Top 26 Hidden Gems to Explore in South Carolina

Named after King Charles I of England, South Carolina represents a classic southern state in the southeastern United States. Together with North Carolina, these two are historically identified as The Carolinas.

As the 23rd most populated state in the country, South Carolina consists of 46 counties and is geographically divided into seven distinct regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Grand Strand, the Santee River Delta, the Sea Islands, the Sandhills, the Fall Line, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Interestingly, Columbia, the state capital, derives its name from Christopher Columbus and is a state that predates the nation by a century!

Boasting over 187 miles of coastline, the Palmetto State is recognized for its verdant landscapes, rich history, and captivating culture. Notably, it stands as the sole tea producer in the entirety of the Nation!

As one of the original colonies that constituted the United States, South Carolina’s subtropical climate and luxurious coastline attract approximately 28.5 million visitors annually, both short-term and long-term.

Although the state’s stunning beachline is widely acknowledged, let us uncover some of the lesser-known treasures in South Carolina that many may not be aware of.

1. The Button Museum, Bishopville

Dalton Stevens, a man grappling with severe insomnia, reached the pinnacle of his sleeping disorder in 1983. Exasperated by his lack of rest, Stevens sought a hobby—he commenced sewing a variety of colorful buttons onto one of his suits. Before he knew it, two years had elapsed, and his attire was embellished with over 16,000 vibrant buttons!

A simple pastime that originated as a means to occupy his time during sleepless nights evolved into a fervent passion. Once he recognized the potential of his free time, there was no turning back. Shoes and guitars adorned with buttons of diverse shapes and shades emerged, along with numerous photo frames, a few caskets, and even a button-adorned hearse.

The self-proclaimed “Button King” continues to expand his collection and is often seen navigating through his impressive display, donning one of the suits from his ‘private’ wardrobe.

Stevens has appeared on various television programs and also records music focused on his unique hobby.

2. Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden, Bishopville

Determined to challenge the widely-held belief that African Americans could not maintain their gardens, Pearl Fryar began cultivating his Topiary Garden after purchasing his first property in 1961.

Lacking formal training in horticulture, Fryar self-educated and, despite contrary advice, nurtured his cherished garden using no pesticides or chemicals. Over the years, his once simple garden has flourished into a sanctuary housing over 300 meticulously sculpted topiaries.

To this day, he can be found pruning and tending to his plants, relishing the opportunity to educate visitors—particularly children—about his work and his optimistic outlook on life.

3. Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Yemassee

Constructed around the 1700s, what are now the Old Sheldon Church Ruins were once part of Prince Williams’ Parish Church. Shortly after its construction, the British damaged the church during the Revolutionary War. However, the narrative of destruction did not conclude there.

The abandoned remnants remained vacant until 1826 when it was ultimately reconstructed. Yet again, the church’s grandeur proved to be short-lived.

General Sherman and his troops, during their campaign through South Carolina, deemed it necessary for the Old Sheldon Church to revert to its previous state of ruin, culminating in an act of arson.

After its second downfall, the church ruins have been left untouched and are now encircled by majestic oak trees and historic graves.

4. Mars Bluff Crater, Florence

Could one imagine a Mark 6 bomb descending unexpectedly from the sky? If detonation were to occur, there would be little left to one’s imagination. However, if one is as fortunate as Walter Gregg from Horry County, Florence, they may live to recount the tale!

It may not be widely recognized, but Americans struggled to maintain their nuclear weapons securely during transit. While some were misplaced and others never recovered, two bombs were inadvertently released on American soil.

During the spring of 1958, amid the tensions of the Cold War, a B-47 was transporting this “package” to the UK’s “Operation Snow Flurry,” when an unfortunate series of events unfolded—comprising insufficient safety measures and negligence, leading to the pressing of the ‘emergency release pin.’ Consequently, the Mark 6 plummeted into Gregg’s garden. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

Ultimately, Gregg received $54,000 to restore his garden and established friendships with the B-47 pilots.

