For any potential visitor, South Carolina�s well-known slogan, Smiling Faces Beautiful Places says it all. It tells them immediately the people are friendly and the scenery is spectacular. From the glowing white beaches along the Atlantic Ocean to the rolling foothills of the Appalachians, South Carolina is unmatched for its natural beauty. But there is so much more the Palmetto State has to offer.

There are more than 300 public golf courses across the state that will challenge the weekend amateur or the touring professional. There are exceptional gardens, including Middleton Place near Charleston and the South Carolina Botanical Garden near Clemson, where you can delight in the elegance of a rare camellia or the delicate bloom of the Carolina Jassamine. There are spectacular lakes, like Jocassee bordering Pickens and Oconee counties and Moultrie in Berkeley County, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. You can see historic sites, like Cowpens National Battlefield in Spartanburg County or Fort Moultrie near Charleston harbor, where Americans died defending their country.

There are 10 tourism districts in South Carolina, each offering something special to enjoy during a quick stopover or an extended stay:

Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach-Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Its shimmering beaches, world-class entertainment, spectacular golf courses and outstanding shopping attract more than 12 million visitors a year. Just south of the beach you can find Brookgreen Gardens, the country�s largest collection of outdoor sculpture.

Historic Charleston-Charleston�s charm and beauty have proved irresistible to countless travelers, who come back again and again to enjoy the city�s rich history and culture. Catch a glimpse of the past as you stroll along narrow streets lined with historic homes. From the historic battery, view two familiar monuments of U.S. history, Fort Sumter and the World War II aircraft carrier Yorktown. See the azaleas, tulips and more come into bloom in Spring, just in time for one of America�s best known cultural events, Spoleto Festival U.S.A.

Lowcountry and Resort Islands-The seemingly endless marshes are home to hermit crabs, sandpipers and American alligators. Visitors can enjoy the region�s unique ecosystem and still bask in the comforts of nearby Hilton Head Island or relax at one of Beaufort�s enchanting bed and breakfast inns. Every spring, Hilton Head is the home for two well-known sporting events, the MCI Classic for professional golfers and the Family Circle Tennis Tournament for women.

Santee Cooper Country-The heart of Santee Cooper is water and more water. Lakes Moultrie and Marion generate a large share of the state�s $600 million fishing industry each year. In nearby Orangeburg, Edisto Memorial Gardens is home to more than 70 variety of roses.

Pee Dee Country-Tens of thousands of NASCAR fans gather at Darlington every year for the Mountain Dew Southern 500 and the TranSouth Financial 400. The small towns around the Pee Dee come alive each summer when the state�s number one cash crop, tobacco, is auctioned off in lively sessions.

Capital City and Lake Murray Country-South Carolina�s majestic capitol was shelled when Sherman�s troops marched through Columbia during the Civil War. Just outside the Capital city, travelers can visit one of the best zoos in the country, Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens or marvel at the grandeur of trees hundreds of years old in the Congaree Swamp National Monument. The earthen dam at Lake Murrary was once the largest of its kind in the world. The recreational lake offers fishing, skiing, sailing and more for outdoor enthusiasts.

Thoroughbred Country-Harness racing is a popular sport in Aiken every spring. The Thoroughbred Hall of Fame commemorates locally bred and trained horses. One of the South�s few commercial wineries, Montmorenci, is just a short distance outside Aiken.

Old 96 District-Historic Abbeville is home to the Burt-Stark House where President Jefferson Davis formally disbanded the Confederate armies. The famous Opera house was a well-known stop during the Vaudeville era for such stars as Groucho Marx. The Savannah River Scenic Highway winds over a hundred miles along the shores of three major lakes, often referred to as South Carolina�s Freshwater Coast. Savvy shoppers can find treasurers in the district�s many antique stores.

Olde English District-The area gets the name from its strong ties to England during the Colonial era. Historic Camden is where British General Cornwallis made his headquarters for part of the war. Today, Camden is home to the nationally known Colonial Cup, a prestigious steeple chase race held each November. Paramount�s Carowinds Park near Fort Mill is a popular stop for many visitors, and Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill is a beautiful place for a quiet stroll.

Discover Upcountry Carolina-Caesars Head State Park offers one of the most spectacular mountain views in the Carolinas. Just west along the Georgia-South Carolina border, the Chattooga River is a wild ride for any canoeing or kayaking enthusiast. Greenville and Spartanburg form the hub of the textile region in the state. German automaker BMW has opened Zentrum, its official visitor�s center, and its collection of vintage cars are proving to be a major attraction.

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism regularly updates its home page on the Internet. You can access the site by using the following address: www.discoversouthcarolina.com

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Media Contact: Melissa Williams +1 803-734-0193 mwilliams@scprt.com