STEP BACK IN TIME:
3 WAYS
YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE
American Revolutionary War
IN SANTEE COOPER COUNTRY
History Buff
Day 1
Check In: Since 1946 travelers have been staying at Clark’s the quaint inn and restaurant in the heart of Santee. After checking in, head next door to have a cocktail and dinner.
Explore Revolutionary War Sites
Start the day by visiting Ft. Watson on the grounds of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton. Download the Fort Watson AR app (Augmented Reality) and let the battleground come alive as you can see what the battlefield would have looked like in 1780. Explore the native American Indian burial mound where the fort was built by the British.
Head across Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake, and see the historic Swamp Fox murals each depicting Francis Marion’s encounters with the British. Follow the trail outlined at clarendonmurals.com Make sure to visit downtown Historic downtown Manning where you can shop local and enjoy southern hospitality from all the locals. Enjoy a quick lunch at the Burger Chick, a locally owned restaurant that serves fried fish, homemade coleslaw and a great hamburger.
Get ready to step back in time by visiting the historic battle sites and landmarks, dining at local favorites and learning about life during the American Revolution. To get your journey started, we’re sharing three ways to enjoy a blast from the past in Santee Cooper Country.
Before you cross back over Lake Marion, stop at Exit 102 and see the beauty of the lake on the shores at the Palmetto Trailhead or take a walk on the historic 301 bridge that offers a two mile walk and spans the lake.
Enjoy dinner at Captain’s Quarters in Santee before calling it a day.
Day 2
Travel to Berkeley County Museum in Moncks Corner and learn about life in the 1700’s then take the 1 mile hike behind the museum to visit Ft. Fairlawn, one of the thirty forts created during the Revolutionary War and remains in its original condition.
Next up, travel to Cypress Gardens where you can take a guided boat tour of a beautiful black water swamp. Movies have been filmed here including “The Patriot” and “The Notebook.” On the way, stop at the battle site of Eutaw Springs in Eutawville. This was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the war and the last major engagement in South Carolina.
Dine like a local and enjoy a great Southern meal at Paige’s Okra Grill. Make sure to try to collard greens.
Day 3
Visit the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center in St. Matthews. Here you will find a historic Mural of Francis Marion eating sweet potatoes with a British office. The mural was stolen from a public building in Columbia, SC during the Civil War by Sherman’s troops.
The mural was later found in the attic of a home in the west and was returned to the State of South Carolina in the 1970’s. While at the museum, see war relics on display like musket balls and coins.
Travel to Sumter where you will find history about General Thomas Sumter known as “The Fighting Gamecock” who was the last surviving American General of the American Revolutionary War. Sumter fought in numerous battles and skirmishes including The Battle of Sullivan’s Island. Visit the Thomas Sumter Memorial Park where you find his burial site.
While in Sumter, stop and Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a public park and home to a pair of all eight species of swans in the world.
Before heading back to Santee, have a locally brewed beer at Sumter’s Original Brewery and finish the day with a fabulous meal at the Hamptons.
First Timer
Day 1
Stay at one of many waterfront campgrounds surrounding beautiful Lake Marion or Lake Moultrie. If a hotel is preference, stay in Summerville, only 30 minutes to Historic downtown Charleston.
Plan an early trip to Mepkin Abbey, a Roman Catholic Monastery that was once the plantation of Charleston merchant henry Laurens (1724-1792). Laurens served as Vice President of the Continental Congress, was charged with treason and prisoned in the Tower of London.
Visit the burial site of The Swamp Fox, Francis Marion at Belle Isle Plantation Cemetery in Pineville.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Hall’s Chop House in Summerville. Famous for their outstanding customer service.
Day 2
Visit Cypress Gardens, home to Boss and Allie, the largest alligators in South Carolina to be in captivity.
Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, opened in 1989, the 195 acre park commemorates the building of the first true canal in America.
Enjoy an afternoon exploring historic downtown Charleston where you will walk on cobbled streets and is the home to sites like Ft. Moultrie. Stop by the Welcome Center in Moncks Corner located inside the historic 18th century Nesbitt House.
Outdoor Sportsman Retreat
Day 1
Stay at Santee State Park in Santee. Located on the shores of Lake Marion. Lodge in one the waterfront cabins
Plan a day fishing with a licensed fishing guide and catch a trophy size striper, bass or catfish. Lake Marion is well known for being an anglers paradise
Take a hike on the historic 301 bridge across Lake Marion and part of South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail. This 2 mile bridge is an excellent way to get those steps in and enjoy of beauty of the lake.
Have lunch at Santee Southern Bistro and enjoy a plate of fried shrimp, shrimp and grits and a piece of homemade Key Lime pie.
Day 2
Get out on the lake and enjoy the water. Sante Boat Rentals offers an array of pontoons and boats. If you prefer, ask about booking a guided sunset cruise.
After a day on the lake, dine at The Lake House located on the Northern shore of Lake Marion. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, a full bar and wonderful meals including steak, seafood and burgers. Don’t forget to check out the massive “Jonathon’s Gator,” a massive alligator skin that hangs from the ceiling of the restaurant.
Day 3
Enjoy a round of golf at one of 13 local golf courses within a 30 minute drive. Wyboo golf course is in remote Manning but has been called South Carolina’s best kept secret. Santee is South Carolina’s premier value golf vacation offering tree lined layouts and beautiful lake views. Plan a stay and play package and let the locals take care of everything.
Enjoy southern bar b que at Lone Star or Sweatman’s. Offering plates or sandwiches, you will not be disappointed.
