Spring break is just a few weeks away, and with a break from the stress comes a desire for travel. For those who wish to discover a nearby spot to get away, keep reading! Â
1. Ridgeway, South CarolinaÂ
A small town with traditional southern charm, Ridgeway is only 25 miles from USC’s campus. From locally owned boutiques to antique stores, this town has an array of shopping options. Its most notable tourist attraction is Laura’s Tea Room, a perfect option for those who would like to feel like a queen for an hour or two. Other than its shopping options, the town is also known for its many historical buildings dating back from the late nineteenth century – quite a classic southern scene!
2. Beaufort, South Carolina
Another South Carolina town known for its history, Beaufort is a seaside port that cannot be missed. Beaufort, voted Best Small Town by Southern Living Magazine, has been featured in a number of films, most notably Forrest Gump. Tourists can visit these film locations along with the countless number of historical buildings Beaufort possesses, along with a few stranger places like the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory. For the foodie, Beaufort is a part of the oyster trail – offering some of the best oysters on the East Coast. Even with all of the life and culture the town has to offer, there is always the option of putting on your sunhat and lying on the beach.
3. Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Just over the Ravenel Bridge from Charleston is Mount Pleasant, SC, one of the oldest cities in the state. This town displays all of the beauty the Carolina low country has to offer, from its marshes to its beaches. It also offers some of the best restaurants and shops the state has. A local establishment, Poe’s Tavern, was featured on Food Network for its inventive hamburgers. The small island offers a quick walk to the beach for those who wish to spend their time at the ocean. Another one of South Carolina’s historic towns, Sullivan’s Island has a number of historical sites to visit for the curious tourist, including Boone Hall, a former plantation that has been opened for educational purposes.
4. Travelers Rest, South Carolina
If the beach is not your style, look no further than Travelers Rest. The town is nestled in South Carolina’s Piedmont region. It is a wooded, hilly area perfect for those who love to hike. This town is surrounded by many state parks, all having great views and rigorous hikes. It is just a quick jaunt to Greenville, SC, where one can find a variety of shops, food and culture.
5. Greenville, South Carolina
One of South Carolina’s fastest growing areas, Greenville is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Its downtown area is a vibrant place with culture and art. There are a multitude of shops and restaurants covered in colorful murals. The town is a perfect mix of nature and urban-areas, as evidenced by its Falls Park, a park of waterfalls in the heart of downtown. A member of the Piedmont region, Greenville possesses breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and some of the most temperate weather in South Carolina, perfect for a traveler who wants to spend a short day enveloped in nature.
The state of South Carolina did not once use the tagline “Beautiful places, Smiling faces” for nothing. It has some of the most picturesque and relaxing small towns in the nation!Â