South Carolina Vacation Guide

Southern Stars: South Carolina Chefs Lighting Up Your Screen

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:48:59 +0000

South Carolina’s Chef Ambassadors have long been winning hearts at home, and now they’re also making waves on national television. From fierce Food Network showdowns to PBS spotlights, these standout chefs are putting Palmetto State flavors on center stage. Luckily, you don’t need a backstage pass to taste what they’re cooking—just a reservation.

SHUAI WANG

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Passion for Preservation

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:48:19 +0000

On The Palmetto Porch Podcast, host Devyn Whitmire sits down with locals who preserve South Carolina’s history and pass on stories to the next generation of residents and visitors.

DR. KATHERINE “KATIE” SEEBER, ARCHAEOLOGIST Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head Island

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The Upcountry & Lake Hartwell Country

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:08:56 +0000

From dramatic cliffs and gorges to pristine lakes and waterfalls, this area is just plain aweinspiring. Amidst all that natural beauty, find scenic cities with revitalized historic districts and thriving cultural hubs where museums, art galleries and concert halls beckon. In between, discover family-owned farms, sprawling peach and apple orchards, Revolutionary War sites and plenty of outdoor recreation

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Palmetto Distillery, Anderson | Fort Hill National Historic Landmark, Clemson | Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville The Village Bakery & Cafe, Pendleton | Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens | Hatcher Garden, Spartanburg | Gateway Park, Travelers Rest

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Lowcountry & Resort Islands

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:06:01 +0000

The hectic pace of life seems to slow down when you head to the Lowcountry, where Spanish mossdraped oak trees and wild marshlands set the scene for relaxation. Here, fishing, sailing, kayaking, hunting and sunset watching are common pastimes. Bike along the beachfront trails and beneath the shade of subtropical maritime forests, tee off on iconic golf courses, fill up on Gullah-inspired soul food and stay in historic mansions turned into B&Bs.

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort | Heyward House - Museum and Welcome Center, Bluffton | Edisto Island Serpentarium, Edisto Island | The Bonito Boathouse, Fripp Island | Hilton Head Island Bike Trails, Hilton Head Island | Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island | Shrimp Shack, St. Helena Island | Colleton County Museum & Farmers Market, Walterboro

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State Parks After Dark

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:13:52 +0000

When the sun sets over South Carolina, its state parks don’t go to sleep—they come alive with mystery, moonlight and magic. From quiet lakeside paddles to stargazing under some of the darkest skies on the East Coast, these after-dark programs invite visitors to experience nature’s wild side in a whole new light—or lack thereof.

At Croft State Park in Spartanburg, the Sunset Paddle offers a peaceful passage from day into night. As dusk deepens over Lake Craig, canoes glide across glassy waters lit by the full moon. The rustle of leaves and the distant call of owls provide a natural soundtrack to this 90-minute experience, open to ages 10 and up.

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Where to Elope in South Carolina

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:11:06 +0000

For couples dreaming of a wedding day that’s deeply personal, wildly romantic and free of fuss, South Carolina delivers. From moss-draped gardens to quiet mountain groves and breezy beaches, the Palmetto State offers elopement backdrops that are unforgettable.

If you’ve ever imagined saying “I do” in a fairy tale, Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner is pretty close. Beneath a canopy of towering trees, the secluded Wedding Garden Gazebo is nestled among blooming pathways and cypress knees. Make a cinematic entrance by gliding across the blackwater pond in a flat-bottom boat—quiet, dreamy and straight out of The Notebook, which was filmed here.

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Provisions & Plates

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:09:10 +0000

in South Carolina

Across the Palmetto State, a new wave of gourmet markets with on-site eateries are redefining how we eat, shop and connect. These aren’t your average grocery runs: expect curated pantries, inventive menus and the kind of local hospitality that turns errands into experiences. Whether you’re grabbing a croissant with your coffee, savoring a seasonal lunch or loading up on local produce, these destination markets invite you to linger.

