By Emma Riley Sutton
If you are looking for interesting and unusual places to visit, South Carolina is for you. Most people know about the beautiful
beaches and gorgeous national parks found in South Carolina; however, there also are many history-rich cities and towns in this small southern state, as well as some entertaining and somewhat uncommon sights for those wanting something a bit different. Step outside the box and enjoy the oddities awaiting you in South Carolina.
Canadys
The Carolina Heritage Outfitters will give you a canoe ride down the Edisto River to the Edisto River Treehouses. Not your usual lodging, the Canadys is where Huck Finn meets Swiss Family Robinson. Stay in a tree house instead of a hotel. These tree houses are fully furnished and comfortably accommodate two to eight people. From your tree house, you will be able to see the cypress trees and Great Blue Herons, as well as listen to the sounds of the flowing river.
The Carolina Heritage Outfitters
Highway 15
Canadys, South Carolina
World's Largest Fire Hydrant
In Columbia, you will find the world's largest fire hydrant. It is 39 feet tall and weighs almost 5 tons. It is made of steel and set in a concrete base. The fire hydrant was created by the American painter and sculptor known as Blue Sky. It was officially made public in 2001.
World's Largest Fire Hydrant
1400 Taylor Street
Columbia, South Carolina
Peachoid Water Tower
Pop into Gaffney and see its unusual water tower. Shaped and painted like a giant peach, this water tower is a little-known tourist attraction in South Carolina. With a leaf that weighs 7 tons, this peach of a tourist attraction is sure to please.
Peachoid Water Tower
Interstate 85, Near Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway Exit
Gaffney, South Carolina
Hunting Island Lighthouse
Walk up all 167 steps of the spiral staircase in the Huntington Island lighthouse. It offers a great view of the Atlantic Ocean at a height of 132 feet above the ground. It was built in 1859. Due to beach erosion, it was moved inland in 1889. Thankfully, it was originally built in cast iron plates so it could be easily dismantled if necessary.
Hunting Island
16148 Ocean Highway
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Indian Garbage Dump
Visit a garbage dump that is about 4000 years old on Hilton Head Island. Indians started this garbage dumps centuries ago. You will be able to see several mounds of animal and fish bones, as well as all sorts of shells. It has been reduced to only about 150 feet in diameter, because its shells have been used to make buildings and roads.
The Indian Shell Ring
Sea Pines Forest Preserve (off Lawton Drive)
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Resources
About the Author:
Emma Riley Sutton has more than 25 years of writing experience, contributing to many nationally recognized magazines and copy writing for corporations and non-profit organizations. She has many years of experience as a professional wedding/event coordinator, interior decorator/home stager and career counselor/advocate. She has two degrees in English and public relations.
