Beaufort/Savannah/Hilton Head – POIs

[Alex F]

I’m planning to do a trip to Beaufort SC, Savannah and Hilton Head. Looking for some local knowledge on things to-do, good marinas and restaurants.

I’ll be reviewing the charts, but can you guys tell me if the ICW in general is in decent shape between Charleston and Savannah?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[OldSkool]

I lived in Beaufort for 5 years and it is a truly great place to visit.
If you are docking at the marina be sure to walk the park area. There are many eateries right off the parks green areas. Many local shops are on mainstreet that feature local crafts and clothing. Watch carefully at you might see Robert Duvall walking the streets. He loves it there.

On HHI Shelter Cove is a great spot. Of course there are the earties all over the place but a couple that the locals like The Diner at Shelter Cove, The Oyster Factory, and a little known local diner called Harolds. It is a local landmark. The Big H burger is a pound of fresh beef loaded with cheese!! Had it many times. Same guy that owns the Salty Dawg owns it. A quarter the price too.

[video=youtube;ngN_AoNWyBs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngN_AoNWyBs[/video]

Now in Savannah the water front is the place to be. Anywhere down there. Food, drink, shops, it's all good. While you're there check out Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski. Very historic and they do cannon and military reenactments there.

Just a few places to get you started.

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

Now you are talking about my neck of the woods. Bill covered HHI, I will take over for Daufuskie and Savannah... if time allows, you should spend a day exploring Daufuskie island, which is between HHI and Savannah. Rent a golf cart and spend the day exploring the island. You will not be disappointed. You can grab a bite to eat at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company and enjoy a nice greasy spoon meal. The crab cakes are amazing. As for Savannah, it just depends on your interest. There is private dockage on Riverstreet in downtown Savannah at the Hyatt and the Westin. This can be a tad pricey, but you can't beat the location. However, since the Savannah River is a MAJOR shipping lane, the big boats can rock your boat, so I would suggest the Westin on the inside dock if you so desire. If you don't mind taking a cab to downtown, you may consider spending sometime at the Savannah Bend Marina, which is where I keep my boat. They are part of the SeaRay family, being a Hall Marine facility. You will save a few $ and will be closer to Tybee and Fort Pulaski. Either way, let me know when you are coming down, I would be happy to give a few more suggestions that either are more touristy or more local.

 

[OldSkool]

Now you are talking about my neck of the woods. Bill covered HHI, I will take over for Daufuskie and Savannah... if time allows, you should spend a day exploring Daufuskie island, which is between HHI and Savannah. Rent a golf cart and spend the day exploring the island. You will not be disappointed.

Oh Yeah Chris, you are spot on!! Only way to get on the island is by boat.

 

[JimT]

The Ashepoo/Coosaw River Cut at MM 517 cut can get very shallow with depths reported at 5' MLW. The tidal range in this area is 5-6' so time your transit at mid to almost high tide and you will be fine. We passed through here last summer an hour before high tide and depths were 10'

 

[ZZ13]

Stop at Beaufort Downtown marina just after the swing bridge. Then call me and I will come meet you for a beverage at one of the fine restaurants on Bay Street. Will PM you my contact info.

 

[OldSkool]

Stop at Beaufort Downtown marina just after the swing bridge. Then call me and I will come meet you for a beverage at one of the fine restaurants on Bay Street. Will PM you my contact info.

Hey Bill, are you in Beaufort proper? We have been gone from there for a couple years but we miss it bad. Went to every festival and blessing of the fleet while we were there.

My company's name was Field Repair Service. Are you familiar with it? My partner owned HH Disposal and Southern Waste.

 

[Alex F]

The Ashepoo/Coosaw River Cut at MM 517 cut can get very shallow with depths reported at 5' MLW. The tidal range in this area is 5-6' so time your transit at mid to almost high tide and you will be fine. We passed through here last summer an hour before high tide and depths were 10'

Thanks for heads up.

I found the following on this spot:

"To avoid the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoffs, turn to starboard away from the magenta line and head down the Coosaw River towards St Helena Sound. Round Combahee Bank, respecting the southeast corner, and turn up the Ashepoo River. Rejoin the ICW at Fenwick Cut. Plenty of deep water and stress-free!"

It makes perfect sense, so I think I'll use this advice if I will choose to stay inside.

Stop at Beaufort Downtown marina just after the swing bridge. Then call me and I will come meet you for a beverage at one of the fine restaurants on Bay Street. Will PM you my contact info.

Sounds great, Bill. Looking forward to it.

 

[Alex F]

Now you are talking about my neck of the woods. Bill covered HHI, I will take over for Daufuskie and Savannah... if time allows, you should spend a day exploring Daufuskie island, which is between HHI and Savannah. Rent a golf cart and spend the day exploring the island. You will not be disappointed. You can grab a bite to eat at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company and enjoy a nice greasy spoon meal. The crab cakes are amazing. As for Savannah, it just depends on your interest. There is private dockage on Riverstreet in downtown Savannah at the Hyatt and the Westin. This can be a tad pricey, but you can't beat the location. However, since the Savannah River is a MAJOR shipping lane, the big boats can rock your boat, so I would suggest the Westin on the inside dock if you so desire. If you don't mind taking a cab to downtown, you may consider spending sometime at the Savannah Bend Marina, which is where I keep my boat. They are part of the SeaRay family, being a Hall Marine facility. You will save a few $ and will be closer to Tybee and Fort Pulaski. Either way, let me know when you are coming down, I would be happy to give a few more suggestions that either are more touristy or more local.

Thanks for great reply, Chris.

