A Hidden Gem in South Carolina for the Good Weekend Getaway

South Carolina is thought for its Southern hospitality, flavorful meals, and a mixture of each bustling cities and laid-back small cities. Whereas iconic locations like Charleston, Greenville, and Hilton Head Island typically steal the highlight, among the state’s finest experiences may be discovered simply off the crushed path. Take Sumter, for instance. 

Simply an hour from Columbia, Sumter blends historical past, nature, and neighborhood spirit in a means that feels refreshingly unpolished. Right here, you may discover peaceable gardens stuffed with swans, energetic native festivals, family-friendly parks, and a downtown anchored by unbiased eating places and even a rooftop brewery.

Throughout a latest go to, what stood out to me probably the most was Sumter’s stability: mornings spent on scenic trails, afternoons exploring native retailers, and evenings in a downtown that comes alive with meals, music, and neighborly attraction. It is a spot that feels each easygoing and stuffed with surprises. 

As native enterprise proprietor Leah Macloskie of Leah’s Spa notes, the perfect experiences in Sumter come from venturing past the primary streets to find native eating places and retailers, so don’t be afraid to discover a bit of. 

This is find out how to benefit from a visit to this under-the-radar South Carolina gem.

The place to Keep

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown

Trendy, modern, and centrally situated, Hyatt Place is good if you wish to be inside strolling distance of every thing downtown. The spacious rooms, out of doors pool, and pleasant workers make it a stress-free dwelling base. Better of all, it is proper subsequent door to Sumter Unique Brewery, which implies you may simply finish your day with a rooftop drink.

1912 Mattress and Breakfast

For one thing extra intimate, 1912 Mattress and Breakfast gives a comfortable, historic keep. The house nonetheless options its unique flooring and tile, giving it tons of character, and the 4 visitor rooms are uniquely styled. Every morning, you may be handled to a beneficiant Southern breakfast. It is the kind of place the place you may really feel like an area moderately than a customer.

Issues to Do

Spend time at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

If you happen to solely do one factor in Sumter, make it a stroll by way of Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It is the one public park within the nation to characteristic all eight swan species, and they’re really breathtaking. The gardens are notably magical within the spring, when 1000’s of irises bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white, remodeling the area right into a sea of shade. However the peaceable trails, fountains, and sculptures additionally make it a spot value visiting year-round. Hen-watchers will even benefit from the number of species that cease right here.

Stroll round Palmetto Park.

That is Sumter’s go-to neighborhood park and a favourite for households. There is a playground, tennis courts, shady strolling trails for informal strolls, and a splash pad for kids to chill off on heat days. Pack a picnic, seize a e-book, or lace up your sneakers for a jog. The park is giant sufficient to really feel like a mini escape with out leaving city.

Go to the Sumter Museum.

Historical past lovers will admire this well-curated museum housed in a historic property. Displays cowl the world’s cultural and agricultural previous; it is an effective way to raised perceive the roots of Sumter whereas connecting with its heritage.

Catch a race at Sumter Speedway.

I grew up within the South with a household that liked racing, so the Sumter Speedway hits dwelling. On race nights, the vitality is contagious. It is the form of native expertise that provides you a style of small-town South Carolina at its most genuine.

Get pleasure from eating and purchasing downtown.

One in all my favourite elements of visiting Sumter is exploring its downtown. You may discover every thing from fashionable clothes boutiques to native espresso retailers right here. Cease into a restaurant for a deal with, then head over to Sumter Unique Brewery for rooftop views that stretch throughout the city. At night time, the string-lit patios and energetic eating places give downtown an inviting, festive environment.

Greatest Eating places

Willie Sue’s

If you’d like an actual style of the South, Willie Sue’s will ship. The menu options crowd-pleasing staples like shrimp and grits, fried pickles, and corn fritters, however the adventurous can attempt gator. The restaurant is informal however energetic, making it a wonderful alternative for teams or households.

Brubaker’s Café and Bakery

Brubaker’s roasts its personal espresso and bakes its items from scratch. This small-town cafe is especially well-known for its cinnamon rolls—fluffy, candy, and price each chew.

Sidebar

Locals, together with Macloskie, swear by Sidebar, and it is easy to see why. Recognized for its smoked brisket, flavorful wings, and spectacular bourbon choice, it is a should for meat lovers. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with hearty plates that pair completely with a chilly drink.

Sumter Unique Brewery

Half brewery, half gathering place, this spot is extra than simply concerning the beer (though the craft brews are wonderful). The multilevel area consists of indoor seating, out of doors patios, and a rooftop bar with among the finest views on the town. On weekends, you may typically discover reside music or neighborhood occasions, which makes it the perfect place to mingle with locals whereas sipping a pint. It is simply my favourite place to cease in Sumter.

Greatest Buying

Silverpaper

One in all my favourite locations to buy in Sumter is Silverpaper, which carries a unbelievable combine of jewellery, fashionable clothes, specialty invites, and a lot extra. It’s really a one-stop store—good for some retail remedy or discovering a considerate present for a buddy or member of the family.

Naomi and Warner

One other wonderful spot to browse on the town is Naomi and Warner, the place you’ll uncover an array of dwelling and kitchen necessities, from plates and vases to teacups and past. If you happen to’re on the hunt for charming Southern-inspired dwelling décor, that is the place to go.

Beneath the Cowl

Ebook lovers received’t need to miss Beneath the Cowl. This cozy bookstore gives a big selection of novels, however my favourite half is they provide a drink menu—one thing you do not see at many bookshops. They provide wine, mimosas, craft beer, and extra. It’s an important spot to buy your subsequent learn and settle in with a scrumptious drink whilst you dive into it.

Greatest Time to Go to

“Spring is my favourite time of yr in Sumter as a result of the entire flowers are blooming, and there are many good occasions throughout that point, one being the Iris Competition,” says Macloskie. The Iris Competition, held in Might, is one among South Carolina’s oldest steady festivals and a celebration of the well-known Swan Lake Iris Gardens. I visited Sumter within the spring, so I can attest to the attraction of the season. The greenery was vibrant, flowers had been in full bloom, and the temperatures had been good—the right window earlier than South Carolina’s summer season warmth and humidity rolled in.

Fall is one other pretty time to go to, with cooler temperatures and seasonal occasions like Oktoberfest, Sumter’s largest avenue get together that brings downtown to life.

Learn how to Get There

Sumter is about an hour’s drive from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), the closest main airport. CAE is served by American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Spirit. Alternatively, you would flip your Sumter go to into extra of a street journey, flying into both Charleston or Charlotte—each a number of hours away—and exploring the small cities and factors of curiosity alongside the way in which.

Learn how to Get Round

The simplest option to get round Sumter is with your individual automobile. If you happen to’re flying into the world, you may lease a automotive in Columbia, Charleston, or Charlotte. For many who’d moderately not drive, the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) gives rides from Columbia to Sumter. Trip-share choices like Lyft and Uber are additionally accessible.