South Carolina has many fantastic vacation spots for any time of year thanks to its moderate climate. It is truly a southern state with a very different landscape from its northern neighbors. The spanish moss and marshes are a backdrop fitting for any southern belle. You feel as if you were thrown back in time in so many places, and yet you are also conveniently close to a bustling city at any point in your journey there.
From historic battlefields and plantations to beaches and recreational areas, there is plenty to see and do here. If you enjoy the outdoors, look forward to plenty of activity and opportunities for fun, from water sports and sightseeing, to top of the line golfing, biking, and more. For history and culture lovers, learning about the complex past of this area will only make the present day museums and restored properties that much more enjoyable. Also, of you crave luxury and relaxation, you will find many resorts and divinely sandy beaches that make this state an ideal vacation spot.
South Carolina Towns & Cities
One of America's most beautiful, historic and visually appealing cities is Charleston. Take the town by foot and prepare to be impressed by the huge antebellum houses with their unique side porches, perfect for an afternoon iced tea. The southern gardens will enchant you with their great tree canopies and lush fragrant flowers. If you're interested in African American history or Civil War history, Charleston has a wonderful array of activities. There's the Old Slave Mart Museum, Cabbage Row or the Boone Hall Plantation. This is also a town with contemporary pleasures, so make to sure to enjoy all of the nightlife and fine dining. The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry has fascinating and interactive exhibits the whole family will enjoy.
Located on the shores of the Atlantic, there isn't swimming within the city, but within just a few miles, surrounding islands have all the coastline you'll need for a day in the sun. Most are accessible by car, but some are only by boat. Your drive down to Folly Beach is specked with antique shops and even abandoned slave shacks sitting in contrast next to the Charleston Country Club. Pick some strawberries and blueberries during the season at Wadmalaw Island or for those interested in golfing, Kiawah Island is the site of an exclusive resort.
If you'd like to stay close to downtown, but not in it, a great option is North Charleston. Take in a Broadway play at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, an elaborate building, with seating for 2,000. At the North Charleston Convention Center Complex, you can catch an arts and craft exhibit or take a day to ice skate. See the Hunley, the first submarine to be raised from its deep resting place at the Friends of the Hunley Museum. Also for military history, visit the Citadel Archives and Museum. The Stingrays hockey team calls the Coliseum home and the downtown ballpark is the best venue for baseball games during the summer.
In order to get to Charleston by car, you're probably going to pass through St George, located just off of I-95. Maybe you're just passing through the state, either way, it's a good option for spending at least a night. St George is known as "The Town of Friendly People". Each April it hosts the World Grits Festival, which, in addition to music, square dancing and softball, includes a corn shucking contest, a grits-eating contest, a rolling in the grits contest and the crowning of "Miss Grits". Francis Beidler Forest is a National Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Four Holes Swamp and a 6,500 foot boardwalk. This area of the country has a unique look and feel, so you won't want to miss a nature walk in this swamp.
Isle of Palms is located on the Atlantic Ocean and is a fabulous beach hotspot. Try your luck at a fishing contest at the Isle of Palms Marina. This is a great beach to watch turtles hatch, truly a moving experience. The city has an Island Turtle Team that monitors the turtles' nests and records each year's hatchlings. Also keep your eyes peeled for osprey nests, pelicans and dolphins. This is the perfect landscape for biking or rollerblading. You can see the shore from a kayak, canoe, sailboat, fishing boat or waterskis. Take a day to beach-comb and collect seashells and sand dollars from the shore and get a great tan while you're at it. The IOP Recreation Department and Wild Dunes resort plans plenty of fun activities even the grandparents will love.
Mount Pleasant is just a bridge away from Charleston, located by the water, as well. There are plenty of beautiful natural settings to enjoy by golfing, tennis, kayaking or deep-sea fishing. The nearby beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are fabulous places to pass the afternoon. This city has the most comprehensive collections of naval aircraft around and is the place to leave from to go to Fort Sumter National Monument to see the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum. To see a working plantation, visit Boone Hall Plantation or the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site to see how one of the framers of the Constitution lived. Grab a top of the line dinner by the picturesque waterway, Shem Creek. Shoppers will love the antique shops and boutiques along Highway 17 and the weekly farmer's market will please even the pickiest eater.
