Jim Morekis - Moon South Carolina

Charlestons skyline at dusk.

Even by Southern standards, South Carolina is bathed in a certain mystique. The Spanish moss hangs low, people catch their own seafood for dinner, and the creeks are like highways in the marsh.

Few states provide such a wealth of experience in such a small package. You can traverse its entire width in half a day, going from a beautiful white-sand beach to a stunning mountain overlook. Along the way youll experience a sampler of Southern culture encompassing the genteel remnants of the Lowcountry plantations, echoes of the old shag scene on the Grand Strand, and the very edge of Appalachia in the fast-growing Upstate region.

The common thread linking these disparate strands together is the people. Once here, youll immediately tune in to a particularly South Carolinian vibe thats easygoing yet flamboyant, laid-back yet cocksure. This unique twist on proverbial Southern hospitalitya sort of assertive nicenessis a product of the extraordinary resilience of South Carolinians, who have proudly maintained their identity despite centuries of war, strife, and natural disaster.

the Pineapple Fountain in Charleston

Caesars Head State Park

the Angel Oak on Johns Island

While history buffs flock to the region for its seemingly endless supply of colonial and Civil War sites, easily its most underrated attribute is the beauty of its environment and the scope of its outdoor recreation. Youll find the oldest cypress stands in the world, a wealth of mountain waterfalls, and some of the best fishing, kayaking, and white-water rafting in the country.

As for its essence, South Carolina has long been something of a paradox. Notorious as the cradle of secession during the Civil War, the state is today home to some of the nations most patriotic citizens. Often caricatured as hopelessly retro, South Carolinas larger cities have quietly become magnets for high-tech jobs and foreign investment.

While the rest of the world tries to figure out what makes them tick, South Carolinians do what theyve always done: make their way in the world, often too stubbornly, practicing their take on Southern hospitality and having as much fun as they can along the way.

Myrtle Beach

the lobby of the South Carolina State House in Columbia.

azaleas and an oak tree in Charleston

Historic Charleston: Enjoy this historic citys well-preserved sights with a walking tour of its charming, winding streets (

Myrtle Beach: This family-friendly getaway is designed for maximum convenience and enjoyment, with enough kitsch factor to keep things interesting. Oh, and the beaches are the best ()!

Golf Galore: Tee up a links-centric vacation at top-ranked, public courses, especially around Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island ().

Southern BBQ: No trip to South Carolina is complete without partaking of the pork goodness ()!

African American Heritage: This region has shaped the history of African Americans since before the nations inception ().

Lowcountry Romance

Spanish moss, balmy beaches, good foodthe Palmetto State is a great place for a romantic getaway. This trip centers on Charleston and the Lowcountry.

DAY 1

Spend your first morning walking or biking around peaceful downtown Beaufort. In the afternoon, take a short drive to Hunting Island State Park and walk on the windswept beach. Then enjoy a tasty dinner at Saltus River Grill on the scenic waterfront. Spend the night at one of Beauforts many classic B&Bs, such as the Beaufort Inn or the Rhett House Inn.

DAY 2

Drive to Old Town Bluffton, walk down to the beautiful May River, and browse the many local