Our recent trip to Hilton Head may be one of my favorite visits to the island in all the years we have been going. I’m not sure if it was having a few days of open ended bumming out to look forward to, the thrill of the 4th of July, or the realization that I love every chance of family time I have these days.

We arrived Thursday night after a road trip from Atlanta where Eric had a few business meetings. As we came in, a light rainstorm washed over the area and we enjoyed the tapping of the raindrops on the roof as we sipped wine on the screened in porch. Great kickstart to the weekend :)

My brothers couldn’t make it because of their jobs and stuff happening at home so my mom stayed with my brother Joe. It became a sisters weekend + Dad & Eric. And Josie and Biff of course :) My grandparents have lived in Hilton Head since the early 1990s and in the same house which has never changed over the years. I love seeing collages of pictures of us when we were young. And the Hall of Fame wall where every grandchild is pictured catching a fish (or if you were super cool and lucky, a shark!)

Though the forecast for the weekend predicted rain every day, after that first night, we barely had any. Each morning we slept in, sipped coffee, relaxed, and made a delicious breakfast. Friday I hung out at the pool and reminisced spring break vacations at the house, catching lizards, searching for alligators in the pond, and playing mini golf. We were treated to an amazing Cobia dinner: a local fish that isn’t currently in season. My dad prepared it with just a little lemon and pepper and grilled it and it tasted delicious. After dinner, we retired to the living area where my grandparents have a player piano! It was so fun breaking out the old tunes, goofing around, and dancing.

One of my favorite things to do in Hilton Head is visit the beach by the Holiday Inn. We splashed in the water, bath warm, and enjoyed diving in the waves. There is a fun Tiki Bar where we sat and sipped delicious cocktails (pineapple coconut mojitos- holy cow) and beers. A live band played country and summer hits and we enjoyed the shade under the Tiki Hut. My kind of Saturday. There is something about the smell and feel of the ocean that just gives me pure joy.

My dad is an excellent cook and his Christmas gift to my grandparents was a trip to visit them and cook for them at their house. I was glad Eric and I came the same weekend he was there and reaped the benefits of his grilling ;) Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 in the Mautz household and after we cleaned up, we toasted our vacation with champagne. The girls dressed up and took a plethora of pictures outside (duh)…. Brit treated everyone to some Zinfindels she bought in Napa Valley while visiting with her boyfriend and we continued the tradition of dancing by the player piano later in the night :)

My grandparents live in a community on a golf course called Long Cove. Brit was anxious for everyone to play together as she has developed a love for the sport. I enjoy hitting balls but I haven’t played 9 holes since I was in elementary years.  Stepping off the driving range and onto the actual course was nerve wracking. But everyone was playing and I wasn’t going to miss out on the fun! I played 9 holes and realized what a difference it makes learning the game from the course instead of consistently hitting balls on the range. You quickly discover which clubs work best with each hit and distance and I loved having the help and tips from my grandpa. The rest of the crew play 18 holes (in the crazy humidity) but I was proud for making it through 9.

If you ever travel to Hilton Head, visiting the Salty Dog Cafe is a must. It’s a staple spot on the Island with their bar food & cool apparel, and a great spot on the ocean. We swung by on our last day (my grandparents in their red, white, and blue!) and strolled the little shops and stores. It was a perfect end to a wonderful weekend :)

Cheers!

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