Travel Itineraries

Here we offer you suggested itineraries for touring
each of the 4 regions of the Heritage Corridor.  Use this as a place to start.  However, please note that there are many other exciting things to see and do within each region.  Just let us know, and we'll customize a tour just to your liking!  

 


The Mountain Lakes Region

DAY 1: Start your tour of the Heritage Corridor with a day in Anderson County . Visit the Anderson Center for the Arts in an old cotton warehouse for one of a kind gifts and art exhibits.  Let's leave the city for the beautiful countryside of Anderson County . Learn about goats at Split Creek Farm where you will get to taste goat milk fudge, cheese and milk. Hungry for lunch?  Take a short drive to downtown Pendleton and dine at one of the sidewalk cafes in this historic setting. For additional tour information, visit Hunter's Store. While in Pendleton, tour Woodburn Plantation, a Heritage Corridor site of Anderson County . You will get to know the connection between the Charleston Lowcountry and upstate South Carolina . Clemson is known for its academics and athletics, but you may not know its history and culture. Stop by the Fran Hanson Discovery Center at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens for your map of the gardens and enjoy a late afternoon walk. You have walked many miles today and now you're probably ready for dinner. There are many places in downtown Clemson to stay overnight and dine before you begin your next journey.

DAY 2: Take the short drive to Oconee County from Clemson to the town of Walhalla . Walhalla has been influenced by many cultures including the Native Americans, the Germans and the Irish. Find out more about the county's unique and colorful past at the Oconee Heritage Center .  Take the scenic drive up the mountain to the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery where you will see how fish are supplied to all the lakes and streams on the western side of South Carolina . Head back down the mountain to take in the breathtaking views of Issaquena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel.  Hungry for lunch? Dine at one of the many unique restaurants in Walhalla. Next Stop is with Native American Storyteller and Kudzu Artist Nancy Basket at her studio Kudzu Kabin Designs. Take a short drive to the World of Energy for a "Hair Raising" experience and enjoy their interactive exhibits!  Take a stroll on the streets of downtown Seneca and visit the shops of Ram Cat Alley.  Stop for a scoop of Ice Cream at Ye Olde Sandwich Shop. While in Seneca have dinner at one of the restaurants in town before heading back to your hotel.

DAY 3:  This is you last day in the upstate. Pickens County is the stop for today. Take drive to downtown Pickens to the Pickens County Museum . The museum features one of a kind artifacts, a wonderful art gallery and a nature garden. Just a few miles away are a working Grist Mill, Hagood Mill, where you will see stone ground grits, flour and corn meal made. The town of Central is a place to find out African American History at Freedoms Hill Church on the campus of Central Wesleyan College. It is time for lunch at one of the local spots in downtown Pickens or Central. After lunch, it is time for a hike at Table Rock State Park . You could spend all day at the Park but there is so much more to see today. Are you in the mood for fresh berries? If so, pick your own berries at Happy Berry Farm in Six Mile. Spend the night at one of the local hotels in Pickens County near Clemson or one of the B&B's. Have dinner at one of the fine dining establishments in the area.

The Freshwater Coast Region

Day 1: Begin you day in Abbeville County at the Chamber of Commerce Old Bank Building. The streets of Abbeville will come alive with a Ghost Walk of downtown. You will visit the Abbeville Opera House where several TV shows have been filmed. Step into the historic Belmont Inn for a sip of tea or for a haunting good lunch. The Ghost Walk will take you by 96 Fabric Store where you can buy historically accurate patters of cloth, shoes and other items. Right past the fabric store is Trinity Episcopal Church where the past will come alive as you walk through the old graveyard. End the Ghost Tour with Burk Stark Mansion considered the "Deathbed of the Confederacy". Last stop of the day is Calhoun Falls State Park where you can camp overnight or enjoy a late afternoon walk around the Lake Russell . There are many wonderful restaurants in Abbeville to have dinner tonight.

Day 2: Spend today in McCormick County where you can shop at the many unique downtown Antique Stores. Walk to the MACK (McCormick Arts Council at Keturah) for a day of art lessons or pick up a one of a kind gift at their gift shop. Walk a few blocks to the J.J. Dorn house to see how wealthy McCormick once was by the molding and furnishings of this showcase house in downtown. The old time Grist Mill is a must see while in town. Walk the steps that lead up to the top of the mill and see the town at new heights. Time for lunch at one of the restaurants in McCormick. Head out of town to the John Del Howe Barn where students work on the farm for school credit. This school is park of the South Carolina Public School system. Take time to enjoy the many State Parks in the area and maybe play a few holes of golf at Hickory Knob State Park and have dinner at the State Park Resort. There are so many State Parks to choose from in McCormick that have cabins for rent for nights and weekends.

