15 minute read
Points of Interest
For more on the following points of interest, visit: TBredCountry.org
AIKEN COUNTY
Living History Park
299 W Spring Grove Ave, North Augusta. 803.979.9776 This 7.5-acre park was created to represent and interpret everyday life in Colonial America. Features include natural springs, gardens, various structures and Sensory Garden which is one of only a few accessible gardens for the sight impaired. The Park hosts historical demonstrations and community events. Grounds open daily. colonialtimes.us
SRP Park
187 Railroad Ave, North Augusta. 803.349.9467 Entertainment venue. Home of the Augusta GreenJackets, a Minor League Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Kids Zone, concerts and other events throughout the year. Rental space available. thesrppark.com
Historic North Augusta
406 West Ave, North Augusta. 803.279.2323 Brochure available at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. Chartered in 1906, North Augusta includes the sites of two early towns: Campbelltown, a pre-revolutionary trading post and Hamburg, a terminus of the early S.C. Railroad. Several properties within North Augusta are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wade Hampton Veterans Park
226 Georgia Ave, North Augusta. 803.441.4300 In memory of Civil War General Wade Hampton, the park has monuments dedicated to the veterans of every war our country has participated in since the Revolution. The layout of the park is in honor of the stars and stripes of the American flag.
northaugusta.net
Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta
100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta. 803.441.4380 The Center is dedicated to the exhibition of regional arts and history with a 2,300 sq ft permanent interactive history exhibit and two galleries of exhibits which rotate every two months. The Center’s Gift Shop showcases local crafts ranging from pottery and paintings to coffee and chocolate.
181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island. 803.827.1473 The extant slave quarters, Greek Revival mansion and 369-acre landscape highlight Redcliffe Plantation’s rich and varied history. SC Governor JH Hammond and four generations of his family, as well as numerous enslaved families and their descendants, lived at Redcliffe. Today, the park provides a setting for exploring the plantation system and the experiences and impact of the people who lived and worked there. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grounds open daily. Tours available. Call the park for times, prices and program information.
southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe Beech Island Historical Society Center
144 Old Jackson Hwy, Beech Island. 803.867.3600 The visitors center tells the story of Beech Island, one of the oldest settlements in South Carolina, dating back to 1685 as Savannah Town. The history room includes Native American, Colonial, agricultural and river transportation displays. The Beech Island Agricultural Museum is housed in a restored barn. Open by appointment.
beechislandhistoricalsociety.com Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
4542 Silver Bluff Rd, Jackson. 803.471.0291 Silver Bluff is a 3,400-acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the National Audubon Society. Habitat and wildlife diversity make Silver Bluff a favorite destination for birding, wildflower viewing, photography or a simple quiet walk. Visitors enjoy the miles of walking trails winding through the property. Open during daylight hours. No fee, donations accepted. Pets prohibited.
sc.audubon.org/visit/silver-bluff Horse Creek/Midland Valley Veterans Park
US 421, Bath Veterans from throughout the Midland Valley area are honored at this park. The main focus of the park is the Circle of Honor which contains the names of approximately 900 veterans from World War I to the present.
Langley Pond Park
113 Langley Dam Rd, Langley. 803.642.7559 Visitors can enjoy the loop trail on horseback or foot and a championship level disc golf course. Amenities include picnic shelter, grilling station, inclusive playground, hammock park and more. Langley Pond Park is home to several events and water activities throughout the year. aikencountyprt.com
Graniteville and Vaucluse Historic District
The textile mills and villages are some of the earliest in the state. Both mills were under the direction of William Gregg, who is considered a father of the textile industry in the South. Many buildings were constructed of blue granite which gave the town of Graniteville its name. Several examples of the Blue Row Homes can still be seen as well as other buildings in the Early Gothic Revival style. Both districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Aiken County Farmers Market
115 Williamsburg St NE, Aiken. 803.293.2214 Open year round. The oldest county farmers’ market in continuous service in the same location in S.C. Fresh produce, honey and handmade crafts. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. aikencountyfarmersmarket.com
DuPont Planetarium
427 Scholar Loop, Aiken. 803.641.3313 Located on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus. Equipped with state-of-theart special effects systems. Various shows are available throughout the year. Reservations recommended. usca.edu/rpsec
The Etherredge Center
340 Scholar Loop, Aiken. 803.641.3305 Located on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus. Presents international and national performances on their main stage 687 seat proscenium theatre, with a regularly updated art gallery and 100 seat O’Connel experimental theatre available.
usca.edu/etherredge-center
Aiken Center for the Arts
122 Laurens St SW, Aiken. 803.641.9094 The Center features regular gallery exhibits by local, state, regional and national artists. A variety of artists display works for sale yearround. The Center also hosts programs and events, offers art education classes for all ages in a variety of mediums and has a 180-seat performance pavilion.