Twenty four miles from Charleston, Summerville is the perfect addition to your itinerary. You'll find southern character and great accommodations here, like the five star resort, Woodlands Inn. Come during one of the town's several events, Sculpture in the South, the Flowertown Festival or Taste of the Town. All are held in the 12-acre oasis of Azalea Park, with its fountains, sculpturex and ponds. History lovers will enjoy checking out over 700 homes and buildings which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nearby, but closer to I-95, is the small town of Walterboro. Even though the population is only about 5,000 large, this is a great museum center. There are the South Carolina Artisans Center, The Bedon-Lucas House Museum, The Colleton Museum, The Forde Doll & Doll House Collection and the Slave Relics Museum, among others. The Great Swamp Sanctuary is made up of over 800 acres of braided creek and hardwood flats. For a day in nature, check out the boardwalks, bridges, bike and walking trails. Spanish moss on the cypress trees create a definite ambiance and as will the beaver pond, duck pond and butterfly garden.
Just south near the fantastic southern city of Savannah, Georgia, is Beaufort where you can find a beautiful bed and breakfast filled with southern charm. Located on Port Royal Island, this unique town was the site where the films Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, and The Big Chill were produced. From historic forts to fascinating museums, such as the Beaufort Museum and the Heyward House Historic Center, you will be able to soak up the past with ease. Main Street Beaufort is great place to pick up a few presents or grab a nice lunch. You can take a walking tour or see the city on the back of a horse drawn carriage. This region is steeped in history and the National Landmark District is living proof. You can also check out the living history of the Gullah culture at Penn Center on nearby St. Helena Island and taste some of the unique cuisine, like frogmore stew.
To get to this area, you might pass through Hardeeville, which lies off of I-95. This town of very few residents is a pleasant retreat from the big city, with a convenient location near Savannah, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort. Founded by Swiss Huguenots in 1732, Purrysburg was a failed community which is remembered by a cross on the Savannah River. Millstone Landing offers fishers a top of the line fishing spot in the Savannah River. Sergeant Jasper Park has 132 acres of trails and is a beautiful spot for canoeing or kayaking. Rent a cabin and spend the week watching the wildlife and undisturbed wetlands.
Bluffton is located in Beaufort County on the way from Hardeeville to Hilton Head. This coastal land overlooks the pristine May River. This is a wonderful place to have some family fun. There are seven golf courses in the area, so get ready for a relaxing day on the green. Visit the Heyward House, one of only ten antebellum structures remaining in the town and the fourth oldest structure remaining in southern Beaufort County. For some local artisan work, visit Hummel Studios or Preston Pottery and Gallery.
Hilton Head is a barrier island with a semi-tropical lowcountry topography. This was the first eco-planned destination in the country, which has a wholly relaxing environment that oozes class. If you want to stay at a luxury resort or rent your own villa, this southern spot is the place to do it. Have some of the day's catch at The Salty Dog and listen to live music on the shore at San Miguel's Mexican Restaurant. Harbor Town is a full service marina. You can charter a boat for some world-class fishing with Bonanza Charters. Golf on the many courses, such as the Golden Bear Golf Club, one of the top rated on the island. There are fertile salt marshes, lagoons, creeks, forests of moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, palmettos and miles of sandy beach.
Also in southern South Carolina is Hampton, a small town out of the bustle of the big city. Take time out to stroll through Hampton's history by visiting Hampton County Museum or the Hampton Museum & Visitors Center. You'll see the many military artifacts on display. A walking tour of the town will let you see and explore historic buildings, quaint stores and elegant gardens. Lake Warren State Park has a breathtaking 440 acres of land and a 200-acre lake. Hunters will like Boggy Plantation, privately owned hunting grounds and Bostick Plantation, where you can hunt for hogs, or Broxton Bridge Plantation. If you don't want to hunt with a gun in hand, don't forget you can also hunt with your camera in hand and bring back pictures to add to your album.
Ridgeland is located off of I-95 and is a great place to visit between Charleston and Savannah. Located in the heart of South Carolina's lowcountry, you can relax and bask in the hospitality of the people and enjoy the scenery. The Blue Heron Trail is the pride of Ridgeland, with the natural beauty of walking trails. This site also boasts an arboretum with wetland plants, a variety of trees and abundant wildlife. At the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, you can not only see the wildlife, but you can also get a taste of the past when you visit rice fields, an old grist mill and slave quarters at a rice plantation.
