Here Are 12 More Spots In South Carolina To Explore This Winter
Winters in South Carolina are never dull. Traffic in the tourist towns always gets a little better and time seems to move a little slower. Both things mean you can more easily break away and get out to enjoy life a little more, right? Last winter we offered these 9 Spots In South Carolina To Explore This Winter that included some more mainstream attractions.
This year, our list is off the charts. You’ll hit the most remote restaurant in the entire state (it’s on an island, by the way) and take a full-on Ghost Towns Road Trip, among other things. So break out your calendar, start messaging your friends and let’s get the best winter spots to explore in South Carolina officially booked on your calendar. Ready? Go!
Head to Hilton Head to catch a ferry to Dafuskie Island where you'll eat at the most remote restaurant in the state of South Carolina. You probably should get reservations just to assure your place at the table. Make reservations and check seasonal hours of operation on their website here.
Take a walk or a run on Lake Murray Dam. It's only three miles out and back on a paved surface. But the payoff is beautiful views, especially at sunset. Access points are on either side of the dam in Irmo and Lexington.
Go visit the biggest tree you'll find in South Carolina, and possibly the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi. This winter is the perfect time to tick this one off your bucket list. There will be fewer tourists than "in season." How to find it: Angel Oak is located in Angel Oak Park. The park is free and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The address is 3671 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455.
Gilmore Girls fans can rejoice! Because you can visit South Carolina's own "Stars Hollow" and it's right off Interstate 26 in the small city of Newberry. Complete with the famous square where all the fun events happen to the Grille on Main which of course is the iconic Luke's Diner! Visit this charming little town this winter and discover a secret "Stars Hollow" right here in South Carolina.
Vist the home of the 68th Governor of South Carolina, William Gist. Rose Hill Plantation served as the Governor's mansion while he was in office and it was here that Governor Gist wrote to other Governors in the South suggesting they all consider seceeding from the Union if Abraham Lincoln was elected in the upcoming Presidential election.
Pay a visit to the small town of Yemassese, SC where there's so much to see and do it could take all weekend! More information in this OnlyInYourState article.
There's a whole network of people out there who love exploring ghost towns. The ghost town of Pinckneyville is a good place to start. Read more about this old town and its famous feud here. And here's a Google Map with the location.
Wow. Maybe the cows for chocolate milk really are brown! Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer, South Carolina is a working farm and milk bottling plant and they are open for tours! Find out more here.
9. Visit the most haunted cemetery in the state, if you dare...
Known as "Hells Gate," but officially called "Oakwood Cemetery," this Spartanburg graveyard earned its reputation by having so many weird things happen here. Things like having your cell battery die within minutes of stepping foot through the gates. Same goes for your flashlight. You should visit during the day! Here's where to find it: 182 Oakwood Avenue, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302.
10. Want more paranormal stuff? Take the ultimate Ghost Towns Road Trip!
Pier 14 is a destination all unto itself. Thankfully, she survived Hurricane Matthew in October. Enjoy the full-service restaurant and then a nice walk on the pier after. Time it right and you may find live music or another event here. You'll find more information on their Facebook page.
Let’s see…with 12 great activities and roughly 12 weeks of winter, this should pretty much have the season packed full of fun and discovery. But we’d love to hear what other interesting things you’re planning for this winter season. Our comments section is always open and waiting for your input.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