Day 3: Next stop… Greenwood County called the Emerald City . First stop of the day is downtown Greenwood Federal Building for the Arts where you can find visitor information, view art work and shop at their gift shop. Next door is the Greenwood Museum which has been restored to former grander. While in downtown visit the Railroad Museum before lunch. Hungry for lunch? Dine downtown at one of the many wonderful restaurants. Ride the train, pets the goats and try you hand at making goat milk soap at Emerald Farm. Learn about the CCC at Greenwood State Park , these young men of the CC build most of the State Parks in South Carolina during the Great Depression. Enjoy the fishing, hiking and swimming while there. Last stop for the day is 96 National Historic Site, a national park for the Revolutionary War. Walk the battlefield where British and Patriots died fighting for what they believed was right. Spend the night at one of the many Greenwood Hotels and have dinner at one of the fine restaurants.

Day 4: Travel to historic Edgefield County. Arrive at the Region 2 Discovery Center in Edgefield to tour the 6,000 sq foot museum and learn the history and make up of the four counties that it represents. Next stop the Old Edgefield Pottery where you will get to see first hand how pots are made in 19th century fashion. Stroll Willowbrook Cemetery one of the most historic cemeteries in the state. Enjoy lunch at one of the many great restaurants around Town Square. After lunch sit a spell with 18th century Master Carpenter Ike Carpenter. Watch him carve spoons, dough bowls, tables and much more. Tour one of the 10 Governors homes in Edgefield, Oakley Park Museum . This is home of Governor and Confederate General Martin Witherspoon Gary. Edgefield is home of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the only museum dedicated to the preservation and educations of the Wild Turkey. A must see while in Edgefield. Last stop for the day is Bettis Academy , Biddle Hall Museum . Founded by Rev. Alexander Bettis a former slave and Baptist Minister educated freeded slaves after the Civil War. Spend the night at the Edgefield Inn and enjoy the Olde Edgefield Grill for dinner.

 

The Rivers, Rails & Crossroads Region

Day 1: Travel to Aiken County and stroll down Laurens Street for a small town with big city style. Tour the Aiken County Museum for a look into Aiken's unique and colorful past. Walk the beautifulyy laid brick paths of Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and see the beautiful gardens. Learn the rich horse history and the champions that have clamed Aiken home. Travel to Beech Island and tour the home of James Henry Hammond former Governor of South Carolina at Redcliffe Plantation. Time for lunch in North Augusta and a scoop of your favorite Ice Cream at the Pink Dipper. Walk into the 18th century at Living History Park where history comes alive the last Saturday of the month.  Last stop of the day is Aiken State Natural Area where you can walk along the banks of the Edisto River or take a canoe ride down stream. You can camp at the park for the night or stay at one of the local B&B's in the area.

Day 2: Day two in your journey of the Heritage Corridor is in Barnwell County . In Blackville, stop by the Ag Heritage Museum where you can find out planting and farming practices of the region. Take an empty bottle of water to Healing Springs where you are able to fill your bottle up with natural spring water that is said to have healing powers. Ready for lunch? Miller's Bread Basket is where you need to go for a home-style lunch and desert. This family owned Mennonite restaurant is famous in the area for their homemade bread and deserts. Stop by Little Red Barn Paw Print Pottery on your way out of town. Paw Print Pottery is a one of a kind store that has African Face Jugs, quilts, paintings and all sorts of local art for you to take back home. Next stop downtown Barnwell to see their famous Sun Dial in front of the Courthouse. Walk the quaint streets of Barnwell and shop at the unique gift stores in town. Take a drive to Barnwell State Park for an afternoon of fishing and relaxing in the sun. Stay at one of the hotels or the State Park overnight. Dine at one of the many fine restaurants in Barnwell.

