Winter in the Lowcountry
A Guide to South Carolina in the Offseason
By Kellie Walton
Sunny South Carolina has it all: historic cities, stunning beaches, hidden small towns, incredible dining, and raucous college football. There’s enough to delight visitors in every season of the year, but winter is extra special in the Palmetto State. The temperatures fluctuate between warm and cold almost daily, making the options endless for things to do no matter the weather. Plus, with its location just off the east coast, there’s a vast variety of dining options combining seafood, southern fare, Gullah, and other influences.
From indoor activities to outdoor adventure, days spent window shopping to hitting the links, visit these five cities for a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland.
Wander the Historic Holy City
The Holy City of Charleston is one of the south’s most charming towns. Think: rows of streets lined with historic pastel homes, some of the nation’s best dining tucked in buildings that once welcomed historical figures, horse-drawn carriages making their way through narrow streets… all lining the banks of the Charleston harbor. It’s a scene that’s tough to beat in any season, but in winter, expect to find all of the charm without all of the crowds.
Embark on a historic tour through the city either by foot or by carriage to learn the city’s expansive history; warm up inside renowned museums like the Charleston Museum (the oldest museum in the United States), the Gibbes Museum of Art, the South Carolina Aquarium, or the recently-opened International African American Museum; or take it easy with a shopping spree down the iconic King Street. Even though spooky season may be behind us, a trip to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without a ghost tour – choose from a haunted pub crawl, spooky carriage ride, or a ghostly walking tour through downtown to send even more chills down your spine.
www.charlestoncvb.com/
Holiday in Hilton Head
It may seem odd to head to the beach during winter, but South Carolina’s coast is riddled with beach towns ready to welcome visitors no matter the season. Hilton Head, for example, is well known for its world-class golf courses. There are more than 26 championship courses (both public and private) across the island, designed by renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. After a morning spent on the links, soak up the sunshine on the island’s white sand beaches. While swimming may not be in the cards on particularly cold days, pack a picnic and lounge in the sunshine for a dose of vitamin D – it’s just what the doctor ordered.
If you’re coming to the coast, chances are you’re looking for seafood, and winter beachgoers know all too well that the low season yields some of the best seafood (especially oysters!). Make plans to attend the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, the Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, or the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival, all taking place in February and March. Walk off all that good food with a stroll through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve or the Audubon Newhall Preserve, as winter is also a great time to go birdwatching.
www.hiltonheadisland.org/
Experience Beautiful Beaufort
There’s something extra charming about small town South Carolina, located just off the coast north of Hilton Head. Winter is an excellent time to visit to get a dose of the coast, thanks to the city’s cozy palm tree-lined streets and historic mansions. Make plans to stroll the historic downtown district, either on your own or through a walking tour, to see stunning architecture, shop in boutiques, and enjoy plenty of lowcountry fare.
While in Beaufort, tour the historic homes, the John Mark Verdier House and the Thomas Hepworth House, both of which are open for public visits. Or, soak up the sun on a nice day with a picnic or a leisurely walk on one of the island’s beaches. Be sure to stop by Huntington Island State Park, which is just a short drive away. If outdoor activity is of interest, make plans to (carefully) kayak or go biking on any of the city’s many bike paths.
www.beaufortsc.org/
Go Skating in Greenville
Head far inland to experience South Carolina’s western border. Each winter, the city of Greenville hosts Ice on Main, an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of the downtown area. Skating runs annually from November to January. Plenty of other activity options abound, including cultural and historical museums like the Upcountry History Museum and the Greenville County Museum of Art. Keep the arts at the forefront by catching a show at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, a stunning venue that often welcomes comedians, concerts, plays, and much more. Bundle up and head outdoors to the Swamp Rabbit Trail to get your blood flowing on a walk or bike ride along the scenic trail. While Greenville may be a landlocked city, the Reedy River flows through, offering lovely waterfront walks.
While food and drink options are aplenty in Greenville, the city has a bustling craft beer scene perfect for warming you up on a cold day. Take a (responsible) tour through favorites like Fireforge, 12 Stripes Brewery, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, Voodoo Brewing Company, and the Southern Growl Beer Company.
www.visitgreenvillesc.com/
Roar ‘Fore!’ in Myrtle Beach
With a name like “Myrtle Beach,” one may easily think that beaches are the main attraction in this South Carolina city. And while you may be right that the beaches are noteworthy, there’s so much to do in and around Myrtle Beach beyond sandy toes and sunshine. The town is known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” with a whopping 90+ golf courses ranging from championship to family-friendly to mini-golf packed throughout the town. Grab your clubs and hit the links for a leisurely day spent swinging.
www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/
Hop on the highway and head to North Myrtle Beach, a neighboring town with much to do in any season. Warm up with wine (muscadine wine, to be exact) at Duplin Winery, which offers tastings for $15 complete with several samples and a platter of snacks. After sipping a few sweet wines, head out on the town for an evening of Shag, the popular dance style actually originated in town and is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024.
www.nmb.us/
www.duplinwinery.com/
Grab Ice Cream in Clemson
Clemson may be known as a booming college town, but there’s much to do whether or not you’re a student, alumni, or fan of the Tigers. The university campus itself does make for a stunning stroll in any season, so be sure to pass the iconic Bowman Field and visit the flowering plants and the South Carolina Botanical Garden. While on campus, check to see if the Tigers are hosting a home basketball game, as the season runs through April.
Make a dinner reservation in town, there are plenty of spots serving up southern favorites around town. Grab some BBQ at the Smokin’ Pig, a sandwich at Pot Belly Deli, or an elegant steak with sides at Rick Erwin’s. Afterward, cap the night by heading back to campus for some famous Clemson ice cream from the ‘55 Exchange. It’s a student-run business established by the class of 1955, where Clemson students can help with designing, manufacturing, selling, and serving the tasty treats.
www.clemson.edu/
