Are you expecting out or town guests this holiday season? It's no wonder, right? Everyone wants to visit the Palmetto State as often as they can!
When it comes to finding ways to show friends and family just how wonderful South Carolina is, there are so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming. Here are some bonafide fun things you and your guests can do together to make their trip even more memorable!
1. Visit Downtown Greenville
Historic downtown Greenville is alive all year long. A variety of shops and restaurants line Main Street. At the foot of Main Street you'll find Liberty Bridge and the centerpiece of this amazing South Carolina city: Falls Park on the Reedy. Not many cities in the U.S. feature an amazing waterfall of this caliber right on Main Street. If your guests time their visit during the holiday season you can even take them ice skating right on Main Street in Greenville! More information.
2. Go to Barefoot Landing - North Myrtle Beach
Wow! Where to start in describing the diverse and fun things to do at Barefoot Landing? Located along the intracoastal waterway in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing offers something fun for just about everyone. From a multitude of fabulous shops and restaurants, to attractions like the Alabama Theater, amusements including the carousel, and the ever-exciting Alligator Adventure, Barefoot is a sure bet for a fun outing.Address: 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. More information.
3. Tour Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet
South Carolina's #1 Outdoor Attraction is a perfect day trip from any point in the Palmetto State. Even if your out-of-towners have already been to Brookgreen there's just something about this magical spot that makes it impossible to see it too often. During the Christmas holidays they open at night to feature their famous "Nights of a Thousand Candles." You need to purchase tickets in advance for this special holiday event. More information on both the special event and just general information for the gardens can be found here.Address: 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
4. Go to the Hollywild Animal Safari - Wellford
Hollywild Animal Safari at Christmastime shuts down the park during the day and opens for their annual holiday lights show. Drive through the light displays in your own car, and with an additional add-on fee you can also enter the "deep forest" for engaging one-on-one animal encounters like this one! Prices, dates and hours of operation for Hollywild vary depending upon the time of year. Check this link for general admission information. For more information about taking guests to the drive through holiday light safari, see this link.Address: 2325 Hampton Rd, Wellford, SC 29385.
5. Spend time in Old Town Rock Hill
Rock Hill's Old Town is a hip family-friendly spot with plenty to do any time of the year. From the vibrant Children's Museum on Main Street, to a variety of family-oriented festivals and events, any trip to Old Town is a blast. At Christmastime, enjoy the Holiday Ice Rink. 2016 ice rink dates are from November 18 through January 16, 2017. Interested in the ice rink? More information here.
6. Chase waterfalls for a day
South Carolina's Upstate is laiden with stunning waterfalls. There are several that are easy to get to. See those here. Or, take a waterfall adventure in this day-long waterfalls road trip.
7. Visit Charleston
Any trip to the Lowcountry that includes a visit to historic Charleston is surely one to be remembered. You can stroll the historic neighborhoods with your visitors and gawk at all the beautiful old homes. The Battery and White Point Gardens are found at the south end of town, only a short walking distance from Charleston's famed Market.
8. Take a stroll on Conway's Riverwalk - Conway
Take out of town guests for a peaceful stroll on the Conway Riverwalk. Located along the Waccamaw River, this river park dishes up picnic areas, a handsome boardwalk, playground and even a small stage area. The entrance is located along 2nd Avenue. Address: 2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526
9. Visit historic Camden
Explore South Carolina's oldest inland city. Spend the day delving into the many historical sites here, including the Camden Revolutionary War Site, 107 acres of American Revolutionary War significant artifacts. After, go see the city's Quaker Cemetery and then head over to one of the most beautiful state parks in all of South Carolina: Goodale State Park.
10. Go antiquing in Walterboro
Head over to Walterboro for a day of antiquing. Long a highlight on the official South Carolina Antiquing Trail, Walterboro has some wonderful shops to find unique treasures. You'll find a list of the antique shops here.
11. Take a ride over to Swan Lake/Iris Gardens - Sumter
The holidays are a special time at this urban park in Sumter County. Check out the Fantasy of Lights the whole month of December and brace yourself for the magnificent floating Christmas tree. One of the largest Chistmas light displays in South Carolina sets the park aglow for this annual event. For dates, hours and more information click here. Address: 822 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150
12. Drop in on Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park - Columbia
One of Columbia's best kept secrets is also a great place to take out of town guests to explore one of the finest parks in the Capital City. Whether you're walking or biking, the trails in this 167-acre urban park will delight you. Enjoy a picnic or explore the many other amenties this park has to offer, like a grand amphitheater.Address: 3 Three Rivers Greenway, Columbia, SC 29210
From a Christmas light safari tour to a stoll along the peaceful Waccamaw River, there are some amazing things to do on this list with out of town guests!
Do you have other favorite things to do during the holidays with your out of town visitors? We'd love to know in our comments!
Treat your guests to a traditional lowcountry meal. These 11 Restaurants Serve The Best Shrimp And Grits In South Carolina.
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