23 Things South Carolina is Known and Famous For

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If you’re looking for a fun and relaxed getaway, consider traveling to South Carolina. This charming southern state is home to beautiful beaches, lush forests, and historic landmarks. What’s more, South Carolina is known for its delicious food, hospitable people, and rich culture amongst many other things.

What is South Carolina Known For?

South Carolina is known for its tasty barbeque, peach production and the birthplace of sweet tea. In addition, some of the most notable attractions are its cultural sites and landmarks. From Fort Sumter to the USS Yorktown, visitors can explore centuries of American history right in South Carolina’s backyard.

In addition to its historical significance, The Palmetto State is also famous for its natural beauty. From the stunning views at Table Rock State Park to the awe-inspiring waterfalls of DuPont State Forest, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to be found in South Carolina.

Famous Food In South Carolina

south-carolina-barbecue

South Carolina Barbecue

South Carolina is known for its delicious barbecue, which is a type of cooking that involves slow-cooking meat over fire. The most common type of barbecue in South Carolina is pork, and the state is home to many famous barbecue joints.

The South Carolina BBQ style involves slow cooking the hog as the a whole, for 12 hours or longer over block pit of hot colas. The smoky, succulent meat is usually served with a preference pairing of vinegar and pepper sauce, or mustard sauce.

Barbecue is such an important part of South Carolina culture that there is even an annual South Carolina Barbecue Association Championship. It is a year long and state wide event held across over 35 different cities in the state.

If you’re looking for a delicious barbecue meal, make sure to check out some of the state’s famous barbecue joints, such as Bessinger’s and Sweatman’s BBQ.

famous-bradford-watermelon

Bradford Watermelon

The Bradford watermelon was created in the early 1800s by Nathaniel Napoleon Bradford in Sumter, South Carolina. The Bradford is a large, oval-shaped watermelon with green stripes and a red flesh. It typically weighs around 30 pounds when fully grown.

The Bradford watermelon is known for its sweetness and juiciness. It is one of the most popular watermelons in the southeastern United States.

Be sure to try the Bradford watermelon if you get a chance at this delicious and refreshing summer treat.

carolina-reaper-in-south-carolina

Carolina Reaper

South Carolina is known for growing the world’s hottest pepper.

The Carolina Reaper is a type of chili pepper that was created by crossing a Ghost Pepper with a Red Habanero. It is officially the hottest pepper in the world, with an average heat level of 1.57 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

The Carolina Reaper was first grown in South Carolina, and it is still one of the only places where it is commercially available. If you’re looking for a real challenge, you can find Carolina Reapers at some farmers markets and specialty stores. But be warned – these peppers are not for the faint of heart!

So if you’re looking for a truly spicy experience, be sure to check out the Carolina Reaper pepper. This is one of the most famous foods from South Carolina. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you about the heat!

shrimp-and-grits

Shrimps And Grits

Shrimp and grits is a dish that is popular in the southern United States, particularly in the state of South Carolina. It typically consists of boiled shrimp served over a bed of grits (a type of cornmeal porridge).

The dish is usually flavored with garlic, butter, and various herbs and spices. It can also be served with cheese, bacon, and other toppings.

Shrimp and grits is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by locals for generations. If you’re looking for a taste of authentic southern cuisine, be sure to try shrimp and grits!

frogmore-stew-in-south-carolina

Frogmore Stew

Frogmore stew is a seafood boil that is popular in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. The dish gets its name from Frogmore, a small community on St. Helena Island.

Frogmore stew is typically made with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes. It is boiled in a large pot with Old Bay seasoning and other spices.

The dish is often served at Lowcountry boil, a type of outdoor party where the food is cooked and served in the same pot.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy seafood dish, be sure to try Frogmore stew. You can find it at many restaurants and cafes in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

History, Culture, And Traditions

palmetto-trees

Palmetto Trees

The South Carolina state tree is the cabbage palm, or palmetto, and has been so officially since 1939. The palmetto’s scientific name is Sabal palmetto, and it grows in most of the coastal area of the southeastern United States, including all of South Carolina.

The cabbage palm gets its name from its edible inner core, or “cabbage”, which was a valuable food source for early settlers and is still eaten today. The tree is also known as the swamp cabbage palm because it thrives in wet areas.

The palmetto tree is a symbol of South Carolina and can be seen on the state flag and seal. The palmetto tree is a short and sturdy tree that can grow to be 70 feet tall.

It has a trunk that is covered with a brown, fibrous material. The leaves of the palmetto are large and fan-shaped, and the tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers.

peaches-in-plate

The Tastier Peach State

Did you know that South Carolina is the second biggest producer of peaches in the United States? That’s right, South Carolina is known for its delicious peaches and produces the most peaches in the country after California.