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Battle of the Barbecue: Award-Winning “Pit” Stops

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:05:31 +0000

In South Carolina, barbecue is more than a meal—it’s a way of life. Skillful pitmasters combine culinary techniques they’ve picked up through the years to bring communities together and stoke the flames of friendly competition. Explore some of the award-winning joints that make the local barbecue scene mouthwatering.

South Carolina boasts a who's who of elite establishments, where award-winning pitmasters serve up perfection daily. At Charleston's Lewis Barbecue (named a Hidden Gem on the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants list), John Lewis slices Texas-style ‘cue to order. Menu anchors include the usual suspects—beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey and ribs— plus green chile cheddar sausage, gooey from the cheese and a spicy kick from the chile, and Texas hot guts sausage (that’s beef with a little pork and a whole lot of snap, thanks to Lewis’ threeday curing process).

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Go with the Grands

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:59:21 +0000

SOUTH CAROLINA OFFERS THE PERFECT BLEND OF ADVENTURE AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR GRANDPARENTS TRAVELING WITH KIDS AND TEENS OF ALL AGES.

Start your journey at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, where kids can explore the historic USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has quiet spaces for those needing sensory breaks.

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Revolutionary Roots: Tracing the Fight for Freedom in South Carolina

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:53:20 +0000

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence this year, South Carolina invites you to walk the very ground where the fight for freedom was won—not by distant generals alone, but by farmers, blacksmiths, women and frontiersmen who turned their everyday lives into acts of resistance.

THE SKIRMISHES & THE STORIES

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The Greenest Greens

Perry Baker — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:46:58 +0000

GOLF COURSES PRESERVING SOUTH CAROLINA'S WILD SIDE

When it comes to South Carolina, one word rises to the top: beautiful. From sun-drenched coastlines in the Lowcountry and Grand Strand to the leafy peaks of the Upstate and the winding rivers and lakes of the Midlands, the Palmetto State is rich in natural splendor.

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The Big Five: Essential Experiences in South Carolina’s Signature Cities

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:38:28 +0000

South Carolina’s cities each have their own rhythm—a blend of heritage and innovation, nature and nightlife, flavor and flair. From the Blue Ridge foothills to the breezy Lowcountry, these five signature cities capture the essence of the Palmetto State. Explore rich stories, dynamic culture and surprising detours just beyond the main roads.

Greenville

WHERE CULTURE MEETS THE FALLS

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Welcome to South Carolina

Henry Dargan McMaster — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:08:02 +0000

On behalf of the citizens of South Carolina, I'd like to welcome you to the Palmetto State and invite you to explore everything our state has to offer. Hospitality is part of our heritage here, and so are good food, beautiful places and smiling faces.

Our rich cultural heritage, abundant wildlife and our majestic beaches and mountains make South Carolina a destination like no other. We couldn't be happier to have you here with us.

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Capital City & Lake Murray Country

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:23:02 +0000

From enclaves of art galleries and the energetic nightlife districts of South Carolina’s capital city to nature trails winding through old-growth forests and lakefront adventures—plus three scenic rivers running through it all—this region seamlessly blends big-city culture and outdoor pursuits. See where historic buildings are living new lives as trendy restaurants and breweries, and where quiet, tree-lined streets lead you through welcoming neighborhoods.

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Palmetto Plates Bingo

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:22:06 +0000

South Carolina Road Trip Bingo

South Carolina’s license plates are more than just tags; they’re mini history lessons on wheels. From the bold 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War plate to nods to legendary sports heroes and iconic state milestones, each one has a story to tell. See how many you can spot on your next road trip.

