Lobster Races
Aiken

Perhaps the Lobster Races are a spoof of the Kentucky Derby, but whether they are or are not, it's a "Southern-done party!" This charity event is held every May, when "live, Maine, thoroughbred racing lobsters compete." What's the prize? The winning lobster gets to go free, of course! Beyond the races, there is an "oldies band" and "outdoor dancing." Lots of "local restaurants serve gourmet food on the street," and there are fun activities like "face painting, a dunking tank, street jugglers, and more."

Okra Strut
Irmo

The two-day celebration of okra is the first of its kind in the nation. For more than 30 years, the town of Irmo has hosted the famed Okra Strut during the last weekend in September. The money raised during this "local Southern tradition" goes to charitable programs in the area. Dabble in fried okra, pickled okra, and other local, Southern delectables. A few bands, a parade, and rides make this festival a truly "family-oriented" event. Read more.

Shealy's BBQ
Leesville

Shealy's BBQ is "as Carolina Bar-B-Que as you can get." Established in 1969, it's a "classic and interesting dining experience for the less Southern folk and just plain good eating for all." For those who are all-you-can-eat inclined, Shealy's "features a 40-item, all-you-can-eat buffet." Get your fill of "Shealy's famous BBQ pork, fried chicken, and home-cooked vegetables." Taste their award-winning BBQ sauce and see for yourself. Read more.

Sunset Grille
Hilton Head Island

Sunset Grille's strange location "in a trailer park over a laundry mat" adds to its charm. This is a "five-star restaurant" that's well known to locals as "one of the best in the area." The ideal time to go is right before the sun sets because "no one has a better sunset view!" The food is "superb," the service is "excellent," and the atmosphere is "casual." The Sunday brunch receives rave reviews, so whenever you go, be sure to make reservations. It's off the main road, but "well worth the effort to find."

Unitarian Church Graveyard
Charleston

The Unitarian Church Graveyard is the perfect setting for a noteworthy ghost story. Located between King and Archdale streets, it's "a wonderful place to find peace, a sense of history, and a quiet place to gather your thoughts." Even on the hottest South Carolina day, "it seems cool and refreshing." Enter from King Street and escape into the "sudden and wonderful contrast to the busy street." Native Charlestonians know this "secret place," seemingly in the "middle of the city," yet a visit there "soothes the soul." Best times to visit are during the day, at dawn, or dusk. Read more.

Angel Oak
Johns Island

The Angel Oak tree is more than 1,400 years old and "covers nearly an acre with its limbs." In fact, the longest limb is about 11 feet around and 89 feet long. "There is nothing like it." While in Charleston, journey "back in the country" to visit this "beautiful landmark." It just might be the "largest oak tree" you'll ever see. About 65-feet tall and 25-feet in circumference, the Angel Oak was named after its previous owners, Mr. and Mrs. Angel. Read more.

Aunt Sue's Country Corner
Pickens

Located on a "quiet, scenic, rural highway," Aunt Sue's is a restaurant and ice cream parlor that "serves as the hub" for about six or seven local small businesses--crafts, calligraphy, rocks, quilting, hand-made wooded toys, and others. A typical lunch there is "followed by browsing the shops and a double-scoop from the ice cream store!" There are "high-backed rockers on the large porch," where you sit in the shade and enjoy the organ music--played by a local lady who sings old favorites and local folksongs. "Good food, good service, and good atmosphere" make it a great way to "spend a few, fun hours." Read more.

Bill's Music Shop and Pickin' Parlor
West Columbia

Known as the "Bluegrass Store," Bill's is "an old-time music shop." They sell quality bluegrass instruments, including: guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, and more. The "highlight is the Friday-night jam session, when local bluegrass musicians get together to play, have fun, and show off a bit." Held the first and third Fridays of the month for bluegrass musicians from near and far. Read more.

Folly Beach
Folly Island

Folly Beach is the closest beach to historic Charleston and is arguably "the best beach in South Carolina." Many "don't even realize that there is a beach around the corner," and "only a few have ever heard of it." It's a "great place to play in the waves, collect seashells, and walk to the lighthouse." There is a "fishing pier and beautiful views," making it "one of the last, old-time, shabby beaches in the area." So far, they have successfully kept it "as calm and relaxed as possible" by "not welcoming rapid commercialism." Read more.

Huntington Sculpture Gardens
Pawleys Island

Open in the evenings, the Huntington Sculpture Garden?s outside location is perfect for "a picnic with a bottle of wine on the lawn amidst the wonderful art." The 50-acre lawn is "meticulously maintained and is readily accessible from nearby cities." The works of American sculptors are prominent, with more than 900 pieces that span from the early 1800s to the present. Founded in 1931, Brookgreen Gardens serves as home to this well-cultivated oasis and was the first public sculpture garden in the country. Read more.