Blog

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