Many times, the big towns and cities in South Carolina get billed as having all the attractions and fun things to see and do. But we know that's not the case, right? The small towns in the Palmetto State have some fun and interesting things, too. Take a look at the following list, which includes the 11 best places to live in rural South Carolina. They sure are delightful!
1. Blackville
Blackville has a Mennonite restaurant that's worthy of a stop. Miller's Bread Basket is located at 483 Main Street and won't disappoint. And of course, any visit to Blackville in Barnwell County, South Carolina should include a visit to God's Acre Healing Springs, an artesian well that was left to God in the previous owners' will. For centuries, the well has been thought to have special healing powers. You can stop and fill your own bottles with the waters that folk tales say have healing properties.
2. Bowman
Bowman may be infamous for a bizarre roadside attraction known as the UFO Welcome Center, but there's actually some bonafide things to see in Bowman. This little town of around 1,200 residents banned together and built an eternal flame war memorial to honor neighbors who've died serving our country. That cancels out the bizarre roadside attraction, right?
3. Chesterfield
Chesterfield was established in 1785 and still boasts some pretty fantastic architecture from the 19th century. At 716 W. Main, you'll find the Dr. Thomas Lucas house, which was built in 1868. The Chesterfield County Courthouse shown above, the third of its kind since the first two are long gone, sports a stunning cupola.
4.
Many of South Carolina's towns got their start because they were a natural place for a railway to stop. But Due West is different. This charming small town was built around a church at the end of the 18th century. Today, the ties to the church remain in this quaint community. Due West is home to Erskine College and Seminary.
5. Estill
The Town of Estill is the quintessential South Carolina rural small town. The area was settled in 1900 when the railroad established a depot here. Being small and being rural doesn't mean Estill is behind the times. Elizabeth's Ice Cream Shop and Deli has a Facebook page that's on fire with everything from daily specials in the deli to community events. Elizabeth's is located at 205 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd S, Estill, South Carolina.
6. Lake View
Incorporated in 1907 as Page's Mill, the tiny town of Lake View, South Carolina does have a water view. The town limits circle half of Page's Mill Pond. The beautiful body of water is laden with cypress trees and is a photographer's dream.
7. McConnells
Who says tiny towns can't have an exciting attraction? The rural town of McConnells, population 270, includes the beautiful Brattonsville Historic District. The site includes a home built in 1776. Visit the museum and grounds of this notable plantation. More information.
8. North
Yes, Virginia, there is a town in South Carolina that's called "North." North, South Carolina is a charming little place in spite of having such a confusing name. Even more confusing would be living on North Road in North, South Carolina. North, South Carolina is noted as the birthplace of singer Eartha Kitt.
9. Peak
Step into the past in this tiny community just off I-26 between Columbia and Greenville. Noted for a popular passage of the Palmetto Trail called the "Peak to Prosperity Passage," Peak is also home to this wonderful abandoned church, St. Simon's Church. Peak's population in 2015 was estimated to be 65 residents.
10. Pinewood
Over in Sumter County on the southern side of the area known as the High Hills of the Santee, sits the small town of Pinewood, which has a population of less than 500. Notable spots of interest here include the Pinewood Depot in "downtown" and the Millwood Plantation (above) located on Hwy 261 west of town.
11. Rockville
Most noted for the annual Rockville Regatta that takes place at the yacht club in this small community, Rockville was an old summer resort town. Today, it's filled with the private homes of its population of roughly 125, residents that value their privacy. Even the church shown above is situated on private property.
Rural South Carolina is definitely where it's at, according to some people. These 11 rural towns most certainly offer a chance to get away from it all.
Bonus: Want one more fabulous small town to visit? You'll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Tiny Town In South Carolina.
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