Exploring Off the Beaten Path in South Carolina
Like everyone, I’ve been spending the last few months exploring around home. It’s been nice, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to jump back on a flight and head somewhere new. There’s something so energizing about visiting a new part of the country. So until I can get back in the sky, I’m reminiscing on the trips I took earlier this year. I was so lucky to be able to visit South Carolina at the end of February. I’m so glad it was my last big trip — because it was a great one. I found so many “hidden gems” and reveled in the amazing southern hospitality.
I started my trip by flying into Columbia — the capital of South Carolina. I didn’t have much time to explore Columbia this trip, but I’ve visited in the past and was so impressed. The town is so quaint and historic, while also having a “city” feel downtown. There are a lot of fun restaurants and breweries, and would make a great weekend base.
After I picked up my rental car I drove to Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner — a preserve and garden with 80 acres of blackwater bald cypress/tupelo swamp. There were only a few other people there, on the trail around the swamp and taking the guided flat-bottomed boat tour.
I took the boat tour and it was AMAZING. I honestly didn’t know anything about what I had signed up for and I was so pleasantly surprised. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the swamp, the area, the history, wildlife — he knew it all. We paddled through the beautiful swamp, through the trees and under bridges — and even saw some gators!
Fun fact about Cypress Gardens — several movie scenes have been filmed here. Remember the swamp scene in The Notebook? It was filmed here. Our guide told us that the swans were imported over a month before filming (they’re not native to the area) and trained to swim out to the boat in the scene.
This is a beautiful stop and a great way to learn about the area.
After Cypress Gardens I drove to The Lake House in Summerton for an amazing fresh seafood dinner, and then back to my hotel to get a good night’s sleep.
The next morning I headed out to visit Congaree National Park! I had been once before, but wanted to check it out this time of year. Unfortunately there had been a lot of recent flooding, and much of the park was closed. I made the best of it and explored everything that was open!
Most people don’t even know there is a national park in South Carolina. But Congaree is really awesome (believe me, I’ve been to almost all of them now!) Some of the things that really stand out for me: it’s not crowded! It hasn’t been crowded at all both times I’ve visited. It is a designated old growth forest of bald cypress and water tupelo, is home to the tallest and largest loblolly pines, and has several cypress over 500 years old! It’s a really unique and magical landscape. One you really have to see for yourself.
Congaree also has a ton of volunteer and ranger led programs, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and is great for bird watching. I also hear it’s popular in the summer to watch the fireflies. I have been impressed on both my visits with the friendly rangers and volunteers. I had a great conversation with a volunteer on this visit that honestly made my whole visit.
These “less known” parks are often some of the best parks to visit, and Congaree is definitely on that list for me.
I didn’t spend as much time in Congaree as I had planned due to the flooding, and the wind cancelled the fishing excursion I had planned, so I had some truly free time to explore. I had no plan at all that evening — just decided to start driving. I was amazed at what I found. South Carolina is honestly so much more beautiful than I thought before this trip. Every turn took me to a new fairytale-like vista.
I randomly made a turn and ended up on this road. My jaw literally hit the floor and I gasped out loud. Imagining the history these trees have seen. All of the people that have stood underneath them.
I wish I could tell you where this was, but I honestly just stumbled upon it and had no cell service to check! But I think it’s better that way. To keep some hidden gems a little more hidden. To experience the thrill of finding them yourself. Just out on a drive one day.
I spent more time exploring before stopping for more fresh seafood before heading back to sleep. I had a big last day ahead of me.
I woke up on my last day excited to kayak! I love being on the water. It’s what I always want to do on any trip, so I was so glad to be able to fit it into this one.
I drove out to Poinsett State Park and met the friendliest ranger (sensing a theme here? Southern hospitality is real ya’ll) who helped set me up with a kayak. I was the only person on the water that morning. It was so still and relaxing. Exactly what I wanted it to be. The ranger told me I could stay out as long as I wanted and if I wasn’t so hungry for lunch I could have stayed out all day. It was truly meditative.
After my paddle I spent some time with the ranger who gave me the rundown on the interesting history of the park. Known as the “Mountains of the Midlands” the park has over 337 species of flowering plants, access to the 500 mile Palmetto Trail, and every few years has millions (I swear he said this) frogs on the shore.
It was all truly peaceful and honestly fascinating. I recommend a stop for kayaking, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, SUPing — it really has everything you need. They even have cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps available to rent.
After kayaking I spent some time in Sumter, SC with Shelley from the City of Sumter. She treated me to an amazing lunch at the gorgeous Hamptons restaurant. Everything was impeccable. The space, the food, the service — all of it. I loved watching the diverse crowd inside and outside. Definitely recommend if you are in the area. The owner is so generous and I’m still imagining the food. So good.
After lunch I went for a quick lap around Swan Lake Iris Gardens before heading back to Columbia to catch my flight. Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. It is the only public park in the US with all eight species of swans, also boasts beautiful gardens, sculptures, a butterfly garden and a lot more. It’s super relaxing and a great photo opp.
I did so much in a weekend, but honestly never felt rushed. Everything is close enough to be convenient, but far enough to experience the sights on the drive. I was so impressed with everything. I can’t wait to get back to this part of the country and explore more.
Until next time :)
Have you traveled to South Carolina? What was your favorite spot?
Thanks to South Carolina Tourism for making this trip possible. Opinions are all my own.
