South Carolina

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

Most People Have No Idea This Underwater Town In South Carolina Even Exists

Lake Marion, the largest lake in South Carolina, features remnants of the town of Ferguson visible above the waterline.

Published Oct 7, 2017

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Lake Marion is officially the largest lake in South Carolina. It spreads into five counties, has 315 miles of shoreline, and was created by the construction of the Santee Dam in 1941. The dam is an earthen structure that's approximately eight miles long.

alt
Wikimedia Commons/lempleh

The Palmetto State's inland sea affords endless recreational opprtunities for locals and visitors alike. A day on the lake is like a day in paradise for avid outdoor adventurists.

advertisement
alt
Google Maps

Spanning a whopping 110,000 acres, Lake Marion is in the top 50 largest lakes in the country. And while many of these stats may be news to you, there's another tidbit about this oasis that could come as a surprise as well.

alt
Facebook/BrickYard Grill and Pub

You'll find it here, at marker 62; its location indicated by the red pin on the map above.

alt
Facebook/BrickYard Grill and Pub

That's where you'll find what may be the only visible remnants of any of the communities that were flooded during the creation of the Santee Dam.

alt
Facebook/BrickYard Grill and Pub

It was a small timber town called Ferguson. The Santee River Cypress Lumber Company built the town after they got their mill up and running at this location.

alt
Facebook/BrickYard Grill and Pub

But the mill would eventually close down, leaving the area residents in place.

advertisement
alt
Facebook/BrickYard Grill and Pub

By the late 1930s, the fate of Ferguson had been all but sealed by the creation of the dam and the new hydro plant that was planned to follow.

alt
Google Maps [enhanced to mark the spot of Ferguson]

Today, you can see remnants of Ferguson in the outcropping of trees just off the shores of Lake Marion near Eutaw Springs. You have to be in a boat to view the partially underwater ghost town.

alt
Facebook/BrickYard Grill and Pub

If you head down Ferguson Landing Way in Eutawville you'll find the perfect landing to launch your hand-powered vessel. It's next to the local gathering spot and eatery known as BrickYard Grill and Pub. They're known for serving up a great steak with the most friendly locals smiles around. (A huge thanks to them for the use of many of the photos in this article!)

Many people in South Carolina may be aware that several towns were flooded over the years as the lakes in our state were created. But not many people know that the remnants of this town actually peek way above the waterline for everyone to see.

Have you visited Ferguson? Or do you WANT to? We'd love to know in our comments!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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.

advertisement
alt
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.

alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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.

advertisement

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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

advertisement

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.

alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Natasha Kayes
on Nov 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Washington’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 4
alt
Food
Bars & Nightlife

We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar

by Lisa Battles
on Nov 4
alt
Stays
Hotels & Resorts

I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit

by Lisa Battles
on Nov 4
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

There’s a Dome Airbnb in Wyoming Where You Can Truly Sleep Beneath the Stars

by Jennifer
on Nov 4
alt