Abbeville Opera House
Abbeville, just over the Georgia line, is home to a 1908 opera house that was once a stop for national touring shows. It became a movie house in the 1950s, but a grass-roots movement in the 1960s restored it as a performance venue. Today, it showcases community theater and remains much the same as it was more than 100 years ago, with the exception of a modern air conditioning system and rocking-chair seats. Shows range from kid-friendly "Snow White" to adult favorites such as "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "The Miracle Worker." Across the street is the Belmont Inn (104 E. Pickens St., Abbeville, S.C. 864-459-9625, belmontinn.net), a refurbished 1903 hotel with 25 guest rooms that offers packages of dinner, show tickets and breakfast. Both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Abbeville Opera House, 100 Court Square, Abbeville, S.C. 864-366-2157, theabbevilleoperahouse, @gottheatre.
Spoleto USA
Few events cover the range of works and artists of this annual festival, which takes over the town at the end of May. For 17 days and nights, historic churches, museums and outdoor venues are turned into performance spaces that showcase established as well as emerging artists. Just about every genre is represented: drama, dance, opera, jazz, choral works, symphonic music, chamber pieces and more. The event began in 1977, when noted composer Gian Carlo Menotti led a group of organizers who wanted to re-create the musical celebration held each year in Spoleto, Italy. Since its debut, Spoleto USA has welcomed names such as Renée Fleming, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell and Yo-Yo Ma as well as renowned playwrights and composers. The 2016 dates are May 27-June 12.
Spoleto Festival USA, 14 George St., Charleston, S.C. 843-722-2764, spoletousa.org, @SpoletoFestival.
Oconee County
Consider getting away to one of the towns in South Carolina’s Oconee County, where the arts are thriving. Every Thursday, from April through October, Seneca is the scene for Jazz on the Alley, free outdoor concerts held along Ram Cat Alley, an area of restaurants and bars. Music on Main takes place on the first Fridays from April through October in Westminster, where the tunes are always tied to beach music; other genres take over the Westminster Music Hall year-round. On the outskirts of town is the Silver Dollar Music Hall, where bluegrass and rock ’n’ roll musicians are often joined by locals and visitors who want to play along. In Walhalla, the red-brick Civic Auditorium holds concerts and performances for children and adults.
Mountain Lakes Convention & Visitors Bureau, 105 W. South Broad St., Walhalla, S.C. 877-685-2537, scmountainlakes.com, @MtnLakesCVB.
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