Here are 11 of the weirdest and most fascinating roadside attractions in South Carolina that are definitely worth stopping for:
The Peachoid (Gaffney)
This giant peach-shaped water tower stands 135 feet tall and holds a million gallons of water. It’s a quirky symbol of South Carolina’s peach industry and has gained pop culture fame, including a mention on the TV show “House of Cards.”
Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden (Bishopville)
An incredible living art exhibit, Pearl Fryar’s garden features whimsical and intricate topiary sculptures that transform ordinary shrubs into extraordinary works of art. It’s a testament to creativity and dedication.
South of the Border (Hamer)
Located just south of the North Carolina border on I-95, this sprawling retro-themed attraction features neon signs, themed restaurants, souvenir shops, a reptile lagoon, and even a motocross training center.
UFO Welcome Center (Bowman)
This odd attraction features rickety spaceship replicas and welcomes extraterrestrial visitors with humor and charm. It’s a quirky place to stretch your legs and snap some unusual photos.
The Last Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken Restaurant (Hartsville)
The remaining outpost of a once popular chain, this spot serves “pic-a-nic” baskets and is a fun throwback to Southern Americana.
Busted Plug Plaza (Columbia)
Home to what was once considered the world’s largest fire hydrant, meant to be tornado-proof. Though permanently closed, it remains a legendary roadside oddity.
Silver Springs Filling Station (Landrum)
A nostalgic restoration of an old Esso filling station complete with vintage gas pumps and memorabilia, perfect for fans of Americana and history.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge (Landrum)
Built in 1909, this 38-foot-long bridge spans Beaverdam Creek and provides a picturesque spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
World’s Smallest Police Station (Ridgeway)
Once an official law enforcement hub and now a quirky roadside stop, this tiny police station is smaller than many phone booths.
Stumphouse Tunnel (Walhalla)
An unfinished Civil War-era railway tunnel with a cool breeze flowing through its 1,600-foot length, perfect for history buffs and hikers looking for something unusual.
Weird Peg-Leg Bates Statue (Greenville)
A tribute to the famous tap dancer Peg-Leg Bates, this odd statue celebrates a colorful local figure and adds a touch of whimsy to the roadside scene.
These attractions reflect South Carolina’s dynamic blend of history, quirky humor, and artistic creativity. They turn ordinary highway journeys into memorable adventures full of surprises.
Sources
(https://www.scetv.org/stories/2024/roadside-attractions-sky)
(https://www.scpictureproject.org/tag/roadside-oddities)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PW1DwwvXXA)
(https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/)
(https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/south-carolina/roadside-attractions)
