Quality of Life
Santee State Park
251 State Park Road, Santee, SC 29142 (803) 854-2408
I-95/Exit 98 Santee (Take Hwy. 6 West about three miles. Take a right onto State
Park Road.)
Located in the heart of Santee Cooper Country, this 2,496-acre park offers a
nature center, 10 pier-based cabins and 20 lakefront cabins, as well as two lakefront
camping areas, as well as biking and hiking trails, available for your enjoyment
year round. A sportsman’s paradise, this park is known for its catfish,
largemouth and striped bass fishing, and is the site of numerous fishing tournaments.
Eutaw Springs Battleground
I-95/Exit 98 (Take Hwy. 6 East,
about 9 miles into Eutawville)
Visit the monument that marks the site of the last major American Revolutionary
War battle fought in the Carolinas (Sept. 8, 1781). Open during daylight hours
every day. Admission is free. There are many hiking trails, as well as access
to the Palmetto Trail.
The Parish House (historic house/tea room) (S.C. Heritage Corridor)
226 Porcher Avenue, Eutawville, SC 29048
I-95/Exit 98 Santee (Take Hwy. 6 East, about 9 miles into Eutawville)
(803) 492-7315
The Parish House, a stop on the S.C. Heritage Corridor, was built in the mid-1820s in Pineville. When that village was abandoned in the early 1830’s because of fever epidemics, the house was disassembled and moved to Eutawville by mule team. In 1935 the property was donated to The Church of the Epiphany and was long used for church meetings and activities. Currently Toni Scott operates The Parish House as a public Tea Room and restaurant.
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
211 Epiphany Road, Eutawville, SC 29048
I-95/Exit 98 Santee (Take Hwy. 6 East, about 9 miles into Eutawville)
(803) 492-7644
Located in Eutawville, this church was built in 1849 to accommodate the residents of the village who made their summer homes in the cool pine forest of Eutaw. The lovely church is open daily from 8 a.m. until dark, and visitors are always welcome. Call (803) 492-7644 to arrange group tours.
Elloree Old Town District and Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center (S.C. Heritage Corridor)
Cleveland Street, Elloree, SC 29047
(888) 711-1886 or (803) 897-2821
I-95/Exit 98 Santee (Take Hwy. 6 West about 7
miles into Elloree)
The Elloree Old Town District features buildings that date back to the 1900s,
antique shops, gift boutiques, an art gallery, arts and craft stores, restaurants
and the fascinating Elloree Heritage Museum. The museum exhibits depict an exciting
and educational view of the Elloree area’s rural past.
The Depot (S.C. Heritage Corridor)
8603 Old State Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059
(888) 568-5646 or (803) 496-3831
The Depot serves as the Holly Hill office of the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Holly Hill Visitor and Information Center, and a community center. It is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
The Klauber Building (S.C. Heritage Corridor)
225 Parler Avenue, St. George, SC 29477
800-788-5646 or 843-563-8187
The historical Klauber Building serves as the St. George office of the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the St. George Visitor and Information Center, and a town museum. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest (S.C. Heritage Corridor)
336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29448
(843) 462-2150
I-95/Exit 82 to Harleyville. Follow BEIDLER FOREST signs. I-26 East/Exit 177 or I-26 West/Exit 187 and follow BEIDLER FOREST signs.
Explore the largest remaining virgin stand of tupelo gum and bald cypress trees in the world. This 15,000-acre riverine sanctuary embraces 1,800 acres of ancient trees that tower over blackwater streams, clear pools and 300 species of wildlife. Explore a slice of what South Carolina used to be like as you venture through this pristine piece of Four Holes Swamp along an elevated boardwalk. The walk is a little over 1-3/4 miles, with nine rest stops and two rain shelters along the way, and is totally accessible. Guided Canoe/Kayak trips are available in the spring, and Night Walks throughout the year.
Branchville Railroad Shrine and Museum (S.C. Heritage Corridor)
7204 Freedom Road, Branchville,
SC
(803) 274-8820
I-95/Exit 77 West (Take Hwy. 78 West, 10 miles to Branchville.)
Few realize that Branchville, South Carolina, is home to the world’s oldest
railroad junction and was on the route of the country’s first scheduled
train. The Branchville Railroad Shrine and Museum now serves as a reminder
of the years when the railroad industry was a dominant force in the U.S. Almost
completely destroyed by a fire, the museum is almost fully restored thanks to
the efforts of the citizens of Branchville.
