COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina is known for its beaches, history and Southern hospitality.
But as the state celebrates National South Carolina Day on Aug. 31, tourism officials say the Palmetto State is becoming known for something else — attracting people who want to call it home.
The unofficial holiday is a chance to celebrate what makes South Carolina unique, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast.
Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said the state’s geography is one of its biggest draws.
“We always talk about the mountains to the sea, but it really is that in South Carolina,” Parrish said.
Visitors can go from the mountains to the coast in about four hours, with communities such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Aiken and Beaufort offering their own attractions along the way.
Parrish said his biggest advice to travelers: do not be afraid to leave the interstate.
“The best thing to do is get off the interstate and drive the back roads,” said Parrish. “Someone said once that the interstate system was built so that you could drive across America without seeing it.”
South Carolina’s tourism industry remains a major economic driver.
Parrish said visitor numbers this summer have been steady. The state’s beaches have been busy, while Greenville has emerged as another major destination. But South Carolina isn’t just attracting tourists.
Parrish said more people are choosing to stay after coming to the state for college or visiting.
“They stay for the culture, they stay for the weather, they stay for the food,” he said.
He also pointed to the state’s relatively low tax rates, cost of living, and growing job market.
South Carolina has become a major hub for industries including aerospace, automotive manufacturing and tire production.
“We’re not just tourism, we’re not just agriculture, we’re not just manufacturing,” Parrish said. “We’ll build a mix of everything in between.”
The state’s history is another major draw, especially as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
South Carolina has the second-highest number of Revolutionary War battlefields in the country, according to Parrish. The Liberty Trail connects 69 historic sites across the state.
Charleston remains one of the state’s biggest draws, combining historic architecture, beaches, waterways and a nationally recognized food scene.
“Charleston has been discovered. It’s always been a special place,” Parrish said.
He said the city’s preservation efforts, food, and history have helped turn it into a destination for visitors and new residents alike.
Food is also central to South Carolina’s identity, from barbeque and sweet tea to its growing farm-to-table and fine dining scenes. Parrish says that’s one of his favorite things about South Carolina. “I grew up eating boiled peanuts, pimento cheese sandwiches.”
For Parrish, though, the state’s biggest attraction isn’t a particular destination. It’s the people.
“Everybody says a lot about their states, but really it’s the people here,” he said.
He believes that creates a sense of connection that keeps people coming back and increasingly makes them want to stay.
Dining and Cooking