The wide, sparkling beaches, scenic vistas and charming historic cities of South Carolina provide the setting for some of America's top recreation, heritage and contemporary culture. Site of America's first landscaped garden, the location for the first shots of the Civil War, and home of the international rock 'n roll band, Hootie & the Blowfish, this Southern coastal state is a holiday paradise.

Sun The warm breezes that blow off the Atlantic Ocean along the more than 200 miles/320 kilometers of coastline complement the sunny skies found year-round in South Carolina. Near the North Carolina border, you�ll find Myrtle Beach, where visitors can enjoy play on almost 100 golf courses, walk on the Grand Strand's 60 miles / 96 kilometers of broad, uncrowded beaches searching for seashells or visit Brookgreen Gardens, one of the most spectacular sculpture gardens in the world. The Lowcountry and Resort Islands Region includes Hilton Head, the largest coastal resort island between New York and Florida. The state records over 200 days of sunshine each year, providing a perfect backdrop to any kind of outdoor holiday. The coastal areas offer a temperate climate particularly enjoyable in spring and autumn. A change of seasons in the Upcountry brings a brilliant kaleidoscope of color to the richly forested countryside each fall.

Sport When it comes to recreation, South Carolina has it all: golf, tennis, fishing, hunting, hiking and boating. Perhaps one reason for South Carolina's world-renowned reputation is the superior golf and tennis resorts that offer full-service holiday programs with a wide variety of year-round recreational opportunities. Offering more than 300 golf courses open for public play and hosting major professional championships like the MCI Classic at Hilton Head's Sea Pines Plantation, it is easy to understand why Golf Digest frequently names South Carolina the number one golf destination in the U.S.

South Carolina also ranks as a top world tennis destination. In 1996, Tennis magazine named the 50 best tennis resorts in America, and three of the top six are located in South Carolina. Resorts recognized by Tennis magazine include Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island; Kiawah Island Resort, outside Charleston; nearby Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms; and Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort. You can find tennis clubs and resorts throughout the state open to the public for a nominal fee. Anglers also rate South Carolina highly. Lake Murray near Columbia is one of the state's many lakes and rivers offering excellent fishing with the lure of striped bass, blue catfish, trout or bream. In the Upcountry, along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the cool waters of Lake Jocassee are also a popular spot for fishermen. Nearer to Charleston, the linking of the Santee and Cooper rivers results in more than 171,000 acres of water in two huge man-made lakes ideal for varied sport fishing and recreation. If it's deep sea fishing you desire, sports charter boats and party boats depart daily from many of the coastal communities. Outstanding pier fishing is also available. There are also ideal situations on quiet creeks and bays for crabbing or tossing a shrimp net to catch other morsels from the sea.

Dining South Carolina unique cuisine is a mixture of the past and present, creating a culinary experience to suit even the most discerning palate. Charleston and the coast are known for a wide variety of seafood, from world-famous She-Crab Soup to Shrimp and Grits. Elsewhere, there is Frogmore Stew, Pee Dee Chicken Bog and other traditional favorites like steaming hot barbecue, chicken and dumplings, rice with gravy and fresh country ham. With a great climate and a long growing season, South Carolina is acclaimed for its mouth-watering fresh peaches and huge, fresh watermelons in summer, juicy mountain-grown apples in autumn and vine-fresh berries in spring. With great food, outstanding variety and quality at affordable prices, South Carolina boasts a reputation for exquisite dining.

Sightseeing No matter what kind of holiday you are seeking ... from restful to recreational ... South Carolina's scenic beauty provides a unique landscape. From the mountains to the beaches, attractive vistas frame each bend of the road. The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC Hwy 11), an officially designated scenic byway, is the perfect drive to preview nature. For those who prefer nature up-close and personal, stroll through one of South Carolina's 48 state parks or hike along one of the Upcountry's numerous backpacking trails. Walk along trails in the Congaree Swamp National Monument southeast of Columbia, where the 3/4-mile/1.2 kilometer boardwalk and 18 miles/29 kilometers of hiking trails curve through a swamp abundant with wildlife. To tempt the senses, South Carolina gardens bloom with fragrant buds and glorious color.

A visit to Columbia, South Carolina's state capital, complete with a magnificent domed capitol building, is quite an experience for anyone. The city has museums of art and history, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and the intriguing State Museum, with hundreds of artifacts and exhibits.

The textile-producing cities of Greenville and Spartanburg, in the mountainous corner of the state, also serve as the hub for large international manufacturing firms like Michelin, BMW, and Maxfli Golf Division, a subsidiary of Dunlop Slazenger International. Many highly photogenic views can be found in the foothills of South Carolina, ranging from Whitewater and Raven Cliff Falls to historic buildings, such as Fort Hill and Walnut Grove Plantation.

Smiling Faces Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of a South Carolina vacation is the hospitality. Southern charm is personified in the smiling faces that greet visitors to the state. Friendly assistance is readily available to help travelers along their journey or simply to share a warm welcome. Ten state-of-the-art welcome centers, located along major interstates, provide visitors with travel planning information and tips. Hotel reservations for anywhere in the state can be made from the centers. Maps and destination brochures are also available upon request.

South Carolinians share their heritage and unique culture through a never-ending variety of festivals, food and music. Weekend celebrations flourish, especially around harvest time. More than 350 special events are scheduled in South Carolina throughout the year, and there is a festival, event, concert or activity to fit the dreams of virtually any visitor.

The quiet country roads and small towns throughout South Carolina offer the visitor an exciting insight into the state's history, natural beauty and the charm of true Southern hospitality. From the ambience of Abbeville, the "Birthplace of the Confederacy," to the restored farming community of Historic Pendleton, or from the National Battlefield Park at King's Mountain to the peaceful waterfront of Beaufort, South Carolina is a unique experience for the discerning traveler.

Whatever your vacation pleasure, South Carolina awaits you with smiling faces and beautiful places � a combination guaranteed to serve up millions of memories to last a lifetime. Come and enjoy South Carolina.

For more information about South Carolina, visit the state�s website at www.discoversouthcarolina.com .

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Media Contact: Melissa Williams +1 803-734-0193 mwilliams@scprt.com