What's your opinion of Hilton Head or Wilminton

[p911dad]

We may be spending an extended period of time this winter in either Hilton Head, SC or Wilmington, NC, but are have trouble deciding, having never been in either place(been in Savannah, Charleston, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach, but never HH or Wilmington). What is your opinion of the places, ie, winter weather, quality of life, sociability of the folks(ie, snooty or friendly), etc.? Any experience will be helpful.

[89911]

We have hit all the beaches along the coast, mainly staying at Charleston SC. Last Year we stayed at Savannah and Hilton Head. I left with a feeling that I might not be back anytime soon. The Island is too divided for my liking with its different plantations and gated area's. Don't get me wrong, the homes are beautiful, just didn't like it as much as other places. I've been to Wilmington when we stayed at Bald Head Island. I've heard plenty of positive things mentioned about the towns along the coast there, enough so that I might look into out next vacation there. I would think there you would find a slightly more normal layout of homes there. Hilton Head seems to be more a summer vacation destination then a full year living area.

[widgeon13]

HH is a little stuffy, lots of private communities, traffic is miserable from 3PM until 6:30 most every day of the work week, at least from my perspective. If you are a golfer, many fine courses but be prepared to pay pretty high greens fees. Good restaurants but they can be busy, lots of happy hour activity, surprisingly a fairly young audience.

I personally think HH is way overrated and it's only going to get worse since it is an island with only one bridge on and off. Poor bums that have to work there are getting squeezed out of the real estate picture.

If you don't need the ocean access, go somewhere else. It will be much more peaceful and lower cost.

[Seahawk]

There are any number of areas along the SC/NC coast I prefer to HH.

Pawleys Island is a favorite of mine.

PI

Sullivans Island outside of Charleston is a nice place near a great city.

Have fun!

[cashflyer]

I found HH to offer new definition to the term, "bunch of snooty f**king, a**hole yankees". Being from NY, you may know the type....?

Wilmington, IMO, is much more enjoyable, with more diverse offerings since you'll be staying a while.

If you're looking for a quiet, enjoyable time on the beach and can stand not having every amenity at your fingertips, you may enjoy the Outer Banks (Ocracoke, Hatteras).

PI was also a worthwhile suggestion.

[Sunroof]

Your talking apples and oranges here! HH is an island resort and Wilmington is a city. It all depends on your family (ages, activities, tastes and lifestyle). If you want seclusion, serenity, limited winter activity, and limited population HH is for you and your family. If you want a great coastal city with all that goes with it, Wilmington is the choice. Tough decision, really. You have to consider the season first and foremost as both locations are not tropical settings and I am sure you will experience near freezing weather and maybe even snow at either.

Assuming your a family man, have a good sense of adventure and love the outdoors I would choose Wilmington. Hilton Head really does not offer much unless your a golfer, fat cat yacht owner or want to sit on the sofa with nothing to do. Its not that stuffy in the off season but does come with its share of strip malls, over priced restaurants, souvenir shops and gated condo communities. I never really understood the big attraction over this place. We came for a long weekend by boat from Savannah on my friends big Searay and got around by taxi and saw it all. Aside from a few needed stops like the "Salty Dog" cafe and the marina it was pretty BORING. Many go for the beaches, offshore fishing, golfing or hanging out at the condo pool. HH is a great place to bike all day. Bringing a boat? HH has the marshes and tidal waters known for great fishing. HH is not known as a winter destination; however, thousands do live on HH year-round. The season really then is the key because it limits you. Ocean might be too cold for swimming or watersports, so your have limitations.

My choice is Wilmington, because its a nice sized city and has more to offer. You do not feel like your stuck on an island like at HH, rather you have great options from the beaches, quaint downtown district, USS North Carolina battleship to tour, aquarium and plenty of stores, theaters and great weekend excursions to enjoy during the season. It might be a bit cooler then HH in winter, but for my money and time give me Wilmington anyday. You can still fish, rent a boat, see all the ocean and tidal water you want, so if its water thats the attraction that is all possible in Wilmington and the great outer banks are up the road.
Contact the respective chamber of commerce's and get all the ususal tourist info. That will help you better in your decision.

Bob

[89911]

Originally posted by Seahawk

Sullivans Island outside of Charleston is a nice place near a great city.

Have fun!

Try the "BoatHouse" restaurant or "Sullivans Inn" both good food. Too bad one of your choices to live wasn't Charleston or the surrounding area. That place has everything!

[p911dad]

Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate the first-hand information. I was sort of expecting some negative stuff on HH, as several folks I know have been there. Wilmington sounds like a good pick so far(Southport actually). I hadn't thought of Sullivans Island, and will check some on that place. We are looking for a quiet place new to us to spend some winter months relaxing, and it doesn't have to be 80 every day(50 is nice too). Then back to NY State for May thru October(some of the best weather around for that season).

[osidak]

South Port is a cool little place - nice and quite and short hop from Wilmington - Hated HH - Last time I was there I ended up spending most of my time in Savanah

Along the river (Wilmington) there are numerous hang outs for live music and quite a few funky yet great restuarants

Beaches are nice in the area as well. You might even catch a movie or TV show being filmed.