10 Most Hospitable Towns In South Carolina

Ranked as the third friendliest state in the country by World Population Review, life in South Carolina is undeniably warmer. Across the state, it is an expectation to wave and smile at your neighbors as you walk by, and even the shopkeepers you encounter will take a moment to ask how you are doing. Entering the smaller towns, that hospitality becomes even more personal. Inviting jazz clubs, holiday festivals, and weekly farmers markets are just a few of the ways that residents come together to enjoy life. If you are in need of a little kindness, these 10 welcoming South Carolina towns are sure to lift your spirits.

Hartsville

Hartsville is a traditional southern town with lots of good jazz, holiday events, and a prominent agricultural presence. Travelers can explore some of Hartsville’s agricultural influence at Coker Farms, a National Historic Landmark that became the first agricultural company to develop improved varieties of crop seeds for farmers in the US. Make sure to visit one of its jazz lounges as well. JazzyBlues 843 is a great option, hosting live jazz, jazz karaoke nights, comedy, food, and drinks. Travelers should not miss Hartsville’s annual Heart of the Holidays festival, which features festive activities like a holiday open house, art and wine stroll, and a carnival and craft show.

York

As summer rolls around in South Carolina, York is just the place to be. Some of the area’s strawberry farms, such as Bush-N-Vine Farm, open to offer visitors U-pick strawberries. On a warm and sunny afternoon, locals are often spotted at Kings Mountain State Park, which is home to two fishing lakes and miles of forested hiking trails. There are plenty of hospitable restaurants to grab a bite at in town, such as Hoof & Barrel, which serves southern-inspired meals like jalapeño burgers, fried chicken, hickory-smoked barbecue, and sirloin steak.

Edisto Beach

With its sandy shores and warm, sunny weather, it is no surprise that residents of Edisto Beach are some of the friendliest. On any given weekend, you may spot families at Edisto Beach State Park, which spans 1,225 acres and features 1.5 miles of beaches, two seaside picnic shelters, two campgrounds, and several miles of trails. Throughout the summer, the town hosts its Movies in the Park series, in which attendees can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a different movie on each event night. For some fried seafood or a homestyle burger, McConkey’s Jungle Shack is a town favorite, operating in the community for 16 years.

Aiken

Aiken is particularly known for its equestrian spirit, with several attractions in town offering an exploration of this heritage. If you are looking for a way to volunteer, consider visiting the Aiken Equine Rescue, which was established in 2006 and is the largest horse rescue in the southeast. This rescue center allows visitors to volunteer from Monday through Saturday without needing to make a previous appointment. To learn more about the town’s equestrian history, make sure to visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, which features information, trophies, and photographs from the equestrian riders and horses that have become national champions. For some Aiken-style hospitality all weekend long, travelers can stay at the Carriage House Inn, a 1872 historic home in the downtown district that offers a self-serve continental breakfast each morning.

Newberry

Despite being home to just over 10,000 residents, Newberry’s attractions are particularly inviting for visitors, including an opera house, Japanese gardens, and local wineries. The Newberry Opera House frequently has live music events to attend, ranging from jazz band performances to famous musician tributes. Travelers can also stop by the Wells Japanese Garden, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and having recently undergone a full renovation of its ponds, paths, and landscaping. The Enoree River Vineyards and Winery, meanwhile, offers tastings of its seasonal harvests, which visitors can enjoy on a covered porch that overlooks the vineyard.

Beaufort

With European explorations and settlements dating back to the 16th century, the history and heritage of Beaufort are among the richest in the state. The Beaufort History Museum is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about this past, offering exhibits that explore Native American settlements through present times. Make sure to experience Beaufort’s culinary culture through one of its delicious restaurants as well! Magnolia Cafe is a town favorite, serving homemade breakfast and lunch dishes. After a hearty meal, take a stroll through the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, stretching seven acres along the town’s shore.

Georgetown

Georgetown has several prominent museums in town that frequently attract visitors. The Rice Museum is a unique museum to check out, celebrating the county’s rice agriculture through several artistic exhibits, galleries, and museum collections. The South Carolina Maritime Museum is another interesting landmark, featuring artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive exhibits related to the state’s maritime history. After a day of museum hopping, travelers can spend the night in the friendly Baxter’s Brewhouse Inn, a European-style inn that has a beer parlor on the property, stocked with its own locally-made beer!

Laurens

Laurens has a tight-knit and intimate downtown area, lined with art co-ops and locally owned restaurants. To explore the art scene, travelers can browse places like The Artist’s Coop, a volunteer-run non-profit that offers local artwork like jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and paintings. Afterwards, enjoy a sunny afternoon at Verdin’s Too, an open-air market that sells trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and houseplants. For some hearty pub fare, you can dine at Tap & Table, a local tavern that serves highly rated smash burgers, chicken tenders, and hand-cut fries.

Landrum

If you are seeking a romantic getaway in South Carolina, you won’t find a place much more inviting than Landrum. The Red Horse Inn is the perfect place to lodge, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with amenities like private cottages, a wine bar, and even seasonal alpaca wine experiences. Visitors should also make sure to take a stroll through the Landrum Farmers Market, which takes place each Saturday from April through December, promoting the community’s local farmers and small-scale vendors. After exploring the market, travelers can relax at Brookwood Park, a beloved town spot that offers a picnic shelter, a short nature trail, and a playground.

Sullivan’s Island

Home to just under 2,000 residents, Sullivan’s Island has been a tight-knit coastal town since its establishment in the late 17th century. Each year on June 28, Sullivan’s Island commemorates one of its most significant historical victories with Carolina Day. The event marks the 1776 battle in which a small group of patriots successfully repelled the British Royal Navy, preventing them from occupying the island. During the event, attendees can enjoy historical demonstrations, history talks, arts and crafts, and more. For even more history, travelers can visit the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, also referred to as the Charleston Light, which has been a prominent part of the harbor since 1962. Afterward, visitors should dine at Sullivan’s Fish Camp, a local restaurant established in 1988 that serves freshly caught lowcountry fish.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of where you are from, rest assured that you will find a sense of community in these 10 towns. Even if you are just coming for the weekend, these towns' residents will quickly make you feel at home. In towns like York, you can embrace the agricultural scene by picking your own strawberries, while coastal towns like Sullivan’s Island and Edisto Beach invite you to unwind on their sandy shores. Just be warned that you may find yourself tempted to stay!