Shocks to Expect When Visiting South Carolina
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting South Carolina. This southern state is known for a lot of things, including beautiful beaches and Southern hospitality. As with any travel destination, there are many surprises in store for South Carolina travelers. If you’re thinking about visiting South Carolina, don’t be surprised at these “shocks.”
Palmettos
Palmetto is the state tree of South Carolina, and you’ll see it on the license plates. But the proliferation of palmetto trees is not shocking. It’s the palmetto bugs that are the first shock when you arrive. Palmetto bug is just a fancy word for flying cockroaches.
Those aren’t the only bugs in South Carolina, though. The mosquitos can be pretty bad, and there are little invisible bugs hiding in the Spanish Moss. Bug spray is a must for any trip to South Carolina.
South of the Border
In most places, South of the Border means Mexico. But here, it is a famous roadside attraction just over the North Carolina and South Carolina border on I-95. It’s super kitschy, and you’ll see signs for it for miles ahead. It’s kind of like the Wall Drug of the Southeast.
If you decide to try Blenheim Ginger Ale when you are there, you’re in for another shock. This is not the ginger ale you’re probably used to. It’s spicy! It’s good, but totally different from Canada Dry or Schweppes.
Diversity of Landscapes
It’s a pleasant surprise how quickly you can go from the ocean to the mountains in South Carolina. There are lowland, swampy areas like Congaree National Park. There are beautiful beaches and islands, like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, both very popular travel destinations.
South Carolina Accent
Outside of the I-95 corridor, the accent is THICK. You may have a bit of trouble adjusting to it at first, but the people are super friendly, so they will make sure you get what you need! You will be well-fed and watered on your South Carolina trip.
South Carolina BBQ
If you order BBQ in South Carolina, you might be in for a surprise. The most popular BBQ sauce here is a mustard-based sauce. It’s much lighter in color, with a definite mustard flavor, but it’s still fantastic. You can get other BBQs here, like vinegar-based or sweeter sauces, but the true South Carolina sauce is the mustard sauce.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is frequently rated as one of the top cities in the United States, but it’s still shocking how great it is. Whether you are walking through the Battery and admiring beautiful historic homes and cobblestone streets, enjoying some of the museums, or indulging in the food, you’ll love Charleston. Charleston has Southern Charm with a European vibe.
What NOT to Do in Charleston South Carolina
Georgetown is another nice destination in South Carolina. It’s the third-oldest city in South Carolina, so it has a similar historic feel to Charleston.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach can also be shocking, and it’s not always a pleasant surprise. If you visit Myrtle Beach during spring break or summer, be prepared for insane crowds. There are tons of fun things to do in Myrtle Beach, with amusement parks, beaches, and restaurants. But the traffic and parking can be frustrating.
Hilton Head Island is a quieter alternative, but a lot of those beaches are private, so make sure you have beach access if you decide to go there. With almost 200 miles of coastline, there are plenty of South Carolina beaches to explore!
Alligators in South Carolina
When you are driving around South Carolina, you might see some strange lawn decorations, but they’re actually real, live alligators! If you’re near water or have little kids or small dogs, you need to be on high alert for alligators.
Summer Heat in South Carolina
The level of heat and humidity in South Carolina summers is shocking. Nine months of the year, South Carolina is amazing! You won’t want to do anything but hit the beach or the pool in June, July, and August.
South Carolina Plantations
There are many plantations in South Carolina that have been restored and are now open to the public. Many offer tours where you can learn about the history of the plantation. Some locations are more white-washed than others, but some will give you the good and the bad. I recommend visiting a plantation that tells both sides of the story. Some plantations have even been converted to B&Bs so you can stay overnight.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t let these “shocks” keep you from planning a trip to South Carolina; it’s full of pleasant surprises. It’s such a diverse state, with beaches, mountains, great food, and friendly people! Deciding where to go in South Carolina can be overwhelming because it’s such a big state, but you’ll have a good time no matter which South Carolina destination you choose!
Want more tips for traveling in the South? Check out some of our other blog posts: