What You’ll Find In These Small Towns In South Carolina May Surprise You

Small towns are great, aren't they? We love our small communities in the Palmetto State.

Being small makes things that are just a little different stand out even more. Example: put a giant statue of a turkey outside a popular pizza spot next to a super busy plaza in Mount Pleasant and it's just part of the landscape and not so noticeable. Am I right? But, put a giant turkey out on the edge of the sidewalk in a small town and it becomes - a landmark.

Let's take a look at some of the things we've found in small towns in the Palmetto State. These things may surprise you.

1. UFO Welcome Center BUT NO ALIENS - Bowman, SC

In Bowman a local has created a uniquely crafted UFO Welcome Center. We find this very interesting because according to the National UFO Reporting Center (yes, there is such an organization) not a single UFO sighting has been filed from Bowman, SC in at least the last three years. You can check the list if you want. Hm....makes me wonder if there's a reason no one gets a chance to report seeing a UFO at the UFO Welcome Center....

2. Giant inedible turkeys - Edgefield, SC

Turkeys. Turkeys. And more, you guessed it, turkeys. They're all over downtown. All year round. That's because Edgefield, SC is the headquarters of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

3. A kazoo factory and museum - Beaufort, SC

Did you know Beaufort has a Kazoo Factory and Museum? It's true. Pop in for a tour and to make your own Kazoo. Details are in the video below.

4. A giant teapot and the only Teapot Museum in the State - Elloree, SC

Thousands of (regularly sized) teapots can be seen in one of the world's largest teapot collections on display in Elloree. This museum is open by appointment only so call ahead to schedule a visit. 803-897-2133

5. The annual Cooter Festival - Allendale, SC

Save the dates of May 6-7, 2016 for the 6th annual CooterFest over in Allendale. You can run/walk the 5K or just enjoy the festivities and wait for the turtle races to begin.

6. One bridge that crosses the same river THREE times - Bethune, SC

Just north of Bethune, SC the Lynches River forms an "s" right under Rt. 1. The raised highway/bridge crosses Lynches River 3 times in way less than a mile.

7. A drive-in theatre that has a giant peach for a projection room - Monetta, SC

The Monetta Drive-in was opened in 1951, closed in 1986 and reopened in 1989 as "The Big Mo." Recently, they added a giant peach as their projector room.

8. Hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins invade Bomb Island - Lake Murray, SC

2015 marked the return of the popular Purple Martins to Lake Murray. They usually roost here each year, but in 2014 they bypassed Lake Murray and favor of another spot.

9. A giant roadside peach - Gaffney, SC

10. ...and a giant roadside egg - Newberry, SC

And you thought Gaffney's giant peach was attention-grabbing. Both are very interesting water towers!

11. Multiple sightings of the Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp - Lee County, SC

Never a dull moment, not in the Palmetto State. But that's why we love it so much.

Were you surprised by any of the things on our list? There MUST be some additional surprising things in our small towns around the state. Add to the list by inserting your comments and photos in the comments section on Facebook.