South Carolina

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.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where small-town vibes collide with big-time finds, let us point you toward Highway 9 in Mount Croghan, South Carolina. Here, tucked between pine trees and wide Carolina skies, you’ll stumble upon one of the region’s most delightfully unpolished gems: the Mt. Croghan Flea Market.

If you’re craving a calm, soul-soothing escape just minutes from Charleston, follow the salty breeze to Stono River County Park on Johns Island. This under-the-radar gem may not have the buzz of a beach boardwalk, but what it does offer is far better for your blood pressure: wide-open skies, breezy riverfront views, and a whole lot of unspoiled Lowcountry beauty.

Tucked between the winding country roads and whispering pines of South Carolina’s heartland, there's a little slice of Main Street magic that feels like it was pulled straight from a storybook. Welcome to Little Mountain Unlimited, a delightfully offbeat shop in the quiet town of Little Mountain—where antiques, oddities, and old-fashioned charm collide in the most enchanting way.

If the words “flea market” conjure up images of dusty tables and knick-knacks galore, wait until you meet Anderson Jockey Lot. Tucked along Highway 29 in Belton, South Carolina, this mega market is anything but ordinary. Known as the “South’s Biggest Flea Market,” it’s a lively, unpredictable, and thoroughly Southern experience that’s equal parts shopping spree, treasure hunt, and people-watching paradise.