The 'Watermelon Capital Of The World' Is A Colorful South Carolina Town With A Mouth-Watering Yearly Festival

The United States is brimming with exciting places that have food-themed claims to fame, like the small New Jersey town regarded as the "blueberry capital of the world," or the fun Georgia city known as the "sweet onion capital of the world." But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There is also a South Carolina town in Chesterfield County that bills itself as the "watermelon capital of the world" and features a sweet summertime festival to celebrate this regional tradition. 

Pageland, located about 60 miles from Charlotte, comes alive in the summer. The area offers visitors the chance to enjoy small-town charm with historic significance, as it is situated within The Olde English District, which encompasses the neighboring counties of Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union, and York. While Pageland can offer plenty of things to keep you entertained, the absolute best time to visit is in July. That's when the town holds its biggest (and most delicious) event of the year: the mouthwatering Pageland Watermelon Festival. 

If you plan to visit during this time, it is well worth planning ahead, as the nationally recognized 70-year-old festival draws in the big crowds — and you won't want to miss this truly unique event. Similar to "the frog capital of the world in Louisiana, which displays plenty of frog murals and statues, keep your eyes peeled for watermelon symbols displayed by local businesses around Pageland. Everyone gets into the melon-y spirit.

Pageland established its vibrant watermelon festival in 1951, and it has grown in size and scope ever since. The watermelon is the region's main crop, thanks to the area's warm climate, and the cherished harvesting traditions have been kept alive and well, especially during this annual celebration. Described by reviewers as a family favorite with plenty to see and do, it is clear that this summer event lives up to the hype. 

The main attractions are the lively parade and watermelon-eating contests, but the Pageland Watermelon Festival has evolved to include so much more, including a rodeo, a car show, and even unique events like a seed-spitting contest. Taking place over three days in mid-July, the festival attracts a staggering 25,000 people, making it a fun and lively experience for everyone. The super-sweet event oozes Southern charm and gives you a great excuse to fill up on watermelon for a few days in a row. 

The festival also hosts carnival rides and crafts for kids, a 5k fun run called the Melon Mile, as well as a classic and custom vehicle car show, which runs along McGregor Street. Apart from watermelon, you will find lots of Southern bites offered up by food vendors, including sweet treats and hearty barbecue. Thankfully, you can burn off the calories by dancing the day away to the live music lineup.

Pageland has a few accommodation options if you want to stay nearby during the festival, most notably the Landmark Inn Hotel right in the center of town. Alternatively, Homeplace Bed & Breakfast, located just outside of town, offers a home away from home stay, while The Inn at Rosehill, about 20 minutes away by car, is ideal for a countryside escape. 

If you get tired of watermelon during your visit, you can find plenty of other food options in the area, with El Tapatio being a local favorite for Mexican fare. Pageland also boasts many of the usual restaurant chains, but for something truly unique and rather fitting, you should venture to The Watermelon Patch for the small-town diner vibe. This said, you simply cannot visit Pageland without getting your hands on some delicious local watermelon treats, and one must-see place for that is Polly's Coffee & Ice Cream Shoppe, which serves delicious crimson chill refreshers named after the variety of watermelon that made Pageland famous.

It is worth noting that the festival is free, but there may be charges for participating in the contests or various events, as well as carnival rides. Saturday is the busiest day of the celebration, so plan to arrive early and make sure to arrive hungry.