The Sweetest Spring Things to Do in Sumter, SC
Sumter, South Carolina, tends to be overlooked. For travelers, it’s often seen as one of the many towns dotting Interstate 95. For vacationers, it’s nowhere near as popular as Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville.
People are missing out. There are tons of things to do in Sumter, SC for just about every taste, including a rotating festival season and fantastic outdoor activities. It’s time to give Sumter a second look.
Here are some of the best things to do in Sumter during Spring.
Spring Things To Do In Sumter, South Carolina
Visit Sumter’s State Parks
Before the weather turns too hot, head to one (or more) of Sumter’s surprisingly picturesque state parks. Poinsett State Park is in Santee, a mere 40 miles away from Sumter, and offers a 10-acre lake, fishing, and boat rentals.
It also boasts a unique amount of biodiversity, since it’s where the sandhills of South Carolina meet the coastal plain. Woods Bay Park is thick with forests of hickory and oak and has a shrub bog.
The town’s namesake has his own park as well: Thomas Sumter Memorial Park, which, like Woods Bay State Park, has free admission.
Find Local Goods as Farmer’s Markets
Outdoor markets are among the most popular things to do in Sumter, SC, so you have multiple markets to choose from. The South Sumter Farmer’s and Flea is open on Friday afternoon from May to December, while the downtown market is open every Saturday morning from May to September.
The earliest to open is the Sumter Farmer’s Market at the USC Sumter, which opens in April and runs every Friday afternoon through November. The markets are the best way to get a feel for local produce and crafts — and bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Shop ‘til You Drop
The town has a few popular malls, but all the unique boutiques and historical shops are really the best shopping-related things to do in Sumter, SC. Start at Bultman Avenue which has an impressive collection of extremely cute gift shops, as well as a farm store.
A favorite of locals is the old-school hardware shop Wally’s on Broad Street and Simpson Hardware. Main Street is also home to a few great antique stores, such as Ages Antiques and Broadstone Manor.
Watch the Birds at Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Swan Lake Irish Gardens has an old-school swamp feel that makes it eerily beautiful, but the main attraction is the large number of diverse animals to spot, including egret, swan, and heron. Also adding to its wonderland reputation: iris flowers. About 120 varieties of them line the garden, providing breathtaking color and an unforgettable, relaxing scent. It’s one of the things to do in Sumter that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Get Artsy
Sumter’s burgeoning art scene is impressive. The town has the popular Sumter Gallery of Art, which hosts both classes and exhibits, as well as the Sumter Little Theatre which has performances throughout the year. There’s even the Sumter Opera House.
The most popular art venues are likely USC Sumter’s four on-campus galleries. Always open to the public, the exhibitions rotate throughout the year but typically include both local and national artists.
Festival on the Avenue
Spring festival season usually begins with this West African Bimbé harvest festival with dance, parades, and delicious soul food. Later in the spring, you can take part in the Bethune Legacy Festival (usually the third weekend in May), which celebrates human rights champion Mary McLeod Bethune) as well as the Iris Festival over Memorial Day Weekend.
Traveling? Take Care of a Financial Issue First
A financial emergency makes it difficult to enjoy a much-needed vacation like checking out all the things to do in Sumter. A South Carolina payday loan can help.
Designed as a short-term, small cash loan, a South Carolina payday loan can offer up to $500 for those who qualify. It’s easy: All you need is a driver’s license or government-issued identification, your most recent paystub, and a blank check from a checking account that is active and in your name. You can even get loans for bad credit in Sumter, South Carolina.
At Carolina Payday Loans, Inc., it can take as little as 30 minutes to qualify.
All you need to do to get started is go online. Once you fill out the short South Carolina payday loan inquiry form on our website and one of our loan representatives will give you a quick call to walk you through the rest of the payday loan steps so you can get the money you need quickly and easily.
Get Started Today
With so many great things to do in Sumter, SC, it’s tempting to take off for a long weekend. That may not be an option for those who are dealing with a financial emergency. For a South Carolina payday loan, go online, give us a call, or visit us today.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.