click to download a pdf of this press release

Salkehatchie Stew Celebrates the Art of Storytelling in South Carolina

ALLENDALE, S.C. - Salkehatchie Stew is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of storytelling in South Carolina, uniting residents and visitors in a common love of storytelling.

"We wanted to bring together people who could tell great stories," said project director Frances Chavous of the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute in Allendale, S.C. "We've built a community that links us all together through our stories."

Common themes tend to emerge in the storytelling of the Salkehatchie region, including the power of family, the importance of community, the ability to endure hardships and the need to help others in need. Stories provide the foundation for a richer, more meaningful connection.

"Stories serve as a bridge," said Chavous. "They teach us about our history and our culture. They also help us make connections and reach across the lines of age and race."

Salkehatchie Stew is dedicated to uniting Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Hampton and Colleton counties through music, drama and storytelling. Every year, this unique group records oral histories, presents storytelling workshops and delights visitors with special productions, both storytelling events and a new folklife play each year.

Composed of vignettes derived from local stories gathered from the region, the annual spring play combines drama, humor, and music. This interactive, collaborative production emphasizes the common bonds between people.

Inspired and mentored by the success of Swamp Gravy in Colquitt, Ga., Salkehatchie Stew continues to collect audio recordings of local stories, creating an archive that offers insight into the rich culture of the region.

"We care about where we live," said Chavous. "We care about our history. We are a place where if you dig deeper, you find out what we're like. We're essentially good people. We share our love with everybody through our stories."

For tickets or for additional information about Salkehatchie Stew, please visit SalkehatchieStew.com or contact Frances Chavous at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie at fchavous@mailbox.sc.edu or 803.584.3446 ext. 242.

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.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Jennifer Abshire Patterson
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

click to download a pdf of this press release

From Birding to Kayaking, Salkehatchie Provides an Ideal Setting for Outdoor Adventure

ALLENDALE, S.C. - Salkehatchie provides the perfect setting to reconnect with nature by enjoying an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

"You can really get back to nature in Salkehatchie," said Don Winslow, chief of staff for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. "The area has a low density of people and plenty of natural beauty, which is ideal for people who want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors."

Visitors can hike along miles of woodland trails, ride horses through emerald green forests, kayak down tranquil black rivers in the ACE Basin or enjoy spectacular birding opportunities at any number of state parks located throughout the area.

"The Salkehatchie region lies within both the ACE Basin and South Lowcountry Focus Areas which are priority coastal watersheds," said Ashley Demosthenes, associate director of land protection at The Nature Conservancy's Charleston office. "In both watersheds, there is an active partnership of federal and state agencies, non-profits and private landowners who work together to protect the rural integrity, traditional uses and natural resources of the area."

The ACE Basin recently celebrates its 20th anniversary and boasts more than 195,000 acres protected to date, most of which are easily accessible by kayak or canoe. More than 127,000 acres have been protected on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River, ensuring that this remarkable natural resource will be treasured by future generations.

The Nature Conservancy reports that the Savannah River supports 110 fish species including the robust redhorse, previously believed to be extinct. The surrounding ecosystem is home to numerous rare orchid species, including wild cocoa and giant spiral ladies-tresses. In addition, wildlife like the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the state threatened gopher tortoise reside in the Savannah River area.

"The Savannah River is a significant shared resource between South Carolina and Georgia and is a major water source for both states," said Demosthenes. "The quality of this river is critical to both people and wildlife."

Salkehatchie is also home to one of the most spectacular birding areas in the Southeast. With plenty of wide open spaces and undeveloped rural land, the area provides a wide range of habitats for birds including cypress swamps, tidal marshes and pine forests. The Salkehatchie region is home to a number of Audubon-certified Important Bird Sites and is widely considered to be a birding treasure in the Southeast.

"It's an incredible birding area," said Jeff Mollenhauer, director of bird conservation with the Audubon Society in South Carolina and author of Birding South Carolina. "The habitat is ideal for birds in the Salkehatchie region. You can see herons, egrets and wood storks by the coast and then go into a pine forest or a field nearby and see completely different birds. Plus, the ACE Basin is one of the best birding locations in the country. It's well worth the trip."

