7 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In South Carolina

As children, turning a backyard or park into a magical world took little more than imagination. But that sense of wonder often fades in adulthood, especially when daily routines start to feel repetitive. But what if you could recapture a bit of that magic in real life? Escaping to a fairytale-like world is easier than you might think, particularly if you live in South Carolina. The following seven towns are filled with magical touches, ranging from enchanting treehouses and cascading waterfalls to mermaid festivals and llama farms, allowing you to explore that childlike wonder once again.

Folly Beach

Mermaids may seem like creatures of fantasy, but in Folly Beach, each October, you might have the chance to spot one! On October 4th this year, the town will host its annual Mermaids & Mateys weekend, which will feature over 70 arts and craft vendors, live music, a kids zone, a mermaid and mateys costume contest, and photo ops with real-life mermaids and pirates. The town celebrates the sea once again in February, during the Sea & Sand Festival, which offers a sand-sculpture competition, an artisan market, and other family-friendly activities. If you want to see some of the town’s prized dolphins, consider reserving a tour with Flipper Finders Boat Tours, which takes you through the area’s creeks and marshes to marvel at some of its native marine life.

Landrum

No fairy tale is complete without a horseback ride into the sunset. In Landrum, you can actually make it happen at one of the town’s equine farms! Latigo Farm is a notable stable in the area, offering horseback riding lessons, barrel racing, and other rodeo events throughout the year. After meeting some of Landrum’s horses, you can make your experience even more magical by meeting a llama at The Red Horse Inn. From March through November, the inn offers an Alpaca Wine experience, where you can enjoy a glass of wine at the inn’s wine bar, followed by a meet and greet with their friendly alpacas. Finish your fairytale with a visit to some of the area’s waterfalls, such as Blue Wall Preserve, which is home to pine forest stands, open-water lakes, shrublands, and a prominent cascade.

Travelers Rest

Every hero or heroine needs a place to rest on their journey, and Travelers Rest provides the perfect retreat. Travelers can kick off a restful weekend with a stay at The Station by Compo Hotels, a luxury property that offers cozy cottages. On Saturday morning, visitors can head over to the Travelers Rest Farmers Market, the largest open-air market in the county with over 70 vendors, free yoga, food trucks, live music, and more. If you are looking to add a bit of adventure to your story, consider a bikeride along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile, multi-use route that connects Travelers Rest to Greenville, a neighboring community. All along the trail, you’ll find gazebos, benches, and restaurants, allowing you to stop and rest as you please.

Clemson

Clemson is home to one of South Carolina’s oldest and largest trees, a truly majestic sight. Named the Clemson Centennial Oak, this tree has been around since the town’s founding in 1889, today standing 66 feet tall and having branches that extend 124 feet across. The Old Stone Church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is another fairytale-like landmark in town, made of stacked stones and dating back to 1802. Travelers craving a snack can order some cheese from Clemson Blue Cheese, a local artisanal company that has been using milk from the university’s dairy herd since 1941.

Walhalla

If you have ever dreamed of staying in a treehouse, a trip to Walhalla could make that childhood wish come true. Set among the trees, about a five-minute drive from downtown Walhalla, travelers will reach the magical Bolt Farm Treehouse, complete with a suspension bridge, private fire pit, two-tiered deck, and access to miles of nearby hiking trails. After spending the night in the treetop home, travelers can head to Station Cove Falls, home to a beautiful 60-foot cascade, accessible via a short, three-quarter-mile hike. Conclude your visit in Walhalla by hunting for treasure at one of its local antique stores, such as Middle of Main Antiques, which sells antiques, pottery, glassware, candles, jewelry, and other unique goods.

Beaufort

Beaufort is one of the few towns in the US with an entire downtown designated as a National Historic District. As a result, the stories that the town tells are remarkable. The Beaufort Arsenal is the first landmark to add to your itinerary, built in 1798 for the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery following a battle during the Revolutionary War. The Beaufort Inn is packed with history as well, built in 1897 as a summer home, before being converted into an inn in 1920. If you travel about 20 minutes north of Beaufort, you can also reach the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, which feature Greek Revival-style ruins that date back to the mid-18th century, later destroyed by the British during the Revolutionary War. The towering stone pillars that remain standing today, among ancient oaks, make for a hauntingly beautiful sight.

Georgetown

Located along the South Carolina coast, Georgetown looks like it was lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Travelers can start their adventure along the Georgetown Harborwalk, a four-block-long, waterfront boardwalk scattered with restaurants and shops. Animal lovers can continue their visit with a stop at Purr & Pour Cat Café, where they can sip coffee alongside a crew of friendly foster cats. If you are looking for a hotel that will make you feel like royalty, check out the George Hotel, a luxurious, boutique hotel that has direct marina access, a waterfront lawn, and an onsite fish house with a waterfront bar.

Final Thoughts

You might think real-life fairy tales do not exist, but these seven towns are here to challenge that belief. In Landrum, you can embark on a horseback adventure, while Beaufort will transport you into a story from the past. Folly Beach, meanwhile, will invite you to meet a mystical mermaid or pirate! No matter which path you take, a little bit of real-life magic awaits in each of these destinations.