When I get off the beaten path, I get off the beaten path. Along US-25 south of Augusta, this…read moremarker at the intersection points out a piece of history. "The highway crossing here the Old Savannah Road, an early route from Savannah to Georgia's western frontier. It follows the course of a former Indian trail to the Rock Landing on the Oconee, below today's Milledgeville. There it intersected the noted Lower Creek Trading Path from Augusta to the Creek Indians. It is believed General Oglethorpe travelled this way in 1739 on his trip to treat with the Indians at Coweta Town, on the Chattahoochee River, below Columbus, in present Alabama. He left from Mt. Pleasant, to the eastward on the Savannah River, and probably entered this route via a connecting path leading by today's Paramore Hill." There is a busted up building on one corner that might once have been a service station or perhaps a waiting area for a bus. Otherwise, there is not much for miles. Still, intetresting to see the east-west road as I was proceeding north to south. [Review 13225 overall, 542 of 2020.]

Kensington Plantation House is a historic plantation house located near Eastover, Richland County,…read moreSouth Carolina. At the moment it remains closed as they make repairs from ice storm damage in 2014. I follow there Facebook page for announcements on the reopening dates. This is a beautiful historic old mansion.

This was a great stop, and honestly, it was a spontaneous decision, but I'm glad we made the visit…read more Take some time to read the informational signs and really reflect on the history of the space. The ruins are of a plantation home and slave quarters dating back to 1793, with a deep and complex history tied to the Civil War era. Rumor has it that there are ghost sightings here, adding a mysterious vibe to the site. The ruins offer a poignant glimpse into the past, and it's a meaningful place to pause and consider the stories of those who once lived and worked there. It's a small site, but full of historical significance, and definitely worth a quick detour during your trip. Visiting the ruins adds depth to your understanding of the island's history and the legacy of the Civil War era in the Lowcountry. It's a powerful reminder of the area's complex past and makes for an interesting, reflective stop.

This was a unique activity, it was really interesting and not difficult to get to. Overall it took…read moreabout 30 minutes for the entire thing! Definitely worth seeing!

After a "destination lunch" in Yemassee SC, our server asked if we were seeking history. Replying…read morethat it was an interest, they suggested going just six miles down the road. Yes! Six miles and 250 years earlier, we drove into a hauntingly beautiful open grove of ruins did we go! Park off the street easily. Off street parking with no sidewalks or crossings, then you'll walk into history. Burned once by the British in 1777, rebuilt, then burned one more, and final time by Sherman's mary in the civil war, as he rained terror on these rural folk, returning from conquering Savannah in the final years of the civil war. Some people remain behind in the graveyard, so please be respectful during your time here. It's silence and magistry will stay with you. The old water pump still delivers cold, sweet spring water, so have some before you go. Bring a cup (no waste cans!), or go old school and use your hand. The sadness comes from knowing that these bricks were made by slaves...

My wife and I visited here on an anniversary trip from a recommendation of a friend. It's about 50…read moremiles from Charleston SC but was well worth the drive. We were the only ones there. It's a historic site known as Prince William's Parish Church. Built between 1745 and 1753 in the English Georgian style with Roman Tuscan or Doric elements, it served as a chapel of ease for the parish. The church has a dramatic history, traditionally believed to have been burned twice: first by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War and again in 1865 by General Sherman's forces during the Civil War, leaving only its massive brick walls. However, a 1866 letter by Milton Leverett suggests the church was not burned in 1865 but instead gutted for materials to rebuild homes destroyed by Sherman's army, challenging the traditional narrative. I'd highly recommend a trip here if you are in the area and like things like this.

I had absolutely no idea this existed and would not have found it unless I was detoured off I-26…read moreand also searching for "park" to picnic with my Bojangles. The UFO Welcome Center came up and I have GOT to check this out. I've seen a few bits of weird kitsch but this is definitely a top ten crazy thing. I mean, this is BOWMAN SOUTH CAROLINA. It's practically in the middle of nowhere. But yes, it's a welcome center for aliens to park their spacecraft, hit the restroom and maybe take a nap. The space ship is visible from the road and there is parking nearby. If you want to tour it, that's an option but it is not free. The Welcome Center is only a couple of miles off I-26 and if you're planning to connect to I-95 southbound, it's maybe a five minute detour. Totally worth it. [Review 14845 overall, 347 of 2021, number 810 in South Carolina.]

