Some of the Lowcountry's smaller, charming towns include Hampton, Estill, Brunson, Varnville, Yemassee and Port Royal. These towns are typical of old-fashioned southern living. It's not uncommon to see folks gathered at a barber shop or sitting on the front porch, waving a fan, sipping lemonade. Life is slow and easy in these friendly rural towns where numerous farms, antebellum homes, historic churches and cemeteries still exist today.

Hampton is the county seat, named after General Wade Hampton, an important Civil War military leader and former state governor. Sights to see include the Hampton Museum & Visitors Center, housed in the old town bank. Try your luck at finding the code to the bank's old safe, unopened in over 50 years! The County museum is housed in the old jail and features military exhibits as well as genealogy of county residents and their ancestors. The old courthouse, built in 1878, stands proud and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lake Warren State Park offers pier fishing, boating, picnicking and nature viewing along a shady lake. Overall, Hampton is a quaint southern town with a lot to offer visitors.

Estill, just 15 miles southwest of Hampton, is well known for it's rich hunting and fishing. The many ponds and swamps hold a multitude of freshwater fish and locals find it fun to fish from the bridges. Hunters come from near and far to the hunting plantations that offer thousands of acres full of turkeys, whitetail deer, quail, duck, rabbit and raccoon. Estill is filled with historic buildings, churches and cemeteries. Take a Civil War historic tour with Lawton O'Cain as she leads you down the Old Orangeburg Road and Sherman's path of destruction. End your tour with a comfortable stay in the John Lawton House Bed & Breakfast and dine at one of the inexpensive restaurants.

Brunson, chartered in 1874 was once a booming metropolis and railroad town. Located just 5 miles northwest of Hampton, Brunson is presently a small rural town rich in agriculture. When in season, cotton, watermelons and peanut crops stretch across miles of fields. Brunson's famous town hall, featured in "Ripley's Believe it or Not" was cited as the only Town Hall on stilts in the world. The eight sided building was built in 1906 and cost $425.00 which included an artesian well. The building served as a municipal office and meeting place for Mayor and Council, became a recreation spot for town citizens and provides shade for the artesian well. Recently celebrated as the County's oldest business, Hogarths sells woodworking and furniture. Colonial Manor antiques sells antique furnishings and is located in a historic home.

Varnville, just 23 miles from I-95, was originally known as "Dixie" circa 1800. One of the original founders of this quaint town was James Varn who operated a sawmill. It was said that the aristocrats settled in Varnville and lovely old homes still stand today. The entire town was transformed and scenes from the major motion picture "Forrest Gump" were filmed in Varnville's town square. Many of the old buildings still line the town square including some which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The old post office has been transformed into a lovely coffee shop and sells gourmet coffee and other southern collectibles. Palmetto trees line the main avenue through Varnville and a large white gazebo is the meeting place for many of the town's events. Behind the gazebo is the old depot which has been renovated and adds to the ambiance of the town.

Yemassee, located at exit 38, was named after an Indian tribe. Located in Hampton County, this land of deep forests, swamps and ponds is today famous to many sportsmen, hunters and fishermen for its exceptional hunting grounds and excellent river and creek fishing. Evidence of the area's first residents, the native Indians, can still be seen through such fascinating river names as the Salkehatchie, Combahee and the Coosawhatchie. Searching for Indian artifacts is a popular pastime, especially over a freshly plowed field after a good rain where many an arrowhead or pottery shard can be discovered. Other attractions include antebellum plantations, historic churches and cemeteries. Yemassee, just one mile off of I-95, hosts an annual Shrimp Festival in September, celebrating the abundance of shrimp caught locally each year.

Port Royal, since its founding in 1562, has seen seven flags fly over its fields and roads -- French, Spanish, English, Scottish, Confederate, USA and South Carolina. Located between Historic Beaufort and Parris Island, Port Royal is experiencing a renaissance; it is recreating itself with new "neighborhood" homes, and a new interest in preserving the historic area has emerged. Shops and restaurants offer visitors entertainment. Port Royal's riverfront beach, "The Sands" provides a spot to relax and play with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway, while the marsh boardwalk and observation tower are available for fishing and sight seeing.