5. Stumphouse Tunnel, Walhalla

In the 1800s, excavating a tunnel through a mountain appeared to be a convenient means of redirecting railroad traffic. However, what the planners of the Stumphouse Tunnel project were unaware of was the exorbitant cost it would incur!

Initially proposed by Charleston residents, the Stumphouse Tunnel was intended to serve as an alternative route for trains that were unable to traverse the Ohio River. However, after expending over a million dollars, the South Carolina Government realized that they could no longer afford the project and discontinued construction.

The tunnel remained abandoned for a significant part of the 20th century; nonetheless, due to its stable temperature, Clemson University decided to repurpose the passage for the cultivation of blue cheese.

Currently, approximately 1,700 feet of the remaining tunnel have been preserved as a public park and are accessible to visitors—if you are undeterred by the resident “bat communities,” that is.

6. Poinsett Bridge, Travelers Rest

An aging, picturesque structure, the Poinsett Bridge was erected in 1820 and bears the name of Joel Roberts Poinsett, a distinguished resident of South Carolina. It is not only acknowledged as the oldest bridge of its type in the state but, some assert that it may even be the first of its kind constructed in the entire southeastern United States.

The bridge was built to serve as a segment of the roadway linking Columbia to the Saluda Mountains, facilitating access to the neighboring states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Elegantly crafted from stone, Poinsett Bridge spans 130 feet across Little Gap Creek, featuring a 14-foot-high Gothic archway.

Interestingly, the most intriguing aspect of the bridge is that its creator remains unidentified, although there have been claims linking it to Robert Mills, the architect behind the Washington Monument.

7. God’s Acre Healing Springs, Blackville

The world is a divine creation by God, and all human beings are his cherished children. However, in the town of Blackville, South Carolina, lies a unique plot of land known to produce water with remarkable healing properties!

Despite its name being a euphemism for a graveyard, God’s Acre Healing Springs is a natural spring believed to date back to the Revolutionary War, or even earlier.

According to legend, a group of Native Americans discovered gravely wounded British soldiers wandering in the woods during the war and took them to the spring. The soldiers drank from the Healing Springs, and according to the narrative, they returned to their camps six months later, fully healed and alive.

Various owners of the land have sought to capitalize on this narrative, but it was not until 1944 that the property was officially deeded to God by the final owner.

8. Oyotunji African Village, Seabrook

Founded in the 1970s by King Oba I (originally named Walter Eugene King), an African American who achieved priesthood within the Yoruba religion, Oyotunji African Village is recognized as the oldest of its kind in North America.

Spanning 27 acres, the village is named after the Oyo Empire and features a traditional Yoruba Temple that was transported from New York in 1960.

Residents of Oyotunji embrace a modest lifestyle, adhering to the customs and practices of the Yoruba and Fon religions. The village includes Afin, the royal palace where King Oba II resides with his family, along with numerous sanctuaries, courtyards, and a traditional African bazaar offering authentic African handicrafts.

9. UFO Welcome Center, Bowman

It is a well-known fact that human beings are an amiable species. To extend this friendliness to extraordinary levels, Jody Pendarvis has constructed a homemade welcome center for—ALIENS!

Crafted from metal, scrap wood, and various other materials, the two silver UFO Welcome Centers are secured behind a metal fence and feature amenities such as air conditioning, television, restrooms, and shower facilities. The smaller “room” is perched atop the larger saucer without any connecting bolts.

While our extraterrestrial friends have yet to drop in for a visit, Pendarvis is more than happy to welcome human guests into his creative masterpiece (there is no charge for aliens).

10. Tunnelvision, Columbia

A stunning creation as surreal as the name of its artist, Tunnelvision, by Blue Sky, is a mural that embodies a passage to the unknown. Inspired by a dream involving a massive portal, this colossal artwork measures 50 by 75 feet and is situated in a parking area on Columbia’s Marian Street.

