Hilton Head is my happy place (besides Hawaii, of course — my favorite place we have ever visited!). My parents kindly invited us along when they went down to HHI in 2010 and it was the first week-long vacation Rob and I were able to go on after we graduated college and started our full time jobs. It was first time I truly understood what I vacation was supposed to be. Let’s face it, college was like a 4-year vacation. I mean sure, you had to go to class, but that was what? 4 hours a day at the most! I would take that any day! We went back with them in 2011, but hadn’t returned since, so it was like a warm welcome home as we crossed the bridge onto the island. 

If you live on the east coast and have never been to Hilton Head, I cannot recommend it enough. The beach is huge and it’s nearly empty in comparison to some of the DE/MD/NJ beaches I’ve seen. The water is so warm that your body isn’t covered in goosebumps the second your toe breaks the surface. And one of my favorite parts is that it’s really popular to rent a house instead of staying in a hotel — so it truly feels like a home away from home. There is almost always a pool for days when you feel like staying nearby and tons of bike rentals for when you want to explore. We were sad we couldn’t bring Granger with us, but then we realized it was almost a blessing — if she was there, we would’ve truly had no reason to ever leave! 

We spent the week eating, riding bikes, tanning by the pool (with lots of sunscreen on!), and reading books. It was so peaceful and serene. We’re hoping it’s not another 4-year break until we return again, but whenever we do, we know it will be just as amazing!