8 Bizarrely Named Towns In South Carolina

South Carolina is full of town names that make you chuckle, and maybe pull over for a quick photo of the sign. Names like Ninety Six and Six Mile are instant conversation starters, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Those quirky markers can lead you to pick-your-own blueberry farms and lakeside days on Keowee and Greenwood. Here are eight bizarrely-named towns in South Carolina.

Townville

While it seems like someone just got lazy and named Townville after what it was, a town, you’d be surprised what you can find there. Townville is an unincorporated area, but this small town provides an abundance of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. It is home to a portion of the Clemson University Forest. Specifically, the sections the Fants Grove Trail runs through. After a day on the trail, the town offers two pizza places and a café, all conveniently located on the same street. Embrace Townville’s history with a visit to the Nazareth on the Beaverdam Presbyterian Church, the town’s first Presbyterian Church, founded in 1803. Although small and slightly desolate, Townville can still provide a day’s worth of entertainment during your South Carolina trip.

Ninety-Six

Named after the estimated number of miles it was located from Keowee, the town of Ninety Six provides visitors with a National Park Service Historical Site that details the history of the town, a historical trail, and a Ninety Six Historical Museum for guests to stop at. Ninety Six offers even more outdoor adventure at Lake Greenwood State Park. The park is available for hiking along its Reedy River and lake.. The Southern Railway Depot, built in 1915, is a historical landmark now serving as a museum. The town is also home to Grand Harbor Golf and Yacht Club for golf enthusiasts and Warbird Adventures, an aviation outfitter that offers flights in vintage WWII airplanes for all the history buffs!

Six Mile

Six Mile, not to be confused with Eminem’s 8 Mile, is a small town with a population under 700 located in Northwest South Carolina. While there, make sure to visit the Happy Berry Farm and pick your own blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and more. Six Mile is home to Lake Keowee and provides opportunities for camping, boating, fishing,g, and water sports. The crystal-clear water and mountain view backdrop offer stunning views for a day spent at the lake. For the more hardcore enthusiasts, there is also an extreme paintball course (Carolina Extreme Paintball) through a forested area of the town. The Six Mile Veteran’s Monument is just one of the town’s historical markers honoring the town’s residents who served in all wars.

Swansea

The town of Swansea became well known in the 1800s for its water quality and purity, so it only fits some connotation of water that is included in the town’s name. However, water is not the only thing that has put this tiny town on the map. The Olivia, Peter M., and Alice House fought past controversy to become a nationally registered historic place. This milestone makes it the first site in the municipality to be included on the national preservation list. If history excites you, Swansea is a stop in South Carolina to add to your list!

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest may seem like an ideal spot for relaxation, but with so many activities available, you won’t want to sleep through it. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, the area offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and adventure sports. Between Lake Jocassee and the Green River, visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more. If water-based activities aren’t appealing, explore the scenic trails of Table Rock State Park. For a more laid-back experience, the downtown features shopping, dining, and the Swamp Rabbit Brewery, the town’s first and only craft brewery. Don’t miss the History Museum of Travelers Rest to learn about the town’s history, including the recently donated Spring Park Inn to the Historical Society.

Cowpens

Cowpens is a historically rich town, known for the famous Revolutionary Battle and named after a Loyalist who kept cows there. The Cowpens National Battlefield offers historical information, multiple loops and trails across the battlefield, and a museum with historical artifacts. Another major attraction is Abbott Farms Fruit Market, a small produce shop that sells bakery items, nuts, dressings, and other specialty products such as molasses and honey. What complements fresh fruit best? Fireworks! These are also available at the Abbott Farm stands.

Due West

Due West may sound more like a direction than a town name, but it's regarded as one of the top places to live in South Carolina due to its balanced suburban and rural vibe. While the town itself offers limited entertainment options, it's just a short drive to the Burt-Stark Mansion, where President Jefferson Davis attended his last Council of the War of the Confederacy. Additionally, the nearby Abbeville Opera House hosts musicals, comedy shows, live bands, and more. Finish your day on Main Street by visiting one of the many local restaurants.

Meggett County Park

Meggett County Park boasts scenic marsh views and five miles of trails encircling the wetland. It also features an island and tributaries from the Toogoodoo River. For more outdoor exploration on foot, visit Roxbury Park, which provides access to two ponds suitable for catch-and-release fishing. If fishing isn’t your preference, you can observe the area’s abundant wildlife. For a more luxurious experience, hop on trolley tours that take you through Wadmalow Island and across extensive tea bushes in the Charleston Tea Garden. Towles Farmstead, a national historic district, is also a notable site, comprising 14 buildings, sites, and structures open for visits.

Why South Carolina's Quirky Towns Deserve a Spot on Your Itinerary

South Carolina might be one of the most popular states for tourism, so if you decide to venture there, don’t be afraid to try a destination off the beaten path. Just because the town might have a wacky name or one that’s hard to pronounce, don’t be afraid to give it a visit. Those spots are usually the ones that will offer you the most, not just in views but also uniqueness. After all, they just want to live up to their names!