Our honeymoon in Hilton Head Island

We originally planned to go to Washington DC, but had to delay it a week after our wedding since I still had week left in the summer term in college. So we decided to take the first our two honeymoons to Hilton Head Island.

We rented a 2 bedroom villa on North Forest Beach called Northshore Villas (#110) through our Hilton Head Rental company, SeaCoast Homes and Villas. The complex was secure (all access points were secured by a combination system) and offered a shaded parking garage that was also gated. Coligny Plaza was right beside us, and the beach with beach access was right across the street. We couldn't have asked for a better spot.

Coligny Plaza offers a nice deli for breakfast and plenty for lunch and dinner. Seafood fans should enjoy Steamers, a popular seafood restaurant in our area. We also scoped out the souvenir shops which had a great variety of t-shirts and collectables. Our only complaint about Coligny Plaza are the min "information centers" that seem more like scams to force you to buy vacation packages and tours. The sales people do not know how to accept "no" and it really diminished the whole feel of the island.

On our first night, Melissa and I walked along the beach. The second day, we pretty much shopped around the different plazas, Shelter Cove, Tanger Outlets, and the mall. Then we hung out at the beach for a couple hours on our new festive beach chairs under a Hilton Head surfin' umbrella. Later, we made reservations for the third day at Lawton Stables to go horseback riding. We paid $50 per person for a one hour horseback riding tour of SeaPines. My horse was named Fire, obviously named for his edgy attitude, and Melissa partnered up with Benny. Benny seemed a bit more calmer than Fire and the two seemed to be bickering at each other the entire tour. The professionals at Lawton Stables were great and we recommend this to any family or couple.

We also visited Harbourtown and South Beach Marina - both nice destinations to visit while in SeaPines. Be sure to catch a meal at the Salty Dog Café and take advantage of the water sports available (if you have time and the energy).

We don't play golf or tennis, but if you do - you will love Hilton Head Island. In the end, we could see why so many people visit peaceful Hilton Head.