Pedro's Mexican Shop West @ South of the Border - Hamer, SC 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! read more

See all

South of the Border is one of my happy places. I love the sheer amount of unabashed tackiness. I love 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. read more

See all

No. Just no. Hundreds of generic cheap items in an incredibly sterile smelling atmosphere. I thought the cashier was going to fall asleep during the transaction. read more

Cool little gift shop. I can't believe they had a straw hat that my grandpa wore until he wore it out. Picked it up for him and he loved it. Great stop. read more

This was a white trash warm fuzzy from my childhood. I guess nor'easterners don't drive down to FL like they used to, and business has suffered for ol' Pedro as a result. They still have the requisite junky souvenir shops and firework sales to get you arrested in your hometown. Plus that spicy ginger ale that nobody in their right mind would drink. Get it before it's gone (forever) read more

Pedro's Mexican Shop - Department Stores Near Me - Hamer, South Carolina

See all

Excited to see a fun place from time gone by only to be disappointed in all the rundown closed up attractions of South of the Border. However, we did enjoy checking out all the wares at Pedro's Shop. Picked up a great magnet to add to my collection at home. Perhaps not worth the out of the way stop but definitely worth stopping in if you're staying close by. read more

See all

Yes, time machines do exist! At Pedrós everyday is a day in the past, you will swear you've been transported back in time by at least 40 years. This place has all kinds of souvenirs for sale, at very reasonable prices. Though, there's a lot of tacky stuff here! read more

See all

I wanted to shop here because of items I saw posted by fellow Yelpers that I liked. I love anything that is Day of the Dead related and found pictures Yelpers have posted that had those kind of items. We have been going on road trips a lot, which we pass through here on many trips. Now, if any of you have been to South of the Border, you are aware of how dated it is. This includes the stores. I have been in several of the shops throughout visits in my lifetime but this was my first time in this store. Many of the stores on site sell many similar items and they are the same price universally. When I visited, we were heading north so I was just browsing and on our way back south, I planned to purchase items so we wouldn't have to haul it everywhere. As I walked in, the register was there with 2 girls working. Not super bubbly but I'm sure they were bored out of their minds. I was the only customer in the store. I found the skull sculptures I was looking for and took pictures of what I wanted. I was only going to purchase items if they were actually made in Mexico and not China. I like authentic art. On our way back south, I had to request assistance because some of the items I wanted were in a locked display case. I spent around $150, which was not too bad for unique, hand made art. There were all sorts of souvenirs as well. Some were commercial and cheap. I would definitely check this store out if you stop here! Oh I posted my pictures on a different review of the establishment. read more

Love this place, they have authentic original hand made Mexican art work in here, not your cheap run of the press plastic junk but real hand made art. Not saying that's the whole inventory. There are also low cost items and trinkets for travel gifts. It's amazing the quality is still around after the misinformation of it closing, yes it's alive and we'll make sure you set aside 40-60 minutes just to look around read more

Pedro's Mexican Shop - Gift shop - Department Stores Near Me - Hamer, South Carolina

Amazing gift shop. If you are stopping here make sure you have a few minutes to spare, this place is Huge! Prices are great, everything was very clean and the Cashier was the Friendliest person we have found on our Road-trip from Massachusetts to Miami. We found some great souvenirs specially the awesome Rattlesnake eggs. We purchased Shot glasses, collective spoons, Magnets and some stuff for the kids under $40 read more

Pedro's Mexican Shop - Department Stores Near Me - Hamer, South Carolina

It's all a scam. Avoid at all cost. It's a literally tourist trap. Best thing they had were the new fuel pumps

We stopped here only for the souvenir shop. You can find all kinds of interesting things in the store, like chicken hats. I bought two for Oktoberfest. My husband is going to wear one of them but he doesn't know that yet. All kinds of inexpensive kid toys will appeal to children. I even bought some Christmas ornaments. They have a room for Christmas stuff. There are pro-Trump and anti-Trump items, depending on your inclination. Or you can skip that stuff and find just about anything else you might think of. Oh, and at the checkout, be sure to check out the rattlesnake eggs. My scream carried throughout the store. I'd never seen them before. It's that kind of store. Worth the stop and they also have nice bathrooms, so you can combine the shopping with a loo stop. read more

Tourist trap? Yes. Cool shit anyways? You bet your gringo ass! Stopping in here was actually La Chica's idea. I pretty much hate tourist trap gift shops, but she did raise a good point: They might have the Blenheim Ginger Ale that we read about while eating at Hot Tamale (http://www.blenheimgingerale.com/). Wanting to get some, we pulled in and took a shot. Sure enough, they did have it and so much more! Hats, shot glasses, magnets, tiki decor, mirrors, food, drinks and just about every nick-knack gadget one might imagine. It's right off I-95 and will not set back a travel schedule more than 30 minutes. I say go for it. read more

Just visited here!! So fun and a great welcome to North Carolina. Looks a little sketchy but very fun and vibrant inside. Very big inventory of toys, hats, magnets, and other souvenirs. read more