South Carolina is a treasure trove of unique roadside attractions, offering a delightful blend of the bizarre, the whimsical, and the awe-inspiring. From miniature golf courses to giant kid statues, these attractions showcase the state's creativity and sense of fun. Here's a curated list of some of the most captivating and offbeat places to visit in South Carolina, each with its own fascinating story and charm.
South of the Border, Dillon
This 30-acre attraction is a testament to the state's quirky spirit. With a gas station, truck stop, restaurant, ice cream shop, and even a reptile display, it's a one-stop shop for travelers seeking a break from the mundane. The highlight is undoubtedly the huge open-mouthed plastic shark, adding a touch of surrealism to the otherwise typical roadside stop.
Miniature Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach takes the concept of miniature golf to new heights, literally. With over 50 courses, some built on older golf businesses, it's a golfer's paradise. The idea of putting golf balls inside an erupting volcano is a thrilling prospect, and the golf season, lasting from Groundhog Day to Thanksgiving, ensures there's always an excuse to visit.
Alligator Adventure, Atlantic Beach
Alligator Adventure is a thrilling encounter with nature's most fearsome creatures. With 750 alligators, including the star attraction, Utan, King of the Crocs, it's a must-visit for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The freak alligator, Bob, born without a tail, adds a layer of intrigue to this already captivating attraction.
Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden, Bishopville
Yard artist Pearl Fryar's garden is a surrealist masterpiece. With a cypress tree shaped like a fish and 500 shrubs and trees moved to his once-a-cornfield three acres, it's a unique and ever-evolving work of art. The topiary's weird geometry, inspired by Lovecraft, creates an eerie yet captivating atmosphere.
Button King Museum, Bishopville
The Button King Museum is a testament to the power of creativity and dedication. Dalton Stevens, known as The Button King, glued and sewed about a million buttons onto cars, furnishings, and clothes, creating a unique display. His passing in 2016 marked the end of an era, but the museum continues to showcase his extraordinary work.
Cotton Museum: Lizard Man!
The Cotton Museum takes visitors on a journey through the state's cotton industry, with a focus on the legendary Lizard Man of Scrap Ore Swamp. This creature, with red eyes, green skin, and long black claws, has become a symbol of the South's mysterious and often scary legends. The museum's exhibits, including the World's Largest Boll Weevil, add to the allure of this fascinating story.
God's Acre Healing Springs, Blackville
God's Acre Healing Springs has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War. The springs, owned by God, Almighty, according to local property records, have a reputation for healing wounded soldiers. The idea of drinking and bathing in the springs to restore fighting health is a captivating one, adding a layer of spiritual significance to this attraction.
Eddie, World's Biggest Kid - EdVenture, Columbia
EdVenture's Eddie is a colossal statue of a boy, twice the size of the seated Lincoln in Washington, D.C. The museum offers a virtual meal digestion display, showcasing the digestive process in a unique and interactive way. Similar kid's museums exist, but none can match Eddie's grandeur and the immersive experience it offers.
Tunnelvision, Columbia
Tunnelvision is a deceptive masterpiece, a highway tunnel entrance painted on the side of a building. The idea came to Blue Sky, whose name used to be Warren Edward Johnson, in a dream. The mural, depicting the sun seen through a highway tunnel, is a testament to the power of art and the unexpected places it can take us.
Statue and Tomb of Doomed Astronaut, Lake City
The Statue and Tomb of Doomed Astronaut is a tribute to Ronald McNair, a physicist and astronaut who perished in 1986. The granite wall and life-size bronze statue in his Space Shuttle jumpsuit are a poignant reminder of his achievements. The re-entombment of McNair in a sarcophagus next to the statue adds a layer of eternal significance to this memorial.
Huey Cooper and His Lucky Rabbit's Foot, Lake City
Huey Cooper's statue in Lake City is a beloved fixture, a cheerful presence in the downtown area. Cooper, who lived rent-free in a small building behind the Dairy Queen, spent his days on a cement wall, offering passers-by the chance to rub his lucky rabbit's foot for a nickel. His story is a heartwarming reminder of the simple joys and the power of luck.
These attractions, each with their own unique charm and story, showcase the diverse and captivating nature of South Carolina's roadside attractions. From the bizarre to the whimsical, they offer a delightful escape from the ordinary, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the state's unique spirit.
