Agriculture is an important contributor to South Carolina's economy, grossing an estimated $2.4 billion each year. In addition to buying local produce, you can support farms in other ways such as attending events like the Sunflower Festival, staying overnight on a farm, bottle-feeding baby goats, and more. There's a good chance of finding farm experiences near you, with nearly 25,000 farms and 4.8 million acres of farmland in South Carolina. Orangeburg County alone has 230,111 acres of farmland, making it one of the largest agricultural-producing counties in the state, with fertile, slightly rolling land. Let's explore the town of Orangeburg, the county seat and a perfect spot for a small-town getaway in South Carolina.
Located just over 40 miles slightly southeast of Columbia, Orangeburg has a 2024 population of 13,316.
McCurley Farms is just one of Orangeburg County's farms where you can buy local produce. Its 60 acres of farmland yields assorted vegetables, strawberries, blackberries, and scuppernong.
You'll also find fresh local produce as well as other goods from a variety of vendors at the DORA Farmers Market at the Pavilion on Russell Street Tuesdays through Saturdays from April through December.
If you visit in June, look for the annual DORA Farm to Table dinner event for an amazing meal! It's held at the same pavilion.
During your South Carolina getaway, don't miss the picturesque Edisto Memorial Gardens, responsible for giving Orangeburg the nickname, "The Garden City."
The gardens cover 175 acres with a 1.2-mile trail, the Edisto Gardens Loop, which meanders through the gardens. For three days in the spring, join around 40,000 in attendance for the Festival of Roses at Edisto Memorial Gardens.
While exploring Orangeburg, South Carolina, take time to check out the I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium, located on the South Carolina State University campus. It combines art, history, science, and culture celebrating the African diaspora.
And for some of the best country cooking of your life, be sure to stop by CrossRoads Country Buffet & Seafood Restaurant, a spot people drive 45 minutes to an hour one way to enjoy!
As you can see, Orangeburg makes a wonderful small-town getaway in South Carolina when you're looking for a new adventure.
Have you ever visited this part of the state before?
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