South Carolina
USA Deep South
South Carolina’s Lowcountry lies along a 250 mile coastal strip first settled over 300 years ago. This is former plantation country with many of the large estate houses now open to the public as well as gorgeous Atlantic washed beaches. The area lacks the extremes of weather experienced by other parts of the USA - mild winters and warm sunny but not too hot summers - making it ideal for a holiday at any time of the year.
Charleston
You’ll probably arrive in Historic Charleston where the harbour entrance is dominated by the peninsula and the gun ports that once guarded the area. The sense of history is everywhere with beautifully maintained merchants houses and churches built in the 18th century by the mainly Scottish immigrants – many are open to the public and a City Explorer pass is well worth purchasing for discounted entry. Explore museum mile which tells the history of the settlement and its growth into the largest city in the state. Enjoy the many boutique and antique shops and the wide range of restaurants for all appetites and budgets. Take a trip around the harbour to Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired in the Civil War or visit the USS Yorktown – a former US Navy aircraft carrier moored across the river.
Check out Dudley’s gay bar and Club Pathenon on Ann Street – both Charleston institutions in this low profile but gay friendly city.
Myrtle Beach
To the north lies a 60 mile stretch of beach known as the Golden Strand – at its heart lies the seaside resort town of Myrtle Beach. With eight theatres, including the famous Carolina Opry, over 100 golf courses, 22 water parks, 8 fishing piers and several outlet shopping malls, there is plenty to do here besides lying on the beach or round your hotel’s pool. But pride of place has to go to the Hard Rock Theme Park where roller coaster rides and other attractions thrill you to the rock sounds of Led Zeppelin, the Moody Blues and other artists.
And it’s a gay friendly place too – several gay bars and clubs are around the intersection of 8th and Oak in the downtown area and to the north 82nd St beach attracts a small but friendly gay crowd.
Hilton Head Island
Head 100 miles south from Charleston and you’ll find the Lowcountry’s own Caribbean island – Hilton Head located across a short causeway from the mainland. If powder talcum white powder sand and gently sloping beaches are your thing then this is for you. Immaculate former plantation houses form the focal point of many resort hotels and there are 20 golf courses, six tennis schools and varied watersports or biking activities to help you while away the sunshine hours. And when it comes to dark enjoy Twist - the newest gay bar on the island.