The lifelike mural creates an optical illusion of depth (the trompe l’œil effect) and features a moon large enough for a vehicle to drive through. Blue Sky is also renowned for other remarkable pieces, including Neverbust Chain and Busted Plug Plaza, and continues to maintain and repaint the mural periodically.

Fortunately, this almost-real tunnel has yet to cause any vehicular accidents, though there have been numerous close calls.

11. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, Kershaw

Perhaps one of the few locations in South Carolina that are not tourist-centric, the Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve is named after a colossal granite formation which technically spans just fourteen acres!

Nevertheless, the Forty Acre Rock provides a distinctive representation of granite outcroppings in the Piedmont region. While this specific rock is preserved by park authorities and the state, numerous others are being mined for their high-quality granite, which is South Carolina’s official stone.

The grand granite formation is home to several rare plant species, including the diminutive amphianthus and Puck’s orpine. Due to the delicate ecosystem on the rock, promotion of tourism in this area is not encouraged by the state.

Though exploration is permitted during daylight hours, visitors should bring their own food and water, as there are no facilities available.

12. St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins, Saint Helena Island

Less magnificent than the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, the Chapel of Ease was constructed to provide greater accessibility to local residents, who found it challenging to attend Sunday services at the St. Helena Parish.

Built utilizing the ‘tabby method,’ which combined oyster shells, lime, and sand to form a concrete mixture, the Chapel of Ease was ironically constructed by white laborers and their enslaved workers, using a building technique originating from Spain when Africa was under colonial rule.

Although the structure suffered significant damage during a forest fire in the late 19th century, reports of singing and whispered prayers continue to resonate from the chapel’s ruins and the surrounding woods.

13. Landsford Canal, Fort Lawn

Amidst the striking scenery of Landsford Canal State Park lies the Landsford Canal, which opened in 1823 with the intention of serving as a navigation channel for both commercial and personal transportation, avoiding the rapids along the Catawba River.

Named after the early settler who owned the land, Thomas Land, the ‘canal with three locks’ and the lock keeper’s house are principal attractions within the state park.

Several years later, although Landsford Canal ceased serving as an active channel, the ruins of this historic landmark remain well-preserved, with designated walking paths surrounding it.

Between mid-May and early June, visitors can witness a spectacular bloom of the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies flourishing around the rocks in the shallow sections of the river.

14. Gullah Heritage Trail, Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island, located along the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina, is home to a culture and language that has largely been overlooked in American history, yet continues to flourish in this area of the “Gullah Geechee Corridor,” which extends from Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia.

The descendants of West African slaves who once inhabited the isolated islands, the Gullah people have developed their own language—a blend of English and various West African dialects.

Fortunately for the Gullah community, their geographical separation from the mainland has facilitated the preservation of their culture and language, although some younger generations have begun to adapt to mainstream American culture.

Despite their historical background, the community warmly welcomes visitors and is eager to share their narratives with those who show interest.

15. Folly Boat, Folly Beach

What Hurricane Hugo brought ashore, Hurricane Irma almost took away.

The origins of Folly Boat remain unknown, and no one has yet claimed ownership; nevertheless, this once-forgotten wreck has become a cherished landmark in the beach town.

Cast ashore by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Folly Boat is not only a notable presence on the beach but also serves as a favored pastime. Although vandalism is illegal, Folly Boat has been adorned with countless doodles, wedding declarations, expressions of young love, and even business promotions, all without objection. Painting the Folly has become a customary ritual.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate the owner of the vessel, the community of Folly Beach wholeheartedly embraced Folly Boat, fiercely defending it against Hurricane Irma in 2017 and returning it to its rightful position amid the love and care of the locals.

16. Dorchester, Summerville

Dorchester, situated in Summerville, SC, was the state’s third settlement, boasting forty residential properties, a church, a fort, a school, and a library by 1770. Today, however, only the remnants of this once-thriving township endure.

The town was named after a city in England, with the church being its initial structure, followed by several other edifices.

