Following a bombardment of campy billboards, a giant sombrero looms above the horizon. No, it’s not heatwaves coming off the asphalt of I-95, it’s South of the Border. If the advertisements haven’t already worked their way into your subconscious, then veer off the interstate and prepare to be amazed … or disappointed. The theme park, started as a modest beer stand in 1949, is one of the more recognizable landmarks on the interminable monotony that is I-95.

Today, South of the Border seems a little past its prime, which may add to its quirky draw. The gift shops are still there, replete with a bevy of unique junk, and the amusement rides are working – when they’re open. A ride up the 200-foot sombrero tower costs only a dollar and provides a unique panorama of SC’s favorite tourist trap.

Thankfully, just a a few miles further off the highway, you’ll find yourself exploring Dillon County. But just in case all of this seems a little too bland, you can always pick up a six-pack of Blenheim’s spicy ginger ale – brewed locally.

Apart from the neon signs of Pedroland, the rest of Dillon County spreads out in this far northeastern part of our state, abutted to North Carolina. Long a relatively isolated region, the area got a boost when railroads spurred development in the late 1800s. Towns like Dillon and Latta sprang up around a new rail line out of Florence in 1888. In its heyday, the region grew cotton and tobacco, accumulating enough wealth to build opulent structures like the Dillon County Courthouse.

Apparent throughout our trip was the county’s rich historical heritage. The many classic homes and restored buildings speak of a population respectful of its roots. As the focal point of the town, Dillon’s Main Street has many reminders of times past. For one, the railroad still dominates the streetscape, as Dillon boasts one of a handful of Amtrak stations in our state.

	SOUTH OF THE BORDER		DILLON		LATTA

If you continue south for several miles on US 301, you’ll pass by the lovely town of Latta. With nearly 1,500 residents, Latta exudes charm, both through the welcoming demeanor of its townsfolk and its many historic buildings. For a glimpse into the early 20th century, we visited the Dillon County Museum. Once a local dentist’s office, the small museum now displays artifacts from the region’s agricultural legacy. Right across the street is the old post office and one-room school, as well as the Latta library, built in 1915 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie.

While the charm of Dillon County is clear at every turn, it’s obvious that this area is faced with economic challenges. Having relied for many years on cotton and tobacco production, this is a place, like so many rural counties in our state, that is struggling with unemployment.
Few industries call Dillon County home, but not for lacks of assets. From its unspoiled nature to its historical places, the county provides yet-untapped opportunities for growth.

Learn More about Dillon County

• Dillon County - SCIway overview guide
  – South of the Border Photos | Dillon Photos | Latta Photos

• Dillon County History & Genealogy
  – South Carolina’s first airplane?

• Dillon County Historical Society

Innocuous packaging and the words ginger ale do nothing to warn the unsuspecting of Blenheim’s fiery kick. Concocted from a secret blend of spices, this South Carolina icon is one that will both quench your thirst and set your mouth ablaze. While its reputation spans the country, Blenheim’s has deep roots in the Pee Dee region of our state.

The story begins with the accidental discovery of a mineral spring near the present-day town of Blenheim. In 1781, Patriot James Spears was running from the English when he lost his shoe in a water hole. After a successful escape, he went back for his shoe. Hot and exhausted, he sat down to take a sip of the cool water and noticed its strong mineral taste. Word spread, and in subsequent decades, the area became popular with the plantation set, who sought relief from the summer heat.

By the 1890s, a permanent village had been established. Local physician, C. R. May began prescribing the beneficial waters from Blenheim’s spring. To make the strong taste more palatable to his patients, the doctor added Jamaican ginger. The new beverage gained popularity, and Dr. May and A. J. Matheson opened the Blenheim Bottling Company in 1903. Blenheim’s Ginger Ale was born.

	BLENHEIM GINGER ALE		CASE OF BLENHEIM		BLENHEIM BOTTLING PLANT

For the next eight decades, Blenheim’s remained a small operation and eschewed any efforts to modernize. The granulated sugar was even hand-shaken into each bottle! The peppery drink was introduced to a national audience by Playboy in 1985. Charles Kuralt and the New York Times quickly followed suit. Demand steadily increased, and in 1993, Alan Schafer, owner of South of the Border, bought out the company. Shortly thereafter, he relocated the plant to Hamer where it remains to this day. The original factory in Blenheim still stands, just a stone’s throw from the mineral springs.

Despite the move, the operation continues to be a modest one. While the bottling plant does not officially accept visitors, we were lucky enough to be able to bring you back a few photos of the factory. Interestingly, Blenheim’s remains elusive in many stores, and as such, has acquired a bit of a cult following. Mention of this oft-revered drink can spark animated behavior in its devotees. Thankfully, there are three spicy varieties of Blenheim Ginger Ale to choose from: Hot (pink cap), Not As Hot (gold cap), and Diet (white cap). While we happily urge you to try this unique drink, we’ll recommend you try the Not As Hot first.

Learn More about Blenheim Ginger Ale

• Blenheim Ginger Ale - entry from the South Carolina Encyclopedia
• The Blenheim Shrine - fan website
  – Where to Buy Blenheim’s - list of stores that sell Blenheim’s

• A Southern Ginger Ale With Sting in Its Tail - New York Times - February 25, 1998
• Video Tour of the Blenheim Bottling Plant
• How to Make Ginger Ale - recipe to make your very own ginger ale