海角社区

From 海角社区-class beach destinations like Myrtle Beach to the historic port city of Charleston to mountain getaways in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, South Carolina is a vacationer鈥檚 paradise. South Carolina鈥檚 small towns can get overlooked among all the great places to visit in the 鈥淧almetto State,鈥� but fun attractions and friendly locals await in these lesser-known communities. Small towns are also great for slowing down and chilling out, so we have listed seven of the best places to take it easy while you explore all that South Carolina has to offer.

Abbeville

Little Abbeville has a unique claim as the 鈥渂irthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy鈥濃�擲outh Carolina鈥檚 secession movement began there in 1860, and the Confederate government officially dissolved there in 1865. The town recalls this deep connection to the Civil War era with numerous historic markers, sites, and homes, especially in and around its classic courthouse square. Yet this community of 5,000 is not trapped in the past鈥攖he beautiful 1908 Abbeville Opera House, for example, hosts lively events ranging from musical comedies to rock concerts! Before taking in a show, try pairing a relaxing stroll through town with a more challenging hike through the surrounding forested hills

Pickens

Pickens鈥� biggest community event, the Azalea Festival, happens in mid-spring, meaning you will have to wait until 2025 to experience it. But there are still plenty of reasons to check out Pickens in 2024 while you await next April! If you want a great community event and cooler weather, for example, come to Pickens鈥� annual Christmas parade and other holiday activities in December. Also, any time of year, you can take advantage of Pickens鈥� ideal location in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, which offers easy access to numerous trails, parks, and outdoor recreation areas.

Orangeburg

Like Pickens, Orangeburg鈥檚 biggest community event鈥攖he Festival of Roses, held each May鈥攈as already happened in 2024. Yet Orangeburg鈥檚 well-earned reputation as South Carolina鈥檚 鈥淕arden City,鈥� carries on into autumn, with great floral displays all over town, most notably at Edisto Memorial Gardens. After the flowers fade in anticipation of Spring 2025, Orangeburg keeps up the Garden City spirit with fun events like the Children鈥檚 Garden Christmas. Orangeburg is also a great place to explore the traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as two such institutions鈥擲outh Carolina State University and Claflin University鈥攔eside in town.

Clover

Just like finding a four-leaf clover brings good luck, visiting the town of Clover is sure to bring the good fortune of a relaxing, fun time. While Clover is now part of the enlarging Charlotte metro area, this community of 6,500 still has a vibrant downtown area and a distinct small-town identity. Much of Clover鈥檚 identity is tied to the Scots-Irish heritage of its early settlers, which is celebrated at the annual Clover Highland Games (Feis Clobhair) in November. Clover is also close to Kings Mountain National Military Park, which commemorates the 1780 American victory that was essential to the outcome of the Revolutionary War.

Gaffney

Gaffney was a boomtown during the late 1800s when the textile industry flourished in South Carolina鈥檚 Upstate region, and in recent decades has finally recovered from a long economic decline. The town of 13,000 now takes advantage of its beautiful location and its agricultural heritage, styling itself as the 鈥淧each Capital of South Carolina.鈥� Gaffney hosts the annual South Carolina Peach Festival (July 11-20, 2024) in midsummer, which is loaded with great food and family-friendly activities. If you prefer to visit in cooler weather, Gaffney is a great base for visiting the nearby Cowpens and Kings Mountain battlefields from the American Revolution..

Beaufort

Beaufort is the primary town on Port Royal Island, which is widely known as the 鈥淨ueen of the Carolina Sea Islands.鈥� While much of this barrier island鈥檚 regal reputation comes from its natural beauty, Beaufort鈥檚 status as one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in the state also plays a big role. To get the full effect of Beaufort鈥檚 laid-back charm, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the 300-acre National Historic Landmark district downtown. Or, if you do not mind chilling out with thousands of other visitors, come in midsummer for the fantastic Beaufort Water Festival (July 12-21, 2024).

Bennettsville

Bennettsville鈥檚 slow decline from its agricultural and commercial peak in the early 1900s had a silver lining, as it is now a popular heritage tourism destination due to its large number of largely unchanged Victorian-era houses and buildings. Bennettsville is also an excellent place to observe South Carolina鈥檚 history of racial segregation and the resilience of its African American population. The Gulf District, separated from the primary downtown area, served as the hub of African American commercial life for generations. If you prefer to skip the scorching summer heat, come in December to see the town festively decorated as it hosts its classic holiday parade.

With all of the great reasons to visit the Palmetto State, it should be no surprise that thousands of people choose to move there every year, making South Carolina one of the fastest-growing states by population. But, despite all this growth, there are still plenty of open spaces and small towns where you can enjoy a relaxing visit. So, if South Carolina is on your 2024 travel itinerary, set aside time to do some small-town exploring. Maybe you will decide to stay for good as well!