By the time of the Revolutionary War, the number of residents had significantly declined, and by the early 1800s, few substantial structures remained. A fort constructed by local slaves for gunpowder storage continues to stand as a testament to the town’s historic significance.

Now a part of a state park, Dorchester contains an unremarkable building housing a few exhibits illustrating its once-flourishing past.

17. HL Hunley Submarine, North Charleston

Almost everyone is acquainted with the tumultuous narrative of the American Civil War, also known as the Union War. Nevertheless, what remains obscure for many is the fate of H.L. Hunley—the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy vessel, the USS Housatonic, and subsequently mysteriously vanish!

While the location of the submarine has been pinpointed, having been recovered from beneath the Charleston Harbor, the cause of Hunley’s disappearance continues to elude explanation.

Interestingly, Hunley has encountered two instances of drowning during its trial operations, resulting in the deaths of thirteen crew members between both incidents, including its creator, Horace Hunley.

The submarine’s rediscovery in 1995 (having disappeared in 1863) occurred near the site where the USS Housatonic was struck, and ongoing research and investigation suggest a plausible theory—that Hunley may have been positioned too close to the enemy ship during the assault, rendering it susceptible to damage from its own torpedo.

18. Tiny Town, Easley

A symbol of love and affection in its inception, the Tiny Town of Easley has transformed into a fully-realized, albeit somewhat modified, tourist attraction managed by the descendants of its original creators, Perry and Ollie Jennings.

Ollie had always envisioned living in a log cabin, yet she accepted the unlikelihood of that dream materializing. To uplift her spirits and offer her a semblance, Perry constructed a small replica resembling the log cabin she often fantasized about. The joy sparked by this creation led to further construction, culminating in collaborative efforts from both Jennings.

By 1977, Christmas lights adorned the site, which continued to expand with additional buildings added to the miniature village.

Upon the Jennings’ passing in 2009 (following 35 years since the project’s inception), a total of 80 structures comprised the Tiny Town of Easley.

Of the original edifices, only 25 remain, with several altered, and a few larger and more colorful additions by the Jennings children.

19. Old Charleston City Jail, Charleston

The City Jail was initially established in 1802, serving Charleston from 1803 to 1939. While the original interiors remain as a testament to bygone eras, the arched facade and octagonal structure were integrated during renovations in 1855.

The lower floor housed prison personnel and the “most agreeable” convicts, while lesser offenders were assigned to the second floor, and murderers and thieves occupied the top level. Numerous inmates perished from natural causes, while several serious offenders were executed on site.

The prison also hosted numerous offenders during the Union War.

An earthquake in 1886 caused extensive damage to the City Jail. Finally, in 1939, after over a century of operation, the Charleston City Jail was closed.

Currently, it belongs to the American College of the Building Arts and functions as a practical tool for educating America’s future architects.

20. Kazoo Museum, Beaufort

The kazoo, a modest yet often overlooked musical instrument, was first invented in the 1840s by Alabama Vest, an African American, and Thaddeus Von Clegg, a German-American clockmaker, who showcased their creation at the Georgia State Fair in 1852, affectionately referring to it as the “Down South Submarine.”

Though termed the Kazoo Museum, named to honor the instrument, some of the lesser-known kazoos reside at the bottom of a demonstration that is not even part of the primary exhibition.

The museum was established by Rick Hubbard and Gale Andrus in 2007, housing over 200 unique kazoo-related items on display, including cartoon kazoos, electric kazoos, and antique models exceeding a century in age.

21. Sassafras Mountain, Sunset

The summit of Sassafras Mountain, the highest elevation in the state, was once in the possession of an energy company that had no concrete plans for the area and allowed it to become neglected for visitors. The deserted venue, at a height of 3,533 feet above sea level, lacked walkways or signage, rendering navigation challenging.

Ultimately, in 2004, the corporate owners opted to sell the land to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which initiated an improvement project for this otherwise picturesque and scenic summit.

The area now features a paved trail, a commemorative plaque, appropriate signage, and a portion that overlooks the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.