Located inland near Augusta, Georgia, Aiken is a welcoming town with great opportunities for horseback riding. If you love horses and riding, you will be thrilled with the three weekends of horseback riding events with the Aiken Triple Crown, a significant event in this town. Other equestrian delights include Jumping Branch Farm, the Black Forest Equestrian Center and Fulmer International School of Equitation. Browse a selection of vintage carriages at the Carriage Museum at Rye Patch.
The state capital, Columbia, is located in the center of the state. This is a fairly large city where you will find anything you need from a metropolis on a vacation. Visit the city's eclectic shopping spot, the Five Points neighborhood. For upscale shops check out the Devine Street corridor, and if you'd like some antiques or original pieces of artwork, check out the Congaree Vista. The Congaree National Park has plenty of natural wonders to enjoy, including ancient redwoods, which people come from far and wide to see. The Columbia Museum of Art is the state's premier place to check out fine art in a sleek airy space. The children will enjoy the 2,000 animals at Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens and they'll learn while playing at EdVenture Children's Museum. There are great bars and restaurants to choose from, and you can catch a musical or ballet. This city is just abuzz with action.
West Columbia is located right across the river from Columbia and is a relaxing place to enjoy the area's natural treasures. The parks in this city offer an astounding array of recreational activities. Lake Murray is perfect for waterskiing, sailing, boating, fishing and swimming. On the Congaree River, you can enjoy some of the best canoeing and fishing in the area. Take in a game by one of the sports teams of the University of South Carolina or the Bombers A Class Baseball Team.
Springdale, a town of about 3,000 residents, is known as the Front Door of South Carolina. Within 20 miles of Springdale, there are many choices of museums to visit. Take a trip back to an earlier time when you visit the Cayce Historical Museum in the neighboring town of Cayce. Here you will find the cultural and architectural history of the region in the many displays and exhibits. The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum in Columbia offer a somber and fascinating look at the experience of the Confederate forces which fought in the Civil War. Visit the Governor's Mansion and the boyhood home of former President Woodrow Wilson. The Mann-Simon Cottage is the former home of former slave Celia Mann, who eventually bought her freedom. With all this, you will come away with a clearer image of the area's past from all sides.
Camden and Kershaw County has a rich heritage since it's one of the oldest cities in the state. Another equine friendly town, there is steeplechase racing and amenaties for horsing around. With antique shopping, fishing at Lake Wateree and the Catfish Stomp Festival, there's always something to do in Camden. There are Sporting Clay competitions, hunting, historical reenactments, arts shows and more. The historic district is a nice place to grab lunch and explore in the daytime.
Deep in the heart of South Carolina, Lexington is a friendly city, located along the shores of Lake Murray. It has more than 500 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunities for fishing and water sports. There are nine golf courses in the city, so make sure to bring your putter. Catch a show at the Village Square Theater or visit the Lexington County Museum for a walk through the past. See some wildlife at Peachtree Rock, just outside of town. The Corley Street Park has a section for special needs children so they can also enjoy all this park has to offer. If you want quality, purchase a piece of Amish furniture at Clayborne's. You will certainly find something unique to bring back home with you.
Orangeburg is well located between the capital city and Charleston. This town is a nature lover's paradise. The Santee Cooper Lakes have 315 miles of shoreline along Lake Marion alone, and the waters are perfect for canoeing, boating and fishing. Among others, the Santee Cooper Resort has not only a course, but also a country club. Orangeburg has a fine arts center located in the Edisto Memorial Gardens and offers workshops and performances. Buy a piece of art made by a local artist in the gift shop. There is even more culture in town, check out the Orangeburg Part-Time Players, the Children's Performing Arts Academy, Orangeburg Civic Ballet and renowned Henderson-Davis Players of South Carolina State University.
Greenville is located just 20 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of more than 50,000, though nature is near, there is enough to do in-town without making it into the wilds. To tour the downtown, hop on the trolley. You won't want to miss Mice on Main, nine hidden bronze mice you'll have to find. Just start at the Hyatt Plaza and get searching.
Falls Park on the Reedy is a public garden that has the only curved cantilevered pedestrian bridge in the U.S. Greenville's cultural complex is called Heritage Green, just blocks from three other art museums, a classical theater company and the Hughes Library. Baseball fanatics will flip over the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library, located in the home where Shoeless Joe lived. To learn about local African American leaders, visit Greenville Cultural Exchange Center. There is a great nightlife here, so check out some bars for live music, dancing, karaoke and more.