126 Newberry St SW, Aiken. 803.648.1438 This state-of-the-art theater is home to the Aiken Community Theatre (ACT) and the Aiken Performing Arts Group (APA). The theater seats approximately 300. ACT offers a full season of comedy, drama and musical plays. APA presents national and international professional shows throughout the year.
aikencommunitytheatre.org apagonline.org Savannah River Site Museum
224 Laurens St SW, Aiken. 803.648.1437 After seven decades, the Savannah River Site remains one of the most influential entities in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and is one of the CSRA’s largest employers. Come discover its impact on our community from its mid-20th century origins through today. Admission is free. srsheritagemuseum.org
Hopelands Gardens
135 Dupree Pl, Aiken. 803.642.7650 This 14-acre park is the former estate of Mr. and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin. Features a wetlands area, an arboretum trail with cell phone tour, a labyrinth and a performing arts stage. Events include Story Time in the Gardens, concert series and Christmas in Hopelands. Open year round from 10am to sunset. Admission is free.
visitaikensc.com Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
135 Dupree Pl, Aiken. 803.642.7631 Located in Hopelands Gardens. Aiken trained horses who have gone on to become national champions are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Trophies and photographs from America’s best known equestrian riders, polo players and steeplechase riders on display. Admission is free. aikenracinghalloffame.com
Aiken County Historical Museum
433 Newberry St SW, Aiken. 803.642.2015 The museum is housed in one of Aiken’s Historic Winter Colony mansions - one of only two open to the public. Three floors of exhibits tell the history of Aiken County from past to present. Admission is free, donations are accepted. Closed Mondays and national holidays. 1st floor ADA accessible.
Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum
406 Park Ave SE, Aiken. 803.293.7846 The Visitors Center and Drive-A-Train exhibit are located on the first floor of the rebuilt Aiken Railroad Depot. The Train Museum, located on the second floor, depicts nine of the towns along the original South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company right of way and includes several interactive exhibits. Admission is free. visitaikensc.com
120 York St NE, Aiken. 803.502.4858 Located in the former Immanuel School, built in 1889. The center hosts lecture series, art shows, traveling exhibits and special events to celebrate, educate and preserve African American history, art & culture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Properties. Open to the public. Tours available; appointment needed for groups. ADA accessible.
caahac.org
Aiken County Veterans Memorial Park
1435 Richland Ave E, Aiken. 803.642.7559 The park features a large, black granite monument which is engraved with the names of Aiken County veterans who perished in the line of duty. The monument is flanked by seven flag poles. aikencountyprt.com
Hitchcock Woods
Surrounded by greater Aiken. 803.642.0528 Hitchcock Woods is 2,100 acres of natural forest. Thousands of equestrians, hikers and nature enthusiasts visit the Woods to enjoy 70 miles of trails. Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted. There are seven entrances on the perimeter of the Woods. Admission is free. Scheduled annual events include Aiken Horse Show, Earth Day, Festival of the Woods and Blessing of the Hounds. Note, the South Boundary entrance is closed to the public until further notice. hitchcockwoods.org
Greg Humphries Rare Book Library
110 Park St NW, Wagener. 803.564.5902 Located at Christ Central Institute. The library contains 3,000 rare books and artifacts from the Reformation period, mostly religious in nature. Open by appointment only. Must be able to climb stairs.
