Did you know trying new things and taking on challenges makes you stronger and happier? That’s what they say! In order to help you out with this, we’ve got some hidden gems in South Carolina for you to check out throughout this coming year - in fact, we've picked out one for each month.
Landrum is a city in the Spartanburg County upstate area of South Carolina that's really quite a charming hidden gem small town full of hidden gems to explore.
Stay at this cute and cozy Airbnb cabin if you want to make it an overnight adventure. There's a decent chance you could see snow this time of year in this part of the state, so plan accordingly! Check out the listing for this charming cabin on Airbnb.
This old Esso gas station is a retro replica roadside attraction located near the North Carolina border on Highway 176. It has a traditional 1930s Wayne gravity-powered gasoline pump and a kerosene barrel. An outhouse behind the building completes the recreation.
For Black History Month, check out this Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Preservation Site, which was established in 2011 to honor and display the extraordinary life of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays. Dr. Mays rose from impoverished beginnings to become one of the greatest international leaders of his generation. He served as President of Morehead College and was instrumental in putting the early admissions program into place that enabled Martin Luther King to begin college as a 15 year old.
This hidden gem is for our coffee and book lovers. The Coffee Shelf has a menu with drinks inspired by book characters, and you just might discover a new favorite book for sale.
April - Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, Spartanburg
A 10-acre space of 9 different unique gardens, this special place was created by Josephine and Harold Hatcher beginning in 1969. They transformed the abandoned cotton field that was their backyard into a breathtaking natural sanctuary that we get to enjoy today. What a beautiful legacy! You can visit Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve at any time of year, but April is an especially beautiful month to take a stroll there.
Located off the southern tip of Hilton Head Island and along the coast of nearby Daufuskie Island lies Vanishing Island™, a sandbar which can only be visited at low tide in the Calibogue Sound. It is not recommended to attempt to navigate these shallow waters in a rental boat or without extensive local knowledge. Outside Hilton Head offers a Beachcombing Cruise where you can watch for Dolphins, collect seashells on Vanishing Island™, and observe wildlife.
Located on Lynches River in the Pee Dee region of the state, this 676-acre park features a river swamp with towering cypress trees, as well as sand hills, and offers a wide variety of vegetation. Popular activities at the park include canoeing, camping, nature trails, Splash Pad fun, picnicking, geocaching, and a visit to the Environmental Discovery Center. There's also an archery range, and cabins are available in addition to campsites if you'd like to stay overnight. Lynches River County Park is a wonderful summertime destination.
The Rob Kennedy Trail on Daufuskie Island includes 20 historical sites. The two pictured here are the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church No. 2 building, which became the Billie Burn Museum after it was bought in 2001 by Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation and restored, and the Frances Jones Home. Frances Jones was the beloved teacher of the African-American children on the island from 1930 to 1969. She taught as many as 96 children in morning and afternoon sessions. A childhood accident left her lame, but this did not deter her from softball games with her students.
Veteran-owned, Pine Ridge Campground offers a variety of sites, including full hookup sites with both 30 and 50 amp service, rustic cabins with electricity, and park models. Open year-round, it can accommodate daily, weekly, or monthly guests. An array of amenities on site include WiFi, laundry facilities, propane, a one-acre catch and release fishing pond, and a pool.
Boyscout Island is a remote, uninhabited island accessible via Lake Moultrie. It's a locals' secret, difficult to access even by boat due to the stump fields and shallows that must be navigated. Lake Moultrie Kayak Rentals and Tours offers The Gilligan Tour, where guests are taken to the island by a guide and left to their own devices to explore and kayak back on their own.
Hike the 2.7-mile out-and-back Pinnacle Mountain Falls trail near Pickens. It's considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of an hour and a half to complete. It's steeper once you get closer to the waterfall. Be prepared for climbing over some boulders. It's also less maintained closer to the falls, so watch your footing carefully as fallen leaves and nuts can make for easy slips. A 17-year-old cyclist fell approximately 15 to 20 feet at Pinnacle Mountain in April of 2022, so take your time and exercise caution!
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November - Glamping at Oaks and Orchards Organic Wellness Farm, Tillman
Go glamping and experience life on a farm that grows "superfoods" sustainably! Enjoy a cup of coffee in the greenhouse after a good night's sleep. Oaks and Orchards Organic Wellness Farm also offers wellness retreats.
The first annual Wheels of Yesteryear Winterfest was held in 2022, so December is a great time to visit this hidden gem attraction. Meet Santa, bounce in a race car bounce house, eat delicious cookies, and do holiday crafts while you're there. You may even have an opportunity to sit in some of the gorgeous vintage vehicles on display at this unique museum! Wheels of Yesteryear is one of those Myrtle Beach hidden gems not everyone knows about that's nevertheless totally worth visiting, especially for automobile enthusiasts.
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These South Carolina hidden gems will keep you busy all year long! No matter the season, there's so much to do and see across the beautiful Palmetto State.
Ready to try some more of the best hidden gems in South Carolina? Have you been to the treehouse restaurant in South Carolina that’s like a fairytale? There’s another hidden gem for ya!
Do you have any favorite hidden gem spots in South Carolina that aren’t on this list? Feel free to reach out to us and tell us all about them!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Founded in 1991, the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, SC, located a few miles northeast of Charleston, offers visitors a unique insight into the lives of almost 50 species of birds of prey including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, kites, and vultures – one of the largest, most diverse collections of its kind in the United States. Situated on over 150 acres, this fun attraction is only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with a variety of programs providing both an educational and entertaining experience. Guests often cite flight demonstrations as the highlight of the visit. This hidden gem in South Carolina is worthy of a day trip, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression.
During a flight demonstration, you get to see different types of birds such as eagles, hawks, and kites showcase their individual flying and hunting techniques while flying untethered!
Information about each type of bird will be explained during the demonstration, as well as the center's overall mission. You'll leave with a greater awareness of how humans are impacting the lives and environment of these types of birds, too.
The clinic is open 365 days a year, admitting anywhere from 800 to 1,000 patients to treat annually, with multiple calls daily about injured birds needing help!
All of the work done at the Center for Birds of Prey would not be possible without the volunteer staff of around 300 who faithfully give their time and expertise. Those interested in volunteering must be at least 18 years old for the medical clinic and 16 years old for all other departments. Seasonal internships and service-learning opportunities may be arranged for students under the age of 16.
Visit the Center for Birds of Prey website for complete details to plan a visit. Take along a field guide to see how many of the birds at the center you may be able to identify and check out the Sewee Outpost in Awendaw while in the area!
