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On yet another Covid roadtrip rom NYC, we went to Hilton Head via North Caroline and with an excursion to Savannah, Georgia.
North Carolina
I have found myself in North Carolina multiple times, and all on road trips. Known as The Tar Heel State because of the messy tar that was produced in the state and often ended up on workers feet. However, North Carolina Civil War soldiers flipped the meaning of Tar Heel (implying you work in a lowly trade) into an expression of state pride. I love making something seemingly negative into positive!
From being First in Flight (Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers) to the famous Outer Banks or Charlotte and Duke University, there is plenty to see in this state.
South Carolina
Hilton Head
Hilton Head is an upscale beach resort area and I found using points at the Marriott to be a great choice. The pool and beach were great and it was an easy drive into Harbour Town to see the lighthouse and the beautiful views. All over the low country (as the area is called) are Palmetto Trees. The state is aptly named, The Palmetto State and they reminded me a bit of palm trees, although palms are larger.
Another great activity in the area is taking a boat out on the water to see dolphins. We also went on a dolphin tour. The dolphins weren’t like the ones I’m used to seeing in the open ocean that chase after the wake of boats. These dolphins were clearly residents simply swimming in their home while the sun was setting.
Georgia
Savannah
From a base in Hilton Head, it is an easy hour drive to Savannah, Georgia. We drove through Wormsloe Historic Site to see the beautiful old oaks that make a perfect host for Spanish Moss.
You can do a trolley tour in downtown Savannah. I enjoyed passing by the famous Chippewa Square where Forest Gump waited for the bus and said the now famous phrase: “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” If you haven’t seen the movie, you can rent it here. There is no bench where he sat, but looks pretty much the same otherwise.
Walking along the waterfront is also enjoyable, albeit crowded. I found the African American Monument there to be very moving, depicting a newly emancipated family and symbolizing new beginnings. It is a short distance from the paddle driven riverboats if you are interested in a trip down the Savannah river.
The one thing I wasn’t able to do (and will if I have the opportunity to return) is to visit the Prohibition Museum, offering a fun insight to America’s past. There is so much history in Savannah, I encourage everyone to visit. Perhaps you go in peach season. It is The Peach State after all!
