South Carolina
Attractions|Shops & Boutiques

The Largest Hobby Shop In South Carolina Has Nearly 9,000 Square Feet And 3 Outdoor Tracks

The Hobby Connection in Easley is the largest hobby store in the state, offering a wide range of hobby-related items and outdoor tracks for racing.

Published Nov 9, 2019

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

All hail the mighty Internet and the limitless number of items that can be purchased with the click of a mouse, but sometimes... you just want to visit a real store and have that tactile sensation that can only be gained from actually holding an item before purchasing, right? When it comes to hobbies, there's really no substitute for visiting a brick and mortar store where you can see an array of merchandise, talk with an experienced staff member, and more. Is there??

Welcome to The Hobby Connection in Easley, the LARGEST hobby store in the entire state!

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Google Maps

Whether you're the avid hobby enthusiast in the family or are in the market for a spot-on gift for a loved one, the thousands upon thousands of hobby-related items found here are crowd pleasers.

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Google Local/Jim Pace

From remote-controlled cars of all shapes and sizes to...

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Google Local/David T

Some unique gaming devices like virtual reality glasses, The Hobby Connection has it all!

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Facebook/The Hobby Connection

The giant store is filled with planes, boats, automobiles, and even trains suited for all ages — from Thomas the Tank Engine sets all the way up to model trains fit for a large outdoor garden.

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Facebook/The Hobby Connection

If you're not already a hobbyist before you enter The Hobby Connection, then you may be converted by the time you leave the store. Just perusing all of the possibilities found here may make you feel like a kid in a candy store.

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Facebook/The Hobby Connection

And as if having the biggest locally-owned hobby store in the state weren't enough... The Hobby Connection also boasts three outdoor tracks behind the store: a dirt oval track, a street track, and a dirt multi-turn track. Weekly races take place every Saturday!

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Google Maps

Have someone in your life who loves their hobby? Give 'em a gift certificate to the largest hobby store in the entire state. It's a guaranteed win.

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Facebook/The Hobby Connection

The Hobby Connection is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Races take place on Saturdays and schedules for each track can be found, along with a wealth of other information, on the official website! You can also follow the Facebook page here for new arrivals and event updates.

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Attractions|Shops & Boutiques

The Enormous Community Thrift Store In South Carolina Will Bump Your Thrifting Game To 11

Published Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

AnneMarie

Thrifting is big business. Its U.S. market size in 2023 totaled over $14 billion, a 1.8% increase from 2022. We even have a National Thrift Store Day on August 17 each year to celebrate the joy of finding affordable, one-of-a-kind items and to raise funds to support charitable organizations. According to the 2023 ThredUp Resale Report, 52% of consumers shopped for second-hand apparel in 2022. And did you know early shopping on Monday and Tuesday is regarded as the best chance at finding great deals? If you're a regular thrifter, that answer is likely yes! If you enjoy shopping at thrift stores in South Carolina, you'll love the Community Thrift Store in the Lowcountry.

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Rick Franks/Google Reviews

There are two locations for the Community Thrift Store, one on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston and the other on Ladson Road in Summerville. At each location, you'll find over 30,000 square feet of goods.

Of course, like at any good thrift store, there's plenty of clothing to shop.

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Ronnie Peck/Google Reviews

Thrift stores in South Carolina are the ideal place to shop for a great ugly Christmas sweater.

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Joe/Google Reviews

The furniture selection at Community Thrift Store is consistently extensive and about the best value you can find. And if you're looking to donate furniture, there's a pickup service for ease and convenience.

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Tab Dunn DuCap/Google Reviews

You never know what other treasures you may uncover while shopping at this huge South Carolina thrift store, such as this Jacqueline Kent piece with its certificate of authenticity ...

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Stephen Combs/Google Reviews

... or this ET item that's sure to leave you feeling like you're back in your childhood days.

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Jim McHugh/Google Reviews
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Nia/Google Reviews

For items that have been on the floor for a certain period of time, the prices are reduced. So you could really score some incredible deals at this massive thrift store in South Carolina's lowcountry.

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Visit the Community Thrift Store website for more information. Take plenty of shopping bags with you if you use your own, because you never know how many you may need when thrifting.

Did you know Summerville has a sweet tea hotspot? After shopping you can grab some lunch at Eva's Restaurant in Summerville, which has been serving some of the best Southern Eats, including some creative dishes with sweet tea, since 1944:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/sweet-tea-hotspot-sc/

Got any great thrifting advice yourself? Sound off in the comments section!

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Attractions|Shops & Boutiques

A Trip To One Of The Oldest General Stores In South Carolina Is Like Stepping Back In Time

Cooper’s Country Store, a historic general store in South Carolina, is renowned for its BBQ sandwiches and nostalgic charm.

Updated Jun 4, 2024

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Riding the back roads of South Carolina usually brings a bit of peace as you wander through the backcountry. Yet, it also means discovering hidden gems, like Cooper's Country Store. This legendary spot has been a destination for those heading to the Grand Strand for decades and decades. Whether you're itching for one of its famously popular BBQ sandwiches, in need of a cold beverage for your drive in the country, or are simply curious about this old store, a visit here will definitely take you back in time.

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Cooper's Country Store has in effect been around since 1937, making it one of the oldest general stores in the state.

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

It first opened back in 1937 under the name of Burrow's Service Station. Owner Theron Burrows eventually sold the business to his son-in-law, George Cooper in 1974.

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Joe Taylor / Google Reviews

Cooper changed the name to Cooper's — and the rest is history.

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

For decades, folks driving in from Interstate 95 to Myrtle Beach by way of US-521 have made it almost a ritual to stop at Coopers.

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

If you read the Cooper's Country Store reviews you'll see that for those traveling long distances, arriving at Cooper's means you can answer the age-old question, "Are we there yet?" with a resounding, "Almost!" because Cooper's mean's you're finally almost at the beach.

And of course, the locals love the spot, too.

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

As a general store, Cooper's has just about everything you could possibly need.

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

It even sells some groceries and gifts in addition to convenience items.

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

Remember these? Did your folks used to get one of these each year around the holidays?

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

Cured ham isn't the only pork that lures people back to Cooper's. The store also roasts whole hogs over a wood-fired flame.

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Juli / Flickr

And then serves up one of the BEST bbq sandwiches each day. But get here early... because they sell out fast!

If you haven't discovered Cooper's County Store — one of the oldest general stores in South Carolina — then it's time for a road trip!

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Cooper's Country Store / Facebook

Cooper's Country Store is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. It's located on US-521 almost halfway between Manning and Georgetown. Is there a South Carolina general store near you that has become a tradition to stop at? Share it in the comments so we can all check it out!

The best way to find these hidden gems is by taking a road trip. Here are some of our favorite South Carolina road trips that we think you'll enjoy. Hop in an RV and start exploring!

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/best-road-trips-in-south-carolina/

A charming small town to keep an eye out for is Conway near Myrtle Beach. Take a peek at it in this quick video:

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