We’re growing accustomed to getting national and worldwide accolades for our fantastic cities and the hospitality found within the Palmetto State. Recently various cities, beaches and islands have been named “Numero Uno” on many travel and destination lists and it’s easy to see why! Hospitality, beautiful vistas and great people aside, the state is jam-packed with interesting and fun things to DO. Check out this list of 13 amazing things you can ONLY find and do here in South Carolina:
1. Tour the country's only working tea plantation.
Home to American Classic Tea, the Charleston Tea Plantation is owned by Bigelow. Take a trolley tour to see it all in seated comfort or explore on foot at your own pace. The fields of tea bushes are spectacular - and the gift shop is filled with unique items that are perfect for gift giving. Charleston Tea Plantation - 6617 Maybank Hwy., Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487.
2. Come face to face with the ghost of the father of John Wilkes Booth.
It's true. The famous president killer's father used to perform at this theater in Charleston. And even though he didn't die in the building, he seems to have chosen this favorite haunt to spend eternity. Dock Street Theater, opened 1809 -135 Church St., Charleston, SC 29401.
3. Visit the world's largest teapot collection.
This little known museum in Elloree displays only a fraction of the collection that's undoubtedly the largest in the world and contains tens of thousands of teapots. J's Tea-rific Teapot Museum - 2734 Cleveland St., Elloree, SC 29047. Open by appointment only: (803) 829-2944.
4. Take a factory tour of South Carolina's pride and joy - Blenheim Ginger Ale.
Not only can you take a tour and watch the manufacturing process of the popular carbonated drink born in South Carolina, but you can also be among the few who can purchase a case right off the manufacturing floor. Tours are offered on Fridays at 11:00 a.m. and require one-week advance reservation. Reserve by email: tara@blenheimgingerale.com or by phone: (843)774-0322. Blenheim Ginger -
3346 Highway 301 North, Hamer, SC 29547.
5. Drive through a neighborhood and see the abandoned Heritage USA Theme Park.
The Charlotte suburb of Fort Mill, SC was the site of this theme park opened by Jim and Tammy Faye Baker in 1978. By 1989 it had closed due to financial issues. Today, Rock Hill is growing around the ruins. A new condo development sits where the waterpark used to be. Shown above, the old cabana that used to be the main entrance to the park sits tattered in the middle of a neighborhood. Heritage USA - Fort Mill, SC
6. Tour the haunted jail that once housed America's first female serial killer.
Believed to have been the first female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher was held at this old city jail in Charleston for nearly a year before her hanging. She now haunts this old space that's among the most haunted places in the South. Old City Jail - 21 Magazine St., Charleston, SC 29401.
7. Attend an event or even just have a meal at a restaurant/bar called "Suck Bang Blow."
The name alone attracts scores of curiosity seekers to this lively spot along the Grand Strand. During biker rallies it transforms into the funnest, rowdiest spot in town. But the rest of the year it's more comfortable than just standing room only. And they serve a pretty mean burger in their cafe. Of course, if you have a bike, you can actually pull up to the outside bar on your bike, suck down a shot, bang that glass on the bar top and then blow back out of there. Suck Bang Blow - 3393 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
8. View the largest smattering of rocky shoal Spider Lillies in the U.S.
More than twenty acres of this summer-blooming wonder blanket the waters of the Catawba River each year and the sight is breathtaking! Landsford Canal State Park - 2051 Park Dr., Catawba, SC 29704.
9. Spend the weekend in the "North Pole of the South."
For four festive days each holiday season this fun city in South Carolina transforms into "ChrismasVille USA." During those four days Rock Hill becomes the North Pole of the South with ongoing family-oriented events, street performances, parades and a four-day visit from Saint Nick. The transformation usually occurs on the first full weekend in December. ChristmasVille USA - Main St., Rock Hill, SC
10. View the largest collection of masterful religious artwork in the Western Hemisphere.
Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery is not only home the finest collection of Old Master European paintings in the U.S., it also boasts the largest collection of inspirational religious works of art in the Western Hemisphere. Okay, so maybe that's not the biggest in the whole world, but it's the only place in America to see a collection of this magnitude.
Bob Jones Univeristy Museum & Gallery is closed for much needed renovations until early 2019. You can see a list of places where you can still view the art here
11. See the world's largest sundial.
Towering 12 feet in the air, this bronze statue of King Nepture is the biggest sundial in the world. Double your pleasure on this excursion by spending the day checking out the shops and attractions at Shelter Cove. Shelter Cove Shops - 40 Shelter Cove Ln., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.
12. Visit the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the U.S.
Congaree National Park is a hidden treasure in the Palmetto State. Conveniently located only a short drive from the state capital, this national park dishes up perfect access via cleared paths and boardwalks throughout the forest. The sights are truly spectacular! And admission to the park is free. Congaree National Park - 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins, SC 29061.
13. Stand in the exact spot where the first southern land battle of the Revolutionary War began.
Ninety Six National Historic Site is a must see for Revolutionary War enthusiasts. The old Star Fort is among the must-see elements of this well-maintained and staffed attraction. There's also a museum and occasional re-enactments. 1103 Hwy. 248 S, Ninety Six, SC 29666.
There’s never a shortage of fun and unique ways to spend your time in South Carolina! For more fun things to do, take a look at this list of activities in the Palmetto State that are just too adventurous to pass up.
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