On Wednesday, I headed down to Bluffton, South Carolina to preview the geeked-out HGTV Smart Home inside of Palmetto Bluff.  With technology on everything from the musically talented toilet to the television screen on the bread box, this home is decked out with the latest.  When I think tech, my mind goes straight to monotone, but Designer Tiffany Brooks layered this three bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home with so much vibrant color.  Some of my favorite design details included the gallery wall in the upstairs hallway and the plaid tile in the master shower.  One tech addition that is a must have for our future build was the rotating shoe organizer.  That thing could find my favorite pair of flats that always gets lost in the shuffle!

The best part about this home – HGTV is giving it away along with a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid, and a $100,000 cash prize from Quicken Loans.  Enter here from now until June 7th, entering as much as twice per day.  Fingers crossed for all of you!

After touring the Smart Home, I started my mini vacation at the Montage Palmetto Bluff.  I went to middle school on Hilton Head Island, and I remember when the community was first being developed by some great visionaries and family friends.  Coming back and visiting a few times and staying at the Montage this past weekend was truly incredible to see that 2001 vision realized on a property that dates all the way back to 1562.  The remnants of the mansion constructed in 1910 overlooking the May River still stand in pieces after catching fire in 1926.

The Wilson Village ruins are one of the many activities to explore while staying on property.  Bikes were my transportation of choice to navigate each quaint path draped with tree cover and Spanish moss.  I also took out a couple of paddle boards around sunrise and stepped aboard the 105 year old ‘Grace’ restored yacht.  ‘Mimosas on the May’ is a signature outing on the Grace, and will guide you around the area while learning about the antique brought back to life.  Make sure the Shooting Club is on your list with the concierge, visit the equestrian center (reservation needed), and take an electric powered boat out on the lagoon for fishing and alligator spotting.  The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is over 7,000 yards and 18 holes of beauty, many being on the May River and full of fantastic views of the wildlife in the area.  I spent so much time watching the birds over the water – it was so peaceful along with the breeze.

For those that rather take it easy, find a cabana by one of the many pools – kid friendly, adults only or by the lagoon.  The full service spa is also a point to put on your itinerary.  The Canine Ambassadors (really cute Labrador retrievers) are wandering the halls at 10am and 3pm, and are sure to slow down your day, at least for the 30 minutes they’re hanging out in the lobby.  Afternoon strolls around the Palmetto Bluff neighborhood and looking at all of the great architecture was another favorite activity!

Dining on the property leaves you with many options, I recommend Buffalo’s for lunch or brunch, Octagon and the Canoe Club for dinner, and the River House for ‘porching’ – a very southern way to say ‘come have a cocktail on the porch around happy hour.’  S’mores are also available via a cute little push cart outside of the River House in the evening.

While I stayed at the Inn, there are many accommodations available on property.  My favorite with all of the views are the River View Cottages.  A grouping of all-white houses dot the May River with gas lanterns and bikes waiting on you.  But really, no place you rest your head within Palmetto Bluff is a bad place!

So to sum it up – get here fast, get here quickly, and then slow it way down, because the Montage Palmetto Bluff is all about that southern living.  Grab a bourbon and I’ll meet you on the porch.  See you very soon, lowcountry.

xx, Paula