Highlights
Food
Food is a huge part of the culture of South Carolina. Proclaimed as the birthplace of the barbecue, don’t come without your appetite! Keeping in line with the southern lifestyle of taking it easy, juicy cuts are cooked ‘slow and low’ over hot coals and dressed in its famous combination of sauces – mustard, vinegar, light tomato and heavy tomato. Cooking sits at the heart of family and communities in South Carolina, so expect to take your time as you dine – you may even see one of the renowned ‘pit master’ barbecues, as chefs compete to serve the best meat! Oysters are also everywhere in the Lowcountry, which have been enjoyed in the state since Native Americans owned the land, and are usually topped with lemon juice or hot sauce. To wash it down, try one of the craft beers from the growing brewery scene or a jar of moonshine. For those with a sweet tooth, sweet tea is the beverage of choice – South Carolina had the first tea plants in America and this syrupy drink is the taste of home for many.
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Culture
The story of South Carolina is not complete without the African slaves who worked the fields that built the foundations of America. The Gullah people from West Africa were brought to these shores to work the rice plantations as they had in their home country. During this time, they kept their own traditions strong, resulting in one of the most authentic African cultures in the USA to this day. When you hear their singing of ‘spirituals’ and see their hand-woven sweetgrass baskets, once produced to carry fruit and vegetables in the fields, you will understand the importance of the Gullah way of life in the history of South Carolina. Trail Heritage Tours are available on Hilton Head for those who want to learn more.
Beaches
South Carolina is one of the best beach destinations in the south, with warm sands and fresh Atlantic breezes. Sullivan’s Island offers a wide stretch of sand with plenty of watersports to enjoy, plus boasts the claim of being a stop of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, and the setting of Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, ‘The Gold Bug’. Folly Beach is laid-back and a popular spot for surfing, while if you drive out to Edisto Beach, you can visit the beautifully preserved Botany Bay. Most of the beaches are brilliantly catered with plenty of places to eat and things to do, such as fishing, cycling and seeking out historical sights, with an array of sandy shores across Hilton Head Island and a perfect pier for fishing at Myrtle Beach, too.
History
South Carolina has played a huge part in the history of the South. Speckled with Civil War forts and lined with cobbled streets in Charlestown, the state is brimming with fascinating tales of its heritage, from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the Charles Town Landing to see where the city was founded in 1670 and follow the history trails back to the present day. In the historic downtown district, visit the White Point Gardens to stroll amid the charming oak trees, which sits at the south of a defensive battery. Browse the exhibitions at the Charleston Museum and Old Slave Mart Museum, which is set in a former slave auction house, to learn more, or take a tour around the historic houses, including the home of one of the founding fathers of the United States. Along the Ashley River, you will find an array of plantation houses with stunning gardens, while on Hillton Head Island you can visit the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn about the natural history from the Native Americans to present day.
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Golf
There are hundreds of golf courses in South Carolina, making it perfect for golf fans. Charleston is home to an array of world-class courses, including Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, which was the site of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012 PGA Championship, plus two further options at Seabrook Island and Isle of Palms. There are courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Gary Player across the Lowcountry – you will truly be spoiled for choice with an array of immaculate courses, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the area. At Hilton Head Island, Harbour town is highly sought-after, while the renowned courses at Myrtle Beach includes Pine Lakes Country Club, established back in 1927.
Outdoor Activities
The Charleston area is not just about its city. Set in the Lowcountry area along the scenic coast, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. Boasting breathtaking natural beauty, this watery 100-mile strip is lined with lush greenery and palmetto trees, which give South Carolina its moniker, the ‘Palmetto State’. Here, you can head out to Edisto River, which is the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America, to take a paddleboat down the waterways and admires the scenery and wildlife, or kayak around the surrounding passageways. Edisto Island is also great for cycling, while the nearby Francis Marion National Forest is rich in beautiful wildlife with plenty of forest trails for walking, bikers and kayakers – interestingly, it was also the site of battle in the Revolutionary War, where General Francis Marion was known as the ‘Swamp Fox’.