Sumter, The Gamecock City, has many of the shopping, business, and eating establishments found all over and continues to add more almost monthly. Sumter is the home of Swan Lake where you can enjoy walks around the lake, among iris gardens, azaleas, and water fowl. Swan Lake is the only place where you can find all 8 species of swan known. In May, Swan Lake host the Iris Festival. Enjoy the flowers, events, and the gardens during this annual event. To learn more about Swan Lake visit: http://www.sumter-sc.com/VisitingUs/SwanLake.aspx. Sumter also has free outdoor entertainment during the spring, summer, fall, with Sumter@Six and Fridays at the Plaza. Sumter@Six is a family evening featuring live 50's and 60's music, including beach music. Fridays at the Plaza is a live music event that is set for adults to get away for an evening of outdoor music fun. Sumter/Shaw has several higher education facilities in the University of South Carolina, Sumter, Central Carolina Technical College and schools associated with the Shaw AFB Education office. This is just some of the many things Sumter has to offer.
Sumter got the nickname "The Gamecock City" from General Thomas Sumter who was known as The Gamecock and settled in the Sumter area after fighting in the Revolutionary War. After settling down he once again served his country by serving in the First US Congress. For more information on General Thomas Sumter please visit the Sumter Web Site.
An hour drive west will put you in the capital city of Columbia, with it's many cultural, shopping, and nightlife establishments. Enjoy college sports, a robust night life, plenty of shopping, and many cultural events in the Midlands of SC. About an hour drive to the south will put you in Santee Lake region and the abundant fishing opportunities it has to offer. Santee Lakes are the home of the only land locked striped bass and is the enjoyment of many instate and out of state anglers. Two hours to the northeast will find you in Myrtle Beach with all it's fun in the sun, water, nightlife, shopping, and attractions year round. Two hours to the southeast is Charleston and it's old world charm. Welcome to Sumter, The Gamecock City.