During the spring and summer, birders can see wood storks, black-bellied whistling ducks, painted buntings, swallow-tail kites and yellow-throated warblers. During migration season in the fall, a variety of shore birds come through the area. In the winter, migrating water fowl and bald eagles can be observed in abundance.

"For birdwatchers, the variety of species is vast, changing with the seasons," said Anne Rice, executive director of the Salkehatchie Leadership Center. "Three rivers - the Salkehatchie, the Edisto and the Savannah - each unique in its own way, offer an abundance of different activities including fishing, floating, canoeing or just enjoying scenery of various unique flora and fauna."

Here is a quick overview of the plentiful outdoor adventure opportunities in Salkehatchie:

ACE Basin
843.844.8957
AceBasin.net
The Ashepoo, Combahee and South Edisto (ACE) Basin stands apart as one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast of the United States. The ACE Basin consists of 350,000 acres of diverse habitats including pine and hardwood uplands, forested wetlands, tidal marshes, barrier islands and beaches. The basin's unique estuarine system, the largest of its type in the state, provides key habitat for wildlife and serves as an ideal setting for kayaking or canoeing.

Barnwell State Park
223 State Park Road
Blackville, S.C. 29817
803.284.2212
SouthCarolinaParks.com
This 307-acre state park offers nature trails, camping and cabins, picnicking, playgrounds and a community center favored for meetings and reunions. The ponds are ideal for bream and bass fishing. One of 16 state parks in South Carolina built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, the park serves as a popular recreational destination.

Bear Island Wildlife Management Area
TiTi Road
Green Pond, S.C. 29446
843.844.8957
dnr.sc.gov
Widely considered to be one of the best birding areas in the state, visitors can see a number of rare species including the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Common Goldeneye, Roseate Spoonbill, Black Rail, American Avocet, Hudsonian Godwit, White-winged Dove, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Western Tanager and LeConte's Sparrow.

Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area
Botany Bay Rd.
Edisto Island, S.C. 29438
843.844.8957
dnr.sc.gov
This state-owned property features 4,000 acres and ranges from woods to wetlands to fields. The beach ranks second along the South Carolina coast for sea turtle nesting and provides one of the rare nesting areas for Wilson's plovers and the Least Tern, both threatened bird species in South Carolina.

Colleton State Park
147 Wayside Lane
Canadys, S.C. 29433
843.538.8206
SouthCarolinaParks.com
This 35-acre park offers a Cypress Swamp Nature Trail, campgrounds, ball field, picnicking and easy access to the Edisto River, one of the longest blackwater rivers in U.S. The park is a headquarters for the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail and is home to the Edisto Riverfest each June, a popular gathering for paddlers and campers alike.

Donnelly Wildlife Management Area
585 Donnelley Dr.
Green Pond, S.C. 29446
843.844.8957
dnr.sc.gov
Recognized by Audubon as an Important Bird Area, the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is a state-owned, 8,048-acre tract that encompasses a diversity of wetland and upland habitats including managed rice fields, forested wetlands, tidal marsh, agricultural lands and upland forests. The area is managed under a multiple use approach with emphasis on maintaining the natural qualities for both wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities.

Edisto Beach Interpretive Center
8377 State Cabin Rd.
Edisto Island, S.C. 29438
843.869.2756
SouthCarolinaParks.com
This informative center helps promote the wise use of coastal resources. Don't miss interactive displays, including a touch tank, which helps visitors understand the fragile resources of the ACE Basin estuarine reserve, the largest such natural reserve on the East Coast.

Edisto Beach State Park
8377 State Cabin Rd.
Edisto Island, S.C. 29438
843.869.2756
SouthCarolinaParks.com
This 1,255-acre oceanfront haven offers great beaches, maritime forests and excellent shelling, plus campgrounds and cabins. The park features the state's longest system of handicapped-friendly hiking and biking trails, including one leading to a mysterious, 4,000-year-old shell midden alongside a secluded bend on a tidal creek. Plus, don't miss the environmental education center, full of exhibits that highlight the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin, one of the nation's largest preserved estuaries.

