As visitors arrive in Orangeburg for the 2024 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series, officials are reminding them that the area has a lot to enjoy. "Orangeburg is a treasure trove of attractions, perfect for families seeking memorable experiences," Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President James McQuilla said. "Orangeburg is more than just a collection of attractions.
It's a community that embraces visitors with open arms.” "Our residents take pride in creating a welcoming environment, where everyone feels at home," McQuilla continued. "Whether you're exploring our parks, enjoying our entertainment centers, or simply taking in the local scenery, you'll find that Orangeburg is a place where family memories are made.
" McQuilla said he is anticipating 35,000 visitors for the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series. If this is realized, he said it will be “the largest single event in Orangeburg in many years.” Among Orangeburg’s attractions is Edisto Memorial Gardens, which McQuilla called one of the area’s crown jewels.
“As you wander through the gardens, you'll find the fragrance of blooming flora and the tranquil sounds of nature provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and family photos,” McQuilla said. The gardens’ boardwalk takes visitors through a wetland populated by tupelo and cypress trees. A cypress display case on the boardwalk provides visitors with information about life on and near the Edisto River.
Boaters can pull up to the dock and enjoy the gazebo. “Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Orangeburg,” McQuilla said. For those who like water and outdoor adventures, the Edisto River flows through Orangeburg.
The river is an ideal spot for kayaking, swimming and boating. Visit Edisto Memorial Gardens at 218 Riverside Dr. SW to walk along the river, or Orangeburg County’s Lake Edisto Park at 1197 Lake Edisto Road.
The park features a boardwalk, fitness stations and dog park. Santee State Park and Lake Marion, the largest lake in the state, are just a half hour's drive from the City of Orangeburg. "Lake Marion and Santee State Park are perfect destinations for boating, fishing and hiking," McQuilla said.
"These natural havens offer serene landscapes and abundant wildlife, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life." The lake covers more than 110,000 acres and has a 315-mile shoreline of rolling farmlands, former marshes and river valley landscape. The lake has an abundance of wildlife and is brimming with marine life.
The lake has gained legendary status for record game fish catches. Santee State Park is located at 251 State Park Road in Santee. Orangeburg County’s Indian Bluff Recreation Park is located at 157 State Road in Eutawville.
Both are on Lake Marion. The county of Orangeburg boasts about five golf courses in total. The Orangeburg Country Club and Hillcrest golf courses are in Orangeburg.
“Golfers will appreciate the well-maintained greens at Hillcrest Golf Course, where you can enjoy a round of golf amidst picturesque surroundings,” McQuilla said. “It's a great place to enjoy some sport while taking in the natural beauty of Orangeburg.” In addition to water bodies, the county also has two water parks – the Orangeburg County Aquatic Center and the water park in Santee.
“The YMCA offers exciting water slides and pools that promise fun for kids and adults alike,” McQuilla said. “It's a fantastic way to cool off and enjoy some active recreation.” There are places to enjoy indoors as well.
There is the MAX Family Entertainment Center on Red Bank Road near Interstate 26, Exit 145. The 30,000-square-foot family entertainment center complex offers an arcade, laser tag, trampolines, soft play, bumper cars, escape rooms and a spin zone. The fun park includes party rooms, a community/kitchen center, concession stand/restaurant and prize-redemption area.
The park is open Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.; Friday from noon to 9 p.
m.; Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. “It's an ideal spot for family bonding and friendly competition, ensuring hours of entertainment for everyone,” McQuilla said.
Claflin University’s 172-seat movie theater provides new releases at 1810 Magnolia Street. Showing through the weekend will be “Inside Out 2.” The movie is rated PG.
Parking is through the gymnasium parking lot off Magnolia Street. Tickets are $10.50 for adults and children under 12 are $6.
30. Tickets can be purchased via Fandango or by visiting the Claflin University Theater website. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the movie theater at 1810 Magnolia Street.
Movie times are Thursday, 6 p.m. and 9 p.
m.; Friday, 6 p.m.
and 9 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.
m., 5 p.m.
and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.
m. and 5 p.m.
McQuilla touted the theater as ideal for “movie lovers where you can catch the latest films in a cozy, community-focused setting.” “It's a great way to unwind after a day of exploring our beautiful town,” he said. For those wanting to experience artistic and cultural opportunities, there is the Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum.
“A visit to the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum is a powerful experience that offers insights into the significant history of the Civil Rights Movement,” McQuilla said. “The museum's exhibits and artifacts tell compelling stories of courage and resilience, making it an educational and inspiring stop for families.” The museum offers historical exhibits, photos, artifacts and documents not found in any other museum.
Admission fees are currently being underwritten by museum partners. Donations are still welcome. The museum is open to visitors by appointment only.
One can schedule a visit by visiting cecilwilliams.com or by calling 803-531-1662. The museum is located at 1865 Lake Drive.
The Orangeburg County Library is located at 1645 Russell Street in Orangeburg. The DYB tournament, which will be held from Thursday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 30, will feature all-star teams from 11 Southeast states and a host team from Orangeburg. The teams are made up of 7- and 8-year-old players.
The bulk of the events for the five-day period will be held at Orangeburg’s North Road Recreational Complex. The World Series festivities will kick off Thursday, July 25, with a team dinner and opening ceremonies at South Carolina State University’s Oliver C. Dawson Stadium from 7:30 p.
m. to 8:30 p.m.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The opening ceremony is free and open to the public.
Attendees are asked to enter campus through Gate 5, 401 Chestnut Street, or Gate 1, 100 Buckley Street. There will be a clear bag policy at the event. Games will begin Friday, July 26 at 9 a.
m. A series pass will cost $30 a person and allows entry to all games during the tournament. A daily pass is $10 and allows entry to one full day of games.
All attendees must have a pass to enter the ballpark at any point during the tournament. Passes are not required for concerts in the park. The concerts are free and open to the public.
Series passes will be sold during opening ceremonies and at the ticket booths during the first day of play (pool play on Friday, July 26). Daily passes will only be sold at the ticket booths each day and can only be purchased on the day you are attending the World Series. Attendees are asked to use the main gate at the Orangeburg Recreation Park, 224 Magnolia Village Parkway (across from Lowe's on North Road), for both the tournament and for the concerts in the park.
The Concert Series will take place Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.
m. each night. This family-friendly event features a variety of musical acts, including: • Friday, July 26: Surfside – Beach Night in the Park • Saturday, July 27: Cash Money Experience – R&B Night in Orangeburg • Sunday, July 28: DJ RED – Dance Party in the Park Refreshments will be sold at the park and during events.
No cash will be accepted as attendees will be required to pay by card. For more information about the event, visit orangeburgdyb.com Contact the writer: gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.
com or 803-533-5551. Check out Zaleski on Twitter at @ZaleskiTD. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.
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