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Right off Interstate 95, Manning, South Carolina, is a rural community that's not too far off the beaten path. While the town remains quaint and charming, there's more to the city than meets the eye. Top-notch golf courses surround Manning, giving the avid linksman a chance to hone his craft on the green or fairway. The next time you're in the mood for a round, check out these amazing golf courses near Manning. The Players Course at Wyboo Voted the best golf course and golf shop in Clarendon County by The Manning Times for 2018, The Players Course at Wyboo is the area's premier championship golf course. Situated along the shores of Lake Marion, this scenic course adds a beautiful backdrop to your round of 18. Well-manicured and full of difficult approaches, undulating greens, and other hazards, you'll have to be at the top of your game to dominate this course. Rates start at $15 for South Carolina residents or $25 for nonresidents. more Shannon Greens Golf Club Just minutes from Interstate 95 and downtown Manning, Shannon Greens Golf Club is another one of Clarendon County's hidden gems. Three lakes surround and weave their way through the course, offering a blend of both beauty and difficulty. Known as the Home of the Island Green, Shannon Greens's most impressive and famous hole features a hard-to-reach green in the middle of the lake, requiring precision and a delicate approach to overcome. Rates start at $49 for a round of 18 holes or $29 if you're part of the VIP Clover Club. Swamp Fox Golf Course Opened in 1935, Swamp Fox Golf Course is one of the older golf courses in the area and certainly one of the most exciting. Over the 6,507 yards of the course, you'll come across southern pines, hardwoods and giant live oaks that provide a stunning background to your drives and lay-ups. A tad on the shorter side, Swamp Fox Golf Course rewards accuracy and precision over massive drives. What makes Swamp Fox Golf Course different from some of the other courses in the area is its isolation. Far from the traffic, congestion, and housing you'll find on other newer courses, Swamp Fox offers peace, quiet, and golf as its meant to be played. Rates start at $20 for South Carolina residents and $44 for nonresidents. The Country Club at Lake City If you want well-manicured greens, a picturesque setting, and 18 holes of championship golf, you're hard-pressed to find a course better than The Country Club at Lake City. As the host of several Women's Senior PGA Tour events, the Web.com Tour, and the PGA Tour School, this golf course has enough twists and turns to challenge even the most seasoned golfers. Rates start at $19 for nine holes or $33 for 18 holes. Whether you're trying to shave a few strokes off your game, hone a particular skill, or head out for a leisurely round, these Manning area golf courses have enough fun and challenges to keep you coming back for more. Image by Chris Urbanowicz via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

With the arrival of spring comes the opportunity to get out and visit some of the beautiful locations and events around the Manning area. Here are four of the best spring activities. 1. Fisheagle Wildlife Tours Spring is the perfect time to view nature at its finest, and a wildlife swamp boat tour gets you up close to the animals. The Osprey is a 40-foot pontoon boat that holds 30 passengers and will take you on a voyage of Lake Marion lasting around two hours. The trip departs from Santee State Park at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, March through September. An experienced naturalist will narrate the trip with information about the history of the lake, the natural history of the area's flora and fauna, and some folklore tales. As you never know what you will see, every trip is unique and will take in wildlife refuges, sunken forests, and places that can only be accessed by boat. For private parties, you can rent The Osprey or the 26-foot deck boat, FishHawk, which carries up to six passengers. Other tours offered include the historic lock trip and the Wyndham Resort sunset cruise. more 2. Swan Lake Iris Gardens The spectacular iris gardens in Sumter began as a project by a local businessman to develop swampland, landscape his grounds, and create a private fishing retreat. When his Japanese iris failed to flower, he had the bulbs dug up and dumped in the swamp where they burst into bloom the following spring. Today, Swan Lake forms the backdrop for the stunning display of iris which bloom from late May into June. The garden features many other exotic flowers including Japanese magnolias, azaleas, camellias, and day lilies. On the lake, with its abundant wildlife and colorful islands, you can see all eight swan species. Memorial Day weekend sees the annual Iris Festival featuring concerts, classic car and antique shows, arts and crafts, and many activities for the whole family. 3. Richburg Farms Located on Paxville Highway in Manning, Richburg Farms offers you the chance to experience rural farm life. From April through July you can head to this traditional farm and, depending on the current crop, pick your own strawberries, tomatoes, and more. Other attractions at the farm include animal displays and demonstrations, a hayride, and a corn or crop maze. There are restrooms, a picnic area, play area, and of course, a farm shop where you can buy amazing fresh fruit, vegetables, and other local produce. 