Okay first off- south of the border has a lot of billboard hype. We get our kids all pumped for our…read moretrips going in that direction. With that being said, it looks old and run down. This pantry is a great spot to grab snacks and drinks, go to the restroom and fill up on gas. It's the perfect quick stop to get what you need.

I know South of the Border is dated and everywhere looks like it has not seen cleaning products in…read moredecades but I think this shop is the worst that I have been into on the property. I have been in this particular store on the property several times throughout my visits to South of the Border. Almost every time I visited this store, there were at least ten people on line, waiting to pay. You can pay for gas, get snacks and drinks, souvenirs, and I believe lotto and cigarettes. The store is really not that enticing. It is dirty. The flooring is super old. There is dust on many of the items. The freezer items have like an inch of ice on them. The most recent visit into this store, I was looking for ice cream. It was after midnight and not much was open. I thought maybe they would have something decent in the freezer but I was wrong. I browsed a little and saw nothing that caught my eye so I left. If you are looking for decent quality, I would head to another store on the property.

When I come to North Carolina I can't help but think of vinegar and pepper, split pig and fire…read moreunderneath a glistening of pure mountain air, with whiskey and twilight where men still living pass the bottle and barbecue pigs under tin-roofed sheds with embers. Ahhh yes that's the Carolina I know and love, I have family here but most have passed away and have become a blue smoke in my memory. As I stepped out of my rented SUV after crossing the state line I couldn't help but think of the recent passing of my Uncle Al at 94 years - he was a man among men and bigger than life to all who knew him, he alone is North Carolina to me. This stop was solemn and sobering as I made my way to the interior of the welcome center for a moment of reflection and to warm my hands near the flickering fire burning against the far wall. The roped off stanchions guided me along the social distancing stickers plastered to the floor that appears to be everywhere in these times of uncertainty. The room was silence and bare since most don't dare venture into areas proclaimed to be of risk by those that govern us in fear of being exposed to a phantom virus that steals the souls of our loved ones like a thief in the night. A friendly voice breaks the silence, asking if I'd mind providing her with some information regarding my travel, her mask hid her welcoming smile as she typed my name on her electronic pad that replaced the pen and paper that I would of normally left my mark. It would of been so impersonal if it hadn't been for the joy in her eyes that peeped above the cloth that covered her face proving it's impossible to suppress the southern hospitality. Nothing can replace the face to face interactions of friends or strangers even from six feet apart...

Really nice welcome center. Lots of history and in on the TarHeel State…read more Stop and take a look around

Located just a quarter mile south of I-95 on South Carolina Highway 38, this marker has a small…read morespace for parking and a view. There is a "historical marker ahead" sign and you shouldn't miss the hulking shape of the machinery it points out. The marker reads, "This cotton press, built in 1798 according to tradition, is thought by many to be the oldest in existence. It was first owned and used by John Bethea, III, and later by Henry Berry. Powered by oxen or mules rotating the beam to tighten the press, it was rendered obsolete by modern machinery. A Berry descendant moved it to this site about 1948 to preserve it." The marker was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It had been built in 1798 for bailing ginned cotton and is made of pegged and doweled oak. Turning the screw (powered by mules) compressed the cotton into a wooden frame to form a bale. A very clever piece of machinery, all built by hand well prior to modern power tools. Except for minor repairs of the base and roof, it is still the original materials and is the only press of this era in South Carolina. [Review 14328 overall, 1652 of 2020, number 706 in South Carolina.]

This cotton press, built in 1798 according to tradition, is thought by many to be the oldest in…read moreexistence. It was first owned and used by John Bethea, III, and later by Henry Berry. Powered by oxen or mules rotating the beam to tighten the press, it was rendered obsolete by modem machinery. A Berry descendant moved it to this site about 1948 to preserve it. Erected by Dillon County Historical Society - 1974

Dropped hubby off to head home. Clean, cool station with benches and a clean bathroom. Station is…read morenot manned. You have to buy your tickets on line here. Open hours limited.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a late-night paranormal event at the Holliday House in…read moreMarion, South Carolina, and it was an unforgettable experience filled with history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the house's presence. Parking was easy, and as I made my way up the grand, curved staircase to the front porch, it felt like stepping into another era. Inside, the early 1900s charm is undeniable--from the intricate woodwork to the elegant staircase in the main hall, the house radiates a sense of timeless beauty. The current owners have clearly put a lot of heart into restoring the home's hidden details. They pointed out the original recessed pocket doors, which had been concealed for years, now uncovered and brought back to their former glory. It's clear they have a deep appreciation for the house's history and are dedicated to preserving it. The hosts were incredibly welcoming, eager to share stories about the home's past and its more mysterious side. After a fascinating tour, we were free to explore on our own, soaking in the atmosphere and, for the more adventurous, keeping an eye out for any ghostly activity. As night settled in, the energy in the house shifted. The event was well-organized, with paranormal investigation equipment available for those who needed it, though many attendees brought their own. The intimate setting allowed for great conversations--not just with other guests but also with the guest speakers, some of whom you might recognize from TV. The small-group format made the experience feel personal and immersive, turning casual acquaintances into fast friends by the end of the night. The hosts had arranged for some pizza from a local spot, along with coffee and other refreshments, which was a nice touch. While this was one of their earlier events, the Holliday House seems destined to become a sought-after venue for both paranormal enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Beyond ghost hunts, the house is available for private rentals--whether for a few hours or a multi-day gathering. There's even the possibility of overnight stays, though full B&B accommodations aren't quite in place yet. If you're interested in booking, it's best to chat with the owners directly, as they seem willing to accommodate special requests when possible. Whether you're drawn by the paranormal, the charm of Victorian architecture, or simply the chance to experience a piece of history, the Holliday House offers something truly unique. I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for this incredible place.