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Where to stop on the way to Hilton Head for two nights

Big Matt

Big Matt

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I'm checking in to Grand Ocean on Sunday July 7th and would like some suggestions on somewhere to stop between DC and there for two nights. I don't want to just stay in a hotel along the way, but more find a place with two days worth of stuff to do. I know the area pretty well, but am stumping myself.

Places that I don't want to do (not cause I don't like them, but because I've done them already) include Williamsburg, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston.

I was thinking about places like Asheville, Pinehurst, Charlotte, or maybe even the Raleigh/Durham area.

Any ideas?
 
How about the Outter Banks of North Carolina? You could stay a night in Kitty Hawk or even Hatteras Island, then take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island then even further to Cape Lookout. It would involve some ferrys and some extra time, but we had a great time in all locations. Though I don't know if a couple days/nights is enough to do it all.
 
Before I even finished your post I was thinking Asheville....
Then I saw it was something you were already considering. :)
 
We stopped at Edisto Island for one night on our last trip to Hilton Head. We toured the Botany Bay Plantation and did a kayak ecotour before leaving for Hilton Head. We certainly could have spent another day. We were there in the spring and were able to rent a gorgeous 4 br Wyndham from a Tugger for the night.
 
Thanks for the ideas everyone. Keep them coming.

Also, I should have mentioned OBX. We go there every year so that's out too. Wonderful place.

Also, I can go 81 to 77 to 95 or 95/85/95 or just all 95. They are all about the same in clock time given the traffic on 95.
 
I live in the RDU area. If you end up choosing here, let me know. I can definitely suggest a few restaurants worth the stop.

With that said, I would pick the coast :)
 
How bout Santee SC, that way you can pick up those albums from me? :)
 
May I suggest Raleigh, NC., Virginia Beach, VA., New Bern, NC., Wilimington,NC., Charleston,SC.,Pawleys Island,SC or the Isle of Palms,SC.
 
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We always stop in Asheville, but never do anything but dine and sleep. One of these days we will tour the Biltmore. If I had some time to kill, knowing I'm going to be 7 beautiful days soaking up the sun and surf at HHI, I'd consider coming a bit more inland and getting a lodge in the mountains.
 
dioxide45 said:
How about the Outter Banks of North Carolina? You could stay a night in Kitty Hawk or even Hatteras Island, then take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island then even further to Cape Lookout. It would involve some ferrys and some extra time, but we had a great time in all locations. Though I don't know if a couple days/nights is enough to do it all.
Click to expand...

I've always wanted to tour Kitty Hawk. Someone needs to finally set those folks straight and let them know they WEREN'T first in flight.

Signed,

Dayton OH native. :D

BTW Dave, we will be leaving on the day you arrive. I'll be sure to leave the light on for ya!
 
If you like scenery while driving, drive down the Outer Banks. Stay one night in Ocracoke and the second night in Wilmington. It's alot of driving, but there will be many places to stop and stretch your legs and you'll get a couple breaks on the ferry legs.
 
Asheville, for the many reasons I described in a private message to you. The Biltmore House and estate is one major reason------there's simply nothing like it in America. Plus, Asheville is a cool town on its own merit.

Blows away the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, or Newport mansions. We've seen many castles and palaces in Europe, and none compare.
 
I would suggest Raleigh/Durham. Duke and UNC are worth a visit. It's probably close to halfway. Not much to do in Pinehurst but play golf. Unique little town but not much else. If I am reading your trip right you only have about one day to sightsee with travel. You will never do Outer Banks and Wilmington in a two day trip. One or the other but not both.

Let us know your decision.
Enjoy your trip.
 
If you go to Asheville, I suggest staying at Grove Park Inn. I haven't been there for several years, but it is a classic resort.
 
Grove Park Inn sounds good. If you want to stay in the Marriott family and use points we stayed at the Renaissance downtown Asheville. I'd return. You could always go to the GPI for a special meal in their restaurants. Besides Asheville and The Biltmore House you have cute little towns like Hendersonville and Maggie Valley and the Cherokee reservation.
 
How about Beaufort, SC? Nice B&B downtown, beautiful waterfront, great state park on the ocean about 30 minutes east, and a great bagel shop!
 
I'd recommend Asheville also. Beaufort and Savannah are easy day trips from HHI.
 
EKniager said:
How about Beaufort, SC? Nice B&B downtown, beautiful waterfront, great state park on the ocean about 30 minutes east, and a great bagel shop!
Click to expand...

We went into Beaufort for the day while staying at Grande Ocean. The downtown has lots to do and good restaurants to entertain for a day or two. We visited the National Cemetery for a memorial to the 1st Michigan Colored Infantry who are buried there.

