1. Hartsville, 2. York, 3. Edisto Island, 4. Clemson, 5. Beaufort, 6. Hilton Head Island, 7. Travelers Rest, 8. Georgetown, 9. Isle of Palms, 10. Abbeville. Since some of the towns in South Carolina date back as far as the 18th century, they utterly refute the notion that the United States of America is a “new country.” They are playgrounds for anybody with an eye for architecture and a heart ready for history. There are Old Deep South plantations, which served as opulent wealthy people’s retreats in the past. South Carolina is rich in the origins of the New World as well as modern America itself; it is the state where the Civil War’s opening salvos were fired. And here are the most popular small towns in South Carolina.
Hartsville
Although South Carolina is well-known for its beaches and bayous, the Palmetto State is also home to a ton of adorable small towns that make for fantastic day trips and fun family vacation destinations. Hartsville, South Carolina, is a location to take into consideration for anyone who enjoys parks, historic areas, and oysters. This South Carolina small town is ideal for a family vacation. Welcome to Hartsville, South Carolina, a community of just under 8,000 people that still retains a lot of its small-town charm. This location is practically ideal for family road trips because it offers a ton of history and outdoor adventures.
The Hartsville Museum, a former post office from the 1930s that has been converted into a place for history and art, is one important stop. This charming museum offers a sculpture garden, historical film exhibits, and a mural depicting the first commercial studio in the town. If you’re interested in exploring Hartsville’s natural surroundings, Kalmia Gardens is a stunning botanical haven with a cypress swamp that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the Palmetto State. When you’re in town, a visit to Vintage Craft Beer and Wine will have you considering a variety of items to try out and take home for later. It’s similar to taking another road trip, but this time stopping at craft breweries and wineries across the nation.
There are many attractions in the town’s National Historic District, including Lawton Park. Being an old town, it has history ingrained in its very fabric. Stopping by the Fleur De Lis Antiques Mall, where you’re sure to find all kinds of treasures, is all it takes to bring a little bit of history home. With history all around you and right under your feet, it’s simple to spend a pleasant weekend taking advantage of everything Hartsville has to offer. While you’re in town, be sure to pick up some oysters.
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York
The quaint little town of York, South Carolina, is just 13 miles from Rock Hill and about 35 miles from Charlotte. The historic downtown of York is well-known for its long history and warm southern hospitality. Discover why we believe York is the best day trip destination in South Carolina with so much to do and see. Visit the McCelvey Center, a historical landmark, to start your day with some history. The 500-seat Lowry Family Theater now resides on the 1852-founded site of the Yorkville Female College. The theater regularly hosts events and is renowned for its perfect acoustics. The main goal of the Lowry Family Theater is to showcase local culture through the performing arts while also serving as a hub for both artistic development and community enrichment.
Looking for something to eat after getting hungry? Locals and visitors alike enjoy visiting Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, a family-run apple orchard with all the bells and whistles. You can take a farm tour, pick your own apples, drink fresh cider, and even sip craft hard ciders. Also, the apple cider donuts are not to be missed; some claim they are the best in the county. Before you go, be sure to check their seasonal hours. Do peaches appeal to you more? The Peach Tree Orchard is worth visiting. An outdoor market with a focus on peaches and other regional goods is called The Peach Tree Orchard. Don’t forget to stop by their ice cream shop and get a milkshake or scoop of peach ice cream.
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Edisto Island
This summer, do you want to stay away from the crowded beaches, parking woes, loud bars, and busy intersections? Obtain Edisto! The best South Carolina beach town to visit in warm weather may very well be this one. Edisto is among the places that have avoided over development and hordes of tourists, right behind Pawleys Island and possibly the few islands here that can only be reached by boat. It’s a location where you’ll need to rent a home or use Edisto Beach State Park if you want a place to stay. The park has two campgrounds with more than 100 campsites, some of which are suitable for RVs, and seven fully furnished cabins. Beach Campground and a salt marsh are where the campgrounds are situated (Live Oak Campground).