Clemson is located in Pickens County at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Hartwell lies at the edge of the town where you will enjoy fishing, swimming and boating. The Jocassee Gorges offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, no matter what season of the year you choose to visit. The gateway to the Gorges is just as beautiful with unspoiled wilderness that remains much the same as when it was occupied by the Cherokee Indians. Visit the Botanical Garden where you can hear the water gurgling through the brooks. Clemson University is known for its sports as well as its academics, so you'll definitely want to catch a game while in town.
Anderson is a perfect vacation spot, located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and on the shores of Lake Hartwell. This lake is one of the most popular in the region and is a great place to camp and boat. Visit a state park in the area and check out waterfalls and wildlife. History buffs will love the Anderson County Museum and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. There are 10 year-round courses to tee off at. Make sure to grab some amazing Carolina barbeque. Your stomach will thank you.
Clinton is located near Sumter National Forest, south of Greenville. Clinton is the proud home to Presbyterian College. Leisure in big in this town, so check out the area's parks, playgrounds and picnic areas. Downtown Clinton offers a historic stroll with small-town charm. Grab a root beer float while you're there and in view of the restored, antique buildings, you'll feel you've gone back in a time machine. Bush River Farm is a lovely place to visit, offering a taste of Ireland in the heart of the U.S.
Simpsonville is located in the rolling hills of northwestern South Carolina, 12 miles south of Greenville. The impressive Smoky Mountains are only 40 miles northwest and are a must visit destination in this town. Simpsonville is proud be a diverse community that has a strong Latino heritage. Make sure to try out the many cuisines of these countries to our south, including Mexican and Colombian. You won't regret it. Some attractions in the area include the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, the Bi-Lo Center, and the Andrew Wyeth collection of the Greenville Museum of Art. Wyeth showed America at its best, so make sure to see his nostalgic, yet honest works of art.
Spartanburg is nestled in the foothills of the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains. With a mild climate year round, it makes an excellent destination for any visitor. History buffs enjoy Cowpens National Battlefield, which marks the site where Gen. Daniel Morgan's troops defeated the British. The new Chapman Cultural Center is just one of the many performing arts venues here. A trip would not be complete without a visit to the Walnut Grove Plantation. This is a local country plantation where you can tour old homes and buildings as well as walk local nature trails. You can also view birds and wildlife at the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, a 10-acre garden with over 10,000 plants, flowers and trees.
Duncan is a tiny community further north from Clinton. Stop in the Spartanburg County Museum of Art, the Spartanburg Little Theater and the Spartanburg County Historical Association to learn about the area and enjoy art and performances. If you're mad about the sciences, visit the Spartanburg Science Center. Generally speaking, this is a great place to just relax and enjoy your vacation.
Located between Augusta, Georgia and Greenville is Greenwood, the hub of seven counties which make up the state's freshwater coast. There are many lakes in the region, which offer tons to do. Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area is a 914-acre park, with 212 miles of shoreline perfect for lakeside camping, hiking and fishing. Built on abandoned railroad tracks, the Heritage Trail connects several points of interest, the Railroad Museum and the Rock Creek Trail, which has two miles of wooded path. Stop by the new Arts and Visitors Center and check out some fine pieces in the Countybank Gallery. There are a couple of opportunities for performing arts, including at the Greenwood Community Theatre.
Between Greenville and Columbia is Newberry. The city's antebellum homes give a glimpse of what this city was in its heyday, prior to the Civil War. Many of the buildings here date back to 1745 and in the downtown district all of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Murray, nature trails and picnic areas in Dreher Island State Park or walk the trails of Lynches Woods. Sumter National Forest is paradise for the outdoor enthusiast with the opportunities it provides for bird watching, horseback riding and camping.
Visit the Wells Japanese Gardens with its ponds, pagodas and blooming exotic plants. Stroll through two expansive greenhouses at the Carter and Holmes Orchids and explore the scenic shoreline of Lake Greenwood. For the cultural side of Newberry, take in a performance at the Newberry Opera House or visit the Ritz Theater for a live performance by the Newberry Community Players. The sounds of the Newberry Community Choir during their Easter and Christmas performances will thrill you to the core.
All the way back east on the Atlantic is the extremely popular tourist destination, Myrtle Beach. Known as the Grand Strand, this area consists of 60 plus miles of essentially uninterrupted beach. Here you will find everything from amusement parks and shopping, sports and recreation, beaches, historic sites, great food and a colorful nightlife. This is a fantastic place to bring the kids. They'll love the amusement and water parks. Myrtle Beach Pavilion will entertain with skee ball and arcades, there's the boardwalk for ambiance, the Atlantic Speedway, Ripley's Believe It or Not, roller coasters and so much more.