4. Mardi Gras vs Jamaica Family Festival The first official Mardi Gras vs Jamaica Family Festival will be held on June 15 at the Sumter Fair Grounds. It will feature music by some of the hottest DJs, food and beer trucks, and a variety of vendors. For the kids there will be snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, face painting, and more. An adult village for those over 21 years of age will sell alcoholic drinks. These locations provide fun things for you to do in the spring, so head out and enjoy the season. Image via Flickr by Ian Sane via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Hiking is a great way to get close to nature and release yourself from the rigors of everyday life. Within easy reach of Manning, South Carolina, are some awesome parks with hiking trails offering a variety of scenery and terrain. Here are some of the best places to hike. Poinsett State Park A little over a half hour drive west from Manning is Poinsett State Park on the edge of the Manchester State Forest. It offers over 1,000 acres of diverse landscape with more than 25 miles of hiking trails. Some trails connect to the Palmetto Trail which takes you through the Manchester State Forest. The hiking areas include the Scout Trail, Hill Top Trail, Laurel Group Trail, and the Coquina Trail. Along the way, you can enjoy the serene setting of the 10-acre Poinsett Park Lake, visit the 1930s coquina bathhouse, and the ruins of the pre-revolutionary grist mill. There is a variety of wildlife habitat in the park and over 300 plant species. Woods Bay State Park A similar distance to the northeast of Manning is the 1,590-acre Woods Bay State Park. The park provides the opportunity for you to get a close-up look at one of the last Carolina Bays remaining in the State. The landscape features oak-hickory forest, sandhills, marsh and shrub bog. Hikers can follow the 0.9-mile Mill Pond Nature Trail, or you can take the 1,150-foot boardwalk which offers the opportunity to see alligators in the cypress-tupelo swamp. Other wildlife you might spot includes more than 80 species of birds, raccoons, otters, tree frogs, and various snakes. more Santee State Park Santee State Park is located on the western shore of Lake Marion, South Carolina's largest lake, which was created in 1949 to provide hydro-electric power. The 2,500-acre park is approximately 30 miles south west of Manning and offers four easy to moderate hiking trails covering more than 10 miles. The twisting trails will take you through thickly wooded areas with mixed pine and hardwood, and around swamplands, ponds, and sinkholes. At some points you'll have spectacular views of the lake and the cypress forest that flourishes in the middle of it. The lake habitat makes this an ideal location for birdwatching. Santee National Wildlife Refuge Located on the north shore of Lake Marion, the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is around 15-miles south of Manning. Set in 13,000 acres, the refuge is divided into four units and features forests of pines and mixed hardwoods, old croplands, marshland, and open water. Over 10 miles of hiking trails meander through this beautiful refuge. While hiking, you can visit the Santee Indian Mound, a ceremonial temple and burial site dating back over 1,000 years. During the Revolutionary War it was used by the British as an outpost named Fort Watson. Wildlife species you might see include 45 mammals, 54 reptiles, and almost 300 birds, depending on the season. These stunning locations provide great hiking, and most offer camping facilities enabling you to turn your trip into an overnight adventure. Image by Tony Webster via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

The Manning area has a rich and colorful history. Discover why the area was so important in the growth of our nation, through the American Revolution and beyond. Here are five of the greatest historic sites in the area to learn about how our country, state, and the city grew into the great places they are today. Trinity A.M.E. Church The Trinity A.M.E. Church, built in 1874, is a great way to discover the rich history of the Manning area. Soon after the Civil War, 50 men and women recently freed from slavery bought the land in 1870 to build their church. They had been holding their religious services in a stable and wanted an official place of worship. The original frame building built here burned down in 1874, but another frame replaced it the same year. In 1914, the building was covered in brick veneer, which is how it stands today. Francis Marion Reflections This historical marker and mural was built to commemorate the American Revolution. In 1780, General Francis Marion successfully fought and successfully pushed back the British in the area. Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox," is a national hero who helped pave the path for America to gain its independence. The mural depicts him and his men in the Black and Santee River Basins. This mural is part of a collection that commemorates General Marion's work for our country. From here, you can visit his statue, the Swamp Fox Mural, the Ambush at Half-Way Swamp Mural, and more. Take a tour of the city's great historical reminders of how our nation became what it is today. more Manning Library The Manning Library was built between 1909 and 1910 in the Classic Revival style. If you're a fan of architecture and beautiful buildings, this is a great place to explore. Stepping into the library is like stepping back in time to over 100 years ago. Its beautiful columned facade and one-story structure tell a tale of the state's heritage and history. Pleasant Grove School This historical site represents an important part of South Carolina's history. This school was built after the local school district bought the land in 1933 to be the new home of their school for African-Americans. It closed down in 1953 when it had five teachers who taught 159 students. It's now a community center and a reminder of the area's history. Battle of Fort Watson and Santee Indian Mound The Santee Indian Mound was built for one of the greatest chiefs of the Santee Native Americans. It was then used by the British during the American Revolution to police the Santee River and the road that connected Charleston and Camden. In 1781, this post was taken from the British — the first one to be taken in South Carolina. It's a great monument to America's success in the war. Give yourself some extra time to explore all the history and culture the Manning area has to share with you. You can spend an entire day learning about the history of the area through the many historic sites that were erected to remind us of our varied, proud history. Image "Francis Marion Memorial Celebration" via Flickr by S.C. Air National Guard used under CC0 Public Domain Mark 1.0

There's nothing like going out for a delicious dinner. Whether you prefer a big plate of pasta covered in sauce, seafood cooked just right, or a steak with potatoes and your favorite sides, you can find a place that will satisfy your cravings in and around the Manning area. Check out these top eateries and find your new favorite restaurant. JK's House of Ribs You can't get better barbecue in Manning than at JK's House of Ribs. As soon as you walk in the door, your nose fills with the wonderful aroma of sweet barbecue. The menu has tons of options, including one of the best pulled-pork sandwiches you've ever had, or you can get a 1/2 or full slab or ribs along with coleslaw, baked beans, and a side salad. The baked beans come smothered in a molasses sauce and are fantastic. Try the rib sandwich, which has pork meat cut from the bone and then tossed with sauteed onions and piled on a bun. JK's House of Ribs offers fast and friendly service and serves lunch and dinner. more Mariachis Mexican Restaurant Mariachis is a great Mexican place in Manning that serves huge portions in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This place provides chips and salsa to munch on as soon as you sit down. For your main dish, make sure to try the beef and chicken Fajita quesadillas or the popular enchiladas. If you enjoy seafood, go for the enchiladas del Mar. If you want to indulge, the margaritas come highly recommended. Stop by Mariachis for lunch or dinner any day of the week. The lunch menu offers several specials with smaller portions, and you can choose from the traditional lunch or the specialty lunch options. Georgio's Restaurant & Pizza Stop into Georgio's for the best pizza in the area. This laid-back Italian eatery offers a wide range of dishes, from chicken parmesan to salads and the house special loaded spaghetti, which comes with sausage, meatballs, and pepperoni. The salad bar has everything you want or need for a salad, and it's all kept fresh and full. Georgio's doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that stop you. Once you're inside, it's warm and inviting with fast, friendly service and delicious food. D & H Barbecue D & H Barbecue is another place in Manning for excellent barbecue and comfort food. This is the place to stop for traditional southern fried chicken, hush puppies, and pulled pork. If you want to try a little of everything, the Sunday all-you-can-eat buffet has lots of options. Or, you can stop in on seafood night when you can eat catfish nuggets, catfish stew, and some of the largest fried shrimp you've ever seen. Make sure you save room for dessert at this place. The pecan pie is fantastic. You can get it on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream. Try one of these Manning area eateries for your next meal. Image by jshj via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

There's nothing better than spending a day on the golf course relaxing and soaking up the outdoors. Check out these golf courses in the Manning, South Carolina area that are great for all ages and skill levels. The courses are open year-round and are perfect for every season. Wyboo Golf Club The State newspaper of Columbia has rated the Wyboo Golf Club as one of the Top 10 Best Public Golf Courses in South Carolina. The course is an 18-hole, par 72, Tom Jackson signature course that is absolutely worth taking the time to check out. The course is located on the north end of Wyboo Creek, which runs right into Lake Marion, offering beautiful lakefront views while you work on your golf game. The Wyboo Golf Club has a pro shop, driving range, putting green, and a practice bunker. The fairways are wide and good for golfers that are able to drive a long distance. The holes become more of a challenge and require greater skill and strategy as one starts to approach the greens due to the many water hazards. Their signature hole is No. 13, a par 3, estimating 191 yards with a large sloping green and surrounding bunkers and water. The Wyboo course is great for all ages and experience levels, offering four different tee placements, and is well maintained throughout the year. more The Players Course at Wyboo At the Players Course at Wyboo, you are sure to spend the day admiring the beautiful scenery with lots of wood terrain. This 18-hole, par 72 course allows for flexibility in play because there are very few water and bunkers, making it a good course for all skill levels. A driving range and practice green are available for practice. The club also has a pro shop and snack bar on-site. If you are interested in improving your golf game, consider signing up for a lesson with the PGA-member, Certified Golf Professional instructor at the Player's Course. Shannon Greens Golf Club The Shannon Greens Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole, par 72 course with lots of water views. The course is often referred to as the “Home of the Island Green” because of its most popular hole No. 7, which is entirely surrounded by water. The club has a driving range, pitching and chipping area, and a putting green for practice. Shannon Greens is a challenging course with tees for pro, men, seniors, and ladies. A teaching pro is on staff for those interested in taking lessons to help improve their game. When you are done playing, check out the clubhouse with friendly staff, full bar, and a snack shop, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Whether you have the day off work, are vacationing in the area, or are looking to improve your golf game, you can't go wrong at any of these courses. Depending on what you are looking for, each of these courses offers a unique experience. Grab your clubs and hit the links at these Manning, South Carolina, golf courses!   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Dining opportunities in Manning are abundant despite its smalltown status in the heart of Clarendon County. In fact, the city has a thriving food scene beckoning residents and visitors alike to grab a bite at its top-rated establishments. With that in mind, here's your guide to some of the town's most talked-about food stops. Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant What catches most eyes at Mariachi's is the elegant wall art and colorful carvings adorning each chair back and table stand. These showcase various aspects of Mexican culture and provide a unique backdrop for diners as they enjoy authentic Mexican dishes. Each table is presented with fresh tortilla chips and salsa to start, leaving guests to then choose among favorites like the pico de gallo chicken soup, stuffed chili poblano, or famous chimichanga, along with housemade refried beans and rice. more You can also browse the dessert menu for sweets like fried ice cream or strawberry churros, sample a glass of beer or wine at the full-service bar, or take advantage of the daily specials on drinks and food. With a main dining hall and outdoor patio, Mariachi's offers a cozy and comfortable environment for guests looking to dine south of the border. McCabe's Bar-B-Que If old-fashioned, pit-cooked barbecue served buffet style is more your taste, the recently reopened hidden gem known as McCabe's Bar-B-Que is the place to be. Plus, its walls are decorated with critic and magazine reviews that truly showcase the success of this small establishment built on a dedication for quality food and local flavors. There are too many menu favorites to list, but we suggest the pulled pork accompanied with signature vinegar-pepper sauce, rice with homemade sausage, or syrup-covered yam patties. On the side you'll see options like okra and tomatoes, mac and cheese, and sweet potatoes. However, you'll only find these delectable barbecue foods available three days a week during opening hours. Gullah Gullah Fish Genuine Gullah cuisine is the main specialty at this fish market/seafood restaurant. Gullah Gullah Fish serves up Southern favorites like alligator bites, shrimp and grits, and nine different flavors of chicken wings. You can also order a house classic like the blue crab platter with sausage, shrimp, boiled eggs, and corn on the cob. Pair your entree with a hearty side of coleslaw or hush puppies, and continue onto dessert where you're treated to sweet delights such as Mama's Famous Peach Cobbler or Aunt Jeanie's Famous Apple Crunch Cake. Porter Jacks Grill Sporting a menu with kid-friendly and adult options, Porter Jacks Grill has the right fit and feel for hosting family hangouts. Plus, its menu is even more inviting thanks to appetizers like buffalo or bourbon chicken wings, fried green tomatoes, and loaded nachos. You can then select from an array of soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, or Southern picks like country fried steak, Charleston shrimp and grits, or catfish stew. Happy Hour runs daily from 4 to 7 p.m., so be sure to take advantage of Porter Jacks' food and drink specials, too. Whether you're in the mood for Latin American cuisine, barbecue classics, or SSouthern-styledishes, cruising the streets of Manning will help you discover these and other top dining hot spots in the city. Image by piviso_com via Flickr | CC 0 | Cropped from original

