Savannah offers a wide range of hotels and B & B’ s to choose from, but if the history and its ghostly reputation are part of what draws you to this lovely city, then make your home base the Marshall House. Built in 1851, it’ s known to have spirits living in the nooks and crannies, but the guestrooms have all the amenities a modern traveler craves. Choose the venerable Mansion on Forsyth Park if old-world elegance is your style or go modern with the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, a high-rise overlooking the river, complete with a Sam Snead designed golf course and an award-winning spa.
Get your Southern food cravings satisfied at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where the fried chicken is legendary, or tuck in at the Olde Pink House, located in a haunted mansion where the chefs cook classic dishes with delicious flair. For top-notch dining in Savannah, don’ t miss 45 Bistro and Elizabeth on 37th, both serve excellent fare in beautiful mansions.
Sand dollars in Hilton Head Island
Credit: Courtney Partlow
Hilton Head Island is all about planned resorts, luxurious home bases to while away the time playing golf and tennis, then heading out for a cycle around the island, swim or surf in the warm ocean waters or a paddle in a kayak or a journey on a fishing charter to catch a big one.
This“ Lowcountry” area of South Carolina has more to offer than idyllic days filled with athletic events, however. One of the places where the Gullah Culture remains strong, Hilton Head locals celebrate that group of African-American descendants of slaves who settled in this region in the early 1800s and created a culture all their own. Here you can tour the Hilton Head Gullah Museum, for an interesting glimpse into a unique society. Or head to the Island Winery, where locally grown grapes( and fruits) are made into South Carolina wines like Zinfandel, Blueberry and“ Southern Passion.”
If golf is your reason for coming to Hilton Head, there are numerous resorts where both a beautiful place to stay and a challenging course go hand in hand. The Sea Pines Plantation has the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links, often a PGA tour stop and home of the 18th hole that approaches the island’ s lighthouse; it is a top choice. Or try the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa, a massive beachfront place that features three golf courses and a signature spa. Other popular spots are the Beach House Resort and the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, where the world-class Palmetto Dunes golf courses are right out your front door.
When it comes to food, Hilton Head’ s best restaurants specialize in what makes sense to their locale— seafood. For an Asian twist, check out the Aqua Grille and Lounge where they have great tasting food and a fantastic ocean view; or for a French take on seafood, try CQ’ s at the Sea Pines. For a more casual setting with sunset views and delicious food, the Sunset Grille serves amazing Cajun fried oysters. They will make you happy you’ ve decided to visit this convivial Southern isle, even if your golf scores left something to be desired.
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 42 SUMMER 2018