6 Most Eccentric Towns In South Carolina
There’s no denying that some of South Carolina’s small towns boast distinct characteristics that, if they were human, would certainly be considered “eccentric.” And if, like me, you enjoy seeking out unique destinations that stand out from the crowd, that’s definitely a good thing. If your curiosity is piqued by the unusual, you’ll definitely want to include the “Palmetto State” on your list of must-visit travel destinations in the South. With their fascinating colonial-era histories, their often quirky landmarks, and decidedly off-the-wall events and festivals, these eccentric towns in South Carolina will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Bowman
Situated along the I-26 midway between Columbia and Charleston, Bowman is a must-visit for travelers interested in quirky attractions. This tiny town is home to one of the most unusual roadside attractions in the Southeast: the UFO Welcome Center. Built by Jody Pendarvis in 1994, this homemade 42-foot-wide flying saucer acts as a museum and a potential landing site for extraterrestrial visitors. And when aliens do arrive, they’ll find a warm welcome aboard this wood and sheet metal constructed craft with its eccentric interior, alien mannequins, and quirky handwritten signs. Tours of the center are available and provide insight into Pendarvis’s vision.
Bowman also hosts the annual Sweet Potato Festival. A celebration of the area’s agricultural roots held each October, the event features sweet potato pie contests, live music, and an old-fashioned parade complete with sweet potato-themed floats and mascots. The Bowman Community Garden is another unusual town feature and spans two acres of publicly owned land where locals grow heirloom vegetables and medicinal herbs.
Bishopville
Bishopville is located just a few miles north of the I-20 connecting Columbia to Florence and is famous for its connection to the mysterious Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp. First sighted in 1988, this cryptid creature has become a local legend that has even inspired its own event: the Lizard Man Festival every June. Real or not, you can learn more about the legend at the Lee County Historical Society Museum, with memorabilia, eyewitness accounts, and exhibits that explore the phenomenon.
The town is also home to the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, a three-acre masterpiece of whimsical sculptures carved from live plants. Starting in the 1980s, Fryar’s artistic vision transformed ordinary shrubs into fantastical shapes, including hearts, spirals, and abstract designs. Guided tours are available and do a good job of explaining the intricate work behind each piece. Bishopville is also the home of the South Carolina Cotton Museum, housed in a building from 1917 and offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s farming past complete with vintage cotton spinning machines.
Ridgeway
Although the smallest community on this list (it’s home to under 500 residents), Ridgeway offers plenty of excuses for curious travelers to want to visit. Just 30 minutes north of Columbia along the I-77, topping our list of fun things to do in Ridgeway is the town’s Old Police Station. Said to be the world’s smallest police station, this four-by-eight-foot building was constructed in 1940 over an old well from the late 19th century and served the town until the 1990s. Now a quirky museum, the station is a popular selfie spot and features displays of old uniforms and equipment.
Another must-see is the Ridgeway Water Tower, a 120-foot-tall structure built in 1915 and still in use today. Round off your visit with a stop at Laura’s Tea Room, set in a restored Victorian house from 1912 and offering an elegant afternoon tea experience. Unsure when to visit? November’s a good time to drop by for the Ridgeway Pig on the Ridge barbecue festival, an event that attracts thousands.
Yemassee
Just an hour north of Savannah, GA, Yemassee is home to the hauntingly beautiful Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Originally constructed in 1745 and partially burned during the Revolutionary War, the ruins are surrounded by ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss and provide an impressive backdrop for photographers. Be sure to stop and explore the site to learn more about its significance as one of the first examples of early neoclassical Palladian architecture in the U.S.
The town also celebrates its Yemassee Shrimp Festival each October, a nod to the area’s Lowcountry culinary traditions. This popular event features plenty of seafood dishes along with music and local crafts. Yemassee’s proximity to the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, a 350,000-acre paradise for birds and wildlife, provides fun outdoor activities like kayaking and birdwatching.
Gaffney
Gaffney’s eccentricity can be spotted miles from the town as you approach via the I-85. Located on the outskirts of town adjacent to the highway, the “Peachoid” is a 135-foot-tall water tower shaped like (you guessed right!) a giant peach. Constructed in 1981, it holds one million gallons of water and is worth stopping to see its realistic design, which even includes a leaf and stem. And if you’re a fan of TV, you may even recognize the Peachoid from its appearance on the Netflix series House of Cards.
Given the presence of this fruity landmark, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Gaffney hosts the South Carolina Peach Festival each July, complete with peach-eating contests and live music. Other fun things to do in Gaffney include the Cherokee County Museum. Located in a former post office built in 1914, this impressive attraction features exhibits on Native American heritage, Revolutionary War battles, and the region’s textile industry.
Camden
As the oldest inland city in South Carolina, Camden boasts a fascinating history… and a penchant for the eccentric. Its signature event, the Carolina Cup, is a steeplechase race held since 1930 at Springdale Race Course and draws thousands each March to dress up, have a tailgate party, and enjoy thrilling horse races. The racecourse itself spans 600 acres and includes picnic areas and walking trails, so it is fun to visit even if you don’t catch a race.
The 107-acre Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site offers guided tours of preserved structures including the Kershaw House (built in 1777) as well as reconstructed fortifications. Camden also celebrates its Revolutionary War Days event each November featuring battle reenactments and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
The Final Word
If you’ve not yet visited any of South Carolina’s most eccentric small towns, you’re in for a treat. A refreshing departure from conventional travel destinations, these towns provide some of the South’s most memorable travel experiences. Whether it’s climbing inside a homemade UFO, exploring uniquely shaped trees and shrubs, or attending quirky festivals, each of these destinations is big on surprises. So, if you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, South Carolina’s most eccentric communities are waiting to be explored.
