South Carolina: Refined Southern Charm
Grace and true Southern charm are the leading foot for this beautiful state. From coastal allure to marshy low-country vibes to back-country mountain roads South Carolina is always a great idea. The question is, how do you narrow down such a widely different state to fit a travel itinerary? Our guide can help lead you but it may result in multiple trips.
Coastal
Amount 25 miles Southwest of Charleston is Kiawah Island. A coastal island made up mainly of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and its acclaimed golf courses and beautiful, private beaches. The island and its hotel, The Sanctuary, are the gold standard among most visitors. The island named for the Kiawah Indians has almost 30 miles of paved trails for walking, running, or biking. Tidal water, marshes, and the river allow for canoeing and kayaking. While people may come for the beaches and outdoor life they stay for the outstanding accommodations. The hotel, The Sanctuary – aptly named – is equal to none. The exquisite Forbes 5-star hotel, the 225-room hotel boasts some of the most luxurious spaces on the coast. Intended to look and feel like a private mansion the four-story hotel has completely unobstructed views of the Atlantic. Pouring on the Southern charm, the staff at The Sanctuary have honed Southern Hospitality to a meticulous point and anticipate guests every whim.
An endearing story, Charleston Tea Garden, is an interesting afternoon and is the only large-scale tea operation in the United States. Curated from plants removed from the Pinehurst Plantation when it was bought from by Mr. Tea himself, Thomas J. Lipton and moved to Wadmalaw Island, the neighboring island to Kiawah, in the 1960s. Seemingly too time-consuming, it was sold in the late 1980s to a gentleman who eventually sold it to Bigelow, yet remains at the helm. Visitors can take a tour through the factory and fields. Sampling – both hot and cold- are available.
In the Lowcountry resort town and a barrier island of Hilton Head, there is more to do than any single vacation can accommodate. With so many options in this beautiful beach town, it only makes sense to have a blast with a Hilton Head exclusive. Take a Pirates of Hilton Head Tour to see all the different types of marine life! The pirate vessel cruises the Atlantic looking for sea creatures and dolphins with gorgeous coastal homes in the background. The boat is equipped with fun water cannons and they’ll even toss a treasure chest full of faux jewels and gold coins for guests to “find” buried treasure.
Part of the esteemed Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort neighborhood, Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort offers all the luxury and comfort needed for a great stay in Hilton Head and that one would expect from an Omni property. Perfect accommodations for families and couples the rooms offer amenities well-appointed for a beach vacation. The sparkling pool and vibrant poolside bar – The Buoy Bar - make relaxing easy.
Headed In-Land
Between the mountains and the coast, there is the wonderful town of Columbia. The second-largest city in the state, it’s on occasion shortened to Cola and hence is known locally as “Soda City.” While perusing the town The Riverbank Zoo needs to be on the list. A zoo, botanical garden - and aquarium! – the zoo is home to African elephants, koalas, and Komodo dragons. The Birdhouse at Riverbanks Zoo has been given a Significant Achievement Awards as one of the best zoo exhibits; they feature nature’s favorite tuxedo-clad friend, the penguin.
Choosing to stay a night or two in Columbia? Try the chi and trendy Hotel Trundle set in the middle of the Marin Street District. The Art Deco-style boutique hotel is housed in three historic buildings. Setting themselves apart, the gorgeous stamped tin ceilings in the modernly appointed rooms set with exposed bring and luxuriously comfortable bedding are top-notch.
A short drive from Columbia, on the campus of the University of South Carolina Aiken, is the DuPont Planetarium. With a 30-foot diameter tilted aluminum dome it’s one of the coolest shows in the state Each Saturday the almost 60 seat theater is open for a public show. The shows focus on astronomy and the gorgeousness of the night sky but can reach into other scientific fields. There is also an observatory on the roof of the building open each Saturday night- weather permitting.
Mountain Majesty
Set in the glorious foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is the first step into the majestic mountain views. Downtown is over over-shadowed by nature. The Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy River is a 345 feet long curved suspension bridge. The 12-foot-wide bridge is set to curve towards the beautiful, rushing waterfalls of the beautiful Reedy. The construction of the bridge is intended to make it very, very lightweight and to appear as if it is “floating on air.” Though few have been built similar to it in Europe, the Liberty Bridge is the only of its type in the United States. A lovely place for a stroll day or night – when the bridge is illuminated with a gorgeous blue hue.
Less than 23 miles east of Greenville in Travelers Rest is Hotel Domestique. Set in a wonderfully secluded section of the Blue Ridge Mountains countryside this boutique inn is haven is set to pamper those who come to the mountains for an adventure. Inspired by world travels this custom hotel has rich and rustic finished with textiles inspired artisanal creations. Wanting guests to feel as though they fell into the literal lap of luxurious the opulent finishes are unique to each of the rooms and suites. Guests can choose accommodations with fireplaces, mountain view balconies, river rock standing showers, and soaking tubs.
Looking for mountain activities beyond hiking? Hotel Domestique also caters to cyclists and athletes wanting to hit the mountain on their bikes. With some of the best mountain biking in the country, the Hotel offers full guided tours including mountain bike rentals, transportation, gear, a mechanic, and a fabulous gourmet lunch. An avid cyclist but not a professional? All levels of cyclists can be accommodated with flow trails to advanced technical courses that will leave anyone filled with exhilaration.
Sumpter National Park is history under your feet. Named a National Forest in 1936 by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Native Americans have hunted and made their home, battles as far back as the Revolutionary War have been fought, people have mined gold long before its national ranking. Now part of a forest system comprising of more than 600,000 acres in South Carolina alone, it is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Though a sanctioned park, hunting, fishing, and camping are legal. With well-marked trails, hiking and bird watching are a breeze.
For any traveler wanting to enjoy the park but partake in accommodations a touch more extravagant The Inn at Patrick is a short driving distance. Located in Clemson and its trendy Patrick Square- travelers can spend their day at Sumpter National Park by day and have some wonderful sleep and dining options at night! Oozing with Southern Charm the historically inspired hotel is sure to be a beacon.
From coastal retreats to mountaineering South Carolina has something for everyone and every mood!
Links:
Hoteldomestique.com
Charlestonteagarden.com
Riverbanks.org
Omni.com
Kiawahresort.com
Theparkonmain.com
Piratesofhiltonhead.com
Usca.edu/rpsec
Greenvillesc.gov
Hoteltrundel.com