Fred C. Babcock - Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area
Garnett, S.C.
803.625.3569
This wildlife destination features more than 5,800 acres including a river swamp-hardwood floodplain supporting old growth stands of bald cypress and water tupelo, agricultural land, lakes and streams. Birders can spot the following species: Least Bittern, Swallow-tailed Kite, Mississippi Kite, Purple Gallinule, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Yellow-throated Warbler and many others.

Great Swamp Sanctuary
Walterboro, S.C.
843.549.2545
South Carolina's newest nature-based attraction, this 842-acre park offers visitors the ultimate Lowcountry nature experience, including a network of boardwalks, hiking, biking and canoe trails provide a perfect vantage point to observe the diversity of wildlife inhabiting the black water bottomland. The most historically significant of these paths follows the Colonial-era Charleston-to-Savannah Stagecoach Road still bearing the cypress remnants of long-fallen bridges.

Lakeview Plantation
875 Cedar Knoll Road
Fairfax, S.C. 29827
803. 584.0689
LakeviewPlantation.com
Enjoy leisurely horseback riding and horse camping all year-round at Lakeview Plantation. This family-owned plantation features more than 60 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through 2,600 acres of spectacular scenery. Specializing in quiet and relaxing retreats for groups of various sizes.

Lake Warren State Park
1079 Lake Warren Rd.
Hampton, S.C. 29924
803.943.5051
SouthCarolinaParks.com
This 440-acre park boasts a floodplain forest that supports four species of pines and other large tracts of wetlands and woodlands that are home to a wide variety of plants and animals including whitetail deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, migratory songbirds, armadillos and American alligators. Other highlights include lakes, ponds, nature trails, playground equipment.

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.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Jennifer Abshire Patterson
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

click to download a pdf of this press release

Salkehatchie Region Boasts Rich Archeological, Civil War History

ALLENDALE, S.C. - While excavating a prehistoric site along the Savannah River in Allendale County, S.C. in 1998, archaeologists from the University of South Carolina made a curious discovery.

They discovered stone implements far deeper in the ground than had ever been encountered before. Subsequent excavations and scientific studies revealed that ancient humans were present in the Salkehatchie region of South Carolina over 16,000 years ago, which is far earlier than previously thought.

Known as the Topper Site, this archeological treasure is one of a handful of sites in the eastern U.S. producing evidence that humans lived in the western hemisphere during the last Ice Age. Since this landmark discovery, the Topper Site has received national and international media attention from CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American and Science Magazine.

"The Topper site has great historical and scientific importance," explained University of South Carolina archeology professor Al Goodyear, Ph.D., who serves as the director of Topper Site excavations. "The prehistoric archeology is so rich in the Salkehatchie region because the Savannah River served as a major 'highway' and habitat for early humans. Plus, the area is well-endowed with a high-quality flint-like stone called 'chert,' which prehistoric Indians highly prized for manufacture of stone tools."

Once each year, the Topper Site is open to the public for a five-week period. Members of the public are welcome to help with the archaeological dig in May and June of each year. For additional information or to register for the annual Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition, please visit Allendale-Expedition.net online.

Salkehatchie, which derives its moniker from a Native American word for "salt ketcher," served as the site of a French colony in 1562, was explored by the Spanish in 1566, temporarily settled by the Scottish in 1686 and finally became home to the first permanent English colony in 1670. President George Washington even spent the night in Hampton County when he traveled from Charleston to Savannah in 1791.

"There's a rich heritage in Salkehatchie," said George Estes, manager of the Heritage Tourism Office for the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism office. "There are some unique stories in the Lowcountry."

The Salkehatchie area also played an important role in Civil War history. The Union army, under the command of General William T. Sherman, crossed the Savannah River in early February 1865 while en route to Columbia, S.C. His army cut a 30-mile swath of destruction through the heart of the region, encamping in Hampton County and converting a number of homes and churches in Allendale County into impromptu hospitals. Confederate and Union troops clashed in the Battle of River's Bridge in February of 1865, at a site which now serves as a popular state park and features historic earthworks from the Civil War battle.

