11 Of The Greatest Destinations Most South Carolinians Overlook

Most people don't know there's a Buddhist monastery nestled in the woods in South Carolina, or that it's open for visitors. The monastery was founded in 2012 and includes 22 acres of walkways and various structures and gardens. It's open to (quiet) visitors on Saturday and Sunday from 10-5. Find out more in this full article we published in 2017.

Located on the 'Atlantic Flyaway,' a major migrating bird route, this 152-acre facility is both an educational and conservational resource that focuses on birds of prey. The campus is filled with natural paths that lead to up close views (or encounters) with more than 50 species of birds. Regularly hosted events include photographer days. The center is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 10 - 5. Admission is adults ($18), youth ages 6-16 ($12); children younger than 6 are admitted free.

View the world's first successful combat submarine. She was recovered from off the coast of South Carolina in 2000. The museum offers one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits that include interactivity that's both fun and educational for adults and children alike. Tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday. You can reserve your space and get tickets on their official website here.

This highly charged adventure on Edisto Island is a reptile lover's dream. Enjoy seemingly up close encounters with alligators, snakes, turtle and lizards in natural surroundings with low wall surrounds. An adventure that's sure to be fun for the whole family, Edisto Serpentarium is open seasonally the last week of March through the first week in December. Find out more on their Facebook page.

Even though this fun, educational museum is targeted at children under the age of 12, adults still can't resist the interactive displays. The wide variety of changing exhibits, events and programs means you'll find something new at the museum with each encounter. They're open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 - 5, and Sunday 11 - 5. Admission: $10 adults, $9 children ages 1-15, $9.50 seniors, $9 military and children under age 1 are free.

Columbia's hidden secret is a gorgeous 167-acre park along the river and canal. It offers an amphitheater, picturesque walkways, picnic areas, playgrounds, restroom amenities and views of the old 1906 water plant. Spend an hour, or an entire day, an just relax and unwind waterside.

It may look like an ordinary storefront, but behind these walls you'll find the world's hottest pepper: the Carolina Reaper. The pepper was engineered by the owner of Puckerbutt who proudly sells all sorts of hot concoctions (sauces, mainly) featuring the sensation. Both he and his peppers have been featured a multitude of times on national television and in publications. Stop in to see what all the hullaballoo is about — and pick up an early holiday gift for that special someone who always brags about being about to eat hot stuff. They're open Monday through Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5.

Visit the Upstate's largest static collection of (restored) rail cars. Take a 90-minute tour and enjoy a journey back to the golden age of railroad travel. The center is open seasonally from May to November. Find out more information on their official website.

This 107-acre site gives a brief glimpse into life during the Colonial and Revolutionary period in South Carolina. Special events throughout the year offer in immersive (bystander) experience into special battles. The remainder of the year, you're able to roam freely around the 18-century town site. For more information, and to learn about specific upcoming events, visit their Facebook page.

The very next time you're careening down (or up) I-95, pull into Walterboro and visit the SC Artisans Center. It's filled with works from artists from all over South Carolina. From hand-crafted fine porcelain pieces, to hand-painted items as well as arts and crafts, this stop along I-95 will not disappoint. They're open Monday through Saturday from 9-5.