Since arriving back in the US we’re letting the little details of normal life fall back into place: David accepted a job with Google, we’re hunting for our next SF home, and we bought a car – boldly testing it out by driving it across the country! From Memorial Day to July 4th David and I are road tripping around the United States, with a heavy focus on seeing friends and family along the east coast. It took 4 days to drive from San Francisco and by the time we reached South Carolina we were so ready to recuperate and enjoy a little lowcountry hospitality at Montage Palmetto Bluff. The moment we drove into this special community we were enchanted – slipping past charming white houses shaded by trees draped in Spanish moss, white steepled chapels with stained glass windows, and the most charming gas station you could imagine.
Montage Palmetto Bluff had been on my radar ever since my friend Christine visited with her husband and raved about it. So when they invited us to visit to experience their “Southern Belle” getaway I jumped at the chance. We arrived late on our first day due to some weather and just enjoyed a light dinner on our balcony, toasting to a successful cross-country drive with the bottle of bourbon that was waiting for us in the room. (Side note: alongside the bourbon there was a bottle of lemonade and a peach drink – is there a well-known southern cocktail we were supposed to make? Haha.)
The next morning we were up early and ready to experience all the property has to offer. I grew up going to camp in New Hampshire each summer, and Palmetto Bluff reminded me of camp for grown ups – all the fun sports and outdoor activities of camp but paired with elegant accommodations and incredible food. While there are several restaurants on the property we were so impressed by our first breakfast at Octagon Porch we ended up eating all of our meals there. I loved the bright white-washed porch filled with potted palms and their addictive banana pancakes.
Post breakfast it was time for the spa’s signature 90 minute high cotton massage (INCREDIBLE!), and I emerged perfectly relaxed. We rented bikes and explored the property, stopping to observe alligators gliding under a bridge or a bird spreading its wings to dry out after a swim. (We notice wildlife so much more since going on safari.) In the afternoon we grabbed iced tea and cookies on the back porch, which I learned is a favorite southern ritual called “porching” similar to afternoon tea. Then, we set off for my favorite activity of our stay: sporting clays! (You can actually see the hit in the second photo!). The facility is really well appointed and professional, and I appreciated all the coaching from our expert guide, Ryan. There are so many other activities I’d love to return for, especially kayaking with dolphins in the estuary as I’m told they almost always come to say hello when kayaks are out!
Back at the inn we changed for dinner and returned to “our table” on the porch. You must try the Artillery Punch, which is Ross, the bartender’s, secret family recipe, and be sure to order the shrimp and grits, which have a tomato base and were surprisingly light. We finished off the night by the fire pit roasting s’mores and sampling the many delicious flavored marshmallows – I loved the coconut and David always goes for lemon. Delicious!
We adored our time in Palmetto Bluff and fell in love with the landscape, people, and lowcountry way of life. Two nights weren’t enough to take it all in, so Montage shared a special offer for those of you planning a visit this summer. Book two nights in a guest house suite or cottage accommodation and receive a third night complimentary for select dates in summer using this link or the code “StacieF”.
Thank you Montage Palmetto Bluff for an amazing stay and partnering on this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
xx, SF
All photos by David and Stacie Flinner for stacieflinner.com
