Published Dec 3, 2017

10 Enchanting South Carolina Towns That Feel Like You’ve Fallen Into A Snow Globe

Published Dec 3, 2017

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Published Nov 6, 2024

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Chapin for the Holidays

Experience the heartwarming holiday traditions of Chapin, South Carolina. This small lake-side town knows how to celebrate!

Published Nov 6, 2024

Written by

Megan Todaro

I’ve been visiting Chapin, South Carolina for the holidays for almost two decades now. After my family relocated from Miami, Florida up to this vast wilderness of space, it was the tiny lake-side town of Chapin that they all called home. So every year, I pack my winter essentials and make the trek, and let me say - there’s no place like my hometown of Chapin for the holidays.

Chapin, South Carolina, known as the “Capital of Lake Murray,” is a small but growing town with a close-knit community vibe. Located about 20 miles northwest of Columbia, it’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy the blend of small-town charm with access to natural beauty and a strong community atmosphere.

One of the main attractions in Chapin is Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservoir popular for boating, fishing, and watersports. Lake Murray draws visitors from across the region, and many Chapin locals spend weekends on the water, enjoying the mild South Carolina weather. In the summer, Lake Murray even hosts annual events, like the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, one of the state's largest fireworks displays.

But outside of July 4th celebrations, Chapin, South Carolina, takes on a charming small-town feel during winter holidays, emphasizing community and family-centered festivities. While small, Chapin brings locals together through events that highlight the spirit of Christmas, focusing on Southern traditions, festive lights, and activities that make the season memorable.

One of the community's holiday highlights is the Old-Timey Christmas, which draws residents from all around the area to celebrate with tree lighting, carolers, and even Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus making a grand appearance. The party typically takes place in early December, filling the streets with cheer as residents and visitors gather to watch the display and enjoy holiday treats from local vendors.

In the spirit of giving, Chapin embraces charitable events throughout the season. Many local businesses and organizations hold toy and food drives, helping to spread holiday cheer and assist families in need. Additionally, local churches in Chapin host holiday services and often put on nativity plays, inviting everyone to come and experience the true meaning of Christmas.

alt — Full Frame Shot Of Defocused Lights

With its warm community feel, Chapin captures the essence of a traditional Southern holiday, where neighbors know each other by name, and the season is all about shared moments, generosity, and a little bit of magic. While Chapin, South Carolina, might not be where I was born, it's where the bulk of my family lives, and you know the old adage - home is where your heart is.

Do you have a favorite place to spend the holidays? We'd love to hear from you! Want a few spots to chow down in Chapin? Check out Higher Ground for delicious burgers and Farm Boy's Barbeque for scrumptious ribs!

Trip Ideas|Small Towns

Published Oct 29, 2024

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.

A charming white church with a steeple, surrounded by greenery and a brick pathway, under a clear blue sky. — 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.

Colorful beach houses line a sandy shore, with gentle waves lapping at the beach under a twilight sky. — 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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by Megan Todaro

on Nov 13

10 Enchanting South Carolina Towns That Feel Like You’ve Fallen Into A Snow Globe

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There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Chapin for the Holidays

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

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All Stories

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The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Louisiana is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

The Iconic Trail in Northern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Iconic Trail in Southern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime