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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Story Of The Serial Killer Who Terrorized This Small South Carolina Town Is Truly Frightening

The Gaffney Strangler terrorized the small community of Gaffney, South Carolina, in the late 1960s, resulting in four murders and a wrongful conviction.

Published Nov 27, 2017

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

The City of Gaffney (population approximately 12,000) is located in Cherokee County and in close proximity to Interstate 85. Those who were living in Gaffney in the late 1960s undoubtedly remember the terror this small community felt when it was discovered that they had a serial killer among them.

It started in 1967, when the first victim was discovered. But at this point no one knew there was a serial killer in town. In fact, the first victim's husband was wrongly arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison for her murder. (He was later released.)

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Wikipedia/Bill Fitzpatrick

But there were more victims to be discovered. And when the folks in Gaffney learned there was a serial killer afoot you can imagine it made for some high tension in the community.

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YouTube/Haunted Echoes: South Carolina

Oddly enough, it was the killer himself who would give the police the evidence to find him.

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YouTube/Haunted Echoes: South Carolina

Perhaps it was his ego that got in his way after someone got all the glory of a conviction for a crime he knew he'd committed.

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YouTube/Haunted Echoes: South Carolina

Whatever his motivation, Lee Roy Martin, a.k.a. the Gaffney Strangler, picked up the phone and called the editor of The Gaffney Ledger and confessed to three killings — and even said the first one we mentioned above was among them and that the police had arrested and convicted the wrong man.

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Flickr/globochem3x1minus1

Oddly enough, The Gaffney Strangler called the editor of the The Gaffney News again four days later to say there would soon be more killings in Gaffney.

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YouTube/Haunted Echoes: South Carolina

In total and in under a year, Martin would kill a total of four females before being arrested for his killing spree in Gaffney. His motives for each remain a mystery. Martin was killed by a fellow inmate after going to prison for his crimes.

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YouTube/Haunted Echoes: South Carolina

Today the bridge over People's Creek has been replaced by a newer bridge, but folks still experience an uneasy feeling in the area. In 2013, "Haunted Echos: South Carolina" produced a full length paranormal investigation about the hauntings in Gaffney surrounding the serial killings. Below you can see the entire program in the video from their YouTube channel.

Do you remember The Gaffney Strangler and the heinous crimes committed by this serial killer in South Carolina?

For more true crime in the Palmetto State, read about the lake whose tragic history will never be forgotten.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Remote Town in South Carolina We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

This sea island is characterized by an undeveloped landscape and a vibrant cultural heritage.

Published Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

South Carolina's sea islands offer so much in the way of natural beauty; in fact, the simple act of getting there seems to be a vacation from the everyday hustle and bustle. This is especially true of Edisto Island, an island of the ACE Basin that's accessible via a 14-mile scenic drive along the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, a road framed by ancient live oaks. Edisto Island is famous for its beach, of course, but there's even more to uncover when you spend time exploring this remote South Carolina town.

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Trinity Episcopal Church, constructed ca. 1876, is significant architecturally as the only Episcopal Church and the only example of Victorian church architecture on Edisto Island. The church is a one-story wooden meeting house form structure built on ground level. A short flight of steps leads to the porch which extends the full width of the building. The porch has slender, square posts which support a triangular pediment. Vertical planks of the pediment, pointed at base, form a zigzag design. The triangular louver at center of the pediment is both decorative and functional. The inset steeple, covered with white shingles, has decorative louvers. The double, three-panel entrance of the façade is surmounted by an elaborate, semi-circular fanlight. This building with its white boards and shingles contrasted with its dark green roof, shutters and louvers fits in well with its parklike surroundings. This structure replaced an older structure which was burned accidentally.

These days, it seems as though Charleston gets all the attention when it comes to popular South Carolina destinations, and it's no mystery why. The stunning architecture, the extensive history, the world-class restaurants — there's so much to love about South Carolina's Holy City. And yet, there's another option just a short drive away that proves every bit as magnificent. Edisto Beach, home to about 400 full-time residents, is a place where time seems to move much slower. It's a destination void of chain restaurants and even traffic lights, giving residents and visitors the chance to slow down and appreciate the stunning surroundings.

