SOUTH CAROLINA: THE PALMETTO STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
Across the America many couples are having
wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a
honeymoon to rest and recuperate. Vacations are so
important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free
relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that
will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding
experience. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Sultry climes, a captivating history and enticing scenery: welcome to South Carolina y'all.
The
‘Palmetto State' is blessed with stunning landscapes – from the rolling hills
of the Upcountry to the glistening lakes of the midlands – but it's the
coastline that lures most visitors.
Plant
your parasol on the sun-drenched shores of Myrtle Beach for classic seaside
fun, with boardwalk amusements, boogie boarding and boat tours all up for
grabs. The city is also home to the South Carolina Civil War Museum, which
tells the story of the conflict through the eyes of the state.
Beaufort
on Port Royal Island is easy on the eye thanks to its raft of beautifully
restored antebellum homes. But if you're looking to escape the cities, take a
trip to Hilton Head, a narrow barrier island that's generously clad with
beautiful beaches, unspoiled forest and world-class golf courses.
With
its lack of skyscrapers and bevy of 19th-century mansions, the coastal
metropolis of Charleston is anything but an identikit US city. It's the site of
the country's first permanent European settlement and today crackles with a
stellar dining scene, characterful boutique hotels and Southern charm aplenty.
Away
from the coast, South Carolina's back roads offer visitors the chance to pick
juicy peaches, explore rambling plantations and encounter Revolutionary and
Civil War sites and re-enactments.
Beyond
that take in the terrific museums of the state capital, Columbia, waterski
across Lake Murray, or paddle through Congaree National Park's murky creeks and
hardwood forests. And don't leave without visiting the foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains, where you can hike and bike to your heart's content.
Things
to see and do in South Carolina
Bask on the beach
Soak up a little luxury
while relaxing at a Myrtle Beach or Charleston beach resort, such as the Wild
Dunes Resort (www.wilddunes.com) on the Isle of Palms, or the
golf resort of Kiawah Island (www.kiawahresort.com).
Brookgreen Gardens
Explore Brookgreen Gardens
(www.thewebstation.com/brookgreen), a showplace of
art and nature on the site of four colonial rice plantations. Over 550 of
America's finest 19th- and 20th-century sculptures are scattered throughout the
gardens.
Charles Towne Landing
Take a guided tram tour at
Charles Towne Landing (www.charlestowne.org), site of the first permanent
English settlement in South Carolina. Board a 17th-century trading ketch
replica, or explore 11km (7 miles) of pathways through beautiful English
gardens.
Charleston Ghost
and Dungeon Walking Tour
Walk through a
pre-revolutionary dungeon on the Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour (www.charlestondungeon.com)
as you explore the haunted old Historic District.
Charleston
Tour Charleston's historic
churches in this town nicknamed 'The Holy City'. Among the most historic are
the First Baptist Church (www.fbcharleston.org), French Huguenot Church (www.frenchhuguenotchurch.org)
and St Philip's Episcopal Church (www.stphilipschurchsc.org).
Columbia Museum of Art
Tour the Columbia Museum
of Art (www.columbiamuseum.org), where contemporary art
shares the spotlight with masterpieces of the baroque and Renaissance.
Confederate
Relic Room and Museum
Rediscover the history of
the South at the Confederate Relic Room and Museum (www.state.sc.us/crr)
in Columbia. The museum features weapons and memorabilia, including flags,
newspapers, clothing, pictures and money.
Fort Jackson Museum
Trace the history of the
American soldier at the Fort Jackson Museum (www.jackson.army.mil/museum),
where a special exhibit focuses on the life and times of President Andrew
Jackson.
Fort Sumter
Explore Fort Sumter (www.nps.gov/fosu),
where the first shots of the Civil War were fired from Fort Johnson in 1861.
Boat tours to Fort Sumter leave from Liberty Square and Patriots Point Maritime
Museum (www.patriotspoint.org).
Get wet
Get wet on any one of the
fun water rides at Myrtle Waves Water Park (www.lovingmyrtlebeach.com/attractions) and Wild
Water and Wheels (www.wild-water.com) in Surfside Beach. The Family
Kingdom Amusement Park (www.family-kingdom.com) boasts Swamp Fox, a
legendary wooden roller coaster.
Golf
Tee off on one of over 335
golf courses statewide. The Low Country offers more than 100 championship
courses, several of which are frequented by renowned master players - the
Kiawah Island Resort is ranked as one of the top courses in the USA. Visit
Hilton Head (www.hiltonheadisland.org), considered a golfing and
tennis paradise with its miles of dazzling white sand beaches, bike trails,
beaches, tennis courts and some of the nation's premier golf courses.
Horse and carriage ride
Take a horse and carriage
ride through the Downtown Historic District of Charleston (www.charlestoncvb.com),
and enjoy the charm of this gracious southern town.
Myrtle Beach
Entertain the children at
Myrtle Beach attractions such as the Myrtle Beach National Wax Museum; Myrtle
Beach Pavilion Amusement Park; NASCAR Speedpark; and Ripley's Aquarium.
Pawley's Island
Rent an old beach house on
Pawley's Island (www.townofpawleysisland.com), once a refuge for
colonial rice planters' families wishing to avoid malaria. Buy an original
Pawley's Island rope hammock that is handmade in this area.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Spend the day at the
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (www.riverbanks.org) in Columbia. Watch elephant
training demonstrations, penguin feedings or bird flight demonstrations. The
zoo has won many awards, including one for its toucan-breeding program.
Spirit of South Carolina
Admire the Spirit of South
Carolina (www.scmaritime.org), a replica tall ship docked at
the north end of Union Terminal Pier.
Shopping & nightlife in South Carolina
Popular
places to shop for bargains in Myrtle Beach include the Waccamaw Outlet Park,
the Myrtle Beach Factory Stores, the variety of shops at Barefoot Landing and
numerous golf and sporting goods shops. A popular purchase is the Pawley's
Island hammock, which visitors can watch being made at the Hammock Shop on
Pawley's Island. Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head also offer good
shopping opportunities at the Tanger Outlet Centers and the massive Coastal
Grand Mall of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach.
Nightlife in South Carolina
The liveliest spot in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach, where the
nightclubs are open for business every night of the week. Choices range from
country music venues to high-energy dance clubs.
In Charleston, fun-seekers should head for the trendy Terrace at Merion Square or the eclectic Tristan in the
city's French Quarter.
REFERENCE SITES:
South Carolina is a great place to be from.
Tim Scott
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