Affordable Summer Vacation Spots

The time has arrived where the kids are out of school for the summer months and you will be loading up the car for weekend trips. Not everyone has money or time to travel to California or Paris, but everyone can experience Jazz on the Alley at Seneca Weekend Fest or view the sunset at one of Charleston’s beaches. We highlighted the areas where our local branches reside to show you what the Lowcountry has to offer. Consider South Carolina your next vacation destination as we roadmap through some of the state’s coolest cities.

Ridgeland

The first city we’re traveling to is Ridgeland, South Carolina. This town has much to offer for those looking to be immersed in culture and nature as well. Ridgeland is home to the Morris Center which prides itself on preserving Lowcountry heritage. Their most popular event, “Living History”, features actors who perform live history sessions for viewers emphasizing the role of the Lowcountry in major historical events. After your history lesson, take a stroll through the Blue Heron Nature Center to enjoy your lunch with nature surrounding you. Here, you and your family can fish at the pond and walk through the butterfly garden to gain an appreciation for all that nature has to offer. Drop off the kids to the hotel and enjoy yourself a nice evening at Ridgeland’s own Riverdog brewing company. Freshly brewed, craft beer from the Lowcountry is a standard for the brewery, and they offer a large variety brews to satisfy the pallet of any beer connoisseur.  After all this exploration, drive on down to Savannah; it’s only about a 37-minute drive from Ridgeland. More excitement awaits you!

Walterboro

We’re headed North up I-95 to another one of the Lowcountry’s hidden treasures, Walterboro. Located in the ACE Basin Region, Walterboro offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience true southern hospitality. Very little know that during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen trained in Walterboro before they headed to Europe to fight for our country. Their efforts have been memorialized at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial at the Walterboro Regional Airport. You’ll probably be hungry after, so bring yourself and your stomach to the Colleton Museum and Farmers Market. The museum offers a variety of exhibits that showcase the local culture, paired with a state of the art commercial kitchen that features southern cooking at its best. On a Saturday if you’re lucky enough, you will get to shop at the farmers market and get a taste for local agriculture and trinkets. Did we mention how good the food was?

Charleston

Welcome to Chucktown! The only bad thing we have to say about Charleton is that if you stay, you may never want to leave. This city is filled with so much life, excitement, and culture it’s nearly impossible to fit it all into one weekend. If you’re in the mood to shop you have to visit downtown Charleston on King Street. This area is filled with designer shops, boutiques, and local restaurants suitable for everyone to enjoy. The city itself serves as a monument for the first battle of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. If you want to learn more about the city’s history, you can learn it the traditional Charleston way; riding a horse and carriage or on the ferry to view the harbor. There’s nothing better than heading to one of the many beaches and watching the sun gently set as you watch the waves sway in and out of the coast. You have to come to visit; it was voted #1 city in the U.S. and the world for a reason.

Seneca

Although we do not currently have a branch in the beautiful city of Seneca, it is a very vacation worthy area for those who love to explore the outdoors. Seneca offers peace, relaxation, and exploration to those looking for a simple getaway. Take a hike up the foothills of the astonishing Blue Ridge Mountains and absorb all of the nature and wildlife around you. While in the mountains, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters of Lake Keowee at South Cove County Park. During late May, join the city for the 2019 Seneca Festival, where the streets will be filled with live music, theatre performances, great food and plenty of fun and entertainment for the kids. Before you leave, take home a treat from Hochstetler’s county store for some local ice cream to take with you.   

Vacations do not have to break the bank in order for you and your family to have fun while making memories. We would love to help you start a separate savings account or teach you budgeting methods to maximize all of your summer vacation experiences. We are here to help. If you have any questions, contact us through our website or call us at 843-549-2265 today!