South Carolina

If you've ever dreamed of striking it rich—or at least striking something shiny—Diamond Hill Mine in Abbeville, South Carolina, is your kind of treasure hunt. Forget the polished gift shop gems; this is the real deal. Out here, it’s you, a shovel, and the thrill of unearthing smoky quartz, amethyst, and other natural crystals straight from the dirt.

Step inside a bar, toss on a helmet, grab a baseball bat… and take a swing at your stress. Welcome to Group Therapy Pub & Playground, a downtown Greenville hotspot that’s redefining what it means to “blow off steam.” Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the patio, demolishing old furniture in a Rage Room, or battling your friends in mini golf and karaoke, this place brings a whole new meaning to the term “happy hour.”

Step inside and suddenly you're 10 years old again—eyes wide, jaw dropped, completely captivated by the hum of engines and the glint of miniature streetlamps. Tucked into a repurposed textile mill in Taylors, South Carolina, Model Trains Station is more than just a nostalgia trip. It’s a living, breathing (well, almost) world of scale-model magic where every inch is packed with personality, precision, and playful surprises.

If you’ve ever wished for a simpler time—where a bell clangs, a tiny train chugs through shady trees, and the day’s biggest decision is “one more ride?”—then Heritage Park Railway in Simpsonville, South Carolina is calling your name. Tucked into the peaceful, family-friendly expanse of Heritage Park, this pint-sized train packs in an oversized dose of charm.

If you're strolling through Myrtle Beach’s bustling Broadway at the Beach and hear the sound of laughter, music, and maybe even a foam cannon… follow it. Chances are, you've found The Hangout—a high-energy, family-friendly hotspot where the food’s tasty, the playlist never stops, and no one minds if you dance at your table.

If your idea of summer fun includes slipping, sliding, and a healthy dose of hilarious wipeouts, then get ready—Shark Wake Park’s Obstacle Island is calling your name. Tucked inside the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex in Little River, South Carolina, this massive, inflatable water playground is one of the most unexpected (and exhilarating) ways to cool off on a hot Carolina day.

If walls could talk, the ones at the Marion County Museum would whisper stories of duels, dances, and deep Southern history. Tucked inside a grand old home right in the heart of Marion, this local gem might look quiet from the street—but step inside, and you’ll find a surprisingly immersive journey through centuries of life in the Pee Dee region.

Looking for a beach escape that blends sweet Southern charm with a splash of breezy coastal fun? Just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms feels like the kind of place you’d stumble upon in a beach novel—the kind with flip-flops, porch swings, and the sound of live music drifting on the salt breeze.

If you think milk just comes from a jug in your fridge, a trip to Happy Cow Creamery will make you see dairy in a whole new (and delightfully delicious) light. Tucked into the green fields of Pelzer, South Carolina, this down-to-earth farm is as cheerful as its name—and yes, the cows really do seem happy.

If you’ve ever wished for a mountain lake with Caribbean-blue waters, hidden coves, and cascading waterfalls you can swim beneath, Lake Jocassee is your dream come true. Tucked into the far northwestern corner of South Carolina’s Upstate, this sapphire-blue reservoir is part alpine escape, part natural wonder, and completely worth the drive.