Between Columbia And Charleston Is South Carolina's Serene Town With Small-Town Spirit And Outdoor Recreation

Capital city Columbia and cultural gem Charleston aren't the only places worth seeing in the state of South Carolina: from Horseshoe Falls, a hidden gem waterfall with a rich history and quiet beauty, to Cheraw, a pretty small town with jazz roots and river views, and far beyond, the Palmetto State has endless jewels ready to welcome those who care to look. If words like "idyllic" and "vibrant" keep coming up in your mind — or in your trip-planning Google searches — then search no further than Elloree, a relaxing and easygoing small town located between Columbia and Charleston.

This charming town of under 1000 residents punches far above its weight, boasting gorgeous nature and outdoor opportunities, a sense of community, and a rich history to boot. At just one hour by car from Columbia and hardly much longer from Charleston, Elloree is the perfect day-trip destination or weekend mini-break for South Carolina urbanites eager for a slow-paced yet spirited getaway. And with both nearby cities served by commercial airports, Elloree is also accessible for visitors coming in from other states and beyond.

Parks and green spaces are a pride and joy in this verdant hamlet, which has a number of leafy public places you can visit. One don't-miss option, especially for folks with kids, is Joe Miller Park. This family-friendly park has a playground, lots of open green space, and multiple picnicking areas, making it a perfect base for an afternoon in the sunshine with little ones — whether it's a simple family outing, a children's party, or any other occasion. Another stellar choice is Loyns Park, which contains a variety of flora and foliage to admire, either from a park bench or while strolling along the park's boardwalk. If you visit, make sure to stop by the Blue Star Memorial, instituted by the Evergreen Garden Club, the group who are responsible for the park's meticulous maintenance.

If you're keen for a more strenuous activity, Elloree's Santee Trail is a moderate-level hiking loop clocking in at just under 8 miles in total. You'll find the trailhead at the Cypress View Campground area, and from there, you'll wind your way through scenic Santee State Park, spotting wildlife and views of Lake Marion along the way. Wear appropriate footwear, and don't forget to bring sunblock (and bug spray) — and you're free to bring your pup, as long as Fido's kept on a leash during the hike.

As the story goes, Elloree's memorable name is adapted from a Native American word that translates to "home that I love". Historically a farming and railroad hub, the town's development can largely be traced back to the influence of 19th-century businessman William J. Snider. Today, you can learn about the town's layered history by making your way to the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. This Smithsonian-approved exhibition is located on Cleveland Street in the heart of downtown, and shows what this street would have looked like more than 100 years ago when the town was up-and-coming. 

Demonstrative of Elloree's community-oriented small-town spirit, the museum also hosts a number of special events and programs that you can attend, ranging from film screenings and lectures from local historians to musical performances and Gullah storytelling, and more. There are also workshops and classes in various crafts, a summer camp for children, and a number of other activities on the calendar. And, in true local cuisine fashion, there's an annual Lowcountry Boil event that doubles as a museum fundraiser, bringing the close-knit local community together for a tasty meal and a worthy cause. (If you're not full up on Lowcountry-style cooking after that, continue your South Carolina adventures with a stop in Bluffton: an underrated foodie town with a friendly community.)