Elloree, South Carolina

Rock Out a Marathan in 2011

www.elloreesouthcarolina.com — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re planning on being in Elloree in the first part of November you might want to make plans for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon (and Half Marathon) slated to hit the city on November 5^th. Considering Savannah is a little under two hours from Elloree it might just be the perfect race for you if you want to excitement of the actual event in awesome Savannah plus the quiet charm that comes afterwards when you return to Elloree. This year marks the race’s inaugural run and features music and cheerleaders at every mile. How’s that for a fun southern time? And the whole time you’re running you will be running to the beat of rock, country, jazz and blues; and there’s finish line festival and concert in the offering. And if you haven’t been training in awhile, fear not; the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series offers training plans designed by Matt Fitzgerald beginning at 24.95 and covering up to 18 weeks of training plans, guidance, and motivation. If you don’t think you should have to pay for a training program, why not start a running club of your own and work together as a team to accomplish your goals? Maybe check in with the YMCA to see if you can get something started there’s one in Orangeburg if you’re already local to Elloree. Either way, November gives you enough time to get the process started so you can get the race done in style all while rockin’ out to sweet Southern charm!

Holiday Lights

www.elloreesouthcarolina.com — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:05:43 +0000

We bet there’s nothing that will get you into the holiday mood faster than a display of enchanting Christmas lights that sparkle with southern charm like no other. If we’re right and you want to know where to go to get the sparkle started, here’s a list of nearby holiday light displays that are sure to get anyone into the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

Anderson Lights of Hope (Anderson) runs from November 25 through December 25 and is an almost one-mile drive through Christmas light animation with over one million multi-colored lights and over 60 displays (both animated and stationary). The drive takes about 20 minutes from end to end.
Holiday Lights Tour (Spartanburg) runs from December 3 through December 23 and includes taking a tour aboard a decorated trolley to view local Christmas lights displays while enjoying yummy hot chocolate and listening to your most-loved Christmas songs.
Roper Mountain Holiday Lights (Greenville) runs from November 25 through December 30 and is comprised of a lovely drive through the stunning setting of Roper Mountain Science Center to view the glistening display of lights including a vibrant 45-foot star, a tunnel of lights, and even an up-close-and-personal visit to Santa!

There are also activities in Orangeburg (Children’s Garden Christmas and Kid’s Walk), Hilton Head (Dove Street Festival of Lights), Sumter (Fantasy of Lights) and more.Just make a point to get out and see something as soon as possible after Thanksgiving so you’ll surely be in the holiday spirit as winter rolls in to the south.

The Event of the Season

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:58:13 +0000

Grab your fishing poll, your mom or dad and head out to the Santee State Park for the Annual Big Daddy Fishing Event. If you’re under the age of 13 and have an interest in fishing or have a child who falls into that category, then you can’t miss this event. Each child must be sponsored by an adult and will get a prize just for taking part in the tournament. You can make a whole weekend out of the event and spend the night camping or in one of the Santee Park cabins. This event is part of the Children in Nature program and also coincides with the 75^th anniversary of the state park service. The 2010 event took place on August 7^th, with registration at the Tackle Shop on the day of the tournament from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. The event lasted until 4:30 p.m., but the festivities didn’t end there. If you plan to spend the night at the park grounds, call in advance for reservations. Even better, the prices for reserving cabins and campsites for the event are discounted. The only fee for this tournament is the regular price of park admission, which is 2 for adults, 1.25 for seniors and free for kids under 16 (2010 prices). When you head out on the day of the event, don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen as it’ll probably be a scorcher. It’s a good idea to check the weather the night before so you’ll know what to expect.

Spend the Afternoon at Santee State Park

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:54:31 +0000

One of the best attributes of the town of Elloree is its close proximity to the Santee State Park. Less than ten minutes away, the possibilities are endless. You can pop over and cast a quick line into the Marion River, famous for enormous catfish, spend the afternoon with the kids biking or playing on the playground, or even head out for a weekend vacation in one of the many cabins and villas they rent out.CampingCypress View Campground has over 100 sites, which are suitable for tent or RV camping. Restroom facilities with hot water allow you to enjoy nature without giving up all the comforts of daily living. If you’re going to be staying for more than one night, it’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time by calling the campground at 1-866-345-PARK. Reservations can also be made online.CabinsA total of 30 cabin and villas are located in the park and offer a scenic look out over the lake. The cabins are offered in two different sizes and reservations can also be made online or using the number listed above.Fishing and BoatingWhether you’re just going to spend an afternoon after work fishing with a buddy or want to make a weekend excursion out of it, the largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish found in Lake Marion are enough to impress any fisherman. Two boat ramps that allow access to the lake and nearby picnic shelters are great for a family gathering or lunch before you hit the water.Biking If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are a number of hiking and biking trails that let you explore the natural beauty of South Carolina.

