8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in South Carolina
An integral US State of the Eastern Seaboard’s Carolinas region, South Carolina is distinguished for its varied topography. Boasting the thickly forested Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern corner, the undulating Piedmont Province which stretches southeastwards from the mountains up to the Midlands, the wooded Sandhills at the margin of Piedmont, and the flat Atlantic Coastal Plains in the southern and eastern part which extends inland from the low-lying Sea Islands chain, South Carolina packs profuse natural wonders within its boundaries. Even though universally loved South Carolina destinations like Mount Pleasant, Greenville, Rock Hill, Charleston, and the state capital Columbia receive maximum attention from vacationers, the innumerable whimsical towns speckled all over the state’s 30,060.70 sq. mi. terrain are just waiting to be explored. The ethereal allure of these kaleidoscopic Palmetto State towns makes them worth a stop on your short-day trips or long holidays.
Georgetown
The administrative center of Georgetown County, Georgetown is set at the nucleus of Hammock Coast in eastern South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, close to the spot where Black, Sampit, Great Pee Dee, and Waccamaw Rivers finally drain into a coastal estuary named Winyah Bay. In addition to being the state’s second-largest seaport and its third-oldest city, this charming waterfront town features numerous well-preserved antebellum structures lining the oak-draped streets of the downtown district. Iconic landmark properties such as the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Rice Museum, Hopsewee Plantation, South Carolina Maritime Museum, Kaminski House Museum, Gullah Museum, Georgetown County Museum, and Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church provide past aficionados exclusive insights into the yesteryears. Also, take in panoramic views along the four-block Harborwalk and discover some quirky shops and top-notch eateries serving fresh seafood, appetizing Lowcountry cuisines, and yummy Italian dishes.
Edisto Beach
A renowned commuter town and one of the most appealing family-centered beach havens, Edisto Beach placed on the southeastern end of Colleton County, incorporates only Edisto Island’s expanded coastal section within town boundaries. Seaside visitors apart from engaging in lots of beach-related recreation activities here, must peruse the assorted artifacts at the Edisto Island Historical Society Preservation Museum and gain knowledge about the island and its dwellers’ role in American history. Stop by the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge and Edisto Beach State Park, participate in tours at the Marina at Edisto, observe a variety of reptiles at the nearby Edisto Island Serpentarium, experience a golf holiday at the Plantation Course, and relish scrumptious crab cake sandwiches at the Whaley’s Restaurant & Bar.
York
York, an adorable Northern South Carolinian community, situated roughly 13 miles west of Rock Hill and 27 miles southwest of Charlotte, is the seat of government of York County. Dubbed, “The White Rose City,” and located betwixt two significant Revolutionary War battle sites: the Battle of Kings Mountain and Battle of Williamson’s Plantation, York houses a large number of archaic estates. Encompassing major parts of residential and downtown commercial areas, the heritage district spread over 340 acres comprises more than 180 contributing structures including the Witherspoon-Hunter House, Allison Plantation, York County Courthouse, Hart House, First Presbyterian Church, etc. Furthermore, miscellaneous shops, resident-owned eateries, galleries, B&Bs, entertainment venues like Sylvia Theater and McCelvey Center, and next-door Nanny’s Mountain Trailhead lure thousands to York.
Beaufort
Affectionately called the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,’ this seat of Beaufort County sits on Port Royal Island at the navel of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry region. As the Palmetto State’s second-oldest settlement, Beaufort is admired for its picturesque location, unblemished pre-Civil War architecture, booming cultures, Southern hospitality, and riverfront bistros offering lip-smacking cuisines. Stroll through the Spanish moss-draped oak tree-lined streets of the downtown historic district and take note of the uncountable painstakingly maintained houses, religious places, and commercial establishments constructed using antebellum architectural style. Other than these, the town houses the Beaufort National Cemetery, Kazoo Museum, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Parish Church of St. Helena, and multiple art galleries, sporting venues, independent bookstores, motels, and upscale bed & breakfasts like the Cuthbert House Inn, and North Street Inn. Head to the Hunting Island State Park for recreational activities besides sparing time to be present at any of the yearly festivals like the Home Water Festival, St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes, Beaufort Shrimp Festival, and Beaufort International Film Festival.
