2020.06-Family trip to Chattanooga, Hilton Head, & Savannah

The next morning we headed out to go hiking. I had done some reach prior to our trip but that morning we decided to try and visit ‘Rock City Gardens’. However, there was a charge to get, strollers with kids everywhere and everything was paved. Therefore, love that Hanna and I both looked at each other and immediately said lets go 🙂 I’m sure it is beautiful and sure it did have a lot to offer but just wasn’t what we were looking for. We wanted to get off the beaten path and it seemed like a tourist trap. We picked Foster Falls as our first place to hike and since Covenant College was on our way we stopped for a brief tour.

We drove on to Foster Falls which I found on all trails app months before our trip as a good hike for kids and at the end was suppose to be a beautiful water fall. I was somewhat shocked and proud of all the kids as we each swam underneath the falls. The water was take your breath away cold but every kid did it and nobody complained and I think I could tell they were proud of themselves.

After a picnic lunch, we headed to Snoopers Rock Trail that was more challenging with elevation changes but the kids did amazing. It was a few miles to actually see the river and was proud of everyone even with the fact that one the kids needed to take a deuce along the way 😂.

After all the hiking, we relaxed at the hotel and then went to Sticky Fingers Ribhouse. The food was overall good but have to say the wings were amazing. They had the perfect amount of sauce and crunch. Definitely recommend.

After Chattanooga, we continued on to Hilton Head and stayed at Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort that accepts Marriott points. Our condo was right on the beach which was really convenient when hauling all of beach accessories every day. After quickly unpacking the van we immediately headed to the beach as this was the kids first time seeing the ocean. BEACH BEACH BEACH

It’s fun as a parent seeing a glimpse of the world through the eyes of your children. How vast the ocean is, the different smells, the way the ocean tastes, etc.

We took it easy that night and ordered pizza and sat on our patio.

After dinner we took a very leisurely walk down the beach looking for shells and just enjoying each other.

Most days we would try end claim our spot at the beach and then take a small break from the sun in the condo from 2ish to 5ish. The kids could have played in the sand and water all day and every day. Also, don’t ask Hanna, as there wasn’t a disagreement, but what sun shade to get but we did love the gigantic neso shade we got off on Amazon. Go big or go home right 😂🤓

After a day in the sun, we decided to get dressed up and go to Frankie Bones Italian Restaurant. Overall the food was solid. Again, enjoying seeing the kids politely having a nicer dinner rather than just chicken nuggets. Charlotte was in true form asking for ice cream so had to stop at a local ice cream store.

Back at the condo we thought we would go for another stroll on the beach. Luckily we found two teenage girls that were taking photos for Instagram so asked them to take some pictures of our family which was perfect as they really turned out well. Nice to capture these moments.

Not a lot to add to this day other than it was perfect spending the whole day on the beach. Charlotte and Lydia really picked up on bogey boarding. One memory I won’t forget is Lyd and I are the farthest out in the ocean. I hear from shore some whistles and then seeing hundreds of minnows jumping out of the water near us. Never a good sign. I grabbed Lyd as fast as I could and swam back to shore. We were completely fine but does scare you when your whole body is waiting for something to bite your legs. Luckily Lyd wasn’t phased by it and back in the water after the restrictions were lifted from the lifeguard.

Needing a break from the sun and wanting to explore Savannah Georgia, we drove an hour to do some sightseeing. The first stop was Forsyth Park. Nothing extravagant but the architecture and beauty of the city was nice.

After a walk around the city, yes it was hot, we got a recommendation from a local to go to Clary’s Cafe. Have to say it was really good and solid classic breakfast food. The eggs Benedict was legit.

After brunch we went to Wormsloe State Historic Site. With covid there wasn’t a lot of options but we did enjoy seeing some history.

There were various pools around the resort and the kids wanted to hit them up and I didn’t mind not setting up the tent.

After a relaxing day we went to a Fish Camp for dinner. It was one of the places I really wanted to go to and it was definitely worth it. The setting was iconic South Caroline and the food was amazing.

Connected to Fish Camp was the dock for our dolphin tour. One of the days bogey boarding I met a local and his wife and they recommended this tour for dolphin watching. I was looking forward to it but the kids absolutely loved it. We saw lots of dolphins, loved the boat ride and they each got to drive the boat.

Our last full day in South Carolina was spent on the beach. Not much needs to be said other than the kids enjoyed playing in the sand and giving “mud massages” which actually felt good on the sun burn.