You smell a rose through a fence:If two should smell it, what matter?
-- Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Lord Walter's Wife
Ground Floor Rooms 
Book Now Extended StayDiscount Hotel Rates
Contractor CrewSpecial Deal
Flexible Check-in
World Famous Rose Gardens Nearby ...Orangeburg SC Attractions & Events
Beautiful municipal gardens and botanical gardens, and historic homes are prominent along the South Carolina Heritage Corridor. History buffs, festivalgoers, canoeists, antique and art shoppers, horse enthusiasts, train lovers and those wishing to enjoy warm, friendly people will find this southern USA region a great place to visit.
In Orangeburg County, quaint towns and historic hamlets with museums display local history; small main street businesses with antiques and more; lanes lined with live oak trees and decorated with Spanish moss; nationally-known artists; picturesque rivers; the serious business of industry and equine training; cotton, peach, watermelon, grain, cow and goat farms; wineries, historic plantation homes, churches and cemeteries; unique cultural communities and natural attractions... all come together to give our visitors a true character and heart of Orangeburg County South Carolina’s yesteryear - and of today.
Below are many Orangeburg County events and attractions. Plus, here is a link to more Columbia Region Events & Attractions, including Okra, Peanut and holiday festivals within a short Orangeburg South Carolina road trip for the family.
- JANUARY -Less
- Grand American Coon Hunt, (early January at Orangeburg County Fairgrounds.) Selected as one of the “Top 20 Tourism Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Grand American is the largest field trial for coon dogs in the United States. Since its beginning in 1965, the hunt has grown steadily and draws up to 600 entries and approximately 30,000 people. Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, 803-534-6821.
- Elloree Pork Fest (Mid-January) ** Elloree is named for an Indian word meaning “Home I love.” Annual BBQ Cook-off held at Joe Miller Park, Elloree. Local BBQ chefs compete for annual title. Open to the public. $5 admission, held at 12:00 noon. 803-897-2396.
- FEBRUARY -Less
- MARCH -Less
- Elloree Trials Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Flat. (Mid-March). A tradition of flat racing for more than 50 years, this event features 10 to 12 races. Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Flat Racing. Gates open 8:00 AM. Ten to twelve races. Admission $10/person. 803-897-2616
- Governor's Frog Jump Festival – (Friday and Saturday before Easter) Town of Springfield. Features a carnival, food, crafts, a parade, entertainment, games, frog jump, egg strike and an egg hunt. 803-258-3152.
- APRIL -Less
- Easter Eggstravaganz. (Saturday before Easter) Visit downtown Orangeburg for fun and games for children 12 and under followed by an egg hunt in the Edisto Memorial Gardens. 803-531-6186
- April 26-27, 2008. Orangeburg Festival of Roses, Professional Golf Tournament, Hillcrest Golf Course 803-533-6030 or toll free 877-410-6030.
- Catfish Tournament – Eutawville. (**Eutaw Village in the 1830s was a summer retreat for plantation owners along the Santee River.) Rocks Pond Campground and Marina. 803-492-7711.
- MAY -Less
- May 2-4, 2008. South Carolina Festival of Roses, one of the “Top 20 Tourism Events in the Southeast.” 803-534-6821. www.festivalofroses.com
- May 2, 2008 - Orangeburg Street Dance – Downtown
- SC State University, Alumni Events, May 2008
- Elloree Farmer’s Market (May-October) Held in Joe Miller Park. Produce, fresh fruits, arts & crafts sold. 803-897-2663
- Arts & Antiques Festival – Elloree. 803-897-2821.
- Orangeburg Dragstrip (Bikes and Dragsters). 843-226-0621
- Maize Days Festival – Santee. Festival includes a parade, clowns, artists, crafters, a street dance and a Taste of Santee. 803-854-2152, ext. 5.
- Swan Lake Iris Gardens (mid to late May blooming) – Sumter. A 150-acre expanse of Japanese iris, magnolias, azaleas surround the calm blackwaters of Swan Lake, where all eight known species of the world’s swans swim. A “Braille Trail” encloses a tour-and-scent garden for the visually impaired. The garden hosts the annual Sumter Iris Festival each Memorial Day weekend. 803-778-5434 or 800-688-4748
- May 24-26. National Association of Rocketry's, National Sport Launch 2008, Memorial Day Weekend in Orangeburg.
