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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Water Is A Brilliant Blue At Broyles Recreation Area Beach, A Refreshing Roadside Stop In South Carolina

Broyles Recreation Area offers a serene lakeside escape with beautiful blue water views and various recreational activities.

Published Sep 12, 2020

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

South Carolina's summer heat often extends well into the fall season... even in the Upstate. And finding an out of the way, uncrowded beach in South Carolina is not always an easy task, whether it's a coastal beach or one found lakeside. Whether it's summer, fall, or spring, a visit to Broyles Recreation Area should inject a soothing vibe into your day with its spectacularly blue water views of Lake Hartwell.

This waterside locale is found less than a mile from Interstate 85 approximately 10 miles from the Georgia state line.

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Google Maps/Erika Moses

The next time you're nearby, take a detour to check it out.

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Google Maps

What you'll find is a beautiful and serene natural area on Lake Hartwell that encompasses a wide peninsula that juts out into the lake.

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Google Maps/Jesse Webb

Additional fingers extend into the lake, intensifying the already gorgeous terrain.

While the park's main features are its three-lane boat launch ramp and courtesy dock, it also sports a swim beach that's open from April through the end of September.

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Google Maps/Dana R.

If it's a day on the water you seek, you'll find it — and some of the best, brilliant blue water views in the state — right here.

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Google Maps/BH NotLuc

Broyles Recreation Area includes 14 picnic sites, and one group picnic shelter, so pack a lunch and stay a while.

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Google Maps/Michael Shimer

The group shelter requires reservations.

Portions of Lake Hartwell serve as the border between South Carolina and Georgia. The massive body of water consists of roughly 960 miles of shoreline.

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Google Maps/Mike Beckett

This little park may just be the most beautiful spot on the shore!

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Google Maps/Brenda M. Owen

Have you discovered this waterside park found less than a mile from a major highway in the Upstate of South Carolina? We'd love to hear your feedback in our comments!

The swim beach at Broyles Recreation Area is open April 1 through September 30. A $5 parking fee per vehicle is required for access. The recreation area is open year-round. Find out current hours of operation at this link. Learn more about Broyles Recreation Area and this lakeside beach in South Carolina here.

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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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