Since 2010, Ally and I have taken trips to celebrate our anniversary each year. Prior to that, our kids were too young and we couldn’t justify spending a few thousand dollars to get away (we would do day trips instead). One of the best things about being on an extended trip with your spouse is reconnecting with what you love about them and seeing them wake up without a care in the world. I love watching Ally enjoy moments without her normal worries and constraints. It feels like we’re just two friends enjoying life. And because we didn’t take couple vacations for our first 14 years together, we feel we deserve them now!
Moving to Indiana has been a blessing because it literally shrunk the country. So many places are within a short drive or a cheap Allegiant or Southwest flight now. Two of our recent trips were to Lake Geneva, WI and Asheville, NC. We drove to both as they were easy and pretty car rides. An unexpected snow storm spoiled our Lake Geneva trip a bit, but the rolling farmland was georgeous and so was the town. And Asheville was heaven. A little bohemian and Austin-like, however the Blue Ridge mountains were mesmerizing to both of us. Especially Ally. As I write this, we’re in our 2018 vacation town: Bluffton, South Carolina.
Bluffton is an idyllic little southern town just 15 minutes from the crowded beaches of Hilton Head and the historic city of Savannah (Georgia). Ally and I had a great time strolling the beaches, eating too well, golfing (just me), meeting new friends, and shopping. I say shopping because not only are there quaint shops everywhere, but Bluffton has the nicest and largest outlet mall we’ve ever been to. Crazy to see in a little southern town. Below were a few of our adventures:
Ally at Coligny Beach with her secret admirer. The beaches were beautiful and the water, while not clear blue, was warm and pretty enough.
Lunch at The Cottage in downtown Bluffton. The shrimp salads and crab cakes were amazing.
Me playing the 16th at Atlantic Dunes by architect Davis Love III. I shot 78 playing with a half-set of my Ping irons.
Ally hanging with our new friends at The Heyward House, a restored mini plantation mansion.
Ally and I highly recommend cool Bluffton and its more popular but crowded Hilton Head, South Carolina. We’re both surprised how much the area offers at a reasonable price tag: Beaches, beauty, amenities, and fine dining and kind people everywhere you look. The pace of life is very calming. The only downside is the humidity makes you sweat a lot. The locals call it glistening! Bluffton is worth a visit.