Charleston SC

Tucked along a scenic stretch of Lamar Highway, Cartersville Country Winery is the kind of place that feels like a slow Southern afternoon in a glass. With sweet muscadine wine, family-owned warmth, and a welcoming front porch kind of spirit, it’s the sort of low-key escape you didn’t know you needed—until you’re swirling your second glass.

You might think a gas station is just a pit stop—but step inside Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina, and you’ll realize this is no ordinary roadside refuel. The sheer size of the place alone makes your jaw drop, but it’s the sensory overload that follows that makes it unforgettable: the smoky-sweet scent of barbecue, rows of sparkling clean gas pumps stretching as far as the eye can see, and shelves overflowing with quirky Southern snacks and gear you didn’t even know you needed.

All aboard for a pint-sized adventure! At Heritage Park in Simpsonville, South Carolina, a charming miniature railway winds its way through lush green scenery, delivering smiles and a dash of nostalgia with every whistle. Whether you’re bringing grandkids, seeking a whimsical date idea, or simply craving a peaceful spin around the park, this little train offers a big dose of fun.

Step beneath the shade of a red-roofed arcade and into the heart of Charleston’s soul. At the Charleston City Market, you’re not just shopping—you’re stepping into a story more than two centuries in the making. Lined with vibrant booths and brimming with local charm, this historic market buzzes with energy and whispers with the ghosts of the past.

Looking for a place where your kids can go absolutely bonkers—and it’s totally encouraged? Tucked along Laurens Road in Greenville, Kangaroo Jax is the kind of place that lights up little faces and lets parents breathe a happy sigh of relief. It’s not just a bounce house. It’s a full-blown inflatable empire, complete with jungle gyms, arcade games, a toddler-friendly corner, and even a zippy ride or two.

You know you’re close when the sweet scent of ripe peaches starts to fill the air. Just off Highway 160 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, The Peach Stand beckons with promises of summer’s juiciest pleasures—whether you’re after a bushel of fresh fruit, a hand-churned ice cream cone, or a perfectly marbled steak for tonight’s cookout.

Imagine your “rideshare” pulling up beside a breezy pier, salt in the air, gulls overhead, and the glimmering waters of Charleston Harbor stretching before you. Welcome to the Charleston Water Taxi — part ferry, part sightseeing tour, and all Southern charm.

It’s hard to resist the magnetic pull of a candy store—but Gretel’s Candy House in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, isn’t just any candy shop. This charming little spot feels like stepping into a sweet lover’s dream, where every corner tempts you with bright colors, sugary scents, and old-school favorites that spark childhood memories. Even before you step inside, the playful signage and cheerful storefront seem to whisper, “Come on in—you deserve a treat.”

Tucked away off a quiet stretch of Vera Road in Longs, South Carolina, there’s a little island escape waiting to surprise you—without a passport, plane ticket, or even much of a drive. River Island Adventures isn’t just a name—it’s an entire experience that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret clubhouse in the middle of the Waccamaw River.

If you think gift shops are all the same, you haven’t wandered into Lazy Gator. Tucked alongside the scenic waters of Murrells Inlet, this beloved Lowcountry stop is part Southern porch hangout, part whimsical retail wonderland, and fully stocked with charm. From the moment you spot the colorful rocking chairs on the wide wraparound porch—and maybe a few gator statues lounging nearby—you know this isn’t your typical tourist trap.