This is a great little place for business and shopping -- they've got a lot of nice stuff. It…read morealmost feels like being at "South of the Border" with its carnival-style atmosphere. I arrived around 4:00 in the afternoon, and it was pretty quiet with hardly anyone around. I did end up purchasing a couple of things, and I enjoyed walking through the area. The vibe reminded me of a small town fair, so I was really hoping to find some funnel cake -- but unfortunately, there wasn't any. I did treat myself to an ice cream cone, which hit the spot. Overall, if you're passing by, I'd recommend stopping in and picking up something. It's worth a quick visit, especially if you enjoy unique little roadside spots.

South of the Border is a place i can remember coming to as a child in the 80s. While i remember…read morebeing here- i honestly have no clue what we did here. I just remember being here. Back in Covid times i made a drive by to look around but more recently I finally decided to do an overnight stay here. What an adventure. South of the Border has the motor inn, which i finally stayed in. It's got an arcade, honestly which i found to be a little pitiful, but I'm not the market for that. The attraction also features a few gas stations, a small casino (they call it an Internet cafe), multiple restaurants, and gift shops. I don't feel like much has changed since i last visited (as a child) except maybe some paint. I think it's kind of fun to see at night when it's lit up - or partially lit up as sometimes not all of the lights are working - again this place can sometimes be a mess. It's a place that you can tell that once did well and one day just sort of stopped or was just forgotten about but enough people come so it stay open, but not enough people come for them to do any real work to it which is sad. The workers there were all extremely nice. Everyone i met while i was there was nice. I did think the items were a tad expensive for what i was getting but that did not stop me from buying multiple items that i definitely did not need. The gift shops have everything. I definitely loaded up on the Mexican made clay pots and frames. The idea of South of the Border is mildly insensitive but holds a special place in my heart. If I'm on a road trip and drive by i will always, always stop for a picture with Pedro.

Pedro's Mexican Shop West @ South of the Border - Hamer, SC…read more A Classic Roadside Attraction with a Lot of Character (and a Need for Some TLC) My husband, daughter, and I went out of our way to stop at South of the Border, and it was totally worth it! One of the coolest spots we explored was Pedro's Mexican Shop West--this gift shop is HUGE and filled with colorful, quirky, and unique finds. We spent over an hour just browsing everything inside. It's one of those old-school, fun stops that brings out the road-trip nostalgia. Definitely a memory-maker! My one suggestion: The entire South of the Border compound could really use a fresh coat of paint. It's looking a bit rundown, especially the hotel and RV park areas. The place has so much personality--it would be a shame to let it keep decaying. A little love and upkeep would go a long way here! Hours of Operation (as of August 2025): Gift Shops & Dining: Mexico Shop East & West: Sun-Thu: 7:30 AM - 9 PM Fri-Sat: 7:30 AM - 10 PM Sombrero Restaurant: Sun-Thu: 7:30 AM - 9 PM Fri-Sat: 7:30 AM - 10 PM Pedro's Ice Cream Fiesta: Daily: 11 AM - 8 PM Peddler Steakhouse (Dinner Only): Sun-Thu: 5 PM - 9:30 PM Fri-Sat: 5 PM - 10:30 PM Closed Mondays through Nov 25 Motor Inn & Truck Stop: OPEN 24/7 A Little History: South of the Border started in 1949 as a beer stand and quickly grew into one of America's most iconic roadside attractions. Located just south of the North Carolina state line on I-95, it became famous for its flashy signs, neon lights, giant Pedro statue, and over-the-top charm. At its peak, it included hotels, restaurants, fireworks stands, and even a mini amusement park. Worth the stop? Absolutely. Would we stay overnight? Probably not--unless it gets a refresh. If you're road-tripping down I-95, this is a must-see for a quick break, some photos, and fun shopping. Just hope they give it the glow-up it deserves!

South of the Border is one of my happy places. I love the sheer amount of unabashed tackiness. I…read morelove the billboards that start showing up on 95 halfway through North Carolina. I love Pedro. This time around we visited the Mexico store. Ten million glasses but Jeremy couldn't find the one he wanted (a silicone coffee mug). We did, however, leave with a back scratcher, a ten cent sticker, and a new magnet for my growing collection. We also took the opportunity to use the bathroom. I'm glad the ladies room was empty because the "accessible" stall was too small. And the toilet was so low to the floor I wasn't sure it wasn't made for a child. Afterward, we took a stroll across the pedestrian bridge where we found a second Mexico shop, with 90% of the same stuff for sale. People have started to put love padlocks on the pedestrian bridge. I've always wanted to do that. I even have my locks in the van, but haven't gotten around to putting our initials on them yet. Probably a good thing though, since Jeremy changed his last name a couple of months ago. Ah well. Next time, I suppose, because there's always a next time for me when it comes to South of the Border.

Wonderful NEW location to pair an already great store. The staff here are so, so friendly and…read morewelcoming. I love the setup and environment of the new store. It feels very sacred and special. The amount of events they offer is very impressive and offers a solid calendar for locals. Prices are incredibly fair as well. I highly recommend the midday meditation on Sundays! I also had the aura photography done and loved that entire experience as well. The wonderful kind lady who read for me gave me legitimate full body chills. Prices, in my honest opinion, are marked up more than other stores. But I would argue that's to recoup costs of moving, etc. Regardless, this store and the people running it are at the heart of a vibrant community in the south. This location offers a safe haven, and great one-stop-shop for nearly any need/want. And they're good at ordering at your request. Definitely worth your time.

I had been wanting to stop here for a long time and I am glad that I finally did. The staff were…read moreso welcoming and knowledgeable. I felt love as soon as I walked in. There are several rooms and a huge community room for activities and meditation. They have all of the usual crystals, soap, spells, etc. What a lovely place!