"Some of the last rice plantations in the part of the world were located on the Combahee River," said Walter Edgar, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Southern Studies at the University of South Carolina and author of South Carolina History. "Salkehatchie was a big rice-growing area until the early 20th century."

Today, the area boasts a rich and diverse heritage, blending different cultural traditions into one tight-knit community. In the 21st century, tourism and agriculture serve as major drivers for the local economy. A number of local homes, houses of worship and historic sites are on the elite National Register of Historic Places, in recognition of the rich history that defines Salkehatchie.

Here is a quick overview of some of the history-related highlights visitors can enjoy in the Salkehatchie region:

Blackville Discovery Center
87 Heritage Rd.
Blackville, S.C. 29817
803.284.3976
DiscoverSouthCarolina.com/
This informative museum shares the rich history of Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties and features interactive displays depicting he beautiful countryside and exploring the region's history. Exhibits focus on the early phase of Gen. Sherman's Civil War campaign through the Carolinas and the important role trains have played in the area's history.

Broxton Bridge Plantation
1685 Broxton Bridge Rd.
Ehrhardt, S.C. 29081
803.267.3882
BroxtonBridge.com
The site of a Civil War battleground, Broxton Bridge served as the last major defensive effort for the Confederate Army on February 1, 1865, just before the battle at Columbia. Broxton Bridge Plantation now serves as a popular hunting destination, but guided Civil War history tours can be arranged in advance.

Hampton Museum and Visitors' Center
15 Elm St. East
Hampton, S.C. 29924
803.943.5318
HamptonSC.net
This museum includes permanent exhibits related to local history, Native American lore, houses of worship, the Watermelon Festival, post office memorabilia, local politics and military history as well as rotating exhibits throughout the year.

Healing Springs
S.C.-3
Blackville, S.C.
803.284.2525
Native Americans once considered the water flowing from this underground spring to be sacred. During the American Revolution, wounded soldiers were allegedly restored to health by drinking this natural spring water. In 1944, local resident Lute Boylston deeded this land to God to ensure that everyone would have access to the mineral waters that flow from this natural spring.

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
325 State Park Road
Ehrhardt, S.C. 29081
803.267.3675
SouthCarolinaParks.com
The site of one of the Confederacy's last stands against General William T. Sherman during the Civil War, which took place in February of 1865. This historic site, which includes extensive earthen fortifications, is on the National Register of Historic Places and stands apart as the only state historic site in South Carolina that commemorates the Civil War.

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.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Jennifer Abshire Patterson
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

click to download a pdf of this press release

Salkehatchie Region Offers Three Distinctive Public Coursesfor Golfers of Every Skill Level

ALLENDALE, S.C. - The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina features three excellent public golf courses, each of which attracts golfers of every skill level throughout the year.

The golf courses in Salkehatchie stand in stark contrast to layouts on nearby Hilton Head Island, S.C. or in Savannah, Ga. due to their laid-back rural settings. These 18-hole designs offer a less harried golf experience that is perfect for anyone who truly loves the game and enjoys time spent outdoors.

"Golf in the country gives real meaning to the term 'country club,'" said Ken Burger, an Allendale native who serves as a sports columnist for the Charleston Post and Courier. "Courses like Penny Branch, Sweetwater and Edisto remind us of what golf was like when it could be played by little boys with clubs balanced precariously on the handlebars of their bikes, when working men teed off precisely an hour after church services ended, and it was still a game for everybody, regardless."

Here is a quick overview of the public courses located in the Salkehatchie region, each of which has a deep commitment to providing top-quality experiences for players, both on and off the green:

Penny Branch Club
400 Penny Branch Trail
P.O. Box 149
Furman, S.C. 29921
803.625.0222
PennyBranchClub.com

Penny Branch Club is the perfect public course for those golfers who don't want to be rushed and would rather truly enjoy the game of golf. Developed by the McKenzie family on the site of a family farm, Penny Branch preserves a rural atmosphere, mixing difficult holes with shots that give the golfer a sense of achievement. An 18-hole course that both expert golfers and beginners can enjoy, Penny Branch Club also features one of the longest holes in the state of South Carolina, plus a putting green, practice bunker and driving range with target greens.