- JUNE -Less
- Elloree Farmer’s Market (May-October) Held in Joe Miller Park. Produce, fresh fruits, arts & crafts sold. 803-897-2663
- JULY -Less
- Elloree Farmer’s Market (May-October) Held in Joe Miller Park. Produce, fresh fruits, arts & crafts sold. 803-897-2663
- Department of Public Utilities’ Annual Fireworks Celebration – Orangeburg. Orangeburg County Fairgrounds. Gates open 6:30 PM Program begins at 8:30 PM 803-268-4000. Free Admission.
- Fourth of July Festival – Norway. Town Hall. 803-263-4300.
- July 4th Trail walk and Fireworks – Springfield. Gather at 8:30 PM at old railroad platform for singing; carry lanterns or candles and walk the old railroad trail. 803-258-3764.
- 4th of July Celebration . Elloree. Horseshoes, potato sack races, dizzy bat and more. At Farmer’s Market. Free miniature flags for everyone. 803-897-2663.
- AUGUST -Less
- Big Daddy Fishing Event – Santee State Park. 803-854-2408.
- Orangeburg Wellness Celebration
- Elloree Farmer’s Market (May-October) Held in Joe Miller Park. Produce, fresh fruits, arts & crafts sold. 803-897-2663
- SEPTEMBER -Less
- Bowman Harvest Festival. Downtown Bowman. 803-829-2666.
- Raylrode Daze Festival. (Last full weekend in September) – Branchville. Thursday night is family night, Friday and Saturday night street dances. Celebrating the history of being the oldest railroad junction in the world with a parade, entertainment, live bands and a street dance, cancan girls, gunfighters and more. 803-274-8831/8876; 803-533-5530.
- Elloree Farmer’s Market (May-October) Held in Joe Miller Park. Produce, fresh fruits, arts & crafts sold. 803-897-2663
- Orangeburg County Fair (Late September) 803-534-0358. [-LESS]
- OCTOBER -Less
- Elloree Farmer’s Market (May-October) Held in Joe Miller Park. Produce, fresh fruits, arts & crafts sold. 803-897-2663
- Taste of Orangeburg. (TBA) On the square, Russell Street. A variety of restaurants and vendors feature samples of their cuisine. Free Admission. 803-531-6186.
- Weekend Arts and Antiques Festival – Elloree. 803-897-2821
- NOVEMBER -Less
- Downtown Orangeburg’s DORA’s Christmas Program and Lighting. (TBA) 803-531-6186
- Annual Orangeburg Native American Gathering – Pow Wow. Orangeburg County Fairgrounds. 803-534-7257.
- Homecoming at South Carolina State University – Orangeburg. 803-536-7061
- Homecoming/Founders’ Day Weekend Celebration – Orangeburg. Claflin University Campus. 803-535-5351.
- North Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. North SC Town Square. 803-247-2133.
- NOVEMBER – JANUARY -Less
- Children’s Garden Christmas & Kids’ Walk Orangeburg. Drive through beautiful animated displays of Old Man Winter, a snowball fight, Santa and his elves and more than 60 lighted cherry trees at the Edisto Memorial Gardens. Enjoy a stroll through the Kid’s Walk that features interactive light displays. Times: 6:00pm - 10:00pm for drive; 5:00-9:00 for Kid's Walk. 803-533-6020.
- DECEMBER -Less
- Springfield Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival. (First Sunday in December) 803-897-2173. Free Admission.
- Orangeburg County Christmas Parade. (TBA) 803-534-6821
- Elloree Christmas Tour of Home (Mid December) Tickets can be purchased for $6, which includes a map. 803-897-2791.
- Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes (Mid December) – Orangeburg. Tours are from 4PM – 8PM. Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center 803-635-4074.
- Branchville Christmas Parade. 803-274-8820.
- Cope Christmas Parade. 803-536-5333.
- Holly Hill Christmas Parade. 803-496-3330
- North Christmas Parade. 803-247-2133
- Rowesville Christmas Parade. 803-534-7634
- Santee Christmas Parade. 803-854-2152
- A Small Town Christmas – Elloree. Cleveland Street. 803-492-3114
- Vance Christmas Festival. 803-492-3114.
- Elloree “Lights of Winter”
- New Year’s Eve Celebration. Celebrate “First Night” in downtown Orangeburg with entertainment and refreshments. 803-531-6186.
