Tour of Hilton Head Island

I could write for a year straight about the emerald green waters and pillow soft sand of Hilton Head Island. Southern Live Oaks shade your drive with Spanish Moss dripping from their branches like honey after you cross the bridge from the mainland into paradise. Memories of a gilded childhood whisper in warm sea breezes through that glorious Spanish Moss. My family has been coming to Hilton Head Island for around 35 years, 26 of those with me in tow (+1 for being in my mom’s belly!), and let me tell you…we can eat. I’ve told you all before of my family’s undying love for food, and vacation is no exception. In the weeks leading up to this year’s summer vacation, we spent ample time discussing what restaurants we would be visiting.

Our restaurant tour of HHI has been tested, tried, tried again, and honed into a remarkable being. New and seasoned visitors of HHI alike ask us for recommendations, and now you have them too. We will explore tried-and-true dinner favorites, special breakfast spots, most-loved desserts, tasty drinks, and off-island excursion eats. I’ll give you the low down on the best celebration spots, date-night locations, and must-eat’s (notated with * ) along with photos and links to make your life easy. Not everything can fit into one trip, so look for our “extras” that are just as delicious! We won’t steer you wrong – promise.

TRIED AND TRUE DINNER FAVORITES

*Il Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano – http://ilcarpaccioofhiltonhead.com/menu/
Italian, Reservations Available

It’s only right to start with this magnificent restaurant. Impeccable service and the best Italian food you will ever eat combine for the best experience on the island. Don’t be intimidated by the menu and miss out on this culinary explosion for your tastebuds. Tattoo it on my forehead – PIZZA AS AN APPETIZER, GNOCCHI FOR MAIN.

The wood burning pizza oven is – are you sitting down? – i m p o r t e d from Italy. You heard me, it’s real! The thinnest crust you’ll ever find, this pizza crunches with delicious flavors you won’t believe. Honestly, just the cheese and pepperoni are impeccable, but the Margherita (tomato sauce, cheese, and basil) and Arrosti (tomato sauce, cheese, roasted red peppers, onions, and smoked prosciutto) pizzas are crowd favorites with us.

Gnocchi, a food I am fairly certain God sent down just for us to simply enjoy, is a pillowy potato dumpling that I absolutely beg you to try if you haven’t before. This sweet little babe is coated with either a delightfully rich gorgonzola sauce or served “Al Salto” – a *spicy* tomato sauce topped with smoked mozzarella. A yearly tradition of ours is “getting tickled” (southern for laughing with glee) at my dad wiping the sweat from his forehead as he continues to shovel more gnocchi in his mouth – it’s that good!

Another great option at Il Carpaccio is Penne Campagnola – penne tossed with some seriously good tomato sauce and Italian sausage. The restaurant also provides a plethora of fascinating daily specials and has a host of foods including seafood and veal. True story- we ate here on Monday and later in the week ordered pizzas to eat in. Do yourself a favor and make this a must-eat stop on HHI!

*San Miguel’s – http://sanmiguels.com/
Tex-Mex, reservations not available, usually a wait

Situated on the corner of Shelter Cove, San Miguel’s overlooks the boats and yachts that float proudly in the water. My most nostalgic mention on this post, San Miguel’s holds some of my oldest memories of Smurfs (kiddie cocktail of sprite, coconut, and grenadine), fresh salsa, and delightful scenery. If you are looking for some great Mexican food on the island with a family-friendly environment -go on Tuesday’s for fireworks or M-F for kid’s shows in Shelter Cove- then have I got the place for you!

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The salsa at San Miguel’s is so fresh and tasty, I think I could eat my weight in it! We also ended up ordered cheese dip and guacamole (see gauc on side of my finger in following picture, this is real stuff yall!). Here’s what sets their dips apart- the fried flour tortilla chips…puffy, crispy, delicious. The drink menu here is extensive and tasty- every margarita we have sampled as been incredible. Try the blood orange!

