8 Underappreciated Towns To Visit In South Carolina
South Carolina, the 40th largest and 23rd most populous US state, constitutes the Carolinas region of the Eastern Seaboard along with the neighboring state of North Carolina. Scattered all over the picturesque terrain of this geographically varied state are innumerable lesser-known towns waiting to be discovered by tourists. Despite the fact that the state capital, Columbia, and other bigger metropolises such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, etc., get more attention from holidayers visiting the coastal American Southeast state from near and far, the exquisite charm of these underappreciated Palmetto State towns offers a refreshing escape away from the fast-paced life of overcrowded cities.
Travelers Rest
The northernmost settlement of Greenville County, Travelers Rest occupies the Upcountry region at the southern base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approx. 10 miles north of Greenville and 20 miles south of the state border with North Carolina. Called “TR, Gateway to the Foothills” for being a stopover point for Lowcountry travelers who visit the cool highlands during the warmer months, this adorable vacation retreat welcomes outdoor enthusiasts from all over the globe. When in town, stroll the Main Street and browse the umpteen gift shops, art galleries, breweries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants like Shortfields - Travelers Rest. Also, hike the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail, spend quality time at Trailblazer Park, History Museum of Travelers Rest, and Paris Mountain State Park, and be present at the annual family-friendly events such as Travelers Restival at Trailblazer Park, Travelers Rest Farmers Market, Music in the Park Concert Series, Movies in the Park, and Artober at The Grove at Upcountry Provisions.
Hartsville
Hartsville, christened after Captain Thomas Edward Hart, sits along Prestwood Lake in the northwestern portion of northeastern South Carolina’s Darlington County. This 7,446-resident town houses a large number of historic sites like J. B. Gilbert House, Wade Hampton Hicks House, Arcade Hotel, E. W. Cannon House & Store, Davidson Hall on the Coker University campus, etc., exhibiting a superb amalgamation of indigenous and colonial heritage. Outdoorsy types should head straight to view the native flora and trails of the 30-acre Kalmia Gardens, aside from the town’s numerous parks such as Centennial Park, Byerly Park, Lawton Park & Pavilion, Burry Park, Pride Park, and The Vista. Gain knowledge about the town’s past at the Hartsville Museum and watch performances at Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, Center Theater, and Black Creek Arts Center. Merrymakers must try to attend any of the town’s yearly celebrations like the Hartsville Christmas Parade, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Burry Park, and the Screen on the Green.
Edisto Beach
One of the most sought-after beach destinations in the state and a noted bedroom community, Edisto Beach is located at the southeastern end of Colleton County and incorporates just Edisto Island’s developed coastal section within the town territory. Besides engaging in plenty of beach-related activities, tourists must peruse the exhibits at the Edisto Island Historical Society Preservation Museum to learn about the island and its inhabitants’ part in US history. Do join the various tours at the Marina at Edisto, survey the Edisto Beach State Park & ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, play golf at the Plantation Course, observe different reptiles at the neighboring Edisto Island Serpentarium, and relish scrumptious crab cake sandwiches, homemade potato chips, and burgers at Whaley’s Restaurant & Bar.
Pendleton
Pendleton, named in honor of Judge Henry Pendleton, a Virginia native who fought in the American Revolution, is an alluring upcountry alpine community in Anderson County at Lake Hartwell’s northeastern extremity. Encompassing over 6,300 acres, the National Register-listed Pendleton Historic District includes the entire town, its adjoining regions, and extensive tracts on the western side towards Lake Hartwell. The Faith Cabin Library at Anderson County Training School, Ashtabula Plantation, Woodburn Plantation, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, etc., are noteworthy sites of interest. Countless antique shops, BBQ restaurants like The Smokin’ Pig, boutiques, and the Farmer’s Hall & Hunter’s Store - currently the headquarters of Pendleton District’s Historical, Recreational, and Tourism Commission, fill the Pendleton Town Square, which also serves as a venue for the yearly Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee and the Pendleton Fall Harvest Festival.
Clemson
Spread across northwestern South Carolina’s Pickens and Anderson Counties, Clemson is situated right on Lake Hartwell’s shores and at the bottom of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This serene college town is best known for housing the scenic 1,400-acre campus of Clemson University. Every fall, athletic enthusiasts flock in large numbers to Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium (popular as “Death Valley”) to watch a match played by the legendary Clemson Tigers - the University’s athletic team. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Lake Hartwell State Park, South Carolina Botanical Garden & Bob Campbell Geology Museum, the 18-hole championship Walker Golf Course, Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson Area African American Museum, Clemson Little Theater, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Tillman Hall & its clock tower, and Fort Hill Plantation are some must-visit attractions.
Georgetown
Georgetown, the seat of the Lowcountry region’s Georgetown County, occupies the core of Hammock Coast, near the point where the Black, Waccamaw, Sampit, and Great Pee Dee rivers empty into the Winyah Bay. Considered the state’s third-oldest town and the second-biggest seaport, this pleasant waterfront town features over 50 antebellum structures in and around its downtown district. Such prominent landmarks, including the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Kaminski House Museum, South Carolina Maritime Museum, Gullah Museum, Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church, Georgetown County Museum, Hopsewee Plantation, and Rice Museum, provide history buffs exclusive insights into the town’s bygone days. Stroll through the four-block Harborwalk and survey multiple shops, trendy boutiques, and first-class eateries serving locally sourced seafood, delectable Italian dishes, and authentic Lowcountry food.
McClellanville
A tiny fishing town on the Atlantic coast in Charleston County, McClellanville, located about 23 miles from Georgetown and 38 miles from Charleston, forms a portion of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area. Abutted by the Francis Marion National Forest, the 605 residents of this community have conventionally depended on the mighty Atlantic Ocean and coastal marshes for shrimping, fishing, and oystering activities. Vacationers must check out the pre-Civil War era homes and the array of independent businesses in the Downtown, spend quality time along the Jeremy Creek shores, express admiration for the artworks of native artists at the McClellanville Arts Council and Pickney Street Gallery, know about the region’s history at the Village Museum, partake in outdoor recreations at the adjacent Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and taste appetizing seafood at the renowned T.W. Graham & Company Seafood Restaurant. Additionally, do try to attend the town’s special annual events like the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet.
York
An enchanting town and administrative center of Northern South Carolina’s York Country, York is situated approximately 13 miles west of Rock Hill - the state’s 5th-most populous city, and 27 miles southwest of Charlotte - the most populated city in North Carolina. Dubbed “The White Rose City” for its location between two major Revolutionary War battle sites, the Battle of Williamson’s Plantation and the Battle of Kings Mountain, York houses many National Register-listed landmark properties. Considered one of the most expansive historic districts of the state, the 340-acre York Historic District covering major parts of the downtown commercial and residential areas, comprises over 180 contributing structures. These include the Allison Plantation, Witherspoon-Hunter House, Hart House, York County Courthouse, Wilson House, etc. Furthermore, myriad shops, locally-owned eateries, galleries, bed & breakfasts, entertainment spaces such as Sylvia Theater and McCelvey Center, and the adjacent Nanny’s Mountain Trailhead draw lots of tourists to this teeny town.
From the high-spirited college town of Clemson to the coastal appeal of McClellanville, the small towns in South Carolina are worthy places to explore with close friends and families. Each of these underrated towns with spectacular sceneries, rich histories, thriving cultures, several outdoor recreational opportunities, and the generous hospitality of friendly residents perfectly reflects the true essence of the Palmetto State in addition to providing an unforgettable experience for every holidaymaker.
