South Carolina Smiles and Places 2008 Official Vacation Guide - (Page 2) A Message From Governor Mark Sanford On behalf of the people of South Carolina, welcome to the Palmetto State! No matter how far you’ve come—and where you’re traveling to—we’re glad you are here. You are sure to discover South Carolina has one of the most diverse environments of any state in the nation. We have beautiful beaches, pristine wetlands, abundant wildlife, picturesque mountains, old-growth forests, fertile farmland and many scenic rivers. Our recorded history dates back several centuries, and there are monuments to many of the military, political and cultural leaders who have shaped South Carolina over the years. From the Upstate to the Lowcountry—and all points in between—there is something for everyone, including historical, cultural and shopping opportunities as well as sports, recreational and leisure activities. Please visit us on the web at www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com. Here you will find a central reservation system for all of our parks as well as useful information to help you discover South Carolina. Again, welcome to our state. We hope you have a great time and that you will take advantage of our standing invitation to come back to see us soon. Take care. Sincerely, Mark Sanford A Message From the Director On behalf of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, I would like to thank you for choosing South Carolina as your travel destination. Whether you are visiting one of our popular coastal areas or exploring the inland regions, I hope you will find the Smiles guide a useful tool in planning your vacation. In addition to some helpful travel tips and contact information, the articles in this guide highlight some of the attractions, events and diverse historical and cultural assets found throughout the state. Along with its warm, sandy beaches and cool surf, the coast offers a number of family-friendly attractions and activities. This year’s Smiles spotlights the Cal Ripken Experience, a youthoriented baseball camp, and the world’s first Hard Rock® Park, a music-themed attraction for all ages, set to open in May. This year’s guide also illustrates how the Old World charm of Charleston provides an ideal setting for destination weddings. For visitors in need of a quiet retreat, our state includes an array of picturesque locations perfect for a little relaxation. In this issue, you can plan a tour of the gardens of the Heritage Corridor or prepare to unwind at the General Elliot Inn, which promises fine dining and an atmosphere steeped in Southern hospitality. This issue also features two unique perspectives for visiting the Palmetto State. The article “Short Stuff” examines the facilities and accommodations of our various beach resorts from a kid’s point of view. And, for those with four-legged traveling companions, Mr. Blackwell’s“Paw Pixs” profiles some of the pet-friendly hotels across the state. These are just a few examples of the exciting and unique experiences that await you in South Carolina. I hope that you discover even more of the wonderful qualities of our state during your stay. South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Chad Prosser Too much for one cover: With a state so richly varied, the photo on the cover of your Smiles and Places may be any of those shown here (l. to r.) which feature Isle of Palms, SC; Aiken, SC; Surfside Beach, SC; and Devils Fork State Park, Salem, SC. http://www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com
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