Sit Down and Stay a While

www.elloreesouthcarolina.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:49:19 +0000

The quaint town of Elloree, true to its southern roots, has plenty of home-style southern cooking to offer. But, they also have a range of other options no matter what you’re in the mood for. If you’re driving through and need to grab a bite to eat or returning to visit friends or family, check out one of these tasty restaurants.

Blues Alley: This classic American steakhouse located on Cleveland Street in the heart of this small town is a favorite amongst residents. The relaxed atmosphere, which often includes music, and tender, juicy steaks as good as any city steakhouse, is a great way to spend your Saturday night.
Amporn’s Thai Cuisine: This might be an unexpected find in this small, southern town, but their authentic, Thai food is definitely worth a shot. Also located on Cleveland Street, Amporn’s has become a town favorite.
Back Street Bar & Grill: Just like the name says, this classic bar and grill on Railroad Ave brings in residents and visitors from all over. This family-owned restaurant provides home-cooked meals in an exciting atmosphere with music and dancing.
New Dragon Chinese Restaurant: Another tasty cultural find on Cleveland Street. Stop in at this hometown favorite for a taste of faraway lands.
Mom’s Kitchen 2: Even the name makes you feel at home, and true to this, the food really will remind you of the delicious concoctions your mother used to prepare when you were little. Ok, so maybe it’s not quite as good, but about as close as you can get when it comes to southern, home-style cooking.

A Small Town with a Whole Lot of History

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:43:05 +0000

If you’ve grown up roaming the Cleveland Street in the heart of this small town or are visiting for the first time, take the chance to stop in at the Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center. The museum houses 10,000 square feet worth of exhibits. Step back in time and see what Cleveland Street looked like in the year 1900. A recreation of stores, a bank and a hotel of the area will take you back over a century. Lessons on how cotton is grown and picked will give you an appreciation for the plant that helped this town get its start. You can also see demonstrations on a cotton gin and press. The museum also contains an art gallery that houses pieces from local artists.Tours of the museum are can be scheduled Monday through Saturday, and schools can arrange a visit Monday through Friday. If you plan on making regular visits to the museum or just want to make a contribution various memberships can be purchased ranging in price from 25 to 1000. Information about special events and camps and classes can be found on the museums website.After your through touring the museum, stop by the museum store. Here you’ll find a range of books about the state’s history as well as various children’s works. Many of the items in the store also make great gift items such as the cotton boll Afghans or the blue bird houses. And while you’re at it grab a t-shirt to remember your trip by.For additional information about group tours or hours call the museum at 803-897-2225 or email them at elloreemuseumntinet.com.

A Picture of Southern Elegance

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:41:10 +0000

Elloree, South Carolina may just be a small dot on the map somewhere between Columbia and Charleston, but hidden in this tiny southern town are irreplaceable gems such as the Elloree Bed & Breakfast. This colonial style house was built in 1906 by M. E. Rickenbaker. Today Jack and Cindy Lane serve as the innkeepers of this quaint house on W. Hampton Street. Porches covered with wicker furniture look out onto a beautifully manicured yard.For an evening in historic luxury, book The Old Carolina Suite. This two-room suite features antique furniture and a large sitting room with a fireplace for only 99.00. Prices may vary on weekends and holidays. The Angel Room has a look that emulates southern elegance with six windows looking over the inn grounds. This room also includes a fireplace that only adds to the cozy, homey feel of the inn.Guests are invited to enjoy the full country breakfast that is served every morning in the dining room. Throughout the day a living room, complete with TV, VCR and stereo, is great for lounging with family and friends. There’s even a 90-year-old piano in the music room that musically-inclined guests are welcome to play.If you are planning a visit to the inn during the warmer seasons, an in-ground pool only adds to the luxury and relaxation of this quaint bed and breakfast. Reservations can be made by calling the inn at (803) 897-4323 or sending an email to elloreebandbntinet.com.One of the appeals of this bed and breakfast is that it is geared towards adults, creating a quieter atmosphere. Therefore, children are not permitted to stay at the inn without approval by the inn keepers.