Hello! Hello!
Twenty members of my family and friends I consider family met at Hilton Head Island this past holiday weekend for some family fun. As much as I love hosting at home, it was nice to do something different this year and take a break from all the cooking. We ate well, spent time together and enjoyed the water. It was a bit untraditional, but we made memories to last a lifetime.
Wednesday
The Hubs and I and our good friends arrived to Hilton Head midday Wednesday and our first stop was Skull Creek Boathouse. The weather was gorgeous and we all instantly relaxed soaking in the views.
We started our weekend right with some delicious shrimp and ceviche.
After lunch we picked up a few groceries, our race packets for the Turkey Trot and got settled into our houses and condos. The rest of the crew arrived a short while later and we hung out and chatted for a while before a small group of us got dinner at A Lowcountry Backyard. The atmosphere was super charming and the food was delicious. The Hubs and I split this shrimp burger and their fish special.
Thursday
Thursday started bright and early with the Turkey Trot! A group of us went to run it and had a blast, despite it being a cold and rainy morning. I'm going to share all the race details in a post tomorrow, but here's a sneak peek at my outfit. It was the first race I had done in years and I had way too much fun. And yes, I always take things too far!
After the race we took hot showers to warm up and got ready for Thanksgiving dinner.
My SIL Megan arranged and planned the meal which she picked up at a local store.
My plate was so delicious! I missed some of my traditional dishes, but this was SO much easier and still really, really good.
We had a great time hanging out with all our nieces and nephews.
I even played an epic game of cards after dinner. Despite it raining ALL day, it was an absolutely perfect Thanksgiving day.
Friday
Friday I woke up early and the skies were clear again! Sunrise from our condo was gorgeous. Sometimes it pays to be an early riser.
A small group of us snuck away for breakfast at the Palmetto Cafe. There was a wait so our breakfast kind of turned into brunch, but when we finally sat down the waitress gave me my tea in this mug and I was instantly hooked.
The Hubs and I shared a Breakfast Burrito....
... and Stuffed Blueberry French Toast. And yes, it was as good as it looked.
After brunch I toured the island with my Dad and then spent some time on the beach with the Hubs.
For dinner the entire group went to Harbor Town. (Photo of just the Hubs side of the family... not the entire crew.)
We watched the sunset and it was just as glorious as sunrise. Don't you love a day where you see sunrise and sunset over water?
For dinner we ate at the Crazy Crab. It was kind of a nightmare trying to sit that many people, but we got it done!
Saturday
Saturday started off with a nice beach run with our friends. After showering the entire group met at The Salty Dog Cafe for lunch. It was the first time I had actually eaten there and I was so surprised how good the food was. Such a cool place. They also handled our big group like champs.
After lunch our entire group went out on our own dolphin spotting cruise! I booked the boat ahead of time so I was really nervous that everyone would like it.
No need to worry though, the kids seemed to love it.
We saw dozens of dolphins.
The entire area was filled with them, so it was a really exciting adventure.
There is nothing more beautiful and relaxing than getting out on the water.
After the boat tour we went back to the beach to watch sunset.
For dinner my Brother, Dad and I went out by ourselves to one of my favorite Hilton Head restaurants, Redfish. We then had a nightcap at The Salty Dog.
Sunday
Most of the group left early Sunday, but a small number of us decided to stay for half a day before heading back.
We rented bikes and rode along the beach, which was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. We practically had the beach to ourselves.
We also snagged a quick lunch at Hudson's before leaving.
This was my tray and I was in oyster bliss. I love going to the beach in the winter and getting trays like this.
After eating we all went our own ways and I already miss everyone.
What an amazing few days on the beach filled with family, fun and way too much seafood. <---is there such a thing as too much seafood? It was a bit untraditional this year, but such a welcome change of pace. I'm I hope y'all had just as nice of a holiday.
Your turn!
What did you do for Thanksgiving?
Andrea on Vacation says
This sounds like the absolute, perfect Thanksgiving to me. Hilton Head is on my list for sure. The food looks awesome and those views!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
What a gorgeous place to spend thanksgiving at! It looks like you guys had an awesome time!
Susie @ Suzlye says
How fabulous is this??? You WIN the turkey trot outfit competition. NO QUESTIONS. I am so sad that we didn't get to meet up, but it is amazing how far away places can be and yet be so close to each other. We just need to invest in a helicopter, right?
Also, amazing how much more beachy HHI is than where we were! I want to diiiiiive into that seafood.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Looks like a fun weekend shared with family and great food. Love your Turkey Trot outfit.
heather @Lunging Through Life says
What a fun holiday! Seriously I am so excited that you got to relax and you had time with your family from all over! I'm jealous of the fun you had in the sunny weather 🙂 Well, and the rain 😉 haha
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Such a great Thanksgiving, Julie! Loved sharing it with you via your pics. Ours was quiet and restful, just what we needed. Love your Turkey Trot outfit!
Luci Buckner says
Loved your Turkey Trot costume!!! Glad you had a great trip & feasted well on your Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Luci Buckner says
Love your Turkey Trot costume. What a fun person you are!!! The ocean looked marvelous. Glad you had a great time!!!
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
The sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous! How amazing you got to see them! Last year my family was in NYC for Thanksgiving to watch the parade in person and had BBQ for dinner. Not traditional at all but sometimes nontraditional holidays are fun!
For Thanksgiving this year, I stayed local and we celebrated with my boyfriend's family. I still got in a Turkey Trot since that's my family's tradition which was nice. I made homemade chocolate truffles for my contribution and my bf's dad is still raving about them. I think they were a hit ha!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
What a wonderful holiday!! That boat tour sounds like a blast and all that food looks delicious!
Lisa Ballantyne says
Sounds like you and your family had an unforgettable holiday! The food looks amazing, and oh that turkey outfit of yours! I loved reading today's post!
My household kept it simple and traditional. We usually do for Thanksgiving, and change a few things up for Christmas, but the holiday season is always a special time for us! My husband and I were married in December of 1989--in fact our 28th anniversary is this Saturday, the 2nd--which I planned on purpose as a way to kick off the Christmas season; but we usually do the "quiet at home" thing, which is nice in its own right.
Have an awesome week, Julie!
Beth Ann Chiles says
Perfect Thanksgiving! We have started doing holidays in destinations as well at times and love the change in routine. All that matters to me is that I am surrounded by family. That is all I care about! We had a quiet Thanksgiving at our home this year with just one son and his fiancee with us but will see the other son and daughter in law this weekend. Sometimes quiet is good as well but your Hilton Head trip looked amazing. That seafood! Yum! And your Turkey Trot outfit is adorable.