I somehow managed to take zero pictures of our actual entrees- I was too hungry and excited to dig in! Table favorites include quesadillas, San Miguel’s salad, Fajita Salad, BBQ Chicken Nachos, and cheese enchiladas with rice and beans. Check out the linked website above for more photos AND be sure to check out the live webcam of the patio at San Miguel’s!

*Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks – https://www.hudsonsonthedocks.com/
Seafood, reservations not available, see below about wait times

If you are going to any other seafood restaurant instead of Hudson’s, you are doing yourself a disservice. Let me repeat. If you are going to any other seafood restaurant instead of Hudson’s, you are doing yourself a disservice. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, do not leave because of the wait. Go. To. Hudson’s. It’s gonna be a wait, and it’s gonna be worth it. Get there around 4-4:30 PM to get in line, and be prepared to wait anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on your place in line and party size. I’m going to be really honest with you all – I don’t eat seafood…at all. None. Actually, I can’t even stand the smell of it! However, you will find me at Hudson’s, year after year, giddy with excitement. You’ll find weathered picnic tables overlooking the docked shrimp-boats and Port Royal Sound, and almost certainly see dolphins, alligators, and various birds while you sit and sip a cocktail as you pass the time.

This restaurant is so rich in history that I encourage you to head to the link about and read about. Hudson’s was built on a sort of peninsula created by years and years of oyster shucking. Boats still head out every morning to bring in fresh shrimp and fish – meaning no fish at Hudson’s is ever served over 24 hours after being caught. Can you say FRESH?

Listen, I know I said I didn’t do seafood, but my mom, husband, mamaw, and brother in law do and shew! do they LOVE them some Hudson’s seafood! Shrimp cocktail and creamy she-crab soup are always on the table with the best hushpuppies you’ll ever have. The menu spans the world of fresh seafood. The catch of the day could be anything from Cod to Mahi-Mahi, all as delicious as the other according to my fish lovers.

I am fairly certain that if my husband could’ve married a Neptune Platter, he would’ve and I can’t blame him! Get it fried, pan-seared, broiled, or blackened, this overflowing plate of oysters, scallops, shrimp, deviled crab, and seasonal fish will leave any seafood lover in heaven.

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If I was going to eat seafood, It would be here. The golden brown fish and chips and almond crusted grouper look good enough to eat on this computer screen! And for all you non-seafood lovers like me, Hudson’s gets their chicken from the same place as our beloved Chick-Fil-A and always has a unbelievable, shouldn’t-be-this-good vegetable pasta for us veggie-lovers.

Lastly, just get some dessert. I know you are full but here are some of the best homemade pie’s you’ll ever have. Peanut Butter and Key Lime are house favorites! You are gonna love it, ok? Go, wait, have a Frozen Coco Lemonade, and enjoy the experience.

Charbar – https://charbarhhi.com/
Burgers and Sushi, reservations available

Are you looking for a burger and fries that will wipe the floor with any other one you’ve had back home? A “vacation level” burger, if you will. Charbar is your ticket to any kind of burger you could imagine. Fried egg? Got it. Wagyu Beef? Yep. Classic American? Obviously.

Make your own or order a specialty here at CharBar. A breakfast burger come topped with sriracha, fried eggs, and hashbrowns, while the ever-so-decedent Goddess Burger has brie, tomato jam, arugula, tomato, green goddess dressing, and crispy prosciutto. My favorite is the CharBar burger- a classic, all American lettuce-tomato-onion-fancy sauce deal. Oh- upgrade to a pretzel bun while you are at it!

Mamaw ordered the chicken melt this go around and wow! Mushrooms, onions, herb mayo, and pesto top this cheesy chicken for a delicious sandwich. Our favorite sides include sweet potato tots, truffles fries, and cheese fries. The French onion dip is also amazing as an app! CharBar also has sushi for my sushi lovers out there! A final note- my vegetarian dad loves CharBar and has either a bun with veggies or grilled cheese.