Peach production in South Carolina began in the 1700s. Today, there are over 40 varieties of peaches grown throughout approximately 18000 arces of peach orchards in South Carolina. The peach industry contributes over $70 million to the state’s economy each year.

The peak season for South Carolina peaches is from May to August, and you can find them at farmers markets, roadside stands, and grocery stores all across the state.

Make sure you get your hands on some fresh, delicious peaches while in South Carolina!

Gullah-Caribbean Influences

The Gullah culture is a unique blend of African, Caribbean, and American influences that can be found in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

The Gullah people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to the United States to work on plantations. Over time, they developed their own distinct culture and language, which is a mix of English and various African languages.

Today, the Gullah culture is celebrated through music, art, food, and storytelling. You can find evidence of Gullah culture all throughout the Lowcountry, from Charleston to Hilton Head.

If you want to learn more about the Gullah culture, you can check out the Gullah Museum in Charleston or take a tour of the McLeod plantation.

sweet-tea-in-south-carolina

The Birthplace Of Sweet Tea

South Carolina is known for many things, but one of the most iconic is sweet tea.

Sweet tea originated in the southern United States, and Summerville is widely considered to be the birthplace of this delicious beverage. South Carolina is also home to the only large scale commercial tea plantation in the United States.

Sweet tea is made by adding sugar to black tea while it is still hot. This allows the sugar to dissolve completely, resulting in a sweet and refreshing drink.

Sweet tea is so popular in the south that it is often served at restaurants and cafes as a complimentary beverage

To learn more about how this refreshing beverage came to be, check out the Sweet Tea Trail. It includes stops at historic sites, tea plantations, and museums.

world's-largest-ginkgo-farm

World’s Largest Ginkgo Farm

Did you know that the world’s largest ginkgo farm is located in South Carolina?

The Garnay Inc plantation, which is located in Sumter, coer 12,000 acres and features over 12 million ginkgo trees. The ginkgo tree is native to China and has been cultivated for centuries. The tree was introduced into the United States in 1784 by Philadelphia horticulturist William Bartram.

The tree is known for its fan-shaped leaves and for its unique fruit, which can smell slightly weird. The ginkgo tree is also known for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the tree are believed to be beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, asthma, and Alzheimer’s disease.

South Carolina State Fair

The South Carolina State Fair is held annually in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the largest fair in the state and one of the largest in the country.

The fair features a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, games, food, and live entertainment. There is also a rodeo, which is one of the most popular events at the fair.

The South Carolina State Fair is a great place to enjoy some traditional fair food, like funnel cakes and cotton candy. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled event, be sure to check out the South Carolina State Fair.

Cities And Travel Destinations

columbia-south-carolina-capital

Columbia, SC

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina located in the central part of the state, along the Congaree River.

There are various historical landmarks in the Capital, including the State House, the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and the South Carolina State Museum.

The city also has a great college town atmosphere, as its home to many universities and colleges, including the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, and Benedict College.

Columbia is a nice city for some historical experiences or some great city fun.

charleston-in-south-carolina

Charleston, SC

Charleston is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina. It sits on the Ashley River in the southeastern part of the state.

Charleston is a great place to visit for its history, culture, and delicious food. The city is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll find everything from local seafood to international cuisine. And be sure to check out the famous Night Market Charleston is known for!

There are many attractions to learn about American history, including the Charleston Museum, the Confederate Museum, and Fort Sumter National Monument. The city also has number of educational institutions, including the College of Charleston, the Citadel, and Southern Methodist University.

hilton-head-island

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy the outdoors. The island, which is located off the coast of South Carolina, features a variety of beaches, golf courses, and tennis courts.

Hilton Head Island offers many restaurants, bars, and shops to choose. And if you’re looking for something to do at night, you can check out one of the many live music venues on the island.

You can find all you need for a nice vacation on Hilton Head Island. Sit back and enjoy everything that the beautiful island has to offer.

famous-myrtle-beach

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf Capital of the World” because of its numerous golf courses and resorts. It is also one of the many top beaches in South Carolina.

The area is home to over 80 golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers from all over the world. Some of the courses are even designed by famous golf legends. Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and Tidewater Golf Club are just some of the most well known ones.

In addition to golf, Myrtle Beach also offers a variety of other attractions; one of which is the lively and scenic broadwalk. You can find arcades, beaches, restaurants, and shops along the coast. If you’re looking for a place to golf or just relax, keep Myrtle Beach in mind.

Famous People From South Carolina

Chadwick Boseman

South Carolina is also home to a number of famous people, including actor Chadwick Boseman.

