Leesville is indeed a peaceful town, not to be mistaken with inactivity, though. The town itself strongly encourages citizen involvement in civic activities which is why there are community events happening in town almost every week. So, if you want to make friends with the locals, just attend one! Besides all these civic activities, one awesome thing about this place is Lake Murray. To me, it is the highlight of Leesville. But not wanting to spill its details just yet, here are the 10 places you need to drop by when you’re in Leesville, South Carolina!
1. Lake Murray
Just a 15 minute drive from Leesville, lies this 50,000 acre (202 square kilometer) man-made lake called Lake Murray. It is gorgeous and one of the features that places Leesville on the map. Not just a majestic view, you can take part in many water activities there, such as boating and water sports to sailing. A great place to have a lot of fun in the water or just relax and watch the sunset from the shoreline.
Lake Murray
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Can go any time
2. Hollow Creek Distillery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Yes, this quaint, friendly little town has their own family run distillery. And you absolutely must visit! Here, some really friendly folk will give you a tour and show you what moonshine is, and how it is made. They’ll tell you all about the work and equipment involved and answer any questions you have regarding distilling and mixing. These guys are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their trade! But the best part about your visit will be the tasting of the moonshine. There is a huge selection of flavors and they’re all delicious! There’s strawberry, honey, peppermint, apple pie and cinnamon-apple pie and peppermint were our favorites. So, if you fall in love with any, buy some (23-25 USD)! Because of government regulation, you can only buy three at a time, but the bottles are quite large (750ml or 25 oz). Do go down to Hollow Creek for this amazing experience! They will not disappoint.
Hollow Creek Distillery
Address: 112 Rocky Ridge Rd Leesville, SC 29070
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. Open only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Contact: (803) 470-6010
Website: Hollow Creek Distillery
3. The Big Mo – Monetta Drive-In Movies
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Isn’t watching a movie under the stars the best thing ever? It is to us! Which is why we went down to The Big Mo-a drive in movie theater. Delve back into the past when you could drive into the cinema and watch a movie from inside your car! Or sit on lounge chairs, whichever floats your boat. It truly is a unique experience in this present time. There are three screens at The Big Mo, so just choose one, buy some popcorn from the concession and kick back in your seat to watch a movie with your family or friends.
The Big Mo
Address: 5822 Columbia Hwy N, Monetta, SC 29105
Price: 9 USD per movie ticket
Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Check movie screenings for timings
Contact: +1 803-685-7949
Website: The Big Mo
4. Fine Arts Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Opened in February 2000, this 26,000 square foot (2415 square meter) auditorium sits 1,000 and is equipped with “state-of-the-art” facilities. Naturally, it attracts events which it hosts on a regular basis. So, look it up while you’re there to see if there are any you can participate in. Who knows, you might be able to attend beauty pageants, concerts, see a band or even a dance competition in Leesville while visiting.
Fine Arts Center
Address: Summerland Ave Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina 29006
Price: from 10 USD
Contact: +1 803-576-2350
5. The Spirit of Lake Murray
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Spirit of Lake Murray is a cruise ship built in 1995 that regularly carries visitors across Lake Murray. A beautiful vessel, spacious and well equipped. If you want to spend that special occasion in the middle of a gorgeous lake, dancing to romantic music with wine and delicious food, this is a cruise you’ll want to take!
The Spirit of Lake Murray
Address: 103 Rocky Ridge Road Leesville, SC 29070
Price: from 45 USD
Contact: +1 803-730-3044
Website: The Spirit of Lake Murray
6. Shealy's Bar-B-Que House
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When you get here, there’ll be a sign greeting you, which says, “Pay your way in…Eat your way out!” And that is an extremely apt description of Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House. It’s been around for a long long time-since 1978-when workers had to use soap and paper towels to wash up before they entered. But now, you don’t have to wash your hands before you enter, you have to pay. It’s 12 USD for anyone above 11 years of age and it’s all you can eat. This place offers an incredible selection of old country Southern food. There’s salad, pasta and all kinds of meat: we highly recommend the pork, cooked the Lexington County mustard-based way and the pulley bones. Super satisfying. And of course, like any good old southern meal, we’ve got to top it all off with sweet tea and desserts-you’ll have a lot to choose from. Good luck deciding between the soft serve ice cream, the coconut cream pie over a pecan cookie crust or the warm apple pie. Worth every penny, I hope you give this place a try!
Shealy's Bar-B-Que House
Address: 340 E Columbia Ave, Leesville, SC 29070
Price: 11-30 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm. Closed on Sundays.
Contact: +1 803-532-8135
Website: Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House
7. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
One of America’s best zoos, the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is home to more than 2000 animals. And the Botanical Garden here is 70 acres (283,000 square meters) of interesting floral collections, be it colorful flowers in bloom or unusual plant structures. It would be interesting to spend a day exploring and learning more about the non-human living beings that share space with us in America.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy Columbia, SC 29210
Price: Adults — 15.95 USD. Children (ages 2–12) — 13.50 USD. Children (younger than 2) — FREE
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 803-779-8717
Website: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
8. Confederate Relic Room and Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Founded in 1896, this is the third oldest museum in the state. It showcases South Carolina’s military history in the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I and II, Vietnam, and other American conflicts, till the present day. You’ll get to see various war time artifacts and a virtual tour which will definitely help you brush up on your American history.
Confederate Relic Room and Museum
Address: 301 Gervais St Columbia, SC 29201
Price: Adults (18-61) – 6 USD. Seniors (62 and over) – 5 USD. Military (active duty and veterans) – 5 USD. Youth (10-17) – 3 USD. Children (9 and under) – FREE. First Sunday of the Month, 1 USD.
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 803-737-8095
Website: Confederate Relic Room and Museum
9. San Jose Mexican Restaurant Experience
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With clean and colorful décor, this places serves unbelievably delicious and authentic Mexican food. Must tries here are the quesadilla shells, taco asada and fresh chips and salsa to start. If you come here, you’re in for a yummy treat.
San Jose Mexican Restaurant Experience
Address: 410 E Columbia Ave, Leesville, SC 29070-7326
Price: Under 10 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 10pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 763-757-5089
10. South Carolina State Museum
This is the largest museum in the southeast US and it has a vast collection organized into four categories: art, history, natural history and science and technology. Here you’ll find the largest digital dome planetarium in the southeast, experience the intensity of the 4D theater and take part in a night sky viewing in the Boeing Observatory, which is home to the historic 1926 Alvan Clark telescope. You don’t have to be a kid to thoroughly enjoy the wonderful exhibits in this state of the art museum.
South Carolina State Museum
Address: 301 Gervais St Columbia, SC 29201
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Contact: +1 803-898-4921
Website: South Carolina State Museum
Perfecting the small town ambiance
So, when you’re tired of the chaos and clutter of the city and want to immerse yourself in a much more calm and natural environment, come to Leesville for the weekend! Fresh air, lake breeze, and genuine southern cuisine makes this town the perfect escape.
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