activities Archives - South Carolina FYI

Spring is approaching, which means warmer weather and lots of opportunities for fun! South Carolina offers endless ways to beat the winter blues, and here is just a small sampling of fun activities to enjoy this spring!

Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors have a variety of ways to get outside. The state has miles of beautiful coastal beaches, with opportunities to dig your toes in the sand and soak in the ocean. See Hilton Head from a bird’s eye view by parasailing the 12 miles of beach and end the day with cocktails at one of the city’s many oceanside eateries. Meanwhile, at Myrtle Beach, known for its celebrity-designed golf courses, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, fine beachfront dining at countless restaurants, and lots of waterparks.

Those who aren’t big on the beach will also find no shortage of beautiful views and fun ways to explore. Many rivers and parks offer hiking trails, as well as opportunities to rent tubes, canoes and kayaks. Those who venture to Greenville’s Falls Park on the Reedy River can see gorgeous natural rock formations, see beautiful waterfalls, and walk across the famed Liberty Bridge, which seems to float in midair.

The other best way to celebrate a new spring is to see the blossoming of new plant life, and South Carolina has no shortage of gardens and historical estates with eye-catching blooms. Charleston’s Magnolia Plantations and Gardens is the oldest public garden in America, delighting visitors with thousands of beautiful flowers and plants since 1870. If the visit makes you thirsty, you can enjoy a ride on the free Charleston Brewery District Trolley that stops at nine local craft breweries, and then stay downtown and learn the Holy City’s history via a horse drawn carriage tour. Check out the local farmer’s market on Saturdays for fresh produce, locally made crafts, food trucks and more, then click here to see if there’s another great community-driven market in your home city.

Featured Image: Chattooga Belle Farm

From mountains to oceans, South Carolina’s landscape has historically provided us with plenty of crops and animals to produce some of the freshest local food in the country. It just so happens that these five South Carolina family farms produce some of the best farm-to-table products that you could ask for!

Chattooga Belle Farm

In Long Creek, this beautiful farm boasts over 20 unique fruits for you to pick, grazing cattle, an in-house distillery and 138 acres of rolling hills. You can also visit Belle’s Bistro at Chattooga Belle for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re just visiting or using the farm as a venue for a wedding or large event, this quaint farm is one of the best that South Carolina has to offer.

Windy Hill Orchard and Cider House

The “Home of Everything Apples” is located in York, South Carolina and is a family-owned boutique orchard and cidery in York. Visit for the always fun experience of picking your own apples or try some of Windy Hill’s award-winning hard cider!

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens have been growing crops for over three centuries. With varying produce based on the season, year-round you’ll find amazing produce from peaches to tomatoes right in Mount Pleasant. Locals look forward to picking their own strawberries at Boone Hall every year!

Legare Farms

Legare Farms has been a family-owned operation on John’s Island for 291 years. Since 1725, they’ve worked to provide local products. All year round, this farm is worth the visit with animals you can sponsor, a beautiful pumpkin patch in the fall, and the freshest foods. Legare Farms’ bacon salsa is a must-have.

Split Creek Farms

This Grade A goat dairy farm is great for produce but even better for the animals. With about 350 in Split Creek’s goat herd, visit this farm in Anderson for all your dairy needs. For the sweet tooth, Split Creek’s award-winning goat milk fudge will be enough to put this South Carolina family farm at the top of your list.

Cahill’s Market

Cahill’s Market is a true family farm, growing their produce one row at a time and bringing it straight to you in some of the best meals you could ask for. Stop by Bluffton to visit Cahill’s Chicken Kitchen for some of the South’s best fried chicken and collards.

Visit any of these farms and you won’t be disappointed, leave with a memorable experience while supporting South Carlina family-owned businesses.