Day Trippin’

a suggested itinerary i Start off with a morning of golf at Beech Creek Golf Club, one of the most scenic courses in Sumter. i Just a short drive away is lunch at Batten’s of Wedgefield. We recommend getting a double cheeseburger “all the way” (ketchup, mustard, mayo, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce). Batten’s is located at 2070 Highway 261 S in Wedgefield. i Spend the afternoon at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the only public park in the United States to feature all eight species of swans. But that’s not all the wildlife you’re likely to see! Don’t forget to stop in at the Sumter Visitors Center gift shop. If you want to bike, run, or walk, Swan Lake Iris Gardens also serves as a trail head for the 3.1 mile Shot Pouch Greenway. i Swing by local favorite, Willie Sue’s, for dinner, where you can start with an appetizer of alligator tail before you dig into a rib eye steak! You can find them at 3355 Patriot Pkwy. i Take in a show at the historic Sumter Opera House or if you’re visiting from May to September you might be able to catch our FREE live music at Sumter’s Fourth Fridays block party. i Spend the night at the 1912 Bed & Breakfast; just a short walk from the Opera House.

Historic landmarks are plentiful in Sumter, each showcasing the rich history of the area. Not far from Beech Creek, is the resting place of our own Fighting Gamecock in General Thomas Sumter Park.

i After breakfast at the 1912 Bed & Breakfast, get an after breakfast chilled or hot (depending on the weather) chai tea latte at Brubaker’s on Main St.

i Spend the morning playing a FREE game of pickleball at our internationally recognized Palmetto Tennis Center located at 400 Theatre Dr.

i For lunch, indulge yourself at Simply Southern Bistro at 65 Wesmark Blvd. in Sumter. Grab a plate of Fried Green Tomatoes followed by a traditional favorite, Shrimp and Grits.

i On your way to shop on Bultman Dr., make a little detour by Baker’s Sweets to pick up some dessert or sweet snacks for later. You’ll find them on 1089 Alice Dr. If you get the chance, try the Lemon Squares!

i After lunch, do some shopping along Bultman Dr. Don’t forget to swing by Simpson Ace Hardware & Sports on West Wesmark Blvd. for some fishing gear for your Sunday excursion at Poinsett Park. FYI, most specialty stores are closed on Sundays; however the bigger box stores are always an option.

i Grab your special someone for a date night at Lilfred’s with an elegant four course meal in historic Rembert. The Baked Pimento Cheese Spread is a fantastic appetizer for the main course of Crispy Duck. While reservations are not required, we highly recommend them as the secret is out on this restaurant! Call (803) 432-8750 to reserve your spot. Located at 8425 Camden Hwy, Rembert.

i After dinner, shoot over to the Sumter Speedway for some racing action on the “toughest lil’ dirt track in the South.” Military get in FREE! 3150 Wedgefield Rd.

i Grab a night cap at Sumter Original Brewery where you can take to the roof for a scenic view of downtown.

i Stay at Hyatt Place Downtown Sumter for a relaxing stay with a pool and more amenities.

There are 8 restaurants, 5 bars, including our first brewery, and free parking all within a block of the front door of the Hyatt.

i Eat a light breakfast at the Hyatt before you head out to Poinsett State Park to explore over 1000 acres filed with trails. Or use your new fishing gear to catch the big one. Call ahead to reserve one of the paddleboards, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, campsites, overnight cabins, and more. (803) 494-8177 i It just wouldn’t be a trip to Sumter without trying Hampton’s brunch. We suggest you enjoy a mimosa with your Eggs Benedict. Hampton’s has been recognized by foodies the world over as a hidden gem with outstanding food...and it’s right here in Sumter! Reservations can be made online i After you pamper yourself with lunch, take a short walk to visit Sumter’s Military Museum at 129 S. Harvin St. The displays honor veterans of all branches, regardless of place of birth. The memorabilia is all donated to the museum. Among the displays are 175 uniforms representing service from WWII on. It is a sobering and reflective experience to gaze upon the thousands of photos and read notes and letters by those who have served.

The trails at Poinsett offer up some gnarly off-road adventures, including three trailheads to access the Palmetto Trail.

Sumter is the only county to have three trail heads on the trail. This 500-mile cross-state trail offers hiking and biking paths that follow beside lakes, across swamps, across mountain ridges, and go through forests and towns big and small. Check out the maps at www.palmettoconservation.org.

Sumter is going green! You might have noticed we’ve got a few Teslas out on the streets in Sumter, so we added some electric car charging stations - eight to be exact!

Here’s where you can find them:

• 2541 Broad St., Candlewood Suites

• 2490 Broad St., Holiday Inn Express

• 2645 Broad St., SpringHill Suites by Marriot

• 3355 Patriot Pkwy., Willie Sue’s Restaurant

• 12 E. Hampton St., Sumter Opera House

• 2607 Broad St., Tru by Hilton

• 2505 Broad St., Chili’s

• 2515 Broad St., TownePlace Suites by Marriot