Three Reasons to Visit South Carolina

The reasons why one might want to visit South Carolina could be considered too numerous to mention; but here are three big reasons to visit this state – destinations and experiences that simply must be included on one’s vacation itinerary. 

Pawley’s Island

When you combine warm sand between your toes, blue water as far as the eye can see, seabirds flying overhead and the aroma of the Atlantic sea air, you find yourself immersed in a forget-the-world get-away on one of South Carolina’s breath-taking beaches.  Whether Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, Hunting Island or Lowcountry’s Kiawah Island Resort, you will have an opportunity to embed yourself in South Carolina’s charming ocean-front towns where fresh seafood is as abundant as stars on a clear, night sky.

One beach location, in particular, is Pawley’s Island, snuggled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach.  You can rent a beach house 500 feet from the shore and get the feel of what it’s like to be a local.  The only drawback is you may want to stay forever.  If you love the feel of resorts or hotels, however, there are plenty located across the island where some options include posh golf suites and villas.

South Carolina is known for its docks, and you can spend the day crabbing off the Pawley Island docks, or take a short drive from Pawley’s Island to a 9,100 acre wildlife preserve called Brookgreen Gardens.  Here you can take in a 300-acre sculpture garden, creek excursions, pontoon boat cruises, back-road tours, and a wild-life sanctuary where not taking pictures is unheard of.

Whatever time of day or night you get hungry, visit the beckoning seafood restaurants around Pawley’s Island where succulent lobster, all-you-can eat oysters shrimp, or herb-encrusted grouper, for example, will give your taste buds the thrill of a lifetime.  Then, there is an English pub with freshly-brewed lagers and ales, historic specialty shops, local artists, live music and galleries that will make you forget your address back home and make you feel as if you have stepped into a completely different world.  

Swan Lake Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Your bucket-list should include a visit to Swan Lake located in Sumpter, South Carolina where wildlife is abundant and where 8 species of swans co-exist.  Interestingly, most of the swans that grace the landscape were born at Swan Lake; and many of the Australian and Mute swans are descendents of those that were brought to the gardens as early as the 1930’s!  If you are a bird lover, you will delight in seeing anhingas, herons, Canadian geese and other exotic species that take full advantage of the warmth and safety Swan Lake offers.  Being the natural habitat that it is, Swan Lake is not void of an occasional alligator-siting, or two.

Swan Lake, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the state, is dotted with a number of islands, and takes in more than 500,000 visitors each year from around the world.  In this pristine setting, you will find Swan Lake Iris Gardens which covers 150 colorful acres filled with stunning flowers that permeate the landscape.  Species including camellias, azaleas, day lilies, Japanese magnolias and Japanese Irises proudly display their exquisite beauty and delicious scents for all to behold.

If you have a yearning to take a bit of Swan Lake Iris Gardens home with you, you can purchase Iris plants during the Sumter Iris Festival, held every Memorial Day weekend.  This annual celebration offers arts and crafts, children’s activities, music, food, and more; and it remains Sumter’s most-anticipated event.  Due to the unrivaled beauty of Swan Lake, this oasis has been featured in publications including Southern Living and Better Homes Gardens.

The Beaches

South Carolina’s shoreline of sub-tropical beaches and marsh-like sea islands add to the state’s immense charm, excitement and ambiance.  Miles and miles of uninterrupted seashore with sprawling resorts provide beach-lovers with a generous slice of Heaven on Earth. 

For instance, there is Kiawah Island off South Carolina’s coast with 10 miles of unspoiled beaches and 10,000 acres of natural woodlands.  Or, how about Myrtle Beach?  This coveted beach locale is the East Coast’s ultimate vacation get-away where one will find an expansive 60-mile stretch of silky white sand that will caress your feet and soothe your soul.  Also, fishing, swimming, sailing and surfing are a daily indulgence.  Then, there is The Isle of Palms where one can experience Front Beach where nesting sea turtles lay their eggs in the tall dunes.  For extra seclusion, one can acquire private-beach access at the Wild Dunes Resort.  Beaches, beaches and more beaches make up the coastal landscape of South Carolina; and there is no room for boredom here!

Whether you live or play along South Carolina’s coastline, one thing is for sure:  Life’s a beach!