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If you love the outdoors, you probably desire cooler weather. If so, good news! There are some great hikes that get even better in the winter months. Here's a look at some of the most underrated winter hikes in the Manning, South Carolina area. more Congaree National Park This South Carolina gem is one of the oldest bottomland hardwood forests in the state. With most of the park situated at the bottom of a flood plain, there is very little elevation change, making this a great place to hike for novices. There are also eight trails to choose from at Congaree National Park, some as short as 0.3 miles. For the seasoned hiker, the park offers trails over 11 miles long. All trails wind through this beautiful forest starting from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The Boardwalk Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop with a slight elevation change to the bottom of the flood plain. The trail is wheelchair accessible, and has benches along the way. For another fairly easy hike, the Bluff Trail loops north from the visitor center for 1.7-mile hike through young loblolly trees, and pines. If you want a longer hike, check out the Oakridge Trail. This is a 7-mile hike across a ridge of old oaks. The low-lying sloughs across this ridge line offer plenty of shelter to deer and wild turkey. Poinsett State Park Accessed from Poinsett Park Road in Wedgefield, South Carolina, the Poinsett State Park is a great place for hiking in winter. The 10-acre pond offers plenty of winding trails with very little elevation change, making this a great location for casual hikes. The Park is nestled in the High Hills of Santee, and includes a dozen trails of varying length and skill level. The kids will love the quick 0.2-mile Levi's Run. If you want a view, try the Hill Top Trail. This short 0.4-mile trail will take you up quickly. If you plan on spending the day, the Whippoorwill Trail offers 5.4 miles of hiking through the beautiful hills. You can see animals like deer, and birds of all types. The park offers cabins for rent, and a camping area too. There are park offices and restrooms, and plenty of trail signs so you don't get lost. Ann Springs Close Greenway This nature preserve is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and accessed via the Greenway Gateway on Adventure Road. The serious hiker can join their hiking club, which regularly explores this 2,100-acre wonderland. The novice will enjoy guided hikes through the region, while you learn about nature and the local wildlife. History buffs will enjoy hiking a portion of the famous Nation Ford Road. This was once part of the main roadway stretching from Augusta, Georgia all the way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There's also the Garrison-Webb Gristmill to visit. Check out this historic 1780 gristmill, which served the local area for over 100 years. You'll hike trails that have been used for nearly 250 years. There are plenty of winter hiking venues in the Manning, South Carolina area. The next time you're looking for a fun day outdoors, you should check out one of these three great places. image via pixabay

Whether you're getting ready for a special occasion or you just think that you deserve a little pampering, a day spa is a relaxing treat that will leave you feeling your best. You don't have to travel too far from Manning, South Carolina, to find a spa. Here are four of the best in the area. more About the Body Day Spa Located on Broad Street in Sumter, About the Body has a staff of licensed massage therapists, skin care therapists, and estheticians who offer a range of professional services. For your comfort, the hydraulically adjustable extra wide massage tables are heated and feature memory foam. You can open a membership to get discounted treatments. The range of massage treatments includes custom massage therapy, hot stone massage, deep tissue and sports massage, prenatal and postpartum massage, and reflexology. Packages are available for couples and they offer Massage your Mate classes. Other treatments include waxing, facials, a pro power chemical peel, aromatherapy, and much more. Forum Spa At the Forum Spa on Elm Street in Florence, they believe that you deserve the best, and they provide a variety of treatments in an authentic and relaxing spa environment. The services offered include integrative reflexology, body treatments such as a herbal wrap or a sea salt body rub, nail care, waxing, and tinting. You can opt for a neuromuscular massage, lymphatic massage, craniosacral therapy massage, or aromatherapy massage. Forum Spa also specializes in sugaring, which is an ancient method of hair removal using a sugar paste that is completely natural. This treatment is safe for all types of skin. A range of spa packages are available for women, men, couples, and teens. Destinations Spa For a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, Destinations Spa on North Guignard Drive in Sumter is a full-service day spa. In addition to the classic Swedish massage, they offer the Stress Reliever, a hot springs stone massage, a moisturizing cocoa massage, and cupping massage therapy as used in traditional Chinese medicine. Destinations has an in-house hair salon and a nail salon, and they can provide eyelash and eyebrow treatments. Along with skin care, waxing, microdermabrasion, and tanning, you can have your teeth whitened or try M'lis contour body wraps that can help with lymphatic cleansing, detoxification, and weight loss. Relaxing on the Go Also located in Sumter is Relaxing on the Go on Bultman Drive. Your pampering needs are met by professional licensed technicians whose entire focus is on you. They cater to both women and men. Facial and skin care services consist of creams, peels, masks, exfoliation, and extractions. A full range of waxing treatments are offered along with lash extensions, lash and brow tinting, manicures, and pedicures. Massages provided include the custom, deep tissue, sports and training, hot stone, prenatal, lymphatic, and reflexology. A visit to any of these locations should leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and self-confident. If you want to treat someone else to a spa package, all of these spas also offer gift certificates. image via pixabay