Lake City is a classic American town in Florence County, South Carolina. The area was initially a part of a township called Williamsburg, where a group of Scots-Irish people settled, way back in 1736. Lake City is known for its rich history, diversity, and culture and has been bustling with development and progress in recent years. It is also known for its historic and charming downtown, warm people and magnificent houses. The kind of welcome and hospitality that Lake City offers is rarely found elsewhere. Irrespective of whether you would like to come here for a fun holiday or are contemplating staying here for some time, here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Lake City, South Carolina.
1. Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Garden
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This memorial has a beautiful botanical garden and is also the place where Dr. Ronald E. Macnair, a renowned NASA astronaut and a native of Lake City, was buried. The astronaut was killed in the Challenger disaster, in 1986. The explosion happened just a few seconds after the shuttle was launched, killing all seven members aboard. Dr. McNair was an experienced astronaut and had been a part of earlier space missions. He was also actively engaged in various new scientific research. This pretty memorial garden is a beautiful tribute to him and is worth visiting, while you are in town.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Garden
Address: 232 E Main St, Lake City, SC 29560, USA
Website: Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Garden
2. Moore Farms Botanical Garden
Enjoy a unique experience at Lake City, South Carolina, in this pretty botanical garden, situated in the midst of soybean and corn fields. The garden spreads over a whopping 50 acres (20.2 hectares) and is located near Lake City, South Carolina, in the rural region of Pee Dee. The botanical garden has a southern pastoral setting and boasts an expressive and informal design scheme.
The Moore Farm is a skillful mix of plant displays, endearing grey-green pine trees, and lush meadows. If you are looking for a soulful, creative and beautiful place for both your comfort and inspiration then this is an appropriate place for you to visit. Moore Farms Botanical Garden gives you a strong sense of discovery and it is a place where plants rule. A visit to this botanical garden will be indeed a special experience for you.
Moore Farms Botanical Garden
Address: 100 New Zion Rd, Lake City, SC 29560, USA
Website: Moore Farms Botanical Garden
3. Dr Ronald E. McNair Life History Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This museum showcases the life and achievements of the renowned NASA physicist and astronaut Dr. Ronald McNair and aims to inspire young folks to learn new things about science. The Dr. Ronald E. McNair Life History Center plays homage to this talented astronaut through an impressive collection of artifacts and moving photography. Through these items, the museum narrates the biography of Dr. McNair from his early days till his death.
The museum is situated in the old public library of Lake City and is located in close proximity to his gravesite, that has a square and a statue constructed to commemorate his memory. There are also some plans in the pipeline for expanding the life history center into a bigger museum, dedicated to science and technology. This will help the students of South Carolina learn more about computers, physics, space and many other topics related to science.
Dr Ronald E. McNair Life History Center
Address: 235 East Main St., Lake City, SC 29560
4. Jones-Carter Gallery
This famous gallery is situated in Lake City’s downtown district, which enjoys a rich historical background. The Jones-Carter Gallery hosts many exhibitions, all through the year. If you are interested in knowing the exact schedule of these exhibitions, you can visit the website of the gallery for the present as well as upcoming exhibits, that feature both national and local artists.
The gallery is conveniently located close to many gourmet restaurants, antique stores, clothiers and modern gift shops. Lake City’s Community Museum Society operates and owns this contemporary exhibition gallery. The gallery was inaugurated on April 2013. You can also enjoy a host of other activities here, including workshops, community events surrounding the ongoing exhibitions, family-based activities, and presentations of visiting artists, including lectures and group tours. It is open for visitors every day, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Jones-Carter Gallery
Address: 105 Henry St, Lake City, SC 29560, USA
Facebook: Jones-Carter Gallery
5. The Bean Market
The PWA or Public Works Administration built the Bean Market as part of the “New Deal” of Frank Roosevelt. It soon gained prominence and is now regarded as the biggest auction of beans in the world. It is also a proof that the city is in a prime location, as far as agriculture is concerned.
This market is located right in the heart of the city and is the multipurpose community center of Lake City. This historic building was completely restored so that it can now function as a contemporary and attractive venue for receptions, weddings, meetings, conferences and several other events
The Bean Market
Address: 111 Henry St, Lake City, SC 29560, USA
Website: The Bean Market
6. Browntown Museum
The Browntown Museum is a tiny Lowcountry farmstead and is a classic example of the Southern style of living, from a bygone era. The museum is in a typical Southern house and has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes a corn crib, cotton gin, and primitive machinery, along with an outhouse and a smokehouse.
Browntown Museum
Address: 3114 Johnsonville Hwy, Lake City, SC 29560, USA
Website: Browntown Museum
7. Shopping in Lake City
When you are visiting Lake City, shopping should definitely feature on the top of your to-do list. Besides, you’ll also need to bring some charming souvenirs back home for your loved ones. When you are in the city, how about taking a relaxed stroll on the streets of its historic downtown, while you peruse through an unlimited collection of unique goods in the city’s independent retail stores. The downtown district offers an exciting and amazing collection of items ranging from fine fashion, accessories, antiques and unique crafts.
Shopping in Lake City
Address: Lake City, South Carolina, United States
Website: Shopping in Lake City
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in Lake City
You might want to be away from the bustling crowd or you might want to spend a day looking at the various points of interest in the city, dine at a fine restaurant or indulge in an extravagant shopping spree, to pamper yourself. No matter what you plan to do during your stay, Lake City has it all to satisfy your whims and fancies. This town in South Carolina will definitely intrigue and charm you, equally. The beauty offers something for everyone. So, enjoy your stay in this small but historic town, famous for its old-fashioned and warm Southern hospitality.
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