Visit The Small Town Of McClellanville In South Carolina, The Place That Inspired “Paradise”
By AnneMarie|Published March 09, 2023
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AnneMarie
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South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
Much of the movie, Paradise, starring Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith, and Elijah Wood was filmed in McClellanville in 1991. Paradise was a rural town where a troubled 10-year-old boy was sent by his mother to live with friends. It turned out to be a healing experience for both the boy and his new guardians, who also were struggling, having recently experienced great loss. McClellanville is one of the most beautiful small towns in South Carolina, the type you really have to see in person to fully appreciate.
McClellanville is a very small town with a population of only about 600 people. When you visit, you'll understand how it was chosen as the setting for a rural town called, "Paradise."
Established in the early 1850s, McClellanville has historically been a charming seaside fishing village that became the summer home for wealthy rice planters who left their plantations during the warmest summer months each year. On Pinckney Street, there's a boat landing owned and maintained by the Town.
You can dine inside or outdoors at one of the small tables.
Spend some time at the Santee Coastal Reserve WMA to experience more of the absolute natural beauty of this area. A former gun club property now managed by SCDNR, it's a 24,000-acre nature reserve with lots of things to see and do.
You could make this a day trip or stay overnight at this peaceful cottage on a 12-acre horse farm. You may even want to make it a weekend in this "Paradise" locale!
Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith found it to be so relaxing that they were able to bring their entire family along while filming the movie. Johnson said, "It was like having a real job for a change. We went to work, came home, and there were the kids. It was a joy."
Have you ever been to McClellanville, one of the best small towns in South Carolina, before? What did you think? Did you have any memorable experiences there? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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