8 Bizarrely Named Towns In South Carolina

When you think of South Carolina, you think of golf, beaches, and Palm Trees, as the state is aptly regarded as the Palmetto State. Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston are hot tourist spots in the state, but what about the smaller, less talked-about towns with just as much to offer? Perhaps these towns aren’t talked about enough because of their size, or possibly the names are too eccentric or difficult to pronounce. Explore more that South Carolina has to offer off the beaten path.

Townville

While it seems like someone just got lazy and named Townville after what it was, a town, you’d be surprised what you can find there. Townville is an unincorporated area, but this small town provides an abundance of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. It is home to a portion of the Clemson University Forest. Specifically, the sections the Fants Grove Trail runs through. After a day on the trail, the town offers two pizza places and a café, all conveniently located on the same street. Embrace Townville’s history with a visit to the Nazareth on the Beaverdam Presbyterian Church, the town’s first Presbyterian Church, founded in 1803. Although small and slightly desolate, Townville can still provide a day’s worth of entertainment during your South Carolina trip.

Ninety-Six

Named after the estimated number of miles it was located from Keowee, the town of Ninety Six provides visitors with a National Park Service Historical Site that details the history of the town, a historical trail, and a Ninety Six Historical Museum for guests to stop at. Ninety Six offers even more outdoor adventure at Lake Greenwood State Park. The park is available for hiking along its Reedy River and lake.. The Southern Railway Depot, built in 1915, is a historical landmark now serving as a museum. The town is also home to Grand Harbor Golf and Yacht Club for golf enthusiasts and Warbird Adventures, an aviation outfitter that offers flights in vintage WWII airplanes for all the history buffs!

Six Mile

Six Mile, not to be confused with Eminem’s 8 Mile, is a small town with a population under 700 located in Northwest South Carolina. While there, make sure to visit the Happy Berry Farm and pick your own blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and more. Six Mile is home to Lake Keowee and provides opportunities for camping, boating, fishing,g, and water sports. The crystal-clear water and mountain view backdrop offer stunning views for a day spent at the lake. For the more hardcore enthusiasts, there is also an extreme paintball course (Carolina Extreme Paintball) through a forested area of the town. The Six Mile Veteran’s Monument is just one of the town’s historical markers honoring the town’s residents who served in all wars.

Swansea

The town of Swansea became well known in the 1800s for its water quality and purity, so it only fits some connotation of water that is included in the town’s name. However, water is not the only thing that has put this tiny town on the map. The Olivia, Peter M., and Alice House fought past controversy to become a nationally registered historic place. This milestone makes it the first site in the municipality to be included on the national preservation list. If history excites you, Swansea is a stop in South Carolina to add to your list!

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest might sound like the perfect place to do just that, but with so much to do, don’t sleep in this town. Located in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains, hiking, biking, kayaking, and adventuring are just a few of the things to enjoy. Between Lake Jocassee and the Green River, Travelers Rest has plenty of opportunities for boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more. If water adventure isn’t your thing, take to the trails of Table Rock State Park for a scenic hike. For visitors opting for a more relaxing visit, the downtown offers shopping and dining and the Swamp Rabbit Brewery, which is the town’s first and only craft brewery! Visit the History Museum of Traveler’s Rest and learn about the town’s past, including the historic Spring Park Inn, which was recently gifted to the Historical Society.

Cowpens

A town rich with history, Cowpens was the site of the famous Revolutionary Battle and was named after a Loyalist who lived and kept cows on the land. The Cowpens National Battlefield provides historical facts, multiple loops and trails through the battlefield, and a museum featuring historical artifacts. Another large attraction is the Abbott Farms Fruit Market. A small produce store that features bakery items, nuts, dressings, and other specialty items, including molasses and honey. And what goes best with fresh fruit? Fireworks! Also available at the Abbott Farm stands.

Due West

It sounds more like a direction than a town name, but Due West is considered one of the best places to live in South Carolina due to its healthy mix of suburban and rural atmosphere. Although the town itself does not provide a lot of options in terms of entertainment, it is a short drive from the Burt-Stark Mansion, the place where President Jefferson Davis held the last Council of the War of the Confederacy. It is also near the Abbeville Opera House, which presents musicals, comedy shows, live bands, and more. End the day on Main Street at one of the town's multiple restaurant options.

Meggett County Park

Meggett County Park offers beautiful marsh views and five miles of trails around the wetland. The park also features an island and tributaries from the Toogoodoo River. If you want to continue exploring more of the outdoors on foot, visit Roxbury Park, which has access to two ponds for catch-and-release fishing. If fishing isn’t your thing, enjoy the abundant wildlife in the area. For a luxurious trip around the town, hop aboard the trolley tours that take you through Wadmalow Island and multiple acres of tea bushes in the Charleston Tea Garden. Towles Farmstead is a national historic district as well as a farmstead that contains 14 buildings, sites, and structures for visiting.

Why South Carolina's Quirky Towns Deserve a Spot on Your Itinerary

South Carolina might be one of the most popular states for tourism, so if you decide to venture there, don’t be afraid to try a destination off the beaten path. Just because the town might have a wacky name or one that’s hard to pronounce, don’t be afraid to give it a visit. Those spots are usually the ones that will offer you the most, not just in views but also uniqueness. After all, they just want to live up to their names!