Pedro's Mexican Shop West @ South of the Border - Hamer, SC…read more A Classic Roadside Attraction with a Lot of Character (and a Need for Some TLC) My husband, daughter, and I went out of our way to stop at South of the Border, and it was totally worth it! One of the coolest spots we explored was Pedro's Mexican Shop West--this gift shop is HUGE and filled with colorful, quirky, and unique finds. We spent over an hour just browsing everything inside. It's one of those old-school, fun stops that brings out the road-trip nostalgia. Definitely a memory-maker! My one suggestion: The entire South of the Border compound could really use a fresh coat of paint. It's looking a bit rundown, especially the hotel and RV park areas. The place has so much personality--it would be a shame to let it keep decaying. A little love and upkeep would go a long way here! Hours of Operation (as of August 2025): Gift Shops & Dining: Mexico Shop East & West: Sun-Thu: 7:30 AM - 9 PM Fri-Sat: 7:30 AM - 10 PM Sombrero Restaurant: Sun-Thu: 7:30 AM - 9 PM Fri-Sat: 7:30 AM - 10 PM Pedro's Ice Cream Fiesta: Daily: 11 AM - 8 PM Peddler Steakhouse (Dinner Only): Sun-Thu: 5 PM - 9:30 PM Fri-Sat: 5 PM - 10:30 PM Closed Mondays through Nov 25 Motor Inn & Truck Stop: OPEN 24/7 A Little History: South of the Border started in 1949 as a beer stand and quickly grew into one of America's most iconic roadside attractions. Located just south of the North Carolina state line on I-95, it became famous for its flashy signs, neon lights, giant Pedro statue, and over-the-top charm. At its peak, it included hotels, restaurants, fireworks stands, and even a mini amusement park. Worth the stop? Absolutely. Would we stay overnight? Probably not--unless it gets a refresh. If you're road-tripping down I-95, this is a must-see for a quick break, some photos, and fun shopping. Just hope they give it the glow-up it deserves!

South of the Border is one of my happy places. I love the sheer amount of unabashed tackiness. I…read morelove the billboards that start showing up on 95 halfway through North Carolina. I love Pedro. This time around we visited the Mexico store. Ten million glasses but Jeremy couldn't find the one he wanted (a silicone coffee mug). We did, however, leave with a back scratcher, a ten cent sticker, and a new magnet for my growing collection. We also took the opportunity to use the bathroom. I'm glad the ladies room was empty because the "accessible" stall was too small. And the toilet was so low to the floor I wasn't sure it wasn't made for a child. Afterward, we took a stroll across the pedestrian bridge where we found a second Mexico shop, with 90% of the same stuff for sale. People have started to put love padlocks on the pedestrian bridge. I've always wanted to do that. I even have my locks in the van, but haven't gotten around to putting our initials on them yet. Probably a good thing though, since Jeremy changed his last name a couple of months ago. Ah well. Next time, I suppose, because there's always a next time for me when it comes to South of the Border.

Love this location, I go often. P is my favorite cashier. Wish the company would update their stock…read morewith newer stuff, especially in the art supplies section. Still a fun store to visit

Although this is just your typical Hobby Lobby, it is very clean and open. The staff was very…read morefriendly and helpful. The shelves were well stocked! Employees were cleaning regularly which was nice to see. Absolutely no complaints about this location and would definitely stop here again.

True confession time, I love South of the Border and all of it's tacky glory. Be sure to spend…read moretime checking out the silly statues outside the shop too! I stopped in here on a weekday around 4:30 and wandered the grounds a bit since I was staying 30 minutes south of here. I had my 5 pound dog with me and pets were allowed inside as long at they are carried. They sell your standard kitsch South of the Border items here. I was surprised to see they do actually have a Mexican shop inside! It's all stuff you would find in Tijuana, but for WAY more $. Items like sombreros, panchos, art and Mexican bags are available. The pottery was pretty and vibrantly colored though. I absolutely loved the small wall signs but at $18, no way Jose I did pick up a cute Pedro sign for $10 and it's now hanging in my kitchen. I saw cute items like pedro sandals, magnets, glassware and shot glasses on necklaces. Spotted random junk like fake alligator toys, dog leashes and coffee mugs. This shop is not far from the sombrero ride and observatory.

I went on vacation to South Carolina and my experience was awful there was a hefty black woman…read morefollowing me and my family around the store treating us like thief's and I didn't appreciate feeling like a criminal when my last thought was to shop lift she then proceeded to converse with an associate on checkout and they looked at me at the beginning- middle- and end of the conversation she would lean on a shopping buggy and just stare me down if you thought I was stealing ma'am you could of just asked this was a few months ago and I still think about my awful experience and how I should I stuck up for myself this is it thanks for reading

Best pharmacy ever!! Nice family owned respectful and I wouldn't trade this place for anything!!read more

The lady at the front was friendly. Made some conversation for a bit. She even gave us a little…read morediscount!