Table Rock State Park
South Carolina

Upcountry and central South Carolina is gifted with majestic mountains, alive with tumultuous rapids, scenic water falls and serene lakes. An outdoor paradise it is the perfect place for a day trip, family vacation or thrilling adventure. Charming towns like Greenville, who's main street was named one of America's 10 greatest streets, greet visitors with the best of southern hospitality.

Spring blooms with a wealth of activities and events. One of the nation's top arts and crafts festivals is held the beginning of March in Columbia. The Craftsmen's Spring Classic Arts and Crafts Festival features original handcrafted work from over 300 local and regional artists. Exhibitors wares include a broad range of art to fit all tastes and budgets.

Rock Hill north of Columbia off of Interstate 77 is holding the 15th annual Patchwork Tales Storytelling Festival mid March. A unique event featuring performances by well known storytellers, concerts and work shops. York County Library sponsors the festival which is free and families are welcome.

South near the Georgia border, Aiken Spring Steeplechase will be held the third week of March. Steeple chasing is an exciting mix of flat track type racing with the addition of jumping combined in timed competitions. Races vary in length between two and four miles in length with various height rails set on the track. A thrilling event for horse enthusiasts.

Columbia hosts the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic at the end of March. This is the largest wildlife show in the Carolina's geared for the entire family. There will be activities scheduled throughout the show for adults and children including archery presentations in addition to animal displays and information on hunting, fishing, and conservation.

Not to be missed is the Governor's Frog Jump Festival in Springfield. Held the first week in April it is complete with a parade, carnival, music and a fireworks finale. It's not just about frogs either as past events have included cow drop competitions and a champion egg striker.

Upland, the coming of spring has been celebrated at the Pendleton Spring Jubilee since 1978. The 2010 festival is the first of April and marks the beginning of tourist season for the region. This is a weekend of entertainment, arts, crafts, antiques, and bike rides through towns filled with unique shops and restaurants.

You can see the world in a 'staycation' in Columbia at the Columbia International Festival. More than 60 countries will be represented at the National exhibits and International Bazaar where costumes, artifacts and curious will be displayed. Taste your way through the International Food Court featuring food from all over the globe. Enjoy the art and culture of the world at an International Fashion Show and the cultural entertainment.

The only thing better than a drive through the Carolina Upland is seeing it from the basket of a hot-air balloon. The Freedom Weekend aloft the last weekend in May in Simpsonville where more than 80 hot-air balloons will launch in the early morning peace amidst the magnificent scenery. In its 29th year the festival has grown to include music stages, family fun and games, amusement rides, challenges, Frisbee dog competitions and terrific food.

Morris Island Lighthouse
South Carolina Coast

South Carolina and it's coast are an unforgettable destination for travel. North from Myrtle Beach to the southern anchor Hilton Head Island, over 200 miles of coastline hold a wealth of sights and activities to enjoy.

The Grand Strand is a 60 mile stretch of classic white sand beaches around Myrtle Beach perfect for family vacations. The Canadian American Days Festival held in March is an excellent way to catch all that the area has to offer. Head to the beach for spring break, events are held in various locations and include sports, concerts, tours and this year St Patrick's day events.

Myrtle Beach Speedway hosts Miatas at Myrtle Beach in March, featuring autocross, drag racing and a precision driving event. This is family friendly event and there will be no pace for the hot laps event. The Beach Family Fitness Festival and Fun Run sponsored by the Children's Museum of South Carolina will be held in April and May.  Bring the kids, there will be a stroller derby, fun run, walks and vendors and activities for all. June brings the Sun Fun Festival feature a parade, pageant, beach games and sporting events.

NASCAR Fans head inland in May to the Darlington Raceway for two NASCAR events. The Diamond Hill Plywood 200 is a 200 mile shootout featuring veteran drivers and new comers hoping to prove themselves. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 500 is a 500 mile race for the best drivers in the world. These races are early in the season and set the tone for the year.

Celebrate the passing of Winter at the Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival. There is a fun run, 5K and 10K run and walk mid March, and teems who finish the race are eligible to enter for a free car. Later in March the Festival begins at Azalea Park, and it ranks as one of the South East's top 20 attractions. The Festival includes an array of arts, crafts, music, entertainment and food.

Fashionistas take note, Charleston Fashion Week 2010 takes place in March for five nights. Celebrating the burgeoning local design and fashion community, In addition to more than 30 runway shows and the Emerging Designer Competition, the event will feature some unique events. Try the Stiletto Stampede or visit the Style Lounge or take in the Bridal Couture Show.

Charleston's Daniel Island is home to the Family Circle Tennis Center which hosts the Family Circle Cup in April. The 2010 event has confirmed that American Melanie Oudin, who is ranked 3rd behind the Williams sisters in the WTA Americans. Watch world class tennis matches and enjoy a week full of spectator activities as well.

Charleston is home to Spoleto Festival USA recognized as the nations premier classical music and theater festival. The 2010 season opens in May and will include the reopening of the Dock Street Theater after a three year renovation. The opening performance will be Flora, an Opera. The festival runs through mid June with  performances featuring the world's best theater, dance and symphonic music.

The Best Western Hotels of South Carolina are located conveniently for travels along the coast or inland along Interstate 95. Look to the Best Western sign for affordable quality accommodations, whether it's an overnight stay or a relaxing beach getaway.