- Friday, June 24, 2022
After becoming an Ultimate Outsider, the first thing I decided to do was enter a scavenger hunt with hundreds of other Ultimate Outsiders. To get a prize, I need to get 200 points by visiting state parks throughout South Carolina and discovering their secrets.
At the end of September 2021, I became the newest member of the Ultimate Outsider club thanks to Richland Library and their partnership with the SC State Library to provide a backpack with a Statewide Park Passport. Now in 2022, I am determined to become one of the selected few to finish the 2022 Ultimate Outsider Scavenger Hunt with more than 200 points. My name is Keith. Come with me on my “Quest for 200.”
There are over 1,000 Ultimate Outsiders who are competing to win different prizes from the South Carolina State Park Department. In the beginning of 2023, there will be a raffle drawing, and the winner gets to choose what prize they want. From spending the night at a state park for a weekend or a four-man tent, the best prizes are only for the Ultimate Outsider who gets more than 200 points.
In order to get 200 points, you got to download an app and enter the password given from the Ultimate Outsider headquarters in Columbia. Then you take pictures of the 41 items on the application and email the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Ultimate Outsider Group when you are done. Sounds easy, but it is exceedingly difficult. Even though I started in February, this took longer than I thought to complete because some of the tasks had to wait until May or June to get done but being back on the road and meeting new people is what inspired me to get this done.
Today, I am giving you some of my favorite locations from part one of this hunt—from someone's personal garden in their own backyard, an overlook of two states, a 100-year-old bridge, and a memorial to thank WWII veterans.
2017 National Garden Award of Excellence
Mr. Fryar began trimming his garden in 1984 and now it has become one of Bishopville’s main attractions. “Love, Peace and Goodwill” is just a part of the over 400 plants and junk art sculptures. You should visit this beautiful garden on June 27 or Pearl Fryar Day.
SC's Highest Point
Have you ever been between two states at the same time? Since April 2019, this view has been the highlight of the highest point in South Carolina and North Carolina. Right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountain trail, you can see all the Upstate, East Fork Falls in North Carolina, and even Tallulah Falls in Georgia.
National Register of Historic Places
This is SC’s only covered bridge, and one of the Upstate’s favorite places in the spring. Families have been coming here to have a picnic, enjoy Beaverdam Creek, or just take pictures and see how this bridge has been holding up for over 100 years.
Schwartze Vogelmenschen
During World War II, the Walterboro Army Airfield served as a training ground for Army Airmen, including a group of the Tuskegee Airmen. In May 1997, a monument honoring their bravery was placed at this site. This was also the site of a POW camp and base hospital.
At the Boardwalk... Boardwalk!
The boardwalk is definitely one of the main attractions at this park. People come from all over the state to catch some fish or enjoy the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. Try sitting in the big chair to get some relaxation.
Here are some other destinations I was led to during my quest.
By this point, I was tied for 209th place with 38 points. Not too bad, but we are just getting started. Just wait till the next blog when we get closer to 200.
You don’t need to be an Ultimate Outsider to join in on the fun. As you complete your own scavenger hunt, remember to check out an SC State Park Backpack at Richland Library, and read up on our state parks with my other blog series Explore the 47.