South Carolina’s 7 Most Adorable Small Towns

It is difficult to believe that the United States of America is a “new nation” when you visit the towns of South Carolina, where some of the settlements date back to the early nineteenth century. They are architectural playgrounds for everyone with an interest in architecture and a desire to learn about history.

It is possible to visit old Deep South plantations, which were once retreats for the well-to-do of yore. As the site of the nation’s first bullets fired during the American Civil War, South Carolina is a treasure trove of information about the origins of the New World as well as the birth of contemporary America.

Cope

Cope is a speck in the heart of Orangeburg County, and it is quite little. It is also one of the smallest towns in the United States in terms of land area, with a population of less than 100 people. But don’t be fooled by its small size; with few visitors around, you’ll be able to roam about Cope feeling like it’s all yours to explore.

This historic railroad station, built in 1894, is an excellent spot to get a feel of Cope’s rich history and culture. There is something intriguing to photograph on every street, from the delightfully little Town Hall to the whimsical murals painted on the walls of certain buildings. Several attractive churches in town, such as the wooden Union United Methodist Church, help to bring this one-of-a-kind visit to a successful conclusion.

Anderson

Anderson is known as “The Friendliest Town in America” for a reason other than its ancient structures. It is the people who live here that have earned Anderson the title of “The Friendliest Town in America.” In fact, it was awarded the All-America City Award in 2010 in recognition of its civic-minded inhabitants.

Not only can individual buildings find their way into the National Historic Register, but whole neighborhoods in Anderson are brimming with architectural treasures. Take a stroll around the Anderson College Historic District or the Anderson Downtown Historic District, among other places, and be impressed by the sights.

So old is Anderson’s electricity that it has earned the moniker “The Electric City”: owing to the building of a hydroelectric dam nearby, it was one of the first communities in Southeast to have electricity, earning it the title of “The Electric City.”

Landrum

Despite the fact that homesteaders began settling the region surrounding Landrum as early as 1760, it was not until the late nineteenth century that the town’s economy began to take off. In today’s world, the adjective “quaint” is unquestionably appropriate. For those who like browsing and wandering about, Landrum is loaded with little cafés, eccentric boutiques, and antique stores – such as the Millstone Gallery – that make visiting this town a worthwhile excursion.

There’s more to Landrum than just the town; go outside of town and you’ll be rewarded with a visit to the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, which has many strenuous hiking routes. Campbell’s Covered Bridge, which was constructed in 1909 and is the only extant covered bridge in the state of South Carolina, is well worth a visit.

Newberry

Because Newberry was established as early as the 1750s and serves as the county seat of Newberry County, there are a plethora of historic structures to discover in this town. Whole sections of this town, especially the charming old mansions on Caldwell Street and Harrington Street, have been designated as Historic Districts by the state.

In addition, the Frederick Nance House, built in the early nineteenth century and including an unique surviving example of slave quarters, is worth a visit as well. Even the charming small Wells Japanese Garden, which opened in 1930, has a long history. In times when buildings are no longer appealing, the Lynchs Woods Park provides well-maintained routes through gorgeous forests for those in search of a little bit of nature.

Aiken

The planned town of Aiken, South Carolina, was established in 1835 and had grown to become a favorite winter destination for wealthy Northeasterners by the end of the nineteenth century. Driving or strolling through the roads that run through the Aiken Winter Colony Historic District will reveal several of the large nineteenth-century houses, but many of them are hidden behind massive gates and thick hedges.

You may also take a stroll in Hitchcock Woods, a suburban woodland covering more than 2000 acres. Horse riders are drawn to the area because of its tree-lined streets, charming architecture, and well-equipped equestrian training facilities, among other things. Due to the town’s historical and present prominence, it has retained its authenticity as a South Carolina town through and through.

Beaufort

Beaufort, located on Port Royal Island, is well-known not just for its gorgeous coastline landscape, but also for its well-preserved early-to-mid-19th century and late 18th century structures as well as its historic district. As a result, the city of Beaufort has been classified as a National Historic Landmark, including a total of 304 acres. This region includes Beaufort’s downtown, which includes the ever-charming Old Point neighborhood, with its classic homes having upper and lower balconies dripping with flora and its historic district.

Formerly a school for emancipated slaves, the Penn Center for African-American History and Culture currently documents the history and culture of African-Americans. For a taste of nature, take a walk along the gorgeous Spanish Moss Trail, which was formerly part of a railroad, or just relax in the beautifully landscaped Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

York

York is well-known for its historic structures and landmarks. When you’re in the York Downtown Historic District, it’s simple to take it all in. You may get a sense of the history of York by just walking about this area of the city, which goes back to the 1750s. Other structures in York that represent the city’s history include the brick-built Georgian style Wilson House, constructed in 1828 – which was once used as a prison – and the majestic York County Courthouse, which was erected in 1898. (1914).

You may also attend a concert at the magnificent McCelvey Center or just take a walk around the lush York Recreation Complex, which is located nearby. You may even be lucky enough to see a hummingbird or two while visiting the Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History.