activities in sc Archives - Charleston FYI

Featured Image: Middleton Place

In the heart of the Lowcountry, Summerville, South Carolina offers the quaintness of a small southern town while still featuring plenty of fun activities and sights to see. Located right down the road from Charleston, it’s easy to take a trip up to Summerville and spend an afternoon in “Flowertown.”

Before you decide how to spend your afternoon in Summerville, also known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea, it’s important to know that a whole day could be spent on the Sweet Tea Trail! Experience some of the greatest cups of this classic southern drink as you wander through Summerville and explore its history. If you don’t want to spend the whole day on the Sweet Tea Trail, you can always feel free to sprinkle parts of this trail into your afternoon in Summerville as you go!

Start your afternoon in Summerville off strong with lunch at Swig & Swine off Old Trolley Road. This local chain has received national recognition for its perfect execution of smoked meats. From brisket to macaroni and cheese, this southern soul food will keep the hunger away so you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring.

After lunch, it’s time for some sightseeing. With so many historical sights in Summerville, it’s hard to choose just one to visit. While you can visit Colonial Dorchester, Drayton Hall or the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, we recommend stopping by Middleton Place for a peaceful walk through the oldest landscaped gardens in America.

Next, we head to another historical sight: downtown Summerville. Not only is the scenic downtown a beautiful place to stroll through, but it also has some of the best places to shop as well. With DIY woodshops, wine stores and clothing boutiques, downtown Summerville has options to entertain everyone, including a farmer’s market with fresh, local produce and live music every Saturday.

As the day cools off, it’s time to move to nature. Your next stop could include kayaking the Edisto River or simply birdwatching at one of the many nature hotspots that Summerville offers. The Jessen Boat Landing on the Ashley River is another great place to visit, offering walking trails and a fishing pier to spend some time on until your day is coming to a close.

Finish your afternoon with dinner at the best of Summerville, Oscar’s. Oscar’s has been serving up locals for over 35 years with a sure-fire menu full of southern classics. Whether you’re craving fresh-caught seafood or a fancy twist on your side of grits, this upscale casual restaurant is the perfect way to end your afternoon in Summerville.

Featured Image: The Odyssey

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in South Carolina: college football has returned and the sweltering summer temperatures are finally starting to dip. WIth that in mind, what better time to head outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather? Be sure to check out these great events going on in SC this season.

South Carolina State Fair

1200 Rosewood Dr, Columbia, SC

What better way to celebrate the beginning of fall than with the annual state fair? Enjoy carnival rides, more fried food than you can shake a stick at, and all-around family fun. This year’s musical headliners include everyone from Fantasia to The Temptations to Trace Adkins. The South Carolina State Fair runs from October 10th – 21st. Be sure not to miss this once a year event!

Boone Hall Fright Nights

2413 N Hwy 17, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Throughout September and October, visitors to Boone Hall Fright Nights can expect to be scared senseless on different attractions throughout the Boone Hall property. If you think you have what it takes to valiantly stare fear in the face and survive, be sure to purchase your tickets online today. Please note, this attraction is not recommended for guests under 12 due to its scary nature.

College Football Games

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC & Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC

A long-standing tradition in the South this time of year is to cheer on your favorite team on Saturdays, preferably after some serious tailgating. Gather your friends, drinks, and tailgate treats and be sure to catch the nationally-ranked Clemson Tigers or USC Gamecocks in person this season. Be sure to check individual teams’ websites for home games and further information.

Fall for Greenville

Downtown Greenville, SC

In the mood to celebrate the cooler weather while day-drinking downtown? Be sure to head to Greenville’s annual autumnal celebration, Fall for Greenville, to enjoy the Falls Park as well as all the entertainment and food the festival has to offer. With 70+ musical acts over the long weekend, you’re sure to discover a new band you love or catch up with an old favorite. Fall for Greenville takes place October 12th – 14th.