South Carolina is certainly filled with special, unique towns. From the Lowcountry to the Midlands, there are so many places to explore and enjoy. Each one is great, but the smaller ones offer a little something extra. One great example is located in Orangeburg County and you’ll definitely want to visit. This tiny little incorporated town shows us that growth isn’t what makes a town desirable, and that bigger isn’t better. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that one of the smallest towns in the Palmetto State is also one of the most picturesque. There are so many things to do in Cope, South Carolina that a long weekend is probably in order.

Cope, SC is proof-positive that a place to live doesn't need to have shiny fancy new buildings to be beautiful.
Flickr/Sara Dean
With a population of 75, this small town located 13 miles southwest of Orangeburg is one of the smallest towns in the state.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
In addition to population count, Cope is also one of the smallest towns in geography. The town limits include two-tenths of a square mile - which computes to about 120 acres.
Flickr/Sara Dean
It may be small, but it's some of the most charming acreage in the state. Take a look at the old-timey signage.
Bobbi S / TripAdvisor
Built in 1894 for the new rail stop here, Cope Station put this small spot on the map.
Wikipedia/Sara Dean
The historic station still stands in the middle of "downtown" Cope and is a stunning look into the past.
Flickr/Sara Dean
As you drive through Cope you'll be drawn to the homes and the buildings; each one as nostalgic as the next.
Flickr/Sara Dean
Most visitors can't resist stopping to take photos of the "Bank of Cope" mural depicting the bank door and customers standing outside.
Bobbi S / TripAdvisor
The mural even wraps around the building where there's a young man leaning on the "bank" with his bike.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie

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Cope's U.S. Post Office may look like an ordinary federal building...
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
..but inside you'll find what you're looking for. Fun fact: in 1899, Cope was among the first three South Carolina post offices to offer free rural delivery.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
Cope has a few city blocks, all worth exploring.
Bobbi S / TripAdvisor
On Main Street, you'll find the tiny little Town Hall. It's located next to a church and...
Google Maps [streetview]
this building, which seems a little out of place but it has a flagpole next to it so that makes it seem more legit.
Google Maps [streetview]
Cope has several charming churches you won't be able to pass up without taking a photo.
5326 Cope Rd, Cope, SC 29038, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
This is the Union United Methodist Church.
You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time in Cope. What's more, the history of this small town in South Carolina may surprise you.
Flickr/Sara Dean
It turns out, Cope had one of the first banks, first post offices, and first operating telephones in South Carolina.
Cotton Gin Road, Cotton Gin Rd, South Carolina 29590, USA
Flickr/Sara Dean
The above two photos are of the Vallentine Cotton Gin. Just beautiful.
Sadly though, while the above two photos were taken of the cotton gin in recent times, this photo is what she looks like after Hurricane Matthew rolled through Cope in 2016.
Facebook/Sara H Dean

Have you heard of Cope, or visited? We’d love to know about your experience. And, if you have any fun tips to make a visit extra special, we’d love to read about them in the comments.

Love exploring the tiny little towns in the Palmetto State? Check out this tiny town where you’ll never run out of things to do.

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More to Explore

Things To Do in South Carolina

Michelle S. | March 19, 2023

Are there any covered bridges in South Carolina?

There are quite a few covered bridges in South Carolina worth visiting. Poinsett Bridge, linking Charleston to Saluda, isn't exactly a covered bridge, but it's worth a visit. This structure built in 1820 is the oldest stone bridge in the entire Southeast. It's also considered to be remarkably haunted. Another option is Campbells Covered Bridge, near Landrum. Built in 1909, this is the oldest covered bridge in South Carolina. Here are a few reasons it's worth putting on your must-see list.

Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit?

The best hidden gems in South Carolina offer an opportunity to enjoy local attractions, nature, and everything in between. Here are a few particularly great ones:

  • Driftwoods Seafood & Steak Restaurant, Murrells Inlet. You might not guess that this little spot hidden in a strip mall is anything special, but with fresh and local seafood, it's a must-visit.
  • Jones Gap State Park, Marietta. This 3,900-acre park offers pristine wilderness that joins into the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
  • Colleton State Park, Walterboro. With just 35 acres, this park is considered the smallest in the state but it's absolutely worth visiting if you love the natural landscape of South Carolina.
  • Hamilton Branch State Park, Plum Branch. This little-known state park offers tons of waterfront camping.

 

There are quite a few great places to enjoy in South Carolina. For more of the lesser-known spots, check out this fun road trip.

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Cope, SC 29038, USA