Who says you need a dirt path or rocky trail to go hiking? City sidewalks have become a favorite in-town option for traveling trekkers.
Instead of gazing upon scenic waterfalls, mountains and rivers, you can ooh and aah at historic architecture, cascading fountains and public works of art. And the fare you'll find in the local eateries will certainly beat the smashed peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich in your backpack.
Sally forth, urban hikers! Here are 10 wonderfully walkable downtowns:
Ten of South Carolina’s Most Walkable Downtowns
1. Abbeville
Settled in 1758 by a group of French Huguenots, Abbeville is a quintessentially Southern town featuring a lovely town square and a restored turn-of-the-century opera house.
2. Aiken
Once an equestrian winter colony for well-to-do northerners, Aiken has an inviting downtown filled with art galleries, shopping and dining. The town's Gilded Age is still evident at the grand Willcox Hotel, which honors the town's horse history and culture.
3. Beaufort
One of the few U.S. cities to have its entire downtown designated as a National Historic Landmark District, the seaport city of Beaufort boasts oak-shaded streets lined with stunning pre-Civil War homes and a picturesque waterfront park with walking paths.
4. Bluffton
Built on the banks of the pristine May River, the quirky tidewater town of Bluffton features eight antebellum homes and the colorful Calhoun Street with its eclectic mix of shops, cafes and art galleries.
5. Charleston
There's a reason Charleston has consistently been named one of the "Best U.S. Cities" by Condé Nast Traveler. Its rich history, well-preserved architecture, narrow cobblestoned streets and award-winning restaurants will knock your socks off.
6. Columbia
Columbia's downtown is home to the State House, along with the University of South Carolina's famed Horseshoe, a lush quadrangle surrounded by 19th century buildings. You've also got Main Street and The Vista - capital city hot spots for shopping, dining and art.
7. Georgetown
Georgetown, the nation's third oldest seaport, has a charming downtown lined with historic homes, grand old churches and museums. A grassy waterfront park and the recently renovated Harborwalk add to the ambiance.
8. Greenville
Greenville's revitalized downtown is ranked among "America's Ten Best" by Forbes. The centerpiece of the shopping and entertainment district is beautiful Falls Park and its signature pedestrian suspension bridge – a favorite of downtown walkers.
9. Spartanburg
At the heart of Spartanburg's downtown is Morgan Square, a gathering spot since 1787 and site of the iconic 19th century town clock. Many of the area's historic buildings date back to the textile and railroad boom that occurred between 1880 to 1920.
10. Summerville
Some 700 buildings in Summerville's azalea-rich downtown district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among the most notable is a three-story Victorian house where cosmetics executive Elizabeth Arden once lived.