Clemson
Clemson, a bewitching college town home to the famed Clemson University campus at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and right on the banks of Lake Hartwell, extends across Pickens and Anderson Counties near the northwestern corner of the state. Every fall, athletic fanatics flock to watch a match played by the University’s sports team ‘Clemson Tigers’ at the Clemson Memorial Stadium’s Frank Howard Field. Travelers touring this 17,681-inhabitant town should not miss the remarkable sites of interest such as the Fort Hill Plantation, Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Littlejohn Coliseum, Walker Golf Course, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Clemson Little Theater, South Carolina Botanical Garden & Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Lake Hartwell State Park, and Tillman Hall & its emblematic clock tower.
McClellanville
Forming a part of the Charleston Metropolitan Area, McClellanville is a laid-back fishing settlement in Charleston County, placed directly on the Atlantic Coast around 38 miles from Charleston and 23 miles from Georgetown. Ringed by Francis Marion National Forest, the inhabitants of the town have conventionally relied on the mighty Atlantic and marshlands for fishing, shrimping, and oystering, all of which play a vital role in driving the local economy. Holidaymakers must take a leisurely walk down the downtown crammed with dozens of small-scale businesses and pre-Civil War era homes, de-stress alongside the Jeremy Creek shores, applaud the creations of Indigenous artists at the McClellanville Arts Council, tour the Village Museum to learn about the area’s rich past, and savor tasty classic Southern seafood at T. W. Graham & Company Seafood Restaurant. Yearly, be there at community events like the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and Lowcountry Shrimp Festival held on the first Saturday in May.
Aiken
Christened after William Aiken - the South Carolina Railroad’s first President, this seat of government and biggest city of western South Carolina’s Aiken County, is situated approx. 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. The mild climate all year round and premier training facilities have made Aiken a perfect destination for hosting equestrian events drawing hundreds of thoroughbred owners as well as vacationers from all over the globe. Downtown Aiken is chock-a-full of equine-themed gift stores, restaurants, art galleries, and brews like The Alley Downtown Taproom, Malia’s Restaurants, and Wilcox Restaurant. When in town, the Hitchcock Woods, Aiken County Historical Museum, Aiken Visitor Center & Train Museum, DuPont Planetarium, Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, and Aiken Center for the Arts are must-visits.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest, Greenville County’s northernmost settlement is set in the state’s spectacular Upcountry region at the Blue Ridge Mountains’ southern foothills, roughly 10 miles north of Greenville and 20 miles south of the state line with North Carolina. Dubbed, “TR, Gateway to the Foothills,” the town is the most sought-after transit point for Lowcountry travelers sojourning to the cooler highlands during the hot summers. Stroll down Main Street and peruse the countless gift shops, breweries, cafes, art galleries, and top-class restaurants like Chicora Alley Firehouse Restaurant, and Coastal Crust -Travelers Rest. Additionally, stop by the History Museum of Travelers Rest, Travelers Rest Speedway, and Trailblazer Park; traverse the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail; and spare time to be there at any of the yearly family-friendly events such as Travelers Rest Farmers Market, Artober at The Grove, Music in the Park concert series, and Movies in the Park.
From Beaufort - the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands’ to the paradisal fishing town of McClellanville, each picture-perfect town in the 24th most populous and 40th largest state of the nation mesmerizes vacationists visiting these American Southeast gems from the world over. With mind-boggling natural landscapes, intriguing heritage sites, vibrant cultures, abundant outdoor pursuits, and a homely atmosphere, the Palmetto State towns are perfect for those in search of mountain retreats or relaxing beachside destinations.
