Elloree

One of the better downtown renovations in the area is in tiny Elloree. Unlike most towns in these parts with an Indian name, Elloree’s is not an old usage. In 1886 city fathers adopted the moniker, which ostensibly means “The home I love” in a Native American tongue. Aside from its well-done Victorian district, there’s plenty of antiquing here, mostly up and down the main drag of Cleveland Street.

For a closer look at area history, drop by the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center (2714 Cleveland St., 803/897-2225, www.elloreemuseum.org [1], Wed.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $5 adults, $3 children), which has recently added a wing on rural farm life in the region.

By far the biggest thing happening in town is the Elloree Trials (803/897-2616, $15, under 12 free), a thoroughbred and quarter horse event over Easter weekend featuring about a dozen races and with nearly 10,000 people in attendance—not bad for a town with less than 1,000 residents.