Finding events near Manning to fill your upcoming itinerary isn't hard to do. Whether your plans include driving past a Christmas light display, celebrating local history, signing up for a fishing tournament, or partaking in a thrilling marathon race, the attractions and activities to choose from are broad and diverse. Here's a list of popular events to check out in and around Manning this coming year. Florence Festival of Lights (Florence) December is meant for Christmas lights and visits with Santa, and you'll find both at this season's Florence Festival of Lights. Set along Hoffmeyer Place, guests will drive along a designated course dotted with fantastical light displays encompassing more than 150 installments and covering themes such as Santa's helpers and Disney characters. more You can also take the kids to Santa's Village where they can snap photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, write Christmas letters, and enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. All events will take place over three weekends beginning on Dec. 7 until Dec. 22, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The American Heritage Festival (Lake City) Graham's Historic Farm holds plenty of historic significance in the town of Lake City. In fact, the farm dates back to 1738 and once served as a food supplier and Patriot campsite during the American Revolutionary War. Still residing with the Graham family, the farm is now home to the annual American Heritage Festival, which commemorates the War through battle reenactments, cannon demonstrations, musket firing shows, and military vehicle displays. Additional amenities include an evening drum circle and light show, guest speaker presentations, hatchet throwing contests, live entertainment, and a variety of festival fare. Events for next year's festival will take place from Feb. 2–3 with tickets available for purchase online. Striped Bass Festival (Manning) Celebrating its 40th annual run across Courthouse Square, the Striped Bass Festival in Manning is a true fisher's delight and occurs every April amid the gorgeous springtime blooms native to Clarendon County. Activities include a morning parade, carnival rides, children's games, arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, local school art viewing, and an open-team fishing tournament. Plus, you'll join the community in celebrating the Striped Bass Festival Queens, ranging from all age groups, as they ride among a set of elegantly adorned parade floats. The Great Inflatable Race (Sumter) Have you ever thought of running a marathon lined with giant inflatable obstacles? Likely not! But the Great Inflatable Race hosted at the YMCA of Sumter gives you the perfect chance to start. This event, held on April 27 and open to all ages, spans 1.5 to 3.1 miles (5K) along a route boasting up to 10 inflatables where you and the family can climb, jump, and bounce your way past the Castle of Doom, Ball Pit, and Volcano Escape. Purchasing a VIP ticket unlocks even more adventure, allowing you unlimited access to the Inflatable Village and its attractions such as the Gladiator Joust, Bungee Run, and DINOmite Bouncy House. Sign me up! If you're searching for fun activities for the whole gang to enjoy this coming year, these top four suggestions offer a nice starting point for local residents.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

South Carolina has great weather all year, making it the perfect place for people who love the outdoors. There are state parks and forests to visit within a short drive of Manning, along with natural areas and town parks where you can just relax and enjoy the fresh air. Here are some nature centers worth visiting in Manning. Swan Lake Iris Gardens Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a fun place for the whole family to visit. True to its name, this area has lots of swans to see along with some turtles and even alligators. These animals are in a fenced-in area to keep them away from visitors, but they are fun to look at from a distance. This park has a playground for the kids, walking paths to explore all around the grounds, and some beautiful scenery to explore. You'll see lovely flowers as you walk along the paths, and there is even a butterfly garden. more Santee National Wildlife Refuge The Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton is located just a few miles outside of Manning. This 13,000-acre refuge sits along the shores of Lake Marion. It is a winter destination for many ducks and geese, and it's a nesting place for several migrating birds and raptors. There are all sorts of activities for visitors to enjoy including fishing, bird watching, and hiking. Some of the wildlife you might come across at this refuge includes alligators, painted bunting, and over a dozen different species of ducks. Woods Bay State Natural Area Visit Woods Bay State Natural Area for a quiet