Appleby Church
I-95/Exit 77 (St. George, Hwy 78 East) (Take Hwy. 15 South about five miles to SC1819 West, which is Wire Road. Take a right, and the church is at RD 71.)
Appleby Church was founded in 1797. The building’s simple design shows the influence of the architecture used in Congregationalist churches of New England. The white frame structure features the typical dual front entry -- one door for men, the other for women. The door at the rear was reserved for slaves. The congregation remained segregated throughout all services. Today, the church is used only once a year, for special homecoming services.
Koger House
I-95/Exit 77 (St. George, Hwy 78 East. Take Hwy. 15 South about five miles to SC1819 West, which is Wire Road. Take a right, and the Koger House is on the I-95 frontage road at RD 19.)
The Koger House is the oldest residence in Dorchester County. It was built for Joseph Koger, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives 1801-1812, and was once a stagecoach inn.
Indian Field Campground
I-95 to I-26 East/Exit 172 (Take Hwy. 15 South about four miles and take a right at Indian Field Circle.)
Indian Field is South Carolina’s largest Methodist campground and one of the most impressive sites in the state. Ninety-nine two-story, rustic, wooden buildings form a circle around the central tabernacle, where services are held during the last week in September. Three elaborate meals are served daily. Breakfast, dinner and supper are cooked on wood-burning stoves, as done centuries ago.
Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail
(843)
549-5591
I-95/Exit 77, St. George (Take Hwy 78 East to Hwy. 15. Take Hwy. 15 South to
the Edisto River.)
Camping in the great outdoors is a great way to spend time. Whether alone or with a family, the Tri-County Region offers many opportunities for camping in safe, secluded and tranquil settings. Other recreational opportunities like fishing and golfing are only minutes away. Chamber members and Santee State Park provide cabins, campsites for RVs, or tents. Call the Chamber at 1-800-788-5646 or email us at tcrcc@bellsouth.net to learn more about camping in the Tri-County Region.
Anglers of all ages will enjoy freshwater fishing on Lakes Marion and Moultrie, two of three beautiful Santee Cooper lakes. The lakes are joined by a 6.5-mile diversion canal and offer fishing all year round. Guide services, boating landings and accommodations are available on both lakes. The lakes even boast world and state records for sizes and varities of fish. To learn more about fishing opportunities on the Santee Cooper lake system, visit www.scwaters.com or www.santeetourism.com
Golf courses are aplenty in the Tri-County Region. In May of each year, the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts the Santee Amateur Golf Tournament, featuring some of the finest players in South Carolina and the Southeast. With a Seniors Division, this tournament has become a popular event. While golfers play, family members can enjoy the fun and excitement of the Maize Days Festival going on concurrently in Santee. To receive an entry form for the Santee Amateur Golf Tournament, contact the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce staff by calling toll-free at 1-800-788-5646 or 1-888-568-5646.
St. George Country Club and Holly Hill Country Club are 9-hole courses and members of the Chamber. Other Chamber members include Santee National and Santee Cooper Resort , featuring the Santee Cooper Country Club Course and the Lake Marion Course. For more information on golfing in Santee, visit http://www.santeetourism.com/golf/courses.asp
The Branchville Railroad Museum and Shrine is located in one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. Branchville was settled in 1734. The Branchville Depot dining room is where Presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and Howard Taft ate during their visits. The Museum and Shrine collection includes a replica of The Best Friend of Charleston locomotive. For more information, call the Branchville Town Hall at 803-274-8820.
The Town of Elloree was incorporated in 1886 and quickly became a center of commerce and railroad shipping for farmers in eastern Orangeburg County. While visiting the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, you can explore a plantation cotton gin house, return to the 18 th Century when the Snider family first broke ground for their log cabin, and enjoy the displays of farm equipment used by planters and cultivators. The Museum and Gift Shop are located on Cleveland Street in the heart of the Elloree historic and business district. For more information, call 803-897-2225 or email at elloreemuseum@lycos.com or visit on the web at www.elloreesouthcarolina.com/heritagemuseum.htm
The Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest in the Four Holes Swamp provides the visitor with an authentic Lowcountry swamp experience. By taking a walk along the 1.75-mile boardwalk, people will have the opportunity to connect with nature and the more than 300 species of animals that call the swamp home. Visitors can savor the serenity of the Blackwater streams and more than 1,800 acres of old growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest -- the largest remaining forest of its kind in the world. The Audubon Center at Beidler Forest is located just minutes from Interstates 26 and 95 in Dorchester County. Fore more information, call the Chamber toll-free at 1-800-788-5646 or 1-888-568-5646 or email us at tcrcc@bellsouth.net
Santee National Wildlife Refuge is located on Highway 301 and is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Founded in 1942, it is a sanctuary to migratory waterfowl. Bird enthusiasts will have fun trying to identify the 296 species that migrate through or call the Santee National Wildlife Refuge home. The Refuge is comprised of 15,095 acres. For more information, call the Chamber toll-free at 1-800-788-5646 or 1-888-568-5646 or email us at tcrcc@bellsouth.net
Several trails are available in the Tri-County Region to help the traveler explore the environment, history and culture of the area.