The Island is named for the Edisto Native Americans who lived there in the 1500s. After the Civil War, the island became a place of refuge for formerly enslaved people, who could return to the area to work freely. Today, the island is home to a Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of those forced from their West and Central African homes to work on the region's plantations.

If it's your first visit to the island, a trip to the Edisto Island Museum is a must. It's here you can learn more about the resilient communities that have lived and worked on the island. You'll also want to find a place to stay because there's much more to discover than a quick day trip will allow. You'll need to find an Edisto Island rental home as there are no hotels in town.

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Waves in the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront homes at sunrise, Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Of course, no visit to the island is complete without spending time on the famous Edisto Beach. This 4.5-mile stretch of shoreline is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina. It's part of a state park, and there's a small admission fee. The cost is well worth it, as visitors will have the chance to collect seashells and witness some of the most breathtaking sunrises in the state. And, if you're lucky, you may even spot some dolphins!

Other visit-worthy attractions on the island include the Edisto Island Serpentarium, the Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area, and the Hutchinson House.

When you're ready for some food, head on over to Ella & Ollie's, Briny Swine, or Whaley's Store. Each is a fantastic place to interact with residents and enjoy the island's bounty of seafood and produce.

Have you spent much time exploring this vibrant community? If not, we'd certainly recommend a trip! Be sure to take a look at our ultimate road trip essentials if you're planning to load up the car and drive there.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

At Christmastime, Greenville, South Carolina Has the Most Enchanting Main Street in the Country

Greenville's Main Street transforms into a festive winter wonderland during the Christmas season, offering various holiday events and activities.

Updated Oct 22, 2024

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

The Christmas holiday is the most magical time of the year. Families unite - some from all points around the world - and the spirit of Christmas fills the air as we gather to celebrate the joyous occasion. If you're looking for a quintessential South Carolina town where you can have an enjoyable day or night filled with enchantment and holiday cheer, then head to Main Street at Christmas in Greenville, South Carolina.

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No matter the season, Main Street Greenville, SC retains a small-town vibe, even in the wake of major growth in other parts of town over the last decade.

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This is a high angle view of downtown Greenville, South Carolina on at dusk in winter.

Visitors can still park their cars and find Greenville's Main Street an enjoyable, walkable experience.

When you're in Greenville, SC at Christmas, a visit to Main Street is especially wonderful. The many shops, restaurants, and hotels all band together to make a visit to Main Street not unlike walking through a winter wonderland filled with Christmas cheer.

Visit during the day or evening to find shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, all intertwined among a wonderful mixture of special events. You'll even encounter carolers on the street.

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Jason A G/Flickr

Over at the Courtyard by Marriott, take a twirl on the 3,200-square-foot ice rink at Ice on Main. Not into ice skating? No problem: they have just the thing to prop you up while giving this spot a whirl.

The rink is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day) into January.

More information, including pricing and hours of operation, can be found on the Ice on Main website. Or, follow the Ice on Main Facebook page for special events announcements and updates.

Christmas in Greenville, South Carolina is also celebrated through its Night of Lights which features a dazzling Christmas tree.

Watch as the giant tree is illuminated, along with thousands of plaza lights. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors, as well as a visit from Santa. After, head over to Ice on Main for a special Glow Skate.

There is also an annual Greenville Poinsettia Parade and many other local events that are worth checking out. Check the Visit Greenville website to see an entire list of local events and to check dates and times.

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Whenever you visit, be sure to carve out enough time to visit the Festival of Trees at the Hyatt Regency on Main Street. The sights and the scents of Christmas fill the air at this annual Christmas tree extravaganza and it's sure to heighten your holiday spirits.

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AnneMarie/OIYS

Learn more about the Festival of Trees on the Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation website.

Of course, thousands of twinkling lights adorn the trees that line Main Street, and a special kind of magic is in the air during the holidays. Just take a peek at this brief video:

With so much to see and do in Greenville, South Carolina during the Christmas season, including all of the festive special events, it's easy to see why this South Carolina Main Street is the best place to be for the holidays! Book a stay at this historic downtown craftsman suite and enjoy part of your Christmas season in Greenville, South Carolina this year.

Do you love this South Carolina town? Keep reading for even more reasons to love Greenville.

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