“South Carolina is a family vacation destination rich in culture, food and fun, and it shows in its festivals,” says Dawn Dawson, public relations director for the the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “Every month and every season in South Carolina features a community celebration of the season, of gardens, the harvest and food, music and art.”
Here are four fantastic seasonal shindigs Dawson suggests for a great group outing.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January)
Oyster Fest activities include the oyster shucking contest, oyster eating contest, oyster recipe contest and local live entertainment. In addition to all the oysters, there’s a food court offering tasty selections from some of the Lowcountry’s most well-liked eateries.
Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee (April)
This spring festival kicks off the tourist season for Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. Festival-goers can enjoy an array of arts and crafts, antiques, a gamut of live music, historic tours, bike rides and intriguing shops and restaurants.
Freedom Weekend Aloft (May)
This yearly doing offers groups an affordable and lively weekend that includes more than 80 hot-air balloons, concerts, Frisbee-dog competitions, rides and games, fireworks, music, great grub and much more.
South Carolina Festival of Discovery (July)
Discover the true flavors of rural America during the award-winning South Carolina Festival of Discovery in Uptown Greenwood. The Barbecue & Hash Cook-Off showcases the traditional art of black-kettle hash and the popular tradition of Carolina barbecue.