godshistory.com/Libraryarticls.html Salley Historic District
Bounded by Pine, Ferguson, Poplar & Aldrich Streets, Salley The town of Salley went through three major growth periods. A period of increased railroad development led to an increase in residential and commercial buildings from 1901 until 1925. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park
219 Salem Ln, Salley. 803.606.6325 Home to around 200 exotic animals where guests can drive or walk through the farm and see animals you don’t see every day. The 3-mile drive-thru safari park is an experience that builds memories to last a lifetime. The walk-thru safari allows guests to engage with parrots, lemurs, kangaroos and more. Animals can be hired for birthdays and other special occasions. eudorafarms.net
Monetta Drive-In
5822 Columbia Hwy N, Monetta. 803.685.7949 One of only three operating drive-in movie theaters in South Carolina. Originally opened in 1951, and later closed, the theater was revived in 1999. Three screens, all with double features. New movies, as well as old favorites. Seasonal. Open weekends. Cash only. thebigmo.com
Virginia Durant Young House
503 Allendale-Fairfax Hwy, Fairfax. 803.632.1533 Home of notable author and journalist. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now home to the Fairfax Library.
Twitty’s Mud Bog
4396 Bufords Bridge Hwy, Ulmer. 803.259.9252 Hosts multiple family-friendly mud racing events throughout the year. Admission is charged. No glass containers or pets allowed.
twittysmudbog.com Savannah River
Western border of Allendale County Originally named the Westobou River for the Westo Indians (a warlike tribe who lived in a village on the Westobou), the river was later renamed for the Savannah Native Americans.
Allendale County Courthouse
Courthouse Sq, Allendale One of the most attractive courthouses in South Carolina. The building was gutted by fire in 1998. Renovation in 2004 preserved the original shell of the building while providing the county with a modern facility.
Allendale Farmers Market
5789 Allendale-Fairfax Hwy, Allendale. 803.584.4556 Fresh produce, plants, dairy and more. Picnic tables and a playground are available on the grounds. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Open seasonally. Thursday-Saturday.
Topper Site Exhibit at USC Salkehatchie
465 James Brandt Blvd, Allendale. 803.812.7353 USC Salkehatchie’s library houses “Searching for our Beginnings” the only permanent collection of Clovis and pre-Clovis artifacts from the Topper archaeological site. The exhibit also includes photographs from the dig sites and informational panels.
Farmer Drug Store
192 Burtons Ferry Hwy, Allendale. 803.584.2191 Peek in the storefront window to see a recreation of an old ice cream parlor and barber shop. The drug store occupied this spot from 1915 to 1995. Tours by appointment only.
The Carolina Theatre
420 US 301, Allendale. 803.584.3446 This renovated, 1920’s Art Deco theatre is a hidden gem. Step back into the past as you walk through custom etched glass doors and take in all the attention to detail. From Art Deco sconces and fixtures to the “Carolina” carpet made special for the theatre and themed artwork by USC students. Open for special events
BAMBERG COUNTY
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
325 State Park Rd, Ehrhardt. 803.267.3675 The historic site includes the Civil War battlefield, an award-winning interpretive trail, memorial grounds and community building. The still-intact earthen fortifications are the centerpiece of this important battlefield landscape. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grounds open daily. southcarolinaparks.com/rivers-bridge
Broxton Bridge Plantation
1685 Broxton Bridge Rd, Ehrhardt. 803.267.3882 A hunting preserve offering trail riding, hunting, fishing and sporting clays. On the southern end of the site is a Civil War battleground with breastworks intact. Tours by appointment. Admission charged.
broxtonbridge.com Edisto River Trips
803.300.1972 Float down the South Fork of the blackwater Edisto River from any of three launches found in Bamberg County. Trips held throughout the year. Call for dates and locations.
11955 Heritage Hwy, Bamberg. The Mural is located in the lobby of the Bamberg Post Office. One of 16 in South Carolina as a part of the New Deal Art Program. The Post Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Veterans Memorial Trail & Park
Runs parallel to US 78, Bamberg A block long trail signifying Bamberg County’s strong ties to all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Memorial Park is located at the intersection of US 78 and 301.
Bamberg Historic District
E Railroad Ave and side streets, Bamberg. 803.245.4427 A significant collection of buildings built between 1875-1930 offer an accurate depiction of Bamberg’s history. Lying along both sides of what was once the Southern Railway, this residential neighborhood was home to several locally important citizens. A walking tour brochure is available for purchase from Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce, 604 Airport Rd. Contact for hours of operation.
