Hidden Gems of South Carolina

America As You Like It • 28 June 2019

South Carolina is made for spending time on the beach, teeing off on a golf course, fresh water and salt water fishing, enjoying the great outdoors at a South Carolina State Park, dining at award-winning restaurants and shopping at galleries, boutiques and outlet malls. Simply put, South Carolina is a perfect holiday destination.

Hidden Gems

1. Congaree National Park - Columbia

It might seem unlikely that a national park could be undiscovered in any way, and yet Congaree National Park just outside of Columbia is certainly a hidden gem. It's one of the least visited national parks in the country, yet for the adventurous souls who make the short trip out to Hopkins to visit, it is full of amazing discoveries. Turtles as big as a coffee table. Spiders the size of your hand. Trees that are, literally, the biggest of their kind in the world. That's right - Congaree National Park has "champion trees" hiding in its blackwater swamp- trees that are the biggest of their species ever found. And it doesn't have one or two. It has more than a dozen, standing tall in the silent shimmering blackwater. It's an astonishing place.

2. Campbell’s Covered Bridge – Greenville

Built in 1909, is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. At 38 feet long and 12 feet wide, the pine structure spans Beaverdam Creek and was built by Charles Irwin Willis. It's now a spot for picnics, wading in the creek and hiking. Find it at 171 Campbell's Covered Bridge Road in Landrum.

3. Bluffton Oyster Company – Bluffton

Just off the island is the Bluffton Oyster Company, the last hand shucking house in the state. The oyster house actually sits on reclaimed land, built up by more than a hundred years of discarded shells from former shucking operations. During the oyster season, you can watch the day's catch being unloaded from boats at the dock and women shucking oysters inside the factory. Along with the delicious molluscs, the company also sells fresh from the trawler shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, fish and those prized soft shell crabs; a delicious way to end any adventure.

4. Chattooga Belle Farm – Long Creek

Located in the far northwest corner of the state, is one of the prettiest spots in all of the Carolina foothills. Here you will find rolling hills, vineyards, orchards and berry patches. Pick apples, pears, figs, muscadines and more among a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Educational farm tours, a lunch bistro and a disc golf course are also on-site.

5. Midnight Rooster – Hartsville

The kitchen at Midnight Rooster might be small, but it churns out some of the freshest, tastiest eats in the Pee Dee. Head there prior to taking in an afternoon exhibit at Black Creek Arts Center or before soaking up the beauty of nearby Kalmia Gardens.

Think warm and buttery Belgian waffles with espresso syrup for drizzling, sharing the table with savoury bowls of Blizzard Branch stone-ground grits topped with avocado, pico de gallo and house-made pimento cheese. There are eggs served Benedict-style and Carolina Heritage sausage, too. Tasty sandwiches and wraps aplenty with standouts such as the Hot Mama (roast beef, cheddar, pepperoncini tapenade and sun dried tomato mayo on freshly baked focaccia) and the Valley Girl (herb-roasted turkey, avocado, lettuce and sprouts, again, with that tangy sun dried tomato-spiked mayo).

For more information on our holidays to South Carolina click hereor call us on 020 8742 8299

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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