Time is always an issue. I have only a week, or even less if counting the traveling logistics. For now I was thinking the following itinerary:

Charleston to Beaufort - 1 night
Beaufort to Savannah - 3 nights
Savannah to Hilton Head - 3 nights
Hilton Head to Charleston

Most likely I won't make it to the Daufuskie island, unless you guys think I can cut 1 night short in Savannah. I assume that HHI is the prime spot, so nothing to cut from there.

 

[ZZ13]

Hey Bill, are you in Beaufort proper? We have been gone from there for a couple years but we miss it bad. Went to every festival and blessing of the fleet while we were there.

My company's name was Field Repair Service. Are you familiar with it? My partner owned HH Disposal and Southern Waste.

I am in Royal Pines on Ladys Island. Had the house here since 2007 but just moved here full time for good last month.

 

[ZZ13]

Thanks for great reply, Chris.

Time is always an issue. I have only a week, or even less if counting the traveling logistics. For now I was thinking the following itinerary:

Charleston to Beaufort - 1 night
Beaufort to Savannah - 3 nights
Savannah to Hilton Head - 3 nights
Hilton Head to Charleston

Most likely I won't make it to the Daufuskie island, unless you guys think I can cut 1 night short in Savannah. I assume that HHI is the prime spot, so nothing to cut from there.

You will go right by Daufuskie in the ICW out of HHI. You could stop at Freeport Marina for a few hours and not really impact your agenda.

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

Daufuskie is a barrier island only accessable by boat. If you are looking for a "Happening" place to people watch and shop, along with fine food, then by all means, DO NOT stop in Daufuskie. If you have a few hours and want to visit a barrier island and tour it, then stop. Again, it is only something to see if you have extra time, if not, keep on keeping on. You will pass it to your port side while coming down the ICW to Savannah from HHI.

By the way, Harbor Town is a nice little stop on the South end of HHI.

 

[OldSkool]

Bill,
I lived off of Meridian Road on Lady's Island. We sure miss the place. We're going to try and get down there this summer for vacation.
Chris,
Harbor Town is a nice stop over as Shelter Cove can be a bit busy and restrictive with summer traffic.

 

[SearayPaul]

Harbor Town is being dredged. They were way behind on the project when I was there in December. I came by car as there was NO way to get a boat in there. Call Nancy at Harbortown and see how the dredging project is going if you plan to dock.

As for Ashepoo that is highly over rated. Mid to high tide you will be fine. I went thru there last summer and was very concerned but found plenty of water. Just stay between the markers on the way out and do not cut the markers.

We hope to be in Charleston next weekend. If your there let me know and we will look you up.

Have fun.

 

[Alex F]

.....Harbor Town is a nice stop over as Shelter Cove can be a bit busy and restrictive with summer traffic.

My trip is for spring break, so I don't think that it'll be as crazy as the summer traffic.

Based on the info I've gathered so far, Shelter Cove seems like the place to stay at in HHI.

 

[Woody]

Harbor Town? This stuff isn't even water...looks like a slurry of goose sh!t and toxic waste or something:lol:
View attachment 33716

 

[SeaRide]

Alex,

My wife owned a condo. Just above Scott's Fish Market - nice, casual restaurant, btw, with entertainment on the weekends. It is usuually a guy playing an acoustic guitar. Reservations are usually required on the weekends. San Miguels is a short walk from Scott's. Shelter Cove has the typical knick knack shops and small higher end clothing stores. If you are in the mood for pizza, try Giuseppe's. They also have take out. It is about a 3 minute drive from the marina. Kenny B's is an authentic cajun restaurant that is not well known by the tourists. Sunday brunch is very good. The owner spent quite some time cooking in New Orleans. He is a a huge Georgia fan.

Kayaks and nature tour guides are offered by the marina. Asphalt bike trails parallel Hwy. 278 and can also be found in Palmetto Dunes. Pretty decent for roller blading,too.

The only negative about the marina is the no wake zone down the Broad Creek. It is about a 35 minute ride from the Calibogue to the marina. It is an enjoyable ride though.

 

[OldSkool]

Giuseppe's is good pizza. The ride in is a nice "cool down" cruise after running the ICW to get there. Sit back and enjoy the ride in. Plenty of wild life and a few dolphins too.
My "company" owned a 24 Cobalt and kept it on the island at private dock. Sure was fun having those company meetings once a week on the Broad

Giuseppe's is good pizza. The ride in is a nice "cool down" cruise after running the ICW to get there. Plenty of wild life and a few dolphins too.
With a small boat 18footer we would run up Beaufort River to Whale creek at high tide then cross over to the Broad River. From there down to the tide channels the separate PI from Beaufort. Cut across the channels come out at Port Royal where the commercial dock is then back up the Beaufort to the landing.

Now there's an all day trip for a small boat.

 

[shadow9999]

I read that the dredging of Harbour Town was completed in Mid December. You may want to spend a night there as it is a very nice marina with lots to do within a five minute walk of your slip.

 

[Alex F]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I was debating between Shelter Cove and Harbor town. Both look very attractive and it's hard to pick one over the other. So, considering that they're located in different parts of the island we decided to stay in both.

I figure it would be a nice diversification of scenery and things to-do. So, my itinerary looks like this:

Charleston to Beaufort (1 night)
Beaufort to HH Harbor Town (2 nights)
HH to Savannah (2 nights)
Savannah to HH Shelter Cove (2 nights)
HH to Charleston

Harbor Town dredging project has been going on for several weeks and is about to be completed within next couple of weeks. Their depths will be at least 8' at MLW. Shelter Cove said that I'll be fine with my 4' draft.