Winchester Museum
Before the back-seat groaning starts, remind the gang that this is a very different museum: It’s dedicated to the wild turkey. Though most Americans will have a turkey on the table in November, this Edgefield facility, owned by the National Wild Turkey Federation, notes that the turkey population is almost 7 million. The grounds include more than 100 acres for an outdoor education center, a wild turkey habitat and a museum packed with interactive displays. Learn a turkey call, take a hike through the wetlands or have a bite in the picnic pavilion.
770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, S.C. 803-637-3106, nwtf.org, @NWTF_official.
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
In the heart of South Carolina, the capital, Columbia, is home to a variety of wild animals from around the globe: giraffes, zebras, 900-pound Galapagos tortoises, Komodo dragons, wallabies and lions, to name a few. Plan to be there when it’s feeding time for the gorillas, then stroll through the interactive exhibit on koalas and kangaroos, climb a rock wall or take a ride on the kiddie train. The gardens feature themed areas (Asian, roses, shade, bogs) and a woodland walk that meanders by the ruins of an old textile mill. Overnight programs are also offered.
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, S.C. 803-779-8717, riverbanks.org, @RiverbanksZoo.
Charleston Tea Plantation
Next time you order sweet tea, the kids will know where it comes from after a trip to this plantation — the only one in the U.S. growing tea. Located on Wadmalaw Island in the state’s Lowcountry, it offers tours and special events. Hop a trolley and ride through the tea fields that stretch across 127 acres and produce more than 320 types of the leaves. The harvest goes into making several lines of flavored and classic teas. Picnickers are welcome.
6617 Maybank Highway, Charleston, S.C. 843-559-0383, charlestonteaplantation.com, @ChasTeaPlant.
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