If you’re up for a day of walking and learning something new about Manning, South Carolina, there are some great ways to discover the city. Downtown Manning is full of history, local charm, and southern hospitality. Here’s how you can spend a day taking in all that this town has to offer.
Tour the Historic District
The Manning Historic District consists of 63 different buildings that have played a part in the establishment and evolution of the town since the 1800s. Starting in the Courthouse Square, the center of town when it was laid out in 1856, walk around and through several of the architectural treasures of the city. Keep an eye out for the Clarendon County Courthouse, Alderman’s 20 in One Store, the People Bank and Trust Building, and the Levi Building.
On North Brooks Street in Downtown Manning, you’ll find the Clarendon Chamber building. Don’t miss the historic marker outside the building and the Francis Marion statue. Francis Marion was known as the Swamp Fox for his early use of guerilla warfare against the British army during the Revolutionary War.
Follow Along the Swamp Fox Murals Trail
American history buffs will love to see the Swamp Fox Murals in Manning. Twelve of the murals along the trail are found in the downtown Manning area. The towns of Paxville, Turbeville, and Summerton host the other murals from the collection. The Clarendon County app is available for your phone and will help you find the various murals and tell their stories. Maps are available online to help you follow the story as you see the trail.
The Swamp Fox Murals are painted on the sides of various buildings in Clarendon County and depict scenes from the American Revolution and the battles and historic moments that happened along the Santee River. If you have time, consider jumping in the car and visiting the other sites of the Swamp Fox Murals Trail outside of Manning. The newest addition to the murals is in Turbeville. All four towns are within a 25-minute drive of one another, so it won’t take much of your day.
Enjoy Dinner at Porter Jacks Grill
On South Mill Street in the heart of Manning, Porter Jacks Grill is a local favorite spot for dinner and comfort food. Start with some potato skins and crispy, thin onion rings. If you like seafood, be sure to try the deviled eggs and fried oysters. Main course options include a mouth-watering BBQ Pork Rib-Eye and four different cuts of perfectly-prepared steak. For a traditional southern meal, the Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits are a Porter Jack favorite with shrimp, Andouille sausage, and peppers.
If your long day of touring the town has taken your energy, consider ordering online and picking up your food to enjoy at home. Their full menu is available, so you won’t have to prepare anything yourself.
Don’t miss out on the rich history of Manning and the surrounding area. You never know what interesting things have taken place around you until you take the time to learn and investigate.
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