South Carolina Vacation Guide - SC 2025

REGION

Charming small towns dot the rural landscape of this region, where you’ll find freshwater lakes, state parks and Revolutionary War battle sites — all just minutes from historic downtown areas, community theaters and 1800s mansions converted into museums. Take a leisurely drive through the pastoral landscapes and, along the way, pull over at rustic farm stands and U-pick berry fields.

REGIONAL MUST SEES The Burt-Stark Mansion, Abbeville | The Belmont Inn, Abbeville | Carolina Moon Distillery, Edgefield Greenwood Railroad Historical Center, Greenwood | Laurens Historic District, Laurens | Heritage Gold Mine Park, McCormick 96 Pecan Company - Murray Farms, Ninety Six

TASTE OF THE SOUTH

Discover the culinary delights of South Carolina's Old 96 District, where Southern-style dishes and locally sourced ingredients shine. Begin your journey at the Cambridge Chophouse at Inn on the Square in Greenwood. This elegant eatery offers a refined dining experience with a menu of steakhouse classics, from certified Angus beef steaks to crab cakes.

In Waterloo, Lee’s Barbecue is a no-frills spot attracting barbecue enthusiasts from all over. Known for its smoky ribs, tender pulled pork and signature sauces, the buffet always comes packed with flavorful meats and sides to fill your plate.

Head over to Edgefield to enjoy the homestyle charm of Christine’s Farm to Fork. Here, you’ll find a seasonal menu that celebrates the bounty of local farms. Dig into Southern classics like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes.

Helmed by South Carolina Chef Ambassador Erica McCier, Indigenous Underground in Abbeville is a culinary gem that marries traditional Southern ingredients with creative execution. For dinner, order surprising dishes like Southern-style nachos (mixing Cajun corn and gooey queso) or pimento cheeseburgers. During Sunday brunch, indulge in over-the-top options such as the buttermilk fried chicken piled atop challah French toast.