Day 3: Begin your day in Bamberg County in the town of Denmark . Denmark is home to famous artist Jim Harrison. Jim Harrison is known for his paintings of the Coca Cola logo on the side of the barns. Walk across the street to Carolina Collection Antiques a unique gallery in downtown Denmark . Travel to the town of Branchville and see the historic Train Depot of the "Best Friend Express". Ready for lunch? Try out one the many BBQ restaurants in the area. See the Heritage Corridor BBQ Brochure for additional information. After lunch, travel to Rivers Bridge State Historic Site and find out the impact of the Civil War to the area. There was a Civil War skirmish that took place in Bamberg County at Rivers Bridge. End your day at Ehrhardt Hall Bed & Breakfast, a Heritage Corridor Site.

Day 4: Today you are in Orangeburg County and what a great day this will be for you. Your first stop is Edisto Gardens in downtown Orangeburg. There are always flowers in bloom and the morning time is the perfect time of the day to enjoy it. Right out side of town is Claflin University ; this is one of the oldest historically black universities in the state. While in the area, stop by for a visit at South Carolina State University home of the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium. It occupies 16,000 sq feet and exhibits a wide variety of art. Hungry for lunch? There are many wonderful BBQ houses in Orangeburg and the midlands are known for their BBQ. After lunch, take a drive to Elloree known for its state-of-the-art museum. The Elloree Museum offers visitors authentic exhibits of the town's rural heritage. Last stop of the day is Hinnant Farm in Eutawville. This family owned farm has been in business for over 58 years. Visitors can pick their own berries and be sure to take a bushel back to your hotel for a late night snack. Stay at one of the hotels in the area overnight.

Click here for downloadable directions for a day trip covering Aiken and Barnwell Counties!

Click here for downloadable directions for a day trip covering Bamberg and Orangeburg Counties!



The Lowcountry Region

Day 1: Travel to the town of Walterboro . Stop by the Walterboro Visitors Center for information and brochures of the area. Make your way to the Great Swamp and walk the miles of board walk and see the many native plants and animals that live in the great Swamp that is right in the middle of town. Travel downtown to shop at the antique stores and have lunch at one of the many restaurants. Drop by the South Carolina Artisans Center for a unique perspective of South Carolina artist. This is a great place to pick up those gifts for someone special. One a nice day travel to Colleton State Park and rent a canoe for an afternoon ride down the Edisto River . On the way to the beach pull the car over at the Ace Basin Crafters market and pick up a jar of fresh jams and jellies as well as African Sweetgrass Baskets. Spend the rest of the afternoon at Edisto Beach State Park and camp on the beach. Walk along the white sandy beaches and feel the cool waters of the Atlantic on your feet. Dine at one of Edisto Beach 's local restaurants.

Day 2: Drive further south to the town of Summerville in Dorchester County . Summerville has so much to offer families. You are sure to enjoy your time here. First stop is downtown Summerville shopping. Get a cup of coffee at one of their sidewalk cafes. Walk over to the Summerville Sculpture Garden for a morning stroll around the grounds. Take a short drive to Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site where you will find archeological digs taking place. Colonial Dorchester has onsite activities for children of all ages. Next stop is Middleton Place Plantation for lunch and a tour of the house and gardens. Middleton Place is on the Heritage Corridor Farm Trail and Garden Trail. This 19th century home was burned by Sherman 's Troops but survived to tell many wonderful tales of romance, history, war and fortune. There are many hotels and B&B's to choose from in the Summerville area. Middleton Place Inn is a lovely resort on the grounds of Middleton Place Plantation if you wish to stay here. Enjoy dinner at one of the sidewalk cafes in Summerville or head into historic downtown Charleston .

Day 3: Rise and Shine! This is your last day in the Heritage Corridor. You are in the most historic City in South Carolina, Charleston . There is so much to see and do here so let's get started. Begin your day at Drayton Hall and listen to the stories of John Henry Drayton and the connection with the Island of Barbados . Drive to John's Island and visit the largest and oldest Oak Tree in North America, Angel Oak. While on John's Island go to Charleston Tea Plantation and see how tea is harvested and produced for retail sale. Hungry yet? Catch a bit of local and fresh seafood at one of the local favorite spot's on the island. Time to head to downtown to walk the streets with a self guided walking tour of the city. While in town, tour the Edstmon Alston House on the Battery in Charleston . This house is a unique museum house that has not been touched by modern times. This will give you a glimpse of the glamour and wealth of old Charleston . Next stop is Fort Sumter to see where the Civil War began with an afternoon tour of the fort. There are many great restaurants to eat dinner to enjoy the sights and smell of the lowcountry. Stay at one of the many B&B's or hotels in the historic district.