Boseman was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. He attended Howard University and later moved to New York City to pursue his acting career.

Boseman is best known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he played the superhero Black Panther. He has received multiple recognitions in the form of nominations and awards in the Golden Globe, the Academy and BAFTA.

Unfortunately he passed away in 2020 from cancer, but not without inspiring others through his life and work.

Kevin Garnett

Former NBA player Kevin Garnett also hails from South Carolina.

Garnett was born in Mauldin, South Carolina and attended high school in Chicago. He was drafted into the NBA straight out of high school and went on to have a successful career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets.

Kevin Garnett is one of only a few players in NBA history to win the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Sixth Man of the Year awards. He was also a 15-time All-Star and a member of the 2000 USA Olympic team.

Garnett is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and he is definitely someone to be proud of from South Carolina.

Architecture And Landmarks

USS Yorktown

The USS Yorktown is a decommissioned aircraft carrier that now serves as a museum in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Yorktown was constructed in 1936 and served in World War II and Vietnam War. It was decommissioned in 1970 and later donated to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Today, the Yorktown is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Charleston. Visitors can explore the ship, learn about its history, and see firsthand what life was like for the sailors who served on it.

The Yorktown is just one of many historical landmarks in South Carolina that are worth a visit. If you’re interested in learning more about the state’s rich history, USS Yorktown is one check point to visit.

monkey-in-morgan-island

Morgan Island (Monkey Island)

Morgan Island is a small island located off the coast of Hilton Head. It is home to a colony of over 4000 Rhesus monkeys, which were brought to the island in 1976 as part of a research project.

The colony has grown from its initial population of just over a thousand. Morgan Island is uninhabited and the monkeys are free to roam around the island. If you are lucky, you can see them playing in the water or lounging in the trees.

If you’re interested in visiting Monkey Island, there are several tour companies that offer day trips from Hilton Head. You cannot actually land of the island, as the only people permitted to enter the island are researchers. However, you can take a boat tour to see them from the water.

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is home to the oldest bottomland hardwood forest in North America.

The park, which is located in Columbia, covers more than 25,000 acres and is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The forest is one of the last remaining tracts of virgin forest in the United States.

The Congaree National Park is a popular destination for hikers, birders, and nature lovers. The park offers a variety of trails, including a 2.4-mile boardwalk that takes you through the heart of the forest.

If you’re looking for a place to experience some of South Carolina’s natural beauty, you will find that Congaree National Park is a perfect nature getaway.

fort-sumter-national-monument

Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter National Monument is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is the site of the first battle of the Civil War.

The fort began construction in 1829 and was the site of a Union garrison. In April 1861, Confederate forces bombarded the fort, forcing the Union troops to surrender. The battle lasted for less than 2 days but was the start of the Civil War.

Fort Sumter National Monument is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can tour the fort, learn about the history of the Civil War, and see the battlefield where the first battle was fought. Fort Sumter National Monument is an important landmark and place to learn more about South Carolina and American history.

charleston-tea-plantation

Charleston Tea Plantation

The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. It is the only commerical tea plantation in the United States.

The plantation covers more than 127 acres and features a variety of tea plants, including black tea, green tea, and white tea. The Charleston Tea Plantation produces a variety of teas, including Charleston Tea, American Classic Tea, and Plantation Mint Tea.

The Charleston Tea Plantation is a great place to learn about the history of tea and how it is grown and harvested. Visitors can take a tour of the plantation, watch a tea-making demonstration, and sample some of the different teas produced at the plantation.

For a local and enjoyable experience, be sure to visit the Charleston Tea Plantation.

angel-oak-of john’s-island

Angel Oak of John’s Island 

The Angel Oak of John’s Island is a live oak tree that is believed to be over 500 years old. The tree is located on John’s Island, just outside of Charleston. It is named for the angel-like appearance of its limbs.

The Angel Oak is massive, with a circumference of 28 feet and a height of 65 feet. The tree is covered in Spanish moss and has a canopy that spans over 17,000 square feet. It is a popular tourist destination, and it’s also been the site of weddings and other special events.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors and take in some of South Carolina’s natural beauty, be sure to check out the Angel Oak of John’s Island.

Many More Things South Carolina Is Known And Famous For

These are just some of the things that South Carolina is known for. The Southern state boasts a rich history and unique, diverse culture. From the native american tribe cultures to the delicious barbecue and spicy Carolina Reaper pepper, there are many unique things to discover.

Don’t forget to check out some of the other famous landmarks that South Carolina is known for, like Congaree National Park, Fort Sumter National Monument, and the Monkey Island. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a great time in South Carolina!

Travel Insurance

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Welcome To NomadsUnveiled
This is Rax. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery.

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