Say what you will about the big cities in the Palmetto State (they are wonderful!), but this state is built on the backbones of the small towns in South Carolina. A day spent in a small town will hearken you back to the good old days when Main Street was the place to gather. Of course there are many small towns in South Carolina where it still is. Take a peek at seven of them below. Is your small town on this list?

1. McClellanville

With a population hovering right at 550 residents, McClellanville is the epitome of small town South Carolina. Visitors can easily while away an entire day exploring this tiny locale. Be sure to take a slow stroll through the streets making certain to visit the Saint James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church (pictured). For breakfast or lunch, head to the famously popular McClellanville Diner. And to feast on seafood, dine at T W Graham.

2. Edgefield

Nearly 5,000 people call Edgefield home. Perhaps it's most notable locally-born South Carolina citizen was the late Strom Thurmond, who served in the Senate and died as the only member of Congress to reach the age of 100 while still in office. Edgefield's charming downtown is a walkable joy to explore. You'll love discovering the turkeys placed throughout town. The National Wild Turkey Federation is based right here in Edgefield, so that explains the turkeys. Be sure to visit the Wild Turkey Center. Pop into the Carolina Moon Distillery on Courthouse Square and then take a step back in time with a meal at the Old Edgefield Grill on Penn Street or the Park Row Cafe, also located on Courthouse Square.

3. Cheraw

Cheraw's nickname is "the Prettiest Town in Dixie," and we have to agree. It is charming and beautiful! The birthplace of Dizzy Gillespie even includes a park (located on Huger Street) dedicated to the Jazz icon. While you're here, visit the Old St. Davids Church (pictured). It was the last Anglican church built under King George III and still sits on Church Street, where it was built in 1770.

4. Abbeville

Abbeville's downtown is thriving with many shops, restaurants, and more to enjoy. For the best hotdog in the state, head to The Rough House at 116 Court Square. Take a walk over to the corner of Trinity and Church Streets to view the historic Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1842. And do not leave town without first visiting Swartzentruber's (Amish) Bakery on the Highway 28 Bypass.

5. Cope

Cope's downtown area is more like a drive-through charming step back in time. The tiny town of Cope, South Carolina, barely has 70 residents total. But there is much to see and admire here. It may not be a long visit, but you're sure to love what you find in Cope.

6. Folly Beach

Folly Beach is South Carolina's only beachside SMALL town that's isolated on its own island. Of course, we'd love it if Folly Beach was still exactly as it was 75 or 100 years ago, but it's still pretty darn cool. Crowded? Yes. Fun? Absolutely! Wine. Dine. Dance. Shop. All within steps of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to venture out of the downtown area and head to the north end of the island to scope out the best surfing spot in the area and to take a hike to view the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. On the south end of the island, Folly Beach County Park is the perfect spot to park it in the sun for the day.

7. Landrum

Landrum has just about the same population as the aforementioned Folly Beach. It's right at 2,600 residents in 2021. Downtown Landrum is an antique lover's paradise. Shop at a variety of antique and vintage stores. It's also home to two Amish stores: Dutch Country Foods and Foothills Amish Furniture. Do yourself a favor and visit both. After, take a short drive over to see that state's oldest remaining covered bridge: Campbells Covered Bridge at 71 Campbell Covered Bridge Road in Landrum.

How many of these small towns in South Carolina have you visited already? Have another small town you think belongs on this list? Feel free to add it in the comments, or let us know about it here.