Destination attractions things to do in south carolina

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

South Carolina is on the eastern coast of the US, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean and the states of North Carolina and Georgia. South Carolina has a rich history, and there are many historic sites such as Revolutionary War and Civil War battlefields that you can visit. Other attractions include white sand beaches, Old South plantations, rivers and lakes, beautiful gardens, shopping and sports. From the northwestern mountains to the southeastern coastline, South Carolina is a state of varied terrain and many attractions. Here are some of my favorite things to do in South Carolina.

Columbia, centrally located, is the largest city and the capital of South Carolina. Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, and has many museums, historic homes, and theaters. Check out 5 Five Points Neighborhood, an area with bookshops, music stores, restaurants, coffeehouses, and clubs near the USC campus. For some inexpensive but delicious Southern cooking, visit Yesterdays and munch on catfish and grits, collard greens, fried okra or shrimp Creole. For more sophisticated Southern treats, visit Mr. Friendlys New Southern Caf; if youre in the mood for a deli, try Andys Deli or Grouchos Deli. Shop at more than 30 stores; Hip Wa Zee is fun for vintage clothing, 617 Harden has great gifts, and stop by and pet Mr. Hobbes, resident cat, at 5 Points Book Store. Annual festivals in Columbia include the Oyster Festival in April, Mayfest in May, and the South Carolina State Fair in October.

Charleston, the second largest city in South Carolina, has amazing old historic churches and homes by the dozens. Known as the holy city by its residents, Charleston has more than 180 restored churches, as well as museums and historic sites, such as Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Old City Market offers restaurants and shops, and make sure you visit the basket ladies, who weave sweetgrass and palmetto-leaf baskets to sell.

The acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA goes on for two weeks annually in May-June, and presents music, theater, dance and art in the downtown area. Piccolo Spoleto offers less expensive and free events, and events popular with children. If youre a fan of Pat Conroys novels, visit the Citadel, which has a museum telling the history of the military college, or Beaufort, which was the setting for the movie The Prince of Tides, Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, GI Jane, and many others.

Hilton Head Island is a destination in itself; its on the southern tip of South Carolinas coastline, and has 12 miles of beaches, and several resorts offering marinas, golf, tennis, sailing, deep-sea fishing, restaurants, spas and more. On the northern end is Myrtle Beach, one of South Carolinas most visited areas. Over 13 million tourists annually visit the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches between Myrtle Beach and Georgetown. Some of the areas attractions include golf courses, amusement rides, theaters, elaborate miniature golf centers, and lots of shopping.

Kids will love the Pavilion Amusement Park, with games, rides for all ages, a 4D theater, an under-21 nightclub, and plenty of other kids to meet. There are all kinds of accommodations, from time share condos and motels to bed-and-breakfasts and RV parks. Myrtle Beach is a fun place to take the family, but it can get very crowded during the summertime. If youre interested in cultural events, this could be the wrong place for you, but do check out Collectors Caf, a restaurant with upscale Mediterranean cuisine; art in many mediums lines its walls and is for sale, and the dcor is very interesting.

Pendleton and Clemson are up in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, and the Blue Ridge Mountains offer inspiring scenic views, along with waterfalls, rapids, and mountain rivers. Pendleton is on the National Register of Historic Places and has more than 45 historic buildings; Clemson is home to the 1,400 acre campus of Clemson University. The Chattooga, Oconee, Nantahala, and Pigeon Rivers are popular with rafters; the film Deliverance was filmed on the Chatooga. There are several companies that will take you on a rafting tour matched to your level of expertise, and some offer packages with overnight accommodations. Check websites for details.

South Carolina is a destination with many attractions. Whether youre interested in history, the culture of the Old South, great beaches, or just relaxing and enjoying a filling Southern meal, South Carolina has something to offer you. Check websites for additional information on visiting South Carolina.