Miniature golf is one of the best ways for a family, from toddler to grandparent, to bond. Shoppers will throughly enjoy all the great deals they find at the areas outlet malls. Sun worshippers will love the wide, soft, sandy beaches. There is plenty of seafood to savor and an exciting nightlife to immerse yourself in. Jump on a casino cruise, or go on a deep sea excursion.
Conway is only twelve miles from the beach and is one of the oldest towns in the state. A historic tour of the town will reveal large oak trees, sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the City Hall which was designed by the architect of the Washington Monument. The Horry County Museum offers a glimpse of the area's indigenous people and early settlers through various exhibits. Conway's downtown has quaint shops and bistros. Take a stroll on the Riverwalk for some fine dining, which follows a stretch of the Waccamaw River which winds through downtown. You will not want to miss the Bluegrass on the Waccamaw festival where the twang of this amazing local music will stay with you forever.
On the water, but south of Myrtle Beach is Garden City. This is the perfect spot to stay if you want to relax at the beach. Enjoy water sports, diving or fishing. If you prefer to play on the sand, there's plenty for you to do, too. You won't want to miss the Garden City Pier for a great view of the Atlantic. Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk will show you Murrells Inlet a historic fishing village, with unique restaurants and activities.
This historic seaport town is the third oldest in the state. Georgetown has beaches, marshes and oak lined streets. Visit the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence at the Hopsewee Plantation where you can tour the home from the cellar to the attic. See the collection of antiques dating back hundreds of years at the Kaminski House Museum and visit the Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church with its original pews from colonial times. The Hobcaw Barony is a massive 17,500-acre natural preserve and wildlife refuge. On the lands are the house of former Wall Street tycoon Bernard M. Baruch, who hosted former President Franklin D. Roosevelt here, and the only existing slave street left on the Waccamaw Neck. Take a tour on a pontoon boat with Cap'n Rod's Lowcountry Plantation Tours to learn the land's legends, do some top notch bird watching and see a lighthouse, all through lowland creeks and marshes.
Known as the oldest seaside resort on the Atlantic Ocean, Pawleys Island is only 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach. It is a barrier island less than 4 miles long with a permanent population of less than 200 people. Golf is the main activity when you visit Pawleys Island since there are 5 world-class courses to choose from. The most challenging is the River Club, built on the site of a former rice plantation. Pawleys Island is a laid-back place where you can crab in the adjacent creeks or enjoy unspoiled, wide stretches of beaches and sand dunes. Pick up a gift at the Pawleys Island Hammock Shops where you can find the famous hammocks made on the island.
Dillon is located further inland just off I-95. It has a must see attraction in its borders. South of the Border is located on the borders of both North and South Carolinas. It is a well visited roadside attraction that the whole family will adore. Pedro, their mascot, is displayed on many of the knickknacks sold in the stores. You can enjoy a ride in a sombrero or a regular roller coaster and see a 165 foot tall, giant sombrero tower and take memorable pictures with the sculptures of dinosaurs and other large creatures. You will remember your visit forever. If you want to soak up a little history, you can visit The J. W. Dillon House, home of the founder of this County, a historically rich and beautiful building. Little Pee Dee State Park has a river on which you can play, have a picnic, camp, enjoy a nature walk, fish and boat.
Also located off of I-95 is Marion, offering a traditional view of the south with its spanish moss covered trees and small town atmosphere. Stroll down Main Street and drop into the many family-owned stores to see the array of items for sale. This quaint town has one of everything you need to enjoy your day. If you want to shop at a mall, then the Russell Stover Candy Factory Outlet has a glorious collection of chocolates at a discount, so pick up a box for here and another to bring for the trip home. Visit the Marion County Museum which has rotating exhibits throughout the year. May is the month for the annual Fox Trot Festival with rides, exhibits, craft booths and many food vendors.
