Come discover South Carolina's diverse array of distinctive shops. From local artisanal vinegars to crafty handmade candles, and vintage postcards to pet emporiums, these hidden gems have something for almost every hobby and taste.
Upstate
In the mountainous Upstate, check out the friendly town of Seneca. This "city of smiles" features a veritable trove of boutiques in the Ram Cat Alley Historic District, dating back to 1873. For an eclectic mix of new, vintage or antique furnishings and other oddities, try M. Tannery & Sons. The art lover in you may appreciate the unique finds in Green Springs, such as lamps made from real leaves. Capture your inner Mediterranean flair with one of The Healthy Olive's artisanal olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
For something extra special, be sure to make a trip to Nostalgic Station in Laurens. This 1930's restored service station is now a haven for vintage car lovers everywhere. Don't miss the monthly "Classic Car Cruise-In," or having your portrait taken.
Midlands
Equestrians love Aiken, a lively little town known as the "polo capital of the South." From horse races to Equine-inspired boutiques like Epona and Equine Divine, Aiken is a horse lover's paradise. Pick up something for your special feline and canine friends at Downtown Dog.
For something a little different, head up to Camden to browse The Dusty Horseman, which houses hundreds of vintage post cards for collectors of all tastes. Not a collector? They have new ones, too.
Ladies, you'll find those lovely large-brimmed hats for garden parties in charming Ridgeway. Over the Top Boutique is your modern-day milliner, fulfilling all of your hat dreams. Afterward, wear your latest acquisition to Laura's Tea Room and have a cup of tea as you browse all things tea related.
Pee Dee
In Pee Dee, join the "Flo" and spend the day shopping in Florence. This energetic town has many options for fresh farm products. At Ovis Hill Farms, take a tour of the fields before visiting the farm store. Find tons of local specialties at the Pee Dee State Farmers' Market, or try Young's Premium Foods' delicious gourmet pecans. Florence also has several popular antique markets to soothe your inner antiquarian. Besides furnishings, Thymes Remembered Antiques has an assortment of textiles, knick knacks and more; while the Thieves Market is a bargain hunter's oasis. And then there's Vintage Vogue. Don't be fooled by this seemingly 1950's ice cream parlor; it's really filled with various antique memorabilia.
Lowcountry
By the coast, the Lowcountry might be the place to go looking for nautical memorabilia, but that's not the only kind of shopping to be found. The birthplace of sweet tea, Summerville offers a variety of shopping along its historic Main Street. Fiber enthusiasts will adore the People, Places and Quilts, a vintage quilt-turned-fabric store with all your crafty needs. Toy train collectors will revel in the splendor of Traintown Toy and Hobby makes remarkable one of a kind gifts by repurposing vintage items. For art and antiques, Antiques and Artisans houses the work of many locals, and don't forget to stop in Treasure the View to see their beautiful glass carvings.
For an iconic piece of South Carolina, travel up the coast to Pawleys Island, where they still make their famous hammocks by hand. The Hammock Shops are a fun collection of fashion, beachy decor and, of course, hammocks, nestled under gigantic oak trees. You can still watch and learn how the hammocks are made, too.
