Southern Byways

Let’s Celebrate: National Tourism Week with the state of South Carolina Icons

by Apryl on May 31st, 2008

Tee It Up: You know, they just don’t refer to South Carolina as “the golf capitol of the South” for nothing. The state is home to around 380 diverse and challenging golf courses. Regardless of your game, or the lack thereof, you’ll have no problem finding a course to play. The courses are designed by the top names in the industry and perhaps the best thing about them is the fact that many are open to the public- a point that the state promotes by saying you can play where the pros do. The Palmetto State also hosts a number of high-profile golf tournaments throughout the year, including the Verizon Heritage played at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. In August 2012, Kiawah Island Golf host will host the 94th PGA Championship.

And There is An Official State Dance, Too: While researching for this piece, I discovered that many states have a state dance. The most popular one to claim is square dancing. Well, that’s not the case with South Carolina. They are known for the Shag. The dance, said to have originated in Myrtle Beach or at least the Carolina version did, is a cross between swing and other dance moves. It is best done to beach music. Even though it peaked in the 1950’s -’60’s, there are still many  clubs and events related to Shagging. To the locals, is more than a dance, it’s a way of life. 

Photo credits: Golf Balls, flickr, creative commons by berndawg; Dancing Shoes, flickr, creative commons by Jari Multisilta

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POSTED IN: Golf, Let's Celebrate, Southern Byways, Things to See in South Carolina, Vacation, Weekend Trip, road trip