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We have reached that time of year when many are ready for a break, and South Carolinians know there's no need to travel far to enjoy a weekend getaway. From white sand beaches and biodiverse wetlands to equine history and artisan markets, South Carolina may be the 11th smallest state, but it is certainly not short on entertainment. In the office, dreaming of your next escape? Look no further than these eight towns for the perfect escape.

Edisto Island

Quiet and largely uninhabited, Edisto Island is the perfect destination for those wanting to disconnect. Edisto Beach State Park is one of the island鈥檚 highlights, home to a maritime forest consisting of palmette trees and biodiverse salt marshes. Spanish Mount Trail is one of the park鈥檚 most popular trails, where a 1.7-mile pathway leads to 4,000-year-old shell midden that has slowly been eroding through the years.

Other great ways to experience the island include taking a boat tour at the Edisto Marina to discover the surrounding creeks and marshes or unwinding on a fishing trip with Charleston Fishing Company. For those wanting to lodge directly on the island, Edisto Beach State Park has seven cozy cabins available for lodging, fully immersing visitors in the island鈥檚 nature.

Pendleton

Pendleton is the ideal town to visit for South Carolina's history and heritage. It is home to more than 50 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous art galleries featuring art from local artists, and a close-knit bluegrass music scene. Among the notable historic sites is Timms Mill, a gristmill originally built along the Six and Twenty Creek in 1784 and later moved to its current location in 1898. St. Paul鈥檚 Episcopal Church is another prominent site, dating back to 1822 and housing a Jardine pipe organ that continues to provide music over 170 years later.

Excited to experience the bluegrass scene? Breazeale鈥檚 Grocery Bluegrass is the place to go on the weekends, featuring bluegrass jam sessions on Saturday and occasionally bringing in even nationally and internationally recognized artists. For a weekend away, Liberty Hall Bed & Breakfast is the perfect accommodation. Once a family residence built in 1849, today it is a beautifully restored home awaiting guests.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is just a 25-minute drive from Charleston, but has a population of just over 2,000 people, making it another great beach escape option. Visitors can take a calming stroll along the Folly Pier, built in the 1930s, appreciating the panoramic ocean views. Folly Beach County Park is a good option for those wanting to swim, tan, or take a walk along the coastline, with lifeguards on duty in the summer months.

Want to try some fresh, home-style seafood? Coconut Joes, just one block away from the coastline, is a family favorite. Regarding lodging, the town offers plenty of cozy inns and hotels, including the Regata Inn, a waterfront bed and breakfast that features a sunset terrace, and complimentary golf cart shuttles for an added touch of convenience.

Bluffton

Bluffton offers a waterside escape of its own, centered around the scenic May River rather than the Atlantic Ocean. Recreational opportunities along the river are endless, ranging from dolphin tours and fishing charters to kayaking and paddleboarding.

Bluffton also celebrates local artisans and vendors at its markets, including the Lowcountry Made Artisan Market, an open-air market showcasing handmade goods from across the region, and the Bluffton Farmer鈥檚 Market, where visitors can find spices, fresh produce, barbecue, honey, and more. Looking for a true southern-style accommodation? Look no further than May River Manor, featuring 5.5 acres of green, wooded spaces, a pool, and an outdoor patio, guaranteeing a relaxing weekend away.

Beaufort

The town of Beaufort sits on Port Royal Island, surrounded by marshy estuaries and shaded by streets lined with live oak trees. Port Royal is home to over 100 bird species, with one of the best ways to spot them being with Birding Beaufort, which offers tours and day trips around the island. The Cypress Wetlands, just a ten-minute drive away, is another great way to take in the wetland ecosystem and wildlife, home to minks, river otters, marsh rabbits, alligators, the grey squirrel, and countless bird species.

Beaufort鈥檚 downtown area is filled with charming local shops, with highlights including Beaufort River Glass, Monkey鈥檚 Uncle toy shop, and Oyster Cay Collection antiques. For a historic and scenic stay, Anchorage 1770 is a boutique inn, located along the waterfront, with roots dating back to its original construction in 1770.

Aiken

Heading over to the western side of South Carolina, Aiken is renowned for its rich equestrian heritage, while also embodying the best of Southern charm and hospitality. Visitors can tour and meet the horses at Aiken Equine Rescue, the southeastern US鈥檚 largest equine rescue center. Those interested in racing can visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, which has a large collection of photographs and trophies from some of the country鈥檚 best equestrian riders.

The nature around Aiken is priceless as well. The Aiken Arboretum Trail in town, for, example, features one of the country鈥檚 most diverse tree collections within a municipal landscape. Regarding a unique lodging option in town, The Carriage House Inn, dating back to 1872, is located in Aiken鈥檚 historic downtown district and provides a delicious complimentary breakfast and chocolate chip cookies to its guests!

Newberry

Visitors cannot go wrong with a weekend trip away in Newberry, listed as one of the 鈥淢ost Charming Small Towns in America鈥� by the Travel Channel. Its downtown historic district is particularly a highlight, with landmarks like the Newberry Opera House and the Newberry Museum offering important insights into the town鈥檚 history. The Wells Japanese Garden is also on the National Registry of Historic Places, featuring a temple, moon bridge, Torri gate, and tea room.

Wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Newberry, with Enoree River Vineyards & Winery offering the perfect spot to spend an afternoon, surrounded by scenic views of the vineyard. For a quaint stay, the historic, family-run Newberry Manor, located just a block away from the Wells Japanese Garden, is a great option.

Sullivan鈥檚 Island

Sullivan鈥檚 Island is a relaxed, two-and-a-half-mile-long island home to a little over 2,000 residents, making for a quiet escape. After a leisurely morning stroll along its 2.5-mile shoreline, visitors can enjoy lunch at one of the town's coastal cuisine spots, like Sullivan鈥檚 Fish Camp. The town also has an involved artist presence, with visitors able to appreciate local art at galleries such as Sandpiper Gallery and Adele鈥檚 Pottery.

One of the island鈥檚 iconic landmarks is Fort Moultrie, the site of a pivotal nine-hour battle with the British during the Revolutionary War in 1776. The Palms Oceanfront Hotel is one of the nearest and most recommended lodging options, including spectacular views of the ocean, a newly renovated pool deck, and stylish, modern rooms.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a native-born South Carolinian or hail from another state, each of these towns offers unique and diverse attractions that will appeal to every member of the family. With everything from fresh seafood to art galleries and bird tours, these towns offer a wide variety of experiences that defy simple categorization. So get out your calendar, mark your dates, and start planning your next adventure in one of these amazing towns!