ORANGEBURG to COLUMBIA SC ATTRACTIONS -Less
- Adventure Carolina, Inc,1107 State St, Cayce, 796-4505. Paddle in Outpost located just outside of Branchville on US 78. Guided canoe, kayak and raft trips down the Edisto, Congaree and Saluda Rivers. Handicap accessible, restroom facilities and gift shop.
- M-Sat 10 am-6 pm. By appointment on Sun.
- Allow 3-10 hours depending on trip.
- Reservations and deposit required. Checks, cash and major credit cards accepted.
- www.adventurecarolina.com
- Aiken State Park. Four spring-fed lakes and the meandering South Edisto River make Aiken State Park popular with both fishermen and campers. This area is a combination of a river swamp and dry sandhills. The latter provides evidence of an era when the sea reached this far inland. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 1,067-acre park has a variety of animal and plant life, making it an excellent location for nature study.
- Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest, The 13,000 acre sanctuary contains largest remaining virgin stand of bald cypress and tupelo trees in the world. Walk through this portion of Four Holes Swamp [ETV] along a 6,500-ft. boardwalk. Admission. (843) 462-2150. 336 Sanctuary Rd., Harleyville SC 29448 USA, Phone: (843) Located off I-26W exit 187, S. on SR 27, then W. on SR 78 following signs to 336 Sanctuary Rd. A 1.5-mile boardwalk offers a close look at trees and plants as well as occasional glimpses of native wildlife. Guided 4-hour canoe trips on Friday afternoons and Saturday and Sunday mornings, March through May. The visitor center has displays relating to the swamp.
- Allow 1-hour minimum. Admission: Admission $7; ages 6-18, $3.50.
Canoe trip $20; ages 8-18, $10 (subject to water availability). Reservations are required for canoe trips Attraction Type: Forests-Local, Swamps, Wilderness Areas
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9-5; closed Jan. 1, Thanksgiving and Dec. 24-25 and 31 - Seasonal programs. Tuesday-Sunday.
- The Bluebird Theater (originally opened in September 1916) - Orangeburg Part-Time Players, 1141 Russell St. Orangeburg. SC. 29115, 803-536-5454 or 803-536-9821. Now playing “DISNEY'S
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” - Barnwell State Park, acquired in 1937, is a 307-acre park located in the coastal plain. The two park lakes provide day-visitors and overnight guests a chance to appreciate the natural features while enjoying the recreational opportunities on the park. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally constructed the park in the 1930s, and examples of their work can be seen at the spillway, picnic shelters, and the lower lake.
- Branchville Railroad Shrine & Museum - Home of the oldest railroad junction in the world. Museum is located beside the tracks on Hwy. 21
- Calhoun Co Museum and Cultural Center
- Carriage Museum and Rye Patch. – Aiken. 100 Berrie Road, adjacent to Hopeland Gardens. This 10-acre property was the winter residence of Edmund and Dorothy Knox Goodyear Rogers. After Dorothy's death in 1982, the estate was given to the city by her children and is now used for functions and city events. Tour the home and collection of restored vintage carriages by appointment only. Free. (803) 642-7630.
- Colleton State Park. Only five minutes from I-95, this 35-acre park is a popular stopover for interstate travelers. Campers, fishermen, and canoeists all enjoy the peaceful and relaxing waters of the Edisto River, with its diversity of wildlife. Colleton State Park is on a portion of the river that has been designated as an official canoe and kayak trail, which carries paddlers into a rare, natural world of wildlife and scenic beauty. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally built the park in the 1930s.
- The Columbia Museum of Art
- Main St. & Hampton St.
- Columbia, SC 29202 USA
- Phone: 803- 799-2810
- Admission: Admission $5; over 59, $4; students with ID, $2; free to all Sat.
- Attraction Type: Art Galleries & Museums, Museums
- Hours: Wed.-Sat. 10-5 (also Fri. 5-9), Sun. 1-5
- Claflin University (1869) – Vital to African American heritage, Claflin University is the oldest historically black college or university in the state of South Carolina, named among America’s Best Colleges 2007 by U.S. News .
- Congaree National Park, Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking. Home of Champions! Enter the Redwoods of the east. To walk here is to walk among ancient trees of record size. A storehouse of diversity, the forest includes hundreds of species of plants and animals. Beauty and tranquility reign supreme in the midst of this natural treasure. Congaree National Park ranks among the most diverse forest communities in North America. There are 22 different plant communities in the park.