The Plantation Course at Edisto
P.O. Box 396
19 Fairway Drive
Edisto Beach, S.C. 29438
843.869.1111
ThePlantationCourseAtEdisto.com
The Plantation Course at Edisto is rich in history, wildlife and natural beauty and offers 18 holes of exquisite Lowcountry style. The absence of noise, traffic lights, congestion and commercialism appeals to residents and visitors alike. The sole golf course on Edisto Island, the Plantation Course was originally designed in 1973 and completely renovated in 2006. The Pro Shop is open 7 days a week and features golf supplies and equipment as well as a full line of ladies and men's attire.

The Plantation Course at Edisto offers a Stay and Play Packages for golfers, which include:

· Deluxe villa accommodations
· Unlimited greens fees (Cart fee applies for extra play)
· Golf cart rental
· Club storage and cleaning from arrival to departure
· Free breakfast each morning
· One complimentary drink at Grovers Seafood Bar

Sweetwater Country Club
571 Club House Lane
Barnwell, S.C. 29812
803.259.5004
SweetwaterCountryClub.org
Sweetwater Country Club is a superbly maintained 18-hole golf course, playing 6,248 yards from the Championship tees, 5830 yards from the Member's tees, 5345 yards from the Senior tees, and 4670 yards from the ladies' tees. The course is well-trapped with small greens and narrow fairways. The front nine offers an abundance of wetlands, while the back nine features rolling elevations reminiscent of upcountry South Carolina. Sweetwater is considered a great place to learn the game, while still providing a challenge to the most talented players.

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.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Jennifer Abshire Patterson
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

click to download a pdf of this press release

Discover World-Class Art and Antiques in Salkehatchie

ALLENDALE, S.C. - The Salkehatchie region in South Carolina is home to some of the Palmetto State's finest art galleries and antique shops, offering something for every taste.

"There's a tremendous variety of opportunities for people with an interest in the arts in Salkehatchie," said George Estes, manager of the Heritage Tourism Office for South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism. "Jim Harrison is an icon, plus visitors can discover a wide range of art by local artisans at the Salkehatchie Arts Center and at other shops and galleries throughout the region."

The area showcases a number of independently-owned antiques stores and acclaimed art galleries as well as several outstanding centers featuring original work by Salkehatchie artists and craftspeople. From Liz Ringus's award-winning South Carolina face jugs at The Little Red Barn in Barnwell to Jim Harrison's popular paintings of life in the South at Jim Harrison Gallery in Denmark, the Salkehatchie area abounds with creativity.

"Our rivers are beautiful and so inspiring," said award-winning nature photographer Larry Price, a native South Carolinian who exhibits his work at the Little Red Barn and celebrates the beauty of the area in his new book, THE EDISTO RIVER: North America's Black Water Crown Jewel. "I always see different things out on the river all the time. The black water has some kind of magic about it. It's so peaceful and serene."

Here is a quick overview of some of the art and antique highlights in the Salkehatchie region:

Walterboro Antiques District
Downtown Walterboro, S.C.
Located on Washington Street, Wichman Street and N. Lucas Street
More than a dozen antique shops clustered in a two-block area, offering everything from antique furniture to hard-to-find collectibles.

Salkehatchie Arts Center
939 N. Main Street (Hwy. 301)
P.O. Box 534
Allendale, S.C. 29810
803.584.6084
Salkehatchie-Arts.com
A treasure trove of folk art, photography, paintings, jewelry, sweetgrass baskets and unique hand-made items created by top Salkehatchie artists and artisans.

South Carolina Artisans Center
318 Wichman Street
Walterboro, S.C. 29488
843.549.0011
SCartisansCenter.com
South Carolina's official folk art and craft center, featuring art, pottery, glass work, garden scultures, hand-made jewelry, photography and sweetgrass baskets by 250 juried artists from across the state.

The Little Red Barn
12080 U.S. 278
Barnwell, S.C. 29812
803.541.7900
pawprintpottery.biz
An eclectic collection of art, pottery and antiques, including South Carolina face jugs and spongeware pottery by Liz Ringus and photography by South Carolina master naturalist Larry Price. Featured in Southern Living and Country Living.