Denmark Depot
200 W Baruch St, Denmark. 803.793.3734 This old train station building is now an Amtrak stop allowing travelers to arrive and depart. Contact City Hall for more information.
amtrak.com/stations/dnk Downtown Denmark
803.793.3734 Denmark has several stops for your shopping pleasure. You can choose from an old time five and dime store, an antique store in a building with a history of its own, an art gallery, a Mennonite bakery or a hardware store that sells everything from lumber to fine china.
BARNWELL COUNTY
Williston Museum
5121 Springfield Rd, Williston. 803.266.7015 Housed in a 1900s former schoolhouse, the museum contains memorabilia and photographs of Williston lifestyles and businesses. The area was home to several notable celebrities, showcased at the museum. Open by appointment.
bcvm.org/williston/museum/index.htm
Blackville Heritage Museum
655 Main Street, Blackville. 803.284.2525 Exhibits include artifacts and information about the early days of the town and general area. Open by appointment.
bcvm.org/blackville/museum/index.htm Mennonite Community
803.284.3267 A group of Mennonite families settled here from other parts of the country. Their religion, similar to the Amish, makes them a close community. Their school, church and many of their farms are located close to God’s Acre Healing Springs. Contact Blackville Historical Society for more information.
The Depot Library
19420 Solomon Blatt Ave, Blackville. 803.284.2295 The train depot, constructed in the early 1900s, is located in the former courthouse square. The Depot is now home to the Blackville Library. abbe-lib.org
God’s Acre Healing Springs
Springs Ct, Blackville. 803.284.2444 Off of SC 3 N, look for signs three miles north of Blackville. Native Americans believed in the springs’ natural healing powers and brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers here to rest. Locals still believe in the springs’ powers and drink its waters. In 1944, the acre of land it is on was legally deeded to GOD by L.P. “Lute” Bolyston. Open during daylight hours.
townofblackville.com Lill’s Herb Garden
2136 Jones Bridge Rd, Blackville. 803.284.2422 Open by appointment for groups only. Admission charged. Join Lill for a guided stroll through her beautiful garden. Come see herbs, flowers, birds & butterflies. Picnic lunches and tea parties available upon request.
Barnwell Farmers Market
9987 Dunbarton Blvd, Barnwell Located at Fuller Park. Open seasonally. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, artisans & crafters, family fun and scheduled events.
cityofbarnwell.com Barnwell County Museum
617 Hagood Ave, Barnwell. 803.259.1916 Discover Barnwell and the South’s heritage through exhibits and guided tours. Features a focus gallery that changes every quarter. Admission is free. bcvm.org
Barnwell County Courthouse & Sundial
141 Main St, Barnwell. The original courthouse, built in Boiling Springs in 1789, was succeeded by several buildings on the present site. The unique vertical sundial in front of the courthouse was given to the town in 1858 by Joseph D. Allen, a SC State Senator. Legend has it that this is the only free-standing vertical sundial in the US and that it keeps within two minutes of standard time, despite being erected prior to the establishment of standard time in 1883.
Agricultural Heritage Museum
127 Heritage Rd, Blackville. 803.284.3267 Located at the Clemson University Edisto Research & Education Center. The museum interprets the historical and cultural influences of agriculture on the area. Guided tours are available by appointment or through Blackville Historical Tours.
Circle Theatre
325 Academy St, Barnwell. 803.259.7046 Completed in 1848, the building was originally home to the Barnwell Presbyterian Church. The building was used as a courthouse after Federal troops set fire to the county courthouse in 1865. The building is currently home to the Circle Theatre. The 65-seat theatre presents several performances during the year. barnwellct.weebly.com
Veterans Memorial Park
State Rd S-6-398, Barnwell. Brick memorial pavers in honor of veterans line the perimeter of the park and the walkway from the Huey UH-1H helicopter to the monument and flagpole area. The walking and running track on the perimeter of the park is used by locals and visitors. Host to annual events throughout the year.
Church of the Holy Apostles
1706 Hagood Ave, Barnwell. 803.259.3477 Dedicated in 1857 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built of native heart pine and cypress and featuring a beautiful east window. The Civil War left the church in disrepair. Union horses were stabled here and watered from the Font when General Kilpatrick’s Cavalry marched through Barnwell. holyapostles-sc.org
