Story & Photography by Pavi Elle
Traveling is expensive. Throw in airfare, rental cars and hotels, and lavish eating becomes a challenge.
On the beachy coast of South Carolina sits the “#1 resort island in 2018,” Hilton Head, according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Prized by world-class golfing, 12 miles of white sandy beaches and a myriad of wild flavors by the sea; Hilton Head is a golfer’s, beach bum and culinarian’s paradise all wrapped in one pretty package.
Everyone knows golf is expensive, the beach is free, but how does one enjoy a little of the lavish eating this lovely island offers on a food budget of $50 a day? “I love culinary experiences but cannot afford to spend $1000 on eating out,” said a vacationer from Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Believe it or not, one can eat like a local on Hilton Head for $50 a day.
Get up before the sun rises and head over to the Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe at 86 Helmsman Way to partake in a scrumptious breakfast of two eggs, with your choice of bacon or sausage, hash browns or grits and toast for $5.99.
Want to eat with the locals? Visit Harold’s Diner across from Shelter Cove. Indulge in two eggs, corn beef hash, grits, toast and coffee for $10.
For lunch, head to Healthy Habits located in Park Plaza. “Healthy Habits serves farm-fresh chopped salads from locally sourced ingredients, including grass-fed beef and cage-free poultry for around $12,” said owner Kevin Yeung.
Bistro 17, a waterfront café at Shelter Cove dishes up a mouth-watering crab cake on a croissant served alongside French fries tossed in salt garlic and herbs for $16.
Before the sun sets, stroll to Poseidon in Shelter Cove for their $18 Surf & Turf which consists of a grilled petite filet medallion, shrimp, sweet potato, roasted vegetables and a drink.
Craving seafood? “The humble and unassuming Sea Shack off of Pope Avenue serve the best fried, grilled or blackened seafood for a fraction of the cost elsewhere. Try the fried Shark Attack which includes a crab cake, grouper, shrimp, scallops and oysters with two sides for $19,” said Kathy from Bluffton, S.C.
Embrace lavish eating at an array of quality restaurants on a budget.