sanctuary where you can enjoy nature. Located just a few miles off Interstate 95, this park features a boardwalk that takes you through a forest that sits in standing water. As you walk along the path, make sure to read the signs that provide information about the dark waters and the trees. This natural area is home to many migratory birds, and depending on the time of year, you might even see an alligator. You can also take a walk to the historic Mill Pont to see old grist mills. Or, you can bring your kayak and paddle along the 1-mile Kayak Trail to see all the birds in their natural habitat. Santee State Park Santee State Park has a little of something for everyone. It sits along Lake Marion, which has an abundant population of large catfish. Camping is available on the lake, or you can stay in one of the cabins. Some of these are even on piers right on the lake. This area offers many activities for visitors such as fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming, and both hiking and biking trails. For a more leisurely stroll, three different nature trails offer short walks. These include the 1-mile Limestone Nature Trail and the half-mile Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail. Get out and explore these natural areas near Manning, South Carolina. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery found only in South Carolina and see some of the wildlife, native plants, and flowers. Image by chrismeller via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

There is always something going on near Manning, South Carolina. Whether you like to spend time outside or you would rather find something to do indoors, there is something for everyone. Late November and early December is a great time to be in Manning and the surrounding towns with all the fall and holiday events going on. Make sure to check out these events and festivals near Manning this year. Bigger Wednesday Golf Tournament & Tailgate Party Get your team together for the Bigger Wednesday Golf Tournament & Tailgate party on Wednesday, Nov. 14 in Sumter. The cost is $50 per player, it takes place at the Sunset Country Club on Golfcrest Road, and after you can join the fun at the annual tailgate party. Tickets for the party are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. The event includes dinner catered by Willie Sue's, beer and wine, music, dancing, and a silent auction. There will also be face painting for the kids, door prizes, and appearances by Cocky and Tiger and Blaze. Ft. Motte Oyster Roast and Shrimp Boil The famous Ft. Motte Oyster Roast takes place each fall in Fort Motte and welcomes over 500 oyster lovers each year. This event includes all-you-can-eat oysters, shrimp boil, hot dogs, corn, and lots of homemade desserts. Tickets are $35, and the proceeds go to the Parish Church of St. Matthew's. more Santa is Coming to Crosswind Farm The annual Santa is Coming to Crosswind Farm event will take place on four separate days this year. Crosswind Farm — located on Target Road in Holly Hill — will host Santa on Saturday, Nov. 24, Dec. 2, Dec. 8, and Dec. 22 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for kids 18 and under is $20, and adults are free. Admission gets the kids a professional picture with Santa, and they get access to the bounce house, zip line, horse and pony rides, trampoline, playground, and a holiday photo booth complete with props. There is also a petting zoo with mini pigs, hedgehogs, bunnies, and chickens. Taste the Town 5th Annual Christmas Shopping Expo On Saturday, Dec. 15, make sure to head to Sumter for the Taste the Town 5th Annual Christmas Shopping Expo. This event will feature over 50 vendors and 20 tasting tables. A DJ will provide music, and there will also be live music and celebrity guests. The expo opens at 10 a.m. with free gift bags for the first 100 guests. Fantasy of Lights Don't miss the annual Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter. This tradition gets started on Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. The lights turn on Sundays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can catch the opening ceremony on Dec. 1 starting at 6 p.m.. Admission is always free, and this event is open to everyone. Make sure to check out these events and festivals near Manning this year. Image by Foodista via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

With a rich southern history, Manning, South Carolina has an abundance of museums for history buffs to explore. Museums are a terrific way to stimulate your brain and challenge your intellect. Manning provides different types of museums and learning opportunities for kids and adults. Your group will enjoy discovering the history of Manning at any of the following museums. Book a tour today to uncover the history and wonder of the area. Sumter County Museum Dive into southern history by visiting the Sumter County Museum. Begin your tour with The Williams-Brice House, a restored Edwardian house built in 1916. In addition, you can view the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, The Martha Brice Gardens, and the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, which investigates South Carolina's Jewish history. Events provided at the museum include an oyster