- Superintendent, 100 National Park Road
- Hopkins, SC 29061
- E-mail Us
- Phone Visitor Information 803- 776-4396 ext. 0
- Superintendent 803- 776-4396 ext. 24
- Fax 803- 783-4241
- Congaree National Park offers guided walks and presentations on Saturdays at 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM, & 1:30 PM.
- Canoe Trips. There's no better way to see the park than by canoe and Congaree National Park offers FREE canoe tours on Sundays! Call for more information.
- Congaree National Park houses a museum quality exhibit area within the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, a 2 ½ mile Boardwalk loop trail along with over 25 miles of backwoods hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more.
- EdVenture Children's Museum
- 211 Gervais St.
- Columbia, SC 20201 USA
- Phone: 803- 779-3100 EdVenture Children's Museum is .7 mi. S.W. at 211 Gervais St. From exploring global cultures to climbing a giant spider web, this 67,000-square-foot museum features an array of interactive exhibits and activities designed for ages 1-12. “Eddie,” a 40-foot sculpture of a child, anchors the BodyWorks gallery. Other highlights include a talking skeleton, real fire trucks and tractors, and a soft-sculpted pond where babies and toddlers can “swim” with tadpoles.
- Edisto Memorial Gardens and Horne Wetlands Park, Orangeburg Arts Center
- 367 Green St., US 301
- Orangeburg, SC 29115 USA
- Phone: 803- 533-6020 Edisto Memorial Gardens is a municipal park along the North Edisto River, one of the longest blackwater rivers in the world. Once a dismal riverbank swamp, the 110 acres of moss-draped oaks, cypresses, dogwoods, crab apples and azaleas are especially beautiful in late March and early April. In the mid 1920's, the first azaleas were planted on a five-acre plot. In 1947, greenhouses and nursery facilities were added to the Gardens Operation. The Rose Garden was added in January 1951 to extend the season of beauty, and today, the Edisto memorial Gardens is composed of 150 acres of azaleas, camellias, roses and other flowers spaced among giant oaks and century old cypress trees. A rose garden with about 200 varieties provides color from mid-April to mid-November. A boardwalk offers views of native plants and wildlife. The Horne Wetlands Park in the gardens takes visitors over a 2,700-foot boardwalk for a close-up look at the plants and wildlife found in the South Carolina wetlands. The adjacent Arts Center maintains a gallery on its second floor. Gardens: Daily, 8 A to dusk. Free. 803-533-6020; Arts Center: Mon.-Thur. 8:30-4:30; Fri. 8:30-12:30. Free. 803-536-4074.
- Elloree Heritage Museum -an exciting and educational view of South Carolina's rural past. Located on Cleveland St in Elloree
- Eutaw Springs Battleground - site of the last major battle in South Carolina of the American Revolution, Hwy 6 Eutawville
- First Baptist Church
- Fort Jackson Museum, Jackson Blvd. & Gregg St., Columbia, SC 29201 USA
- Phone: 803- 751-7419 Fort Jackson Museum is at Fort Jackson; take Devine St. S.E. to Fort Jackson Blvd., then n. to the post. Fort Jackson is a U.S. Army Training Center established in 1917. The museum details the history of the post and the training of the soldiers. Large military equipment such as a helicopter, tanks and half-tracks are displayed outdoors. Admission: Free
- Attraction Type: Exhibits and Collections-Historical, Exhibits and Collections-Wars, Exhibits and Collections-Weapons, Museums. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-4; closed federal holidays
- Graniteville – near Aiken and North Augusta. Here, in Horse Creek Valley, William Gregg began the first large-scale cotton mill in the South in 1845.The original Graniteville Mill. Built in 1846, survived Sherman's march through the South during the Civil War and is still producing yarn and cloth today. Located on the Graniteville Canal and the early Charleston-Hamburg rail line, near what is now North Augusta, Graniteville had easy access to one of the South's major cotton routes. It has remained a textile town into the 1990s. The town has many landmarks, including 27 mill houses, called Blue Row. The mill and town, built by William Gregg, initially included 90 homes, two churches, a school, several boarding houses, and six stores. Most buildings were constructed of blue granite, giving the town its name. Several examples of the blue row homes are still found in Graniteville. Gregg's caring ways resulted in employee loyalty. One employee holds the world's record for continuous employment with one firm -- 89 years. St. John's Methodist Church (1840) at 18 Gregg Avenue and originally called Graniteville Methodist, is considered to be the oldest church in a southern mill community. This Gothic Revival church was built as an imitation (on a smaller scale) of Westminster Abbey. Vaucluse Mill and dam was built in 1832 by General James Jones and later acquired by William Gregg, founder of Graniteville Manufacturing Company.
- Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
- Healing Springs. – Blackville. Off SC 3 on the right, about 3 miles north of Blackville. Artesian wells supply legendary mineral waters to pilgrims seeking help for all kinds of ailments. Look for the signs three miles north of Blackville. Indians believed in the springs' natural healing powers and brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers here to drink. Locals still believe in the springs' powers and drink and bathe in its waters. In 1944, L.P. “Luke” Boylston legally deeded the acre of land the springs are on to GOD.
- Historical Sites including Judge Glover's Home on Whitman Street in Orangeburg (used as headquarters by General William T. Sherman on February 12, 1865), and Middlepen Plantation (Donald Bruce House), the oldest home in the county, was built in 1735.
- Historic Columbia House Tours
- Horne Wetlands Park in the Edisto Memorial gardens takes visitors over a 2,700-foot boardwalk for a close-up look at the plants and wildlife found in the South Carolina wetlands. The adjacent Arts Center maintains a gallery on its second floor.
- Hopeland Gardens. – Aiken. Whiskey Road and Dupree Place. Fourteen acres of ever-changing beauty attract visitors to this park, which was the estate of Mr. and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin. Mrs. Iselin, who died at the age of 102, wished that her gardens would be always preserved for the enjoyment of others. She left her estate to the city. Later the house was removed and a Touch and Scent Trail for the visually impaired was developed. Camellias bloom in late winter, followed by azaleas, wisteria, dogwood, crepe myrtle, and magnolias. Lilies and roses bloom well into fall. Plaques in Braille, lead visually impaired nature lovers to new discoveries. Concerts and plays are given Monday evenings during the summer. Open daily; free.
- I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium - located at SC State University in Orangeburg 803- 536-7174
- Jim Harrison Gallery – Denmark. Intersection of Highways 78 & 321 in downtown Denmark. The gallery features the works of renowned American artist Jim Harrison. Jim's art has placed him among the nation's most important chroniclers of early twentieth-century rural life. Harrison shows his Americana paintings in a restored sign shop. The reproduction of the Coca-Cola sign on the side of the building is typical of one that would have been produced there in the 1940s for the local bottling company. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 11:00-5:00; Wednesday, Saturday, 11:00-3:00. (843) 793-5796 or 1-800-793-5796.
- Lexington Co Museum Complex.
- Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile – Santee. These 100-year-old authentically restored country stores feature original counters and showcases, old drink boxes, vintage displays, old photographs and a wide variety of other antiques that represent a bygone era. A country-style buffet is served Th-Su. 803-854-2000
- Mann-Simons Cottage
- 1403 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201 USA, Phone: 803- 252-1770 Mann-Simons Cottage was the 1850 home of Celia Mann, a Charleston slave who purchased her freedom and walked to Columbia. The house features the original dining room table with hand-pressed nails, horsehair plaster walls and the original brick fireplace. The First Calvary Baptist Church was organized in the basement of the house.
- Admission: Admission (per house) $5; over 64 and military and college students with ID $4; ages 6-17, $3. Combination admission to all four houses $18; over 64 and military and college students with ID $14; ages 6-17, $10
- Attraction Type: Historic Building and Houses
- Tours: Guided tours of select houses are offered Tues.-Sat. 10-3, Sun. 1-4; closed major holidays
- Credit Cards: MC, VI
- McKissick Museum Edisto River Cruise. Pon Pon Guides Unlimited offers two-hour educational boat tour and birding expedition of Edisto (Pon Pon) River in an intimate setting. Seats limited to four adults. $35 day cruise, $45 night. Contact Capt. Albert at 869-7929.
- Allow 1-hour minimum.
- Admission: Admission $8.95; ages 1-12, $6.95
- Attraction Type: Children's Attractions, Museums
- Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5, Memorial Day-Labor Day; Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5, rest of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 24-25
- Credit Cards: MC, VI
- Montmorenci Vineyards, US 78, 2.5 miles east of Aiken. This family-owned business started in the basement. Now they claim many award-winning wines. Grapes are grown in their vineyards and then turned into wine. One of South Carolina's few commercial wineries offers tours and wine tasting. Free wine-tasting Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00-6:00 year round. Tours by appointment, mid-January-March. Admission. (803) 649-4870.
- Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, a community college
- Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium.
- 427 Lakeview Dr.
- Orangeburg, SC 29116 USA
- Phone: 803- 534-4828 On US 21 bypass (Stonewall Jackson Blvd.), houses a display aquarium. On the premises blue gills, striped bass, catfish and shortnose sturgeon are raised. Guided tours are available. Picnicking is permitted.
- Orangeburg Dragstrip, “Home of the Quick 8 Doorslammer Dragway” - 194 Drag Strip Road, Orangeburg, S.C., 803-534-8999
- Paramount's Carowinds - Paramount's Carowinds opens in late March each year and closes in early November, after the park's Halloween event, Scarowinds. Paramount's Carowinds is home to The Borg Assimilator, a flying roller coaster. The ride was originally installed at Paramount's Great America in Santa Clara, California in 2000 under the name Stealth and was considered to be the world's first flying Roller Coaster. The coaster was moved to Carowinds in 2004 and was given a Star Trek theme based on the Borg. Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia, SC 29210 USA
- Phone: 803- 779-8717 Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, at jct. Greystone Blvd. and I-126, is a sanctuary for more than 2,000 animals, including such endangered species as the Siberian tiger and black rhinoceros. Highlights include the African Plains, home to giraffes, zebras and ostriches; Ndoki Forest, a gorilla sanctuary; and a farm with domestic animals.
- The Aquarium/Reptile Complex encompasses four display areas ranging from the South Carolina Gallery, with a spectrum of native amphibians and fish, to the exotic Tropic Gallery. Other park features include daily penguin and sea lion feedings, elephant shows and bird flight demonstrations.
- The 70-acre botanical garden, across the Lower Saluda River and reached from within the park via tram or a woodlands walkway, is planted for year-round interest.
- Food is available. Allow 2 hours minimum
- Admission: Admission $8.75; students with ID $7.50; over 62, $7.25; ages 3-12, $6.25
- Attraction Type: Gardens, Zoological Parks and Exhibits, Zoological Parks and Exhibits-Children’s Zoos
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. 9-6, Apr.-Oct.; daily 9-5, rest of year. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25 Credit Cards: MC, VI
- Riverfront Park and Historic Columbia Canal
- Robert Stevenson Auditorium
- Robert Mills House and Park
- Santee State Park. Located in the heart of Santee-Cooper Country with convenient access from two interstate highways, this 2,496-acre park offers land a sportsman's paradise. This park is known for its catfish and largemouth and striped bass fishing, and is the site of numerous fishing tournaments. A full-service restaurant and the Village Round meeting building make the park popular for group functions.
- South Carolina Archives & History Center
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame
- South Carolina State House
- South Carolina State University (formerly State College of Agriculture and Mechanic's Institute) (1896) is vital to African American heritage.
- South Carolina State Museum
- Stanback Planetarium & NASA Educator Resource Center, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg 803-536-7174 (Celestial Gazing) The state’s second largest planetarium focuses on providing free programs for area schoolchildren. The public is admitted to all regularly scheduled programs on a first-come, first-served basis, including December’s Christmas specials “A Star for Santa’s Tree” and “Star of Wonder.”
- Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. – Aiken. Hopeland Gardens, Whiskey Road and Dupree Place, Aiken This collection of horse racing memorabilia commemorate locally trained horses that have won fame on tracks and fields across the country. Two of the best know are Kelso, five-time national champion, and 1981 Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner Pleasant Colony. The Iselin carriage house, with stalls in two wings for their personal horses, was renovated in 1977 and is now the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. A gallery, featuring champion thoroughbred flat racers and steeplechase horses that were trained in Aiken from 1942 to today, is housed here. Horses such as Elkridge (champion steeplechaser from 1942 to 1946), Devil Diver, Tom Fool, Kelso, Pleasant Colony (1981 Kentucky Derby winner), Conquistador Cielo, Swale, and Forty-Niner are among those honored. Displays include fine collections of paintings, sculptures, photographs, racing silks, trophies, and other memorabilia of the thoroughbred sport. Polo and other equestrian interests also have exhibits here.
- Open Tuesday-Sunday, 2:00-5:00, October-May. Free. (803) 642-7630.
- Trinity Cathedral
Southern Lodge | Exit 145A
Hotel Reservations
803/531-7333
email info@southernlodge.com
3616 St. Matthews Road
Highway 601
Orangeburg, South Carolina
USA 29118-8214
