These 11 Towns in South Carolina Have Bustling Main Streets
While South Carolina's bustling cities like Charleston draw in a good chunk of visitors to the state, it also houses adorable little towns waiting to be explored. Shielded from the urban hustle, they cultivate the discovery of local attractions along energetic main streets, exposing newcomers to their well-preserved histories and colorful cultures. Walkable and picture-perfect, these beautiful thoroughfares in South Carolina are lined with preserved historic buildings now filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
Some of the most charming small towns in South Carolina are known for vibrant downtowns, brimming with activity and unique small-town character. From wineries to art galleries in Beaufort to the festivals of Anderson, these towns showcase all that downtown districts have to offer outside the tourist-packed cities.
Abbeville
Abbeville has a historic downtown, locally known as the Square, with some of the area's best points of interest. Strolling through the inviting district, you will come across the Abbeville Opera House, where patrons attend sold-out live shows in a restored turn-of-the-century venue. Well-preserved history, evidenced by antique architecture on old buildings, hints at Abbeville's storied beginnings. The Burt-Stark Mansion perfectly embodies this! Constructed in the 1830s, it remains Abbeville's architectural jewel and wows tourists on Main Street with its Greek Revival facade.
Court Square forms the heart of the historic downtown, harboring a unique selection of gift stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Breezy Quarters offers lovely gift items to take home, while the Village Grill serves some of the freshest grilled chicken, along with its trademark curry sauce. Meanwhile, the Belmont Inn is an excellent choice to spend the night if you want to remain close to all the action in Abbeville.
Beaufort
Antebellum mansions line a quaint historic downtown district in this lovely coastal community of South Carolina's Sea Islands. Guests can look forward to an immersive journey back in time as they explore the many preserved treasures in the downtown region. The Beaufort History Museum on Craven Street is a great starting point, providing valuable information about the city's past with an impressive display of artifacts in an 18th-century arsenal. Touring the John Mark Verdier House takes you back to the early 1800s at the peak of the pre-Civil War Antebellum era and offers an idea of how the Bay Street upper class lived.
With so many sites to see in Beaufort, the Sea Island Carriage Company presents a unique opportunity to explore the town during a laid-back, old-school excursion in a horse-drawn carriage. After the tour, enjoy Beaufort's famous seafood cuisine at Ladys Island Dockside.
Bluffton
Several campuses in Bluffton, including the University of South Carolina and Barber College, allow this Beaufort County community to have a lively demeanor. The Farmers Market of Bluffton is the perfect example of the upbeat atmosphere to expect when exploring downtown Bluffton. Besides shopping for fresh produce and handcrafts, it is an opportunity to mingle with the friendly townsfolk. More contemporary shopping is accessible at Tanger Outlets Hilton Head, which houses brand-name stores selling trendy merchandise.
Bluffton is regionally recognized for its vibrant art scene, which plays out downtown through galleries and performance venues. As visual art lovers admire award-winning pieces by various artists at the Maye River Gallery, performance art enthusiasts can catch compelling plays at the May River Theatre.
Georgetown
One of the oldest towns in South Carolina, Georgetown promises tourists an eye-opening journey into the annuls of local and state history. This is a credit to the countless historical markers and landmarks dotting its old downtown district. You can begin the itinerary at the Kaminski House Museum, which vividly portrays 1700s Southern life inside a well-preserved Georgian Mansion on Front Street. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Maritime Museum focuses on regional nautical heritage and displays a diverse collection of related photographs, archives, and artifacts.
However, visitors can get a broader look at Georgetown's colorful past at the Georgetown County Museum, whose exhibits cover all aspects of its past. Georgetown has many more experiences besides the historical indulgence, including soaking up delightful coastal views during an easygoing stroll along the Harborwalk.
Spartanburg
This upstate South Carolina town delights visitors with its rich historical heritage, which features multiple Revolutionary War battles. Exploring the cultural district in downtown Spartanburg reveals a collection of museums, art galleries, performance venues, and more. Hub City Railroad Museum offers a taste of local railway history through vintage train relics and memorabilia in a historic depot.
The Chapman Cultural Center is a must-visit on St John Street, promising guests a holistic experience at its museum, theater, and science center. Art enthusiasts will love browsing the diverse art forms exhibited by the Spartanburg Art Museum (inside the Chapman Cultural Center), focusing on modern visual art by local artists. You can't overlook the many eateries dotting the downtown district, an invitation to sample sumptuous Southern comfort food at establishments like Pine Street’s Wade's Restaurant.
