Biking on Hilton Head Island

There she is, my beautiful lime green bike with basket and lock. We had quite a good time the week we spent together. Rentals are everywhere on the Island, save yourself the trouble of transporting your own bike and rent for a very reasonable rate once you're there. There are public rentals, rentals at hotels, rentals on the various plantations. All are easy to obtain and reasonably priced. I rented my Lime Green Companion for $30.00 a week from Marriott's Vacation Time Shares. Each time share has an arrangement, making the process very easy. I've rented in the past while staying at Grande Ocean where due to the size of the facility there's a rental shop right in one of the parking garages. This year, we stayed in Heritage Club in The Sea Pines Plantation. I simply let the front desk know I needed a bike, and within 10 minutes the "bike guy" pulled up in his truck and got one ready for me. Quick and easy. At weeks end, I merely left my bike in the rack and he picked it up. They adjust the seat for you, check to see if you want a basket and or lock for no additional charge.

Within Sea Pines there are 17 miles of bike paths, believe I traveled them all, some multiple times. Sea Pines is private and so you do need a pass on your bike and or need to know the code to get back in the plantation's gate once you leave.

Additionally, there are 50 miles of public bike paths throughout the rest of The Island. It's fun, it's good exercise, it's pretty and a lot of fun.

I rode on the trails, and I rode on the beach which is 12 miles (though I didn't ride the whole distance on the beach). I visited historic areas on the bike and found a wonderful yarn and book shop, The Courtyard from my bike. Blogged about the yarn and book shop here, check it out.

The above map shows you the 50 miles of public paths, the toe area is Sea Pines that has it's own set of bike paths.

The Courtyard in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head South Carolina typically makes most people think of sun, surf, sand, beach, and golf. I like all those things too; but there's so much more in Hilton Head. I'm not a golfer, so when hubby plays golf I rent a bicycle and explore. I love history and there's much of it there in Hilton Head, and I love yarn....I like to look at it, finger it, buy it, knit with it, and crochet with it. Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Road, #10-A in The Village Exchange, I was able to ride by bike to this yarn shop. Not once, but twice! On my first trip I met a lovely lady named Judy, who was manning the shop. She was very helpful. I had my sunglasses on while riding, and you can't see colors of yarn well with sunglasses on.........so once inside you take them off, right? Argh, now I can't read the labels, what type of yarn is it, what's the yardage etc. Judy was very helpful, very friendly and helped me out. I purchased 2 skeins of yarn with her help.

See the lovely reddish scarf to the right in this picture. I got yarn to make that in a different color. Look at the wonderful selection this shop has of yarns. The displays are fabulous, the space well designed. A very comfortable shop. A rocking chair invites you to sit down and study a pattern, chat with other shoppers, or read a book. Scroll back, notice the upstairs...books a plenty there, as well as the opposite side of the shop. This is a book and a yarn store. How perfect is that! A yarn after all is a story, what a perfect pairing.

Adorable handmade cards. I actually meant to buy a couple and forgot. We all have people on our list that would really enjoy such a special card.

I kept thinking about this shop and some yummy yarn I saw and ended up pedaling back a 2nd day. Again I was greeting with warmth. Had several nice conversations with other patrons and the owner of the shop, Jennifer. Turns out Jennifer and I hail from the same local; before she left the frozen tundra that can be Central Ohio and settled there in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We exchanged business cards.

I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this shop, The Courtyard to all who enjoy books, and or yarn. Please visit their webpage for a look see, and be sure and put this on your places to visit when in Hilton Head. Even if you plan to spend your time on the beach, you need to pick up a couple of books. Don't bother packing them, buy them here...that saves room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Jennifer's email is available on the webpage if you have questions.

You might be wondering if I purchased more yarn on my 2nd visit, when I could see better...you betcha. I purchased 2 skeins to make the fabulous shawl you see in the pictures just beneath the scarf. One skein for myself, and one for Darling Daughter. Later, I'll be posting about those yarns and projects on my personal blog, Sandy's Space. Please pop in for a visit anytime; I always have plenty of projects going......and currently am trying to finish a few before starting new ones.

I do plan to visit The Courtyard again on all my visits to Hilton Head and encourage you all to do the same. Tell em, Sandy sent ya. Staying in Sea Pines it was about a 9 mile bike trip for me, and well worth every mile of exercise.

I've traveled to Hilton Head 3 times, and have often blogged about it. For additional information about where to stay, what to see, lodging etc., please type in Hilton Head in the blog's search box.

Smokehouse Charleston, South Carolina

This will be the first of many post about food during my travels. I'll be posting restaurant reviews on what I'll call Menu Monday's.

As the sign reads this is Southend Brewery Smokehouse, circa 1880 and is located at 161 E. Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina, right on the corner (see street light), very near the waterfront.

Taking this photo was an after thought as we left after a late lunch. After thought....key words. Don't be mislead by the very nice webpage, the photo's showing white table cloths, the words fine dining, or best brewery, or must be experienced and not to missed, or even beautiful building.