Any summer day can feel a little bit like paradise thanks to Edisto Beach State Park’s ocean breezes. Explore the marsh, a maritime forest, and a ton of sand between your toes as you hike the park’s 4.2-mile network of trails. Prefer a beach that is farther away? Drive a few miles away from the island to Botany Bay, where you can take a short hike on a trail to a beach that is unlike any other in the area. You’re sure to be hungry after spending the day at Edisto Beach having fun in the sun. There are numerous options for eating out! If you’re in the mood for Mexican food or a margarita, Tortuga’s Mexican Grill is a fantastic option.
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Clemson
To help simplify paperwork, Clemson joined more than 100 other South Carolina cities and towns in adopting the standardized business license application. If you like to play on the water, hike through the woods, or golf on one of South Carolina’s top public courses, Clemson has plenty of options for you. Given that it has a population greater than 10,000 but less than 50,000, Clemson would be categorized as a medium-sized town.
This college town is teeming with eateries, welcoming citizens, and Appalachian charm. It is conveniently situated close to the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills for visitors. It is clear why Clemson was selected by the Princeton Review as one of the top college towns. Visit the South Carolina Botanical Garden while you’re here, which is situated on the Clemson University campus. The 295-acre sanctuary and a kid-friendly treehouse are both included in this free attraction. You can discover more about the local flora and fauna while you’re here. Explore the campus and its surroundings to find a variety of interesting stores and eateries.
This region is surrounded by historical landmarks. Learn about how people have lived in Clemson over the years by taking a tour of the Hanover House or Fort Hill Plantation. The Abernathy is a great option if you’re looking for a place to stay in Clemson because it’s just one block from Memorial Stadium and two blocks from Fort Hill Plantation. This hotel welcomes pets and offers large rooms with fireplaces and kitchenettes as well as on-site dining.
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Beaufort
Beaufort is a great destination for a getaway if you’re looking for a relaxed, Southern town that exudes Southern charm. Architecture lovers will adore this ancient city. Fantastic antebellum building examples line the streets. On Port Royal Island, the setting is picture-perfect and straight out of a vintage South postcard. There are many options for accommodations in historic inns and B&Bs, especially if rocking on a front porch is on your bucket list.
Take advantage of the distinctive waterways by kayaking or spend time visiting the many historic museums and sites. Take a stroll through the town to find a variety of interesting restaurants and stores. Don’t miss a stroll along the water on the boardwalk at the Sands in Port Royal after fueling up at a neighborhood café. If you experience a sense of familiarity while crossing the Woods Memorial Bridge, you might remember it from Forrest Gump. The Beaufort Inn, which is situated in the Historic District, provides a variety of accommodations, ranging from standard rooms to suites and private cottages. The property’s gardens and verandas offer plenty of outdoor seating for guests to unwind and take in the scenery. The inn offers a wide range of amenities, including a full suite of spa services, fitness and yoga classes, car service, and free parking.
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Hilton Head Island
The island of Hilton Head is among the top destinations in South Carolina. The landscape includes stunning beaches, tennis courts, golf courses, and an incredible ecosystem for adventure. There are a total of more than 12 miles of beach, giving visitors plenty of space to spread out while sunbathing and engaging in the local pastime of beach biking. Coligny Beach Park, which is surrounded by amenities and close to Coligny Plaza’s dining and shopping options, is one of the most well-liked areas.
Festivals are held all year long for visitors, making this coastal destination much more than just a destination for a beach vacation and one of the many reasons families return there each year. A variety of performances are scheduled at the Arts Center, and the community frequently has live music as well. This well-known island destination offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and B&B stays to ensure that you can find the kind of vacation you’re looking for. A five-star resort that offers rooms, suites, cottages, and entire homes so that even the largest families can join in the fun, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a favorite among luxury vacationers. On-site activities at the resort include an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, several pools, horseback riding, kayaking, and boating, as well as a variety of free fitness classes. Additionally, there are six on-site dining options.
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Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest is well known among the locals as a hiking and outdoor adventure destination. It is situated halfway between Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since it serves as a rest stop between the mountains and its surrounding areas, the tiny city earns its name honestly. When traveling by horse and buggy in the past, it offered the ideal setting for a reprieve. It still feels like a small town because there are fewer than 5,000 people living there. Don’t miss the waterfalls and fantastic hiking in the Wildcat Wayside Mountain region. When the mountain laurel is in bloom and the falls are full in the spring, it is especially lovely. Another choice is Trailblazer Park, which offers a farmers’ market, cultural center, and open-air theater, all of which can be enjoyed while admiring the mountains.
