3 Fun Things to Do Near Manning, SC

With work and family commanding much of our time and brainpower, it can be hard to remember to take some time to have fun. Thankfully, the area around Manning, South Carolina, has several places you can go to have a good time and recharge a little from everyday life. Here are three fun things to do near Manning.

Explore Santee State Park

Santee State Park is on the shores of Lake Marion, just about 25 minutes south of Manning. This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and go for a walk or have a picnic. If you want to get out on the water, there are several options for paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Many different species of birds make their homes around the water, so there’s plenty of opportunities for bird watching.

For a fun adventure with family or a group of friends, book a Wildlife Swamp Tour. You’ll get on board a pontoon boat for a 2-hour trip around the water to see egrets, herons, ducks, turtles, and even some alligators. Tours for 20 or more people can be scheduled at any time of the year. Regular tours run from March through October on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. There’s also a tour of the historical area of the Santee-Cooper locks available upon request.

Tour the Swan Lake Iris Gardens

In the city of Sumter, a 25-minute drive north of Manning, the Swan Lake Iris Gardens welcome visitors to see the spectacular flowers and swans that live on and around the lake. Open every day from dawn until dusk, this is an easy place to visit when the weather is nice. Admission is free and there’s a visitor’s center open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekdays. From March through November, the Iris Market and Cafe offers visitors a bite to eat on Thursdays, Fridays, and throughout the weekend.

Don’t miss the Chocolate and Butterfly Gardens during your visit. The Butterfly Garden cares for several species of butterflies, and you can even see some undergoing their transformations during the right season. The Chocolate Garden features several edible plants that look like chocolate but maintain their vegetable or plant tastes. Eight different species of swan make their homes at Swan Lake including the Whistler Swan, the Bewick Swan, and the Coscoroba. Be sure to visit during the annual Iris Festival at the end of May.

Party at Savannah Break

Savannah Break is a fun spot in Sumpter where adults can go for a great night of drinks, darts, karaoke, and more. Come and belt out your favorite tunes on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Stop in on a Wednesday night to try your hand at some competitive darts. You’ll need to become a member before making this your regular spot for drinks, according to South Carolina law, but it’s definitely worth the short application time. Keep an eye on their social media sites for regular events and happy hour specials.

Next time you’re feeling a little worn out, take some time out for fun with people you love and enjoy. Check out these local spots and make great memories.

image via pixabay 

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