1. 250th Year Anniversary Revolutionary War
2. Morris Island Lighthouse
3. Penn Center
4. University of South Carolina
5. Friends of Hunting Island State Park
6. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
7. First in Golf
8. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
9. Wildlife Painted Bunting
10. Driven by the Arts
11. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
12. Protect Wild Dolphins Alliance
13. H.L. Hunley
14. Darlington Raceway
15. Our Farms Our Future
16. Antique Auto
17. Gone Fishing
18. Shag State Dance
19. Heritage Classic Foundation
20. Endangered Species
21. Keep it Beautiful
22. Play Tennis!
23. Clemson University
24. Boykin Spaniel Foundation

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Historic Charleston & Resort Islands

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:18:50 +0000

As one of the country’s most beautifully preserved architectural treasures, the historic city of Charleston features cobblestone streets, pastel mansions with lacy wrought-iron balconies, homes turned museums and grand hotels. Just outside downtown, award-winning golf courses overlook the Atlantic Ocean, stately plantations hold centuries of stories, and the laid-back Sea Islands beckon with sandy beaches and casual dock-and-dine eateries.

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Old South Carriage Co., Charleston | Folly Beach | Tidal Wave Water Sports, Isle of Palms | Freshfields Village, Kiawah Island | Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant | Tanger Outlets Charleston, North Charleston | Seabrook Beach, Seabrook Island | Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, Sullivan’s Island | Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, Summerville

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Myrtle Beach Area & The Grand Strand

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:03:13 +0000

When you’re ready for action, South Carolina’s Grand Strand is the place to be. Soaring resorts, family-friendly attractions and trendy restaurants are just steps from more than 60 miles of beaches. For a slower pace and natural beauty, retreat to a relaxed barrier island in the Hammock Coast area; or, for timeless music and moves, head to North Myrtle Beach to the birthplace of the state dance, the “Carolina Shag.”

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Conway Riverwalk, Conway | Hopsewee Plantation, Georgetown | Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet | The Carolina Opry Theater, Myrtle Beach | Alligator Adventure, North Myrtle Beach | Pawleys Island Chapel, Pawleys Island

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Old 96 District

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:02:20 +0000

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 | Sara's Fresh Market, Trenton Greenwood Railroad Historical Center, Greenwood | Laurens Historic District, Laurens | Heritage Gold Mine Park, McCormick 96 Pecan Company - Murray Farms, Ninety Six

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For the Love of Heirlooms

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:41:28 +0000

From the sun-warmed soil of South Carolina, a quiet revival is taking place—one rooted in memory, flavor and the grit of generations of farmers. Heirloom produce, once nearly lost to industrial farming, is finding its way back to farmers markets and Southern kitchens, each variety holding hidden stories—of survival, adaptation and identity—that stretch back centuries.

"Cooking for me, as a chef, includes storytelling, trade connected to migration and, of course, pride. You can look at it as a living archive. It’s where land, labor, legacy and love all intersect or come together in one pan. — Kevin Mitchell
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Welcome Centers

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:33:47 +0000

THE ORIGINAL Influencers

• SINCE 1968 •

FIND FRIENDLY FACES AND LOCAL KNOW-HOW AT SOUTH CAROLINA WELCOME CENTERS

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Fields of Flavor: Farm-to-Table Dining in the Palmetto State

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:18:29 +0000

From mountain farms to coastal fisheries, a new generation of chefs is honoring the state’s agricultural legacy by forging close-knit partnerships with local growers, fishermen and artisans, then turning those connections into unforgettable meals.

Often working as a private chef-for-hire, Chef Amanda Moon Callahan and her team bring the phrase “from farm to fork” to life through her seasonal Callywood Farms dinners: multi-course celebrations built entirely around what’s growing nearby. Held at Sisters Restaurant in Salem, these ticketed events blur the line between fine dining and community gathering. Expect vegetables picked that morning, herbs clipped just before service and dishes that tell the story of the land itself, served on long communal tables beneath the glow of Southern hospitality.

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Olde English District

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:11:35 +0000

Named for its concentration of English settlers during the 1770s, this region is rich in colonial history with centuries-old cemeteries, battlefields and important historic sites. Uncover stories of the past at old plantations and family farms. Then, make your own stories with outdoor adventures at state parks, botanical gardens, golf courses and biking trails, plus thrilling sports destinations.