Jim Harrison Gallery
One South Main Street
Denmark, S.C. 29042
800.793.5796
JimHarrison.com
A nationally-renowned fine art gallery offering Southern landscape paintings, Coca-Cola-themed art and nostalgic renderings of rural life in South Carolina by one of the region's most talented and best-known artists.

Main Street Market
3128 Main Street
Bamberg, S.C. 29003
803.245.2777
MainStreetMarket.biz
A cooperative market offering ornamental ironwork, collectibles, antique furniture, books, clothing, accessories and much more.

The Caroline Collection
4659 Carolina Hwy.
Denmark, S.C. 29042
803.793.4739
The largest privately-owned antique dealer in the Southeast, featuring three stories of antiques, plus several additional locations with an expanded inventory of treasures. Featuring 18th and 19th-century furniture, accessories, lamps, silver and porcelain.

Branches Unique Gifts
300 Lee Avenue
Hampton, S.C. 29924
803.914.0256
branches-gifts.com
Distinctive gifts including glassware, dishes, jewelry, gourmet food items and housewares.

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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From Alligators to Quail, Salkehatchie Stands Apart as a True Hunter's Paradise

ALLENDALE, S.C. - Imagine bagging a 10-foot alligator, tracking a feral hog or hunting a velvet buck. In Salkehatchie, all your wildest hunting dreams can come true!

This region, which serves as the heart and soul of the real South, attracts hunters from across the country and around the world. Family-friendly hunting is a specialty in Salkehatchie, where fathers hunt, side-by-side, with daughters and sons as they share this important rite of passage.

"The hunting culture has been part of Salkehatchie since it was first settled," said Don Winslow, chief of staff for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. "The Salkehatchie region has really maintained its integrity. There are large tracts of land a wide open spaces where animals can enjoy an ideal habitat and reach maturity."

Salkehatchie boasts one of the longest deer seasons in the United States, running from mid-August until January 1, and is home to some of the South's finest hunting lodges, where guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals experienced guide service and field transportation, plus game cooling, game packing and old-fashioned Southern hospitality.

In this rural part of South Carolina, hunting lodges blend the best of the Old South with the latest game management techniques. That translates into a relaxed, enjoyable hunting experience that produces results and enables visitors to bring home plenty of trophies.

"Salkehatchie offers a wide variety of game, from white-tail deer to wild turkey, but alligators have become a popular draw in recent years," said Winslow. "Alligators are the equivalent of Bighorn Sheep in the American West. We have some of the largest gators you can hunt right here in South Carolina, which is a real thrill for experienced hunters."

In addition, several South Carolina wildlife management areas allow limited hunting through the Department of Natural Resources. Develop your sharpshooting skills in Salkehatchie -- a true paradise for hunters -- and create memories that last a lifetime.

Hunting

Broxton Bridge Plantation
1685 Broxton Bridge Rd.
Ehrhardt, S.C. 29081
803.267.3882
BroxtonBridge.com

Originally built in the late 1700's, Broxton Bridge Plantation offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities on more than 7,000 acres of land and specializes in hunting for deer, wild hogs, ducks, pheasants and bobwhite quail. Plus, sporting clays, a pistol and rifle range, wingshooting clinics, continental tower shoots, bass fishing and historic tours of on-site Civil War battlegrounds.

Red Bluff Lodge
130 Boone Trail
Allendale, S.C. 29810
803.584.7363
redblufflodge.com

This full-service hunting lodge strives to provide hunters with the greatest possible opportunity to harvest whitetail deer, alligators, wild turkey and feral hogs on approximately 7,000 scenic acres along the Savannah River. A family-run hunting lodge that specializes in father-daughter and father-son hunts, Red Bluff offers expert guides, first-class accommodations and delicious food.

Webb Wildlife Center
1282 Webb Ave
Garnett, S.C. 29922
803.625.3569
dnr.sc.gov

Located along the Savannah River, this 5,866-acre wildlife center provides excellent viewing of deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, gray squirrel and many types of birds. Regulated hunting is available. Visitors can also explore blackwater rivers on canoe and explore extensive nature trails.

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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