8 Undiscovered Small Towns in South Carolina
Constituting the Atlantic Seaboard’s Carolinas region with North Carolina, South Carolina is a topographically diverse coastal state in the American Southeast. Flaunting the lofty Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, the sinuous Piedmont Region in the center, the Atlantic Coastal Plains in the east, and the Carolina Sandhills on the Atlantic Coastal Plain Province’s innermost part, South Carolina crams copious natural marvels in its precincts. Even after destinations like Columbia (the state capital), Mount Pleasant, Greenville, and Charleston are some of the Palmetto State’s universally loved holiday locations, the treasure trove of uncharted quaint towns peppering the 30,060.70 sq. mi. terrain is waiting to welcome you here.
Pendleton
Named for jurist Henry Pendleton, this inviting bucolic alpine settlement sits on the northeastern margin of Lake Hartwell in Anderson County. Covering over 6,316 acres, the National Register-listed Pendleton Historic District incorporates the complete town, its immediate environs, and large swathes on the west towards Lake Hartwell. While on a town tour, the Ashtabula Plantation House, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, and the Faith Cabin Library at Anderson County Training School are must-visits. Addedly, drop by the Pendleton Town Square’s plethoric antique stores like Pendleton Place Antiques, Farmer’s Hall & Hunter’s Store - which at present is the headquarters of the Tourism, Recreational, and Historical Commission of Pendleton District, and barbecue restaurants like The Smokin’ Pig of Pendleton.
Abbeville
Abbeville County’s seat baptized after its eponymous French town, is located approx. 86 miles west of the state’s capital city. Travelers visiting this ‘Cradle and the Grave of the Confederacy,’ should pay a visit to some prominent historical landmarks including the tall Prysmian Copper Wire Tower, the Abbeville Opera House, and the Abbeville County Courthouse; besides the proximate Calhoun Falls State Park and Sumter National Forest for taking part in varied outdoor leisure activities. If you wish to savor tasty hotdogs, head straightaway to The Rough House in Abbeville’s Town Square.
Aiken
The administrative capital of western South Carolina’s Aiken County, Aiken, labeled in honor of William Aiken - the Founder President of South Carolina Canal & Rail Road Company, is situated around 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. Long known as a wintering spot for affluent people from the American Northeast, the town’s salubrious climate throughout the year and top-class training facilities have helped transform Aiken into a well-known spot for equestrian events. Do not miss the Downtown’s one-of-a-kind stores like Equine Divine, clothing shops like Ginger Bee Boutique, seasonal American cuisine serving restaurants like Malia’s, and key tourist sites such as the Aiken County Historical Museum, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum, and Aiken Center for the Arts.
Travelers Rest
Forming a portion of the state’s Upcountry region, Travelers Rest is Greenville County’s northernmost town placed at the Blue Ridge Mountains’ southern base, about 20 miles south of the state line with North Carolina. Hitherto a perfect stopover for weary Lowcountry travelers making their way to the cool highlands to escape the summer heat, the town is currently a retreat for family members, outdoor enthusiasts, and gastrologers. Walk down Main Street perusing chic boutiques like Flop Shop, art galleries like White Rabbit Fine Arts Gallery, and eateries like Shortfields Travelers Rest, aside from nurturing togetherness at Paris Mountain State Park and observing the pristine landscapes while biking the 22-mile-long multi-use Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Bluffton
Monikered, the “Heart of the Lowcountry,” Bluffton sits around U.S. Route 278 highway betwixt Interstate 95 highway and Hilton Head Island, in the southern part of Beaufort County. Positioned on a bluff by the side of the May River is this tranquil coastal town’s primal one-square-mile area titled ‘Old Town.’ Travelers must first take note of the significant contributing properties filling the 94.6-acre Bluffton Historic District, aside from Rose Hill Plantation House, the 1857-built Church of the Cross, and Heyward House & Historical Center. Also, detect the botanical wonders at Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve, participate in self-propelled boating and kayaking tours down the May River, and try to attend yearly festivities such as the Bluffton Village Festival in spring, and Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival in the fall.
Hartsville
Sited in Darlington County’s northwestern part along Prestwood Lake in northeastern South Carolina is Hartsville proudly endorsing its motto: ‘a small town with a big heart.’ This pretty town, named in honor of Captain Thomas Edward Hart, boasts plenteous historic sites such as the Coker University campus’s Davidson Hall, the J. B. Gilbert House, and the Arcade Hotel, all eruditely amalgaming indigenous and colonial roots. Nature lovers gotta survey the several trails, native flora, and the town founder’s residence in the Coker University’s 30-acre Kalmia Gardens, coupled with other outdoor areas like Byerly Park, Burry Park, and Centennial Park. Acquire knowledge about the eclectic heritage at the Hartsville Museum, enjoy performances at the Center Theater, and be present at the annual ‘Screen on the Green’ event in Burry Park.
Beaufort
The ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,’ this delightful Beaufort County seat and the second-oldest city in the state, occupies the kernel of South Carolina Lowcountry and Sea Islands, amidst a marshy estuary on Port Royal Island. Vacationers must wander the oak tree-lined streets of Beaufort's downtown historic district taking special note of the meticulously maintained antebellum structures plus restaurants like Breakwater Restaurant & Bar offering delectable seasonal meals with Southern flair. Furthermore, recce the Beaufort National Cemetery, the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory Museum & Gift Shop, and the Parish Church of St. Helena; appreciate the scenery at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, and engage in manifold recreations at the neighboring Hunting Island State Park.
Georgetown
Georgetown County’s administrative center, Georgetown is set along the Winyah Bay at the nucleus of the Hammock Coast. This third-oldest town in the state and the second-biggest seaport is publicly known for its numberless antebellum properties including the Mansfield Plantation, the Kaminski House Museum, Hopsewee Plantation, and the Old Market Building/Rice Museum. Stroll through the picturesque Harborwalk or Front Street beholding spectacular vistas of the Georgetown Harbor side by side perusing the myriad gift shops like Whimsy Roost, clothing accessories stores like The Harbor Shop, and Southern seafood restaurants like River Room Restaurant.
From the hillside community of Pendleton to the seashore hamlet Beaufort, the exotic locales in the 23rd most populous and 40th most extensive state of the nation are dreamy escapes to travel to with friends and loved ones. Indeed, these little-known settlements’ splendid natural settings, ineffaceable sites of interest, multifarious recreational outdoor activities, and scrumptious cuisines served by the comfortable brasseries will indubitably mesmerize every Palmetto State tourer visiting either for brief vacations or extended sabbaticals.