Truffles Cafe – https://www.trufflescafe.com/
American, reservations available

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Truffles is a newer addition to our repertoire, added for it’s flavorful dishes and tasty drinks. Located in Sea Pines, you will have to pay $9 to get on the grounds, however there are a host of things to see and do in Sea Pines after eating, including Harbour Town and the lighthouse! Crusty bread and herb butter comes to your table first while you browse the wonderful drink menu. A Pear-adise Martini or Sangria will relax you while you browse the menu and take in the unique restaurant.

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Truffles has this way of taking a flavor that you know and love, and making it spectacular. A generous slice of meatloaf is grilled and topped with onion chutney and BBQ glaze, while the chicken pot pie is piping hot with creamy veggies and a crust you could eat on its own. The ribs are fall off the bone and speak for themselves- just look at that picture! Some other favorites include the Southwestern salad and New Orleans Pasta.

Nectar Farm Kitchen- https://nectarfarmkitchen.com/
American, reservations available

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Oh, how sweet it is! The newest addition to our list. Nectar was probably the cutest, most precious place we ate, complete with a farm map of where their food is sourced. The inside is decorated like a Joanna Gaines farmhouse and they have got the food to match. Can you say BISCUIT BASKET? You heard that right, 2 regular, 2 sweet potato. Jam, butter, and honey. Does life get better?

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Nectar describes themselves as from the field, farms, and forests, of the lowcountry and I would have to agree. An array of southern dishes and fish scatter the menu. Deviled eggs served as ~squares~ are just as decadent as the square and squishy biscuits. I couldn’t stop drizzling honey over a sweet potato biscuit as if I was Picasso creating a masterpiece.

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I choose to order 4 sides at Nectar, including some spicy collard greens, thick mac and cheese, buttery cheese grits, and farm vegetables. Other table favorites included BBQ country ribs and chicken and waffles- but not just any waffles- these have sausage baked inside! Nectar also has breakfast and lunch that I can’t wait to try soon!

HH Prime – https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/hilton-head/dining/hh-prime
Steakhouse, reservations available and highly suggested

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Celebrating something? HH Prime is the place to go! We have celebrated two wonderful anniversaries in this swanky resort restaurant. Located in the gorgeous Omni Resort Hilton Head, HH Prime will not let you down. Start with a classic wedge or a true caesar salad, sit back, and take in the fabulous atmosphere.

HH Prime has the kind of steaks that cut like pure butter and are cooked to perfection. Each time our steaks have been cooked to literal perfection, mine a filet and my husband’s a ribeye. Served with garlic mashed potatoes or parmesan fries and black garlic steak sauce, you’ll see why it’s worth the price tag.

Have I mentioned the service at HH Prime? You are treated like absolute royalty. Beyond the usual excellent service we’ve come to expect there, they always ask if you’re celebrating anything special. We were and they brought us sparkling wine to toast our special day with AND an unbelievably delicious skillet cobbler with the sweetest message written in chocolate! I truly have never experienced service like there is at HH Prime! You’ll leave full and feeling like royalty!

Coast Oceanfront– https://www.coastoceanfrontdining.com/
Seafood, reservations available

All these years, I never knew that Hilton Head had any oceanfront dining. One of the biggest draws of the island is it’s perfect beaches, unspoiled with buildings and piers. Coast Oceanfront Dining sits in Sea Pines, tucked off the sand but with stunning views you just have to go see. We sat in the “Ocean Lounge” – outdoor seating above the restaurant, and we will be requesting that seating from here on out! While it was a scorcher of a day, the breeze off the ocean made it comfortable to sit in the open sun.

This was our first time to Coast, and it was spectacular not only for views, but for their array of seafood and tasty drinks. I had “The Painkiller” and boy, was it strong! After an appetizer of hushpuppies with cinnamon honey butter (!!!), I enjoyed a massive farmer’s market salad, crispy and salty broccolinis, and buttery mashed potatoes.

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My husband had salmon and what he claims to be the best crab cake of his life, specifically because of the minimal breadcrumbs and maximum crab meat! We will be back, and suggest you check it out as well for a one of a kind dining experience- great for date night!

