NEWBERRY COUNTY
County Offices
1309 College Street
Newberry 803-321-2100
www.newberrycounty.net
Chamber of Commerce
1209 Caldwell Street
Newberry 803-276-4274
www.newberrycountychamber.com
Major Highways
Interstate 26, US Highways 76, 121,176 and 395
Breathtaking in its natural beauty, Newberry County preserves more than three-quarters of its area in lush forests. The county is also surrounded by sparkling waterways, bounded in part by four rivers and convenient to premier lakefront recreation.
Services
In spite of its rural character and woodland splendor, Newberry County excels in state-of-the-art services that include first-rate education and healthcare institutions. Students of all ages can look forward to personalized attention and modern classrooms in public and private schools. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Newberry College offers a private liberal arts institution with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and all the amenities and advantages associated with a smaller campus. Those who are interested in an affordable beginning on a four-year degree may want to explore the programs available at Piedmont Technical College. Vocational and career degree and certification programs combine with college-track associate degrees and continuing education courses to meet every need. Nearby Columbia offers the University of South Carolina, where a comprehensive range of degree programs are available that include medicine, law, and pharmaceutical professional studies. Other institutions within a reasonable commute include Lander University in Greenwood, Presbyterian College in Clinton, Midlands Technical College in West Columbia, and Columbia’s Benedict College and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
Advanced healthcare is available close to home at the comprehensive Newberry County Medical Center. In addition to a wide variety of clinical and specialty services, the hospital is dedicated to promoting health and wellness through ongoing community programs. Many of these initiatives are offered through the Wellness Center, a part of the hospital campus. The New Beginnings program for expectant mothers, cardiac rehabilitation, intensive and cardiac care units, a transitional care unit, surgical specialties, respiratory care, various therapies, and pain management are just a few of the patient-focused services. The essence of Newberry County Medical Center is reflected in its slogan: Compassionate care, competent staff, and current technology.
Lifestyle
Graced by vast acres of forested land, Newberry County has always been known for its rich farmland and outstanding recreational opportunities. Today, these resources are driving the growth of beautiful country homes that blend with picturesque farms across the countryside. Sumter National Forest, Lynches Woods, and Dreher Island State Park combine with Lake Murray to the southeast, Lake Greenwood to the southwest, and several rolling rivers to ensure outdoor enjoyment for every season. The state park consists of three islands that cover 348 acres and feature 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray for camping, picnicking, nature study, hiking, and biking. Newberry County boasts more than 150 miles of scenic and recreational shoreline for boating, fishing, and water sports. Public landings and a public boat ramp offer access to the scenic and historic waterways of the Saluda, Broad, Tyger, and Enoree rivers that meander through the region. For getaways or vacations, Interstate 26 enhances the county’s location midway between the mountains and the Atlantic Coast.
Newberry County’s small-town atmosphere, mild climate, and natural resources have made this area popular with new residents, retirees, and businesses. Unique attractions add to the charm of this rural community, including the Wells Japanese Gardens. Designed in 1930, the gardens are nestled in a small park in Newberry and features ponds, bridges, pagodas, lotuses, and exotic plants. The internationally recognized Carter & Holmes Orchids is another popular destination, where 18 greenhouses cover more than two acres. Golfers can perfect their backswing on local fairways that challenge players of every skill level.
Those who are interested in cultural enrichment will discover a South Carolina treasure in the Newberry Opera House. This performing arts center is a regional jewel, the result of a community effort to revive the historic venue for year-round productions that showcase regional and national talent. The world-class entertainment on stage at the Newberry Opera House includes touring Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, and professional ballet. The Art Deco movie palace known as the Ritz Theatre is home to the Newberry Community Players, a group that has offered audience-pleasing productions for more than 30 years. Other local and visiting performing groups maintain a full calendar of special events, from choir concerts to opera.
The entire county is brimming over with historic sites, from ancient Native American lore to American Revolution battlefields and grand old plantations. Distinctive architecture and lovely vintage homes in the heart of the city blend with vibrant new construction on generous lots or secluded by deep woods. Those who appreciate small-town friendliness in close proximity to cosmopolitan amenities will find an advantageous location and some of South Carolina’s finest outdoor recreational opportunities in Newberry County.
Newberry
Municipal Offices
803-321-1000
www.cityofnewberry.com
Chamber of Commerce
803-276-4274
www.newberrycountychamber.com
Known for its historic homes, the surrounding lovely countryside, a wonderful climate, and friendly hometown residents, Newberry is truly a “Mayberry” quality community. Dominating the city’s skyline is the French Gothic clock tower of the Newberry Opera House. Built in 1882, this magnificent structure recently underwent a $5.5 million renovation to serve as a regional arts center and state-of-the-art performance venue. In spite of its small-town flavor, the city offers an easy commute to the state capital and its largest city, Columbia. The rapidly growing economic powerhouse of Greenville is equally accessible. The city’s rich heritage is reflected in the preservation of vintage buildings, most evident in the downtown district with its quaint antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and retail stores. Golfing and community team sports combine with some of the region’s finest outdoor recreational destinations for a superb lifestyle. River and lakefront water sports, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and nature study are just a few of the common pastimes.
Prosperity, Little Mountain
Municipal Offices
Prosperity Offices
803-364-2622
www.prosperitysc.com
Little Mountain Offices
803-945-7278
Chamber of Commerce
803-276-4274
www.newberrycountychamber.com
Centrally located in South Carolina within the Metropolitan Columbia region, Prosperity is a two-hour drive from the breathtaking Great Smokey Mountains and less than three hours away from the Atlantic Coast. Just minutes from home, residents enjoy some of the finest freshwater fishing in the nation at Lake Murray. Prosperity excels in small-town pleasures and gracious Southern hospitality, home to restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine or home cooking as well as delightful shops and stores where owners greet their customers by name. Country-club amenities including a beautiful private golf course, swimming facilities, and a first-rate restaurant are minutes away. The Newberry Opera House is a celebrated regional attraction, bringing first-rate performing arts to the area. Local celebrations bring family, friends, and neighbors together, contributing to the close-knit spirit. The small neighboring town of Little Mountain is also convenient to Chapin, Lake Murray water-sports, and calls itself the “Heart of Dutch Fork.” The mountain stands alone in an otherwise flat area near the Lexington County border.
Whitmire
Town Hall
803-694-2356
http://townofwhitmire.webs.com
Chamber of Commerce
803-276-4274
www.newberrycountychamber.com
The small community of Whitmire is best known for the Party in the Pines, a three-day extravaganza held in Main Street. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from Newberry County and surrounding counties to this welcoming small town with less than 2,000 residents. Sponsored by the Whitmire Jaycees, the celebration reflects the close-knit and lively spirit of the town. Attractions include a carnival, a parade, live entertainment, games and competition, and a street dance. Served by US Highway 176 and several state routes, the town is approximately midway between the bustling economic center of Greenville and the capital city of Columbia. Residents of Whitmire enjoy the relaxed pace of country living in close proximity to Newberry’s shopping and cultural attractions.