Florenceis further south on 95, but is a much larger city than Marion. In May, you'll want to check out the May Fly Airshow, which brings in aerobic talent and elite sky diving teams. The Darlington Raceway is the place to see NASCAR greats and watch them race away. The mild climate makes golfing great almost all year, so play on one of the 30 greens. Lynches River County Park is located just south of Florence where there's fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, cabins and an Olympic-size swimming pool. There are monthly bluegrass concerts on site, which will introduce you to one of the south's greatest products, country music. Founded in 1924, The Florence Museum of Art, Science, and History focuses on science, local history, Pueblo pottery, Asian and archeological artifacts and a variety of visual arts.
Lake City is a small town within a fairly populated county. Visit the War Between the States Museum where you can learn more about this nation's troubled past. Lake City has plenty of events and festivals throughout the year. For example the Art's Alive Festival at Francis Marion University is an annual event that features music, dance, theatrical performance, visual arts and fine crafts. Others include The Pee Dee Fall Festival which takes place in October and the South Carolina Tobacco Festival in September, which has street dancing, a motorcycle rally and much more. Just outside Lake City, you can visit the Woods Bay State Natural Area. This 1,500-acre site provides a lovely place for fishing, hiking or canoeing. Stroll along the 500-foot boardwalk or relax and enjoy the wildlife of the area.
Santee has only 1,000 people living here year round, but it has plenty of vacationers who come to visit. The Santee National Wildlife Refuge covers over 15,000 acres and is home to many endangered species, such as the bald eagle and the American alligator. It is also a bird watcher's paradise with the many species of waterfowl that migrate in the winter. The Santee South Carolina State Park offers wonderful hunting and fishing and is the site of many fishing tournaments throughout the year. This tiny town has become hallowed ground for golfers. Their three courses are known as the best value in the sport in North America and many thousands come to get a deal annually.
Rock Hill is located south of Charlotte, but is a bustling town of over 60,000 residents. For a walk through this beautiful landscape, check out Cherry Park, Manchester Meadows, River Park or Glencairn Garden, with its beautiful landscaping. Play a little tennis at the Rock Hill Tennis Center. Learn authentic native crafts at the Catawba Heritage Center. You will discover this group's culture through stories, songs and dancing and drumming demonstrations.
Gateway Plaza contains 13 statues, known as civitas and two 60-foot historic Egyptian columns. Historic Brattonsville will take you back in time with its living history village, heritage farm, impressive Hightower Hall and Walt Schrader Trails which run through fields and woodlands. The Museum of York County is not to be missed, with its diverse and interesting exhibits.
Nearby Fort Mill was established in 1873 and remains a place where people want to live and visit. Fort Mill is known for its peach orchards, so make sure to check out this fragrant crop. The Anne Springs Close Greenway includes 2,300 acres with plenty of lakes, ponds creeks and bridges and also farmlands. There are paved and dirt trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road bicycling. The Paramount Carowinds is a huge theme park on the border of South and North Carolina. With 105 acres of rides of all kinds and plenty of amusements, you'll find much to occupy you. There is also a 13-acre water park with twisting tube slides and a four-story rafting river, so bring your bathing suit.
Lancaster is located between the larger cities of Charlotte and Columbia and was settled in the 1750s. This town has two buildings designed by Robert Mills, America's first native architect, who also designed the Washington Monument. There are many family-owned restaurants to savor and local businesses that'll catch your eye. Stay at a local bed and breakfast, like the Inn at Craig Farm or eat at Charley's Cafe, but featured in Southern Living Magazine. Children will learn about nature at the Andrew Jackson State Park, and they can also visit an 18th century replica of a schoolhouse.
York is a beautiful small town you won't want to miss. With its tree-lined streets and historic homes, this place oozes southern charm. The Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is a wonderful place to taste this delicious drink, whether it's been fermented or not, you'll enjoy it all the same. Browse memorabilia, artifacts and photos at the Historical Center of York to learn about the city's history and early settlers. Take a guided tour of a nuclear plant when you visit Energyquest where you can learn about nuclear energy through video games and films. Purchase locally grown peaches and homemade ice cream at the Peach Tree Orchards, where you can also pick your own. August brings Summerfest, a huge festival with crafts, a moonlight bike ride, tractor show and so much more. Experience an old time Christmas in York where everything is decorated for the season.
South Carolina is a pretty easy going state with a unique landscape that will allow all visitors to unwind and enjoy themselves. With so many state parks and local natural wonders, there is an abundance of nature which can be enjoyed through outdoor activities or through casual walks. The state is lucky to have miles of soft, sandy beaches that are kid friendly, and many award winning golf courses that are adult friendly. Enjoy your taste of the south in this Carolina.
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