Posted in South Carolina Attractions November 29, 2020 by

Here Are The 8 Best Kept Secrets In South Carolina

Despite what you know about South Carolina there are some things that you don’t know. I have to tell you the locals around these places are keeping quite the secret and are pretty good at it too. Now, they may be sore about me sharing these places, but they are absolutely wonderful places and I think you are going to agree with me! Here are eight of the best kept secrets in South Carolina that the locals are keeping to themselves.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Bluffton, SC
Bruce Tuten/Flickr
It's a beautiful historic town that blends in some hip artsy vibe. So, don't just pass through on your way to Hilton Head. Stop and find a whole new place to visit.
2. James Island, SC
rocor/Flickr
James Island is home to amazing restaurants and wonderful places to explore. Bring the whole family and take a day trip!
3. Pawleys Island, SC
gnosis / john r/Flickr
Wrapped snug between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, you will find Pawleys Island. The beach here is the secret. It's rarely crowded and gorgeous. I also have to say that it has wonderful restaurants and shopping.
4. Fat Hen, Johns Island, SC
Yelp
Yelp
This is a cozy little eatery that is serving lowcountry food with French flare. The locals rave over it and you will too! Visit the Fat Hen website to learn more.
5. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Awendaw, SC
Frank Kehren/Flickr
Definitely a place for the whole family to explore. They feature over 60,000 acres of South Carolina wilderness. Learn more at the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge website.
6. Snow Lake/Snow Island, Florence County
Lee Wright/Flickr
It's a popular fishing spot for the those who know about it. This place has quite the history besides the fish. Francis Marion and his men used Snow Island during the Revolutionary War for a base camp for four months earning him his name, "Swamp Fox". Snow Lake/Snow Island is on the National Historic Register.
7. Best hiking spots to see the beautiful fall foliage in the Upstate.
ken taylor 296/Flickr
Fall Creek Falls is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area. There is 11,000 acres of land with sights like these (WOW) for you to see, plus the colors of autumn.
Danni Suplicki/Flickr
Paris Mountain-Brissy Ridge, SC is known as one of Greenville's wonderful assets. There are over 15 miles of hiking trails here and in the Fall you can see gorgeous views of the mountains as well as the spectacular changing of the leaves.
Brenda Wiley/Flickr
Nine Times Preserve in Pickens County is a very new place. It has only been opened since 2012, but is a wonderful place for hikers who are just beginning. Over 110 different birds have been seen in this area. It is great for the entire family.
Joe Plocki/Flickr
Chau Ram County Park In Oconee County is a secret to not only outsiders, but surprisingly some of the locals as well! The waterfalls alone are worth the hiking, but in the Fall everything just becomes much more vibrant!
8. Greenwood, SC
Leslie/Flickr
It's a small town, but it boasts huge culture! It is also known to have the largest main street! There are quaint shops to visit and after you work up an appetite you can get the best food at the Dixie Drive. This is sure to fill you up so you can stick around for a drive-in movie later at the Auto Drive In.

Secrets like these are meant to be told! South Carolina has the most spectacular places to visit. The best thing about each and every one of these is that they are family-friendly. I always try to find places like this because it’s so much more fun when you can share it with your children. If you know of any other best kept secrets in South Carolina you think more people should know about, nominate them here.

Address: Bluffton, SC, USA
Address: James Island, South Carolina 29412, USA
Address: Pawleys Island, SC, USA
Address: 3140 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
Address: Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, USA
Address: Snow Island, South Carolina 29555, USA
Address: Greenwood, SC, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Kept Secrets In South Carolina

December 04, 2020
Leah

Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit?

There are many lesser known places in South Carolina you can visit to discover the hidden beauty in them all. For a scenic town, take a trip to Walhalla, South Carolina. This picturesque town is marvelous in the fall especially. It’s also close to hidden gems like the Stumphouse Tunnel. You can take a trip to a nostalgic country store in the Palmetto State by visiting Cooper’s Country Store in the town of Salters. It looks right out of the good old days, and it’s fun to visit for the whole family. It’s no secret that South Carolina’s beaches are popular summer destinations. Skip the busy places like Myrtle Beach and discover some of the other great spots along the coast that are quieter but just as fun. Edisto Beach is a good example of exactly that, with beautiful sandy shores that don’t have every square inch taken up by someone else’s beach towel.

What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in South Carolina?

With so many things to do in South Carolina, here are a few that should top your list when visiting since they are unique to the state. Not many states can say they have a “fountain of youth,” but SC is said to have exactly that just out in a seemingly random spot in the woods. Gods Acre Healing Springs is a simple spot with a pipe in the ground with fresh spring water running from it. This water is said to have healing properties and people swear by it. Another unique spot is a topiary garden unlike any other, with a unique story behind it. Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden in Bishopville has delighted many passersby for years. The enchanting shapes and patterns made in the bushes and trees of one man’s yard are quite impressive and worth checking out at least once.

What are the best little known restaurants in South Carolina?

If you enjoy discovering restaurants that may seem a little off the beaten path, so to speak, South Carolina has plenty that are worth seeking out. Charleston is known for its great culinary establishments, but not so many people know places like the Coast Bar and Grill are hiding down alleyways. They may be hidden, but their food is spectacular. Edisto Island, South Carolina has a restaurant hiding inside an old post office that’s fittingly named The Old Post Office. Their tasty dishes are worth a try. If you enjoy German food, there’s a restaurant in Myrtle Beach called the Cafe Old Vienna with tons of charm and a menu full of deliciousness.

Address: Bluffton, SC, USA
Address: James Island, South Carolina 29412, USA
Address: Pawleys Island, SC, USA
Address: 3140 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
Address: Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, USA
Address: Snow Island, South Carolina 29555, USA
Address: Greenwood, SC, USA