I'm super bummed that it was completely overcast today when I visited Barnwell to see the sundial…read more There was no telling the time today other than from the clock in my car, or my Fitbit, or my phone, but not from the sundial. Quite possibly the only one of its kind, it has displayed the accurate time - within two minutes of standard time - for over 150 years. It was a gift to the city in 1858 from state senator J.D. Allen. The plaque reads, "The sundial. The oldest known device for the measurement of time, a sundial indicates time by the position of the shadow of a gnomon cast by the sun on the face of a dial marked in hours. The gnomon is a flat piece of metal in the center of the dial with its back pointing towards the North Pole when in the northern hemisphere and facing due south and with the upper edge slanting at an angle equal to the altitude of the location of the sundial." [Review 16842 overall - 873 in South Carolina - 355 of 2022.]

This was a wonderful rare educational find on our way to the healing springs in Barnwell, SC. I…read moreactually did more research once I got home for a better understanding! For over 150 years, Barnwell's rare vertical sundial has given the correct time of day. It is thought to be the only one of its kind remaining in America. Legend has it that this is the only vertical sundial in the United States and though erected two years prior to standard time, it keeps within two minutes of that. Captain Joseph D. Allen, had the sundial made in Charleston. Stop if you in the area!

During the Civil War, Major General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick's cavalry commandeered Banksia Hall in…read morethe town of Barnwell for five days, burning down much of the town during their stay. Banksia then became a Federal occupation headquarters during Reconstruction. This memorial is on a small triangular park in the center of Barnwell, directly opposite the Barnwell City Hall and the Barnwell County Courthouse. It is quite corroded and the 24 foot tall marble monument is in need of a cleaning. There are inscriptions on three faces of the monument. On the North face, "Erected by the women of Barnwell to the memory of their countrymen who fell in the war for the rights of the states. And who died to maintain the principal that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." On the South face, "Who wrung from the great commander of the opposing armies the humiliating confession that they could be overcome only by attrition. And in the deadly contest in which they engaged their spirits were never broken. Their courage never quailed. Their convictions never deserted. And their manhood was never surrendered." And on the West face, "Who throughout a long and bloody struggle displayed a heroism and devotion to duty unsurpassed. If ever equaled in the annals of war." As these monuments are slowly being removed from the South, stop by and check it out while it's still here. [Review 16841 overall - 872 in South Carolina - 354 of 2022.]

This marker is on the corner in front of the Barnwell City Hall and across the street from the…read moreBarwell County Courthouse and the Sundial. It points out the history of this building that is over 130 years old. On the front, "Bank of Barnwell. This building, constructed in 1887 as the Bank of Barnwell, was home to a succession of banks for 116 years. The bank occupied the first floor, and the law offices occupied the second floor, with additions in 1950 and 1961. This was the Bank of Barnwell 1887-1909, Western Carolina Bank 1909-1932, the Bank of Barnwell 1932-1963, State Bank and Trust from 1963 to the late 1970s, then housed several bank branches until First Citizens Bank of S.C. was the last, 1995-2003." and on the reverse, "Edgar A. Brown Law Office. The law firm of Edgar A. Brown (1888-1975) occupied the second floor for more than sixty years, with later partners since. One partner, Herman Mazursky, was Barnwell's longest-serving mayor. Brown, one of the powerful politicians in "the Barnwell Ring," is best known as president pro tem of the S.C. Senate 1942-1972. The City of Barnwell renovated this building in 2008, with city hall on the first floor. Sponsored by the City of Barnwell, 2012." It's an impressive building and if you're here for City Hall, check it out. There is street parking. [Review 16845 overall - 876 in South Carolina - 358 of 2022.]

Nothing to do with automobiles, this marker points out nearby defensive structures that were active…read morein two different wars. It is on the side of the road and easily accessible if passing through Barnwell. The marker reads on the front, "Nearby earthworks at Morris Ford, on the Salkehatchie River, built in the spring 1780 by Loyalists under Ben John. In May, soon after Charleston fell to the British, Capt. John Mumford of the South Carolina militia was killed in action in a clash with John's Loyalists; he is buried at the site. In early 1865 Confederate cavalry under Maj. Joseph Wheeler rebuilt the old earthworks." And on the reverse, "Wheeler delayed the advancing Federal cavalry under Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick. On February 6th a sharp skirmish occurred at the works. Elements of Kilpatrick's crossed downstream, outflanked the Confederate cavalry and forced it to withdraw, then advanced to Barnwell while Wheeler's cavalry withdrew toward Aiken. Kilpatrick's Federals burned most of Barnwell later that night." It is marker number 6-5 and was erected in 1997 by the Barnwell County Museum and Historical Board. [Review 19496 overall - 1067 in South Carolina - 466 of 2023.]

Such a nice trail for walking, running or biking. Reminds me of Silver Comet Trail, how it goes…read morethrough the backyards of older neighborhoods. The spur down by the river was the trip's highlight. Quite lovely. This trail has all needed amenities... bathrooms, bike tire inflation stations, good signage, and nicely paved asphalt.