World of Beer- https://worldofbeer.com/locations/hilton-head/
American/Bar, reservations not available

Listen, I know it’s a chain. I know you did not come here for this. BUT, you may find yourself like us, on a Saturday afternoon or night, desperate for ANYTHING to eat because the island has just been stuffed to it’s seams with new travelers looking for quick food. That’s where my husband and I found ourselves one year after my family headed home and we had planned to stay a few days and were in no shape to eat at a fancy restaurant.

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The atmosphere is laid back and the service is great. The beer list is extensive and the food is tasty. Somehow the wait is never bad. What more could a weary traveler want? The WOB Cobb salad is my favorite, but the Margarita Flatbread comes in a close second. It’s the balsamic glaze and pesto for me! Wings and parmesan truffle fries are crowd favorites along with the awe-inspiring giant Bavarian pretzel, served with a tangy mustard dip and cheese dip. If you need a quick bite in your t-shirt, we highly recommend World of Beer!

Sonesta Dining – https://www.sonesta.com/us/south-carolina/hilton-head-island/sonesta-resort-hilton-head-island/dining
American/Bar, reservations available for Heyward’s

One of our favorite places to to stay as a couple on the island is the Sonesta Resort. Drop-dead gorgeous gardens, zero-entry pool, towels handed to you as you walk to the beach, and the great dining options. Even when we aren’t staying at Sonesta, we still make our way over for a drink on the fabulous terrace as the sun sets and turns the sky pastel pinks behind perfect palm trees. Ahh, paradise!

Whenever we stay at Sonesta, there is always a day blocked to have lunch by the pool at Sweet Cane’s. Nothing beats swimming up an appetite! Blackened Mahi Mahi tacos top the list with hummus and boardwalk fries coming in close behind. Sweet Cane’s boasts pergola covered seating (feel free to stay in your bathing suit!), or waiters will take your order right at your pool chair. Drinks flow out of the extensive poolside bar, with the frozen Key Lime Colada and Rum Runner being our favorites!

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Heyward’s provides the resort with it’s main sit-down, indoor/outdoor restaurant. We started with a spinach and artichoke dip, followed with steak and Bolognese Pasta, and finishing with a delicious chocolate torte! I don’t know that I would frequent Heyward’s other than the fact it’s convenient, as it was fairly basic resort food (good resort food, I should add!). It was my first time eating there, other than room-service dessert- and the service was spectacular!

I love sending people over to Sonesta, even if they aren’t staying there, to have a drink at Bailey’s Bar and Terrace. While they did take off our absolute favorite, the Blood Orange Mojito (I’m looking at you, Sonesta!), the pineapple mojito was still so tasty! Belly up to the gorgeous bar, relax on the terrace, or walk the grounds and find a fire pit to sit beside. Order the parmesan truffle fries if you need a snack! You will love it!

BREAKFAST FAVORITES

My family generally spends the time from waking up til supper on the beach. But, on the occasional rainy day or early morning, we will head to a couple of delicious spots that you just have to try.

*The French Bakery– https://www.facebook.com/thefrenchbakeryhhi/
French, reservations unavailable

I could cry just thinking about this place. A case full of handmade pastries, a menu of stuff I can’t pronounce, crepes that melt in your mouth……ugh. This delicious little restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on the island. Order the nutella or bananas foster crepes if you want something sweet, or the Normandy crepe for a literal omlet wrapped in a crepe topped with cheese sauce. Also, you have to get a crossiant. Just do it, don’t ask questions. Go to the French Bakery, okay?

Signes Heavan Bound Bakery and Cafe– http://www.signesbakery.com/
American/Bakery, reservations unavailable, order full cakes/desserts or holiday meals ahead

I can distinctly recall the day Signe’s came on the Food Network with Rachel Ray. My mother was bound and determined we would taste of this so-called “deep dish French toast” and see just what this little place was all about. Yall, it didn’t disappoint. Since then we have enjoyed several breakfasts, cookies, and cakes from Signe’s. The hole-in-the-wall style restaurant will put you at ease while you drool over the case of sweets. The plain deep-dish French toast is my all time favorite that also comes as Blackberry or Blueberry, but the Henhouse special of cheesy oven fried potatoes, eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit is a delicious alternative. If you are spending the holidays on the island, Signe’s also has a fantastic holiday menu for your convivence!

