Table Rock State Park
South Carolina

South Carolina’s upcountry, lakes and river regions offer dynamic alternatives to the coast. Enjoy historic National Parks like Fort Sumter and Kings Mountain, or adventure outdoors in Congaree National Park. The 47 South Carolina State Parks include: Jones Gap State Park in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area west of Greenville; and Santee State Park with Lake Marion, in Santee Cooper Country. Darlington Raceway outside Florence hosts the excitement of NASCAR racing while fall brings the Annual Antique show to Greenville at the Greenville County Museum of Art. Pick your pleasure and turn it into a South Carolina getaway.

Columbia, South Carolina’s largest city and the State Capital, is a dynamic destination. Home of Fort Jackson, the US Army’s largest Entry Training Center and the University of South Carolina, the city offers a diversity of attractions and entertainment for visitors. The Riverbanks Zoo and Cayce Riverwalk Park are great outdoor activities; Colonial Life Arena is home to men’s and women’s Gamecock basketball, as well as concerts and performances; while the Carolina Coliseum hosts Columbia Inferno Hockey, which begins in November.

For 12 days of family fun, plan a visit to the 2011 South Carolina State Fair. As they say, you can find your happy at the fair, plan for October 12th through the 23rd. See award winning South Carolina livestock, agriculture and home goods along with the fun of a State Fair. Everyone loves the midway games and rides, the Pepsi Grandstand features concerts by Trace Adkins, Skillet and the Gatlin Brothers. Keep on the lookout for Barney of Mayberry and Bandaloni – the One-Man-Band roving the grounds.

Greenville, less than two hours northwest of Columbia, is a wonderful family friendly South Carolina community. In downtown Greenville, Falls Park on the Reedy features a cantilevered pedestrian bridge - the only one like in the US. Visit the park in the historic West End of downtown. The park hosts the Michelin on Main Street Stage for the Fall for Greenville Festival October 14th through 16th. This 30th anniversary event is Greenville’s A Taste of our Town, showcasing food from the city’s best restaurants along 20 block of downtown Greenville. Enjoy live entertainment on six stages, watch restaurants and bakers compete and showcase their skills, and hone your wine tasting palate at the Wine Tasting Area – all in addition to Greenville’s amazing food.

About 40 miles southwest of Greenville travelers find the charming community of Seneca. On the south end of Lake Keowee in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Seneca is an outdoor paradise. Paddle the Chattooga River, Keowee River and Chauga River for white water trills or hike trails to destinations like Yellow Branch Falls. Seneca and Oconee County are a wonderful unspoiled region of South Carolina to enjoy an outdoor getaway.

Morris Island Lighthouse
South Carolina Coast

South Carolina and its beautiful coastal cities are primed for your visit. From the well known Myrtle Beach coastline and the Grand Strand, south to Hilton Head, pristine beaches and world-class golf are waiting. A golfer? The South Carolina coast region is paradise. North Myrtle Beach boasts the Tidewater Golf Club, one of the best public courses anywhere; Charleston is home to Kiawah Islands Ocean Course, a difficult but gorgeous course featuring 10 beach front holes; and the Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head is a must for golfers. South Carolina also offers rich attractions off the course - shopping, great beaches, or world-class entertainment - getaway to the Palmetto state.

With a claim as the number 1 Family Beach in America, North Myrtle Beach is a great getaway destination. Pick your favorite beach, from Cherry Grove and Ocean Drive to Crescent Beach or Windy Hill, there is nothing more relaxing than a day in the surf and sand. Check out the Inlet Point Plantation Stables for a horseback ride along the sand, or take the family to Cherry Grove Pier for some fishing – poles are available to rent, so just come and cast out a line.

For some serious fishing, join a North Myrtle Beach tournament. The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo runs through October, The fall Pier King Mackerel Tournament is in September, and the Take a Kid Fishing Tournament comes in October. Remember, pier fishing does not require a license, however check the license requirements for the tournaments.

For great entertainment in Myrtle Beach, Legends in Concert are now performing at Broadway at the Beach. New in 2011, this location replaces the Legends in Concert Surfside Beach location. With elaborate sets and amazing costumes, these multimedia productions are the place to be entertained. Check the schedule and enjoy outstanding celebrity look-alike performers singing and dancing like your favorite stars.

If there is a serious shopper in the crowd, Conway, west of Myrtle Beach, is home to the Big Outlet Mall. Off Highway 501 south on the Waccamaw River, Conway is a great option for those looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach, less than fifteen miles from the South Carolina coast, get the shopping out of the way and head for the beach. The Best Western hotel in Conway is one of five locations in the Myrtle Beach Area.

Charleston and North Charleston are must see destinations along the coast of South Carolina. Pick your fun and with six Best Western hotels in the area, your Charleston hotel needs are not a worry. The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center is the largest entertainment venue in South Carolina Lowcountry. The fall calendar features Yo Gabba Gabba Live in October for the kids, November brings performers like Josh Groban, John Mellencamp and Loretta Lynn, and December features Moscow Ballet’s performing the Great Russian Nutcracker.