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Chester Historic District, Chester | Cheraw State Park Golf Course, Cheraw | Camden Archives & Museum, Camden East Main Street Historic District, Chesterfield | Fort Mill History Museum, Fort Mill | Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw | Andrew Jackson
State Park, Lancaster | Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill

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Thoroughbred Country

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:07:54 +0000

Preserving its time-honored equestrian heritage, this is the place to hear the thunder of hooves at thrilling steeplechase events, harness racing and polo matches. Spend your day exploring the picturesque countryside and tranquil state parks or pick up fresh finds at a farmers market. Then, stroll through the charming towns to discover antique stores, artisan shops, gourmet eateries, history museums and family-friendly activities.

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Santee Cooper Country

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:06:15 +0000

From boating the wide-open waters of the “Great Lakes of South Carolina” to paddling between cypress and tupelo trees in blackwater creeks, this region attracts anglers, boaters, birdwatchers and swimmers. During the day, take your pick from golf courses, nature trails, historic battlegrounds and woodlands hunting. At night, discover low-key eateries and cultural gems in small towns.

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner | Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center, Orangeburg | Santee State Park, Santee | The Palmetto Traverse at Santee Cooper Golf Resort, Santee | Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Summerton | Sumter Opera House, Sumter

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Pee Dee Region

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:05:43 +0000

Named for the area’s first residents— the Pee Dee Indian Tribe—this region is rich with the natural beauty of the outdoors: free-flowing rivers, wildlife-filled swamplands and blooming gardens. Time travel at Revolutionary War and Civil War sites, stroll through architecturally diverse historic districts, and learn about the area’s agrarian past at tobacco and cotton farms and museums.

REGIONAL MUST-SEES Marlboro County Museum Complex, Bennettsville | South Carolina Cotton Museum, Bishopville | Great Pee Dee Heritage Preserve, Darlington | Little Pee Dee State Park, Dillon | Palmetto Peddlers, Florence | Kalmia Gardens, Hartsville | Moore Farms Botanical Garden, Lake City | Big John’s Soul Food Restaurant & BBQ Grill, Marion

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Fun Runs & Wacky Races

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:59:01 +0000

South Carolina’s race calendar isn’t just about the finish line—it’s about fun, flair and community spirit. From dogs in costume to glow-in-the-dark 5Ks, these events turn fitness into full-on entertainment while raising money for local causes.

In April, head to Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet for the Gator Gauntlet 5K, a scenic beachside run (or walk) where silly costumes are highly encouraged. It's perfect for kids, beginners and four-legged companions.

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Sip-Worthy Speakeasies

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:56:00 +0000

Step through unmarked doors, behind bookshelves or down quiet staircases, and you’ll find South Carolina’s sultriest secret: a thriving speakeasy scene that trades loud crowds for low lighting, vintage vibes and cocktails worth whispering about.

Elsie’s at Kounter— tucked behind the unassuming charcuterie shop at South Carolina Chef Ambassador Rob Masone’s Southern-style eatery in Rock Hill—is a password-required hideaway where shell-pink velvet seats and marble accents set the scene. Sip impeccable cocktails crafted with house-made syrups and fresh ingredients, then linger over caviar service or a curated board of specialty meats and cheeses.

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Little Stores with So Much More

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:50:11 +0000

Across South Carolina, specialty stores are blending curated goods with creative moments, inviting you to sip, swirl, smell, snip and style as you shop. These interactive boutiques turn a simple stop into a standout memory.

Start in Charleston at Candlefish, where flickering candlelight meets hands-on fun. This scent-lover’s haven invites you to pour your own candles in an Instagram-worthy library of over 100 fragrances. You’ll walk away with a handmade keepsake and a new favorite scent.