Aiken
Several unique attractions in this Aiken County community help put it on the map, from its massive oaks and rich history to a bustling art and culture scene. Aiken's rich beginnings date back to its founding in 1835, and the exciting chronology of events throughout the town's existence is well preserved and presented via artifacts at the Aiken County Historical Museum. The Aiken Center for the Arts is the local arts hub, where you can examine art pieces by area artists and take art classes.
Aiken's upbeat personality is shown during the Aiken County Farmers Market, which provides a delightful casual shopping experience for vacationers. The market features baked goods, farm-fresh produce, and handcrafts from the locality. Lastly, several green spaces, including Hopelands Gardens, present a relaxing environment and easygoing atmosphere.
Anderson
Nicknamed the "Friendliest City in South Carolina," Anderson boasts one of the most exciting downtowns in the state. It is dotted with museums, galleries, and entertainment centers, which means a variety of experiences for visitors. The main drag hosts some of the best local attractions, including the Anderson County Museum. Walking through its rustic hallways shows a rich collection of exhibits telling the town's story through the years. The Anderson Arts Center promotes the local arts community by hosting events, classes, workshops, and galleries.
Downtown Anderson stages the biannual Anderson International Festival, a great time to connect with family for fun, community-based activities that mark a long-held tradition. Another local tradition to sample involves great-tasting craft beers and wines, available at the Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery & Winery, just a slight walk down from the Anderson Arts Center.
Clover
Clover started as a railway stop in the 1800s and grew into a pleasant little community in York County. It has a charming downtown area that is easily navigable on foot. Exploring the area exposes visitors to family-friendly establishments, including Clover Harvest, for a delectable dining experience. Souvenir enthusiasts will want to visit High Cotton Antiques of Clover to check out its fine display of antiques and collectibles. It hosts all types of souvenir-worthy merchandise, from Polish pottery and vintage art to jewelry.
Clover is also home to the Vien Quang Buddhist Monastery, a great place to learn more about spirituality or meditate in peace on weekends.
Conway
Conway's rich beginnings date back to the 1730s. Its history blends seamlessly with the present, allowing guests to experience the best of both worlds. Several antique buildings, some listed on the National Register of Historic Places, look into the town's curious past. The Horry County Museum along Main Street has essential details about Conway's pre-history and natural history, presented through archives and artifacts. Further, along the avenue, the Theatre of the Republic serves as the primary arts hub, where local actors and actresses treat audiences to moving stage performances.
Antique buying is a popular tourist activity in Conway, and those who fancy the idea can pass by the Carolina Marketplace to examine its offerings. Furthermore, Papa's General Store presents a more modern shopping experience, featuring everything from toys and puzzles to apparel.
Florence
A quintessential Southern belle community, Florence assures visitors of diverse entertainment, recreation, and dining opportunities. This is all available in the vibrant downtown district, where casual shopping experiences await at the Magnolia Mall and Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall. Those who gravitate towards history will feel at home exploring Florence's past at the Florence County Museum. Its vast collection of artifacts vividly depicts major events in the community through the years.
The Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center is Florence's primary art hub. It features two theaters and an amphitheater where patrons gather to watch plays, concerts, and other events. While exploring downtown, you don't want to miss the immersive cultural experience of shopping at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market.
Gaffney
Popularly known as the "Peach Capital of South Carolina," Gaffney is a pretty little town with big surprises. It has a melting pot for a downtown area, featuring a blend of the arts, history, dining, and shopping opportunities. Gaffney Outlet Marketplace invites newcomers for a unique retail therapy exercise at premium brands like Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger. The Cherokee County Museum looks into local history using informative documents and archives from the community.
You can get a cute piece of Gaffney at Pieces From the Past Antiques to remind you of your fabulous time in the town. Finally, after working up an appetite, restock with delicious ribs and steaks at Daddy Joe's Beach House BBQ and Grill. This inviting wood-clad shack serves mouth-watering, Southern-style barbecue with classic sides.
Whether strolling through the charming streets of Beaufort, savoring Anderson's warm hospitality, or exploring Georgetown's historic waterfront, these quintessential towns in South Carolina invite visitors to experience the state's vibrant culture and heritage beyond busy city centers. A visit to any of their bustling Main Streets promises memorable glimpses into well-preserved Southern life that will leave visitors longing to linger in their picturesque surroundings.
