Slow paced and serene. Where golfing is the preeminent activity. A state that is the preferred choice of many a retiree who opts for cooler summers than are found in Florida. Along with closer ties to the Northeast where many of their relatives are located.

The state's border extends from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the West; to the white sandy beaches on its Eastern Shore. Its Atlantic coastline stretches for 200 miles. Containing several major resort cities and 15 barrier islands. A few of these islands as primitive as when the Spanish conquistadors first landed on their shores.

Hunting and Edisto are the finest examples of these primitive, marshy, barrier islands. Containing huge moss draped oak trees and palmettos. Campers find the Edisto and Hunting beachfront State Parks are excellent year round choices for outdoor recreation. Recommended destinations for those who come to relax and enjoy the solitude of the ocean shore. Edisto Island being the center for the state's economically important shrimp and crab industries. A good location for short excursions to Charleston and the Francis Marion National Forest. Hunting Island is quieter and more remote because of its distance from any large city.

Many others find accomodations at Hilton Head (located at the south end of the state); and family orientated Myrtle Beach resorts. Myrtle Beach is a favorite among families who enjoy the miles of sandy beach and excitement of an endless array of amusement parks. The city combines these attractions with 70 championship golf courses and more miniature golf courses per mile than anyplace in America. Hilton Head is much quieter, more opulent, and nationally renowned for its exquisite gourmet restaurants and lavish accommodations. The prominent activity at Hilton Head is also golf.

SC, shirmp boats of South Carolina.

Traveling northwest from the shores of the Atlantic you will find the rugged slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Soaring for miles, and covered with a dense blanket of beech, hemlock, and white pine. The most scenic landmarks are located on Hwy 276 (thirty miles northwest of Greenville). An area containing the Jones Gap, Caesars Head, and Table Rock State Parks. All are within a five mile radius of each other.

Caesars Head is a precipitous 1,250 feet high cliff that affords a dramatic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Table Rock. Table Rock being a prominent granite outcropping that is among the most photogenic in South Carolina. Table Rock State Park has a campground with 100 sites. There are water and electrical hookups, a small beach, and boat rentals on its 35 acre lake. The restaurant offers patrons a majestic view of nearby mountains and cliffs from the dining area. There are also 14 cabins available for rent at Table Rock State Park (803) 878-9813.

Jones Gap is set in a pristine valley and that is acclaimed for its 420 foot waterfall, mountain streams, and precipitous gorges. Jones Gap is part of the 40,000 acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Recreation Area. South Carolina's European history is one of the oldest in America. The Spanish landing near Georgetown in the 1520s was less than 30 years after Columbus discovered America! These first attempts at colonization were wrought with disaster. Disease, food shortages, and Indian attacks soon force them to leave. The French were the next to attempt a foothold at Beaufort in 1562. Three years before St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in Florida. This was also unsuccessful for many of the same reasons the previous settlement at Georgetown failed.

The first permanent settlement in South Carolina was finally realized by the English at Charleston in 1670. During the next 100 years, South Carolina developed into a thriving and prosperous state. Becoming a major tobacco, cotton, and indigo producer. It was the dominant state in the South prior to the American Revolution. South Carolina's contribution to the American Revolution was led by one of America's great war heroes, General Francis Marion nicknamed the "Swamp Fox". As the British landed on South Carolina's shores and marched inland, General Marion's stealth in the swamps confounded the British who were unprepared for these guerrilla war tactics. Efforts which were compounded by the swarming mosquitoes that eventually prompted a British retreat. Leaving South Carolina's mosquitoes swarming in the marshes. Prepared to attack all who dare to trek into their domain.

Today the state's focus is on agriculture, tourism, and mining. The mineral wealth of the state includes vermiculite and kaolin where its production is ranked first and second in the nation respectively. Kaolin is used in making paper. A renewed interest in gold is also underway. The second gold strike in the United States after Georgia (1828) was in South Carolina in (1829). It was mined until World War II brought a close to the operations in 1942. Whether enjoying a coastal breeze, golfing, or hiking, South Carolina's tranquil pace refreshing. Caesars Head State Park (803) 836-6115. Table Rock (803) 878-9813. Jones Gap (803) 836-3647.