My sister lived there when I was a teen and we visited during the hot, steamy summers. Many trips to Hutchinson State Park for a day at the beach. On the way is Frogmore, home of the famous Frogmore Stew.
 
check these out

see if these photos look interesting:

and while you're there at the Biltmore House for your half-day excursion, you MUST have lunch in the Stables Cafe....great food, and it's beautiful (it's where George Vanderbilt kept his horses....they lived better than we do!)

(note: you can get Biltmore House tickets at the concierge desk at Grove Park Inn, and will save you from stopping at the Ticket Center upon entering the estate.)

http://www.google.com/search?q=bilt...QSnyoCoCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ&biw=1019&bih=526

historic "Biltmore Village", just outside the estate entrance----great shopping and nice cafes. also old church where George Vanderbilt's daughter got married, the All Souls Episcopal Church..
http://www.biltmorevillage.com/

*****************************************
Just got this message in my email a few minutes ago from Grove Park Inn:

"Help us celebrate with the VIP Centennial Celebration weekend, July 4-7.
View this email online. View our website from your mobile phone.

Dear Friends,
It is my privilege to invite you to The Grove Park Inn’s grand Centennial Celebration.

For 100 years, The Grove Park Inn has hosted prominent dignitaries, presidents, captains of industry, Hollywood’s elite, and our most treasured guests, those who celebrate their life events with us every day. As a previous guest, you have been an instrumental part of The Grove Park Inn legacy and we would be honored to have you join us for this celebration and see our $25 million restoration.

Our VIP Centennial Package includes:
• Three nights of accommodations July 4-7, 2013
• VIP Birthday Celebration Dinner with fireworks on Friday evening
• Blues legend B.B. King in concert with birthday toast on Saturday evening
• And other special weekend offerings

Simply click below to purchase our VIP Centennial Package or to get more information on our 100th Birthday package.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime birthday event for us and we hope that you will help us welcome in the next century of gracious hospitality and memory-making that are the hallmark of The Grove Park Inn experience.

Warmest Regards,
Ronald E. Morin
Vice President and General Manager
The Grove Park Inn
Call 855.814.4312 for more information."


This probably can be seen on their website www.groveparkinn.com


.
 
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There's a fun outdoor festival in the Raleigh/Durham area you'd be just in time for, Festival for the Eno: music, arts & crafts, food etc:

http://www.enoriver.org/festival/index.html

The 2013 Festival will feature over 65 Performers on 3 stages including:

Bombadil, Mipso, Chris Stamey Band, African American Dance Ensemble, Tom Maxwell & Minor Drag, Michael Rank & Stag, Gospel Jubilators, Jon Shain Trio, John Howie Jr & the Rosewood Bluff, Dex Romweber Duo, Melissa Swingle and the Swinglers, Lizzy Ross Band, Morning Brigade, Paper Hand Puppet Intervention, Jamie Anderson Band, Lynn Blakey, Lightnin' Wells, TROSA Musical Ensemble, African American Dance Ensemble, From the Heart, Apple Chill Cloggers, Willie Painter Band, a Rowdy Square Dance with the Five Points Rounders, John Dee Holeman, Justin Johnson and many, many more.

Also, Duke Gardens is worth a visit, the historic town of Hillsborough, and actually Durham just won #1 foodie town in Southern Living Magazine:

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/tastiest-town-durham-north-carolina-00417000082305/
 
Big Matt said:
I'm checking in to Grand Ocean on Sunday July 7th and would like some suggestions on somewhere to stop between DC and there for two nights. I don't want to just stay in a hotel along the way, but more find a place with two days worth of stuff to do. I know the area pretty well, but am stumping myself.

Places that I don't want to do (not cause I don't like them, but because I've done them already) include Williamsburg, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston.

I was thinking about places like Asheville, Pinehurst, Charlotte, or maybe even the Raleigh/Durham area.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Asheville = Biltmore (Big House)
Pinehurst = Golf (Big Swing)
Charlotte = U.S. National Whitewater Center (Big Towel)
Raleigh/Durham = State Farmer's Market (Big Eats)
 
vote against Raleigh

From a tourist perspective, I would vote against Raleigh. While it is a nice place to live... it's not a tourist mecca. You can tour a university (NC State, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest) if you have a certain affinity to one of the schools. Raleigh is the state capitol so there are some government buildings to tour... but other than that? Remember Raleigh is not a big city. There are three medium sized cities together that make up the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill). It's rather spread out.

I vote for Asheville because of the Biltmore House. Plus, it would be a totally different environment than Hilton Head Beach to give you some variety.

Charlotte is a large city with more touristy things to do like The Billy Graham Library, NASCAR Hall of Fame (interesting even if you're not a race fan), Whitewater Center (fascinating to see and do) and Carowinds amusement park. Museums - Mint (art and textiles), Bechler (modern art), Gantt (African American art), and Museum of the New South. Discovery Place for kids is considered one of the best in the country (I've personally been to many). Charlotte is also becoming a foodie town because of Johnson & Wales cooking students.

But don't overlook New Bern, North Carolina and Savannah.
 
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