Salley South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Salley, South Carolina.
1. Eudora Farms
SAFARI ADVENTURE AWAITS
Eudora Farms offers a drive-thru safari with up-close animal interactions and feedings. Visitors can experience a wagon tour for a closer look at free-roaming wildlife in a well-maintained natural setting. The attraction is open Wednesday through Sunday, with private tours available by appointment only.
2. Salley Historic District
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL CHARM
The Salley Historic District consists of 60 Victorian and Art Deco homes that have remained unchanged since the 1930s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district spans Pine, Ferguson, Poplar, and Aldrich Streets. Visitors can admire these well-preserved historic structures that showcase the architectural heritage of the region.
3. Hemrick House
POST-CIVIL WAR LANDMARK
Hemrick House, built circa 1867, stands as the first home constructed after Sherman's Civil War destruction of John Town. Located at 124 Pine Street, this historic residence represents resilience and renewal following a tumultuous period in American history. The house offers visitors a glimpse into post-Civil War architecture and lifestyle in rural South Carolina.
4. Salley Chitlin Strut
UNIQUE SOUTHERN FESTIVAL
The Salley Chitlin Strut is an annual festival held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Salley Civic Center and Fairgrounds. This unique celebration features the unusual southern cuisine of chitlins along with carnival rides, crafts, a parade, car show, and even a Hawg Calling Contest. The festival has become a beloved regional tradition that draws visitors eager to experience authentic southern culture and cuisine.
5. Battle of John Town Memorial
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY
The Battle of John Town Memorial is located 2 miles west of Salley on Route 394. This historic site commemorates the May 4, 1782 battle where Patriots fought to defend two bull pens where British and Tories were imprisoned during the Revolutionary War. The memorial provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with an often-overlooked chapter of American Revolutionary history.
6. Aiken State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Aiken State Park offers visitors a serene natural setting along the South Edisto River with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The park features hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, picnic areas, and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. With its 4.2-star rating, this natural retreat provides a peaceful escape where visitors can connect with nature and enjoy recreational activities year-round.
7. God's Acre Healing Springs
LEGENDARY HEALING WATERS
God's Acre Healing Springs is a natural spring with waters rumored to have healing properties, earning it a 4.6-star rating from visitors. Legend holds that Native Americans believed in the spring's curative powers, and later, wounded Revolutionary War soldiers reportedly recovered after drinking from these waters. Today, visitors can freely collect water from the springs, which flow on the only piece of property in the United States deeded to God.
8. Barnwell State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Barnwell State Park features serene lakes, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails that have earned it a 4.4-star rating. The park offers rental cabins, camping facilities, and picnic areas perfect for family outings and weekend getaways. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while exploring South Carolina's natural beauty through various recreational activities.
9. Little Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOWCASE
Little Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery is a highly-rated artistic venue showcasing local pottery and artwork. With a perfect 5.0-star rating, this gallery offers visitors a chance to view and purchase unique handcrafted pieces created by regional artists. The charming setting enhances the experience of exploring original art and supporting the local creative community.
10. Sesquicentennial State Park
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Sesquicentennial State Park offers a 1,400-acre oasis of pine forests and a 30-acre lake just minutes from downtown Columbia. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, paddling, camping, and picnicking in this urban wilderness retreat. The park's diverse recreational facilities make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking natural beauty without venturing far from the city.
11. Oyotunji African Village
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
Oyotunji African Village is a unique cultural attraction dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional Yoruba culture and religion from West Africa. Established in 1970, this living cultural center features authentic architecture, shrines, and regular ceremonies that provide visitors with an immersive educational experience. The village offers guided tours where guests can learn about African spiritual traditions, crafts, and customs maintained in this distinctive American setting.
12. Middleton Place
HISTORIC PLANTATION GARDENS
Middleton Place features America's oldest landscaped gardens dating back to 1741 and offers visitors a glimpse into plantation life through its preserved historic house museum. The National Historic Landmark includes 65 acres of meticulously maintained formal gardens designed according to principles of 18th-century European garden design. Visitors can also explore the stable yards where costumed interpreters demonstrate the skills and activities of enslaved people who worked on the plantation.
13. Gullah n Geechie Mahn Tour
CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Gullah n Geechie Mahn Tour offers visitors an authentic exploration of the unique Gullah Geechee culture and heritage of the Lowcountry. Led by knowledgeable guides with deep connections to this distinct African American culture, the tours cover history, language, cuisine, crafts, and spiritual traditions. Participants gain insights into how the Gullah Geechee people have preserved their African cultural heritage despite the challenges of slavery and subsequent discrimination.
14. Charleston Tours & Events
HISTORIC CITY EXPLORATION
Charleston Tours & Events provides guided experiences through one of America's most historically significant and architecturally preserved cities. Their offerings include walking tours of the historic district, harbor cruises, plantation visits, and ghost tours that bring the city's rich past to life. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about Charleston's colonial history, antebellum period, Civil War significance, and cultural heritage.
15. Canyonlands National Park
DRAMATIC DESERT LANDSCAPES
Canyonlands National Park showcases a colorful landscape eroded by the Colorado River into countless canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, and spires. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves, each offering distinct experiences for visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, kayaking, and stargazing in this remarkable wilderness area.