Hilton Head Life

Reilley's Pub

Being a transplanted Bostonian now residing in Hilton Head, I was very happy to visit a drinking establishment that welcomed Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics fans.

Most other bars seem to have NASCAR piped in 24/7. Not here. If the Red Sox are playing, you'll see it on the big screen.

Reilley's Pub, located at the Sea Pines circle, is not only the ideal place to catch all the BoSox games, but they also happen to have excellent food and drink.

And unlike Boston, where you only get a few months to enjoy the outdoor weather, Reilly's features a huge outdoor patio bar with lots of fresh air and live entertainment.

If I don't look at the window at the palm trees it's just like having few beers at my favorite Irish Pub after a Celtics game on Canal Street.

Thank you Reilley's!

The $1,000 Attempt

I'm not yet finished on my attempt on reliving the Best Way to Blow $1,000 on Hilton Head. A complete, detailed account will eventually be posted on my attempt.

However, I have managed to imbibe at the following fine establishments on the list. Do keep in mind I visited all of these places alone and didn't buy anyone drinks (except for Wild Wing). Also, since I spent cash at a number of these establishments I couldn't keep track of my exact amount spent (a bunch of crumpled up dollars the next morning is a bad accounting method). $$ are estimates, no food (except for Jump & Phils).

Jump & Phils - $25
Wild Wing - $75
Three Diamond Club - $110 (includes entertainment)
Callahan's - $15

Other places I've tossed down a few:

Rider's Lounge - $25
Hinchey's - $45
Big Bamboo - $30

I have not been able to even get close to $1,000. I'm starting to assume that during the spree Mr. Hempley was generous with his tips or was buying the bar a round here and there (I mean hey, why not?).

Tiki Hut

Spent Sunday afternoon lounging at the Tiki Hut, located at the Hilton Head Holiday Inn.

Is there a better way to spend an afternoon? Well, maybe -- but drinking Corona after Corona in the sun, listening to live music and people watching does make for a fun time.

Located right on the beach, the Tiki Hut has nice breezes, great views and a crew of interesting characters, inlcuding locals and tourists.

Click here for the Tiki Hut's live web cam.

Best Way to Blow $1,000 on Hilton Head

I'm new to Hilton Head and I'm looking for cool and fun places to see on the Island. How can an outsider, and a new resident, figure out where to go? I look no further than Stephen Paul Hempley. 

Just who is Mr. Hempley?

Mr. Hempley worked as a waiter at "The Wreck" in Sea Pines. His career there spanned 4 days. He was fired on Day 5 for not showing up for his shift. But Mr. Hempley had a reason for not showing up.

Allegedly, on Feb 14, 2006, Mr. Hempley, while working as a waiter, stole Roger Couch's credit card information during a dinner on Valentine's Day. Then, using Mr. Couch's stolen credit card information, Hempley went on a 10 restaurant and bar spree spending almost $1,000 over three days.

Mr. Hempley's spree was documented courtesy of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office:

DAY 1 - February 14, 2006
6:36 PM	Asian Fusion	$64.83
11:30 PM	Callahan's	$96.50
11:59 PM	Peckerheads	$95.00
Day 1 Total		$256.33
DAY 2 - February 15, 2006
7:45 PM	Domino's Pizza	$46.60
10:09 PM	Earle of Sandwich Pub	$95.00
Day 2 Total		$141.60
DAY 3 - February 16, 2006
4:44 PM	Tiki Hut	$55.00
4:55 PM	Jump And Phils	$140.00
6:00 PM	New York City Pizza	$36.75
7:21 PM	Wild Wing Cafe	$150.00
8:30 PM	Thee Diamond Club	$220.00
Day 3 Total		$601.75
Hempley's 3 Day Spree Total		$999.68

Towards the end of the month, March 2006, I've decided to retrace Mr. Hempley's footsteps. I will post my results towards the end of March, along with my dollars spent (I have my work cut out for me) while I travel in Mr. Hempley's shoes.

One Hot Mama's

Popped into One Hot Mama's in Bluffton Saturday for drinks and to take in the local scene. From the outside the bar looks like it might be filled with a biker gang (maybe is was the Harley Davidsons parked outside).  However, this is not the case.

First off, when I approached the bar (I was alone) there were a number of people hanging around outside. A woman outside said to me "Hi, how are you doing?" as I walked by.  Being from Boston, I was completely unprepared for this type of pleasantness. I muttered out a puzzled "good" as I walked by. 

In Boston, when strangers talk to you either there is something wrong with them (mentally), they want something from you (money for drugs) or they're starting trouble with you (hello Testosterone filled Southie).  I have to get this thinking out of my head.

Inside was plenty of tables and a medium sized square bar with great seating to view the band and people watch.  The music, by Zach Deputy, was excellent.  They played a funky acoustical set with both fast and slow songs. Zach's original songs are truly contagious, and the songs he does cover he easily turns into his own.

The atmosphere inside the bar was a great mix. Several bikers. Attractive females. Clicky Blufftonians. A few drunk rednecks. It was fantastic!

I did not partake in any of the food offerings at One Hot Mama's. However, their Captain & Cokes sure hit the spot....I will be back.