We really have a liking to Palmetto Bluff, as you can probably tell if you’ve been around here a while. It’s the area Brandon and I both grew up, so in a sense it feels
We really have a liking to Palmetto Bluff, as you can probably tell if you’ve been around here a while. It’s the area Brandon and I both grew up, so in a sense it feels like going home, yet also like the most magical escape. It’s easy for us to get to since it’s less than two hours from Charleston, yet it feels like a whole new world despite being so familiar. Palmetto Bluff also holds some of our absolute favorite memories. Not only is it home to one of the first pools we put Watson in as a baby, but four years later, he pretty much learned to swim in the same pool. It’s the setting for one of the first overnight trips we ever took Rosie on as a baby. It’s gated, so we feel very at ease having the children there, but it has all the little luxuries that make a vacation so pleasant for an adult. For these reasons and too many others to list out, we try to go at least once, sometimes twice per year.
There are many ways to stay at Palmetto Bluff. You can rent a home privately like we did in May, or stay at Montage Palmetto Bluff, a five star hotel property within the gates of Palmetto Bluff. This is what we did this time and have always done in previous years aside from our trip in May! The Montage has a lot of accommodation options. You can stay at the Inn, which is the grand building where every guest checks in upon arrival, or stay in some of the bigger accommodations, like a suite, cottage, or home.
I say this often, but the Montage is one of those places that really evokes the senses. Through my job, we’ve had the opportunity to stay at some really incredible places and the Montage truly has set the standard for us. The way they reach all five senses simultaneously in such a graceful way is what sets it apart for me. I’ll explain. When you walk into your hotel room or cottage, you hear soft music playing from the speakers. There is also live music on the property daily at this time of year. Then, of course, there are the sounds of nature, like the cicadas chirping at night and fire crackling in the various fire pits across the property in the evenings. The sense of touch is also a big one. Children are greeted upon check-in with a plush stuffed animal that represents the surrounding wildlife. There are snacks and treats all throughout the property at different times of the day for you to grab at leisure. The stunning rooms have the comfiest beds that feel amazing. I could go on and on about this one. Oh and the taste of the delicious food. Wow. On the property, there’s quite a handful of restaurant options and each one is truly to die for. Lastly, the sights you see are just beautiful, but that’s just a given. Everything from the picturesque lowcountry style cottages to the draping spanish moss in the grand oaks, to the miles of the water you can see across the May River. It truly is special.
I know there are certain bells and whistles a property must have to receive a certain number of stars and accolades, but this “senses test” has become my own personal measure of greatness—and it truly is because of our visits to Montage Palmetto Bluff and how all five senses are being reached at all times in such an incredible way. Not that I can’t be just as happy in an old, salty little beach bungalow with sandy floors, for the record, but when you’re paying a great deal and making arduous travel arrangements with certain expectations set upon arrival, it’s nice to know you’re going somewhere that lives up to the hype. And when something passes my senses test, it does!
This post is a little lengthy, so I want to share the special treat at the end right here as well. Through my partnership with Montage properties, the team at Montage Palmetto Bluff has kindly extended you all a special offer, if you’d like to join them for a stay. While booking, use code MSTOKES and you’ll receive this offer: Reserve any inn room, guest house, cottage or village homes and receive $60 daily breakfast credit for use at Buffalo’s, Octagon or In-Room Dining, and complimentary valet parking. (Taxes, gratuities and alcohol are not included.)
Ok. Let’s get to it. Here’s what we did this time during our stay…
Lots of pool time. There are various pools on the property, including one for adults only, but we always go to the main family pool. It’s such a nice place to be during the day because they’ve got live music going and you can order food/drinks from the poolside restaurant, Fore & Aft! Highly recommend the nachos, by the way.
We also tried out archery this time and I can’t recommend it enough! There are tons of activities available on the property, giving you the option to stay super busy or to keep your daily schedule totally clear for lots of R&R. While at the archery range, Brandon and I also did axe throwing, which was totally new to me and ended up being a blast.
Here’s a peek at the inside of the Inn. This foyer area is right beyond the reception area.
While we’re talking about interiors, here’s one inside view of our Lagoon Guest House Suite we stayed in this time. There was also a separate living room with a gas fireplace, another full bath, and then a screened porch. The sofa in the living room pulled out into a bed, so that’s where the kids slept. It was the perfect amount of space for us!
And as if the interiors aren’t stunning enough, the outside areas of the property even top that.
Let’s talk a little about food. Cole’s is one of my favorite dining options at Palmetto Bluff, as it’s an elevated take on southern comfort food. It’s not on the Montage property, but any guest is able to enjoy dining there and can be transported to it by golf cart if time and weather allows, a complimentary shuttle, or one of the vehicles through the properties’ Cadillac partnership. The coolest thing about Cole’s is that there is a bowling alley connected to the property! We bowled back in May and had a blast as you can see here, but passed on it this time because our kiddos were just too tired after dinner.
Please find “Tired children: Exhibit A” below. We always say that the greatest talent Rosie has is that she can be hard asleep and then wake up with the happiest, most joyful attitude you’ve ever seen. She ended up waking up and said “How we got here?! I want a grilled cheese!” Then she just sort of giggled and was good to go!
Another great restaurant on the property is Octagon, which is located directly within the Inn. We’ve actually never eaten dinner there, though the menu sounds incredible. We grabbed lunch there on day one and this BLT was probably the best one I’ve ever had.
And then there’s Buffalo’s. Good ol’ Buffalo’s. Guys, it’s the best breakfast you’ll ever have. But we have frequently stopped there for lunch and dinner and felt just as strongly about it. You can also grab a pizza from Buffalo’s, especially if you’d like some kind of easy takeout option to eat in one of the park spaces along the river or back at your room.
Don’t miss then nightly s’mores! They are among the many complimentary treats you’ll notice throughout the day at the Montage.
I have more photos and details about the various food options in these blog posts!
Another activity we always do with each visit is a boat cruise. It’s so nice to be out on the beautiful May River. We always see tons of dolphins and usually stop at Daufuskie, which would be a great afternoon trip to sightsee and grab a low key meal right by the water.
There are also quite a few treehouses throughout Palmetto Bluff, which are lots of fun for the whole family.
Hot tip. Conveniently, there is a set of swings right next to the shopping. I love going into The Paris Market to browse around while Brandon is on swing duty. It’s a beautiful shop with unique and familiar finds!
It’s truly an incredible place.
The team at Montage Palmetto Bluff has kindly extended you all a special offer, if you’d like to join them for a stay.
While booking, use code MSTOKES and you’ll receive the offer listed below!
Reserve any inn room, guest house, cottage or village homes and receive $60 daily breakfast credit for use at Buffalo’s, Octagon and In Room Dining, and complimentary valet parking.
(Taxes, gratuities and alcohol are not included)
