This new Bucket List series will show you the can't-miss things to do in South Carolina. From January to June, these “smiling faces in beautiful places” will show you the essence of South Carolina.
January: Fort Sumter
If you find your way in Charleston, on the other side of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, you will come across one of the seven national parks in South Carolina. Since 1966, Fort Sumter has been one of South Carolina’s historic places with cannons used in the Civil War still in the current place. Let the park ranger tell you how Fort Sumter survived over 100 years, the battles that happened, and the importance of the fort in American history.
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Location: Charleston, SC
Price: $35
More information: https://www.fortsumtertours.com/
February: Sand & Sea Festival
The Sand & Sea Festival is one of the Lowcountry’s oldest events. Founded in 1992, local vendors, bands, and restaurants remind the people of SC of the summer during the chilly winter months. Also, if you have great painting skills, sign up for the surfboard contest.
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Location: Folly Beach, SC
Price: $10
More Information: https://www.visit-historic-charleston.com/folly-beach-sea-and-sand-festival.html
April: SC Comicon
For those who wish to see their favorite characters from comic books, anime, movies, and video games, then I invite you to South Carolina Comicon. This two-day event brings the people behind some of your favorite characters in a meet and greet fan-filled event. See local artists’ talent on display with drawings, cosplay dressing, and custom-made clothes. This is an event that will bring out the kid in you.
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Location: Greenville, SC
Price: $25 on Saturday, $20 on Sunday
More Information: https://www.sccomicon.com/
April: SC State Fair Spring Fair Food
Missing the food from the state fair? Well, if you don’t want to wait for October and stand in long lines, go to the spring fair food event. Based on the success they had during the pandemic, the state fair drive-thru has become one of SC’s favorite things to do during the spring. Your favorite fair food is waiting for you but only for a week.
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Location: Columbia, SC
Price: Depends on menu choices
More Information: https://www.scstatefair.org/spring-fair-food
April: World Grits Festival
One of the few “world” festivals in South Carolina happens in April. The World Grits Festival brings people together from all over the world to see who has the best grits. If that is not enough, try the “World Famous Rolling in the Grits Contest.” An annual average of 200 people try to win this contest. A festival like this is something your family would love, even if you are having breakfast at night.
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Location: St. George, SC
Price: Free on entry, pay for food
More Information: http://worldgritsfestival.com/
May: Scott’s Bar-B-Que
Number 92 on the Midlands’s SC BBQ trail brings you to Hemingway, SC. Since 1972, Scott’s has been serving some of best BBQ in South Carolina--let alone the entire Southeast. Family, history, and tradition are what have kept this place in business for almost 50 years. Also, it is one of a few BBQ restaurants that hold the honor of 100-Mile BBQ Award from the SCBBQ Association.
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Location: Hemingway, SC
Price: Depends on menu choices
May: Beacon Drive-In
A Southern landmark since 1946, this place has been making some of the Upstate’s best burgers. Their unique way of ordering food thanks to “the caller” is what brings people from all over the United States to try this Southern joint. Make sure you get “A-plenty” to satisfy your hunger.
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Location: Spartanburg, SC
Price: Depends on menu choices
More Information: https://www.beacondrivein.com/
June: Segra Park
If you miss the days of the Capital City Bombers, The Columbia Fireflies will not disappoint you. Right in the middle of Bull Street district is 2016’s Ballpark of the Year award recipient. This 9,000-seat stadium does more than host baseball, it does music concerts, food festivals, and the Fireflies Holiday Lights which starts a week before Thanksgiving.
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Location: Columbia, SC
Price: $5 to park, additional costs dependent on event
More Information: https://segrapark.com/
