Romantic Date Nights and Getaways on HHI

Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner’s character in “Romancing the Stone”) said it best when her sexy raspy voice delivered the line to Jack Colton (Micheal Douglas’ character), “You're the best time I've ever had.” The vibe was real in that movie and can be for you, too, here in the Lowcountry.

Hilton Head and the surrounding area provide quite a few “romancing the stone” options — you just need to know where to go. So, for all you Joans and Jacks out there here are the six best romantic day getaways to get that loving feeling.

Sunset Grille

Do not be fooled by the fact that Sunset Grille is situated by an RV Park. Overlooking Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, this fine dining hidden gem offers some of the best and most scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Call ahead and ask for the corner table. Owners Linda and Hugh Lockman were featured at Bouchaine Vineyards’ 2013 Chef Series and voted by “Garden & Gun” magazine to have one of the BEST Bloody Mary’s in the south. A favorite shareable starter is the smoked seafood platter and you have to try the shrimp and grits. With Cajun sautéed shrimp over white cheddar grits, andouille sausage, peppers, onions and a duo of sauces plus smoked poblano pepper and sweet roasted red pepper it is love on a plate.

Picnic on the Beach

With over 12 miles of beaches, you truly can pick any beach and have a romantic time in Hilton Head. Sea Pines residents often opt for Tower Beach (Note: You have to be a property owner). Southend people really like Coligny Beach. Northend people like Burkes Beach. And to get off the beaten path, Fish Haul Beach Park is usually uncrowded and always gorgeous. For your picnic, Hilton Head offers a variety of grocery stores and specialty stores with local food products, gourmet cheeses and meats, specialty breads and olives. A few favorites include the Piggly Wiggly in Coligny, Lowcountry Produce in Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head Oils and Balsamics in the Village at Wexford and Rollers Wine and Spirits (for gourmet food and a wide selection of booze). 

Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Bluff is where you go with your significant other to pamper yourselves. The 20,000-acre community is visually stunning and offers a good range of casual (like Canteen and Fore & Aft) and fine dining (like The River House and Octagon) options. You will want to make a day out of your Palmetto Bluff amorous adventure. Rent kayaks or bikes from Outside Hilton Head and go exploring. Once you have worked up an appetite treat yourself to a wine lunch. And then reward yourself with either a pool swim or spa treatment. 

Downtown Bluffton

With its quirky clothing stores and art galleries, its neighborhood-feel bars and restaurants, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, Old Town Bluffton is another great place to spend the day. You and your partner will enjoy an authentic Lowcountry experience in this quaint downtown historic district. Also, do not miss The Church of the Cross. This historic landmark was built in 1857, has a Gothic design aesthetic, and is the subject of both old legends and home to where many people make new memories like weddings (just saying for those of you looking to get hitched). 

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

You and your boo will love communing with nature at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.  This extensive park attracts thousands of migratory birds annually and also provides nesting habitat, called a rookery, for colonial wading birds such as ibis, egrets and herons. If you go there during alligator mating season you get a real show, too (but be careful and keep your distance). You can go on your own and hike, or bike, or birdwatch but I would recommend getting a master naturalist (by contacting Lowcountry Master Naturalist) to join you and give you deeper insight into all the fascinating flora and fauna that flourish here. 

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Similarly, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve abounds with wildlife habitats, scenic trails, pretty picnic spots, water views and, depending on the time of year, meadows of wildflowers. You have a ton of options to enjoy the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. You can pack a cooler and take a guided boat tour, horseback ride with an experienced Lawton Stables equestrian, go on a fishing expedition, and even take a wagon tour (the fall is the best time for this one).