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Salkehatchie Region of South Carolina Proudly Serves as the Heart and Soul of the Real South

Area Offers Outstanding Outdoor Adventures, Antiques, Golf, History, Culture and Much More

ALLENDALE, S.C. - The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina offers the ideal antidote to 21st-century suburbia. Home to some of the Palmetto State's finest state parks, nature preserves, hunting lodges, antiques shops and historic sites, this five-county region nestled in the heart of South Carolina attracts visitors interested in getting away from the hectic pace of city life and experiencing the ultimate in outdoor adventure.

Located within two hours of major metropolitan areas like Columbia, Augusta, Charleston, Savannah and Hilton Head Island, the Salkehatchie region boasts one of the most pristine natural environments in the United States.

Visitors can leave the city behind and enjoy the laid-back rural charm and extensive outdoor activities available year-round in the heart and soul of the real South. The region, which includes Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg, Hampton and Colleton County, is defined by the scenic Salkehatchie River.

"Come to Salkehatchie for an opportunity to experience a real vacation and to enjoy a chance to slow down and enjoy life," said Anne Rice, executive director of the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute at the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie. "There's a sense of authenticity here and a realization of the important things in life."

Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Salkehatchie's unspoiled rivers, clean air, blue skies and emerald forests. Salkehatchie is anchored to the east by the ACE Basin, a natural treasure where the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers converge and form a rich and unique ecosystem that is home to a wide range of wildlife, from alligators to exotic birds. Bounded to the West by the Savannah River and to the North by the Edisto River, the area also offers outstanding kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing and horseback riding opportunities.

Art and antiques aficionados enjoy the Walterboro Antiques District, a cluster of high-quality shops and boutiques located in downtown Walterboro, S.C., as well as destination locations like the Salkehatchie Art Center, the Little Red Barn and The Carolina Collection, which is the largest privately-owned antiques dealer in the Southeast.

Storytelling serves as a key cultural attraction in the region. Salkehatchie Stew, a non-profit organization devoted to preserving the art of storytelling in rural South Carolina, hosts a number of events throughout the year, including a popular annual production which takes place every spring at the Palmetto Theatre in Hampton, S.C.

Visitors always enjoy a stop at Miller's Bread Basket, a Mennonite-owned bakery and restaurant in Barnwell, S.C. Celebrities ranging from James Brown to Tiger Woods have savored country-style cooking and homemade breads and pies at this distinctive culinary attraction.

The region also offers a wide range of recreation options at Barnwell State Park, Colleton State Park and Edisto Beach State Park, all of which provide extensive opportunities to get back to nature and to experience the very best of South Carolina outdoors.

Golfers won't want to miss the opportunity to tee off on three of the Palmetto State's finest courses - Penny Branch in Furman, Sweetwater in Barnwell and The Plantation Course at Edisto on Edisto Island. Each course offers a distinctive set of challenges for golfers of every skill level.

For a taste of the real South, enjoy a relaxing vacation in Salkehatchie. From outdoors activities to cultural events, the area's small town charm stays with visitors long after they return home.

"It's a little part of South Carolina that is rich in history, nature and natural resources, and has warm and friendly people," said Pat Ciez, director of the Center for Business Development at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. "In the Salkehatchie region, you can step back into the past and experience life in a 'no hurry, no worry' state of mind that is hustle-free and hassle-free."

ABOUT THE SALKEHATCHIE REGION:
The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina serves as the heart and soul of the real South.
Rich in culture, history, arts and outdoor activities, this five-county area attracts visitors who want to relax and escape the stress of the city.
With its laid-back rural atmosphere and gorgeous natural setting, the region serves as an ideal year-round escape for kayakers, birders, golfers, hunter, antiques aficionados, history buffs and anyone with a passion for the outdoors.
This family-friendly area serves as ideal daytrip or overnight location, attracting visitors from across the Southeast and around the country.
For more information about the Salkehatchie region, please call 803.584.3446 or visit www.GoSalk.com online.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SALKEHATCHIE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was developed to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties of South Carolina. The Institute, an outreach arm of the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie, opened in 1998 as a result of public private initiative including the cooperative efforts of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, U.S.D.A. Rural Development, S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs, S.C. Department of Commerce, S.C. Downtown Development Association, and Leadership South Carolina. The Institute has continued to build partnerships and coalitions locally, regionally, and on a statewide basis to facilitate leadership development, community development, and economic development. For more information about the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, please call 803.584.3446 or visit USC- Salkehatchie.SC.Edu/Leadership online.

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