Found this spot on Roadside America and just had to take a detour to see it. Designed to make…read morealiens feel welcome upon meeting Earthlings for the first time. Ohhhhh kay. If you like quirky and kitschy, this is the stop for you. Otherwise, I don't think I'd make a special trip to see it!

This marker was erected at this intersection in 2004 and I don't imagine that many have stopped by…read moreto read it since. That's a shame as it recalls the valiant efforts of this enterprising tribe. It reads, "In 1870 a group of Croatan Indians migrated from their homes in Robeson County North Carolina, following the turpentine industry to southeast Georgia. Eventually many of the Croatans became tenant farmers for the Adabelle Trading Company, growing cotton and tobacco. The Croatan community established the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Adabelle, as well as a school and a nearby cemetery. After the collapse of the Adabelle Trading Company, the Croatans faced both economic hardship and social injustice. As a result, most members of the community returned to North Carolina by 1920. The tribe to which these families belonged became known as the Lumbee in the early 1950s." And by "returning to North Carolina," I assume that they returned all the way to Cape Hatteras. Even today, that's a journey. 600 miles by highway and you can be sure there was no Interstate 95 before 1920. [Review 13231 overall, 548 of 2020.]

The scope of the canal here is quite impressive and to me, reminiscent of the canal that runs into…read morethe heart of Washington DC, as this one is from around the same time and has a notable aesthetic similarity. This one doesn't go all the way to the mountains, but you could easily spend a day on it on foot, and biking and boating are options as well. The infrastructure was good, and multiple open bathrooms and water fountains were available. The paths were generally quite wide (as former towpaths) and had plenty of space for bikes and pedestrians to share, with a couple of interesting exceptions. I didn't do any tours, but I expect the history is worth pursuing.

AUGUSTA, GA: known for the Masters Golf Tournament, the city of Augusta is also a charming town…read morefull of restaurants, shops, history, and a beautiful river walk. It is a great area to walk the pup, enjoy outdoor dining, find a small business for a unique souvenir, and see the Savannah River! With relatively mild temperatures in the fall and winter, it is a great time to visit! The summers are hot, hot, hot!

This well maintained marker recalls the Civil War and an important encounter between Confederate…read moreand Union troops. "Approaching Statesboro on Dec. 4, 1864, a strong party of mounted foragers from Hazen's division, 15th Corps [US], on the right of Gen. Sherman's army on its destructive March to the Sea, was attacked by a detachment of Confederate cavalry and driven back to the protection of Hazen's marching column." "The Seventieth Ohio Infantry (leading the Union advance) deployed, fired a volley, and charged with the bayonet, driving the cavalry back through Statesboro and clearing the way for the advance. During this encounter, the Confederates lost 6 killed, 1 wounded, and 2 captured; Hazen lost 8 wounded and 27 captured, all from the foraging party." The Civil War was a critical time in American history. What happened, how it happened and why is a part of what brought us to today. [Review 13227 overall, 544 of 2020.]

Elegant. Stately. Informative. These are just a few words that could be used describe the Old…read moreGovernor's Mansion. With the help of world-class tour guides, you'll find yourself instantly teleported to war-era Georgia, and one feels as though they are actually a servant, or a dignitary, or even a member of the governor's family. My tour guide, Deanna, gave an absolutely delightful tour that was both informative and entertaining. The whole experience left me with a renewed hunger to learn more about my state's troubled history.

Did I take these stairs? No, but I thought about it until I saw a couple with their dog and the dog…read morebarely made it up - LOL I took another "use at your own risk" set of historic stone stairs that were less death-like and that was enough for me. Kudos to those who attempt them!

5 stars for the Stone Stairs of Death. The name sounds intense but it actually turned out to be a…read morereally fun and memorable stop. The climb will definitely get your heart pumping, but it is worth it once you make it to the top. The view and the whole experience made it feel like a little adventure. It is one of those spots that sticks with you and makes for a great story after. If you are up for a bit of a challenge and something different, this is a must do.