and varied. Get them on-line, please!!!!!!!! (AmandaAkey@webtv.net).


We tried the she crab soup at KINGFISHER'S RESTAURANT. It was excellent. We do not have anything like this here in New York. (ZaMbOnE85@aol.com).


I've been going to Hilton Head for quite awhile and it is pure Heaven. Some of our favorite places and things to do are: Go to the Hyatt in Palmetto Dunes, Cafe Europa (The light house in Sea Pines), Minature Golfing, eating at Juleps, a great restaurant, for something lighter go to "Jump and Phils" a nice little sports bar with the best "mile high frys". The Hyatt at night is the best place for a romantic and exquisit(sp?) meal(ask for David he's great).You can shop anywhere but for unique shops go to Wexford(but beware they close early). If anyone wants to know anything else Email me I'd be glad to recomend some places.
David Onda<IconHHH27@aol.com> Lancaster PA USA


Just got back from the most awesome vacation of my life. Highly recommend the Hilton Head Brewing Company for dinner, definitely rent a bike, Harbor Town is a must! Coligny Plaza is a good place to shop for souveniers. Don't bother with the malls, same stuff here as at home. Have a great time!
Lee<kunkland@kiva.net> New Castle IN USA


We LOVE HHI and have been vacationing here for 10 years. The Coastal Museum is wonderful. Harolds diner is a fun place to eat. The beaches are well maintained and people are friendly. Can't forget the Harbor Town Lighthouse.
Christine Pearse<pearse@coopresources.com>Meredith NH USA


Go to Harbor Town to see the lighthouse and eat at the Quarterdeck and the Harbourside Cafe. Eat at the famous Salty Dog Cafe. You can also just spend a day on the beach and relax. Or take a sea-doo out on the sound or maybe take a kayak charter. But the fun never ends at Hilton Head Island S.C.
Richard<sage1007@AT&Tworldnet.com> Richmond VA USA


We went to Spitfire Contempory Bistro. You won't find it in any of the Island booklets, but if you want great food, wines and service pay them a visit. This is pricey and definitely not for the children, but if you enjoy fine innovative cuisine go to Spitfire on New Orleans Road (Linda.Holtzman@Ceridian.com).


LOVED Crabby Nicks!!!! The food is great.
Dianne<concertma@home.com> Greenville SC USA


My favorite restaurant is Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe. From: a customer (LMitch275@aol.com).


I enjoyed the Gullah Heritage Tour, Abe's Shrimp, fishing at Simmon's Fish Camp and the beaches! (ondreahs@hotmail.com).


Favorite Island Restaurant: Cafe Europa! (rbmaley@ctnet.net).


My husbandand I recommend sea pines for accomodations, Giuseppi's for pizza, crabby nicks for seafood, Aunt Enchilada's for margarita's and outlets for shopping. At The Mall at Shelter Cove sometimes a celebrity can be spotted. Once on HHI you'll never go to Fla. again!!!! Kokomo, IN (altonet@juno.com).


Our family has been going here for 15 years and we love the Westin Resort. It has the greatest seafood buffet on the Island. You can't beat the Crazy Crab either. You won't be disappointed!! Go for the ocean view condo.!!!!
Paul Bongiorno<Pbongiorno@hotmail.com>Waco TX USA


Crabby Nick's has the best clam chowder on the island and you can't beat the seafood buffet at the Cafe in the Hyatt in Palmeto Dunes. We are looking forward to more visits in the future.
Kathy Kmonk<skmonk@ee.net>Plain City OH USA


I've been coming to hilton head for the past 10 years. I've tried many restaurants while i stayed on the island, but my favorite seafood restaurant is Henry's Seafood House. it's an excellent seafood restaurant with very reasonable prices. Lisa (lisa_shileds70@hotmail.com).


The island was a nice relaxing place to be for spring break. It was a good compromise for the teens, too. Not to wild as some of the beaches, but enough activity to keep them interested. Salty Dog was great and South Beach is beautiful. We ventured to Alligator Grille and were sorely disappointed, especially for the pricey dinners...won't be quite so adventurous next visit. Hit the places that are recommended, defintely!! (ccreel@fis-madison.com).