The SC National Heritage Corridor provides a cross-section of the culture, history and landscape of the state along 240 miles in 14 counties. The Tri-County Region is located in both Region Three (Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties) and Region Four (Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties) of the SC National Heritage Corridor. Visitors can stop at several designated sites and 6 Discovery Centers along the Heritage Corridor to learn more about life in the Palmetto State. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy several sites in Regions Three and Four for bird watching and feeding. Two African-American History Trails are located in Region Four and highlight the folklore, life and achievements of enslaved Africans and African Americans in Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties. For more information on the Heritage Corridor, call the Chamber toll-free at 1-800-788-5646 or 1-888-568-5646.
The Palmetto Trail , when completed, will include 425 miles of trails from the mountains of South Carolina to the sea. The trails provide healthy exercise opportunities for visitors to enjoy the environment. The Palmetto Trail is open to walkers, bicyclers and equestrians (in designated sections) and is divided into passages. The Tri-County Region includes the Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Eutaw Springs and Santee Passages. Trailheads with parking and information kiosks are located at: The Diversion Canal (Berkeley County) on SC 45 on the south side of the canal; Eutaw Springs Battleground, located 4 miles east of Eutawville on old SC #6 Highway; Eutawville Town Hall, located on Porcher Ave. (SC 45), in Eutawville; and Santee Town Hall, located at the Santee Cultural Arts & Visitors Center in Santee on Brooks Boulevard at the Santee Town Hall Complex. Fore more information on the Palmetto Trail, call the Chamber toll-free at 1-800-788-5646 or 1888-568-5646.
The Edisto Canoe and Kayak Trail also offers the outdoor enthusiast an adventure down the long and winding Edisto River.Festivals and other cultural activities take place during the spring season. Great weather and beautiful locations make festivals a great opportunity to celebrate nature and life! The following is a sampling of the festivals in and near the Tri-County Region.
The Town of Elloree, SC, celebrates the prowess of equines with the Elloree Trials in March. Visit this historic town and enjoy the hospitality of Elloree residents, shop the revitalized downtown and watch horse racing at its finest. The 2nd weekend Arts & Antiques Festivals are held in May and October with a Lights of Winter Celebration in November and A Small Town Christmas during December. To learn more visit www.elloreesouthcarolina.com
April brings flowers and festivals. The SC Festival of Roses takes place in Orangeburg in April. Enjoy the beautiful Edisto Memorial Gardens, which is the center of activities for the festival. This award winning festival, established and nurtured through the years, comes at a time when residents and visitors have the opportunity to view the beauty of the hallowed flower gardens. The cooperation between the City of Orangeburg and the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce make the family-friendly festival possible. To learn more, call the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce at 803-534-6821.
Rolling in the Grits is one of the many activities featured at the World Grits Festival in St. George, South Carolina during April. Festival visitors can enjoy an arts & crafts area, softball, street dance, parade and other activities during the weekend. To learn more, call the Chamber toll-free at 1-800-788-5646 or visit the Festival web site at www.worldgritsfestival.com or
call 843-563-7943.
The Maize Days Festival promises fun for the entire family in May in the Oasis of Recreation – Santee, South Carolina! The festival celebrates the growing of corn in the eastern section of Orangeburg County, nestled along I-95. Now Santee is known for its many outdoor recreational opportunities-boating, camping, fishing, golfing and more! The Town of Santee will adorn its green and yellow attire for the weekend as it welcomes hundreds of visitors for the many events during the festival. A Taste of Santee is held on Sunday afternoon with Santee's wonderful restaurants participating! To learn more about the festival, call the Chamber at 1-888-568-5646 or call the Town of Santee Tourism Office toll-free at 866-272-6833, extension 5 or email the Tourism Director at santeesc@mindspring.com
