Things To Do In Smyrna, South Carolina

If you live in one of the big cities in South Carolina, you may often wonder what it would be like to move to the country. Would life seem to be less complex? Whoever said “the grass is greener on the other side” may have been spot-on in the case of the smallest town in the state. The grass, the trees, and the views are definitely greener in Smyrna. But is life in the state’s smallest town also better? We can’t answer that, but we can certainly say there is plenty to do in Smyrna, South Carolina.

Smyrna, South Carolina (population: 45) is an incorporated town. And oddly enough, even though it's technically less than 0.75 of a square mile, Smyrna straddles two counties in the Piedmont: York and Cherokee.

As you may expect from a rural town, there are some gorgeous old buildings that are gawk-worthy and full of historic charm. This one sits next to the fire station right in the middle of "town."

It's hard to call it town, really, when there's no official town hall or defined retail center. If you blink as you round the turn on SC-233, you may even miss it.

But don't blink. Because next to the convenience store, you'll find the old Symrna Barber Shop, now an abandoned roadside attraction. We found one source on the Internet that claims this barber shop was the smallest business in the state in its heyday.

Blink and you may also miss the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department. Its members are each part of the community they protect.

When there's an emergency in Smyrna, albeit health, fire, or other, it's the fire department that shows up first. In the photo below, taken in 2012, a small aircraft crashed in Smyrna. There are eight people in this photo. That's nearly 20 percent of the town that showed up to help out.

Life in small towns generally means people are a little more willing to lend a helping hand. Perhaps it's because they're less busy. In this photo, someone from Smyrna Baptist Church is helping out a neighbor who has a tree problem.

Life in Smyrna means you'll find some services and things right in town. But for the most part, you'll need to travel to a neighboring city to get your staples.

Luckily, Walmart in York is only a short 20-minute drive away.

In Smyrna, you can find some uniquely rural areas, including farms.

Check out the Roger Ridge Ranch, which is just on the outskirts of the official town. The sprawling property has been in the owner's family for generations and is a beautiful place to explore.

They offer a spot for the community to gather a couple of times a year with special farm-sponsored events in the spring and summer. The farm is also open for outside events like birthday parties, reunions, and weddings.

Roger Ridge Ranch is a good place to bring little ones, where they can meet a menagerie of hogs, goats, chickens, ducks, horses, and dogs.

If you have ever wondered what life would be like in the smallest town around, then head to Smyrna ... just don't blink as you drive through.

Have you been to Smyrna? Or, even better, do you live there? We’d love to hear what you think life is like in one of the smallest towns in South Carolina! Let us know in the comments.

If you love exploring the beauty of South Carolina, consider taking a road trip on one of the many scenic routes located throughout the state. Try these country roads for an unforgettable drive. Pay particular attention to the Western York Scenic Byway. It ends right near Smyrna and might be a great way to get to town for a visit!

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Things To Do in South Carolina

Michelle S. | March 22, 2023

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in South Carolina?

The best hidden gem restaurants in South Carolina can be found in just about every corner of the state. Here are a few to try:

Driftwoods Seafood & Steak Restaurant, Murrells Inlet. This fantastic spot is hidden in an otherwise nondescript shopping plaza. But, don't be fooled. The food is fantastic and fresh.
See Wee Restaurant, Awendaw. This little spot has been serving up Southern classics since 1993. The vibe is eclectic and unique, making it worth a visit.
Farm, Bluffton. This innovative spot serves locally-sourced food in a rustic, but contemporary atmosphere.
Juniper, Ridge Spring. Located about an hour southwest of Columbia, this unique spot has been getting the attention of foodies for years. Still, somehow, it's overlooked.
Bowen's Landing, Lake Bowen. Located near the border of North Carolina, this middle-of-nowhere spot offers some of the best seafood and steaks in the state.

What are the most charming small towns in South Carolina?

The most charming small towns in South Carolina are worth visiting any time of year. Here are a few to put on your bucket list:

Bluffton, Beaufort County. With 20,000 residents Bluffton isn't technically a "small town," but it's just as charming as any truly tiny town.
McClellanville, Charleston County. This small town of about 600 people was the primary filming location for the 1991 Paradise, starring Elijah Wood, Don Johnson, and Melanie Griffith.
Conway, Horry County. One of the oldest towns in South Carolina, Conway has a wonderful historic downtown to visit.
Landrum, Spartanburg County. This town of under 2,500 people is one of the best places in the south for antiquing.

To see more small towns in South Carolina, hop in the car for this road trip leading to an unforgettable experience.

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Smyrna, SC 29743, USA

What Life Looks Like Inside The Tiniest Town In South Carolina

Robin Jarvis

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