12 Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities in South Carolina
South Carolina is a fairly diverse state it holds sandy beaches, dense forests, historic towns and areas of extensive wetlands. Although, Charleston’s streets are paved with cobblestones, and Myrtle Beach has a crowded boardwalk, South Carolina has many places that are not as famous but are worth visiting.
If you are in the mood for something new and are interested in off the beaten path locations, South Carolina may be beckoning you. Now, let’s get to know some of the less typical things to do in South Carolina and what makes them so special.
The Firefly Season at Congaree National Park
Synchronous fireflies come out to play at Congaree National Park only for a few weeks in spring and make it glow in the dark. Unlike ordinary fireflies, these insects synchronize their flashing and produce a wave of light throughout the floodplain forests of the park. This spectacle attracts visitors from all over the country and is one of the least frequent natural light phenomena according to scientists.
Shark Teeth Hunting at Folly Beach
Folly beach is a paradise for lovers of seashells and fossils. Due to the presence of the Cooper River, shark teeth fossils are often found washed up on the shore, and has become a fun search activity for visitors. Fossils of the giant shark are millions of years old and the teeth are sometimes as big as a palm of a man. According to local people, the best time to search the beach for fossils is at low tide and near the pier.
Wander Through Atalaya Castle
Atalaya Castle is a rather surprising piece of Spanish architecture located in Huntington Beach State Park. This was once a winter residence of an artist Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer Huntington a philanthropist and is now accessible to visitors who wish to view its beautiful courtyards, arched corridors and ironwork crafted by the same couple.
Visit Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Old Sheldon Church Ruins are located near Yemassee and surrounded by oaks with Spanish moss hanging from them. The church was constructed in the 1750s and was burned during the Revolutionary War, reconstructed and burnt again during the Civil War. Most of the structures are now in ruins, but there are tall columns and arched windows through which people can get a feel of the era. People state that it is most effective to visit this place during the evening when the sun is setting and it is already getting dark but still the trees are filtering the sun’s rays.
Ghost Hunting in Charleston’s Old Jail
Charleston’s Old Jail is one of the most popular places among people who are interested in the paranormal. The jail itself was constructed in 1802 and was used to detain pirates, Civil War prisoners and many other dangerous criminals. As they are buried not far from the building, some people believe that some of these criminals’ spirits still haunt the place. Some brave people take nightly tours, walking through the dark corridors and empty cells while listening to the guides’ stories of ghost sightings.
Kayak the Black River
Black River is one of the beautiful rivers in South Carolina, passing through the area of cypress timber and low swamp land. A kayaking trip here offers you an opportunity to explore this part of the state with opportunities to see bald eagles, river otters, and even alligators. In nearby Kingstree, outfitters take visitors on tours where they explain the uses of native plants and the various types of animals seen along the water.
Tours to the Ghost Town of Dorchester
South Carolina has its own ghost town in the form of the colonial village of Dorchester. Established in 1697, this place was once a populated village, however, there are no people there now; the only remains are several buildings’ foundations and a fort. The region remains a state historic site today, and people can still explore the old fort; visit the crumbling churches, and trace the relics of colonial times.
Take a Boat to Bulls Island
Bulls Island is one of the islands of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and is only accessible by ferry. It is a natural reserve with beautiful sandy beaches, maritime forests and a rich fauna with alligators, deer and more than 275 bird species. This place is a favorite of photographers to take pictures of Boneyard Beach where trees that fell over formed a surreal scene.
Tour Poinsett Bridge
Located in northern Greenville County, high up in the mountains, Poinsett Bridge is believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina that was constructed in 1820. This stone bridge is designed in Gothic style with arch, and a perfect spot for taking pictures and having packed lunch. Tales about the bridge are many with most people believing that the place is haunted.
Walk Through Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner is a quiet and beautiful place with trails, wooden walkways over cypress swamps. The park also provides boat trips through the swamp and you might see alligators and turtles moving around the lily pads. Also known from the movie, The Notebook, Cypress Gardens provides a distinct break from the hustle and bustle of daily life in South Carolina while treating visitors to a beautiful view of its natural landscape.
Fish the Pier at Cherry Grove
Fishermen or lovers of the sea views will find Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach as their favorite spot. It was constructed in 1950 and is the only pier in South Carolina that features a two-story observation deck. Some of the fish that can be caught here include flounder, mackerel among others, fishing equipment can be hired from the pier.
Explore Redcliffe Plantation
The Redcliffe Plantation near Beech Island is a preserved antebellum home that provides history of South Carolina. The mansion was constructed in 1859 and the house and the yard area were restored to resemble the original look. Tours help to explain who the plantation owners were and who the black people were who toiled on the plantations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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