7 South Carolina Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

Although we can't avoid the rat race completely, some intermittent breaks can prove therapeutic. The truth is, life tastes a bit sweeter when we kick back, give our cares a large window, and relax. Fortunately, South Carolina is dotted with several small, interesting towns, where time lingers and stress melts. For example, Travelers Rest offers scenic strolls on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, while Georgetown, one of the oldest in the state, serves a mix of charm and nostalgia. But they are not the only ones. Discover below 7 South Carolina towns with a slower pace of life.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest is still considerably slow and family-friendly, although it has been drawing newcomers from several parts of the state, newbies who also wish to have a bite at the mellow and laid-back cherry. The Swamp Rabbit Trail, a paved rail-to-rail pathway that runs along the Reedy River, is a great draw to the area. Whether you want to walk or bike, as you inhale soothing views on every side, this popular stretch will work like a charm. You can float down the river on a sunny afternoon, enjoy killer sandwiches at Upcountry Provisions, or explore one of the finest outdoor gems in the state: the nearby Paris Mountain State Park.

Laurens

Laurens is a small, quaint town with a sleepy look. Many people associate it with its varied collection of historical sites, a side of Laurens that any history lover will enjoy discovering. No wonder it is named for a decorated Revolutionary War patriot. You will feel a wave of nostalgia as you explore landmarks such as the Laurens County Courthouse, an imposing Greek revival whose history predates the Civil War by more than 20 years. Also, residents often look forward to the Squealin' on the Square, an annual festival that lights up the town every October. There is Little River, which flows through the town, and the quiet, lovely park with which it shares a name: the centrally located Little River Park.

Georgetown

Georgetown is another South Carolina gem that has mastered the art of moving at its own rhythm. It is also homey and has a palpable Old World ambiance that makes one feel transported back in time. This is no illusion. Georgetown is the third-oldest town in South Carolina. The Gullah Museum is a moving introduction to the history and culture of the area and should be on everyone’s itinerary. Rice Museum, on the bustling Front Street, also has interesting artifacts and displays. Explore the time-kissed Georgetown Historic District, a nostalgic expanse filled with beautiful, antebellum-style homes. Talking of homes, the Kaminski House Museum boasts more than 250 years of history.

Hartsville

If looking for South Carolina spots to slow down a bit, Hartsville is where to kick off and get into a relaxation mode. Hartsville reclines in the Pee Dee region, which is well-known for its heart-rousing arts and culture. Although you will be far from the beach, the air here is still enticingly light and playful. If you are looking for a museum with an eerie plot twist, check out the Hartsville Museum because there are whispers about its paranormal side. Grab a home-style meal at The Rooster One Thirty Six, a cute, rustic space with a lovely personality and a bar. For a memorable stage performance, catch an afternoon show at The Center Theater, a historic space associated with several big names, including Johnny Cash.

Walterboro

Walterboro, just an hour from downtown Charleston, is a small, neighborly town loved for its natural beauty and historic charm. Founded in 1783 by two brothers who were rice farmers, this slow-paced town has a history that predates several landmark events, including the swearing in of George Washington as the nation’s first president. The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, with its live oaks and scenic trails, is a lovely place to hike or walk. A meal at one of the town’s inviting restaurants should pave the way for attractions such as the Colleton County Museum (they have an amazing bird exhibit), the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial, and the Colleton County Courthouse, a great piece of history with beautiful live oaks to boot.

Seneca

Seneca is a small Upstate city that reclines at the southern end of Lake Keowee, an outdoor paradise that gives the area a touch of rustic charm and appeal. The scenery here is stunningly beautiful and relaxed, hence, is suitable for those who want to kick back and enjoy some downtime. Still, if you have a thing for the Great Outdoors, there is the chance to hit up the many scenic trails that traverse the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, an intimidating expanse with lovely views on every side. Of course, you can paddle the lake on a lazy afternoon, enjoy phenomenal scallops at Vangeli's Bistro, or just wander through the town, sampling its delightful mix of mom-and-pop shops and boutiques.

York

York is a nice, cozy town that offers small-town country life where people don't sweat the small stuff. Significantly quieter than the average South Carolina town, York deservedly crowns the list of the 7 towns in the state with a slower pace. York sits along the North Carolina border about 27 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. Start with a hearty meal at Garden Cafe, a rustic, country-style spot that serves delicious buttermilk pies in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Afterwards, check out the McCelvey Center, a historic building wonderfully preserved in its original state. Although currently closed for repairs, you can still have a look at a property with a history that goes back to the 1850s. For a trendy hometown gift, nothing comes close to the Blush Blossom Boutique, a family-owned establishment that knows a thing or two about style.

The Takeaway

There are days when the neck-break speed of a fast-paced town serves us well. We have bills to pay and jobs to keep. However, once in a while, a slower, sweeter rhythm is what one craves for. And without this restorative effect, there is a risk of losing oneself and breaking the physical frame that keeps the human machine humming. Lazy river floats. Lakefront serenity. Moss-draped historic districts. These things don't merely serve aesthetic purposes. They are also therapeutic. Fortunately, South Carolina has some nice, lovely towns that offer this kind of therapy.