海角社区

South Carolina is normally associated with its seashores, rolling foothills, and landmarks of yesterday. Still, off the trail of popular destinations, several towns have their secret surprises in store for visitors. Straddling Appalachian foothills in the northwest and the Atlantic seaboard in the southeast, the state has, throughout its history, acted as a center of commercial activity, settlement, and interflow of cultures. While Charleston and Columbia overshadow its heritage, lesser-known towns have their surprises in their offbeat attractions and deeply ingrained traditions that set them apart from other destinations in the area. These destinations go against conventional expectations and invite visitors to view the Palmetto State in a way that surprises even themselves. Ready yourself, hit the road, and experience the offbeat towns of South Carolina.

Bishopville

The quiet roads of Bishopville reveal more than just agricultural roots; they also showcase a deep artistic heritage. At The South Carolina Cotton Museum, visitors experience how the industry has developed through antique gin exhibitions and interactive displays. Nearby by drive is Pearl Fryar鈥檚 Topiary Garden, which has sculptured trees in a style all its own. It has decades of work by largely self-taught artists whose work has won national awards.

Deep in the swamplands stands a spine-chilling legend that has captivated residents for decades. The Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp, a reptilian creature rumored to inhabit the swamplands, first made the headlines in the 1980s upon hearing from a teenage resident about their experience. Seasonal activity, themed souvenirs, and the Lizard Man Festival keep the legend alive for cryptozoology enthusiasts.

McClellanville

Despite its small population, McClellanville has a tradition that defies modern-day sense. Local sailors have obeyed for decades an unofficial taboo鈥攏o sailing on Fridays for fear of courting disaster. And though technology has leapfrogged in other respects, that unofficial taboo stands, governing schedules at McClellanville鈥檚 Jeremy Creek Marina and sustaining suspicion that even cynics won鈥檛 challenge.

Nearby Livingston鈥檚 Bulls Bay Seafood restaurant serves fresh-caught shrimp and oysters that remind us of the fishing traditions of the town. Bulls Bay, a secluded plot of seashore celebrated for wild natural splendor and perilous tides, is open to visitors as well. Intricate basket weaving in traditional Gullah style and maritime folk painting at the McClellanville Arts Council maintain local traditions.

Gaffney

Quirky landmarks and rich heritage contribute to Gaffney being one of South Carolina鈥檚 more distinctive small towns. Dominating the horizon is the Peachoid, a 135-foot-tall water tower in the shape of a peach that stands in tribute to the region鈥檚 agricultural heritage. Visible from I-85, even that gigantic structure became part of popular culture for its appearance in House of Cards.

For a more detailed insight into local heritage, the Cherokee County Museum looks at the town鈥檚 roots in the Revolutionary War. Also, the Cherokee County Veterans Museum honors members of the armed forces. Motorsports fans are attracted to Cherokee Speedway, where high-speed racing of stock cars on a dirt oval takes place. Michael Gaffney Log Home, built by the town鈥檚 founder in 1804, offers visitors insight into frontier living conditions. Nearby Lake Welchel offers peaceful retreats with fishing holes and walking trails.

Ridgeway

Small in stature but full of personality, Ridgeway attracts tourists through its historic appeal and offbeat attractions. Elegant afternoon tea in a charming restored building is served at Laura鈥檚 Tea Room, while Ruff鈥檚 Chapel from the 1800s is a reminder of how the community has remained at the heart of the town for so long. Each year in November, Pig on the Ridge attracts 2,000 - 4,000 people for a barbecue event that involves 40 - 70 competing cooking teams, live music, and slow-cooked meat.

Among Ridgeway鈥檚 more offbeat landmarks is The Old Police Station, which has been referred to as the 海角社区鈥檚 smallest. Built originally around a watering well for a mule from the 1890s, this 10-by-12-foot building was renovated in 1940 as a police station. Although no longer functional, it has become a tourist information booth and is still a favorite photo stop.