Donations are welcome to assist the Department’s future project concerning the construction of an observation tower that would have the capacity to overlook four adjacent states simultaneously. Contributors can receive a custom-engraved brick that will be placed at the base of the tower.

22. Busted Plug Plaza, Columbia

Blue Sky, originally known as Warren Edward Johnson, is not a stranger to South Carolina’s eccentric art installations. In fact, he plays a significant role in maintaining the idiosyncratic and intriguing ambiance of his city, Columbia.

Busted Plug Plaza, an artistic installation by Blue Sky, is situated in the same parking lot as Tunnelvision (another creative endeavor by the artist) and is recognized as the largest fire hydrant globally. Furthermore, the artist asserts that his “hydrant” is hurricane-resistant!

While the latter assertion has yet to be tested, the former claim is undoubtedly remarkable. Where else could one find a fire hydrant standing 40 feet tall and weighing 675,000 pounds?

To add an element of humor, the artist has depicted the hydrant as though it has been skewed by an immense, imaginary vehicle, with a gentle stream of water continually spraying from its base.

23. King Neptune Sundial, Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island, located slightly offshore from South Carolina, hosts several remarkable attractions, beginning with the Gullah community, followed by one of the largest figurative sundials in the world.

Comprising numerous hotels, beach resorts, and golf courses, the island forms part of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Notably, it is here that King Neptune, towering at 12 feet, stands with his trident presiding over a timepiece with a 26-foot diameter base.

Reportedly, King Neptune and his loyal trident have been marking time for the residents of the state since 1983. This remarkable installation was cast and established by Wayne Edwards, a sculptor and local artist, who assures that Neptune will continue his duty as long as sunlight shines upon South Carolina.

24. Peachoid, Gaffney

South Carolina may be designated the “peach capital of the world,” but Gaffney undeniably claims the title of the state’s peach capital. Not just for its plentiful peach production, but significantly for the immense Peachoid, which towers at a height of 135 feet alongside Interstate 85.

At first glance, it may appear as merely another water tower, yet the Peachoid is perhaps the town’s most cherished landmark, attracting countless travelers and making a cameo in the popular TV series, House of Cards (Chapter 3, for those curious).

This colossal peach structure was finished in 1981, requiring ten million pounds of concrete and fifty gallons of paint. Presently, the giant sphere encompasses one million gallons of water.

25. Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum, Myrtle Beach

Notwithstanding its provocative title, the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum harbors a rich and noble history. Established during the 1900s segregation era between white and African American populations, the school was created to provide a genuine educational environment for African American children living in the vicinity.

Functioning from 1923 to 1958, the Myrtle Beach Colored School was equipped with fundamental necessities and space that the students needed to thrive, accommodating students only up to the 8th grade.

The dissolution of segregation in the 1950s led to the school’s closure. Yet, a collective of former students successfully prevented its demolition, transforming the abandoned building into a museum that commemorates its significant legacy.

Visitors may explore one of the original classrooms, as well as view historical photographs and newspaper articles reflecting the school’s brief but honorable past.

26. Unitarian Church Cemetery, Charleston

Where there is a flicker, there is fire. And where there is a cemetery, there are tales of hauntings—especially when situated on church grounds constructed over two centuries ago!

Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the Unitarian Church is recognized as the second oldest of its kind (with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church being the first) and was initially established in 1772. Although the paths leading to the church (which was rebuilt in 1854) remain well-kept, the churchyard is increasingly overtaken by a burgeoning population of trees, shrubs, and vines.

Remarkably, the cemetery features in a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, “Annabel Lee.” The story recounts Annabel, who lived in the town with her father prior to the Civil War. When her father discovered her romantic affair with a sailor, he imprisoned her in her room for several months, during which time the sailor relocated to Virginia. Eventually, poor Annabel succumbed to yellow fever (though many assert she perished of a broken heart). The sailor returned to Charleston only to miss the burial site of his beloved, who had been laid to rest without a marked gravestone by her unyielding father.