DELICIOUS DESSERTS

We’ve talked about desserts at Hudson’s and Heyward’s, but if you’re like us and you are usually in the mood for something cool, try one of our favorite ice cream spots!

Nonna Marie’s Gelato – https://nonnamariesgelato.com/

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Gelato is our family’s favorite, and Nonna Marie’s does not disappoint. Every night the case is full of delicious treats ranging from dark chocolate to rum raisin to pistachio. Also, we can’t forget “Unicorn”, which I was told “tastes like whatever you want it to be”! Nonna Marie’s also has plenty of coffee drinks and tons of toppings for your gelato.

Hilton Head Ice Cream – https://hiltonheadicecreamshop.com/

Hilton Head Ice Cream is an island staple. The line genrally wraps around the eccentric inside and out the door, and for good reason! HH Ice Cream is delicious and has a variety of flavors that I have never seen before. If ice cream is your jam, check this place out!

SPIRITS

I told you this was all inclusive, didn’t I?! I’ve already given you the details about getting a drink at Sonesta Resort. You have to do that, but if you are in the mood for some more island libations, I suggest a distillery tour at Hilton Head Distillery. Along with the extensive tour of the distillery, you will also get a tasting of the variety of rums and spirits made there. When you’re done there, head over to the Island Winery for a tasting – you get your monies worth! Just make sure to have a driver, ok?

HH Distillery- https://hiltonheaddistillery.com/

Island Winery- https://hiltonheaddistillery.com/

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DAY EXCURSION EATS

Just outside of HHI you will find several day-destinations including Daufuskie Island (accessible by boat only), Bluffton, and Savannah. Each place unique with history and food, you will enjoy these places on any rainy or it’s-too-hot-for-the-beach kind of day!

BLUFFTON– SQUAT AND GOBBLE https://squatngobble.com/
American, reservations unavailable

An immensely unique, small restaurant, you’ll want to visit for breakfast as you head into Bluffton for a day of history-seeing. It’s been several years since I have eaten here, but the biscuits and gravy are something I will not forget!

BLUFFTON- AGAVE https://agavebluffton.com/
Mexican, reservations unavailable

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We landed at this unique, bar or outdoor seating only, little restaurant nestled in an array of shops while sightseeing in Bluffton. With flavorful Tex-Mex food, including fish tacos, chips and dip, and margaritas, Agave is a wonderful place to refuel and rest your feet.

SAVANNAH- MRS. WILKES DINING ROOM http://mrswilkes.com/
American/Southern Family Style, reservations unavailable, see below about wait times

There are extremely distinct memories of my childhood and adulthood held by this former boarding house dining room: packing a Sunday dress to fit the now-extinct southern dress code, a community sleeved shirt being handed to my dad to put on over his tank top (dress code, yall!), a northern teenage girl acting like she had ingested poison after drinking sweet tea and the waitress laughing and giving my sister and I a whole pitcher to ourselves, my fiancé (now husband) looking at me in awe as I tore into a chicken breast (knowing I didn’t ever eat chicken with the bone in), and looking across the table at my mom to hear “don’t look at me, you’re going to make me cry [because the food is so good]!”. Mrs. Wilke’s is a divine place that the tiniest old woman used to greet you at, (now somewhere, I am certain, in heaven serving the Lord himself), sit you down with total strangers at huge tables, and bless the food made by cooks I am convinced God ordained.

If you have never been, show up sometime in the morning to get in line on the hot streets of Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes serves southern, family style food including fried chicken, green, mac and cheese, biscuits, and more 11-2 Monday through Friday. If I keep typing about it, I am liable to cry the rest of the day from pure love. Just go, alright? Promise me you’ll go.