The greenway in runs right to the ritzy waterfront area, but there several miles of it. It is…read morepaved, and while on occasions it passes sports facilities or people's backyards, it is generally quite green. It is usually well-attended and I have not had any safety concerns; it certainly feels better than comparable areas on the other side of the river. There are plenty of bikers, but the trail is generally wide enough not to present any major issues of overcrowding. It's definitely a good way to get a taste of the environment without driving too far from the city.

What a beautiful spot to spend some time. My son and I brought five containers of water and we are…read morealready out of water! The water tastes delicious and so fresh. There are no words for how it tastes! If you are planning on going go earlier in the day; it doesn't seem to be as crowded then. Being more jugs for water than you think you are going to need. The store up the road has jugs available for purchase.

Unable to check in for lack of cell service but could not complain since it is God's property,…read morewhere else do you find an Acre of land deeded to God himself, he owns the universe but this Acre is deeded. It was pouring when we went back with our jugs just 10 minutes after taking the pictures so I can't attest to the water properties it it sure reminded me of Hot Springs, AR where people also wait in line to fill jugs to take home. Will be back to get some home and visit God on his property

This is a very beautiful public park near downtown Augusta, GA, that we visited last weekend. This…read morewas a pleasant place to w, walk here visitors can enjoy local artists, flowers, and a great review of the river. We really enjoyed this area as it was very safe, quiet, and relaxing. We visited in December so we had great weather. BOAT HOUSE RENTALS look on Airbnb! The hostess (Beth) operates the rentals and the Sunday market along river. Beth was absolutely informative and an excellent host. This was a great experience, one of my bucket list! This was an excellent and very comfortable hotel option while we were visiting the Augusta, GA area last weekend! This boathouse lodging is situated conveniently on the Augusta marina, so there was no parking issues. The reservation process was very easy, and we had no issues communicating with the owner all through our visit. This houseboat was an older vessel, that was restored and could easily be enough space for 4 adults. On our visit we just had 2 adults, so the full size bed was more than comfortable. They also have two two size buckbeds that could be used for kids or other adults. This houseboat was very cozy and comfortable. It had direct TV and all the other options (microwave, refrigerator, stove.

Quite very nice place to visit. Take your day trip there walk along the Riverwalk. Beautiful houses…read moreto look at as you sit on the riverbank after the walk past all the vendors selling their personal goods.

After a "destination lunch" in Yemassee SC, our server asked if we were seeking history. Replying…read morethat it was an interest, they suggested going just six miles down the road. Yes! Six miles and 250 years earlier, we drove into a hauntingly beautiful open grove of ruins did we go! Park off the street easily. Off street parking with no sidewalks or crossings, then you'll walk into history. Burned once by the British in 1777, rebuilt, then burned one more, and final time by Sherman's mary in the civil war, as he rained terror on these rural folk, returning from conquering Savannah in the final years of the civil war. Some people remain behind in the graveyard, so please be respectful during your time here. It's silence and magistry will stay with you. The old water pump still delivers cold, sweet spring water, so have some before you go. Bring a cup (no waste cans!), or go old school and use your hand. The sadness comes from knowing that these bricks were made by slaves...

My wife and I visited here on an anniversary trip from a recommendation of a friend. It's about 50…read moremiles from Charleston SC but was well worth the drive. We were the only ones there. It's a historic site known as Prince William's Parish Church. Built between 1745 and 1753 in the English Georgian style with Roman Tuscan or Doric elements, it served as a chapel of ease for the parish. The church has a dramatic history, traditionally believed to have been burned twice: first by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War and again in 1865 by General Sherman's forces during the Civil War, leaving only its massive brick walls. However, a 1866 letter by Milton Leverett suggests the church was not burned in 1865 but instead gutted for materials to rebuild homes destroyed by Sherman's army, challenging the traditional narrative. I'd highly recommend a trip here if you are in the area and like things like this.

So I dropped my luggage in room 666, map in hand, inappropriately dressed for the cold, but looking…read moreimpractically chic. Just loved how the traffic light posts spoke to me: "wait! Wait!" Wait!" as I kept pressing the button just to hear it. Did it so often in each traffic light I encountered that I skipped psychotherapy that week. I decided to put everything on hold...and waited. Augusta's River Walk overlooks the Savannah River and on the other side incredibly gorgeous homes of South Carolina. The weather man had predicted cloudy skies and he was wrong. The sky could not have looked more blue (will not use the correct "bluer," because it's shortness sounds so limiting and this sky was boundless) or more spacious. As I sat on the steps of the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, I thought about Louis Armstrong and his rendition of "What a wonderful World"... and now that technology is prevalent, I pulled out my cell phone and YouTubed it. The place was deserted... an old lady feeding some birds and a grandchild giddily watching. Some rowers practicing for the Regatta which was to take place the next day. Red buoys bobbing and floating marking the course. Bare limbs on trees calling forth Christmas. I felt a pang of envy wishing I could listen to Norah Jones or Diana Krall playing her piano right there. From what I heard when I inquired to some of the bartenders I met later on... the amphitheater is barely used now. Forgotten. It is sometimes rented for around $300 as a wedding ceremony venue, but concerts have become a rarity. I can't think of another place where I might watch a concert so perfectly nested. So I sat there enjoying the concert in my head.