My husband and I met my parents at Hilton Head last week and we had a great time. Our favorite places to eat were Hudson's, Aunt Chilada's, and The Crazy Crab. We stayed at the Villamare in Palmetto Dunes plantation and it was absolutely beautiful. Oceanfront is the only way to go. Our condo was on the second floor - if you can, get one on the fourth or fifth floor - the view is better. We enjoyed riding bikes on the beach. The two hour kayak tour from Cool Breeze was great fun - saw three dolphins. I wouldn't miss shopping in Harbour Town or the Outlet Malls just outside of Hilton Head. This was our first trip to HHI and we will definitely be back!! (Tina).


We were on Hilton Head Island for our Honey Moon. We like the Kingfisher for Crablegs, We loved the French Bakery in Pineland Station, we went there every morning for coffee and Pastry. we went to Alexanders and that was great also. We also toured Daufuskie Island while we were there. What an experience. Anyway can't say enough about Hilton Head. Just go There!!!! (cpatbar@aol.com).


There is NO other place on earth like the calm, and fun Hilton Head Island!! If you and your family are planning a trip there and have small children, I strongly recomend going to Harbour Town to see Gregg Russell! ( He is a very entertaining kids singer and comedian) I also recomend eating at Steamers, and the Salty Dog Cafe!! Yum! Yum! Yum!
Kristin <klmayhew84@hotmail.com> Kentland, IN USA -


Just returned from a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation on H.H. and have found my retirement spot. Stayed in a nice 3 bdrm. 3 bath villa in Sea Pines; so close to Harbour Town and the beach. Recommended restaurants include CQs (pricey), Quarterdeck (good music on patio), Crazy Crab (reasonable), Imperial Dragon, and Truffles (pricey). Be sure to walk the trails in the Sea Pines Preserve. Can hardly wait to retire!
sarah bicknell <sarahdb@gte.net> bradenton, FL USA -


I had a lot of fun with my family on HHI. I would recommend staying in HHI Beach and Tennis Resort with one or two-bedroom condos. They are so beautiful and the oceanview is breathtaking.
Jennifer Cilia, Pittsburgh, PA USA


My husband and I have made Hilton Head our vacation destination for 17 years, and our very favorite restaurant remains the Old Fort Pub. Tim & Linda Howard Dayton, OH (Howard1018@aol.com).


Stayed at a lovely condo in Windsor Place located in Palmetto Dunes. Beautiful grounds, outstanding beach, spectacular view. Highly recommend Palmetto Dunes! Our children (ages 6&9) didn't want to come home...Enjoyed fireworks & entertainment at Shelter Cove, Dolphin Cruise, great shops & restaurants (try Alexander's in Palmetto) and the sound of the surf every day! We will definitely be back! (kittia@msn.com).


Hilton Head was such a nice change from the hustle of Myrtle Beach. We stayed at the Breakers Villas at Forest Beach. Food - We loved Fish Tales (the Salt Marsh Skillet there is a must), The Upper Crust was great (pizza and pasta - located near the Factory 1 & 2 stores), San Miquel's at Sheltor's Cove was great for mexican food and enjoyed sitting out by the marina and hearing the live music, and Wild Wings was o.k. but we've had better wings. Didn't like The Quarter Deck in Harbour Town (very expensive for average food) and Groupers at the Holiday Inn on Forest Beach is a waste of money and time (seafood buffet) - Much of the food was frozen and tasted old! Harbour Side Cafe was fun for Happy Hour and in the evening for live music. Went to Savannah for the day and enjoyed it - Like Charleston better! Ate at Huey's for lunch and was great! Loved the atmosphere of the island. They leave the island intact as much as possible when building and don't bulldoze all the trees, etc. just to build! Very nice!! Couldn't say enough good things about it! Can't wait to go back in years to come! Mike and Kellie Blizard Winston-Salem, NC Kellie Blizard <mikekelliebliz@mindspring.com> Winston-Salem, NC USA


We spent a week at the Crown Plaza, in Shipyard Plantation. We can't recommend it highly enough. The week was perfect.The hotel , the staff, the activities, the beach and the dinning all contributed to the best vacation we have taken in our 25 years of marriage. We can't wait to go back Bill and Adrianne Pratt <Bilpra@aol> Brick, NJ USA


Make sure you eat at The Crazy Crab in Harbour Town and at the Seafood Buffet at the Hyatt in Palmetto Dunes!! Also, you have to go the the Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory, it's the best!! Have a great trip and e-mail me if you have any questions about the island!!
Lindsay <slak98@aol.com> Wilton, CT USA


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