Yes it has some unique character with old wood floors, and a glass elevator which takes you to the 3rd floor, though that doesn't make up for the bad food or bad service. I had a watery Bloody Mary and a very greasy and flavorless hamburger, and cold fries. Now not being a health fanatic, I actually enjoy a good greasy hamburger from time to time...we all know you need some grease to give the meat flavor. My burger was the worst of both worlds, no flavor and greasy. Hubby's crab sandwich wasn't bad and his beer (one brewed here at the facility) was ok. Though he felt one was enough.

I love old, I love historical...but that shouldn't be confused with dirty or in need of repairs. The stairs leading upstairs (where one must go to use the washroom) are covered with very dirty and badly in need of being replaced carpet. You can see the vats of beer from the 2nd floor and the game room is available there as well.

When we were initially seated, hubby noticed his chair was wet and so we moved to the table next to the one we'd been taken too. When the server and receptionist returned we told them of the wet chair. Though there were 2 of them (and we weren't there during a busy time), neither made an effort to dry the table and chairs off, or move the chair to an out of way spot to keep another patron from ending up with a wet bum. Bad service. The chairs at the table we moved ourselves to had crumbs on all chairs which we brushed off in order to sit down........again no effort on the part of the staff........though there was a group of 4 staff members very busy chatting with each other 2 feet away playing with their cell phones and talking about who got drunk last night.

We were never asked if we wanted anything else before out bill was tossed on the table. Definitely not "Southern Hospitality".

Another item that might make this establishment unique or interesting is the ghost story, which I learned after returning home and reading their website. So, if you're into a good ghost story I suggest you check it out; but let that be the end of your interest in this establishment. I do not recommend this restaurant and I would not return. It appears to me, it's been a very long time since those nice pictures were taken that you see on their webpage.

Stop in next Monday, Feb 13th for another review.

Palm Desert/Springs California

Mariott's Shadow Ridge Time Share entrance is beautifully landscaped as it the whole resort here at Palm Desert/Desert Springs area. Have you considered a time share? There are multiple ways to vacation in one. First of course is to purchase a time share. Marriott's original system was to purchase a week, their current system is to purchase destination points which you then use to reserve your lodging. Sometimes you can reserve accomodations using your Marriott Rewards Points, while other times you can rent the accommodations either directly from Marriott or from an individual owner.
We enjoyed this beautiful morning sky from our balcony in Shadow Ridge Villages last fall. It was cool in the early morning and later in the day. But, beautiful the bulk of the day.

A view of the mountains, with the sun coming up again from the balcony. The sun was nice and warm in the morning. Great place to sip your coffee and enjoy the view.
Palm Trees, Mountains, and a beautiful golf course surround the whole resort.
As you walk about the resort the views are everywhere. Ponds in the golf course, mountains in the background....breath taking.
The villas are spacious, nicely decorated and very well maintained. The villas offer a full 2 bedroom arrangement, or can be divided into a full 1 bedroom condo with kitchen and living room, and or a 1 bedroom quest facility with bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, and small kitchenette. The kitchenette has microwave, small fridge, table and chairs for 2. Here's a view of the master bedroom (which is what you get with the full 1 bedroom arrangement as well as the whole 2 bedroom villa.

All units vary a bit by location in terms of colors and floor plan. Here we had a fireplace in the living room. The door to the left of the fireplace goes out to the large balcony. A beautiful accommodation that can sleep up to 8 using the living room sleeper sofa, as well as the sleeper sofa on the quest side.

I've been to Palm Desert/Desert Springs in both the fall and the spring and both seasons are very nice.

Palm Springs California

It's a good idea to ask what the special drink of the day is when you head to a resort pool. This tasty Bloody Mary was served at the pool bar in Palm Desert's Marriott Shadow Ridge Resort. You can enjoy yourself, and take advantage of specials/sales without spending the big bucks!
Not perhaps a sunny hot day to lounge in the water..........look the view though folks. We did sit at the pool, we did have our swim suits on with sun screen. The sun did peak out here and there. People did enjoy the hot tubs and yes there is some snow on the mountains way off in distance. A cool day at the pool relaxing and reading and sipping a Bloody Mary, still bits the heck out of being indoors. When on vacation, don't let a bad weather day ruin your fun.

We learned after the fact that this fireplace could have been turned on for us, had we made a phone call. Note to self.....when you're on vacation and see a fireplace by the pool it is for more then appearance. Our friendly bartender told us we could have it turned on if we asked.
Palm Desert/Palm Springs may be known for golf and movie stars and sun; however.......there is more to do and see. Walk around in downtown Palm Springs and you'll fell like you've stepped back in time. Lots of fun tacky things to see. Now if this doesn't call out to you to stop and get a burger...........

Hamburger Mary's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a family place, casual with indoors and outdoor seating.
Even on a day when sleeveless is comfortable........it gets cool as the sun goes down and a fire feels good.
After a fun day exploring downtown historic Palm Springs, you can enjoy a fabulous sunset!

We've enjoyed multiple trips to this area, we've not yet seen it all and so we do plan to return. Put Palm Springs/Palm Desert on your vacation list.