Hilton Head SC

My travels continue - I'm off to Hilton Head for Thanksgiving weekend - mostly for an unusual networking conference, Renaissance Weekend so most of our meals will be covered by conference events at Sea Pines, the resort where the conference is taking place. However, at least a lunch and a dinner, and perhaps a few other meals will not be - so I'm looking for any suggestions of places to try in Hilton Head, especially any place that might be a bit better than resort/tourist fare.

thanks!

Shannon

Hi,

Is Renaissance Weekend a frequent event there? I recall a former first family who spent every New Year at the same location participating in Renaissance Weekend. Or are they called the same and entirely different events?

Same event - though what the Clinton's attended in the past was their New Year's Eve event which is even bigger (1400+ people vs. the about 400 for the event we're attending). While in the past I think the New Year's eve event was at Hilton Head, at least this year it is in Charleston (we're not attending it this year however).

My Dad lives in Bluffton; you'll pass his place on the way in to HHI on 278. We don't get out to dinner much since my stepmom took ill but I still do lunch in the area. I'll admit I almost never drive onto the island anymore since traffic got so bad, but if you are looking to get out and try something local and definitely non-touristy for lunch some good bbq and southern/soul cooking can be found at Sgt. White's Diner in Beaufort (1908 Boundary St., aka Highway 21 - 843-522-2029). Do call ahead to make sure they are open. It's not in the most picturesque area of Beaufort but the food's good. Once you are in the Beaufort area drive downtown and walk around - I lived in the area about 30-35 years ago and can't believe the transformation. It was a neat little water-town then but now it's really beautiful.

I used to really like hitting Steamers on Lady's Island but my dad tells me it's not the same since it was sold. All manner of seafood sold here but the main draw for us was the steamed oysters. A pitcher of beer, a roll of paper towels, a bucket of steamed oysters for the table with an empty bucket for shells in the hole in the middle of the table. Pass the shucking knife around (of course now we all have our own :p) to shuck the oyster and then, holding it between thumb and knife, dip it into the little cup of drawn butter and then devour. Repeat as necessary. I'll visit them this Christmas season when I'm down there to see what their current status is, would be a real shame if they've lost it as it was a fave destination.

My fave:

Hudson's on the Docks---

Great low country seafood place located in a former oyster factory. Lots of locals eat there, however, it might not pass the "non-touristy test"

We've been there several times and have enjoyed it--------

Heading here next week. Any more recent updates on can't miss places to eat? For a really nice area, I can't seem to find many great recommendations yet.

Was there for Christmas holidays and had a very nice meal on Christmas Eve at Ombra. IIRC, the chef is from one of the older Italian restaurants on the island and fairly recently opened this smaller, more intimate place. We thoroughly enjoyed the food (I believe we all had fish and it was perfectly cooked) and the atmosphere was more sophisticated than the shopping center location would suggest. I'd feel comfortable recommending it.

For a business dinner, we recently tried The Bluffton Room in a newly revitalized "old" part of historic Bluffton, SC.

While the building looks as if it dates to the Civil War era, it is actually new construction within the past year. One big room for drinking and dining (bar, tables and large booths share the same space) and a simple but compelling menu lend to a fun and filling evening. Wine cellar viewable upon entry with many solid offerings, though nothing you won't see elsewhere. We didn't order a bottle, so I didn't notice the markup- sorry.

The signature Manhattan is served with bacon. Jerry McGuire may have had her at hello - The Bluffton Room had me at bacon.

http://www.theblufftonroom.com/

15 Promenade Street
Bluffton, SC.
29910
843.757.3525