Bicyclists frequent the Travelers Rest area in great numbers because they can access the multi-use trail that follows the Reedy River for miles of picturesque pedaling. The Carolina Bee Company, which is humming with all things honey and beekeeping, is also located in the town. After a day of hiking and scenic overlooks, Hotel Domestique offers the ideal boutique accommodation. This four-star hotel is located on a lovely estate at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a variety of on-site and nearby activities for guests. This resort-style hotel welcomes families and offers multiple pools (one of which is saltwater), on-site fine dining, bicycle rentals and tours, spa services, and room service that can accommodate special dietary needs.
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Georgetown
In and around its downtown district, Georgetown is home to more than 50 historic homes, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Harborwalk, where visitors can find delightful shops and award-winning restaurants, is easily accessible from all of these locations. Visitors can expect picturesque views and the best of Southern hospitality in Georgetown, a city rich in history. Five museums are located in the downtown, or “Front Street”, area, where visitors can take it all in under oak-lined streets. In fact, several undeveloped beaches are only short drives from downtown Georgetown. The town is situated about an hour’s drive from Charleston to the south and about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach to the north.
Georgetown, South Carolina, is the place to be for those seeking a taste of real coastal life, whether for a getaway or a future home. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestones in the historic old town, where some of the American founding fathers left their imprint. There are still many historic homes in the area, providing a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. The National Historic Register includes the Kinloch Plantation, also known as the Milldam Rice Mill. Another way to learn about the area from the water is to take a boat tour with one of the well-known charter sailing companies.
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Isle of Palms
This may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of “tiny towns” in the Palmetto State. Although this barrier island is 6.5 miles long, the Isle of Palms is actually a small town. The primary shopping district is limited to a few blocks. Even the local public-school systems in Sullivan’s Island and Mt. Pleasant are used by residents of the island. The Isle of Palms has managed to stop the construction of large developments and prevent the construction of high-rise hotels, and as a result, the community has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere. Consequently, this island offers breathtaking natural beauty in spades.
You’ve come to the right place if you enjoy water sports and beach volleyball. If one of the Windjammer Club’s renowned beach volleyball competitions is taking place, check their website. If you feel like experiencing the nightlife of a big city, you can drive across the bridge and over the Intracoastal Waterway to the attractions in Charleston and take advantage of everything the city has to offer. You can also book a parasailing or jet-skiing adventure if you dare. The Wild Dunes Resort is a great full-service resort that provides a variety of room types and activity packages so that you can make the most of your stay if you’re looking for a place to stay on the island. Two 18-hole golf courses, one of which houses a prestigious golf school, are located at the resort, along with a sizable tennis facility. To make the most of their stay, visitors can also rent kayaks, bikes, and other items.
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Abbeville
The state’s upstate region contains the charming small town of Abbeville. It was founded in 1758 and formally incorporated in 1832. As of 2020, there were 4,802 people living there. Despite being much smaller in size, it has a similar vibe to Charleston. In Abbeville, there are numerous historical sites to enjoy and explore. Along with some of the region’s historical landmarks, downtown Abbeville features quaint 19th-century homes, shops, and eateries. The magnificent, shaded Court Square, which is also one of the town’s historic landmarks and is where some of the others are situated, serves as the center of Abbeville’s Historic District.
The Burt-Stark Mansion, located at 400 North Main Street, was constructed in the Greek Revival style in the 1830s and is regarded as the architectural gem of the community. When Confederate President Jefferson Davis was persuaded by his generals and cabinet that Southern resources were depleted, he decided that continuing the war would cause more harm than good. This is where the War between the States finally came to an end. Trinity Episcopal Church, the city of Abbeville’s oldest still-standing church, was erected between 1859 and 1860 as war preparations were underway. It has a regal presence thanks to its 125-foot steeple and traditional Gothic architecture. When you’ve had enough of all the construction, you can leave town and hike in some peaceful woodlands in the Long Cane Scenic Area, which is located southeast of the city.
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Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-small-towns-in-south-carolina-v4023.html
Keyword: Top Best Small Towns in South Carolina