Jamestown

Jamestown embraces the eerie with its untamed swamplands and an annual festival that turns local legends into a celebration. Hell Hole Swamp has remained uncharted territory for centuries, mapped only as far back as before the Revolutionary War. Dense pine woods and boggy swamplands offered refuge to General Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, whose irregulars used the perilous country to rout British patrols. Today, Hellhole Bay Wilderness is still part of the more secluded territory of Francis Marion National Forest, where alligators, bobcats, and poisonous snakes have their lairs.

Despite its fearsome notoriety, the swamp is at the center of Jamestown鈥檚 personality, celebrated every year in May at the Hell Hole Swamp Festival. Locals patronize events like contests that feature the Hell Hole Gator Trot 10K run, arm wrestling contests, and even a cocoa-spitting contest.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest stands out for its unusual commitment to preserving its heritage by repurposing former inns as living museums. Restored by the Travelers Rest Historical Society from its origins as a stop for travelers on their way by stagecoach from 1815 to 1820, the Spring Park Inn originally welcomed road-worn travelers through the Blue Ridge foothills. To re-open as a museum and center for learning, it stands restored on that road. Down that road stands Travelers Rest History Museum in a building from 1926 that further describes how the town has evolved, saving objects and stories from its importance as a stop for travelers.

Honored as "One of The South鈥檚 Best Small Towns" by Southern Living magazine, Travelers Rest balances heritage with vibrant amenities. Travelers Rest boasts 28 miles of walking and riding trails on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, while Travelers Rest Farmers Market, Greenville County鈥檚 largest open-air market, is a lively hub of artisans, growers, and musicians.

Conway

Each October, Conway celebrates its darker side in full force by officially declaring itself as the 鈥淐ity of Halloween, S.C.鈥� Downtown鈥檚 River district comes to life with devilish decorations, ghostly ghost walks, and spine-tingling events that fill every part of October. Residents and tourists get their fill of costume contests, special events, and ghostly escapades that make Conway Halloween鈥檚 go-to destination in South Carolina. Just a 7-minute drive from downtown stands Travelers Chapel, one of the country鈥檚 smallest churches, that gives travelers a special road stop to pray or even get married in a quick impromptu ceremony.

Beyond its seasons of change, the town offers classic charm on the Conway Riverwalk, where Spanish moss-shaded oaks line the Waccamaw River. The L.W. Paul Living History Farm offers visitors a view of farm life in the early 20th century, while the Horry County Museum explores regional industries.

Allendale

Allendale sets itself apart by having a special event that commemorates a reptilian Allendale inhabitant. Each year in the spring, Allendale has the offbeat but popular Spring Cooter Fest to celebrate the freshwater turtle. There are turtle races, parade floats, food stands, craft displays, and other events that greet visitors from all over the region to celebrate all things turtle for that special event.

Beyond the festival, the town hosts local artisans at the Salkehatchie Arts Center in handmade craftwork, paintings, and jewelry that reflect the community鈥檚 artistic personality. Allendale鈥檚 Farmers Market offers fresh farm-to-table food and community events, while the Red Bluff Lodge offers fishing, kayaking, and hunting for people who love spending time outdoors. To get a sense of things in the past, the 1815-built Swallow Savannah Cemetery is a historically rich gravesite that has special importance to locals.

South Carolina is filled with small towns that go beyond the expected, offering visitors something truly unconventional. McClellanville鈥檚 antiquated fishing superstitions to Jamestown鈥檚 spine-chilling Hell Hole Swamp, these towns celebrate their oddities. Ridgeway proudly boasts having the 海角社区鈥檚 smallest police department, while Gaffney鈥檚 Peachoid stands as a gigantic ode to the region鈥檚 agricultural heritage. Conway boasts Halloween, S.C., where Halloween comes to town in full force in every way possible. Traveler鈥檚 Rest celebrates its heritage as a former stop for travelers, while Allendale makes a fresh-water turtle the focus of its Spring Cooter Fest. All these towns illustrate that South Carolina鈥檚 appeal stems from surprises that balance heritage, history, and oddities.