From Gaffney to Gullah: Here are 14 SC spots to check off on your road trip bucket list
You don't have to leave South Carolina to find your next adventure.
Known for its beaches and sea islands, the Palmetto State reels in national and international travelers with its warm weather and variety of unique, fun things to do.
And there is something for just about everyone.
Those who enjoy the great outdoors can rest under the Angel Oak Tree on John's Island ― a goliath of a tree that is rumored to be the oldest living thing in the US. While there, you can take your own guess at the age of the ancient oak.
In terms of history, there is much to learn about the state's past. Travel through Gullah communities on a Hilton Head bus tour and hear about how descendants of formerly enslaved people developed and maintained the communities of the island.
If you are traveling with a significant other, a good date night can include strolling Charleston's Battery or taking a hike and then enjoying a sunrise or sunset at Pretty Place Chapel in Greenville County.
From our own rolling hills to the Midlands to the Lowcountry, there are plenty of bucket list locations in SC.
Here are just a few:
Bishopville: Pearl Fryer Topiary Garden
Explore the masterpiece that is Pearl Fryar's three-acre topiary garden. Fryar created the garden back in the 1980s without any previous horticultural experience. It now serves as a place for visitors to take in its beauty. Many of the plants in the garden were rescued from nursery compost piles, which Fryar used to transform into a landscape of living works of art.
Charleston: Stroll The Battery
The Battery is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade in Charleston that is popular among tourists and joggers. It is known for its vibrant "Rainbow Row" antebellum mansions overlooking the Charleston Harbor, also offering views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie and Sullivan's Island lighthouse.
Charleston: Listen to spooky ghost stories on a carriage ride
Do you enjoy listening to a good ghost story? If so, come along for a carriage ride on one of Charleston's ghost tours. The city is full of spine-tingling urban legends and myths, which will be told by your guide as you pass through haunted alleyways, churches, graveyards and hotels.
Cleveland: Watch the sunrise at 'Pretty Place Chapel'
From sunrise to sunset, visitors can visit the Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known as "Pretty Place" due to its magnificent mountain views. Constructed in 1941, it is one of the numerous buildings that make up YMCA Camp Greenville. Make sure to check the online chapel schedule prior to visiting to avoid conflicts with events that might be scheduled at the chapel.
Columbia: Support local vendors at Soda City Market
Every Saturday morning, Columbia upholds its tradition of gathering people from all over the city for its Main Street mingling. Inspired by traditional European markets, Soda City Market showcases over 150 community vendors who display homemade and freshly grown items, like arts and crafts and produce. A variety of food options are available for visitors, and parking is free.
Spartanburg: Watch the Carolina Panthers practice
The Carolina Panthers will be back in Spartanburg, once again, for their preseason NFL Training Camp. This year's camp, held at Wofford College, begins Wednesday, July 26 and culminates Thursday, Aug. 10.
Click here for the full schedule.
Practices are free and open to the public, including opportunities for autographs after each session. Fans must acquire a ticket for each practice via Ticketmaster.
Training camp will include two days of joint practices with the NY Jets and new quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday, Aug. 9, and Thursday, Aug. 10.
Gaffney: Snap a picture at the Peachoid
Although Georgia is known as the Peach State, South Carolina leads its neighbor in peach production, as well as other states in the country with the exception of California. The peach became the official state fruit in 1984, and Gaffney's 135-foot-tall water towner resembles the delectable fruit, looming over I-85. Whether you are just driving through the state or stopping for a visit, this gigantic sight is worth documenting.
Greenville: Cross the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park
Falls Park on the Reedy is a Greenville gem. The park is trailed with impressive stonework, with locals often gathered around the public art displayed throughout its lush gardens. Liberty Bridge's architecture adds to the allure and beauty of the park, those who cross it make memories that will last a lifetime as they gaze at the Falls with friends, family or significant others.
Hilton Head Island: Experience Gullah culture on a bus tour
The history and roots of the Lowcountry Gullah people ― a group of African Americans who were enslaved in the late 1600s ― run deep. They have helped make the region what it is today and preserve its rich heritage through traditions such as craftmanship, cuisine, music, folklore and arts, shaping a strong sense of community. On a heritage trail tour, you can learn more about their past as you ride a bus through Gullah family compounds, hosted by fourth and fifth-generation Gullah members.
Isle of Palms: Parasail the Charleston coast
Get a bird's eye view of the serene Charleston coast as you parasail. Tidal Wave offers a multitude of parasailing packages where you can soar the skies over downtown Charleston or the Isle of Palms. Adrenaline junkies who want to go higher than the standard line tether length will also have an option for a 200-feet extension.
John's Island: Guess the Angel Oak Tree's age
There is some considerable debate regarding the age of this mossy oak. While most experts estimate the tree's age is somewhere between 400-500 years old, there are those that contend that it might be up to 1,500 years old. Despite this, there is no denying the remarkable beauty of the tree, which measures at 66.5 feet tall and 28 feet in circumference, producing shade covering 17,2000 square feet.
Monetta: Catch a flick at the Big Mo drive-in theater
This seasonal drive-in theater offers double features, a snack bar and a kids' play area. It has three separate fields to play an array of films at the same time, each screen having its own radio station for guests to tune into to hear the movie. The theater opens in March and closes in November. It is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Movies are announced on Tuesdays.
Myrtle Beach: See the views atop the Skywheel
The glorious ocean views that await atop this ride just might be worth conquering a fear of heights. Skywheel towers above the Atlantic Ocean at 20 stories high and is located at the heart of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, featuring 42-glass enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, sitting up to six people. It is also handicap-accessible and service dog friendly.
Salley: Cruise through Eudora Farms
Our bucket list would not be complete without mentioning a neat place for animal lovers to check out. Eudora Farms is home to over 300 exotic animals and is the first drive-thru safari park in the Palmetto state. Animals that can be spotted at the farm are bulls, camels, water buffalo, ostriches, zebras, goats and more.
What's on your ultimate SC bucket list? Email me and let me know at ntran@gannett.com!
Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: From Gaffney to Gullah: SC spots to check off on your bucket list
