Note: Sorry for the long delay in this final post from the June trip to the Carolina’s. Life intervened but happy to be back with this wrap up and future posts to follow!
The idyllic setting at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island was just the ticket to wrap up our swing through both of the Carolina’s (see previous posts here). It’s an easy drive down the highway from Charleston to the general area. The hubby was in charge of finding a place for lunch prior to arriving at our hotel.
To say that he entered nirvana at Magiamo in Hilton Head is the proverbial understatement for this year or any other. The restaurant happens to have very good pizza, but the food is completely secondary to the experience as the “home away from home for The Ohio State Buckeyes.”
From the moment one enters, it is literally Buckeye memorabilia covering every inch. Signed and framed jerseys, game balls, newspaper articles, enormous photos from big wins and every other item one can imagine. The one that truly “hits below the belt” is shown in the photo below, a testament to the depth of the Michigan rivalry. We’re told that game viewing is insane, probably second only to being at The Shoe (aka Ohio Stadium).
If living in a gated golf community is what you desire, then Hilton Head is your place. Once on the island, we passed innumerable entryways to communities. We walked past what appeared to be multi-unit buildings, town homes and single-family residences — all part of the Harbor Town area. It seemed like everyone was riding bikes, even at night when it was too dark to see a street sign!
As with the recent road trip, our itinerary was routed to include another high school reunion. In nearby Beaufort, SC, en route back to Charlotte for the flight home, we visited two LA transplants. We had a great time hearing about life there vs. what we know it to be in California.
Here are some quick facts on travel adapted to mitigate the spread of COVID ::
- Don’t expect much in the way of housekeeping. The first time full service was provided at any hotel we’ve stayed in (either this trip or the previous one) was in Hilton Head. We were asked at check-in for our preferred time slot so we could plan to be out of the room. This helps the staff with fewer encounters.
- The smaller of the two pools also required a reservation to preclude over-crowding. Likewise the gym.
- Everything is under wraps, including remote controls.
- There are signs posted as to how many should be in the elevator at one time. At Sea Pines, it was limited to one family per ride; in Charleston it was no more than six people but the elevators were much larger.
None of the above facts are noted for anything other than information sharing. If one chooses to travel at this particular time, one needs to know that the hospitality industry is both trying to survive while at the same time doing everything possible to mitigate any spread according to guidelines.
My takeaway: Same as with the previous road trip, travelers are happy to be out and about. It’s hot as hell, it’s summer and we’re being mindful. Clearly others may feel differently and we all just need to respect one another’s choices.