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The Artistry of Indigo: A Story Woven in Blue

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:45:35 +0000

Long before it became South Carolina’s official color, indigo was a living thread, rooted in Lowcountry soil and shipped across oceans as a symbol of beauty and economic power. From the late 1740s to the 1790s, this unassuming plant produced a deep-blue dye that helped shape the identity and prosperity of the young colony. Indigo became South Carolina’s second most valuable export after rice and played a key role in its economy. The dye was even used to color the uniforms worn by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, a striking contrast to the British "redcoats" they fought against. But indigo’s legacy isn’t just economic. It’s personal, cultural and complex.

Countless enslaved people worked the indigo fields and production vats, coaxing blue from green through an arduous, pungent process. Along what is now the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, indigo remains a vivid symbol of creativity and resilience, its memory still alive in the hands of local artists, farmers and storytellers who continue to honor the past through the power of pigment.

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Sustainable Stays: Where Southern Style Meets Stewardship

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:36:42 +0000

Eco-conscious travelers no longer have to choose between comfort and conservation. Across South Carolina, a new wave of stylish, sustainability-minded stays is redefining what it means to travel responsibly—without sacrificing indulgence.

The Station by Compo Hotels in Travelers Rest is a masterclass in modern sustainability. Built with cutting-edge materials and methods, this boutique retreat treads lightly on the land while celebrating local craftsmanship through custom furnishings and amenities. Native landscaping reflects the spirit of place, inviting guests to relax and reconnect in a setting that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.

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Postcards from the Past: A Road Trip Through South Carolina’s Nostalgic Small Towns

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:32:20 +0000

Crank the windows down and take a ride back in time. From the moss-draped coastlines to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina’s small towns invite you to slow down and swap screen time for story time. Rediscover the joy of the roadside wander, and maybe even recall some sweet childhood memories at these nostalgic locales— where every stop feels like a postcard from the days of yesteryear.

COAST ALONG THE COAST

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From Okra to Orations: A Legacy of Gullah Traditions

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:04:49 +0000

Gullah Geechee heritage has deep roots in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, shaped by the descendants of West and Central African people who lived and labored on South Carolina’s Sea Islands and the region’s coastal plains. Generations of relative isolation helped preserve distinct language, foodways, music and craftsmanship that continue to influence the area’s identity today. Here are a few ways to experience Gullah culture during your visit.

Hear the harmonic sounds of The Plantation Singers during The Charleston Festival. This a cappella group performs traditional spirituals that trace back to Gullah roots, filling churches and open-air venues with rhythm and resilience. Or reserve a seat at The Gullah Luncheon at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant. Between bites of Southern-style home cooking, storytellers share narratives that reveal the humor, hardship and heart of the Gullah experience.

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Visitor Services Listings

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:01:11 +0000

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Hikes & Bites

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:00:05 +0000

In South Carolina, adventure doesn’t stop at the trailhead, and your reward for getting outside is more than just a view. From coastal walks to mountain climbs, pair your outdoor excursions with locally loved eateries for a day that feeds both body and soul.

LOWCOUNTRY ON THE MOVE IN BEAUFORT

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Delightfully Surprising Detours

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:39:49 +0000

WHETHER YOU'RE SAVORING THE SLOW PACE OF A SMALL TOWN OR ANSWERING THE CALL OF THE OPEN ROAD, REVEL IN THESE TREASURES THAT CAPTIVATE THE CURIOUS TRAVELER.

Unconventional STOPS

Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden is the work of a self-taught artist who transformed his Bishopville backyard into a living gallery of trees and shrubs whimsically trimmed to look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.

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5 Great Lake Escapes

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:27:13 +0000

When the Carolina sun starts to shine, there’s no better way to beat the heat than a lake escape. South Carolina is dotted with sparkling freshwater gems, each offering its own slice of serenity and adventure. Whether you’re craving heart-racing fun, lazy days with your toes in the water or even overnight stays, here are five lakes worth packing up the cooler for.

1 LAKE MURRAY

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