11 of the Weirdest South Carolina Roadside Attractions Worth Stopping For

Here are 11 of the weirdest roadside attractions in South Carolina that are definitely worth stopping for:

1. The Peachoid in Gaffney
   A giant peach-shaped water tower standing 135 feet tall, symbolizing South Carolina’s peach industry and a quirky landmark often joked about.
2. Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden in Bishopville
   Whimsical and artistic topiary sculptures crafted by Pearl Fryar turn a garden into a living sculpture park full of eye-catching designs.
3. South of the Border in Hamer
   A sprawling retro-themed attraction on I-95 with neon signs, souvenir shops, a reptile lagoon, motels, and a 200-foot-tall Sombrero Observation Tower.
4. The UFO Welcome Center in Bowman
   Rickety spaceship structures create a fun, kitschy spot where travelers can pretend to welcome alien visitors.
5. The World’s Largest Fire Hydrant (Busted Plug Plaza) in Columbia
   This enormous fire hydrant is a playful piece of roadside art, touted as tornado-proof though no such tests are publicly confirmed.
6. Silver Springs Filling Station in Landrum
   A restored old 1930s Esso gas station complete with nostalgia-inducing details like an outhouse and vintage pumps.
7. The Last Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken Restaurant in Hartsville
   The sole surviving Yogi Bear-themed eatery, famous for its “pic-a-nic baskets” and retro vibe.
8. Neverbust Chain in Columbia
   A gigantic steel chain connecting two buildings, installed without official permission but now beloved and iconic.
9. Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Landrum
   The only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina, surrounded by a lovely park perfect for picnics and exploring.
10. Stumphouse Tunnel in Walhalla
    An unfinished 1,600-foot railroad tunnel with a cool breeze flowing out of a 60-foot airshaft, offering a unique hiking experience.
11. 4,000-Pound Bug (Nibbles Woodaway, nearby inspiration)
    Though technically in Rhode Island, roadside sculpture and oversized bug themes are part of the quirky roadside art vibe connected with South Carolina’s landscape of oddities.

These attractions blend quirky art, unusual themes, and historic charm making road trips in South Carolina especially memorable.

SOURCES

(https://www.scetv.org/stories/2024/roadside-attractions-sky)
(https://www.scpictureproject.org/tag/roadside-oddities)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PW1DwwvXXA)
(https://www.fiftygrande.com/50-weirdest-roadside-attractions/)
(https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/south-carolina/roadside-attractions)