Stunning shorelines and dreamy marshes dot South Carolina’s idyllic Atlantic coast. However there’s far more to expertise within the Palmetto State, named for the bushes that grew to become an emblem of liberty due to their potential to soak up the power of British cannonballs throughout the 1776 battle at Fort Moultrie.
Look past showstopping locations akin to Charleston and Myrtle Seaside and you may take pleasure in dozens of hidden gems and nature escapes within the state. From iconic gardens to jaw-dropping sunsets and action-packed thrill rides, listed here are the most effective actions so as to add to your itinerary the following time you go to South Carolina.
Snap a photograph in entrance of the large peach
Greater than 30 varieties of peaches are grown throughout South Carolina, and the peach is the state’s official fruit. Peaches grew to become such a staple that in 1981, a large 135ft water tower beside I-85 South within the city of Gaffney – simply 45-minutes south of Charlotte, NC – was reworked to appear to be an enormous peach.
It is turn into a practice to snap a photograph of the long-lasting Peachoid; you may get closest to the peach by way of exits 90 to 92, alongside the Cherokee Hills Scenic Freeway.
Take all the household fruit choosing
Folks from close to and much journey to York County, South Carolina – simply throughout the border from the southern finish of Charlotte – to spend a whole day choosing contemporary fruit on among the county’s long-established family-owned farms.
Bush-N-Vine has been rising a fantastic assortment of contemporary vegatables and fruits since 1979, and members of the general public are invited to select their very own produce.
The preferred choosing crops are strawberries (from fall till early July) and blueberries (beginning in mid-Could). Whilst you’re there, pop into the farm’s nation retailer for a freshly made strawberry delicate serve ice cream or a raspberry blendie (a mixture of ice cream and raspberry-flavored iced slushy).
Additionally look out for stalls and shops promoting freshly picked peaches throughout the state from June to September.
See each species of swan on the state’s longest-running pageant
This yr marks the eightieth anniversary of the state’s Iris Festival within the city of Sumter, positioned 45 miles from Columbia, SC. This three-day occasion, usually held over the Memorial Day weekend, options over 120 species of Japanese iris rising alongside the banks of the Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
The park can be the one place in the US the place you may see all eight of the identified species of swans. Native distributors and artisans arrange all through the backyard, however because the park is taken into account a fowl sanctuary, pets will not be allowed on the grounds.
Take pleasure in distinctive views of South Carolina from above on the Aiken Scorching Air Balloon Fest
Slightly below 20 miles from town of Augusta, Georgia, Aiken is the fourth-largest county within the state, and yearly in late April, locals head out to the Western Carolina Fairgrounds to take part within the space’s two-day hot air balloon festival.
This family-friendly day of enjoyable options dwell music, a child’s zone with rides and video games, native meals distributors, and the chance to tick off a bucket-list-worthy expertise – using in a tethered sizzling air balloon. The showstopper is the night time present, the place dozens of larger-than-life balloons take to the skies for a spectacle in contrast to another.
The highest 6 seashores in South Carolina supply luxurious, privateness and household enjoyable
Take pleasure in a romantic {couples}’ boat trip at Cypress Gardens
Head about an hour north of Charleston to take a look at backdrops from one of the vital romantic motion pictures of latest years – The Pocket book, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
The cult film, based mostly on the novel by Nicholas Parks, was filmed at a number of areas within the state’s Low Nation, together with Cypress Gardens. Seize your important different and row throughout the identical lake the place Noah took Allie throughout their emotional reunion.
Situated within the city of Moncks Nook, the gardens are residence to cypress and Tupelo bushes that line a darkish however lovely swamp. There are guided and self-guided boat excursions throughout the swamplands; hold an eye fixed out for the birds, turtles and alligators that dwell within the waters.
Dwell like a star for a day on Kiawah Island – South Carolina’s best-kept secret
Certainly one of South Carolina’s wealthiest and most unique zip codes, Kiawah Island is a paradisaical escape, simply 40-minutes southwest of Charleston’s busy neighborhoods.
Whereas outsiders cannot freely drive across the island – there is a guard station on the foremost entrance checking renters’ and residents’ passes – the general public are welcome to go to the sandy shore at Beachwalker Park. Deliver your seashore chairs or blanket, and pack a picnic-style lunch for a day-long island getaway. There’s a lifeguard on responsibility each day and pets are welcome.
Get your adrenaline pumping at South Carolina’s largest theme park
Whereas it technically straddles the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, Carowinds is a should for all the household. Situated off exit 90 on I-77, this 407-acre theme park offers hours of thrills for all ages, from coasters to water slides.
Come for over-the-top, funfair-inspired bites like funnel truffles loaded with whipped cream, strawberries and ice cream, and greater than 55 adrenaline-pumping rides, together with the Fury 325 coaster and a whole set of rides and experiences particularly geared towards youthful youngsters.
The park can be residence to Carolina Harbor, the biggest water park in North and South Carolina. While you’ve had sufficient of adrenaline-pumping thrills, sit down for a themed present or come again for Halloween when the park transforms into “Scarowinds” with a choice of harvest-themed and haunted sights.
Coastal leaving: the inland water adventures of South Carolina
Tour one in all Martin Luther King Jr’s favourite stops
The historic Penn Heart on St Helena Island is one in all many locations that impressed Dr Martin Luther King Jr to put in writing his well-known I Have a Dream speech. The civil rights chief is claimed to have visited the Penn Heart no less than 5 occasions.
Dotted with greater than 25 buildings and buildings, this 50-acre property gives an in-depth have a look at the triumphs and struggles confronted by the world’s Gullah folks on the journey from enslavement to freedom. It is the location of Penn Faculty – one of many first instructional facilities within the American South to supply formal education to previously enslaved folks.
Situated an hour and a half southwest of Charleston in Beaufort, the middle gives guided excursions and an on-site museum and customer heart.