roast, harvest festival, and Christmas events, including a wreath workshop to promote holiday spirit. The museum has an extensive volunteer and membership program. more The Florence County Museum The museum opened in 2014, and provides guests with artistic, cultural, and historical perspectives of the region. Current exhibitions include Revisited: The Early Portraiture of William Harrison Scarborough (art), Arriving South (art), Print Detectives (printmaking processes), There's Still Time (paintings and contemporary mixed media works), The Community Gallery (history of the museum and of Florence County), The Pee Dee History Gallery (historical artifacts). The museum hosts a regional art competition for artists from the surrounding counties. Tours and lectures are given at the museum to guests. You can rent space in the museum for receptions, dinners, meetings, and other events. South Carolina Cotton Museum Pets are welcome at this pet-friendly museum in Bishopville, SC. The Cotton Museum advertises the “world's largest” Boll Weevil, cotton bales of all sizes, cotton art, and gifts. Exhibitions include the cotton wagon and cotton spinning machines. A gift shop is on site for guests to purchase souvenirs. The museum offers tours and educational programs for all ages. Lee County Veterans Museum While exploring the Cotton Museum, check out the Veterans Museum located on the same grounds. The museum provides visitors with a closer look at the history of the Veterans of Lee County. Exhibitions include historical and military artifacts from all branches of the United States Military, including a machine gun and military uniforms. Clarendon County Historical Society Museum and History Center This museum highlights local historical events and the culture of Clarendon County. The museum and history center provide visitors with historical displays and artifacts. Memberships are available for the museum and historical society. Exhibitions include an exhibit honoring Clarendon County World War II Veterans. Upcoming exhibitions include a local exhibit on How Sports Shape Clarendon County. Manning, South Carolina is truly a southern gem just waiting to be discovered.  There are many opportunities to delve into the history of the area, with each option providing its own unique learning experiences. All that's left to do is book a tour and learn!   Image via Pixabay | CC0

Are you looking to book a tee time at a beautiful, yet challenging course in the Manning, South Carolina area? You've come to the right place! These courses offer unique facilities and amenities to enhance your round and provide you with an incredible golfing experience. Check them out for yourself, and you won't be disappointed! The Players Course at Wyboo Golfers can book a tee time online at this player-friendly course. Upon arrival, they can utilize the driving range as well as chip and putt on the provided practice green. Memberships are available for singles and families. The course offers skill and playing lessons for golfers of any age. You can host a tournament at The Players Course. After your round, enjoy the snack bar and have a drink at the full size bar. Stock up on all your golf necessities at the Pro Shop. more The Links at Lakewood This course provides golfers with a bar and grill, free WiFi, showers, and a Pro Shop to purchase any needed golf gear. The Links at Lakewood 's membership options include individual, family, seniors, and VIP plans. The Links at Lakewood also hosts tournaments and other golf events. Lessons are provided at the course for those looking to improve their game. Swamp Fox Golf Club On its website, golfers can access the “tee to green” virtual tour of the course before they tee off. Golfers can practice on the putting and chipping green and strengthen their drive at the driving range. Single or family memberships are available. Swamp Fox hosts tournaments as well. After you play 18 holes, head up to the snack bar to cool off and relax on the outdoor patio. Get any equipment for your next round at the Pro Shop. Wyboo Golf Club Booking a tee time online is simple at this par-72 course in Manning. If you need to improve your golf skills, book a lesson with the Pro. Memberships are available for families, singles, and junior golfers. Wyboo offers a driving range, practice bunker, and putting green to make sure golfers are hitting their best shots. The Pro Shop provides golf gear, club re-gripping, or repairs. Shannon Greens Golf Course Playing a round at this championship course in Manning is stress-free when you book a tee time online. Shannon Greens provides golf lessons, clinics, and camps for junior golfers. Practice facilities are offered at the course. Memberships can be requested online or in person and include single, family, senior, young executive, and social (ages 17 and under) packages. Shannon Greens frequently hosts tournaments. Golfers can purchase gear and attire at the Pro Shop. Upon completing 18 holes, treat yourself at the full-service bar and snack shop. Any of these courses would be perfect for your next round of golf in Manning. They provide golfers with top-notch amenities, tips to improve, and memorable rounds of golf. Now, all that's left to do is book a tee time and hit the links!   Image via Pixabay | CC0