Quirky SC Overnights: Check-in to the Unexpected

Attention, offbeat travelers in pursuit of the peculiar: South Carolina has a host of quirky accommodations to fulfill your sweetest, eccentric dreams. From whimsical to bizarre to off-the-chart romantic, you can experience one-of-a-kind stays that speak to your sense of wonder.

But do not mistake “unusual” for “uncomfortable.” Opportunities for both comfort and novelty can present in strange packages.

Check out these fun lodging oddities that deliver thrilling overnights along with all the creature comforts needed for an unforgettable South Carolina stay. 

Tiny Dice House, Greenville

Slant: Overnights are fun and games at this two-level tiny house resembling a stacked pair of dice.

Vibe: You’ll be on a roll when you secure this wacky abode for your South Carolina stay. Rising from its sprawling wooded landscape near Paris Mountain, the Tiny Dice House—aka Pair-a-Dice House—is like a giant game board piece you can live in. At less than 400 square feet, it is quite compact, but the decor and layout are big on whimsy. Inside and outside, Tiny Dice House was built for pure enjoyment.   

Creature comforts: On the first floor, you’ll find a kitchenette, dining area and a full bathroom with Tetris-themed walk-in shower. Take the Jenga-inspired spiral staircase to the small loft bedroom with a comfy full-size bed. A full-size air mattress for downstairs sleeping is available.

Extras: Gamers will love the game room stocked with your favorite tabletop options and a few arcade games, too. Outside, enjoy a host of yard games and a firepit.

Fun facts: The Tiny Dice House was built after being named a winner of Airbnb's OMG! Fund competition. The owners are also the creators of animated social media darlings, Tiny Dice Buddies.

River Island Adventures, Longs

Slant: Spend the night on an off-grid, 48-acre island in a rustic tree house retreat.

Vibe: Isolation is the point in this surreal environment surrounded by nature and the gently flowing Waccamaw River. Kayak over or board the pontoon shuttle at the River Island Outpost to travel to the River Bend Tree House, a cozy but rustic island bungalow rising high into the trees. From the rocking chairs on the spacious deck, relax and enjoy the tranquil views. Sleeps up to six people.

Creature comforts: The covered first level features a Blackstone griddle, propane burner stove, sink with water tank, cooking utensils and a large picnic table. From the lower deck, access the bistro-lit seating area, firepit and outdoor games.

Other amenities include a bathroom with composting toilet, solar-powered lights and fans, generator-powered AC and heat, coffeemaker, water dispenser and microwave. Need a hot shower? Take the daily pontoon shuttle back to the Outpost and refresh.

Extras: Come down from the treehouse via the 20-foot slide on the rear deck. Adventurers can sign up for the Survivor Experience, a survival challenge game in which “tribes” of 1 to 5 players compete and vote one another off the island.

Fun fact: To prepare for her appearance on season 19 of Naked and Afraid, contestant Nicole Pisani of Myrtle Beach headed to River Island Adventures to hone her skills.

Bells Marina & Resort, Eutawville

Slant: Nestle down for a wondrous night’s sleep in an elegant glamping tent on the shores of Lake Marion.

Vibe: Settle into your waterfront headquarters—a spacious, climate-controlled glamping tent with direct lake access. Awaken to birdsong and the sound of water lapping the shoreline. Tents feature pleasing decor for an elevated feel, each outfitted with two comfy beds that can sleep up to four people.

Creature comforts: There is private outdoor seating, heating and AC, linens and bedding, electricity and interior lighting. Nautical-themed, meticulously maintained shared bathrooms are a short walk away.

Extras: Enjoy the onsite restaurant, country store, gym, recreation room, outdoor game area, direct access to prime fishing, and an onsite marina with dock space and boat ramps. For fisher-folk, a freezer is available to keep your catch fresh.

Fun fact: Bells offers a hotel, cabins, RV campground and custom-built tiny homes for people looking to downsize and make a permanent move to Lake Marion.

Postcard Cabins, Lake Hartwell-Seneca

Slant: Slumber in a peaceful, woodland atmosphere in contemporary tiny houses.

Vibe: Set back off the beaten path, this Marriott outpost of modern tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) is a master class in contrasts with plenty of outdoorsy and indoorsy appeal. Surrounded by woods, the sites are nicely spaced to give a sense of privacy but close enough so you can hobnob with neighboring “campers” if you wish. THOWs are compact but comfy enough to transform a rainy day into welcome downtime.

Creature comforts: These tiny accommodations pack in a lot without feeling cramped. Fresh linens and pillows appoint the beds, either one queen for two or a queen bunk for up to four. There is a kitchen area with a small stovetop, mini fridge and just enough cookware to prepare simple meals. A full bathroom with shower completes this picture-perfect postcard stay.

Extras: Each site has a fire pit and grill with grate. Enjoy complimentary s'mores kits, fire starter and wood. Bring your groceries and dine alfresco at your picnic table. Then, settle into the Adirondack chairs around the campfire. Site hosts are just a phone call away and quick to arrive to do housekeeping or bring supplies upon request.

Fun fact: Each tiny house has a wooden box with a lid on the dining table. Put your cell phone inside and disconnect for a while.

Adawehi Tipi, Oconee

Slant: Snooze in seclusion on the banks of the Chauga River in a 26-foot teepee (tipi).

Vibe: Adawehi is a 450-square-foot wonder. Situated on a private lot in the Upstate, it is billed by the owner as “an experience, not a stay.” There are multiple decks, and the space is fenced to prevent children from wandering unaccompanied to the river. Note: After heavy rains, swimming, kayaking and tubing are not permitted. While only 4-wheel drive vehicles can access the site, you may park and be shuttled in and out courtesy of the owner.

Creature comforts: Unlike teepees of old, this one features heat and AC. There is one queen bed, 1 twin and a convertible chair. Homey touches include an indoor bathroom, outdoor shower, smart TV, DVD/projector, Native American-themed films, refrigerator, grill with utensils, microwave, pots and dishware.

Extras: Included in your stay is a separate, 300-square-foot building with a queen bed and convertible couch.

Fun fact: Adawehi is a Cherokee term meaning the “spirit of healing.”

Soulrest Sanctuary, Walhalla

Slant: Release your inhibitions at this super private, couples-only cabin and thermal retreat.

Vibe: Escape with your honey to the Blue Ridge foothills and this luxury cabin in the middle of the lush forest. Only the two of you exist here—no staff, no strangers, no interruptions. Things are bound to get steamy thanks to a thermal approach to relaxation: a barrel sauna with panoramic views, outdoor soaking tub, hot tub and open-barrel double shower. Nearby waterfalls, hiking trails and waterways invite less private outdoor adventures—but only if you want them.

Creature comforts: Among the many amenities are a fully equipped kitchen, premium bath products, washer and dryer, heated towel rack, plush robes, outdoor movie projector, flagstone patio, chimneyed outdoor fireplace, propane firepit, classic wood-burning pit, yoga pavilion, Keiser stationary bike and smart speakers.  

Fun fact: If things get a bit too thermal, cold-plunge options are available for a bracing cool-down.