DAUFUSKIE- LUCY BELL’S CAFE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1807707262825980/
American/Seafood, reservations unavailable, outdoor seating only

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Daufuskie Island is accessible only by a 45-minute ferry ride, and boy is it worth the trip. We were carted over to the island from Hilton Head and left to our own devices with a golf cart for several hours. Stepping back in time, you’ll find quiet beaches, historic Gullah sights, and more. There’s no room to write here about the wonder of Daufuskie, and honestly, I’m not going to ruin it for you. Go see for yourself, and while you are there, have a bite to eat at Lucy Bell’s! There are a very few restaurants on the island, and I am sure they are all good but we weren’t there long enough to try them all! Lucy Bell’s, with it’s outdoor seating and sweeter than pie employees made us oh-so-happy. The pimento grilled cheese (clearly homemade and wonderfully spicy) was delicious as was the buttered lobster roll. Fried green tomatoes were a hit as well!

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DAUFUSKIE- SCHOOL GROUNDS COFFEE https://www.facebook.com/School-Grounds-Coffee-147575845888930/
Coffee

Have you ever read “The Water is Wide” by Pat Conroy, or seen the movie? Well, I had not and am just now reading the book after visiting this impressively special coffee house on Daufuskie. Serving out of the old school on the island where the children who lived there attended until they began to go to school on the mainland (except elementary who now have a new building), the schoolhouse made one delicious iced chai latte and lemon cookie! It is a must go when visiting Daufuskie!

DAUFUSKIE- DAUFUSKIE ISLAND RUM COMPANY https://www.daufuskierum.com/

Turn your golf cart down another unpaved road to find this fantastic little rum company! With tours, a wide array of rums, and daily drinks, you will love stopping by and sipping something special overlooking a pond with new friends.

OTHER FANTASTIC EATS

Like I said, we have been coming to Hilton Head for so long that we have too many good places to eat than we can fit in one vacation! Maybe another blog post will bring delicious photos and descriptions, but for now enjoy these honorable mentions to the 2021 trip and check their websites for more!

CRAZY CRAB – https://thecrazycrab.com/
Seafood, reservations available and suggested

You’ll love this interesting little eatery with fantastic seafood, and my favorite, hushpuppies! We love to visit the location in Harbor Town for the water view of the yachts and the fact you can take an adult beverage TO GO as you explore the area!

FRANKIE BONES – https://frankiebones.com/
American Italian, reservations available and highly suggested

You’ll love stepping into this mobster-style restaurant and it’s delicious food like chicken parmesan and mixed drinks. You’ll need a reservation!

GIUSEPPI’S PIZZA AND PASTA HOUSE – https://www.giuseppispizza.com/
Pizza, reservations not available

Our favorite Saturday night order, Giuseppe’s is another place that tastes like my childhood with wonderful pizza, subs, and pasta. Don’t forget the breadsticks! Whether ordering out or dining in, be prepared for a wait!

ONE LAST THING

If you have made it this far, you are dedicated and I appreciate you so much. Hilton Head is filled with the absolute best and happiest memories of my life, one of my favorites being lunch at the condo. I know that everyone has pitched in to help, mom, sister, etc., but I associate it most with my dad. Like clockwork, at 11:30AM he would and still does head up to the condo to start a big lunch for everyone. Macaroni, red potatoes, corn, tater tots, sandwiches with the forever-incredible Captain John’s bread and fresh tomatoes, chips, and sweet tea litter the kitchen table for the best lunch you will ever have, hands down- just ask our two “newcomers”, my husband and brother-in-law (who aren’t so new anymore), they’ll tell you it’s truly the best.

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Whatever you eat, whatever you do, I hope you can capture some of the pure magic of Hilton Head Island. I pray the warm, humid air wraps you up and places in your heart the kind of love only the island can bring you. From my absolute heart of hearts to yours, enjoy Hilton Head. I know you’ll love it.

Amanda

P.S. Please leave a comment if you have, will, or are going to try one of the listed places! We would love to know!

Thanks to my personal editor-in-chief, Deedle, for all your help.