The Midlands and Upstate

South Carolina's Midlands, between the coastal Lowcountry and the mountains, is a varied region of swamps and flowing rivers, fertile farmland—perfect for horse raising—and hardwood and pine forests. Lakes have wonderful fishing, and the many state parks are popular for hiking, swimming, and camping. Small old towns with mansions turned bed-and-breakfasts are common, and the many public gardens provide islands of color during most of the year. At the center of the region is the state capital, Columbia, an engaging contemporary city enveloping cherished historic elements. Just outside of town, Congaree Swamp National Park has the largest intact tract of old-growth floodplain forest in North America. Aiken, the center of South Carolina's thoroughbred country, is where champions Sea Hero and Pleasant Colony were trained. Towns such as Abbeville and Camden preserve and interpret the past, with old house museums, history re-creations, and museum exhibits. More »